This weekend marks Canadian Thanksgiving, a cherished time to gather with family and friends, celebrating the change of seasons and the community that comes with it. From pumpkin pie and turkey to fall fairs and the comforting background hum of football on TV, it’s a tradition I truly love and look forward to every year.

Over here at the Vintage Inn, I’ve created several blog posts on the theme of ‘Vintage Thanksgiving,’ and today’s post is an exciting addition to the collection: a showcase of charming Thanksgiving ads from the 1920s to the 1960s, with a special focus on the 1950s.

Let’s begin!

1950s housewife illustration holding a Thanksgiving turkey

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase

Vintage Thanksgiving Advertisements

Further Reading: Vintage Thanksgiving Advertisements Part 1

1950s vintage advertisement for ‘Dromedary Dates’ for Thanksgiving featuring retro recipes for ‘dates with stuffing, fiesta salad and date finger sandwiches’.

Further Reading: Vintage Tips for a “Perfect” Thanksgiving Dinner

Source: Etsy-EncorePrintSociety

“The whole family will be thankful you remembered to take pictures!”. 1961 Kodak Camera advertisement.

1960s vintage advertisement: 1961 Kodak Vintage Ad featuring a kodak camera taking photos at family thanksgiving

Source: Etsy-PlentifulPages

“KING SPEAR’S PROCLAMATION: Thanksgiving season is at hand; Proclaim a feast throughout the land; And so that all will better feel; Serve Double Mint with every meal!”

1928 Wrigley’s Double Mint Gum Thanksgiving ad with “King Spear”.

1920s Vintage Thanksgiving Ad: 1928 Wrigley's Double Mint Gum ad with 'Spearmen' King Spear rhyme and a Thanksgiving turkey

Source: Etsy-KaneCountyVintage

1951 S.O.S. Scouring Pads – “Holiday meals are merrier-where everybody helps! Call on S.O.S. for extra help with posts and pans”.

1950s vintage advertisement: 1951 S.O.S. Scouring Pads featuring a 1950s family in the kitchen with their Thanksgiving Turkey and other dishes and desserts for dinner.

Source: Etsy-RelicEclectic

1960 French’s Mustard ad featuring a Golden Glazed Ham Recipe (a staple on the Thanksgiving table).

Further Reading: Vintage Cooking Recipes as seen in Vintage Ads from the 1930s-1950s

1960s vintage advertisement for French's mustard featuring a recipe for Golden Glazed Ham a Thanksgiving dinner staple

Source: Etsy-RetroReveries

Thanksgiving is always very different during wars and this 1942 Westclox advertisement showcases just that. “What Your War Bond Money Buys” is 100% the sign of the times during WW2.

1940s vintage ad from 1942 for Westclox (clocks), showcasing a Thanksgiving scene of a grandmother and granddaughter taking out the turkey. The slogan says "What your war bond money buys".

Source: Pinterest

Canco Can Company ‘New England autumn supper’ print advertisement guaranteed to make you hungry (look at that Pumpkin Pie..mmmm). From McCalls’ Magazine 1954.

1950s vintage advertisement for Thanksgiving. Canco Can Company 'New England autumn supper' print advertisement guaranteed to make you hungry (look at that Pumpkin Pie..mmmm). From McCalls' Magazine 1954.

Source: Etsy-MidCenturyPrintAds

Nothing polarizes Thanksgiving dinner, like cheddar cheese on your apple pie. You either love it or hate it. I’m in team..nope! But my mom and my uncle love it. So there you go. Where do you stand?

1958 Cracker Barrel cheddar cheese advertisement.

Source: Etsy-RetroReveries

1956 Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey advertisement. Featured is a toast to the birds (eagle, turkey, crow).

Source: Etsy-RetroReveries

Thanksgiving Rum Punch that is easy as pumpkin pie? Count me in! 1968 Puerto Rican Rum vintage ad.

Thanksgiving Rum Punch Recipe – A team of expert taster picked this new recipe over 26 other finalists:

Mix in a punch bowl 1/2 cup (4 ox) lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup each of cranberry juice, orange juice and strong tea
A “fifth” bottle Puerto Rican Rum
12 cloves
Add ice cubes and lemon slices
Serves 15

1960s vintage advertisement: Thanksgiving Rum Punch that is easy as pumpkin pie? 1968 Puerto Rican Rum vintage ad plus the punch recipe.

Source: Etsy-VintageAdarama

1957 Buster Brown Shoes advertisement. “Again this Thanksgiving…More kids will go to grandma’s in Buster Brown Shoes than any other brand”.

Did you wear Buster Brown shoes as a kid? I don’t think I did.

Source: Etsy-BettyinParis

We don’t have pilgrims in Canada, so this 1955 LEE WARREN hat ad is 100% geared to Americans for their Thanksgiving holiday.

1950s Vintage Thanksgiving Advertisement: 1955 LEE WARREN hat ad for men. 1950s men's fashion.

