McCall Corporation
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1913 |
| Founder | James McCall |
| Defunct | 1956 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Magazines (Redbook, Bluebook, McCall's, Saturday Review, Popular Mechanics, Better Living) |
McCall Corporation was a United States-based publishing firm recognized for producing magazines such as Redbook, catering to women; Bluebook, aimed at men; McCall's; the Saturday Review; and Popular Mechanics. Additionally, it issued Better Living, which was exclusively available through grocery outlets.
History
The company, named after its founder James McCall, a tailor from Scotland, expanded its portfolio by acquiring Redbook and Bluebook in 1929, followed by the purchase of the Saturday Review in 1961.
Marvin Pierce, who was the father of Barbara Bush, held the position of president during the later period of the company’s operation.
In 1956, Hunt Foods, under Norton Simon, obtained a controlling interest in McCall Corporation. By 1968, it had become part of Norton Simon Inc., alongside Hunt Foods and Canada Dry.
The Saturday Review was divested in 1971, with McCall's sold to private investors two years later in 1973. Subsequently, Redbook was transferred to the Charter Company in 1975.
McCall's Magazine
Initially launched as a brief four-page fashion publication called The Queen: Illustrating McCall's Bazaar Glove-Fitting Patterns, McCall's evolved into a prominent women's magazine. In 2001, it was rebranded as Rosie through a collaboration with talk show host Rosie O'Donnell, intending to replicate the success of Oprah Winfrey's O: The Oprah Magazine. However, this iteration ceased operations in 2002.
Blue Book and Red Book
In 1929, McCall Corporation took ownership of two short story periodicals. The magazine Blue Book was renamed Bluebook and continued publishing short stories until it was discontinued in 1956. Meanwhile, Red Book transformed into Redbook, becoming a general interest publication featuring both fiction and nonfiction content. Presently, it is owned by Hearst Corporation and primarily targets a female readership.
Popular Mechanics
Established in 1902, Popular Mechanics came under McCall Corporation’s ownership by the late 1930s. Currently managed by Hearst Corporation, the magazine reaches an audience of approximately nine million readers.
Saturday Review
Beginning as a Saturday supplement to the New York Evening Post from 1920 to 1924, it became an independent publication titled The Saturday Review of Literature in 1924, later shortened to The Saturday Review in 1942. McCall Corporation acquired it in 1961; following several changes in ownership after 1977, the magazine ultimately ceased publication in 1986.
Better Living
Introduced by McCall Corporation in 1951, Better Living was a monthly magazine spanning 100 pages, priced at five cents, and distributed through stores affiliated with the Super Market Institute. Its publication ended in 1956.