Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Butternut Bread Peanuts Promotions


Charles M. Schulz (American, 1922-2000)
Linus eating
signed 'Schulz' (lower right),
pen and ink
14.5 x 9cm (5 11/16 x 3 9/16in).
Estimate: £500 - 700, € 570 - 800
July 19, 2011:  Unsold

This drawing by Charles M. Schulz is offered at Bonhams's Modern Pictures sale in Knightsbridge one week from now on July 19. But what exactly is it? The lot description offers no help. At first the strong vertical shape led me to suppose it was greeting card art, but that was because I didn't recognize the very prominent name of the product: Butternut Bread!

Yes, it's advertising art, and Butternut Bread is the brand. Butternut is an enriched white bread. Charles M. Schulz participated in the Butternut Bread advertising campaign from approximately 1967 to 1969, according to Illustration House. A surprisingly wide variety of images from this campaign are available online and are reproduced below, including some rough drawings that may or may not have been developed further. In general, prices for this advertising campaign's original artwork have remained much more affordable than the highly sought-after comic strips, allowing some collectors who don't themselves manage hedge funds nevertheless to buy a piece of original Sparky art.

What about Linus's wordy speech? It seems a bit off, a not-quite-right attempt at a sort of sentimental nostalgia for home-baked bread lovingly prepared by a great great grandmother who is not so much forgotten as never known. I think Schulz uses the great great grandmother to deliberately avoid the issue of a child having to deal with a lost loved one, trying to get just the nostalgic sentiment without the sense of loss. OK, it's probably not worth thinking about too much. I don't know whether this was actually used in any printed advertising, but since it's a finished ink drawing rather than a preliminary pencil sketch proposal, I would guess that it was.

With an ad campaign from over forty years ago, one might expect to find scattered examples of the ads and little original artwork, much of it being lost or else in far-flung private collections. But in the case of this Butternut Bread campaign, the opposite applies. Original campaign artwork and even rough drawings are all over the web. The original ads are nowhere to be seen, but there's a bit of promotional material here and there. (I have found, as of September 27, 2013 two printed packages that correspond to three pieces of original artwork shown below!)

Here's a great example of how the internet has changed everything: because the original artwork came to light fairly recently, much of it is available online, precisely the opposite of what you might ordinarily expect. The printed advertising from the late 1960's, on the other hand,  has long been scattered and only a few pieces have been scanned or photographed so far despite the widespread interest in Peanuts. The art that I copied for this post, when it's dated, first appears around 2004. I suspect that it all came from one source, Illustration House, which held a Peanuts Mania II sale in May of 2000 and a Peanuts Mania III sale in July of 2001. Obviously there was at least one sale prior to this, and maybe some later ones too. I don't have the catalogues, but if I were searching for the modern origins of this Butternut Bread art, I would start here.

One of my personal pet peeves is how quick auction houses and galleries are to remove past auction catalogues and corresponding sales results from the internet. A great deal of research, even scholarship, goes into putting together many great sales catalogues, but a lot of this information quickly disappears as room is given over to the newer, current stuff. We hear a lot about how relatively inexpensive data storage has become. That may be true, but there is still some expense involved and there is probably little incentive for auction houses to provide reliable, searchable archiving of past sales.  Clearly this is a topic for another day. For now, let's take a look at some of the promotional and advertising art that Charles Schulz produced for Butternut Bread and related brands.




More original Schulz artwork for Butternut Bread:







Chef Charlie Brown posted by owner Brian Peck on the Comic Art Fans page in 2009









 "Butternut Bread is entertaining!"
A pen and ink advertisement for Butternut Bread by Charles M. Schulz (1922 to 2000). With Linus tossing bread into a hat. Circa 1967 to 1969. Signed lower left.  Illustration House.

"Eating Butternut Bread will help you to get better marks in lunch!"
A pen and in drawing by Charles M. Schulz, (American, 1922 to 2000), signed lower right; Charlie Brown enjoys his sandwich at recess. Advertisement for Butternut Bread. Illustration House.
Image added November 11, 2012.

"Eating Enriched Bread will help you to get better marks in lunch!"
Now it is clear how these tall drawings were used: directly on Butternut Bread wrappers! Compare the original drawing above. Note the unexpected substitution of the word enriched for the brand name Butternut.
"A Butternut Bread crust is an instant head-band!"
A pen and ink advertisement for Butternut Bread by Charles M. Schulz (1922 to 2000). With Linus having a slice of bread on his head. Signed lower left. Circa 1967 to 1969. Illustration House.




