Images(2)

Puppet, Hand

Object number2002.6.2

Designer Ida Magdalena Maher

Datec. 1951

MediumFabric; Wood; Paint; Plastic; Mother of pearl; Composition

Credit LineGift of Frances Capozzi-Alvin

DescriptionHand puppet with head shaped like a tooth, painted white with facial features painted on two sides. On one side puppet is smiling. The other side portrays puppet with a brown cavity and he is crying. Puppet wears pink corduroy overalls and a pink shirt, white socks, and black plastic shoes.Dimensions16.5 x 3.5 x 14 in. (41.9 x 8.9 x 35.6 cm)
Historical NotesTommy Molar puppet designed by Ida Mae Stilley Maher to instruct school children about dental hygiene. Bequest to Ida Mae's niece Helenlou Busch, bequest to Frances Capozzi-Alvin, to Heinz History Center.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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