Roving Ambassadress

Subject: Roving Ambassadress Mon 29 Oct 2007, 10:48 pm

In 1957, a lady of Jersey was making her way about the land to extol the virtues of Borden's Milk. She thought so highly of this bovine derivative that she hastened on her journey through America, despite the fact that she was the mother of young twins, who could not be parted from her. The Borden Company, for its part, worked to keep Ambassadress Elsie and her babes as comfortable as was possible during their journeys, providing Mom with a half-tester bed of soft hay while her wee ones enjoyed a well-equipped nursery.

The promotional postcard seen below depicts ELSIE and her TWINS IN PERSON.

"Elsie is in her canopied bed, the twins in their double sized playroom. For the little ones there's a twin-sized bassinet for nighttime and a two seater rocking hose for playtime. For Elsie there's a library complete with antique victrola. Favorite albums -- 'Moo-in Over Miami', 'Cow Cow Boogie' and 'Jersey Bounce.' Favorite books -- 'The Farmer With Cold Hands', 'Calves or Career', 'How to Live on 5,000 Quarts a Year'. Elsie's quite proud of her cowsmetics table made from her grandmother's milking stanchion. Favorite necessities -- 'Meadow Mud Pack', 'Tail Wave Set', 'Eau de New Mown Hay'. Elsie's unique barn Boudoir, housed within a 35 foot trailer, closes into a comfortably compact unit for traveling."

http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/public/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=34&s=264&ai=43365&ssd=5/31/2003&arch=y

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elsie_the_Cow

http://www.woodsidefarmcreamery.com/FunFacts/JerseyFacts.htm

http://www.greenwoodfarms.com/Jersey_Cows.htm
_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves

Subject: Re: Roving Ambassadress Tue 30 Oct 2007, 3:02 pm

Sooweeet

I'd forgotten all about ELSIE and didn't know she toured. We learned about cattle breeds last month though.

Madelyn

Subject: Re: Roving Ambassadress Sun 04 Nov 2007, 2:02 pm

Exactly when was Elsie touring? They were worrying about calves vs. career earlier than i thought if it was in 1957.

Sweet. Maaaooooooooo

Wrangler Joined : 01 Jul 2007 Posts : 30

There's Elsie. My that brings back memories.

When one of my high school friends and I went off to college in 1961 it was the talk of our families. None of our women had worked outside the home before or pursued a higher education. I think everyone was happy but maybe a little uncertain what would become of us. My Dad thought a good typing and shorthand course should be all I'd need in the world but I wanted to be a teacher.

This book must have come to Elsie late in life.

Anne

Subject: Re: Roving Ambassadress Mon 12 Nov 2007, 3:31 pm

I was raised with the "no animals in the house !" type rule. This beats all. Can I get a copy of this for my mother ?

love, Mari

Subject: Re: Roving Ambassadress Mon 12 Nov 2007, 11:05 pm

Mari ... I talked (well, as a matter of sort) all about Elsie and forgot to mention Gail Borden. He came first, after all.

http://www.lsjunction.com/people/borden.htm

http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/BB/fbo24.html

He actually was quite a 'Renaissance' gentleman farao

And the National Dairy Shrine is worth a visit.

http://www.dairyshrine.org/default.asp

By the way, Hopkins County once was one of the leading milk-producers in the nation. Is it still? According to the Texas Almanac, the folks there hold a dairy festival each June.

Oh ... and Texas State Champion Homemade Ice Cream Freezeoff as well.

http://sulphursprings-tx.com/icecream.htm

Can't say that there's nothing to do in Texas in spring Smile

_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves

Wrangler Joined : 13 Nov 2007 Posts : 49

Gawd that's too cute. Wasn't there a series of Jerseys playing Elsie? Kinda like the string of Longhorns playing Bevoe??

Subject: Re: Roving Ambassadress Wed 14 Nov 2007, 2:25 am

You know, I don't know. Surprised? Wink

I read somewhere that these little ones were but a train of Elsie's youngin's .... and the father was ... Beauregard?

Yes, I possess a misty memory of Elsie under lights at the State Fair, but that is all. Will have to quest my mother for details Smile

By the way, do you recall the little chameleon lizards, which were pinned to our pinnafores, at said Fair? I yet harbor guilt about them and their unnatural fate, which is like cause of my erstwhile menagerie today Rolling Eyes

_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves

Wrangler Joined : 18 Nov 2007 Posts : 13

I remember Elsie making an appearance at the State Fair of Texas and I think it was in 1957......They had her set up in what is now the Old Mill Inn restaurant if I'm not mistaken and they weren't stingy with their gifts either. I remember getting a free chocolate malt and some other stuff. The malt was normal size too.

It really was kind of exciting the way they had Elsie in there and I'm sure her twins were there but it's Elsie that I remember.

Wrangler Joined : 13 Nov 2007 Posts : 49

OMG No! I do not remember pinning lizards to my clothing.
Have I blocked something traumatic from my past or did I really not participate in this?

I do love Jerseys. And Holstiens. They're so sweet.
Someday, I'm gonna have cows and continue in an old family tradition. 'cept I won't be eatin' 'em!

Subject: Re: Roving Ambassadress Tue 20 Nov 2007, 9:38 pm

LOL Yes, as I recall, the poor green babes (chameleons they were, I think) were given 'leashes' of colored thread, to which they were connected via safety pins to their young hosts Rolling Eyes

I always looked forward to receiving my lizard at the Fair each year, and made little homes for them in improvised terrariums.

We live next door to several Red Angus and Charolais. You'll have to check them out when you come to check out the old mill Smile

_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves