In an old (50 years ago) issue of Postcard Collector the author of an article about Bernhardt Wall called him the “King of Postcards.” If the estimate that he did the artwork for more than five thousand postcards is true, it is a well-deserved title. Most collectors of artist-signed postcards know his name, but it may be fair to say that many collectors have no idea of the range of topics Wall illustrated.
One of the most adorable of his efforts is the circa 1910, 14-card set known as Wall’s Animated Fruits and Vegetables. The title on each card is based on a common popular expression, i.e., You’re the Apple of My Eye, that contains the name, or a homonym, (carrot or karat) of a fruit or vegetable within it. Most are cute, but some are far-fetched, since, to the best of this writer’s knowledge, it is not possible to “cabbage” someone or something. And, further more if you know how to “melon,” we would like to join you.
1. Apple
You Are the Apple of My Eye
The phrase the apple of one’s eye dates back at least to the ninth century, but it was probably used in conversation long before that time. Originally, the apple of one’s eye referred to the pupil of the human eye. People believed that the pupil was a round, solid object. In a time without proper eye care, sight was a precious commodity. It wasn’t long before the apple of one’s eye became a metaphor for something precious. This metaphor was used several times in the King James version of the Bible, as in Psalms: “Keep me as the apple of thine eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.”
2. Cabbage
I’d Like To Cabbage You Myself
Good luck!
3. Ears (Corn)
I’m all Ears, Tell Me All About It
Having one’s ear is meant to put someone at ease. Life is sometime troublesome and all that is needed to ease stressful situations is to have an opportunity to tell someone or cry on someone’s shoulder. I’m all ears is a statement of willingness to help.
4. Cucumber
I’m as Cool as a Cucumber but, My Heart is Warm
The phrase was first found in a poem by the British poet John Gay. In a 1732 anthology he wrote, New Song on New Similes. The phrase means to be very calm, without worries. It describes a person who is unaffected by pressure. One interesting fact about As Cool as a Cucumber; the meaning of the word “cool” in the phrase doesn’t mean having a low temperature, on the contrary, it means assured and composed.
5. Eyes (Potato)
I Have my Eyes on You
Having one’s eyes on someone can be an expression of admiration or a reminder that the watcher is being mindful of his duty to keep the other from harm or injury. It can also mean that someone is keeping watch to be able to imitate the actions of the person being watched – often used this way in the financial world.
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