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The stuff of nightmares: 1950s food ads

As someone who wasn't around for the 1950s, I have to ask, is this what it was like?

I recently stumbled upon Plan59, "the museum (and gift shop) of mid-century illustration." While Plan59 has all manner of illustrations and advertisements from the 1950s, what really drew me in was the Gallery of Demonic Tots and Deeply Disturbing Cuisine. That's where I found the charming young lady you see here. I thought of including a different illustration, but I didn't want to freak anyone out too much right off the bat. Personally, I think these images are great (they sort of have an eerie, Loretta Lux quality). However, I don't know what the original advertisers were thinking. I don't have kids, but I don't think I'd ever want them to feel the frenzied, lock-jawed type of glee this little girl seems to be experiencing. Especially not over a loaf of bread or a can of beans.

Oh, and if the kids are too much for you, there are ads with just pictures of food. Truth be told, these no less disturbing (ok, maybe a little less). But really, the Velveeta Golden Glory Casserole? It appears to be a bowl of mac and cheese, topped with hard boiled eggs and more Velveeta, all ringed by some less than ideal tomatoes. Oh, and remember, keep the box of Velveeta on the table for good measure.

Filed Under: Retro cookery
Tags: 1950s, ads, advertising, casseroles, demonic children, food, plan59, retro food, velveeta

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

Lidian

3-20-2008 @5:37PM Lidian said... My memories start in the mid-sixties, but I am drawn to all the bizarre and strange ads of the 1940s-1960s (well, and earlier ones too - the Victorians could get pretty odd)...I blog about this sort of thing over at http://www.kitchenretro.wordpress.com

That child in the ad looks like 'The Bad Seed,' doesn't she?
Reply

Kenneth Mcgill

2-24-2009 @8:27AM Kenneth Mcgill said... I REMEMBER A SAUSAGE IN THE 50'S CALLED ZESTY IT CAME IN ALUMINUM CONTAINER THEY WERE SMALL, MY DAD USED TO BUY THEM EVERY WEEK I HOPE SOMEONE KNOWS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.
Reply

Emily

1-31-2006 @1:10PM Emily said... How weird! I stumbled across the Plan59 website only yesterday. When I opened Slashfood just now I thought I was having a deja vu moment.
Reply

Huffy

1-31-2006 @7:33PM Huffy said... The stuff of nightmares -- as well as many childhood memories! Takes me right back, and is one reason I adore the Plan59 site. Now, I think I'll grab my original (first printing!) copy of Betty Crocker's Cookbook for Boys and Girls and set about making something retro for dinner.

Huffy
Reply

Fash

1-31-2006 @9:37PM Fash said... The picture of "Peas in Potato Boats" on the Plan59 site is probably one of the most disgusting food images I've ever seen.
Reply

5 Comments / 1 Pages

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