Fooled You! The Golden Age of Practical Jokes
Posted by Harry McCracken | Thursday, April 1, 2010
Johnson-Smith was remarkably up front about the goals of its products. It didn’t sell this stuff all in good fun. Its wares were meant for people who had victims, and who wished to cause them intense discomfiture. Like many of the items in the catalog, this one could be bought in bulk–the idea that anyone would order a hundred packets of itching powder at a time is scary in itself.
April 1st, 2010 at 2:51 am
Practical jokes always work best when someone gets hurt. HeHeHe
April 1st, 2010 at 3:09 am
I’m not sure that is a cig. I think it’s in her nose and it must be one of those glass bulb boogers. She ought to have seen this one coming…
April 1st, 2010 at 3:31 am
Stellar post! Great finds with the vintage ads. I feel immature saying this, but the nose bubble is freaking hilarious. Cheers!
April 1st, 2010 at 9:54 am
Wonderful fun for April 1 – the idea, the drawings and most of all the commentary.
April 2nd, 2010 at 8:18 pm
The Archie McPhee company seems to have taken up the spiritual mantle of Johnson Smith. http://www.mcphee.com
July 4th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
hahaha you got me !