In the 1950s, women bought magazines as a source of entertainment. TV was still brand new in the early fifties. Magazines were a popular choice of amusement for women. They could kick back, relax, and enjoy reading an article or short story. Household magazines like Ladies Home Journal or Good Housekeeping typically featured 4 works of fiction per issue. Each story included an eye-catching illustration from popular artists of the time.
The above illustration shows a couple under the covers. It accompanied a short story by Robert Sheckley titled “Fear in the Night”. The illustrator was Al Moore.
Unless you get over these nightmares featuring me as the principal villian, I’ll have to leave you
Fear in the Night by Robert Sheckley – Today’s woman January 1953
The story and illustration comes from the January 1953 issue of Today’s Woman magazine. It was one of 5 works of fiction in this issue. Here’s a peek at the table of contents. Note that it lists one entry under “Novelette” and four under “Fiction”.
Magazines made it possible for up-and-coming authors to be discovered. The author of the Novelette titled “The Split Second”, was Daphne du Mauier. Already an accomplished novelist, she is the most notable author on the list. A quick Google search returned this for the popular writer.
Here’s a glimpse of the novelette as it appeared in the magazine.
“There has been great confusion,” began Mrs. Ellis desperately. “My house has been broken into, robbery is going on at this moment. I believe the thieves to be very desperate and extraordinarily cunning”
The Split Second – A novelette by Daphne du Maurier. Illustration by Bernard D’ Andrea. Today’s Woman January 1953
Besides writers, magazines also provided a way for talented illustrators to share their work. We know of famous artist Normal Rockwell in today’s world because of his 1940s Saturday Evening Post illustrations. Authors and illustrators became celebrities in the mid-century mainly because of magazines.
Here’s a look at another short story published in the January 1953 edition of Today’s Woman magazine. This one is illustrated by Robert Hilbert (AKA Bob Hilbert), a busy illustrator in the 1950s.
The story of a hectic bout with Love, involving a deceptive hero, a beautiful girl and the state of Texas – where, as everyone knows, anything can happen
Short story by John Graves – Today’s Woman January 1953
For more on Bob Hilbert, check out this earlier MidCenturyPage.com post. It includes a quick bio from Today’s Woman from an earlier issue.
Another short story and illustration from the Today’s Woman magazine issue is shown below. Illustrator Gwen Fremlin gives us a look at the decor and popular dress of the time in this party scene.
He had a reputation of devastating love affairs – sometimes two or three at a time. She, on the other hand, had only a reputation – of which she was exceedingly fond.
The Roving Kind by Eileen Herbert Jordan. Illustration by Gwen Fremlin – Today’s Woman January 1953
I typically don’t scan and share the short story due to copyright concerns. However, there is one amusing quote that I want to share. Here it is below.
The fifth work of fiction published in the January 1953 edition of Today’s Magazine was titled, “Carnival Day”. It was written by Willie Mary Kistle and illustrated by Charles Hawes. Here it is below.
As you have likely observed from various illustrations shown above, women were generally depicted as pretty and blonde. Men were generally tall dark and handsome. The Cary Grant look-a-like in the Charles Hawes illustration above definitely fits the bill.
The illustrations and short stories found in 1950s and 1960s women’s magazines help tell the story of the time. These works of creativity are among the many reasons that I enjoy collecting and reading mid-century women’s magazines.
I will continue to share these great illustrations in the coming weeks and months.
Mid-Century Page 
As a boomer myself, I fondly recall reading my mother’s Good Housekeeping, Family Circle and Woman’s Day, especially the recipes during the holidays!
Do you know of a Women’s magazine writer, active in the 1940’s but possibly also the 1930’s and 1950’s, by the name if Rosemary Price?
Thanks for your blog!
Val Smith
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Hi Val. Thanks for reaching out. I searched through my magazine archive and didn’t find anything that referenced Rosemary Price. I am sorry to say. I had so hoped that I would find something for you. Happy searching.
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Thanks so much for your quick and kind reply.
I am always happy searching!
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Thanks so much for your quick and kind reply.
I am always happy searching!
LikeLike
Thanks so much for your quick and kind reply.
I am always happy searching!
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