Friday, October 21, 2016

Children's Play Mate Magazine, October 1950

Unlike the Halloween edition of other children's magazines I've seen over the years which might offer a few pages of Halloween, a poem and a craft or two, this October 1950 is chock full of treats and goodies.  Almost every page features some form of Halloween enjoyment along with some great art.





Much of the art in the book was illustrated by the Art Editor, Fern Bisel Peat. I couldn't find much more than a cursory overview of Fern. She lived from 1893 to 1971 and was an illustrator for Playmate magazine from the 1930's to the 1960's as well as an illustrator for Ohio Art toy company.  Other artists that appear in the magazine are Elaine Eads and Angela Price, but even less information about them is available.






Sorry, but some child has ruined the connect the dots surprise for you. It was nice of them to add an eye and complete the brim of the hat though.





































Some other Halloween "Children's Play Mate" covers by Fern Bisel Peat courtesy of Pinterest.

1932

1936

1937

1938

1939


1947

1948
1949

1956

1960

"Children's Play Mate" merged with "Jack and Jill" magazine in 2008.

9 comments:

  1. Noticed how in 1950, our pledge of allegiance did not include God!

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  2. Love the artwork on these covers!

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  3. Wow - it is even a multicultural magazine. That was pretty forward thinking in the 1950's.

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  4. this is a MUCH different Playmate Magazine (complete with Playmate Club!) than i remember hearing about. any idea when this ceased publication? my guess is the late 60s. the cover artwork here is fantastic... and i agree with Lady M -- it's far more multicultural and multiracial than i would expect for the 1950s!

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    Replies
    1. It merged with Jack and Jill magazine in 2008, so it actually lasted quite a while. I meant to mention that. I will amend.

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  5. Wonderful stuff, beautiful pictures. Some of the art, especially on the covers, is just great. Norman Rockwell for kids. And thanks for posting. Must have taken awhile to scan and share. Much appreciated.

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