Mr. Peanut

K-269

Planters Nut and Chocolate Company, based in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, established a peanut processing factory in Suffolk in 1913. Amedeo Obici, the company's co-founder, moved to Suffolk and in 1916 sponsored a contest to develop a mascot for Planters. Antonio Gentile, an Italian American schoolboy who lived with his family in this Hall Place neighborhood, submitted the winning drawing, a peanut with arms, legs, and a cane labeled “Mr. P. Nut Planter.” The character, refined by a commercial artist, began appearing in advertisements by 1917. Mr. Peanut is among the most widely recognized advertising icons in the United States.

Department of Historic Resources, 2008

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References/Bibliographic Citation:

Hobbs, Kermit and Pagette William. Suffolk A Celebration of History. (the Donning Company Publishers, VA Beach, VA, 2006) Stainback, Tana and Susan Blair. Hall Place Historic District. National Register of Historic Places Inventory form 2007. U. S. Census Records. “City of Suffolk, Enumeration district 219.” National Archives, Washington, D.C. 1920. www.planters.com www.collectibles.about.com/pd/companyprofiles/p/pfplanters.htm