Classic Covers: The Art of Impressing Girls

Okay, supposedly little boys don’t like little girls. They why do they go to so much trouble to impress them? With Valentine’s Day approaching, these Post covers show how to win a girl’s heart – or not.

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Okay, supposedly little boys don’t like little girls. They why do they go to so much trouble to impress them? With Valentine’s Day approaching, these Post covers show how to win a girl’s heart – or not.

Making Faces by Frances Tipton Hunter

Making Faces by Frances Tipton Hunter
Making Faces
Frances Tipton Hunter
July 10, 1937

Oddly enough, these adorable little girls seem charmed by the goofy face the boy is making. Hint #1 guys: ladies adore a sense of humor. Artist Frances Tipton Hunter did eighteen Post covers, mostly of kids so darn cute you want to pinch their little cheeks. If you haven’t had your quota of cute for the week, look this artist up at curtispublishing.com.

Hockey Waits, Tying Skates by Alan Foster

Hockey Waits, Tying Skates by Alan Foster
Hockey Waits, Tying Skates
Alan Foster
December 17, 1927

Okay, now I get it: boys just act like they hate girls because their friends will razz them otherwise. At least that was the case in 1927. That’s the price this young man is paying for being the gentleman and helping milady tie her skates. Second hint, fellows: ignore the guys and just go for it. Many of artist Alan Foster’s nearly thirty covers look a great deal like Rockwell’s.

She’s My Girl! by J.C. Leyendecker

She's My Girl by JC Leyendecker
She’s My Girl
JC Leyendecker
September 28, 1935

She’s my girl! Barely past the toddler stage, this young lady is already breaking hearts. This tip must be to fight for what you want, but couldn’t they both just walk her to school? This is from 1935 by J.C. Leyendecker.

Schoolboy Crush by Charles A. MacLellan

Schooboy Crush by Charles A. MacLellan
Schoolboy Crush
Charles A. MacLellan
January 17, 1914

Next hint: don’t put your heart out there too soon. If you can’t read it, his chalkboard says “I Love You”. We dug clear back to 1914 for this cover by artist Charles A. MacLellan. Personally, Red, I think you’re too nice for a snooty girl like her, anyway. MacLellan is another artist I’ve often mistaken for Rockwell.

No Money for her Soda by Frances Tipton Hunter

No Money for her Soda by Frances Tipton Hunter
No Money for her Soda
Frances Tipton Hunter
June 6, 1936

Two tips here, gentlemen: DO take her out and show her a good time, like treating her to an ice cream soda. However, DO NOT forget your money. I never know whether to laugh or cry at the look on the boy’s face as he digs in his pocket. This was another cover by Frances Tipton Hunter that I can never resist.

Little Spooners by Norman Rockwell

Little Spooners by Norman Rockwell
Little Spooners
Norman Rockwell
April 24, 1926

Leave it to Norman Rockwell to give guys the best tip of all: do romance the lady. A fine example of that is this mutual admiration of the sunset. The poor little pup would rather go fishing, but a man has to have his priorities. This is a Rockwell classic from 1926.

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Comments

  1. Please tell us some biographical information plus show us all of Frances Tipton Hunter’s covers.

  2. These lovely, joy-bring illustrations are what I would call “aspirational art”–reflective of America’s fondest dreams.

  3. I agree with Kenneth Primos completely. The Saturday Evening Post has retained that special magic no other magazine has, or ever will. It is indeed like an old friend coming by and sharing a wonderful cup of hot chocolate on a cold Winter’s day in the beautiful countryside. Maybe even with a warm puppy curled up next to you for further warmth and love.

  4. Back in the 1950s, when I was a teenager, I read an article of yours about a runaway truck. It held my attention to the very end, describing the driver’s failure to shift down before he had gained so much speed that he couldn’t, about “laying on the horn”, sweating the whole way, and I think the police were warned and responded by getting the road cleared into town. Any idea what issue?

  5. The nostalgia that the Saturday Evening Post creats in us is great. I have a warm feeling every time your magazine arrives, like an old friend. thanks and keep them coming. K. Primos

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