‘Mr. Peanut’ Is An Elegant Atlantic City, NJ Icon Since 1930

Mr. Peanut is an elegant, monocle wearing, black shoes, with white spats (covering the instep and ankle) … white gloves, cane holding Atlantic City ambassador … who walked the boardwalk as a roving ambassador to promote The Planters Peanut store on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City.

In 1930, Mr. Peanut became the mascot for the Planters Peanut store on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City.

However, his popularity was beyond city-wide. People just love to have a meet and greet and have a photo taken with Mr. Peanut.

Dating back to 1916, The Mr. Peanut character was created from a drawing by a 14-year-old boy named Antonio Gentile of Suffolk, Virginia.

This young boy came up with the whole dignified concept.

In 1964, Atlantic City hosted the Democratic National Convention, which would have been President John F. Kennedy’s convention … Had he not been assassinated on November 22, 1963.

Mr. Peanut rode a donkey down the boardwalk in Atlantic City, greeting the delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

Atlantic City performed abysmally during the Democratic National Convention.

Atlantic City did not recover until casino gaming was approved in Atlantic City only in 1976.

Resorts International Hotel & Casino opened its doors for business on May 26, 1978 and it was the catalyst for more than 30 consecutive years of unbridled growth.

The Planters Peanut store closed in 1978 and just missed the Atlantic City casino era.

Even though The Planters Peanut store has been closed for more than 45 years … Mr. Peanut has endured and continues to make special appearances … including today on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City.

A dream has also come true for Margie Hurley, who wore an original (more than 60 years old) The Mr. Peanut costume.

Margie demonstrated such great attention to detail and assembled perfect black shoes, spats, black top and pants and a walking cane for tonight’s assignment.

Margie has always loved Mr. Peanut and she’s been really looking forward to today.

About her command performance as Mr. Peanut, Margie said:

”I loved every minute of it. First, Larry (Sieg, President for Visit Atlantic City) took me around. Then, I posed for some pictures.”

“Gary (Musich, Vice President of Sales for Visit Atlantic City) took me into the lounge and all around the hotel lobby, greeting all of the international guests.”

”It was a thrill for me,” said Margie Hurley.

Here is the incomparable Margie Hurley (below) … starring as “Mr. Peanut.”

SOURCE: AtlanticCityExperience.org