During the early 50s, Cracker Jack was an iconic Chicago company that used comic books to promote their delicious product. They had an advertisement running in different comic books which promoted a really cool toy. The consumer could receive the toy for a small pittance of 25 cents and two C. J. box labels. The mailaway item was a toy car, which was controlled by the mysterious power of magnetism. The child would wear a magnetic ring and by waving it near the car the toy would move. To a child (and, to me) that is pure magic.

How many of us would love to be able to wave their hand and be able to make an object move? I'm raising my hand. Come on, everybody, admit it, magic is cool. Twitching your nose like Samantha Stephens or folding your arms & blinking your eyes is the ultimate fantasy. One step below that, wearing a ring to repel a car with an encased magnet. Super cool, indeed.

Below is the comic book ad for the Cracker Jack's mailaway toy.












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