Puppet, Hand
Object number2023.29.2
Datec. 1973
OriginCarnegie, PA
OriginBarbados
MediumFabric; Felt; Paper; Ink; Adhesive; Paint
Credit LineGift of Dana Del Bianco
DescriptionHand puppet (roughly) shaped like a blue car. Puppet has blue body with applied details including two white and black paper eyes; four white felt and black painted wheels, white felt bumper, and black painted car maker name; the blue body fabric has high pile. Mouth is comprised of off-white felt. Interior is off-white. DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (Flat): 6.875 x 6.25 x 1.5 in. (17.5 x 15.9 x 3.8 cm)InscriptionsFront of puppet has black painted text below the mouth "FORD".
MarksReverse side at the bottom of the seam is a white tag with black text "MATERIALS FROM U.S.A. / ASSEMBLED IN BARBADOS".
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
On View
Not on view
c. 1973
Andrew Pendro, Jr.
c. 1968
c. 1945