Classic Covers: Mother’s Many Duties

Diana Denny — Sat, 07 May 2011 14:00:43 +0000

Boyfriend’s Baby Pictures by George Hughes

Boyfriend’s Baby PicturseGeorge Hughes March 14, 1953

1953 Post editors speculated that the girl might be thinking, “Oh my gosh, if Bill and I got married, would we have funny-looking babies like that?” Aw, come on guys – she’s thinking he was sooo cute! I think this is payback for the way Bill behaved at the grocery when he was little (cover below).

Sack Full of Trouble by Richard Sargent

Sack Full of TroubleRichard Sargent April 14, 1956

The redheaded Indian in the grocery bag has that look – what my folks used to call “pure orneriness”. Mom looks like she’s been through the wringer today with Big Chief Billy and his bow and arrow. But be careful, junior; Mom always has ammo of her own – remember the photo album.

Kitchen Haircut by Harold Anderson

Kitchen Haircut Harold AndersonNovember 11, 1933

In 1933 you didn’t take your kid to the mall (what mall?) for a haircut. It was a mom duty. My memories are of Mom haircuts and home perms in the 1960’s. I didn’t say they were good memories. Moms may not often be good stylists, but they got the job done.

Removing the Splinter by George Alsop

Removing the Splinter George Alsop July 21, 1917

Going barefoot is fun – until you get a splinter. We went clear back to 1917 for this one from The Country Gentleman magazine, a sister publication to the Post for many decades.

New Woolies by Frances Tipton Hunter

New Woolies Frances Tipton Hunter February 27, 1937

Shopping is not Billy’s strong suit – it’s a good thing it is Mom’s. Artist Frances Tipton Hunter did eighteen Saturday Evening Post covers, each cuter than the next.

Spirit of Education by Norman Rockwell

Spirit of Education Norman RockwellApril 21, 1934

You would think we’d be grateful Mother buys us warm underwear and sews our costume for the school pageant. But, noooo. All we care about is having to wear a dumb ol’ sheet and our friends snickering at us. Hopefully, Norman Rockwell’s lad will get into the spirit.

Did any of these classic covers provoke a memory? Share your comments below. And have a Happy Mother’s Day!

Classic Covers: Mother’s Many Duties The Saturday Evening Post