You Are What You Were. Celebrate Retro Pop Culture At Retroland.
First off, and for the sake of accuracy, it should be noted that lovably irresistible lump of dough with the chef’s hat is really named “Poppin’ Fresh.” Most, however, know him simply as the Pillsbury Doughboy, the giggly mascot with the sensitive tummy. And when he was called on to represent a line of fresh-baked rolls, he didn’t hesitate to rise to the occasion. Let's take a look back at this memorable mascot, shall we?
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Throughout most of the 20th century, it was no secret that dreams of space travel captured the hearts and imaginations of just about every tyke in existence. As the 60s arrived and astronauts started venturing out into this unexplored territory, one particular area of interest was the food that the astronauts took with them. And realizing some serious marketing potential here, numerous manufactures decided to give young consumers a taste of what these brave explorers were munching in their zero gravity environment.
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Dolls have always happily provided companionship to little girls, acting as security blanket and trusted companion. But Chatty Cathy offered something more, something special. Not only could you talk to Chatty Cathy and share your woes but, thanks to the tug of a ring on a string, Cathy could talk back. And talk she did.
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A half-hour of sheer fun kicked off every Saturday morning, with kids across the nation curled up in a blanket and a box of cereal at their side, ready to be entertained. All the Warner Bros. favorites were there – Bugs, Elmer, Porky, Daffy, Wile E. and their many colorful cohorts – taking turns in one cartoon misadventure after another. The Bugs Bunny Show, in its many incarnations, meant that the weekend had arrived – to millions of children over a 40-year broadcast run.
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It looked like an innocent little ball, nothing so special about that. But how many ordinary balls are made of a space-age sounding material called “Zectron”? And more importantly, how many balls have the ability to leap to staggering heights with a simple toss? Only one, the oft-imitated ball of legendary status, the little rubber sphere that managed to live up to its lofty name - the Super Ball! Finally, science put its efforts into something that everyone could enjoy.
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Barbie may have had Ken and a few assorted friends to pal around with, but Dawn, one of the many dolls to try her hand at competing with the blond icon, had a downright entourage of cohorts. This was one popular and remarkably groovy chick with a style all her own.
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Popcorn has been an American staple since Native Americans brought it to the first Thanksgiving. It grew in popularity throughout the country as street vendors hawked it and eventually became a staple at movie theaters in the 1900s. Once television came into being and attendance at movie theaters waned, so did the popularity of popcorn-- that is, until marketers began tying home television watching with the fluffy snack. And presto! There was once again a niche for those beloved kernels of puffy corn product.
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Ah, Scrabble. Play it often enough and you start seeing those lettered tiles in your dreams, forming words that would be worth 100 points if they actually existed. The much-loved game has endured for over 50 years, providing both family enjoyment and competitive play. Out of all the board games, Scrabble is truly a Cinderella story.
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When it comes to Halloween, The Monster Mash may be the unofficial anthem, but Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House has served as the holiday’s soundtrack for nearly five decades. Released by Walt Disney Productions in 1964, this novelty record is beloved by millions of former kids for its spooky sound effects and campy skits, and has been played at countless Halloween parties over the years.
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You've just spent the evening knocking on every neighborhood door within sight, watching your pillowcase or plastic jack o' lantern gradually fill with tasty confections. Returning home, you eagerly dump out the rewards of your labor and scan to see what you've collected. And, much like every other kid who has ever performed this ritual, you are likely to come across a few rolls of little tablet-shaped candies wrapped in clear plastic. Both sweet and tangy, with a distinct powdery consistency, Smarties have been a staple of Halloween for over six decades.
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