A pen and ink advertisement by Charles M. Schulz, (American, 1922-2000), signed lower right, Linus using Butternut bread as earmuffs. "Butternut Bread keeps your ears warm." Illustration House.


A pen and ink advertisement for Butternut Bread by Charles M. Schulz (1922 to 2000). With Linus eating a peanut butter sandwich. Signed lower left. Circa 1967 to 1969. Illustration House.  
Image added January 15, 2012
"Birds love crumbs of Butternut Bread."--Linus
 A pen and ink advertisement by Charles M. Schulz (American, 1922 to 2000), [Linus with feeding birds.] Dolly Madison Cakes or Butternut Bread, 1967-69. Illustration House.
 Image added November 9, 2012



A pen and ink advertisment by Charles M. Schulz, (American, 1922 to 2000). signed lower left, Linus holding his stomach, tongue protruding. "I was wrong.. Marshmallows taste terrible on Butternut Bread". Butternut Bread, 1967-69. Illustration House.
 Image added November 10, 2012
http://www.prices4antiques.com/works-on-paper/cartoons-comics/Schulz-Charles-M-Pen-Ink-signed-Linus-Holds-Stomach-A063432.htm
Granted, the above is probably not your typical advertising copy.



A pen and ink drawing by Charles M. Schulz, (American, 1922-2000) signed lower left, advertisement for Butternut Bread depicting a baseball catcher reveals his secret for handling the fastball. Illustration House.
 A baseball catcher? His name is Schroeder!



A pen and ink cartoon by Charles M. Schulz, (American, 1922-2000), Snoopy lounging on loaves of Butternut Bread. "I could live on Butternut Bread." Advertisement for Butternut Bread, 1967-1968. Illustration House.
Image added February 19, 2012

A lot of five pen and ink advertisements by Charles M. Schulz, (American, 1922 to 2000), four signed, Peanuts gang commenting on the virtues of Butternut Bread. Illustration House.
 Image added November 9, 2012




A pen and ink advertisement by Charles M. Schulz (American, 1922 to 2000), signed lower left: Snoopy riding surfboard. Dolly Madison Cakes or Butternut Bread, 1967-69. Illustration House.
A pen and ink advertisement by Charles M. Schulz (American, 1922 to 2000), unsigned: Leaping smiling Snoopy. Dolly Madison Cakes or Butternut Bread, 1967-69. Illustration House.
 Image added November 9, 2012



A pen and ink advertisement by Charles M. Schulz, (American, 1922 to 2000), unsigned: Lucy arrives at party with tray of sandwiches. Butternut Bread, 1967-69. Illustration House.   
 Image added November 9, 2012 
http://www.prices4antiques.com/works-on-paper/cartoons-comics/Schulz-Charles-M-Pen-Ink-Advertisement-unsigned-Lucy-at-Party-A063443.htm
****



 Lucy says with Snoopy looking on, "Personally, I prefer Butternut Bread because it's a model of perfection!" Charlie Brown replies, "If she loves Butternut Bread, she can't be all bad.."
 A pen and ink advertisement for Butternut Bread by Charles M. Schulz (1922 to 2000). With Lucy holding a sandwich, and Snoopy and Charlie Brown looking on. Circa 1967 to 1969. Signed lower right. Illustration House.
This very piece is currently offered for sale by the Art-Cade Gallery in Williamsburg VA, which also shows the pencil work on the verso of the artwork. The asking price is $4950.


Perfection 
Charles Schulz
Original artwork

In the late 1960s, Charles Schulz did a series of advertising panels for Butternut Bread (a Midwestern brand) featuring characters from the "Peanuts" comic strip. These signed originals sat in the archives of the advertising agency for decades until recently rediscovered.

This larger piece, "Perfection," is unusual for this series because it features the three major characters from the comic strip -- Lucy, Charlie Brown and Snoopy. As they sing the praises of Butternut Bread, they also are a prime example of Schulz's venture into advertising art. The piece, signed by Schulz, is part of an ever-more-rare assortment of original Charles Schulz artwork available to the "Peanuts" fan and collector.

