Pea Soup Postcards

The Buellton Historical Society

Pea Soup Postcards

When the Andersen's adopted their pea splitting duo as their traveling ambassadors, they had no idea just how far they would go. The original cartoon appeared in a humor magazine called "Judge" in September of 1931. The Andersen's obtained permission from the magazine and the cartoonist, Charles Forbell to use the cartoon to promote their small diner in Buellton.

The pea smashing pair were an instant success when their likenesses were applied to postcards and billboards along the highway leading the way to the restaurant.

The original cartoon on the left, with color added, was drawn by Charles Forbell in 1931. In the mid 1940's Robert Andersen had the cartoon redrawn by Disney artist Milt Neil. The result was a kinder friendlier rendition of the pea splitting duo.

In 1946 a contest was held to give the previously unnamed characters their own names. The result was "Hap-pea" for the big guy and "Pea-wee" for the little guy. That also means that any postcards featuring the cartoon characters names were printed after 1946. The linen postcards can probably be dated between 1947-1965. There are many variations of the cartoon card featuring the Hap-pea and Pea-Wee characters.

Any cards listing other locations were printed in the 1970's (mostly 1976 and later) after the Santa Nella location was opened. The other locations were Mammoth Lakes (opened 1971-1972), Santa Nella (opened 1975-1976) and Carlsbad (opened 1979-1980). Today only Buellton and Santa Nella remain.

In the 1950's more vibrant colors were added to the linen postcard, probably at the suggestion of the printer.

Published for the Buellton Historical Society
www.buelltonhistory.org