1967 Bolens Lawn Keeper Arnold Palmer Compact Tractor Riding Walking Print Ad (With a little help from Chat GPT)

I was feeling tired and uninspired, but liked this ad. Arnold Palmer was in his prime while I was still in grade school, so my memories are of an 'older' Arnold. This image catches my fancy, because it shows an Arnold I never got to see. He looked pretty rugged, even perched on that sized-small lawn tractor.

I wanted to do him justice, so looked to Chat GPT for help. (For convenience, GPT allows me to call him Geppetto.) Anyway, Geppetto looked at my ad copy, and came up with (mostly) the text below. Some of the things Geppetto wrote were innocent assumptions based on a lack of context with human referents. So, I touched up Geppetto's writing. The result is a collaboration. My original description from the eBay listing, Geppetto's creative re-write, and my final edit.

It was a fun little project, and depending on my mood and the subject, I may ask Geppetto for input on other posts. I'll always let you know when I do... not going to steal credit when anybody helps me, even an AI. :^)

    The 1967 Bolens Lawn Keeper Ad featuring Arnold Palmer takes you back to the golden era of lawn care. This eye-catching advertisement, suitable for framing, showcases the Bolens Lawn Keeper, a tough and reliable machine that promises to revolutionize your yard maintenance.

    At the top of the page, in bold letters, you see the name "Bolens Lawn Keeper," accompanied by the tagline "... tough act to follow.", and Arnold Palmer's "signature." The combination of bold typography and vibrant colors immediately grabs your attention. 

    In the center of the ad, a larger-than-life image of the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer confidently sits on a Bolens Lawn Keeper compact tractor. With a friendly smile Palmer makes the Bolens Lawn Keeper look like a fantastic way to manage your lawn care. This endorsement from a sports icon adds a touch of prestige to the product, suggesting that it is a winner both on and off the golf course. 

    Below the image, the ad highlights the versatile capabilities of the Bolens line of products. It emphasizes that it's not just riding mowers but also walking power mowers, tillers, and snow casters. The Lawn Keeper compact tractor is designed to handle various tasks, making it a practical choice for homeowners who value efficiency and convenience.

    The publication date of the advertisement is April 1967, and it was featured in Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Known for its focus on home improvement and gardening, this publication is the perfect platform to showcase the Bolens Lawn Keeper, appealing to readers who take pride in maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces. 

    Overall, this full-page, color advertisement captures the spirit of the era with its vibrant visuals and the endorsement of Arnold Palmer. It presents the Bolens Lawn Keeper as the ultimate solution for all your lawn care needs, inviting you to experience the power and performance of this remarkable compact tractor.