EXTRA SPECIAL FEATURE OF THIS ARTWORK

This original is unique in that it shows the "waste-not" nature of this cartoonist.
 On the reverse side of the finished drawing is a rough pencil sketch of Snoopy as a golfer for the daily strip which obviously was discarded for some reason. Although the finished side shows in the framed piece, a Photostat of the pencil sketch accompanies the artwork.

Featured artwork is done in pen and ink, is conservation framed in a black frame with a double mat and a brass name plate which includes the name of the panel and Schulz's name, all under a plexiglass glazing.

Since Schulz' death, prices of his original strips have skyrocketed, often reaching $25,000+ for a single daily strip. Here's an opportunity to own an original, signed Charles Schulz advertising piece at an affordable price.

Image is 5" high x 6.5" wide; outer frame measurements are 15" x 13.25"


 Quick Summary of this Item
Title:Perfection
Artist:Charles Schulz
Art Type:Original Artwork
Medium:Pen and Ink
Media:On paper
Style:Without Frame
Size:5 x 6.5
Price:$4,950



November 9, 2012:  The above artwork has apparently been sold.


****
Charlie Brown tells us that "Linus has developed a lasting friendship with enriched Butternut Bread." Linus explains, "Because it's more tender, more tempting, more nice.."while Snoopy looks on. Posted by owner Rob Stolzer on the Comic Art Fans page in 2004 and later by Ruben E in 2010 when it was sold to him.

Snoopy, Linus, Charlie Brown, and Lucy wish us a "Happy New Year from the bakers of Butternut Bread!" Posted by owner Jesus Sanchez on the Comic Art Fans page in 2006.


Charlie Brown explains, "We have three slices of enriched Butternut Bread left, so what kind of sandwiches would you like?" Lucy immediately replies, "I'll have a three-decker clubhouse sandwich..Hold the mustard, please!" Linus is left saying, "In that case, I'll have a jelly sandwich..Hold the bread, please..." Currently offered on eBay by newyorksteelerfan with a Buy It Now price of $6,000. See the link below.


Nothing in this lot description from Profiles in History mentions anything about Butternut Bread, but just look at the drawing! The single-panel format as well as the subject matter identify this in all likelihood as part of the advertising campaign. Here's the full text of the auction listing:
Original Charles Schulz comic artwork of Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy from Peanuts - Original comic artwork by Charles Schulz featuring the Peanuts characters Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy. Accomplished in ink on a 7 ½ in. x 9 ¾ in. leaf of sturdy illustration paper. Signed in black ink, “Schulz” at the lower right.
149Original Charles Schulz comic artwork of Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy from Peanuts
 Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USDSOLD--This item SOLD at 2011 Dec 17 @ 12:39UTC-8 : PST4,500.00USD+ (1,035.00) buyer's premium + taxes, fees, etc...





A pen and ink cartoon drawing by Charles M. Schulz, (American, 1922 to 2000), depicting Linus lost in reverie for advertisement for Dolly Madison Cakes or Butternut Bread. Illustration House.
Image added November 11, 2012


The doctor is in. Classic Lucy offering psychiatric help for 5 cents.  Posted by owner Rob Stolzer on the Comic Art Fans page in 2004.


Schroeder at his piano posted by owner Rob Stolzer on the Comic Art Fans page in 2004. This is another classic image, and I do really like it.


Schroeder with Snoopy dancing on his piano. "Butternut Bread is inspiring!"says Schroder. "And it's good for nimble toes!" seconds Snoopy.
A pen and ink advertisement for Butternut Bread by Charles M. Schulz (1922 to 2000). With Snoopy dancing on Schroeder's piano. Signed lower right. Illustration House.

A pen and ink advertisement for Butternut Bread by Charles M. Schulz (1922 to 2000). With Schroeder holding a bottle of soda and a hot dog. Circa 1967 to 1969. Not signed. Illustration House.
Image added June 25, 2012



A pen and ink cartoon drawing by Charles M. Schulz, (American, 1922-2000), unsigned, Snoopy the graduate; advertisement for Dolly Madison Cakes or Butternut Bread. Illustration House.


A pen and ink advertisement by Charles M. Schulz (1922 to 2000) for either Dolly Madison Cakes or Butternut Bread. With Snoopy studying at a desk. Circa 1967 to 1969. Not signed. Illustration House.

