Postum (General Foods)

In this “Janet Cures a Grouch” advertising comic, General Foods’ Postum grain-based beverage helps make a hated rich man become loved by his neighbors. The rich man is advised by a ghostly character, “Mr. Coffee Nerves” who is dressed as a stereotypical villain: top hat, thin curvy mustache, bow tie, frock coat & tails. Little Janet, new to the neighborhood, introduces herself to the rich man who parrots his advisor’s anti-social messages. Janet calmly explains that her father was also grouchy until Postum cured his “coffee nerves.” The rich man reflects on the girl’s comments and decides to try out Postum. In the last panel, neighborhood children enjoy “the swell parties” that the rich man now gives them.

Publication date: 1935-02-10

Copyright date: 1935

Size: 23.5 x 35.9 cm

Publisher: Tribune Company

Print type: color

Language:

• English

Subject(s):

• Beverages--1930-1940
• General Foods Corporation--Products--1930-1940

Genre(s):

• Advertisements

Type(s):

• still image
• text

Copyright(s):

• These materials are either in the public domain, according to U.S. copyright law, or permission has been obtained from rights owners. The digital version and supplementary materials are available for all educational uses worldwide.

Is part of:

• The Janet A. Ginsburg Chicago Tribune Image Collection

Source(s):

• Chicago Sunday Tribune (February 10, 1935), p. 10

Format(s):

• application/pdf
• image/jpeg