Images(5)

Pitcher, Cream

Object number2019.160.1

Date1950-1959

MediumCeramic; Paint; Glaze

Credit LineGift of Audrey Moeller

DescriptionWhite ceramic creamer with blue-grey paint and a clear glaze. Creamer is the shape of a single flame with a circular, flat base and rounded body. Body narrows as it continues up and ends in an open spout with a diagonal opening going down from left to right. Applied, pointed handle on creamer's left side. Front of creamer has a face with two eyes, raised nose and cheeks, and a smiling mouth; eyes have black paint on inner section, and mouth has red paint on tongue. Carved, simple lightning bolt at top of creamer near the spout, and carved text on back of creamer along the bottom edge.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 6.188 x 3.563 x 3.313 in. (15.7 x 9.1 x 8.4 cm)
InscriptionsCarved text along bottom edge of creamer on back: "HANDY FLAME ©".
Historical NotesThe Handy Flame serving ware sets were used as promotional giveaways by various American gas companies for customers or staff. The flame motif echoes the Equitable Gas outline flame logo. This set was purchased in the 1950s by the donor, Audrey Moeller, a former employee of the company, from its Home Service Department. Audrey began at the company in 1953 as a messenger. She retired as a vice president and corporate secretary in June of 1999. Equitable Gas’ Home Services Department was formerly called the Home Economics Division. They answered customer questions over the phone about cooking or the use of gas appliances and offered demonstrations using appliances. Staff of the department judged community recipe contests, offered tips for kitchen renovation, and helped develop home economics curriculum for local schools and colleges. They also produced a cookbook, offered cooking classes and assisted customer questions regarding recipes. In times of natural gas shortage, staff might instead focus their demonstrations and programs to center on the economical use of gas appliances. Equitable Gas began as a subsidiary of the Philadelphia Company after the discovery of a natural gas supply in Murrysville, Pennsylvania. The company grew to manage an extensive network of pipeline, production, gas storage and distribution facilities in western Pennsylvania and the wider region. It became a separate corporation in the 1950s. In 1984, Equitable Gas became Equitable Resources, Inc. The company rebranded as EQT in 2009.

Related institution Equitable Gas Company

Related institution Philadelphia Company

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