Icons tagged with 50s

Bozo the Clown

Few clowns have ever enjoyed the same enduring popularity as the lovable red-haired, white-faced icon known as Bozo. For over half a century, literally dozens of men have donned the floppy shoes and red nose for the television cameras and endeared Bozo the clown to generations of young viewers.

Casper, The Friendly Ghost

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Have you ever noticed that the sinister spirits are the ones who get all the press? Meanwhile, for over 65 years, one benevolent soul, Casper, has lived a virtuous (after)life - the Gandhi of the ghost world, as it were. Possessing not a single sadistic bone in his body (nor any other bones for that matter), Casper’s intentions were purely peaceful; he just wanted some friends, and we rooted him on in his quest. Today, we thought it was time to give some props to the apparition you couldn’t help but love, Casper, The Friendly Ghost.

Charles Atlas

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Anyone with a penchant for comic books from yesteryear has encountered the story of the 97-pound weakling. Losing his girl after having sand kicked in his face by a bully, he discovers the miracle of “dynamic tension” and comes back a mountain of muscle, exacting revenge upon his former tormentor. This comic strip advertisement would be enough of an enticement to get millions of males between the ages of 15-25 to send Charles Atlas their money and make him a household name the world over.

Clarabell

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What a travesty it would be to have a circus without a clown – something no less odd than a western without a horse. Such was the dilemma on the popular children’s show, Puppet Playhouse, featuring host, Buffalo Bob Smith and a lovable puppet named Howdy Doody. Taking place within a circus big-top setting, the show had everything a kid could ever want – except for a clown. That’s where Clarabell comes in...

Dick Clark

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If anyone ever discovered the location of the mythical fountain of youth, it was Dick Clark. Over many a decade, his seemingly inability to age led to the nation affectionately dubbing him "America's teenager". Host of American Bandstand for three decades, and the man who collectively led us into every New Year's celebration for forty years, Dick Clark was nothing short of an icon, beloved by millions.

Jolly Green Giant

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He was a man of few words, those of which had clearly been plagiarized from Santa Claus. He was green, he was a giant, and had it not been for an extreme makeover, he might never have found his way into our collective hearts. Hawking his wares of freshly canned vegetables, he is none other than the Jolly Green Giant. Let’s take a look back at this memorable mascot.

Smokey Bear

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With World War II raging away, natural resources needed to be protected at all costs. A forest fire could be devastating in terms of lost lumber. The government handed a very special bear the task of informing the public on the dangers of forest fires and the need for watchful vigilance. And for over 60 years, he has proven himself worthy of the task. He is Smokey Bear and his contributions to the war effort and beyond have made him a legend.

Tony the Tiger

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Extolling the virtues of Frosted Flakes for over half a decade, Tony the Tiger has exclaimed his way into the hearts of kids and adults everywhere with his exuberant expression, “They’re Grrrreat!” But Tony did more than that, he taught every kid a lesson along the way – the importance of having a balanced breakfast every morning.