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Haddon Hubbard Sundblom
The Jolly Jester and his Vegetable Dolls, Original Cream of Wheat Advertisement

1928

About the Item

This original advertisement for Cream of Wheat cereal features the “Jolly Jester,” one of several health clowns employed by the Child Health Organization of America as part of a national campaign to promote children’s health. J. Wallace Mackay, the man behind the Jolly Jester costume, presented himself as an authority on children’s food habits. Dressing as a clown and traveling to schools across the country, Mackay used vegetable dolls to bring a sense of playfulness to teaching children about healthy eating habits. Often making a theatrical entrance on a prancing hobby horse, Mackay would follow with a ventriloquial performance featuring vegetable dolls like Charlie Carrot and Minnie Spinach, along with other personified produce. Published in prominent women’s magazines such as Good Housekeeping and The Ladies’ Home Journal in 1928, the printed advertisement directly addresses mothers. It underscores the importance of a nutritious breakfast, like Cream of Wheat, for children’s academic success. Mackay states, “Mothers can get wonderful results right at home if they’ll just make use of the child’s love of fun to establish sound habits,” including a daily hot cereal breakfast. This large and colorful artwork is a prime example of Haddon Sundblom’s signature style. A highly sought-after illustrator, Sundblom was hired to create advertisements for top brands like Maxwell House, Palmolive, and Procter & Gamble. He is best known for creating the iconic figures of the Coca-Cola Santa, the Quaker Oats Quaker, and Aunt Jemima. In addition to advertisements, Sundblom created calendars and story illustrations for leading magazines.
  • Creator:
    Haddon Hubbard Sundblom (1899 - 1976, American)
  • Creation Year:
    1928
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 26 in (66.04 cm)Width: 24 in (60.96 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Fort Washington, PA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 6351stDibs: LU3843987013

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