Mid Century Ads

As McCarthyism swept across the United States and capitalism was king, white America enjoyed a feeling of pride and security that was reflected in advertising . Carelessly flooding society with dangerous misinformation, companies in the 50s promoted everything from vacations in Las Vegas, where guests could watch atomic bombs detonate, to cigarettes as healthy mood-enhancers, promoted by a baby who claims his mother feels better after she smokes a Marlboro.

In this 25th anniversary special edition , you'll find ads for cars, travel, technology, liquor, cigarettes, movies, appliances, furniture, war bonds, toothpaste, you name it— the full spectrum of products and services available to the eager American consumer . These ads portray an accurate picture of the colorful capitalism that dominated the spirit of the 50s . Bursting with fresh, crisp colors, these ads have been digitally mastered to look as bright and new as the day they first hit the newsstands.