Gobble, gobble!

The turkey is the most recognized symbol of the modern day Thanksgiving even though there is no real evidence that it was served at the Pilgrims’ first harvest. The charming feathered fowl in this whimsical illustration by artist Pete Hawley seems to be headed for the table. He is unfortunately two years too early for a presidential turkey pardon which was first performed by Harry Truman in 1947 and is a tradition that continues to this day.

In 1941, after much debate, Franklin Roosevelt declared the national holiday on the fourth Thursday in November. “any minute now” appeared in the November issue of Mademoiselle magazine in 1945.

Veterans, We Salute You!

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, all hostilities of the first World War stopped and Armistice Day was declared. Today the holiday is renamed and dedicated to military veterans of all wars.

A 1943 billboard, by Artist Pete Hawley, pays homage to servicemen and the “girl of his dreams”, who is wearing a red Velva-Lure suit called “Coquette”.

Jantzen’s first allegiance in 1944 was to country and war production for the government, regular civilian lines were interrupted. Gas masks, bomb parachutes, blankets, sleeping bags, marine swim trunks, army sweaters and mufflers, various carrier bags and flags were among the items they produced for the military and our troops.