7 things that are surprisingly as old as Betty White

See what other icons came onto the scene in 1922

Image: The Everett Collection

Betty White passed away days short of her 100 birthday. To put her longevity in perspective, consider other celebrities born in 1922 — Judy Garland, Bea Arthur, Ava Gardner, Redd Foxx, Telly Savalas, Veronica Lake, Stan Lee, Kurt Vonnegut, Jack Klugman, Jack Kerouac, Charles Schulz, Doris Day, Barbara Hale… we could go on. They all seem to belong to another era. Betty White is for every generation.

And so are these introductions, innovations, and inventions that came into the world in 1922. They will surprise you.

1. Blenders

A Polish-American inventor named Stephen Poplawski patented the blender in 1922, initially conceived to mix up malted milkshakes at soda fountains. About a decade later, L. Hamilton and Chester Beach started cranking out the machines as the "Miracle Mixer." 

Image: Hamilton Beach

2. Girl Scout Cookies

In a 1922 issue of The American Girl, the magazine published by Girl Scouts of the United States of America, the organization offered up a way for troops to collect money — baking cookies. Yep, originally, troops had to whip up their own batches. The original recipe was for a buttery sugar cookie and came with a helpful bit of prose to sell them, seen here.

Image: The American Girl / Girl Scouts

3. Klondike Bars

"What would you do for a Klondike bar?" That jingle has been rattling around in our brains for decades. But the ice cream treats had been around for half a century before that, originating from Isaly's, a dairy restaurant chain in Ohio. A savvy businessman named Henry Clarke bought the rights in 1976 and took the bars nationwide.

Image: Isaly's / Good Humor

4. La Choy

A Korean immigrant named Dr. Ilhan New partnered with a fellow from the University of Michigan named Wally Smith to can mung beans for a Detroit grocery store. The branded the mung beans "La Choy," and an Asian food giant was born. In the 1960s and '70s, Muppets legends Jim Henson and Frank Oz performed as Delbert the La Choy Dragon and Mert in commercials for the brand, seen here.

Image: La Choy / Con Agra

5. The Little Rascals

Hal Roach, pictured here with his kiddie stars, kicked off his "Our Gang" franchise in 1922, originally as silent shorts. One Terrible Day, the first installment of the scamps' adventures, introduced characters Jackie, Mickey, the Doty Twins, Farina, and Booker T. Bacon. Spanky would not appear for another decade. Buckwheat followed a couple of years later — initially as a female character. Did you know that?

Image: Everett Collection

6. Quaker Quick Oats

Quick Oats were one of the first "convenience products," cutting the time it took to enjoy breakfast. Americans were starting to get on the go.

Image: Quaker Oats / PepsiCo

7. Water Skiing

Ah, what would the world be without Fonzie jumping the shark? The sport was invented in Minnesota, Land of Lakes, by a teenager named Ralph Samuelson, who bravely strapped two boards to his feet and had a boat drag him around Lake Pepin by a clothesline. Thus, a sport was born.

Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
Close

16 Comments

MarianneCoon 26 months ago
My mama was born in 1922 too but Betty was 7 months older. My mom dies at 89 years old
vinman63 26 months ago
November will be 100 years that Tut was discovered.
15inchBlackandWhite 27 months ago
Isaly's started in Ohio but eventually they made their way to Pittsburgh where they became a beloved local institution. The original plant where the Klondikes were produced still stands near the University of Pittsburgh campus.
WilliamHogan 27 months ago
WOR Radio turns 100 next month.
Snickers 27 months ago
Girl Scout cookies sold for 30 cents back then Wow, I just paid 5 dollars for a box of Thin Mints.
Keith 27 months ago
I remember watching an episode of "Our Gang" and noticing them trying to show Buckwheat off as a girl. Well I'm sure his parents didn't mind that at all $$$
Michael 27 months ago
This just in. Betty White died Friday morning.
Rob 27 months ago
La Choy soy sauce is the best!
Rob 27 months ago
This comment has been removed.
Lantern 27 months ago
Betty White is on the cover of People magazine this week.
KJExpress Lantern 27 months ago
I was at the grocery store today and there she was on People Magazine with the headline to the effect that she turns 100 years old. Well, not quite. Sad.
Pacificsun 27 months ago
Cute story! I am surprised by those milestones!
LoveMETV22 27 months ago
We are fortunate for all of Betty White's contributions. A true legend and icon in both film and tv.
Pacificsun LoveMETV22 27 months ago
Yes, I hope she is still strong, and accompanied by her beloved furry companions!
Pacificsun 27 months ago
This comment has been removed.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?