Nutty History
Oct 26, 2012
The post-war years are often heralded as the golden years of home-making. Signature brand names are still on the shelves today (doesn’t Betty Crocker pop to the top of your head?), and Case IH is working to reintroduce its legacy brand-bearing woman, Irma Harding.
In 1947, International Harvester developed refrigerator and freezer lines and created Irma Harding as the character spokeswoman. Her authentic and rural “personality” was expanded upon as International Harvester hired five home economists to answer inquiries and conduct cooking and testing experiments in company kitchens on Irma’s behalf. In addition, 70 home economists and sales women were hired throughout the U.S. to travel regionally and educate homemakers about freezing and preserving food. Irma also appeared on packaging and “authored” many cookbooks.
And recently, Case IH announced it will offer Irma Harding peanuts at Tractor Supply Company and other retailers.
Case IH is partnering with Whitley’s Peanut Company, a traditional nut and snack food company, for this product. These peanuts are the first licensed item in the food and food-related product category under the heritage International Harvester brand.
