American Express Travelers Cheques — 1949

It’s safe to say that you aren’t going to see a line like “Accept’um wampum?” in an ad these days. (Illustrated by Whitney Darrow, Jr.)

American Tourister Tri-Taper Luggage — 1957

You know, you don’t see as many poodles around these days as you used to….

DuMont Televisions — 1950

The imagery here is unfortunate, but the company itself was an innovative trailblazer. Not only did DuMont Laboratories begin manufacturing televisions in 1938 (!), but, in order to get people to buy sets, they also launched the pioneering DuMont Television Network in 1946.

Coca-Cola — 1959

A Boy Scout is:

• Trustworthy
• Loyal
• Helpful
• Friendly
• Courteous
• Kind
• Obedient
• Cheerful
• Thrifty
• Brave
• Clean
• Reverent

And thirsty.

Plymouth Automobiles — 1957

I love action happening on steps like this. Let’s think of this as the “happy” side of the Odessa Steps scene in Battleship Potemkin, shall we?

 

Wigwam Socks — 1961

Sheboygan’s most famous sock-maker, since 1905. Despite their somewhat politically-incorrect name and logo, they are still around today, continuing to explore new areas of “patented sock technology.”

Andersen Windows — 1964

If you’re advertising windows, you’re not going to do better than this wonderful image.

Bell Telephone System — 1953

This must have been seemed like head-spinning stuff, seeing as almost all long-distance calls required the assistance of an operator in those days. Interesting article on what led up to that first unaided long-distance call in 1951 is here.

The copy, a bit larger:

Watkins Ultra Lime Men’s Toiletries — 1968

“Sick of sissy scents”? Then smell like a damn lime, the most macho scent in the whole damn citrus family!

The Watkins company (still in business today) was founded in Minnesota in 1868 by J.R. Watkins who started out as a door-to-door liniment salesman. They eventually branched out and began offering other products, including baking materials such as vanilla and pepper, all sold door-to-door via “direct sales.” Because you want to read more about the company, here’s the inevitable Wikipedia page.

Polaroid Color Pack Camera — 1968

Such a sweet ad.