****



A pen and ink advertisement by Charles M. Schulz (American, 1922 to 2000), signed lower right: Victorious footballers holding Snoopy aloft, Lucy cheering. Butternut Bread, 1967-69. Illustration House.
Image added February 19, 2012
The above drawing as offered by Bauman Rare Books in 2012 for $9,000
Image added November 9, 2012 




Bauman Rare Books Listing
Image added November 9, 2012 
http://www.baumanrarebooks.com/rare-books/schulz-charles-m-/original-large-sketch-of-snoopy-signed/85704.aspx
April 12, 2013 Update:  The above item is now listed as sold.


****

Sketch of Snoopy and Friends from Charles Shulz

Posted by owner Joao Antunes on the Comic Arts Fan Page in March 2008





Mr. Antunes writes:
The sketch comes from John Lebaron's art collection. John Lebaron knew Charles Schulz. Charles Schulz did artwork for Lebaron’s advertising company from 1972-1977. The artwork was for a bread company name Butternut which Lebaron's advertising firm managed the financial account for. Lebaron’s advertising firm located in Vallejo/Pasadena California managed several accounts for companies in the food industry. CoA from JNH Collectibles from whom I bought it. Sketch size is 7x7
Image added February 19, 2012




Posted by owner James Halperin of the Lewis Wayne Gallery on the Comic Art Fans page in 2009. He considers it a bicentennial image, but I think the plaid-covered loaf of bread could just as easily date it to this earlier advertising campaign, c. 1967-1969. Of course, this artwork would be appropriate for any year around the Fourth of July, including the bicentennial. There was still a commercial relationship between Schulz and Butternut at least as late as 1977, so it is certainly plausible that this reworking of The Spirit of '76 could indeed be a bicentennial tribute.



Linus enjoys some bread while watching TV. Posted by owner Ray Cuthbert in 2006 on the Comic Art Fans page. Say, I wonder what brand of bread he's eating?

****





Lucy from Art-Cade Gallery of Williamsburg, VA, which offers the unsigned artwork at $1250 and adds the following information:  
In the late 1960s, Charles Schulz did a series of advertising panels for Butternut Bread (a Midwestern brand) featuring characters from the "Peanuts" comic strip. These originals sat in the archives of the advertising agency for decades until recently rediscovered.


Art-Cade Gallery Listing
Image added November 9, 2012
 http://www.artcadeonline.com/search-results/detail.aspx?ID=1187


Art-Cade Gallery Listing
Image added November 9, 2012
 http://www.artcadeonline.com/search-results/detail.aspx?ID=1187

****



Linus says, "Please, Mr. Salesman, put some more buns on this shelf!" Again this is from the Art-Cade Gallery, which offers the artwork at $1,750. They add helpfully:
This large piece, "Mr. Salesman," was used an "out of stock" piece on grocer's [sic] shelves. The framed original would make an exceptional visual statement in a recreation room or behind a wet bar.

Yes, a wet bar!

November 9, 2012:  The above original is apparently sold.



Unsigned Frieda from Paul Fraser Collectibles available at $1,645. They write: 
The drawing was produced for an advertising agency in San Francisco who handled an account for Butternut Bread around 1970.


An unsigned Lucy, also from Paul Fraser Collectibles, $1,645.





Pencil roughs from the campaign:

Try bribing your kite-eating tree with Butternut Bread
Illustration House
Image added November 9, 2012
 http://www.antiquesimagearchive.com/items/A026551.html


 
Charlie Brown says, "With Butternut Bread at your picnic, you almost don't care if it rains...almost.." Posted by owner Rob Stolzer on the Comic Art Fans page in 2005.



Snoopy resting on his doghouse, warming himself with toast. "Butternut toast keeps you as warm as bread...or is it the other way around?" Posted by owner Rob Stolzer on the Comic Art Fans page in 2007.


Snoopy:  "Butternut Bread will make you flip." Posted by owner Comicart B on the Comic Art Fans page in 2010. Listed at Heritage Auctions back in 2005, where it sold for $207. Times have changed.

Here's the finished ink drawing of Snoopy flipping:
A pen and ink advertisement by Charles M. Schulz, (American, 1922-2000), signed lower left: Snoopy executing somersault. "Butternut Bread will make you flip!" Butternut Bread, 1967-69. Illustration House.
Image added June 25, 2012 



Snoopy tells us, "When a World War I flying ace goes on leave, he usually spends his time eating Butternut Bread."
A pencil drawing for a preliminary study for an advertisement for Butternut Bread by Charles M. Schulz (1922 to 2000). With Flying Ace Snoopy seated with Butternut Bread, and statement, "When a World War I flying ace goes on leave, he usually spends all his time eating Butternut Bread." Not signed, circa 1967 to 1969. Illustration House.




