The Picnic, Southern Califorinia, 1960
Daddy holds up a can of Schlitz beer like the statue of liberty holds the flame. Cheers! Perhaps he’s already had a couple. The lady on the right cheers a little less enthusiastically with a pretty pink paper cup. Her nails and lips are painted red like the redhead on the right smoking a cigarette with one hand and holding a lovely little girl with the other. Little Blondie is looking at grandma who’s looking at the buzz cut little boy held by grandpa who’s the only one staring into outer space and not wearing white. The little boy is picking his nose. Grandma’s initials are embroidered on her breast pocket. The handkerchief in that pocket matches her turquoise earrings. She tweezes her brows. The redhead does not.
A large, leafy, multi-level, floral arrangement dominates the tablescape. It is inspired like no other flower arrangement I’ve ever seen yet does not diminish the presence of the capped carafe, fresh veggies, covered aluminum pot, two jars of whole peaches and another can of Schlitz Beer sitting in front of an open box of Ritz Crackers.
I’ve always seriously loved Ritz Crackers. They’ve got the flaky-fatty-flavorful thing going on like no other cracker I’ve ever cracked. The saltier-than-sweet scalloped-edge taste treat sensations with seven little peep holes in it has been an Americana classic since they were first introduced in 1935. And I’m devastated to have to say it, but I will, I’ve never had that legendary Ritz Cracker concoction, mock apple pie. Have you?
Here’s to cheers, wear-white picnic parties, Ritz Crackers and YOU!
P.S. I think I still have her recipe if you want it.
My grandmother baked the “Mock Apple Pie” several times when she lived with us in the 60s. I remember it being a pretty awesome faux pie. But I was really little and I didn’t know any better.
I’ve had the “mock” Ritz cracker apple pie.
Tastes like the real thing!
Loved the Easter Slide
Oh Lordy, Your show in Escondidio was so funny!
My sister and I screamed with laughter.
She had saved the event postings from Westways magazine in the hope that we could drive up to Brea to see your show. When I called to tell her that you would be in Escondidio, we booked tickets that very hour.
Did you see the couple on Sat. night dressed in luau clothes? Totally cool!
We will be really glad if you bring your show back to Anaheim. My husband, sister-in-law, and I saw it last year @ the Anaheim Library. A great way to spend the evening!!!!! Regarding this photo–who wears a white blouse to a picnic!?!
THIS FAMILY ARE MY BEST FRIENDS!!AND YOU WILL BE HAPPPY TO KNOW THAT EXCEPT FOR GRANDMA AND GRANDPA THEY ARE ALL HALE AND HEARTY AND STILL ENJOYING LIFE TO THE FULLEST!THEIR FAMILY PICNICS HAVE OF COURSE GROWN IN SIZE BY NOW WITH MORE DELIGHTFUL ADDITIONS TO THE FAMILY. WHAT A SURPRISE TO SEE THEM ON YOUR SLIDE OF THE WEEK!!!!! I HAVE FORWARDED IT TO THEM!THEY MAY HAVE SOME COMMENTS AS TO YOUR COMMENTS!!VERY ENJOYABLE!
The Ritz cracker box hasn’t changed that much. I wonder what that shroud is? The guy with the baseball cap is looking at something off camera. Hopefully they didn’t let the dude with the beer get behind the wheel.
Saw the Escondido show- what a hoot!
We attended your show in Escondido last evening.
We didn’t know quite what to expect.
Great show!
Thanks!
Find the alcoholic in the photo and win a cupie doll! Woo hoo!! Just kidding. He was probably the “fun guy” at every gathering. We all know one. He had all the best jokes.
RIP Jerry
Please send this to my daughter who now resides in London. She owns one of your books and will enjoy your slide of the week to no end. Many thanks, Judy Manson
Your show last night at the Center for the Arts in Escondido was terrific.
Charles, you didn’t address the big black shroud like globby thing on the right, behind everyone. Any clues?
Wow! The Ritz box hasn’t changed much since 1960! What is that behind the lady holding the pink cup? A statue ready to be unveiled?
If you’ve never had Mock Apple Pie, RUN, don’t walk, to your nearest store and buy many boxes of Ritz crackers. While the box no longer includes the recipe (grrrr), click on the link to go to the tried and true magical directions, and easily prepare one of the most delicious desserts you’ll ever have!
Thanks for the GREAT memories, Charles. This looks like a fun crowd (except for Pouty McNosepicker.)
Aah, there’s nothing like cigarettes and beer for a traditional family picnic! You’re right Steve, times have certainly changed! No, Charles, I haven’t had the Ritz Mock Apple Pie, but it sounds pretty yummy. Although, like Aaron, I shudder to think of the fat content. But that doesn’t keep me from wanting to try it. You can find the recipe for it on the kraftfoods.com website! Stay well!
Hi Charles,
The picnic pix looks like it might have been taken at the All- States picnic in Ontario. It was a regular event for us (thru the early 60′s) to join others from my folks’ homestate of Nebraska. I’ve had the mock apple pie.
Wow! Schlitz and Ritz! Truly representative products of the era. …and, no, I’ve never had the mock apple pie, either, although I do remember reading the recipe many many years ago. I shudder to imagine the nutritional qualities of such a delicacy!
I hope the child survived the second-hand smoke and everyone tolerated the ashes dropped into the salad. Times have changed.