Have you ever received a postcard that compelled you to go to a place you never knew existed? Well, that is why we found ourselves in Blackfoot, Idaho on the afternoon of October 5th. My friend, Brady, sent a postal souvenir from the Idaho Potato Museum and I just knew I had to go there!

The official Mr. Potato Head was born in 1952. The original toy cost 98. The kit contained hands, feet, ears, two mouths, two pairs of eyes, four noses, three hats, eyeglasses, a pipe, and eight felt pieces resembling facial hair. The original Mr. Potato Head did not include a potato “body”, consumers provided their own potatoes to stick the various pieces into.

Also in 1952, Mr. Potato Head became the first toy advertised on television. This was the first commercial to be aimed directly at children; before this, commercials only targeted adults. This commercial revolutionized marketing, and caused an industrial boom. Over one million kits were sold in the first year.

In the 60s, complaints were made regarding rotting vegetables and sharp plastic ends. With new government safety regulations the company was forced to include a plastic potato “body” to be used in its kits to replace fruits and vegetables. By the 70s, new toy child safety regulations demanded that the head and its accessories had to be doubled in size to eliminate choking hazards.

One never knows what one will discover. I loved this informative potato family.

After visiting the museum, and having pre-ordered our dinner, we dined at the Potato Station Café. Here potatoes are served baked, fried, in salads, in cupcakes, dipped in chocolate or as bread. "There is nothing more satisfying and comforting than an Idaho potato!" ... Especially after a day on the road.