(308)324-4576
(click on pictures to get better view then click on back button to return)
M458B Nebraska Hotel Advertising Sign Duncan Hines
This all original and unique trade advertising sign reads, 'Duncan Hines says, Hotel Blackstone, Omaha' and the reverse side of the sign advertises, 'Duncan Hines says 'Hotel Cornhusker - Lincoln'. This sign has lots of different features, 1) Omaha, Nebraska advertising, 2) Lincoln, Nebraska advertising 3) Hotel advertising and 3) the Duncan Hines advertising character. This unique shaped, double sided sign measures 32"wide by 51 1/2" high at the highest and 30" high at the outer edges of the sign. The Duncan Hines figure is actually bolted onto the bottom portion, so there is two parts to the sign. The Duncan Hines figure is used as a symbol of quality and excellent service, and in our research it was discovered that in 1935, Duncan and his wife, Florence, compiled a list of 167
recommended establishments and sent them out as Christmas presents. Duncan Hines was a traveling salesman turned food critic. We have listed below some detailed information on Duncan Hines and the history behind the
name. This is a unique trade advertising sign, that has some depth in thought and humor to it. Circa 1940's.
-
SOLD
Here is some of the History of Duncan Hines.
The Duncan Hines Seal of Approval
In the forties, Duncan Hines was a traveling salesman turned food critic,
who through his books became the authority on quality food. When he gave a
restaurant a top rating, it would be presented with a "Recommended by Duncan
Hines" sign. Today, our logo is a combination of the sign with a book, and
is emblazoned on all of our mix packages.
The Authoring Years
Duncan's authoring success began when traveling across America as a
salesman. On the road day after day, he would eat in many a restaurant of
varying degrees of quality. As more people began venturing on nationwide
driving trips, he wanted to help them find quality food and excellent
service. In 1935, Duncan and his wife, Florence, compiled a list of 167
recommended establishments and sent them out as Christmas presents. He
wrote: "I am passing this information on to you, hoping that it may yield
enjoyment and delectation, should you find yourself in the vicinity of one
of these 'harbors of refreshment' as you travel hither and yon."
Word spread quickly, and soon enough he quit traveling sales to write full
time. His books grew to include more restaurant reviews along with hotel and
lodging reviews. As well, he put together a few collections of
recipes--including one of his passions: baked goods.
A Brand Was Born
It was Duncan's well-respected persona and business sense that prompted
North Carolina businessman, Roy Park, to approach him in 1948. Roy proposed
that he lend his name to a line of packaged foods from many top
manufacturers. In May 1950, Duncan Hines vanilla ice cream was delivered to
the shelves of grocery stores across the nation. Initially, there were
hundreds of products under the Hines-Park name, including cake mixes.
Their venture was a success, and in 1956 Procter & Gamble purchased the
brand with the authority to put the Duncan Hines name on various food
products. The line was eventually pared down to focus on the mixes you know
and love today.