Linus, sucking his thumb and holding his security blanket, tells us that "Butternut Bread gives you a feeling of security." From the Animation Art Gallery, if you couldn't guess. Offered at £1,350.00.
January 14, 2012 Update: Now offered at £1,384.62 including VAT.



"Butternut Bread Gives You a Feeling of Security," rough pencil sketch
Image added November 18, 2012



Sally Brown says, "Somehow I have the feeling that I got a loaf of Butternut Bread." Schulz adds, "(I realize that this may not be the right season by then). From Nate Pacheco's blog.


Here's the final ink drawing of the above:
A pen and ink advertisement by Charles M. Schulz, (American, 1922-2000), signed lower left, Sally on Christmas morning. Butternut Bread, 1967-69. Illustration House.
Image added June 25, 2012




Printed matter, packaging and the Snoopy for President campaign:
Linus with a giant slice of bread. "Mr Salesman: Please keep the shelf covered with The Great White Bread!" "Butternut. The Great White Bread."



Snoopy as the Prince. "Spread good cheer through better sandwiches." A sign to keep the area stocked with Butternut Bread.
Image added February 18, 2012


Charlie Brown:  "My dog chewed up my homework." Lucy: "What this school needs is a QUEEN." Snoopy: "I'd get straight 'A's' in interpretive dancing." These cards images are from Gregg Koenig's flickr photostream. This gives an idea of how classic Peanuts images without any specific bread theme may have been used in the campaign.





"Hey Kids!" is the  attention grabber above the Snoopy interpretive dancing card, with "Start saving Peanuts cartoons only on Butternut Bread" below. Again, this image is from Gregg Koenig on flickr.  His photostream, where there are more images like this one, is included in the links below.

Rigid cards were included as a promotion in Butternut Bread packages in 1973-1974.
Image added April 20, 2014


This photo is also by Gregg Koenig on flickr, showing how Christmas stickers of Peanuts characters were offered in the promotional campaign.  


Snoopy boasts "No artificial preservatives" on a Butternut Bread package, from emeraldtoys flickr photostream,

A package of Butternut Super White enriched white loaf made with buttermilk. Redundantly, both Charlie Brown's sign and Snoopy's note "with extra vitamins and minerals." Snoopy utilizes the same sign drawing as the package above.
Image added February 19, 2012



"You'll love Butternut" bread package with Charlie Brown savoring his sandwich.
Lucy:  How do you play all of those difficult pieces?
Schroeder:  I eat plenty of enriched bread and practice a lot!
Butternut Bread Wrapper
Image added September 27, 2013


Here are some Butternut Bread wrappers from 1969 with Charlie Brown's Baseball Tips:
Charlie Brown's Baseball Tips, 1969
Image added April 20, 2014

Charlie Brown's Baseball Tips, 1969
Image added April 20, 2014
Charlie Brown's Baseball Tips, 1969
Image added April 20, 2014




Yes, Snoopy ran for President in 1972, indicating once again that this Butternut promotional campaign was not strictly limited to 1967-1969. Despite Snoopy's sporting campaign, Nixon was reelected.
Image added January 14, 2012





Snoopy in '72 Shelf Talker Store Display, 1972
Image added April 20, 2014





From Profiles in History's animation auction of July 29, 2012 comes this animation cel with production background from the Butternut Bread television campaign. The Snoopy for President theme should date it to 1968 or 1972.
Image added July 4, 2012
Here's the World War I Flying Ace Snoopy gracing this vintage New Formula Butternut Bread wrapper tag. He must be saying, "Curse you, Red Baron!"
Image added February 19, 2012

Snoopy's World War I Airplane Album
Butternut Bread
Image added April 20, 2014
From Snoopy's World War I Airplane Album
Butternut Bread
Image added April 20, 2014

Seed packet promotion from Butternut Bread
Image added April 20, 2014


Butternut Bread logo on a Charlie Brown Butternut Bread mug
Coffee mug by Fire-King
Charlie Brown with Butternut Bread
Coffee mug by Fire-King

The Prince of Sandwiches--Butternut Bread
Coffee mug by Fire-King
Image added April 20, 2014


Butternut Bread and Dolly Madison Cakes:
"Famous football teams go for Butternut Bread and Dolly Madison cakes." From Drive-In Mike on flickr, who got it from the Kansas City Chiefs program of November 19, 1972.  I remember the Dolly Madison campaign, but not that of Butternut Bread. I was not living in an area where this bread was marketed.


