Dance Marathons
Couples would compete in dance marathons that could last anywhere from a few days to a few months. This became a huge fad and a huge money maker for great dancers. The competition could range from walk-ins to seasoned "professionals." One interesting technique of dancing associated with these competitions is the partner-sleeping technique. One partner would sleep for a timed period while the other danced, then they would switch. These marathons would cost $0.25 admission per person for an unlimited watch time, and caused many disruptions in small towns. In fact, by the end of the 1920s, many towns outlawed the popular fad calling the marathons, "disruptive, disturbing, and even repugnant."
Flappers
After World War I, many women began following more risqué trends originating in Europe. These trends were mostly in clothing, but other activities and beauty practices were popular also. Jazz music inspired many changes in attire for women, mostly based on functionality. Corsets were replaced by tape being tightly wound around women's chests, making them appear more boyish. Skirts were coming above the knee and women were wearing non-silk undergarments. Women would also wear heavy makeup and cut their hair to "wild" short lengths and bobs. Another popular hairstyle included the "cloche" hat. Women would cut their hair so that two side curls were visible under the bell-shaped cloche. Activities such as smoking, "petting parties", drinking, and riding in car became the definition of a flapper's behavior. In addition to these activities, a flapper was usually very rebellious to adults and figures of authority. They believed the older society was holding them back from self-expression. This caused quite a bit of backlash towards flappers from the adult community.
Sweets
PEZ
PEZ became a craze in the 1920s. The product originated in Europe, specifically Austria. The familiar flavors of PEZ we know today are mostly fruit flavors such as strawberry or orange, but the first PEZ product was actually mint flavored (as shown below to the right). At the launch of the product, the mints came in a tin box that looked similar to a cigarette lighter. The mints were advertised as a "friendly alternative to smoking." Soon people began buying PEZ not for the mints, but to collect the tin dispensers. In the 1950s, PEZ started making the character inspired plastic dispensers, which made the product even more popular to both adults and children.
PeterPan Peanut Butter
The invention of peanut butter had been in the works since the early 1900s. The first attempt was by Kellog's and was called "nut meal." In truth, the "nut meal" was not all that revolutionary; scientists just ground up peanuts and added a water-based thickener. However, Swift and Company found a clever way to market the "nut-meal" with added sugar, creating a delicious, sweet spread. Peter Pan peanut butter was born in 1928, after its renaming from "Pond peanut butter." Peanut butter in the 1920s had the consistency of real butter, was purchased in a can, and could last up to one year on the shelf. It was not until the 1930s when chopped peanuts were added to the product. People would use peanut butter for sandwiches, cookies, and candy. Also, when poorer families or soldiers could not afford or have access to meat, peanut butter was a cheap alternative for protein intake. Peanut butter soon became known as a "poor man's food and a rich man's dessert."
PEZ became a craze in the 1920s. The product originated in Europe, specifically Austria. The familiar flavors of PEZ we know today are mostly fruit flavors such as strawberry or orange, but the first PEZ product was actually mint flavored (as shown below to the right). At the launch of the product, the mints came in a tin box that looked similar to a cigarette lighter. The mints were advertised as a "friendly alternative to smoking." Soon people began buying PEZ not for the mints, but to collect the tin dispensers. In the 1950s, PEZ started making the character inspired plastic dispensers, which made the product even more popular to both adults and children.
PeterPan Peanut Butter
The invention of peanut butter had been in the works since the early 1900s. The first attempt was by Kellog's and was called "nut meal." In truth, the "nut meal" was not all that revolutionary; scientists just ground up peanuts and added a water-based thickener. However, Swift and Company found a clever way to market the "nut-meal" with added sugar, creating a delicious, sweet spread. Peter Pan peanut butter was born in 1928, after its renaming from "Pond peanut butter." Peanut butter in the 1920s had the consistency of real butter, was purchased in a can, and could last up to one year on the shelf. It was not until the 1930s when chopped peanuts were added to the product. People would use peanut butter for sandwiches, cookies, and candy. Also, when poorer families or soldiers could not afford or have access to meat, peanut butter was a cheap alternative for protein intake. Peanut butter soon became known as a "poor man's food and a rich man's dessert."