MenuInventory of the Jim Varney Collection of Advertising, 1983-2000
Abstract
Jim Varney was an actor who played the character Ernest P. Worrell in commercials, a television series (Hey Vern! It's Ernest), and numerous movies. These materials were collected and donated by Roy Lightner.
The collection (2009-0119) (100 items; 2.1 lin. ft.; dated 1983-2000) includes videotapes of Ernest films; audiocassettes of commericals; advertising kits used to pitch Ernest as a spokesman for local markets; Ernest memorabilia, including t-shirts, movie posters, buttons, a towel, and a doll; and other miscellaneous marketing tools used by the Carden and Cherry Advertising Agency. Acquired as part of the John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History.
Descriptive Summary
- Repository
- David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
- Title
- Jim Varney Collection of Advertising, 1983-2000
- Creator
- Carden and Cherry Advertising Agency, Inc.
- Language of Material
- English
- Extent
- 2.1 Linear Feet, 100 Items
- Location
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Collection Overview
The materials in this collection include 18 videotapes of various Ernest films; two audiotapes of Ernest pitches; five Ernest posters; t-shirts, a doll, a license plate, and other Ernest memorabilia and merchandising products; articles and other publicity materials; advertising kits from the Carden and Cherry Advertising Agency; testimonials from Ernest clients; and personal photographs from collector Roy Lightner with Jim Varney.
Administrative Information
A majority of collections are stored off site and must be requested at least 24 business hours in advance for retrieval. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.
Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.
Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.
Use Restrictions
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
Contents of the Collection
Browse List of Series
Collapse All
Expand AllAccession (2009-0119)
The collection (2009-0119) (100 items; 2.1 lin. ft.; dated 1983-2000) includes videotapes of Ernest films; audiocassettes of commericals; advertising kits used to pitch Ernest as a spokesman for local markets; Ernest memorabilia, including t-shirts, movie posters, buttons, a towel, and a doll; and other miscellaneous marketing tools used by the Carden and Cherry Advertising Agency.
Historical Note
Jim Varney was an actor most famous for his portrayal of Ernest P. Worrell, a creation of the Carden and Cherry Advertising Agency in 1980. Ernest served as a spokesman for local markets on both radio and television: his commercials typically consisted of him encouraging his neighbor, Vern, to use whatever product the sponsor sold in that particular market. Clients varied, but included dairies, gasoline, local television stations, and car dealerships. Ernest was so well-received that a television series (Hey Vern! It's Ernest) and a series of movies were produced between 1987 and 1998. Varney died of lung cancer in 2000.
Subject Headings
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Jim Varney Collection of Advertising, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
Provenance
The Jim Varney Collection of Advertising was received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library as a gift from Roy Lightner in 2009.
Processing Information
Processed by Meghan Lyon, April 2009
Encoded by Meghan Lyon, April 2009
This collection is minimally processed: materials may not have been ordered and described beyond their original condition.
Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and our local Style Guide.
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.