Bank, Still
Bank, Still
Bank, Still

Bank, Still

Object number2002.6.12
Manufacturer
Datec. 1953
MediumPlaster; Paint
Credit LineGift of Frances Capozzi-Alvin.
DescriptionPlaster cast bank shaped like Happy, the dental hygiene dog.Dimensions10.25 x 3.75 x 3.75 in. (26 x 9.5 x 9.5 cm)
MarksOn base front: Television Happy Puppy. On base reverse: 1953 Happy Productions/M
Historical NotesHappy the dental hygiene dog designed by Ida Mae Stilley Maher to instruct school children about dental hygiene. Possibly a promotional item for the Happy Show. Bequest of Ida Mae to her niece, Helenlou Busch. Bequest to Frances Capozzi-Alvin. Donated to HSWP.Label TextIda Mae Stilley Maher was working as a dental hygienist for the Pittsburgh Public Schools in the 1950s when she developed two puppets. Happy, a dog, and his companion Tommy Molar, taught children about dental hygiene in an entertaining way. Ida Mae was eventually able to reach more children with her message through a television show called “Happy’s Party” and a film titled “The Happy Story.” She and Happy appear in the painting here. Nearby is the Tommy Molar puppet which features a smiling clean face on one side of its tooth-shaped head and a brown cavity-plagued face on the other side in which Tommy is crying. The Happy bank was used either as an award or a promotional product
Related institution
Related institution
On View
On view
navigate_beforenavigate_next