Morton Salt's Umbrella Girl Turns 100

Morton Salt's Umbrella Girl - 2014

"When It Rains, It Pours" I don't think there are to many people who when hearing that phrase don't immediately think "Morton Salt" or recognize the trademark logo of the little "Umbrella Girl". But did you know that the little girl is celebrating her 100th birthday, I didn't until recently when purchasing a new container of salt. I guess she's just one of those things that you've seen for so long that you just don't notice it anymore, so I thought it might be fun to provide a little history on this familiar little girl.

Morton Salt's Umbrella Girl - 1914

The story begins in 1911 when Morton Salt begins an advertising campaign to promote its new product – a free-running salt in a round blue package with a patented pouring spout. The advertising agency of N.W. Ayer & Company, was asked to submit a series ads to run in consecutive issues of Good Housekeeping magazine. The agency brought 12 proposed ads and three possible ad substitutes to the Morton offices for consideration.

Morton Salt's Umbrella Girl - 1921

Sterling Morton, secretary and son of company founder Joy Morton was immediately interested in one of the substitute ads. It showed a little girl holding an umbrella in one hand to ward off falling rain and, in the other hand, a package of salt tilted back under her arm with the spout open and salt running out. Years later, Mr. Morton explained his initial enthusiasm for the ad in this way: "Here was the whole story in a picture – the message that the salt would run in damp weather was made beautifully evident."

Morton Salt's Umbrella Girl - 1933

The Morton Salt Umbrella Girl and slogan first appeared on the blue package of table salt in 1914. Throughout the years the ageless girl has changed dresses and hairstyles to stay fashionable. She was updated in 1921, 1933, 1941, 1956, and 1968. In 2014, the Morton Salt Girl was refreshed one more time in celebration of her 100th year as the face of the brand.

Morton Salt's Umbrella Girl - 1941

 Here are a few interesting little tidbits on the Umbrella Girls changes over the years.

• In 1921 her curly hair was straightened, darkened and she was given a wide smile this also marks the first time you see her foot turned upward. 

• In 1933, the curls returned in a hairstyle reminiscent of child star Shirley Temple. This version is often referred to as the Shirley Temple version. 

• 1941 brought the little girl her first dash of color.  A yellow dress that is now as synonymous with her as the salt and umbrella she is carrying.  

Morton Salt's Umbrella Girl - 1956

• In  1956 more yellow was added to the umbrella she carries, this was to correspond with the addition of a yellow top and bottom to the salt package.  

• 1968 included some of the most significant design changes since her inception. She was reintroduced to the world with short, windblown hair and a high-waisted, yellow dress.  Her umbrella changed to lavender and white and her gaze faced downward.

Morton Salt's Umbrella Girl - 1968

There has been widespread curiosity about the Umbrella Girl's origin and history which prompted tons of letters to the company over the years. Many people have seen a resemblance to a sister, cousin, or niece, they often write to ask the name of the real person who was the model for the Umbrella Girl when in fact, there never was a real model.

So the next time your buying a package of Morton Salt stop for a moment and look at the "Umbrella Girl". You just might find yourself saying "Wow, a hundred years", not to many products can say that especially in today's world.