1960s Knitwear Models Have No Choice

Believe me, this was not a matter of choice. The photos with both guys were clearly taken after they said stuff like “Who the hell in their right mind would ever wear this?” and “Why exactly are we standing on what appears to be a roof?”

May I draw your attention especially to the knitted ties, and the light blue and harvest-gold tank tops. I would say that this is about 1967-69. I think I had a tank top like the blue one when I was about 8 years old in 1970.

Cupcakes and the City

I noticed the cupcakes immediately. Though I’m a native New Yorker, I have never watched a single episode of Sex and the City. But I am aware that the movie has just come out and there are premieres going on seemingly everywhere BUT New York City.

I have learned that Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie ate a cupcake at Magnolia Bakery,  to get over romantic disappointment.  Well, now we’re talking! I can relate to this somewhat. I once ate some stale Archway cookies in my college dorm room when I was depressed about my love life back in the 1980s. That’s sort of similar, right? Not as glam, but there’s a certain connection.

Oh, fine. Never mind then. Back to the cupcakes!

I found a couple of genuine retro,  New-York-City-bred cupcake recipes that would console anyone. They are from the 1929 Any One Can Bake, from the Royal Baking Powder Co. of 100 East 42nd Street. Damn tootin’ any one can bake! And anyone can eat an orange or a chocolate cupcake, too. Or a strawberry puff cupcake. And chase the whole lot down with an anise stick, why not? Perfect with a cup of tea and a good chat with someone who will listen to you whine and maybe recite your latest poem about romantic angst. Good times, I tell you. Beats those Archway sprinkle cookies by a mile!

Extract of Meat Jingle Contest

OK, here’s the deal. You write the last line of the jingle and you win some fabulous prizes. There are some gorgeous clothes from “your favorite store’ (how do they know which one that is?).

Here are the first three lines of the jingle. (I love how the entry form reminds you “last word to rhyme with ’stews.’”) Such a touching ode to the wonder that is B-V (”America’s favorite gravy maker and meat flavor”):

In my kitchen, you’ll always see
My faithful jar of Wilson’s B-V
For gravy, soups and savory stews —–

Here are a few ideas:

1. The hell with dinner, what’s the use?

2. B-V is a poor excuse.

3. Don’t you step on my blue suede shoes.

4. And maybe in tomato juice.

5. But not so much in Charlotte Russe.

They are real poets at Wilson - the bottom of the ad reads “The Wilson label protects your table.” Pure literary genius!

Feel free to play along in the comments…After all, there are more than 225 prizes (including “Wilson’s choice canned meat specialties”).

And for more Wilson’s B-V goodness, see Susan’s post on her wonderful blog, Party Meatloaf.