Mustard continues to pop up on the pop culture radar

What’s the most famous “mustard” of them all? Some smart alec in the back of the room blurted out: “Colonel Mustard.” 

Although a “who” and not a “what,” the good colonel is always represented by the mustard-yellow marker in the game of “Clue,” which is in the National Toy Hall of Fame. 

Anthony Ernest Pratt, an English musician, created “Clue” in 1943, in the midst of World War II, as a murder mystery board game. The object was to solve the crime. Who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room of the mansion and with which object? 

(The dear Mr. Boddy was the chap who invited his closest friends into his home for an evening of socializing and ended up dead.) Was he bopped on the noggin, let’s say “in the conservatory with the lead pipe?” 

One of six suspects, the well-to-do Colonel Michael Mustard is described by a noted toys and games historian as “your typical adventurer with a military background. He continues to practice archery and shooting” in pursuit of his greatest passion –hunting.

 

“He’s a dashing and handsome man with a proud demeanor,” the historian said. “A bachelor, Colonel Mustard, is ‘smitten by’ both Mrs. Eleanor Peacock (a widow) and Miss Vivienne Sakura Scarlet.” 

Patti Levenson is known as the “Queen of Mustard” in Middleton, Wis., the epicenter of “the Mustard Empire.” The queen’s throne is inside the National Mustard Museum building there. She is married to museum curator Barry Levenson. 

Among the royal court is the “Duchess de Mustard,” Vi Bergum, age 90ish, who is a native of Switzerland and a retired elementary school teacher.

 

For many years the duchess has served as the “National Mustard Day” ambassador and tour guide in Middleton. The celebratory one-day event is held each year on the first Saturday of August. 

Bergum said the secret to a long life is “use mustard…it enhances all the flavors that you eat.” 

Or, as American comedian Chico Marx would say: “Mustard’s no good without roast beef.” 

One of the sponsors of National Mustard Day is French’s Mustard, the best-selling brand of mustard in the United States. “Frenchy” is the name of the company mascot. He resembles a giant plastic mustard bottle and is ultra-kid friendly.

 

Brothers George and Francis French introduced “French’s Classic Yellow Mustard,” served over hot dogs at the St. Louis World’s Fair, in 1904. The company was headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., for many years. 

In 2017, French’s brands were acquired by McCormick & Company, now based in Hunt Valley, Md.

 

‘Hot Dan’ came to rescue meals with his mustard jar

One of the most classic advertising gimmicks of all time was French’s “Hot Dan the Mustard Man” campaign in 1932 that attached yellow Hot Dan plastic spoons to jars of mustard. 

“The spoons became a hot item for collectors who fondly remembered Hot Dan, commented Peter B. Taub a columnist at the Times-Union newspaper, based in Albany County, N.Y. 

“A lot of women said the condiment spoons were the best thing they could find for feeding their babies.” 

Hot Dan was an odd-looking fellow who sported a fat bow tie. He would often arrive in the nick of time to keep the peace at the family dinner table. He might say:\

 

“I’m Hot Dan, the king of flavor. I give meals piquancy and savor. Try this mustard, for it will…give your corned beef an added thrill.” 

“French’s Mustard – always the best to add that tangful zest. You bet it has just what it takes…to glorify your chops and steaks.” 

The campaign continued to be the keystone of French’s print advertising until Hot Dan cooled off and was phased out in the 1940s.