but they used to be everywhere. I don't remember if they were called Black Sambo's or not, but the restaurant was based on the story of "Little Black Sambo," and they were eventually closed because of the negative connotations.The original Sambo's is still operating in Santa Barbara, the little hero is not black and the story seems sweet. We ate there today and I picked up a set of Sambo's post cards, 7 illustrations and one which tells the story.
If anybody would like me to send them a post card, leave a message and I will be happy to do so.
I'm old enough & remember Sambo's. We used to go there for my birthday breakfast when I was little. Loved Tiger butter (but don't remember what was different about it). I also remember that the story of Little Black Sambo was about an Indian kid in India who outsmarted the tigers that wanted to eat him. From the cards you posted it looks like one of the tigers is nice now(?). Kind of makes me want to drive down to Santa Barbara for my birthday. :D
ReplyDelete~ Jan
They're so cute! I'd love one, if you have enough! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThose postcards are so cute. My grandma loved Sambo when she was little. I'd love to get one from you. :) I will send you a postcard tomorrow. :)
ReplyDeleteThank You!
~Miss Hannah
P.S. I received your sweet dog card today. Thank you so much.
I'm a new follower over from "Confessions of a Pen Thief". I didn't know of the restaurant, but I have a Little Black Sambo book that was my favorite as a child. I loved the tigers dressed up in Sambo's clothes! We read it nearly every night. I will have to go dig it out of storage now and post an entry about it! I would LOVE one of the postcards! I'll send you a postcard in return- what do you like?
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Jenny
Hi! Those cartoon in the postcards are really adorable! Sadly, I have not heard of Little Black Sambo. It's not popular in Malaysia, I guess. I would love to receive a card. Thanks in advance! Shall I email you my address?
ReplyDeleteLove,
Bree
bree.and.glee@gmail.com
In 1960 I sat at the feet of my father, Vernon Melander, watching him paint each one of those seven Sambo’s Story series panels. He first drew each illustration out on masonite board then painted each with sign painting paint. At the time we lived on Keystone Avenue in Culver City, California about a half a block from MGM studios. My father was a commercial artist at the time and I believe he worked for Evens Advertising agency in LA., I assumed they probably had Sambo’s Restraints as clients. He painted those in the advertising style of the day. He taught at the Art Center in LA, and was a very accomplished Commercial and Fine Artist. Vernon Melander passed away a few years ago but left a remarkable legacy of images and feelings that exist in hearts and minds of thousands if not millions of people that have looked upon his work.
ReplyDeleteI would love to get a copy of your postcards.
Thank you for posting them.
Clinton Melander
melandercl@gmail.com
I remember Sambo's. I had my first job as a waitress the summer I became 16 years old. Found your entry here because I was looking for a picture of the glass light fixtures over the cook stations of the Sambo Story series panels. Very interesting to see entry from Vernon Melander's son. I love those pictures & the spun glass renditions were beautiful. I worked for Sambo's from the time I was 16 until I turned 19 in Tampa, FL and in Houston, TX. Loved the friendly atmosphere of the diner. Back in the day, fast food places did not have drive thru or breakfast foods. Sambo's, Denny's and few mom & pop breakfast places were king!
ReplyDelete