Tupperware Unsealed: Brownie Wise, Earl Tupper, and the Home Party Pioneers

by Bob Kealing

Title: Tupperware Unsealed( Brownie Wise Earl Tupper and the Home Party Pioneers) Binding: Hardcover Author: BobKealing Publisher: UniversityPressofFlorida

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History, Business, Book Club, Audiobook, Biography Memoir

264 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[da AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this by accident -- and am so glad I did! Kealing does a fascinating unsentimental job of describing what it must have been like to be an ultra-successful woman in the all-male business world of the 1950s. The audiobook reader gives a great performance as well.

[DeB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tupperware, according to recent press releases in 2023, has lost its market and is on the cusp of disappearing. Home party selling is passé and the company’s attempts to place the famous product on store shelves has yielded insipid dollar returns. I simply had to read the somewhat dated Life of the Party, which chronicles Tupperware’s start-up alongside the its original thinker Brownie Wise. She was the cheerleading woman who moved those first bowls with lids that needed “burping” OUT of stores to give average women (especially) a way to make some extra money, independence and a means to expand their lives in the post WWII years.

Tons of fascinating facts-
Before Tupperware, plastics cracked and broke easily and were quite unpopular within homes.
The type of sturdy, pliable plastic which made Tupperware began as a WASTE byproduct, polyethylene, used to protect weapons during the war.
Tupperware sat on store shelves, because it needed demonstration of its superior seal- no one knew how to use it.
Earl Tupper was the genius behind the scenes.
Brownie Wise came from obscurity and brought Tupperware into the home sales, unlike other products before it- and most of us have never heard of her.

Author Bob Kealing does overpower the timeline with factoids; I skimmed over endless details of Tupperware Jubilees, the power structures of the workforce, names and places too many to recall and precise dollar figures of earnings (yearly, monthly, sometimes weekly), projections of same. However, the human drama, the inventions, the lives changed and Brownie Wise’s impact in the company - and on home marketing- blew me away.

Brownie Wise was decades ahead of her time, a woman charging forward in a man’s world- and without ANY legal support or “golden parachute”. Tupper eventually threw her out, sold the company to Rexall, dumped his family and trotted off with his millions. Quite shameful.

In 1992 an effort to acknowledge Brownie Wise by Tupperware was initiated- long overdue. There are some photos of her in the Smithsonian.

CEO Rick Goings (at the time this book was written) said, “She taught women to take ownership of their destinies and she championed the importance of mentorship”.

Perhaps Brownie did fade into obscurity, but her influence affected a generation of women who passed those lessons on. … as well as a piece or two of Tupperware.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was truly fascinating. I grew up, as probably everyone did, in a house where the kitchen was full of Tupperware products. My mom still has her bright orange, 1970's flour and sugar canisters in the pantry, still keeping flour and sugar fresh! She has Tupperware that she got as a wedding gift in 1966 that is still sturdy and seals tight. We grew up with the juice glasses, which now have our names on them in Sharpie and come out for family gatherings so there's fewer dishes to wash. I grew up with the red and blue shape sorter toy, and made sure to get one for my kids as soon as I had my first. I, too, have Tupperware canisters and bowls, and they are still 100x better than any grocery store competitor brand.

But who knew that the history of Tupperware was so sordid?! MAWHAHAHAHAAAA! No, seriously, Earl Tupper sounds like a paranoid jerk, and he pretty much owes his success to Brownie Wise, whom he later completely erased. The rise and fall of this woman was fascinating, she truly was an innovator, and quite the character. I couldn't put this book down, it was so fascinating.

I'm not giving it 5 stars though, because I wanted more. And I know that Kealing has more, so why not give us more? The book is barely 250 pages long, and especially towards the end really starts skipping over or alluding to things that I would like to know. He suddenly says, "As her cancer worsened . . ." and I'm like, Cancer? What kind of cancer? How long did she have it? Her son's date of death is also mentioned, but not how he died or even what he did for a living, though he was the book's primary source. Gary McDonald, who started out selling Stanley household cleaners alongside Brownie as a teenager disappears from the narrative shortly after she is fired. No mention is made of whether they stayed in touch, or what his personal life was like, or what he is doing now, and he's also a major source. There are references to copious amounts of photographs, but only a few are reproduced in the book. There's not even pictures of the Tupperware itself! I would love to know what an original Miracle Bowl looked like, or to see a picture of the wall of the offices that was floor to ceiling shelves of all the styles.