Source: Etsy-KristensVintagePaper

“Wish you could “drink in” the exhilarating liveliness of Fall? You Can!” 1957 A&P Coffee sold exclusively at A&P Stores.

Further Reading: Autumn Vintage Advertising from the 1940s & 1950s

Source: Etsy-RetroReveries

Drink up with 7up this Thanksgiving holiday! 1950s or 1960s vintage ad.

Vintage 7UP Thanksgiving Advertisement featuring a Thanksgiving Turkey enjoying a 7UP drink. Possibly a 1950s / 1960s vintage advertisement.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian Friends (and American when it’s your time)! Enjoy this special weekend with your family and friends!

Question Time: Do you love Thanksgiving? What is your favourite food to enjoy during this holiday? Share any thoughts on this topic in the comment section below. I love hearing from my readers.

Note: If you have never commented before I will need to approve the post, so don’t worry if you don’t see it after typing it. I will see it and will make it live after reading. Thanks!

Further Reading: Vintage Thanksgiving Blog Posts 1920s-1960s (photos, ads, dinner ideas etc).

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz

2024 Liz note: I completed this fantastic post in 2023 but never published it. I believe that it is still relevant today and should be shared!

Red took the runways by storm as the shade du jour for the fall 2023 season. Now it’s 2024 and Red is still a hot color. (Siren Red) It is the ‘It’ colour of the season. The Fall Fashion Trend you MUST have in your closet (even if your reading this in another year. Red never goes out of style!.)

Here at the Vintage Inn, we love a good red..anything as long as it’s vintage. We also love fall and dressing the part, so for today’s post I’m am going to show off a collection of vintage red fashion / beauty advertisements and some lovely “Red” vintage fall pieces that you could buy right now (or be inspired by for your own style (for women & for men).

1950s Jonathan Logan vintage advertisement featuring a red 1950s dress

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay, Unique Vintage, RocknRomance Vintage, Collectif re Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Vintage Fall Fashion Trend: Red

Vintage Fall Advertisements 1930s-1950s

Wear your red UNDER your fall outfit. “Red Spice by Luxite”. 1950s vintage advertisement for Women’s Lingerie. How lovely!

1950s vintage advertisement for womens Luxite Red Nylon Lingerie. Red is a Fall Fashion 2023 Trend.

Source: Etsy – TreasureIsle

Pair your plaid skirt with a red top to get that perfect autumn look.

1950s Fashion Ad for the Turnabout Pleated Plaid Pendleton Skirt. Pendleton’s Turnabout debuted in 1953. It was a skirt that could be turned inside out for a new look.

Further Reading: Plaid: A Fall Fashion Trend. The Vintage Edition

Source: Pendleton USA

Go red this fall…with your nails! “Red..Racy…and Irresistible! Slightly Scarlet by Cutex”. 1955 ad.

Can we take a moment to admire that stunning evening gown on our model? WOW!

1950s vintage ad for women's red nailpolish from Cutex 1955 featuing an image of a women in a 1950s evening gown.

Source: Chronically Vintage

If you don’t want to go with a lot of red in your outfit (but I mean why would you not, when it’s made out of corduroy and is a vest with tapered corduroy pants?), then you can do accessories. Like a red sash and red shoes to balance it out. DROOL!!!! So amazing!

1958 Sears Fall / Winter Catalog page.

Further Reading: Vintage Magazines & Vintage Catalogs (1920s-1960s)

Source: christmas.musetechnical.com

“Enjoy year-round comfort in a Forsyth OSMALANE shirt”.

1955 Forsyth Shirts featuring a fashion illustration of a man with a red shirt.

1950s Vintage Fashion Ad for Men's Forsyth Shirts from 1955.

Source: Pinterest

1956 Bells Hess Fall / Winter Catalog front page featuring 3 women in fall fashions including our featured colour..red! Beautiful!

Note: This huge 244 vintage catalog is available as PDF on Etsy HERE.

1950s Fashion Fashion: 1956 Bells Hess Fall / Winter Catalog front page featuring 3 women in fall fashions including our featured colour..red! Beautiful!

Source: Etsy – ivarose

1930s magazine (not an ad but close enough): Fashion Service Fall Winter 1930 featuring an illustration of a woman in a red dress and matching red short jacket.

Further Reading: A Journey Through Time: Fall Catalog & Magazine Covers (1920s-1950s)

1930s magazine: Fashion Service Fall Winter 1930 featuring an illustration of a woman in a red dress and matching red short jacket.

Source: Archive.org

Ayer, ‘Roulette Red’ lipstick advertisement from 1953 because a red lipstick goes with any season.

Further Reading: Vintage Makeup Advertisement s

1950s Vintage Beauty Ad: Ayer, ‘Roulette Red’ lipstick advertisement, 1953 featuring an image of a 1950s woman with black gloves

Source: Pinterest

1940s women’s loafers from “Friendly Sports”. Loafers in red (and other colours) are perfect for road trips taking in all the fall colours.

