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As a member of the advertising work force, I am constantly drawn to advertisements. I am no creative, but I still find enjoyment in seeing ads, both good and bad and critiquing them or thinking, “What were they told that made this idea come to life.” My constant enjoyment of advertising can be found in my office – no, not my work office, but my home office. My husband and I (also a member of the advertising work force) started collecting old print advertisements a few years back. They are proudly displayed on the walls of our home office. We have all sorts of print ads. Everything from Chef Boyardee to Bigelow Carpet.

In reading these vintage pieces of creativity (mostly from the ’40s and ’50s) I started to notice a trend … What were they thinking?!? For your enjoyment, here are just a few of my favorites from our collection.

What I found odd: Nothing about this photo makes me want to eat Hunt’s. Nothing.

Something in this ad that you would never see today: A photo such as this.

What I found interesting: A recipe is provided in the copy, which is a trend that is still commonly used today.

What I found odd: They used to make portable televisions, ya know, in case you wanted to watch a show and your friend didn’t own a television – a little hard to comprehend in today’s technological years.

Something in this ad you would never see today: The word “needn’t.”

What I found interesting: $199.90 gets you a television AND a stand! What a deal!

What I found odd: The canned food is positioned as “Real Italian-Style Ravioli.” Now, it is better known for, “My kids are hungry and screaming and I have no time to cook.” Or better yet, “I’m a college student strapped for cash. Chef Boyardee is cheap, and I would rather spend most of my money on beer.”

Something in this ad you would never see today: A Chef Boyardee with dark hair and a mustache. The guy is really showing his age these days.

What I found interesting: The spelling of the Chef’s last name has evolved from Boy-Ar-Dee to Boyardee.

What I found odd: Large bowl of ice cream, large product shot, teeny tiny boat.

Something in this ad you would never see today: Borden had its own show! The fine copy reads, “Check out Borden’s show ‘The People’s Choice.’” From a quick little research, I learned that “The People’s Choice” was a sitcom that aired on NBC involving an ex-marine and a basset hound whose thoughts were voiced by an actress named Mary Jane Croft. I’d watch it.

What I found interesting: We still personalize cows in today’s advertising.