VINTAGE PHOTO: SMILE FOR THE CAMERA!

I’ve posted several vintage watermelon photos in the past, but my search for pictures has revealed a common trend: People in the old days really liked posing for “happy watermelon eating” shots. That is, photos in which the subjects are seemingly overjoyed to be eating watermelon (or pretending to be overjoyed).

I’m not sure why people don’t take happy watermelon photos anymore, but they definitely should. Have we taken watermelon for granted in the 21st century? The lack of photos indicates that we might have. Or maybe watermelon was a rarer treat 80 years ago, and therefore something that made people happier when they ate it. That might explain it, but I’m pretty sure that’s not the case.

Whatever the reason for all the old school joy, it’s given me a lot of imagery to work with. Below, I’ve assembled five of the best “happy watermelon eating” scenes I’ve come across. Enjoy!

ABOVE: The formula for a “happy watermelon eaters” photo is simple: 1) Eat your watermelon down to the rind, 2) Hold your rind in front of your mouth like a smile. The girls in this photo have the eating part down. The boys could use a little help, though.

ABOVE: These happy watermelon eaters are even happier because they’re sharing their watermelon with each other. I’m glad it works for them. If I had to share a wedge of watermelon with someone, that would probably make me mad.

ABOVE: The note scrawled on this photo indicates that this was some sort of birthday party. Apparently, no girls of any kind were invited.

ABOVE: There’s always one person in the “happy watermelon eating” photo that refuses to play along. In this case, it’s Mr. Bow Tie with the creepy blank stare.

ABOVE: They look so happy, don’t they? And they’re not at all worried about getting watermelon juice on those beautiful white dresses. Good for you, ladies!