“Love Doll,” 1971

Never be bored or alone again!

Signs of Spring, ca. 1984

This penetrating essay, extolling the virtues of Spring, was most likely penned in the second grade. I still agree with the sentiments contained therein, although I hope my spelling and handwriting have improved at least marginally….

Ice Capades Program, 1983

The Ice Capades was a traveling ice show that ran from 1940 to 1995 that featured ex-Olympian skaters,  elaborate set-pieces/themes, and costumes that could have been featured in a 1930s Hollywood musical.

He Dreamed of a Perfect Woman, 1957

Where Are We? [Red Robin Comment Card], 2006

Cooling Tomato Aspic Layers, 1972

Army Laughs, 1973

Army Laughs was one of many cheap humor publications that now aptly represent the “golden age of low-to-mid-level magazine cartooning.” Army Laughs typically featured art by noteworthy cartoonists; the cover of this issue is by Don Orehek, whose work one can find in Cracked, Playboy, and Saturday Evening Post. The quality was not always at the level found in more well-known publications; these second-rate humor mags often served as a dumping ground for hastily done work –  a quick way to make a buck. The magazine contains as assortment of bawdy comics (the women all have enormous knockers), cornball jokes, and the occasional titillating nudie pin-up photo.

Librarians Find Mass Destruction, 1952

From Grinnell College’s Scarlet and Black Newspaper, October 31, 1952

Sgt. Wienke, 1939-45

Happy Veteran’s Day.

My grandfather was a platoon sergeant in the Army during World War II, and was a combat veteran. He served in the Pacific Theater, and used to regale me with tales of his travels in Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Guam, Hawaii, Japan, and other small islands.

The Hollow Earth, 1964

Learn The Bop By Record, 1958

Ford “Feel”, 1949

Coney Island’s Baby Incubator, 1930s

Action Jeans, 1983 [Or, the Mystery of Chuck Norris' Pants Solved]

A Private’s Affair, 1958