1940s vintage advertisement for women's loafers from Friendly Sports featuring an illustration of a 1940s couple heading out together on a date during college.

Source: Pinterest

“Beautifully matched accessories in thrilling color sets…ensembled by Sears-Roebuck!”. 1940 Fall / Winter Catalog page.

“Fiesta Red” for our lovely 1940s hair turban and matching purse. So stylish (all of the purses & hats).

Further Reading: 1940s Hair Accessories: The Complete Guide

1940 Fall / Winter Catalog page featuring womens matching hats / Turbans and Purses. Perfect fall fashion.

Source: christmas.musetechnical.com

Vintage Red Fall Fashions

A sample of some beautiful vintage fashions available at the time of this post on Etsy (which was in 2023 when I first created it). These fall fashions are meant to inspire your own wardrobe for the season. Enjoy!

Do you love vintage Fall fashions and the below outfits are not avail? Then take a look at my always updated Etsy Collection of Fall Fashions from the 1920s-1960s that you can purchase right now.

Heading into the fall season 100% means that two piece suits. Not only are they perfect for the changing temperature, but they are also stunning!

1940s two piece berry red women’s suit. Look at those sleeves?? Gorgeous!

Further Reading: The Skirt Suit: A Vintage Fall Fashion Trend

1940s Fashion/ 1940s Skirt Suit in a Berry Red, the perfect Fall Fashion Trend 2023.

Source: Etsy-Summersweetvintage

1 940s deep red wool gabardine two piece suit. The jacket has exceptional tailoring and details. The skirt is a classic a-line cut.

1940s Fashion / Fashion Fall Trend-Red as see in a 1940s deep red wool garbardine two piece suit.

Source: Etsy – Swishygirl1

1950s cherry red wool sweater dress and cardigan set by Ann Adams.

1950s Fashion: 1950s cerise wool dress and jacket set by Ann Adams. A lovely sweater dress with matching cardigan that is perfect for Fall.

Source: Etsy – vintagevintagebtq

1930s long sleeve crimson velvet dress. This dress screams festive holiday’s but I also love it for a fancy fall evening out with friends.

A Fall Fashion Trend-Red as seen on a 1930s Long Sleeve Crimson Red Velvet Dress. Beautiful 1930s Fashion.

Source: Etsy – MamaLovesYouVintage

1 940s Red Dressing Gown or a Housecoat, that is perfect for laying around with a warm drink watching the leaves change.

Fall Fashion Trend - Red as see in this 1940s fashion, Vintage 1940s Red Dressing Gown / Housecoat

Source: Etsy-RiverTraceVintage

This is a fabulous documented vintage 1960’s two-piece skirt and sweater set made by the one and only “Kimberly Knitwear”. Check out the original ad that appeared in Vogue magazine in 1965, it retailed for $55.00 which is equivalent to $522.00 today (Source).

A perfect fall outfit!

1960s Fashion: This is a fabulous documented vintage 1960's two-piece skirt and sweater set made by the one and only "Kimberly Knitwear". A perfect Fall Fashion Outfit. Check out the original ad that appeared in Vogue magazine in 1965, it retailed for $55.00 which is equivalent to $522.00 today

Source: Etsy- TheBlackLotusVintage

A beret tends to be the hat of Fall, but I’m loving this 1940s beaded deep red cloche hat. You will 100% turn heads with this beauty. It is by Merrimac (Canada) Limited. 100% wool.

1940s Vintage Hat / Fall Fashion Accessory: A 1940s

Source: Etsy – LogoRetro

A 1940s / 1950s men’s tie with fall leaves is a must have to be on trend.

1940s / 1950s Men's Tie in Red with Fall Leaves in Gold on the Tie. Perfect Fall Tie.

Source: Etsy- BestVintageClothes

How cute are these shoes? Lace up walkers, they have a dashing 1940s look, but are likely 1950s. Theyre in a simply gorgeous true cherry red leather, with rounded toes – featuring a natty pair of detachable classic fringes.

1940s/1950s vintage shoes for women in red. Red lace up walkers w/detachable fringe.

Source: Etsy-ukcharmvintage

Lastly, I am an affliate with Unique Vintage, RocknRomance Vintage,(vintage style clothing companies) and they have lots of fall fashions in the colour red in modern sizes.

Thanks for dropping by! I hope maybe you were inspired to add a little red to your wardrobe or your beauty routine. I know I was.

Question Time: Do you like the colour red? Would you wear it this Fall? Share any thoughts you have about this post in the comments section below.

Further Reading:

Vintage Fall 1920s-1960s (archived blog posts)
Vintage Fashion 1920s-1960s (archived posts)

Liz

Tag: vintage advertising

Vintage Thanksgiving Advertising Part 2

Vintage Thanksgiving Advertisements

Vintage Fall Fashion Trend: Red

Vintage Fall Fashion Trend: Red

Vintage Fall Advertisements 1930s-1950s

Vintage Red Fall Fashions