March 14, 1942, Appleton Post-Crescent
When the going gets tough, the tough get going, or so the old saying went. Members of what has been termed "The Greatest Generation," once again pitch in to do their part for the war effort. Be it scrap drives, Victory Gardens, or air raid drills, members of the populace at large stepped in to pick up the slack while "our boys" fought overseas. That even included having some nice little touches like knowing first aid, for one never knows when such a skill might come in handy. World War II was the last big event the whole country rallied around, to my knowledge. In today's splintered political climate, one wonders if we could ever again achieve that level of dedication to a cause. Yes, one wonders....
February 20, 1970, Twin City News-Record
Today's post is a trade ad for the News-Record. And if it wasn't funny enough during 1970 to see the parents waiting for the kids to finish the newspaper, imagine how much this cartoon is an anachronism for 2022, a time when most households don't even receive a newspaper anymore. If printed today, the above view would more likely have all four family members with their faces embedded in their phones.
February 14, 1878, Saturday Evening Press
I must say I'd never heard the legend that President George Washington was a "dance master" as the editor puts it here. But I'm sure, dancing notwithstanding, that there had to be SOME patriotic occurrence that commemorated the day. If not, the traditions were certainly resurrected in subsequent years as evidenced by the great record of oratories, pageants, and other events to honor the father of our country.
February 20, 1964, Appleton Post-Crescent
Valley Fair gets in some well-worn Washington's Birthday puns and tropes in order to sell some merch. Cherry pie is the watchword at the Birchwood Restaurant. And I'm really interested in those "Beatle" belts that Walgreen's is selling. After all the Beatles came to America just less than two weeks before and anything with a Beatle name on it is fair game.
February 23, 1964, Appleton Post-Crescent
This was extracted from a wedding supplement to the Post-Crescent which, over the course of seven pages, followed this engaged couple from business to business within the confines of Valley Fair Shopping Center and featured them shown being served at many of the shopping center's retailers. I selected this photo as it showed some of the mall through the restaurant's windows. If I remember correctly, Woolworth's was to the left of Wohlford's and the center court and main entrance was to the right of that store. And I think you can catch a glimpse of Fanny Farmer's through the last window to the right. Ah, good memories.