We hope that the title of this week's Flashback Friday got your attention! While many may be familiar with the animated superhero series The Powerpuff Girls that aired on Cartoon Network in the 1990s and early 2000s, the 1960s had "Powerpuff Girls" of their own! The photos below feature a 1966 issue of The Blade and contains an ad from Lion Store, a department store chain in Toledo, Ohio. The ad highlights the latest women's fashion at the time, which were brightly colored dresses with white heels. Each woman in the ad models one of the store's dresses, each in a different color and style. Betty ("Blossom") wears pink, Alice ("Bubbles") wears blue, and Cathy ("Buttercup") models the color green.
The University Archives has preserved this issue of The Blade because it features a Findlay College graduate on the cover. It is likely that the Lion Store advertisement was strategically placed in this issue because women may be looking to purchase a new outfit for their upcoming commencement ceremony. With these new dresses from the Lion Store, do you think these women could "save the world before bedtime" just like the Powerpuff Girls? Make the decision for yourself by checking out the issue below!
If you are interested in learning more about Lion Store, click here to visit The Department Store Museum's web page on the store.
Cover Page, The Blade (June 5, 1966)
The cover of this issue of The Blade features Jeanne Helfrick, a senior education major. According to the excerpt from the issue, she planned to become a fifth grade teacher at a school in Findlay. The photo was taken by Tom O'Reilly (photographer of The Blade) on the college campus.
Lion Store Advertisement
This is the Lion Store advertisement featuring three brightly colored dresses for women. The women's names are Alice, Betty, and Cathy. We have included a photo of the Powerpuff Girls for reference! From left to right: Bubbles (blue), Blossom (pink), Buttercup (green). The women are even standing in the same order as the characters!
"Cap and Gown Time" (Page 12)
This page of the issue explained the meaning behind different graduation attire. It focuses on local universities and their graduation gowns, including Findlay College, Bowling Green State University, and Defiance College.