GIVE US MORE, KEALING!

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've heard this book is being made into a movie with Sandra Bullock in the lead and I can already say, with confidence, that I'll like the movie better than the book. The book gives a detailed business play-by-play and back and forth between Brownie Wise and Earl Tupper but the author fails to cover Brownie's closest relationships - namely her mother, her only son and her lovers after her failed marriage. It's actually a bit cruel the way the author drops the name of Adlai Stevenson as a significant other of Wise but doesn't give any other information. I'm sure the movie version will give ample time to these people in her life.

My take-away from this book is that Brownie Wise was ahead of her time as a talented, ambitious businesswoman who also happened to be a single mom. However, she allowed Tupperware to take over her life, leaving her quite empty when it was taken away. She also appeared to get too big for her britches as the fame and accolades rolled in. For all her business savvy, she lacked a bit in the spirit of council and cooperation and you couldn't make her eat a bite of humble pie, much less a slice!

It's too bad and too often that the spotlight which illuminates human achievement doesn't get turned on until after a person passes on, which is the case here.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have any idea why I started reading this book but I truly enjoyed it. I usually look for historical reads that are from previous centuries but this one grabbed me from the start. I don't like to add spoilers to reviews so won't be citing any special parts of the book. We all have played and used Tupperware at some point in our lives and reading about it seemed appropriate also. Enjoy.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, GoodReads, for selecting me as a lucky winner of this book through the First Reads program!

Looking forward to reading/reviewing.

UPDATE: well-written, fascinating story of one of the first female power players in business. This is the story of Brownie Wise, who in the 1950s shattered the limits of how far a woman can go in sales. Credited with developing the idea of home-party sales, this approach is still used today in some industries. A fascinating read.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can only give this book a 3 because it read very dry, had too many details at times and was a bit repetitive. However, with that said, as a story it is a solid 4 1/2! I really enjoyed learning about the starts of Tupperware home parties and the growth of that home-based business empire. Just fascinating! Brownie was quite the visionary, way ahead of her time for sure. Tupper too was quite the visionary--it is too bad that they could not work better together.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything you ever wanted to know about Tupperware!! Poor Brownie, she was so far ahead of her time - "the housewife's dream come true". I had never heard of her before, so this was a real eye-opener for someone who had had more Tupperware than cupboard space!! A nice read.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great glimpse into the behind-the-scenes history of the iconic American Tupperware. The story is the very thing 60 Minutes would expose today! Can't wait to see the movie.

[Melinda Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brownie Wise was a woman who pioneered home selling to women worldwide - providing opportunities in post war America for women to become independent and run their own businesses. The book recalls the history of Tupperware and it's expansion from a small locally run distributorship, to a mega conglomerate with it's own theme song, motivational rewards (Cadillac's galore) and the swift replacement of Brownie Wise when there were clashes between herself and the man of Tupperware, Earl Tupper.

Taking excerpts from Brownie's own book and her son's memories of Wise's time with Tupperware, so it certainly reads like a family biography.

I would have liked to have learnt more about her motivational selling techniques and business acumen, but what we got was a solid book that gives an eye opening view into the first few years of Tupperwares outstanding success.

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting for a history lesson. Not quite as dry as a history book. It was mostly about two strong personalities clashing.

