The Saturday Evening Post » Charles A. MacLellan

Classic Covers: The Art of Impressing Girls

Diana Denny — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 14:00:36 +0000

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
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
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
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

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
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
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.

Questions about Saturday Evening Post covers? E-mail: d.denny@satevepost.org or leave a comment below.

Classic Covers: The Art of Impressing Girls The Saturday Evening Post

Classic Covers: New Year’s Resolutions

Diana Denny — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 15:04:24 +0000

Decades of Saturday Evening Post covers show that we have always sought self improvement. Like this gentleman from 1924 taking up an exercise program.

No Desserts by Constantin Alajalov

No Desserts
Constantin Alajolov
March 12, 1948

Probably the number one New Year’s resolution is to lose weight. That’s what this lady is working on and she’s obviously none too happy about it. This is from 1948, but we’ll tell you something, lady: dieting in 2011 is no more fun – and with all our pills, online programs and progress – no easier.

Reduce to Music by Frederick Stanley

Reduce to Music
Frederic Stanley
August 2, 1924

This gentleman from 1924 is taking up an exercise program. It looks like early aerobics, before the days of “The Biggest Loser” and celebrity spokespeople looking svelte after losing weight due to the Brand “X” weight-loss program. With no such inspiration to spur him on, he’s trying it the roaring twenties way.

Saving for War Bonds by Preston Duncan

Saving for War Bonds
Preston Duncan
May 2, 1942

Resolution #2: I will save more money this year. Saving money is always a big New Year’s resolution. This is a photographic cover, rather than an artist illustration, which was rare for the 1940’s. But everyone was being encouraged to buy bonds for the war effort and this handsome young man was doing his part. We’ve really become soft…our goal now is to cut down on a few overpriced lattes.

Mom’s Helper by Norman Rockwell

Mom's Helper
Norman Rockwell
January 29, 1921

Resolution #3: I will read more. I will improve my mind! This 1921 cover by Norman Rockwell shows a young man with two resolutions: to help mom with the chores and to be well-read. Actually, peeling potatoes was probably mom’s idea. Combining the tasks, however, is not safe, as the bandaged thumb indicates. Sometimes a good story is hard to put down. But, dude, when the chore involves a knife…

Fall Gab Session by Constantin Alajalov

Fall Gab Session
Constantin Alajolov
November 7, 1953

Resolved: I will not gossip. Did you see the way that Smith boy and that Jones girl were looking at each other? Why, I wouldn’t be surprised if there were wedding bells ahead. This is strictly confidential, of course.

After Dinner Dishes by Stevan Dohanos

After Dinner Dishers
Stevan Dohanos
January 8, 1949

I will keep the house looking like something out of a magazine. Only not this magazine. What is more discouraging than a pile of dirty dishes? We’ll tell you what – a pile of dirty dishes and a husband who thinks it’s his time to relax with the papers. The editors thoughtfully suggested she close the door while she’s cleaning up so as not to disturb him. This was said tongue-in-cheek. We think.

Sleeping at Opera by Charles A. MacLellan

Sleeping at the Opera
Charles A. MacCullan
March 24, 1923

Last, but not least: I resolve to get more rest. This is a noble goal, since experts tell us that most Americans don’t get enough sleep. But perhaps not at the theater, mister. Wives are known to have sharp elbows. It doesn’t look as if the glaring technique is going to work. This cover is from 1923.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for 2011? Share them in the comments below.

Classic Covers: New Year’s Resolutions The Saturday Evening Post