sponsored by...

Well, after yesterday's post, I have been thinking about Dolly Madison. How in the world could I get from an early Halloween candy sighting to Dolly Madison? Simple- Charlie Brown. Yep. I got to thinking about It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown while looking for an appropriate accompanying graphic. Then I was thinking about how we used to get excited around the holidays when CBS (or whatever station it was) would play that "CBS Special Program" music and spinning logo- for we knew that animated goodness was coming up. We didn't even mind the commercials; they were geared for kids anyway. I still kind of get chills when I hear a video clip: "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown...sponsored by...." I know, I know- it's crazy, but it just brings back warm feelings and fun memories.


Inevitably the Peanuts animated specials were usually sponsored by three primary products or companies: McDonalds (of course), York Peppermint Patties and... Dolly Madison cakes and pies. See? That's how we get from A to D...or is it E by now? Anyway, so then I started thinking about the fun trips to our local "Bread store" that I made with my mom or grandmother. The local Bread store sold all kinds of products, but they especially sold Dolly Madison. And to me, it was extra special as a Peanuts fan, because Dolly Madison featured Peanuts characters on their packaging. I didn't want just any old cake or filled pie; I wanted the ones with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy and the whole gang on 'em. Sure, I know that the comic books had ads for Hostess cakes and pies, featuring that other perennial favorite clique of kids, Archie and the gang. And while I was a big fan of the Riverdale crew- the simple fact was that the Peanuts gang held my heart. So naturally I was just the sucker, er... I mean, customer that the advertisers targeted.



So, take a virtual stroll with me down memory lane and let me share with you some fun Dolly Madison Peanuts ads from the past. Of course you realize that the characters, logos and etc are trademarks of their respective companies. I'm not trying to sell anything here- just presenting them for nostalgia and historic values sake. Enjoy!









Do you remember any of these? What are some items that instantly transport you to your childhood?








Wow. Now I'm feeling a bit nostalgic and hungry. Be sure to share your memories with us in the comments section.



It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, sponsored by.

another great master is gone

Like many of you, I grew up...heck, I thrived on Peanuts and Charlie Brown specials as a kid. I continue to collect Peanuts memorabilia, books and DVDs. It's an easy "get" for dad at the Loophole household to find a Peanuts gift for Father's Dad, etc. When Charles Schulz passed away, it felt like a part of my childhood died- even though it still lives everytime I read "good old Charlie Brown" and the gang. Still... even though I never met him, he was- is my childhood hero. My very first flesh and bone hero outside of my family members and Snoopy himself. So maybe, you might understand why this news strikes me very hard.

News comes that Bill Melendez has passed away. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Melendez "died Tuesday at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica. He was 91." I don't have to recite his great impact on animation and American culture- you can read this great article about him by Jerry Beck at Cartoon Brew, who does a better job than I could hope to muster.

Bill, with producing partner Lee Mendelson, was the only guy who Charles Schulz would trust to animate his iconic characters. Over 75 Peanuts specials and animated televisions shows demonstrate the staying power and love. Bill was even the voice of Snoopy. The story goes that he filled in, so the child voice actors could have something to work off of, and it was so perfect- they just went with it. Bill also animated another of my favorite non-Peanuts Christmas specials: Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus, which is sadly not available on DVD (a crime if you ask me).

If you've watched, like so many millions of others, the iconic Peanuts Holiday specials- It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas- you've been touched by Melendez's talent and work.

I know it's a big political night. I'll have to catch up with all of that tomorrow. Right now, I need to visit with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Charles Schulz and Bill Melendez and remember some simpler, yet very special times. Maybe some Great Pumpkin...

Goodbye, Bill. Thank you for everything...Tell Sparky we miss him.



Nothing but sincerity reaching out as far as the eye can see.

it's that time again...

Yes, spring has sprung and that means one of my favorite holidays is around the corner. And you know what that means at The Shelf: Holiday Cartoons and Candy Reviews!!! So to kick off Easter in style we present to you today's offering:

It's the Easter Beagle Charlie Brown.

Enjoy!

Link Hat tip to Dailymotion

Some Easter Beagle! He gave me my own egg!