Diamond Walnuts

Diamond Foods have been around for 100 years, delivering delicious packaged nuts, chips, popcorn, etc. In a series of important, ongoing firsts, they were the first nut producer to launch a national advertising campaign in 1919, as well as being the first nutters to advertise on TV in 1950. Still going strong today (I especially love their line of Emerald snacks), here's a magical recipe booklet produced by their super fun, super talented 1950's art department!

Phyllis Diller (1917 – 2012)

AEET honors the late great actress and comedian, Phyllis Diller, who passed away yesterday at the grand old age of 95, with highlights from one of her funniest books, Phyllis Diller's Marriage Manuel, (Doubleday / 1967, featuring fab illustrations by Susan Perl.) Diller moved to Webster Groves, MO in 1961, and honed her act in St. Louis clubs such as Gaslight Square's Crystal Palace in the mid-1960s, getting her first start on the Charlotte Peters Show in STL, where many got their start... St Louis was always home to her. R.I.P.

Pardon My Blooper

Highlights from this hysterical Crest Books collection of LIVE, on air announcer flubs, (captured before the camera and microphone), and compiled by "Blooper Snooper" Kermit Schafer in 1959 (former title: "Your Slip is Showing".) Wonderful illustrations by Bernard Thompson too!

Crayola Project Book '58

The purpose of the Crayola Crayon Project Book (1958 / Binny & Smith) was to "help youngsters have more fun with crayons", because (as the intro goes on to say), "Crayons are more than a plaything; they are an aid to learning." I couldn't agree more, and this booklet is full of great ideas and lovely 50's artwork showing you just how to do it.

Nap Plaques

NAP Plaques was a fun, late 60's, 6 x 9 cardboard novelty sign item for use in your home or office. Online research reveals that ace artist Vic Cantone and North American Publishing Corp produced a huge, various assortment of them back in the day, (all cheeky middle fingers aimed at the "the man", "the establishment" etc.) Here are 9 examples I found at an antique mall last week. To see more just Google "Nap Plaques", and also check ebay-- where of course prices seem crazily steep-- I only paid $1 each for these, while some are priced at $35 a pop?!