I’ve been a fan of Twin Peaks since October 1993. Despite my many deep dives into the little details that make this show so great, I’m still surprised to find things I’ve never seen before. A great example is a Twin Peaks-inspired advertisement from Acme Supermarkets that briefly ran in the Philadelphia Daily News around on April 24, 1991. Thanks to Newspapers.com, I found the original.
AN EBAY AUCTION FOR NEWSPAPER CLIPPING
I periodically scan eBay auctions for unique Twin Peaks and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me items. During an early morning search while enjoying some damn, fine coffee from a Double R Diner coffee mug, I stumbled upon this auction by eBay seller icarusfalling. The caption read: “TWIN PEAKS 1990 acme supermarkets EAGLE TORTILLA CHIP RELATED AD Promo Showtime.”
After getting over the initial sticker shock ($125?!), the description intrigued me:
“Large , newsprint 14″ x 24 ” TWIN PEAKS inspired ORIGINAL 1991 Philadelphia regional ACME SUPERMARKETS advertisement ad FOR Eagle TORTILLA chips.
This ad , was originally removed from a 1991 PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS It is an oversized , regional desirable ad that is considered rare and collectible.
Condition. : Ad was quarter folded and stored flat. It is in MINT condition with minimal foxing . Ad is brighter white and appears more yellow in the sample photos.
One of a kind. This is my only copy from my personal collection.”
I had never seen this advertisement and was curious to know why it was run in the Philadelphia Daily News, a former publication that is now a part of the Philadelphia inquirer.
ACME SUPERMARKETS
Acme Markets has a long history in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania dating back to 1891. Today they are part of Albertsons and operate numerous stores throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and other states.
The advertisement is for Eagle Tortilla chips which doesn’t appear to be a current brand offered at ACME. The description for the ad said,
Twin Peaks can now be seen at Acme Supermarkets
Investigate Acme’s mysteriously low price on Eagle’s new Nacho Cheese and Ranch flavored Tortilla Chips. But hurry, it’s only a matter of time before an offer this good is cancelled.
The coupon could be redeemed between 4/24-4/30/1991 … which provides an interesting timeframe in Twin Peaks history.
TWIN PEAKS SEASON TWO WOES
It’s no surprise that companies wanted to jump on the Twin Peaks band wagon following the run away success of the show (even Sesame Street‘s Monsterpiece Theatre aired “Twin Beaks”).
Yet this advertisement was created so late in Season 2, which was already having troubles attracting viewers.
On April 18, 1991, Episode 2020 was aired. It was the final episode shown until the two-part season two finale that aired on June 10, 1991. It was no secret by April that Twin Peaks would be canceled.
An article in the New York Times from February 16, 1991 announced the cancellation by then president of ABC Entertainment, Robert Iger:
“‘Twin Peaks,’ the ABC show created by David Lynch and Mark Frost that was one of the most talked-about series of 1990, and ‘Under Cover,’ a new series created by William Broyles Jr. about a married couple who are spies, will go on hiatus after tonight’s episodes, said Robert A. Iger, president of ABC Entertainment.
‘Under Cover’ is broadcast at 9 P.M.; ‘Twin Peaks’ follows it at 10. They will be replaced by theatrical movies for the rest of the season, but in the spring both shows will return to the prime-time schedule in different time periods.
A spokesman for Lynch-Frost Productions said the change was welcome. ‘We’re looking forward to having ‘Twin Peaks’ on any night but Saturday,’ he said. ‘Our fans have proven it’s not a Saturday night show.’
The ratings for ‘Twin Peaks’ have declined in the last month; last week it was 85th of 89 shows.”
APRIL 24, 1991 ADVERTISEMENT
On February 28, 2021, I found the original print ad while searching for articles on Newspapers.com. This ad ran on Wednesday, April 24, 1991 in the Philadelphia Daily News. It was on page F-5.
Advertisements aren’t created overnight (especially for a print publication). Was the inclusion of “But hurry, it’s only a matter of time before an offer this good is cancelled” a nod to the show’s cancellation? Was the person who created it a Twin Peaks fan?
Since life is full of mysteries (Donna), we may never actually know the truth. Yet I’m incredible thankful for icarusfalling for posting this auction as it’s something I’ve never seen before. If you are looking for a unique gift or souvenir for your collection and have $125 to spare, this auction is for you!
