Scanning Around With Gene: Rejected Column Ideas

Gene Gable

To make an installment of “Scanning Around With Gene” interesting, I need at least 10 to 15 themed images, and I often scan many more before settling on the final line-up. So my typical problem is that I have too many images.
But every so often I come across a topic that has great promise, yet there just aren’t enough good images to merit the space. Many times I’ll buy a brochure, pamphlet, or book on eBay based on a terrific cover that turns out to be a dud.
Such is the case with today’s images, which all come from publications I had high hopes for, but which can’t stand on their own–like these from a 1954 pamphlet on uses for cotton from the National Cotton Council. Great cover, but mediocre cartoons on the inside. (Though I do appreciate that the artist drew the words “STOPPING BLOOD FLOW” in bold italics.) Click on any image for a larger version.


I was thrilled to come across a couple of souvenir pieces from the Ponderosa Ranch of Bonanza fame. Then I discovered that the whole premise of the “ranch” was bogus–it was created purely to capitalize on the TV show and was never used in any filming. Just another cheesy roadside attraction with very few decent images. At least the pieces include a replica of the burning map that opened each episode.



“Home Homicides” (1954) is a small pamphlet outlining all the dangers that exist in the home, and, trust me, there are many. If you can get past the bad black and white reproduction, the images and taglines are pretty funny, down to a scissors in the eye of a child (with a big smile nonetheless).




A 1934 booklet from Kellogg’s advocating the benefits of bran and a lifestyle of regularity seemed like a natural, especially considering its hopeful title, “The Sunny Side of Life.” But the few good images are all below. Mostly it’s recipes for bran muffins and other high-fiber treats, and a lot of text about proper bowel movements and healthful exercise.

This first aid booklet from the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company had great cover art but disappointed on the inside. Yet I did learn how to apply a proper tourniquet and splint, should I ever need those skills.



The Story of Chocolate (1948) is from Hershey’s, and I was sure it would be full of wonderful drawings that traced chocolate from bean to bar. Sadly, the images are small and mostly out of register. I was intrigued, however, to see that the air-conditioned Hershey’s headquarters building back then was completely windowless by design. That doesn’t seem like a terrific place to work. But then I’ve never had to endure a Pennsylvania summer without air conditioning.


And finally, I felt I’d hit a bonanza of a different sort when I bought four souvenir booklets on the Amish (published from 1959 to 1976). Surely there would be enough images for a column on the Amish. But once you’ve seen a few pictures of barn-raising and happy Amish children in their quaint outfits, you’ve pretty much seen all you need to see. Yet I did like the Amish woman making pies, and the shot of carriages at sunset (or is it dawn?) is compelling.




But wait! Here’s a bonus image that stands alone, the sole 1967 survivor from a brochure entitled “This is New York State.” It’s the state flag.

That wipes out eight mini-topics and helps me justify what I spent on eBay this month. As always, it really is true that you can’t judge a book (or pamphlet) by its cover.
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