Images(3)

Rest, Spoon

Object number2019.160.4

Date1950-1959

MediumCeramic; Paint; Glaze

Credit LineGift of Audrey Moeller

DescriptionBlue-grey ceramic spoon rest with a clear glaze. Spoon rest is the shape of a single flame with a round body that narrows to the tip of a flame. Sides of spoon rest are raised to create a well in the middle with a face; face has two eyes with black paint, raised nose and cheeks, and a mouth with a red painted tongue. Simple, carved lightning bolt above face near tip of flame. Bottom of spoon rest has a white foot and exposed underside that shows the raised parts of the face. Carved text along the spoon rest's left side.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 1.125 x 2.563 x 5.938 in. (2.9 x 6.5 x 15.1 cm)
InscriptionsCarved text along bottom edge of spoon rest: "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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