[Marianne Brodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now & then, the chain of command or hierarchy of the distributors,etc. were noted, although not explained well enough for me to understand the difference. This may be my only grievance.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally written in 2008 with the focus on Tupperware and the company that manufactured it, this new revised edition has as its focus Brownie Wise, Miss Tupperware of the '50's. Those of us of a certain age have attended Tupperware parties, played the games, won little prizes, viewed the demonstration of the products and walked home with our new plastic kitchenware. Some of us even signed up to hostess a party of our own with the promise of hostess gifts and bonuses. Brownie Wise was the brains behind this money making concept--the home demonstration party. Well, the party part anyway. Stanley Home Products for whom she worked first after her divorce had used the concept of door to door selling which included a home demonstration, but Brownie added the idea of the salesperson gathering several customers together in one place and presenting product in a snack filled, game playing setting in a friend's home.
Her sales acumen and drive, headquartered in Florida, where Mr Tupper chose to locate the sales party branch makes for an incredible story. In five short years she and her teams across the country moved the plastic bowl manufactured in Massachusetts into almost every American kitchen and turned the company into a multi-million dollar enterprise. In the process, she also moved herself into the limelight as the first woman ever to grace the cover of Business Week. She rose to greater prominence in American business than any woman before her--vice president in charge of sales of a major corporation--and she took an incredible number of women with her as demonstators, dealers, distributors and money earners allowing them and their families to advance their economic strength.
Unfortunately, Mr Tupper,the brains behind the Tupperware items and President of the company, for reasons that are really unclear, decided that Brownie Wise was getting too much attention and, perhaps, was forgetting her place as his employee. At any rate, in 1959 he fired her and erased all evidence of her existence in the annals of the company. He also divorced his wife of 20+ years, sold the company to Rexall drugs, gave up his US citizenship and moved to an island in the Caribbean--go figure.
An incredible story of a five year flash of success for two very different people which is a fast and interesting read.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review

[Udine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy - there is so much I could say. At one point I wanted to find all my Tupperware and throw it out but very few pieces I have are from the time when Earl Tupper still owned it. I do have a couple pieces of my Mom's so they are that old.

She must have been an incredible woman. It is sad when someone is forced out like she was, even if she made some mistakes and showed a lack of judgement concerning the Jubilee in 1957. The fact that Tupper got rid of Brownie Wise and also his wife of 27 years (and the mother of his 5 children) within about 1 year of each other says more about him than the women. I sold Tupperware in the late 70s, early 80s and I remember well the training sessions and get-togethers. It didn't work for me because I am an office type - I need the structure of a regular schedule. But the product was amazing then and though I haven't bought any in decades, I am sure it still is amazing.

I am excited about the movie and the choice of Sandra Bullock to portray Brownie.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the biography of Brownie Wise who was instrumental in developing the home party plan way of selling as she helped buid Tupperware into a global force in the 1950's. I once was a "Tupperware Lady" and learned a lot about how to sell and motivate others. I learned how to stand in front of a room full of people I didn't know to present a product I believed in. Until I read this book, I didn't realize I had Brownie Wise to thank for it because until recently her name had been wiped from all Tupperware history because of a falling out she had with Earl Tupper, the inventor of Tupperware I enjoyed the book, it was well-researched and well written, keeping you engaged in the story. It was published several years ago and was renamed and updated in this edition. It's a great story of a strong woman, the first to be on the cover of Business Week, who was ahead of her time. It was also a great reminder that though women may not always be in history books, they continue to have long-lasting influence over us.

[Karen Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Its a fascinating look into a company that's played some role in the lives of most people I know. Populated by some unpleasant characters and set in a time many of us only dimly recall or never knew, the cut throat nature and the unfairness of business, including chauvinism, is fully on show. Fascinating to see how the original party plan business got started. Brownie is written sympathetically and yet I suspect she was anything but. Couldnt wait to pass this obscure book onto friends for them to enjoy. Not high literature, but very readable and absolutely fascinating if you have any fondness for Tupperware.

[Lisa Woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Brownie Wise. Although she was not the founder of Tupperware, she moved sales from a door to door model to the in home party sales we know today. She helped to create the direct sales model and influence the role of women working from home. She has changed the landscape of women in business and is a pioneer for women entrepreneurs.

You can see my full review at organize365.com/youtube

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information in this book is absolutely fascinating! The delivery is a little long winded but that shouldn't take away from the value of the snapshot it presented of the growth of the Tupperware industry in the 1950's. And, of the start of the home party network, which launched the opportunity for housewives to participate in providing financial security for their families.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of Brownie Wise, the lady at Tupperware responsible for getting the home party system off the ground and successful. She was amazing! This book was interesting and I was compelled to rent a DVD documentary about Wise and Tupper. This makes me glad that I was not an adult woman in the 50s living in such a male dominated America. I take so much for granted nowadays.

