In 2010, Writer’s Digest will turn 90. To celebrate, we’re counting down to our nonagenarian years with a look back at WD history. In the November/December issue, we took a lighthearted look at some of the curious, quirky or otherwise random content we’ve spotted in the archives. The retrospective continues here.

BALLYHOO advertisement (February 1939)


2 personal ads (“INFANT, male, 20…” and “Mature Philosophic Lady…” (March 1939)


Letter to the Editor from Ellen McFay + Response (September 1939)


“I’m a Bricklayer…” editorial cartoon (September 1939)


“It’s a Shame More Women Don’t Take Up Writing” by Faith Baldwin (March 1964)


“Merry Muppeteer” (March 1980)


COVER IMAGE “The Religious Markets Want You!” (December 1977)


COVER IMAGE “Free Lance Writer Makes the Senate” (April 1955)


COVER IMAGE, “Should I Be a Writer?” (September 1961)


“Cola Bears” Caterpillar ad (February 1981)


[Coming soon: To purchase the November/December issue of WD, click here.]

Last Chance to Win!
Click here to visit the forum and post a picture of yourself with your oldest issue of WD! At the end of the year, one participant will be randomly chosen to win a copy of Legends of Literature: The Best Articles, Interviews and Essays from the Archives of Writer’s Digest Magazine.