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From: Independent / Undefined
Introduced in 1890


Korn Kinks was a malted corn flake cereal produced by the H-O Cereal Company of Buffalo, New York from around 1890 to 1910.

Korn Kinks has the distinction of being the most politically-incorrect cereal in our database. Ads for Korn Kinks featured the adventures of a young black girl named Kornelia Kinks and her family. The characters were illustrated as pre-war black stereotypes with bare feet, enlarged lips and bulging eyes.

Souvenir postcards from 1907 called "Jocular Jinks of Kornelia Kinks" have become a hot commodity among collectors of Black Americana. The postcards are a terrific study in early 1900's racism. The quotes on the cards say little about the cereal:

• "You smash dem Kinks - I'll spoil you' face chile"
• "Gran'pa done say dat his face it am old, so I'se give him dis new one and hopes he won't scold."
• "Maw, whar's your politeness? I told you befor' to never com'in till you knock on de door."

A 1907 ad for both the cereal and the postcards gave more of a glimpse into the cereal:

"If every member of every family only knew how this palatable flaky corn food 'braces' up the system - satisfies that weak 'gone feeling' and lays the foundation for the day, they would be eager to try it. It soothes - it satisfies - doesn't overheat the blood and digests easily - may be taken hot or cold - anywhere - any time. Even try it in your Grocer's store - merely a nickle."


Click here to see all cereals from Independent / Undefined.

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By PublicEnemy009

Interesting cereal!

Comment submitted: 4/12/2020 (#25060)



By Terry4

I have a boxed word game titled Kornelia Kinks At Jamestown: Her funny adventures at the exposition. Made by Milton Bradley Co. Springfield, Mass. I cannot find records of this word game in the MB historical record though. Does anyone have more info for me. The game directions state Copyright 1907.

Comment submitted: 2/19/2015 (#18564)