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The Mr. Peanut fan club you never knew about
Every great leader has a following. These leaders can range from kings and presidents to fast food chains and celebrities. So it may not come as much of a surprise – or it may, depending on where you stand – that one of America’s most recognizable symbols has a small but devoted following, and he’s not even a real person.
The Peanut Pals Club
The character in question is Mr. Peanut, the mascot for Planters Peanuts. The Peanut Pals Club, founded in 1978 by Judith Walthall (via PeanutPals’ own website), acts less like a secret fraternity and more like a modest group of collectors who have collected Mr. Peanut memorabilia over the years.
What is the Peanut Pals Club?
The Peanut Pals Club is a fan club dedicated to collecting and documenting the hundreds of Mr. Peanut items released over the years. The purpose of the club is to preserve the memory of the original Mr. Peanut and celebrate his iconic status as the face of Planters.
Why is Mr. Peanut loved?
In a 2018 Huffington Post interview, Peanut Pals president Scott Schmitz explained why Peanut Pals love Mr. Peanut so much in the first place. According to Schmitz, Mr. Peanut is athletic, dapper, knowledgeable, hip, and in tune with the times. For more than 100 years, Mr. Peanut has been the beloved face of Planters, capturing the hearts of generations of fans.
Collect Mr. Peanut Memorabilia
The Peanut Pals Club is dedicated to collecting and documenting Mr. Peanut memorabilia. From old paper ads to display boxes, club members strive to preserve the rarest merchandise, especially those dating back to Planters’ acquisition by Standard Brand in 1961. During this transition, many of the realistic-looking Mr. Peanut mascots were replaced with the more modern cartoonish version, making the original items highly sought after by collectors.
Surprises and Events
The Peanut Pals Club is not without its surprises. Members have had the privilege of meeting the real Mr. Peanut, who drives the “NUTmobile” to Peanut Pals events, including conventions. In one memorable instance, Planters arranged for ten members of the club, dressed in parade attire, to be transported in the Nutmobile to the Philadelphia Art Museum, where they walked up the famous Rocky Steps in style.
Join the Peanut Pals Club
If you’re a fan of Mr. Peanut and want to be a part of the Peanut Pals Club, joining is easy. Just sign up on their website and membership is available for an annual fee of $25. The club also offers discounts for family associate members 16 and older, as well as those under 16. By joining, you will not only become part of a community of passionate Mr. Peanut enthusiasts, but you will also be helping to preserve and celebrate an iconic American symbol.
Conclusion
The Peanut Pals Club is a testament to the enduring popularity of Mr. Peanut and the deep connection fans have with this beloved mascot. Through their dedication to collecting and preserving Mr. Peanut memorabilia, club members ensure that the legacy of the original Mr. Peanut lives on. Whether it’s for nostalgia, charm or simply a love of peanuts, the Peanut Pals Club continues to thrive as a gathering place for fans to celebrate and honor the timeless appeal of Mr. Peanut.
FAQS
What is the Peanut Pals Club?
The Peanut Pals Club is a dedicated fan club that collects and documents Mr. Peanut memorabilia from throughout the years. It was founded in 1978 and serves as a gathering place for fans to celebrate and honor the iconic status of Mr. Peanut.
How do I join the Peanut Pals Club?
Joining the Peanut Pals Club is easy. You can sign up on their website and become a member by paying an annual fee of $25. Discounts are available for family associate members 16 and older and for members under 16.
What is the purpose of the Peanut Pals Club?
The primary purpose of the Peanut Pals Club is to collect and preserve Mr. Peanut memorabilia and to keep the memory of the original Mr. Peanut alive. Club members are passionate about documenting and celebrating the history of this iconic mascot.
What kind of Mr. Peanut items do the Peanut Pals collect?
The Peanut Pals club collects a wide variety of Mr. Peanut items, including vintage newspaper advertisements, display cases, figurines, and other merchandise. They have a special focus on rare items from the period when Planters was acquired by Standard Brand in 1961, as many of the original Mr. Peanut mascots were replaced during that time.
Does the Peanut Pals Club host events?
Yes, the Peanut Pals Club organizes events, including conventions and meetings. Members have the opportunity to meet the real Mr. Peanut, who makes appearances at these events in the NUTmobile. The club also organizes special activities, such as visits to notable places like the Philadelphia Art Museum.
What is the significance of Mr. Peanut to the Peanut Pals Club?
Mr. Peanut holds a special place in the hearts of the Peanut Pals Club members. He is admired for his athleticism, dapper appearance and timeless charm. The club sees Mr. Peanut as an iconic symbol of the long history and popularity of Planters Peanuts, and they strive to preserve his legacy through their dedication to collecting and documenting Mr. Peanut memorabilia.