And now, two cool seven-inch 78 rpm vinyl discs (pressed by Columbia, looks like) featuring Christmas messages from Tupperware marketing genius Brownie Wise--one from 1956, the other from 1957, the year I appeared on this globe. I'll admit I was all ready to make wisecracks about Tupperware, and to comment about how Brownie's less than excited delivery on these discs is kind of odd, given that she pioneered the home party sales concept. But, after all, she was the brains behind the concept--being a live wire was the job of the hostesses. And she's too remarkable--and, sad to say, tragic--a figure to treat with anything but respect. She made Tupperware a huge success, and then, to quote Wikipedia, after Wise and Earl Tupper failed to get along as business partners, in January 1958 "Tupper forced Wise out. Soon afterward, every reference to her was removed from company literature. She owned no stock and left with a severance package of one year's salary, about $30,000" (Wikipedia). Ever wonder why the Women's Movement happened?
Just another disgusting chapter from business and pop culture history, I suppose, but this instance of human evil just seems all the more vile, if only because it's hidden behind happy images. And because it goes along with a milestone in the liberation of middle-class women.
Home demonstrations were nothing new, but Wise's sales party concept--most importantly, with women doing the selling--was new. There's a book about Wise and Tupperware, and a movie soon to come, so this post is amazingly good timing. And Wise has my undying respect. Too bad she didn't get that respect while she was here. Please be sure, when you listen to these, to notice the absence of product plugs. Save for Wise's job title printed on the bottom of the first-side labels--"Vice President and General Manager, Tupperware Home Parties, Inc. Orlando, Florida"--everything is about Christmas and what Christmas means. No company jingle, no sneaky references to plastic storage bowls with lids that snap-close--just sincere tributes to the holiday. That's admirable and unusual. Like the lady herself, apparently.
DOWNLOAD: Season's Greetings from Brownie Wise, 1956 and 1957
Season's Greetings from Brownie Wise, 1956--We, Three Kings--The Epic Choir, Peter Sozio, c.
Season's Greetings from Brownie Wise, 1957--Joy to the World
Brownie Wise, Vice President and General Manager, Tupperware Home Parties Inc., Orlando FL
Lee
2 comments:
Hadn't thought about these in a while, but today I saw three year's worth pop up on eBay at a crazy list price. People must think they're made of gold or sound like angels. They had 1956, '57 and '58, so one more year than what you found, at premium eBay prices.
There's a lot of that happening on eBay--insane prices for vinyl and shellac. Imagine someone assessing the value of his or her collection based on those premium eBay tags!
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