Omnibus Grit (Entry 551.PR1004)
Dec 11, 2025
Dive into a world where a determined immigrant launched a puzzling newspaper that captured the imaginations of young boys for generations. The hosts reflect on quirky childhood mail-order items like Sea Monkeys and iconic ads, revealing the magic and deception behind them. The mystery of Grit's ads' allure, which encouraged boys to sell newspapers for prizes, is explored. Discover Grit's evolution from a unique youth-driven sales model to a niche DIY farming magazine, as well as its surprising links to Little League and rural life.
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Mail-Order Toys That Disappointed Generations
- John and Ken riff on classic mail-order kids' products like Sea Monkeys and X‑Ray Specs, noting widespread childhood disappointment.
Exotic Pets Mailed To Kids
- Ken recounts bizarre mail-order offers like raccoons and thousands of squirrel monkeys sold into the U.S. via mail ads.
Childhood Puzzle: The Grit Ads
- Ken recalls seeing Grit ads constantly as a kid but never finding an actual copy of the paper.
