Cocomalt Games for Every Day Play. Arr. by John Martin. Kangaroo Hop. Game No. 8. R.B. Davis Co., Hoboken, N.J. N.d., ca. 1929-1930.
Entry/Object ID
2011.005.0180
Scope and Content
Cocomalt Games for Every Day Play. Arranged by John Martin. Kangaroo Hop. Game No. 8. Issued by the R.B. Davis Co., Hoboken, N.J. No date, ca. 1929-1930. Printed paper, 1-7/8" high x 8-15/16" wide folded to 2-1/4" wide. Full color.
Cocomalt, a malted chocolate flavor powder, was made in Hoboken by the R.B. Davis Company whose primary product was Davis OK Baking Powder. It was introduced ca. 1927-1928 and thus this item is an early promotional premium or give-away. See related for others.
The game was a simple outdoor game that gave children exercise. Included is a short poem, Bedtime, which included Cocomalt and was apparently by Martin.
In regards to dating the item: on the back panel where the company and location is stated, the text includes the term "anti-rachitic" and is similar to text seen in 1929 magazine advertisements (but note that the text on No. 6, 2011.005.0181, does not use the term "anti-rachitic.") See notes for further discussion.
Also noteworthy is a depiction of making cold Cocomalt where a shaker with lid is seen. It has the general outlines of the well-known Cocomalt stamped aluminum shaker with the beehive top. It is not stated as a Cocomalt shaker and the text suggests the alternate use of a fruit jar, bottle or egg beater and bowl.
Acquisition
Accession
2011.005
Source or Donor
Lukacs, Claire
Acquisition Method
Gift
Credit Line
Museum Collections. Gift of a friend of the Museum.
Archive Details
Date(s) of Creation
1929 - 1930
Archive Notes
Date(s) Created: 1929-1930
Date(s): 1929-1930
Condition
Overall Condition
Good
General Notes
Note
Notes: John Martin had a radio program, John Martin's Story Time, on the NBC Red network in 1933. This radio show has not been found as one of the programs usually listed as sponsored by Cocomalt (typically three major serials in the 1930s), but the Davis Company had been using radio sponsorship and commercials since the mid-1920s; most programs connected with them have not been identified.
Since the item makes no mention of the Martin program, it is believed to be earlier than 1933. Also Martin had an association with Story Parade, a magazine for children that began publication in 1936. Again, it is not believed that this item is as late as that period.
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Game No. 12 in this series is known as titled: Treasure Chest.
Status: OK
Status By: dw
Status Date: 2011-07-18
