Peace Pilgrim II

The Peace Pilgrim (aka Mildred Lisette Norman) is fairly famous. In 1953 she began walking across America, wearing a shirt that said "Peace Pilgrim," and vowed to keep walking "until mankind has learned the way of peace." She was already an experienced walker when she started this, having been the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian trail in one season. She walked for 28 years until her death in 1981, logging over 25,000 miles.

Peace Pilgrim II (aka Ronald Podrow) isn't quite as famous or inspirational. In 1989, inspired by the first Peace Pilgrim, he adopted her name and also began walking to promote peace. But unlike her, he wasn't an experienced walker. From wikipedia:


Peace Pilgrim II wrote a book about his experiences, Enjoying the Journey: The Adventures, Travels, and Teachings of Peace Pilgrim II. It was published in 1995.

More info.

Posted By: Alex - Sun Jul 02, 2017 - Comments (5)
Category: Exercise and Fitness, War

The Sky Is Your Target!

"Air Flash from the Joneses!" What if they had to deal with drones?

Posted By: Paul - Tue Feb 14, 2017 - Comments (3)
Category: War, Civic Duties, Air Travel and Airlines, 1950s

The Pantheon de la Guerre

What was once the world's largest painting featured 6000 identifiable real-world figures. The postcard below represents just a fragment of it.

Full story here.

Posted By: Paul - Sat Feb 11, 2017 - Comments (2)
Category: Art, War, 1910s

Don’t Waste Paper

In 1918, the U.S. War Industries Board ran ads in magazines and newspapers urging everyone to save paper. The reason: "Paper contains valuable chemicals necessary for war purposes. Economy in the use of paper will release a large quantity of these materials for making poisonous gas."

All patriots were urged to do their part to help "Gas the Fiendish Huns."

The Illustrated Milliner - Sep 28, 1918

Posted By: Alex - Fri Oct 14, 2016 - Comments (2)
Category: War, 1910s

Follies of the Madmen #293

Death-dealing war instrument of mass destruction compared to treasured hymn.

Original ad here.

Posted By: Paul - Mon Sep 26, 2016 - Comments (6)
Category: Death, War, Armed Forces, Weapons, Advertising, 1970s

Early Car Bomb and/or Guided Missile

Original article here.

Posted By: Paul - Tue Sep 13, 2016 - Comments (9)
Category: Inventions, War, Weapons, 1910s, Cars

Escape Training

Just in case ISIS captures you on your next Middle Eastern vacation.

Posted By: Paul - Wed May 11, 2016 - Comments (7)
Category: PSA's, War, Armed Forces, 1950s

Trimming Beets for Victory!

WWII was won through strategic use of beets--apparently. No sound on this video.

Posted By: Paul - Mon Mar 07, 2016 - Comments (7)
Category: Agriculture, Boredom, Food, PSA's, War, 1940s

Captain Tick-Mouse

Original images here.

I am not sure having a rat-like figure as your patriotic icon is the best choice of imagery.

Here is a little background on the character, from this source.

Posted By: Paul - Tue Dec 01, 2015 - Comments (6)
Category: Anthropomorphism, Politics, Propaganda, Thought Control and Brainwashing, War, 1910s

The Atom Blanket

Tuck your kids into bed with the "Atom Blanket" and you know they'll be safe from surprise nuclear attacks!



Source: Newsweek - Apr 26, 1954

Note: Although Newsweek claimed this blanket was widely publicized, I haven't been able to find any references to it in papers and magazines from the 1950s -- beyond the reference in Newsweek itself. Perhaps it was advertised in trade publications that have never been scanned and placed online.

Posted By: Alex - Wed Nov 11, 2015 - Comments (9)
Category: War, Atomic Power and Other Nuclear Matters, 1950s