Welcome to the 1960s! Today, I am sharing McCall’s Magazine from February 1962, the self-proclaimed “first magazine for women”. McCall’s was published from 1873 to 2002. For a great look into what life may have been like for a middle class housewife in the early 1960s- look no further!
There are some gems in this issue, including some beautiful, full color ads from familiar brands today (especially food!). There are also some questionable ones. The same goes for content.
One interesting part from this issue, and McCalls in general, is the column written by the late Eleanor Roosevelt. Readers were able to write in their questions, and she would answer. She was featured in the magazine from June 1949, until her death in November 1962, making this one of her last few contributions (Source).
Of course, along with most women’s magazines in the 1960s, there are heavy undertones of sexism, racism and ageism, especially towards women. A two-page spread tells women that they need to work harder to control their hands to make them appear more lady-like, while there are very few people of color featured at all. #vintagestylenotvintagevalues
Overall, McCall’s Magazine is an interesting publication filled with a rich history. The February edition from 1962 provides a great look into what life was like for a typical middle-class woman in the early 1960s!
Cover. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Back Cover. Ad for Ivory Soap. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Vee-Form by Modess “anatomically shaped… because” ad. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Revlon “Little Girl Blues” eye shadow and mascara ad. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Living with people spread. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Pyrex New Early American Designs ad. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Chef Boy-Ar-Dee sauce ad. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
De Moss Associates Inc. Hospitalization plan for Non-Drinkers only! McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Celebrity fabrics from J.C. Penney’s. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Kotex Giveaway0 win a Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible & a wardrobe by Ceil Chapman. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Wishbone Italian Dressing ad. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
“If you ask me” by Eleanor Roosevelt. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
“Hot foods call for ice-cold Coke!” Coca-cola ad. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Borden’s Potatoes ad with Meat Crown Potatoes recipe. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Hunt Tomato Sauce with recipe for Cornburgers ad. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Diet Delight Bartlett Pears ad. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Bell Telephone System ad “Its a perfect day to shop by phone”. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Rit Royal Tints & Dyes dining room ad. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Pan-American Coffee ad. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
“This is Uncle Mike” story by Nora Johnson. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Miss American Models McCall’s patterns (Beale Fletcher of NC). McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Beautiful 1960s fashions. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
“Vintage Kitchen ’62 beautiful, its a great year for kitchens” featuring green and blue kitchen design. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Campbell’s Soups ad. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Kraft “New Look!” Salad dressing ads. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
“The private world of Robert and Ethel Kennedy” by Marguerite Higgins. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
“China Doll” by Bill Davidson- on Nancy Kwan. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Hunt’s Tomato Paste ad with recipe for Lasagne D’Italia. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
Good Seasons onion salad dressing mix ad. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
General Electric ad for “Giant washer” and “midget washer”. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962. 
1847 Roger Bros Silverware Part ad. McCall’s Magazine, February 1962.
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