Christmas shopping can be challenging, but back in the first half of the 20th century, North Carolinians got a helpful hint from a most unlikely source: the Carolina Power & Light Company. The tip? “Give Her a Hoover.”
Raleigh-based CP&L unveiled its not-so-catchy slogan in an otherwise festive holiday window display — with an actual Hoover vacuum cleaner as the centerpiece — tempting men to buy their significant others an apparatus for doing household chores. Hey, nothing says romance like a vacuum cleaner, right?
Actually, CP&L’s Hoover display was part of a nationwide “Give Something Electrical” promotion that began in the 1910s and lasted several decades as a conscious effort to give the economy — and electric power companies in particular — a jolt. The campaign must have worked, because electric utilities across the country developed similar promotions.
Of course, the “Give Her a Hoover” and “Give Something Electrical” campaigns seem antiquated these days, but the assurance of a warm, light-filled home on Christmas morning? Well, that’s a gift that should never be taken for granted.
’Tis the season for sweets! If you’re too busy to bake your festive favorites this year, these local bakeries across the state have pastry cases brimming with delectable holiday treats.
Make it a Carolina Christmas: From the mountains to the coast, we found our state’s icons — official and honorary — in their best holiday dress.
Each year, the post office in the tiny town of Star holds a contest to determine the design of its holiday postmark, which brings visitors from near and far to Montgomery County to add a bit of Christmas cheer to their mail.
Give thanks for pie! Creamy chocolate walnut; sweet potato covered in a buttery, crunchy topping; classic, custardy pumpkin — these favorites are fit for a feast.
