Images(5)

Puppet, Hand

Object number2023.29.1

Datec. 1973

OriginCarnegie, PA

MediumFabric; Paper; Ink; Adhesive

Credit LineGift of Dana Del Bianco

DescriptionHand puppet (roughly) shaped like a blue car. Hand puppet has blue body with applied details including two white and black eyes; four white and black wheels, and additional black and white details; the blue body fabric has high pile. Mouth is comprised of off-white fabric with high pile and applied red mesh tongue. Interior is off-white. Areas have been repaired and embellished.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (Flat): 7.5 x 6 x 1.875 in. (19.1 x 15.2 x 4.8 cm)
Historical NotesThis Little Blue Ford hand puppet belonged to the donor, Dana Del Bianco. In 1973, Pittsburgh Steeler Franco Harris did a commercial for a local Ford dealership where he talked to an animated “Little Blue Talking Ford.” The jingle went, “My Ford dealer wants to make me happy, make me happy, keep me happy, happiness is (happiness is), what your Ford dealer gives.” Dana Del Bianco, the donor, loved the commercial as a child and her parents got a “Little Blue Ford” puppet from Pasco Ford in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, where they purchased their Ford car a couple years earlier. She carried the hand puppet everywhere, to the dentist, to the store, to have pictures taken with Santa at Christmastime, and as it wore from use, her grandmother repaired the puppet. She even added teeth and a tongue to the puppet’s mouth. Del Bianco’s parents got a couple more hand puppets to replace the original; later versions have lettering spelling out “Ford” on the bumper.

Previous owner Dana Del Bianco

Related person Franco Harris (1950 - 2022)

Related institution Pittsburgh Steelers

Related institution Ford Motor Company

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