Which qualities do you associate with George Washington? Wisdom? Bravery? Steadfastness? Razor blades? Although the connection between Washington and some of these products is dubious, companies have been using his visage and his character to sell their products for more than 100 years, as shown in these advertisements that appeared in The Saturday Evening Post.
February 24, 1906
“George Washington gave an era of liberty to the colonies. The Gillette gives an era of personal liberty to all men.”
December 7, 1918
“George Washington shaved himself on occasion.”
February 15, 1919
“Again Indian Day will be celebrated on Washington’s birthday.”
February 7, 1925
“From pioneer days to modern times, love of family has always been the greatest of all inspirations. On this the progress, the prosperity and the happiness of the nation depend.”
October 24, 1925
“You can rely on his judgment and his eagerness to satisfy you and keep you satisfied.”
February 13, 1926
“A new pattern in solid silver that revives the memory of a famous but almost forgotten birthplace.”
February 16, 1935
“Another man would have quit the one-sided struggle. But not this man!”
February 15, 1936
“You, too, will have plans for your retirement. Like Washington, you may prefer the quiet of the country….You will have time for whatever you want to do, when you retire. But will you have the money?”
March 27, 1948
“Personal and commercial security require foresight.”
October 14, 1950
“He took a new job and the world changed.”
February 20, 1954
“Little George Washington…so legend has it…believed that honesty was the best policy.”
July 1, 1976
“Can you picture American without The Saturday Evening Post? No way, by George!”
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Comments
The Indian Motorcycle Ad (back when they were manufactured by Hendee) was by far my favourite. But I suppose I am a bit partial, being one who is a motorcyclist. I’ve pretty well stuck with Hondas through the years and have ridden a Gold Wing for quuite a few years now. They are by far the most reliable motorcycle made in my books yet followed closely by BMW, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, & Triumph.
(These comments are still on the 22nd, albeit after 9:35). I do love them all, but my favorite has to be # 12 at the bottom from ’76, with the Leyendecker treatment. I hope you agree too, by George!