[Edy Gies · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I have always loved Tupperware. Its quality is unmatched. While planning a just-for-fun Tupperware party, I met a former Tupperware lady who told me this book was a must-read. Bob Kealing tells the story of Brownie Wise who was integral to the explosive growth of the Tupperware brand. This book was compelling and interesting but also sad. Kealing gave dignity to Brownie Wise and showed both what made her successful and what made her fail.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story about two strong-willed people who liked each other but did not always got along or agreed with each others way of doing business. It is a dry straight forward book that reminds me of reading a history book with a good balance of research to show both sides of the story. A few pictures were tossed in here and there but I would have liked more pictures.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much in some parts, too few in others. But, overall, I enjoyed the read.

[Mariejkt · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Life of the Party, The Remarkable Story of How Brownie Wise Built, and Lost, a Tupperware Party Empire" by Bob Kealing is all about the woman who helped bring the name Tupperware to where it is today. In an era where woman where not seen as company building material Brownie Wise showed how a woman is smart enough and capable to build a business up. When it came to how Tupperware Parties were done Brownie was the queen of them. She made a name for herself in the business world that a lot of men at the time dreamed of and here she was a divorced mom doing it in a time that was taboo. The way she encouraged others men and woman alike is a great story. But when it came to her butting heads with the head of Tupperware she lost and which also meant she lost her job. This book goes into much detail part of it was from Brownie's own son as he was a child and a young adult during her the high days of her career. This was a very interesting and wonderful book to read, I highly recommend it.

I was given this book from Blogging From Books for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

[W. Whalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've known about Tupperware for many years but had no idea of the back story about the company. LIFE OF THE PARTY gives the history and inside story of how Earl Tupper created the product and then teamed up with Brownie Wise to build an incredible home-based business. For entrepreneurs and anyone in business, the story is inspirational--yet full of profound lessons about the importance of communication and the cost of miscommunication.

The growth of this business was incredible but also the demise and downfall dramatic. I heard the audio version of this book and listened to it from cover to cover. LIFE IS THE PARTY is a book that I recommend and found fascinating.

[Case Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tupperware Unsealed is a book about Tupperware in the 1950's and is an amazing story of pop culture and an American icon. The rise and fall of Brownie Wise is fascinating to me. She was the first woman to appear on the cover of Business Week, yet almost completely vanished from Tupperware less than five years later. Long before Disney came to Florida, Tupperware was the center of attention and the community's biggest star. Now the people of Central Florida barely knows the company exists. From the lavish events to the eccentric inventor, this book is sure to entertain.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring story about a woman who I hadn't previously known! As the epilogue emphasizes: This is a story about a courage. Brownie Wise was a strong woman with the courage to change and strive for independence in the 1950s - And not be quiet in a man's world of business. This is an incredible story of success; I also hadn't known much on the history of Tupperware (which we all have in our homes). High stars!

[Jo Pannett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn in by the cover at first but I found the book really great . I throughly enjoyed learning about how the Tupperware empire evolved and what a crucial role Brownie Wise played in its success.

[theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

the remarkably boring story of how Brownie Wise butted heads with the reining king of plasticware, Earl Tupper. meh. thought it would be better. maybe if it had been burped?

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having worked at a Tupperware dealership in the office years ago, this book was a fascinating read.

[Luann Habecker · Rating 1 out of 5]

But why?! Why THIS product for people? not about them but about Mr. Tupper's greed. no need for such. using people. I did not learn about or understand a business strategy, certainly not one I'm looking for anyway. and now I can't look at Tupperware the same dag-nab it! Way to taint Tupperware for me.
It dragged on for me, I'm left wondering what kind of picture this author was trying to paint.

pg 126 I am glad that a graduation ceremony is termed Commencement. I believed that people sometimes make the mistake of considering a graduation a climax, an ending, a fulfillment. Actually, it is non of those things. This graduation is not an ending of anything. It is truly a beginning, a commencement; the commencement of a new way of thinking, of new plans... definite planes; a commencement of goals, of new confidence and new growth.

pg 127 Live this day. Make it work for you; for in the magic of this day walks tomorrow. Being completely satisfied would be a little like death. What we want is growth, progress, the consciousness that we are getting somewhere, and helping other people get somewhere.... embrace the problems they would face, for "the knowledge, the ability, and the desire to handle the problems will give us what we need for happiness."

pg 157

pg 206 [regarding the damage done during the company party] Tupper pointed to the photograph, "See all those distributors? We could have been out of business."

pg 230 after all these years of blindly putting Tupperware and it's interest ahead of Brownie and her interests

pg 257