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Life IS history in the making. Every word we say, everything we do becomes history the moment it is said or done. Life void of memories leaves nothing but emptiness. For those who might consider history boring, think again: It is who we are, what we do and why we are here. We are certainly individuals in our thoughts and deeds but we all germinated from seeds planted long, long ago.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

50's & 60's TV Commercials

Television - entertainment for the home BUT not without commercials! How producers come up with the zany ideas they do is beyond me. Do you find it interesting how the most stupid commercials are those most remembered? Are such antics truly indicative of average human being behavior? They do make one wonder!

How did it all get started, this advertising, this marketing, this let me show you what I've got? Buy this, buy that, buy, buy, buy...buy one, I'll give you two...heck, buy one and I'll throw in another along with this, this, this, and this. Just BUY it!

Embrace the Past
 
It is really interesting how it all got started. Actually it began with the term broadcasting. According to the dictionary, broadcasting is a "transmission to multiple, unspecified recipients." In other words, it is a means of getting the word out to the masses. The first broadcasting was originally developed as a means for companies to sell radios. That's right, SELL radios. 


Of course, once the commercial entities discovered almost every household listened to the radio every day, you know what came next!

If one has to choose a single event that began the era of radio broadcasting, it would probably be the radio program broadcast by station WEAF in New York City on August 28, 1922 This was a ten-minute advertisement for suburban apartment housing. By Christmas of that year, several major New York department stores joined the fray and were running advertisements for their stores.
[Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/427382]

And, it did not stop with the radio. From radio broadcasting evolved the television commercials once telecasting really took hold in 1948. 

After study and many surveys, the advertising agencies determined that the most effective way to reach consumers with a strong message would be by creating shows that featured a single product or a line of products from a single company. From this concept arose the typical television shows of the 1950's including such titles as Kraft Television Theater, Colgate Comedy Hour, and Coke Time. As with radio, these television programs were produced by advertising agencies for their clients rather than the studios as is common practice currently.
[Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/427382]
Ever heard of Bosco syrup, Fluffo, Ovaltine or Tang? Step back in time to the black and white TV commercials of the 50s and 60s. 




As Seen on TV, 1950s

The visual culture of everyday American life
came alive in the many, infamous television series of the fifties.
Artful everyday occurrences became vibrant household happenings,
"as seen on TV." 

Broader communication appeared
As television overran the home
Young people watched TV then chatted
Whizzing around the town like a drone

First Electronic Television 1927
If you saw it on the television 
Was it ever considered absurd?
Idealism, “As Seen on TV” 
   Readily became a household word 

You Are There made history clear
What sort of day was it, gray or fair?
A day, anytime, anywhere
Portrayed as live…and you were there


Like Dorothy witnessing Oz
Dull grab broadcasts became colorcast
Technicolor reds, greens, and blues
Made black and white a thing of the past

 

Sitcoms became each day’s major theme
With The Honeymooners, Father Knows Best 
Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet 
And I Love Lucy all passing time’s test

Classic kitchen scene from "The Honeymooners"
Variety shows aired on Sunday evenings
Brought Disneyland and the Ed Sullivan Show 
“Soap Operas” like Guiding Light with its major ads
Kept housewives in the know and on the go


The Edward R. Murrow radio show 
His claim to fame “Hear It Now”
On TV changed to “See It Now”
And to David Brinkley we bow

Edward R. Murrow
David Brinkley
 ©2012 Awakenings
Sharla Lee Shults

19 comments:

  1. Neat post, but please don't think of my youth as history; that hurts. (joking) I never did hear of Fluffo, but for the rest of the list, I was there.

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    1. Funny, funny, Ken! We ARE living history! hahaha

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  2. Back to the days of my youth, the 1950's.
    I remember ALL OF THEM.
    How about
    COCO MARSH chocolate syrup.

    LaRosa pasta [boxes two shades of blue, with a little window on the front with a red above it in the middle.

    Puffed Wheat & Puffed Rice cereals - [NaBisCo/Quaker = ?]

    Ipana toothpaster

    Brylcreem - hair dressing for men.

    Robin Leigh Morgan - debut author
    "I Kissed a Ghost"
    http://www.amazon.com/Kissed-Ghost-Robin-Leigh-Morgan/dp/1480030031

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    1. Wow! Thanks for sharing:>) I remember them all except the Coco Marsh and LaRosa pasta...

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  3. "Ever heard of Bosco syrup, Fluffo, Ovaltine or Tang?" Ovaltine, yes but not the others.

    Thanks for the post. In the UK commercial broadcasting did not start till the mid 1950s when ITV began. Prior to that the BBC did it all without advertising.

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    1. Interesting tidbit of BBC history...thanks for sharing:>)

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  4. What a great step back in time. Thanks Sharla

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    1. Alastair, thanks for the compliment! So glad you enjoyed:>) Good to step back to fun times instead of war for a change!

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  5. I remember these. Also I remember Geritol commercials. That stuff did nothing for you...but it didn't have side effects like the drugs today. Looks like we've really "advanced."

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    1. Ah, yes, the Geritol! YEP, it did nothing:>)

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  6. Flash back, Where did the time go? It was such a innocent time, righteous, true pure fun. Playing outside, waiting for Disney on Wednesday nights, My mom would let us stay up to 8pm. Davey Crockett.I love Lucy. Such pure TV, I say again "Where did the time go?" It is such a sad loss to our children.

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    1. Hi, Ron! So good to 'see' you stop by for a visit! I know exactly what you mean...those of us who grew up in the 50s and 60s are the fortunate ones. There will never be another era like that again!

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  7. Sharla, I enjoyed this trip down memory lane. My favorite shows, during those years, were I Love Lucy and Andy Griffith. What am I talking about? They are still my favorite shows.
    Dicy

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    1. I love those 50s-60s shows:>) So happy for reruns...they are better than the shows of today!

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  8. I have nominated you for the "REALITY Blog Award"
    http://kattermonran.com/2013/01/08/awards-part-one/

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  9. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  10. Hahaha! I can’t help but laugh as I watch the video clip. I can see how much the TV ad has evolved – from the production design, to the concept, up to the way of relaying the message. The only thing that never changes is the purpose of commercials as the channel used by products to raise awareness to the consumers.

    Jim Chabris

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  11. I’m usually to running a blog and i actually respect your content On TV Commercials.The article has really peaks my interest.I’m going to bookmark your site and preserve checking for new information.

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