The “Peanuts” Gang: From Comic Strip to Popular Culture
24 artifacts in this set
This expert set is brought to you by:
The staff at The Henry Ford
"Peanuts" Lunchbox, 1966
Lunchbox
Generations of children have proudly sported pictorial lunchboxes of their favorite comic strips and characters since they were first introduced in 1950. The comic strip Peanuts, begun in 1950 by Charles Schultz, shared the adventures of meek and nervous Charlie Brown, his circle of friends, and his dog Snoopy for almost 50 years.
Snoopy-in-the-Music-Box, circa 1975
Jack-in-the-box
When the crank is turned, this Jack-in-the-Box plays the popular 1953 hit, "How Much is that Doggie in the Window?" The "jack" who pops up in the box is none other than the beagle Snoopy, from the "Peanuts" comic strip. Peanuts characters are pictured along the sides of this circa 1975 toy by Mattel.
Snoopy & Woodstock Telephone, 1976
Telephone
In 1973, AT&T partnered with Henry Dreyfuss & Associates to create a collection of specialty "Design Line" telephones--allowing customers to tailor their technology to fit their home decor. Good grief, it's a Peanuts phone! Design Line character phones were marketed for use in bedrooms and family rooms. Other characters included Mickey Mouse, Kermit the Frog, and Winnie the Pooh.
"A Charlie Brown Christmas" Sound Recording and Book, 1977
Children's book
The television special "A Charlie Brown Christmas" first aired on December 9, 1965. It was one of the most watched shows on TV up until that time and one of the top-rated Christmas specials of all time. This 1977 set, including a read-along storybook and play-along 45 rpm record, was designed to give children a head start in reading.
Record Album, Soundtrack of the Television Special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas," circa 1965
Phonograph record
The television special "A Charlie Brown Christmas" first aired on December 9, 1965. It was one of the most watched shows on TV up until that time and one of the top-rated Christmas specials of all time. A unique and popular component was the musical score of Grammy-winning jazz composer Vince Guaraldi--who happened to be a big "Peanuts" fan.
Christmas Card, "Hope You're Headed for Your Merriest Christmas Ever," 1969
Christmas card
After the first airing of the TV special "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on December 9, 1965, the characters from the "Peanuts" comic strip became indelibly linked in people's minds with the Christmas holiday. In 1960, Hallmark Cards introduced the Peanuts gang on a line of greeting cards and paper goods. This card was part of Hallmark's "Peanuts Gallery" collection.
McDonald's Peanuts Happy Meal Toys, 1990
Toy (Recreational artifact)
Starting in a few daily newspapers in 1950, "Peanuts" went on to become one of the most popular and influential comic strips in history. By 1963, it was the most famous comic strip in the world. In 1990, for the comic strip's fortieth anniversary, McDonald's released a Happy Meal set of Peanuts characters in a farm setting.
"Easiest Car in the World to Own - Ford Falcon" Ford Motor Company Advertising Proof, 1960
Advertisement
From the 1960 to the 1965 model years, Ford Motor Company paid an annual licensing fee for exclusive rights to have the Peanuts gang speak for their new compact model, the Falcon, in ads, billboards, animated TV commercials, and sales brochures. This 1960 advertising proof came from Ford's advertising agency, J. Walter Thompson, with Peanuts characters drawn by Charles Schulz.
"Easiest Car in the World to Own - Ford Falcon" Ford Motor Company Advertising Proof, 1960
Advertisement
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"Easiest Car in the World to Own - Ford Falcon" Ford Motor Company Advertising Proof, 1960
Advertisement
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Illustration of Peanuts Characters for 1964 Ford Falcon Advertising Campaign, 1963
Drawing (Visual work)
From the 1960 to the 1965 model years, Ford Motor Company paid an annual licensing fee for exclusive rights to have the Peanuts gang speak for their new compact model, the Falcon, in ads, billboards, animated TV commercials, and sales brochures. This 1963 drawing was submitted by Ford's advertising agency, J. Walter Thompson, with Peanuts characters drawn by Charles Schulz.
Illustration of Peanuts Characters for 1964 Ford Falcon Advertising Campaign, 1963
Drawing (Visual work)
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Illustration of Peanuts Characters for 1964 Ford Falcon Advertising Campaign, 1963
Drawing (Visual work)
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Illustration of Peanuts Characters for 1964 Ford Falcon Advertising Campaign, 1963
Drawing (Visual work)
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Illustration of Peanuts Characters for 1964 Ford Falcon Advertising Campaign, 1963
Drawing (Visual work)
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Illustration of Peanuts Character for 1964 Ford Falcon Advertising Campaign, 1963
Drawing (Visual work)
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Illustration of Peanuts Characters for 1964 Ford Falcon Advertising Campaign, 1963
Drawing (Visual work)
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Illustration of Peanuts Characters for 1964 Ford Falcon Advertising Campaign, 1963
Drawing (Visual work)
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"A Scrapbook about Your Falcon, Prepared by Charlie Brown and His Friends," 1962
Brochure
From the 1960 to the 1965 model years, Ford Motor Company paid an annual licensing fee for exclusive rights to have the Peanuts gang speak for their new compact model, the Falcon, in ads, billboards, animated TV commercials, and sales brochures. This "Scrapbook," produced for prospective Falcon owners, included original artwork of Peanuts characters drawn by Charles Schulz.
Flying Ace Snoopy Doll, 1966-1970
Character toy
Snoopy was just an ordinary dog when the "Peanuts" comic strip started in 1950. But that didn't last for long. He soon began walking on two legs, showing a rebellious streak, and daydreaming about being a World War I Flying Ace fighting the evil Red Baron. This 1966 "Peanuts Pocket Doll" is based on this, his favorite fantasy.
Snoopy Toy Commemorating Apollo 11 Landing on Moon, 1969
Character toy
Charlie Brown's dog Snoopy was no ordinary dog. He walked on two legs, showed a rebellious streak, and daydreamed of being "World Famous." Four months before a real man landed on the moon, Snoopy appeared in a "Peanuts" comic strip as "the World Famous Astronaut" walking on the moon. This Peanuts Pocket Doll commemorates the 1969 moon landing.
Blessing Snoopy Alarm Clock, 1970-1980
Alarm clock
Snoopy was just an ordinary dog when the "Peanuts" comic strip started in 1950. But that didn't last for long. He soon became almost human, walking on two legs, showing a rebellious streak, and daydreaming about being anywhere but his doghouse. Increasingly, the public related so well to Snoopy's persona that he became a popular figure on Peanuts-related merchandising products.
Pig Pen and Snoopy Banner, circa 1970
Banner
In 1960, Charles Schulz created a "Peanuts" comic strip in which Lucy hugs Snoopy, then states simply "Happiness is a warm puppy." This line quickly caught on with the public and was subsequently turned into a book, then a series of merchandising products, then other books and products with comforting and assuring affirmations--like the phrase on this banner.
Proctor-Silex Mary Proctor "Snoopy" Toaster, 1970-1974
Electric toaster
In 1960, Charles Schulz created a "Peanuts" comic strip in which Lucy hugs Snoopy, then states simply "Happiness is a warm puppy." This line touched people with its sincerity and promise of comfort and consolation. It quickly caught on with the public and was subsequently turned into a book, then a series of merchandising products--even toasters.