In the groovy days of the 1970s, breakfast was not just about a bowl of cereal; it was an experience. For kids of that era, one particular cereal sparked both morning excitement and musical delight – Honeycomb. What set it apart? A tiny, groovy secret hidden on the back of the box – a playable record.
A Blast from the Past
Picture this: You’re sitting at the breakfast table, eagerly munching on your Honeycomb cereal, and your eyes catch a glimpse of something magical on the back of the box. It’s not just a colorful illustration or a puzzle; it’s a record. A real, playable vinyl record, waiting to be cut out and spun on your record player.
The Sweet Sound of Breakfast
Honeycomb’s ingenious marketing move allowed kids to enjoy not only the honey-flavored goodness of the cereal but also a sweet soundtrack to accompany their morning routine. The records featured catchy tunes, jingles and sometimes even mini-stories, making breakfast a multi-sensory experience.
In 1969, boxes of Super Sugar Crisp featured cut-outs of “The Archies Record.” There were multiple versions of “The Archies Record,” each with 4 songs. One included the mega-hit “Sugar Sugar.” Another featured “Everything’s Archie,” the theme song for the animated series “The Archie Show.” Archies records could also be found on the back of Alpha-Bits cereal.
In 1970, the Monkees TV series had been finished for 2 years, but repeats of the show were popular as part of Saturday morning programming. Those repeats were sponsored by Post. That same year, the cereal company put cut-out Monkees records on the back of its Rice Krinkles, Alpha-Bits and Honeycomb cereals. There were 3 different records, each with 4 songs. Hits on the records included “The Monkees Theme,” “I’m Not Your Steppin’ Stone,” “Last Train To Clarksville” and “I’m A Believer.”
In 1977 (or possibly 1978), Honeycomb was scaring the cereal out of children with a series of Ghost Story records. Stories included The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The Miser’s Gold and The Hitchhiker.
The stories were told by Wade Denning, who was a prolific jingle writer at the time. His most famous jingle was a 6-note instrumental piece for Maxwell House Coffee that mimicked the sound of percolating coffee.
How It Worked
The process was simple but oh-so-exciting. On the back of the Honeycomb cereal box, a circular groove pattern awaited discovery. Kids would carefully cut out the record, ensuring not to damage the grooves. With a sense of anticipation, they would place it on the turntable of their record player, drop the needle and voila – the sweet sound of Honeycomb magic filled the room.
Collectible Keepsakes
These cereal box records became cherished keepsakes for many. Whether it was a catchy jingle that played in the background while pouring milk on Honeycombs or a funky tune that became the backdrop of morning routines, these records added a touch of whimsy to breakfast time.
The End of an Era
Alas, as times changed, the era of cereal box records faded away. Evolving technologies and shifting consumer preferences led to new marketing strategies, leaving behind a trail of nostalgia for those who remember the joy of cutting out a record from a cereal box.
The Legacy Lives On
While the days of Honeycomb cereal box records are a fond memory for those who experienced them, the spirit of that era lives on in the hearts of breakfast table adventurers. It’s a testament to the creative and playful ways brands engage with their audience, turning the ordinary act of enjoying a bowl of cereal into a memorable, groovy moment. So, the next time you come across a vintage Honeycomb cereal box with a record on the back, take a trip down memory lane. Play that record, close your eyes and let the sweet symphony of nostalgia transport you back to the 1970s when breakfast was not just a meal but a groovy experience. ••
