Classic Covers: Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

Making Popcorn – K. R. Wireman – November 2, 1918

We bet you’ve never seen this cover from The Country Gentleman (a sister publication to the Post for many years). This was how you made popcorn in 1918, and it makes for a beautiful mother/daughter moment – until she grows up to be a flapper or something. Oh, that’s the next image.

New Generation – Paul Stahr – July 22, 1922

Gracious, this new generation! Dressing up all fancy-schmancy, doing those crazy dances and with (gasp!) bobbed hair. Mom (or grandmother) looks on from a photo in this beautiful 1922 cover by artist Paul Stahr.

Shopping for Mothers Day – Constatin Alajalov – May 10, 1947

Hmmm, what would mother like best? A spiffy meat grinder, that pink sewing kit, or does she need a new rolling pin? Okay, it’s 1947, but may we recommend something more fun like flowers or chocolates?

Passing the Blame – K. R. Wireman – February 24, 1923

Here’s another Country Gentleman cutie. Every mother knows that kids learn early to pass the blame. Somebody has turned over the coal bucket. Mom isn’t quite buying the story about the cat doing it, even if it is black. We think there’s enough soot on the child for mom to point the finger in the right direction.

Sack Full of Trouble – April 14, 1956 – Dick Sargent

We had to share our favorite beleaguered mom cover. If you click on the cover for a close-up, you’ll see what bundle of mayhem is in the bag the grocer is carrying. Lesson to new mothers: never let your child take a bow and arrow to the grocery store. Mom looks exhausted, but maybe there should be a “Grocer’s Day” – the poor guy looks positively shell-shocked.

Morning Coffee Break – Amos Sewell – September 12, 1959

Mom taught you how to pop popcorn, ferreted out the truth when you were passing the blame and put up with you at the grocery store. We think she deserves a break, like this mother after getting her brood off to school. Show your mom this cover and insist that this is exactly how she should be spending her special day.