"Famous football teams favor Butternut Bread and Dolly Madison cakes!" Ad from a 1971 college football program (Missouri vs. Stanford Indians, Sept. 11, on eBay). The artwork in the upper half is the same as in the previous ad,  but the colors are different and B's have been added, for Butternut. 
Image added January 15, 2011
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Autographed-Missouri-vs-Stanford-Indians-Football-1971-/150603812414#ht_6618wt_1180

Dolly Madison Cakes:
A pen and ink advertisement for Butternut Bread by Charles M. Schulz (1922 to 2000). With the Peanuts gang attending the Dolly Madison Cakes stand. Not signed, circa 1967 to 1969. Illustration House.
Image added January 15, 2012
A pen and ink advertisement for Butternut Bread by Charles M. Schulz (1922 to 2000). With Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy singing and Snoopy looking on. Signed lower left, circa 1967 to 1969. Illustration House.
Image added January 15, 2012




On this sign, pilgrims Lucy and Charlie Brown are joined at the table by Snoopy for this Thanksgiving feast featuring, of course, Butternut Bread. Many a holiday was an occasion to commission themed artwork from Schulz.

Holidays with Weber's Bread:
Pilgrim Charlie Brown is startled to learn that the Thanksgiving turkey has grown fond of him. Thanksgiving Day art for Weber's Bread is essentially similar to the Butternut Bread campaign, above.
Photo added January 15, 2012
http://theimaginaryworld.com/fod1.html

Charlie Brown proudly salutes the flag in this Memorial Day sign for Weber's Bread.
Photo added January 15, 2012
http://theimaginaryworld.com/fod1.html
Sign featuring Snoopy as the Prince. "The Prince's subjects hail Labor Day with sandwiches featuring Weber's Bread."
Photo added January 15, 2012

Weber's Bread:
Snoopy is the Prince adorning Weber's Sandwich Enriched Bread. The Prince proved quite versatile and also appeared on packages of Millbrook Bread, below, and in Butternut Bread television advertising, farther below.
Photo added January 15, 2012


I believe the same Snoopy artwork was used here as in the example above. The bread package also includes a promotion for iron-on Peanuts patches, below. The first patch again is based on the same artwork.
Photo added January 15, 2012
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60585948@N00/2596792912/in/photostream/


Snoopy cloth patch:  "The Prince, "1971
Image added Februrary 19, 2012

Charlie Brown cloth patch:  "Good Grief!" 1971
Image added Februrary 19, 2012

Linus cloth patch:  "Cheer Up!" 1971
Image added Februrary 19, 2012

Lucy cloth patch:  "Kiss Me!" 1971
Image added Februrary 19, 2012

Frieda cloth patch:  "I'm in Love!" 1971
Image added Februrary 19, 2012

The designs of these button clips are very similar to the cloth patches. They came in packages of Weber's bread and also promoted the cloth patches.
Image added April 20, 2014
Butternut Bread had similar button clips and they offered the same cloth patches.
Image added April 20, 2014

The Charlie Brown button clip, Butternut Bread
Image added April 20, 2014

A 29-cent package of Weber's sandwich wheat bread. Charlie Brown hugs Snoopy, Sally holds up a piece of bread, Schroeder and Lucy take the field in a baseball game.
Image added February 19, 2011




Weber's thin sandwich bread package with Peanuts characters Frieda, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Lucy cheering.
Photo added January 15, 2012
http://theimaginaryworld.com/fod1.html


The 1972 Snoopy for President campaign was run by Weber's Bread as well as Butternut Bread, with at least some of the same artwork. Snoopy's got my vote!
Image added February 19, 2012


Millbrook Bread:

Here then are the first, and so far the only, two matches I have found between original Schulz artwork and a corresponding printed bread package, in this instance for Millbrook Bread, and not for Butternut as Illustration House believed. Drumroll, please:

A pen and ink advertisement probably for Butternut Bread by Charles M. Schulz (1922 to 2000). With Linus roasting a hot dog over a campfire. Circa 1967 to 1969. Not signed. Illustration House.


