Bank, Still

Object number2002.6.12

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 Pittsburgh Public Schools

Related institution KDKA-TV

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