1944 Budweiser Advertisement: Ye Olde Melting Pot

     Grandpa made several illustrations for Anheuser Busch's classic in the 1940s and 50s.  In this illustration, "Help Your Community Drives ...and You Help America," the advertising company gives an interesting story about how communities during the colonial period (pre-1776) would contribute to a struggling family by setting up a 'melting pot before the door.'  I have no idea if there is truth to this, but it is an interesting concept.  As a father of two small children, this certainly doesn't sound like the safest of fundraisers a community could think of.



     According to the advertisement, during WWII, Anheuser - Busch which was based in St. Louis "supplied the armed forces with glider and bomber fuselage frames, wing parts, gun turret parts, foodstuffs, as well as ingredients for the manufacture of rubber, aluminum, munitions, medicines, B complex vitamins, hospital diets, baby foods, bread and other bakery products, vitamin-fortified cattle feeds, batteries, paper soap and textiles" and more.   

     A very impressive list of contributions.  Good thing we passed the 21st Amendment in 1933 :)