Where are the fruitcakes of yesteryear?

Sears Wishbook, 1992

I hadn’t realized Sears sold fruitcakes at Christmas. Oh, I figured they probably did in the earliest part of the 20th century when they shipped bulk groceries across the country by rail, but I didn’t guess they were still selling fruitcakes in 1992 — perhaps the very same ones! Kidding? I suppose so, but fruitcakes HAVE been known to last an exceptionally long time — check this out.

One has to admire how Sears worked to give you enough details about the cakes to let you to decide which of their several varieties (!) you wanted. 53% fruit? 63% fruit? 76% fruit? Dark rum or a splash of brandy? Give them credit for their attention to detail.

Maybe it’s easier just to buy popcorn instead – pick your favorite NFL team tin and you’re good to go.

The popcorn may not last, but the containers made great wastebaskets for the kids.