A pen and ink advertisement for Butternut Bread by Charles M. Schulz (1922 to 2000). With a girl carrying a plate of hamburgers. Not signed, circa 1967 to 1969. Illustration House.
Image added April 18, 2012
Illustration House calls her "a girl," but it's okay if you want to call her Patty.
Millbrook fun buns package from Dan Goodsell's blog.  Bingo!  This is the first printed package I've been able to find that matches some of the artwork, Linus roasting a hot dog and Patty carrying buns.  The grass has been removed and the signature added.  Some elementary color work was done.  Millbrook Bread and Butternut Bread were bakeries belonging to Interstate Brands. Today the company is known as Hostess Brands, Inc.


More Millbrook packages:
Linus knows what's tasty! Millbrook fun buns.
Photo added January 15, 2012
Snoopy the Prince on a Millbrook enriched bread package. "The Great White Bread." 

"The Great White Bread" is also used to refer to Butternut. Here the Prince appears on a Butternut worker jacket, but the word great is misspelled:
"Butternut--the grate [sic] white bread"
Worker jacket, Interstate Brands

Image added April 21, 2014



The eBay seller offering these Snoopy for President stickers believes they came from a package of Millbrook bread.
Image added April 20, 2014


Videos:

Finally, YouTube preserves some vintage TV ads:
Snoopy Butternut Bread Commercial


Peanuts Cast for Weber, Millbrook & Butternut Bread
Video added January 14, 2012


1976-1977 Butternut Bread TV commercial


Video added January 15, 2012


This television ad from 1976-1977 shows that Schulz and Butternut had a strong, ongoing relationship long past the 1967-1969 dates cited earlier by Illustration House.


January 14, 2012 Update:  On January 11, 2012, privately-held Hostess Brands, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The firm is based in Irving, Texas and just emerged from bankruptcy two years ago.


November 17, 2012 Update: Hostess Brands, Inc. announced yesterday it would be going out of business and firing more than 18,000 employees after a week-long strike by its bakers' union. Assets of the company include Wonder Bread, Twinkies, Drake's, Dolly Madison, and Butternut Bread. Some of these brands may be sold to other companies during the process of liquidation.

The Links:
The great great grandmother of all lots at Bonhams:  http://bonhams.com/eur/auction/18891/lot/219/


Nate Pacheco's really awesome bog:  http://natepacheco.blogspot.com/





grickily (Dan Goodsell) on flickr (this image is no longer a part of this post): http://www.flickr.com/photos/60585948@N00/2510757253/
  Dan Goodsell's blog entry for July 4, 2006:  http://mistertoast.blogspot.com/2006/07/good-grief.html




These links are generally accurate at the time of posting, but I am not going to attempt to keep them all up to date.

If you have material related to Butternut Bread and Peanuts, either original artwork or printed matter, that you believe would improve this post, please contact me. My email address is docnad (at) aol (dot) com.

6 comments:

  1. Over a period of a few summers here in St. Paul several of the Peanuts characters became public art. By example here is Project Snoopy http://kaszeta.org/rich/snoopy/.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sous-Chef, I love that link, as well as all of the Cow Parade-type public art projects. Those blank sculptural surfaces unleash an awful lot of creativity!

    ReplyDelete
  3. There's nothing like a good ole' blank sculptural surface to get us artists going!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Welcome to the blog, Beth! Interested readers can check out Beth's beautiful Victorian Duckoupage here: http://www.larchmonthistory.org/ducks/index.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. Here's some more stuff from my CollectPeanuts.com Site:
    http://collectpeanuts.com/wp/clothing-and-accessories/pinbacksbuttons/tab-buttons/

    http://collectpeanuts.com/wp/clothing-and-accessories/emblem-clips/

    http://collectpeanuts.com/wp/office-supplies/stickers/premiums/

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    1. Thanks for the comment! You have an excellent site, cpilgrim, and a fabulous collection. As you know, it already has proved to be a great resource in putting together this page. This post is now over a year old and it seems there's no shortage of Peanuts material on Butternut Bread and related products to keep adding. I am not so much a creator of online content as an aggregator, and this page could not exist without the enthusiasm and passion of Peanuts fans like you.

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