Episode 146: Who Was Betty Crocker?

Betty Crocker is not, and never was, a real person – but that doesn’t change the effect she had on generations of people in America. Learn more about the history of the iconic Betty Crocker on this episode of A Taste of the Past! Linda Pelaccio is joined by Susan Marks, author of Finding Better Crocker. Discover the many faces of the marketing genius that is Betty Crocker – from her early radio and television personalities, to her picture cookbooks. Hear how her image shifted from motherly to friendly as General Mills tried to ensure that the masses would feel comfortable with Betty. If you’ve ever leafed through a Betty Crocker cookbook or made cake with the famous mix, tune in and hear the entire story behind the fictitious homemaker. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods. Thanks to The California Honeydrops for today’s break music.

“Betty Crocker was on the cutting edge of radio, and was on television too. There were always contests and coupons – especially if you wrote to Betty. If you had a question for Betty, it was guaranteed that it would be answered.” [11:00]

“Real people are fallible- corporate icons are not. Real women have egos- and sometimes, like in the case of Martha Stewart – they even end up in jail.” [21:00]

— Susan Marks on A Taste of the Past

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