The “Peanuts” Gang: From Comic Strip to Popular Culture

Generations of children have proudly sported pictorial lunchboxes of their favorite comic strips and characters since they were first introduced in 1950. The comic strip Peanuts, begun in 1950 by Charles Schultz, shared the adventures of meek and nervous Charlie Brown, his circle of friends, and his dog Snoopy for almost 50 years.

When the crank is turned, this Jack-in-the-Box plays the popular 1953 hit, "How Much is that Doggie in the Window?" The "jack" who pops up in the box is none other than the beagle Snoopy, from the "Peanuts" comic strip. Peanuts characters are pictured along the sides of this circa 1975 toy by Mattel.

In 1973, AT&T partnered with Henry Dreyfuss & Associates to create a collection of specialty "Design Line" telephones--allowing customers to tailor their technology to fit their home decor. Good grief, it's a Peanuts phone! Design Line character phones were marketed for use in bedrooms and family rooms. Other characters included Mickey Mouse, Kermit the Frog, and Winnie the Pooh.

The television special "A Charlie Brown Christmas" first aired on December 9, 1965. It was one of the most watched shows on TV up until that time and one of the top-rated Christmas specials of all time. This 1977 set, including a read-along storybook and play-along 45 rpm record, was designed to give children a head start in reading.

The television special "A Charlie Brown Christmas" first aired on December 9, 1965. It was one of the most watched shows on TV up until that time and one of the top-rated Christmas specials of all time. A unique and popular component was the musical score of Grammy-winning jazz composer Vince Guaraldi--who happened to be a big "Peanuts" fan.

After the first airing of the TV special "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on December 9, 1965, the characters from the "Peanuts" comic strip became indelibly linked in people's minds with the Christmas holiday. In 1960, Hallmark Cards introduced the Peanuts gang on a line of greeting cards and paper goods. This card was part of Hallmark's "Peanuts Gallery" collection.

Starting in a few daily newspapers in 1950, "Peanuts" went on to become one of the most popular and influential comic strips in history. By 1963, it was the most famous comic strip in the world. In 1990, for the comic strip's fortieth anniversary, McDonald's released a Happy Meal set of Peanuts characters in a farm setting.

From the 1960 to the 1965 model years, Ford Motor Company paid an annual licensing fee for exclusive rights to have the Peanuts gang speak for their new compact model, the Falcon, in ads, billboards, animated TV commercials, and sales brochures. This 1960 advertising proof came from Ford's advertising agency, J. Walter Thompson, with Peanuts characters drawn by Charles Schulz.

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From the 1960 to the 1965 model years, Ford Motor Company paid an annual licensing fee for exclusive rights to have the Peanuts gang speak for their new compact model, the Falcon, in ads, billboards, animated TV commercials, and sales brochures. This 1963 drawing was submitted by Ford's advertising agency, J. Walter Thompson, with Peanuts characters drawn by Charles Schulz.

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From the 1960 to the 1965 model years, Ford Motor Company paid an annual licensing fee for exclusive rights to have the Peanuts gang speak for their new compact model, the Falcon, in ads, billboards, animated TV commercials, and sales brochures. This "Scrapbook," produced for prospective Falcon owners, included original artwork of Peanuts characters drawn by Charles Schulz.

Snoopy was just an ordinary dog when the "Peanuts" comic strip started in 1950. But that didn't last for long. He soon began walking on two legs, showing a rebellious streak, and daydreaming about being a World War I Flying Ace fighting the evil Red Baron. This 1966 "Peanuts Pocket Doll" is based on this, his favorite fantasy.

Charlie Brown's dog Snoopy was no ordinary dog. He walked on two legs, showed a rebellious streak, and daydreamed of being "World Famous." Four months before a real man landed on the moon, Snoopy appeared in a "Peanuts" comic strip as "the World Famous Astronaut" walking on the moon. This Peanuts Pocket Doll commemorates the 1969 moon landing.

Snoopy was just an ordinary dog when the "Peanuts" comic strip started in 1950. But that didn't last for long. He soon became almost human, walking on two legs, showing a rebellious streak, and daydreaming about being anywhere but his doghouse. Increasingly, the public related so well to Snoopy's persona that he became a popular figure on Peanuts-related merchandising products.

In 1960, Charles Schulz created a "Peanuts" comic strip in which Lucy hugs Snoopy, then states simply "Happiness is a warm puppy." This line quickly caught on with the public and was subsequently turned into a book, then a series of merchandising products, then other books and products with comforting and assuring affirmations--like the phrase on this banner.

In 1960, Charles Schulz created a "Peanuts" comic strip in which Lucy hugs Snoopy, then states simply "Happiness is a warm puppy." This line touched people with its sincerity and promise of comfort and consolation. It quickly caught on with the public and was subsequently turned into a book, then a series of merchandising products--even toasters.