Mr. Peanut is living a lie.

Online sources claim that Mr. Peanut’s full name is Bartholomew Richard Fitzgerald-Smythe, but this Peanut Pals booklet from Planters Nut & Chocolate Co. in 1927 established that Mr. Peanut’s first name is Percy.

“You must die, wicked ogre!” — Peter Peanut, fate unknown

Throwback Thursday: (2008) 40 Under 40: Clayton Hove

Business Watch 2008
40 Under 40
Clayton Hove

Business Watch • 40 Under 40 • May-June 2008

Huh. My thoughts back then on how to position North Dakota in and beyond our spot on the map are still solid. Strategery!

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The beer you’ll remember twice.™

A bottle of Dakota Beer

Alas, I was born too late to enjoy my town’s first locally owned and produced unpleasant beer. In addition to tasting bad, Dakota Beer also caused diarrhea, two attributes difficult to promote successfully.  

Would you like to know more?

Seen at Bismarck Antique Mall.

Up, up and away!

Magazine ad for Otis Elevator Company found in the March 12, 1975 issue of U.S. News & World Report

Magazine ad for Otis Elevator Company found in the March 12, 1975 issue of U.S. News & World Report.

A vision of the future from the world’s largest manufacturer of vertical transportation systems.

“Vertical transportation systems” is all well and good, but I prefer “hoisting machinery“. Also of note at the link, in 1917, Otis moved into a two-story building.

Two Billion Passengers a Day

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Somehow, they pair well.

A jackalope and a tin sign replica of a Stetson ad that says "Never steal a Stetson."

It’s a great time to stock up on wax beans!

Here’s a nostalgia trip that might cause you to shed a few tears — Red Owl’s Giant Fall Harvest Sale!

Or maybe it’s the Annual Fall Bargain Bazaar!

Either way, it’s five pages of incredible savings found in the October 18, 1958 issue of The Dakota Farmer.

Red Owl's Giant Fall Harvest Sale or Annual Fall Bargain Bazaar!

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Are you up to snuff?

A serious ad for Alka-Seltzer found in a joke booklet. Year unknown but perhaps the late-1930s?

A serious ad for Alka-Seltzer found in a joke booklet. Year unknown but perhaps the late-1930s?

The origin and history of Alka-Seltzer

Elsa sniffs it through a cane on a supersonic train.

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Get away from her shoes, you bitch!

Late-1985 or 1986 magazine ad for Reebok Aliens Fighter Shoe and 20th Century Fox's Aliens (or "Alien 2" if you worked in a video rental place back then like I did.)

Late-1985 or 1986 magazine ad for Reebok Aliens Fighter Shoe and 20th Century Fox’s Aliens (or “Alien 2” if you worked in a video rental place back then like I did).

Because of the curious kerning and capitalization choices in the headline, I wasn’t convinced this was a real ad but decided to search for it anyway. Several years later, thanks to Etsy (arrived damaged) and finally eBay (this one), I can attest that it is indeed real.

I also found an uncomfirmed mention that it was also an in-store display poster, but a surviving copy of that I have yet to find.

Obligatory Aliens movie review and analysis.

And here’s the original review from Roger Ebert.

Later versions of the Reebok shoe – nowadays called Alien Stomper along woth some variations – command a rather impressive price online.

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Enter with anticipation. Leave with regret.

Sport and Travel in Canada, a lovely and little vintage tourism booklet I picked up at a local auction. Exact date unknown.

Sport and Travel in Canada, a lovely and little vintage tourism booklet I picked up at a local auction. Exact date unknown.

Inside introduction: One name is outstanding in the lexicon of the vacationist and that is Canada. It has certain magical elements which conjure visions of a vast and industrious country; one which is not too deeply immersed in the pursuit of trade and commerce to find time to enjoy the gifts with which nature has endowed it richly. Its great cities and towns, its unspoiled forests and wilderness, clear lakes and winding rivers, rolling hills and mountain peaks, sun-drenched valleys and seashores, and its tonic and rejuvenating climate make the Dominion of Canada a playground where almost any type of vacation can be fully enjoyed. Its gateways are many and all are hospitably held wide open to the tourist. Enter with anticipation; leave with regret-regret that vacation days are too short to allow of a longer stay.

The Fresher Refresherererer

1960-1961 magazine ad for Royal Crown (RC) Cola, found in an auction lot of magazine cuttings

1960-1961 magazine ad for Royal Crown (RC) Cola, found in an auction lot of magazine cuttings


Royal Crown Cola was introduced in 1905.

RC enjoyed a 10% market share in 1970. 

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