The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #100865   Message #2030114
Posted By: Q (Frank Staplin)
19-Apr-07 - 12:39 PM
Thread Name: BS: 'cleaning lady' as insult
Subject: RE: BS: 'cleaning lady' as insult
Well, meself, I wasn't included with the isn'ts, so maybe I'm the one that's left.

This thread has wandered from topic to topic, so I might as well add to the stew. When did Rastus disappear from the mass circulation magazines such as Colliers, Saturday Evening Post, etc.?
He was from the servant class as well, so maybe he belongs here.

Aunt Jemima has survived, in her various forms, for over a century, but Rastus disappeared (Incidentally Aunt Jemima ceramic salt and pepper shakers and pitchers are much sought after by collectors).

Rastus advertised Cream of Wheat, a cereal that continues on the market, but without an iconic figure.

Here is the message from a full color full page Cream of Wheat adv. that appeared in 1921 in a magazine I have preserved.

Rastus, a pleasantly smiling (unthreatening) black cook, is shown in chef's hat, white jacket and blue bow tie with little red figures. He is smiling, a small gap in his teeth, and holding a large school slate which bears this message, printed in chalk:
"Maybe Cream of Wheat ain't got no vitamines. I don't know what them things is. If they's bugs they ain't none in Cream of Wheat but she's sho' good to eat and cheap. Costs 'bout 1 cent fo' a great big dish."
signed, Rastus

(Painting by Edw. V. Brewer for Cream of Wheat Co. Copyright 1921 by Cream of Wheat Co.)