Advertising

Ivory Soap Ad

Advertising is meant to persuade, and the themes and techniques of that persuasion reveal a part of the nation's history. The Museum has preserved advertising campaigns for several familiar companies, such as Marlboro, Alka-Seltzer, Federal Express, Cover Girl, and Nike. It also holds the records of the NW Ayer Advertising Agency and business papers from Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Carvel Ice Cream, and other companies. The Warshaw Collection of Business Americana comprises thousands of trade cards, catalogs, labels, and other business papers and images dating back to the late 1700s.

Beyond advertising campaigns, the collections encompass thousands of examples of packaging, catalogs, and other literature from many crafts and trades, from engineering to hat making. The collections also contain an eclectic array of advertising objects, such as wooden cigar-store Indians, neon signs, and political campaign ads.

Place: Missouri

Farfel Hand Puppet Toy

This felt hand puppet is a toy reproduction of Farfel the dog.
Description (Brief)
This felt hand puppet is a toy reproduction of Farfel the dog. The character was created by Jimmy Nelson, known as the "Dean of Ventriloquism." Nelson was a frequent guest on television variety shows and was known for his original dummy named Danny O'Day.
Based on a stuffed animal left on Nelson's piano after a ventriloquist performance in Kansas City, Farfel was named after the Jewish pasta dish, which was a frequent choice on menus in The Borscht Belt of Upstate New York, where many Jewish families from New York vacationed in the summer.
In 1955, Farfel was hired by the Nestle company to star in a commercial selling chocolate candy. The commercials featured the famous jingle sung by Farfel "N-E-S-T-L-E-S, Nestles makes the very best choc-late", and then Farfel's mouth made a loud snap as he closed his mouth. This became Nestle's trademark commercial for over 10 years.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Rollins, Hazelle H.
designer
Nelson, Jimmy
ID Number
1981.1085.02
accession number
1981.1085
catalog number
1981.1085.02

Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1870. The oval fire mark has raised lettering the reads “MOUND/CITY/MUTUAL” in the center of the mark. The mark has been painted a yellow-brown color. The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1855 until 1891.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0527
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0527

Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1870. The oval fire mark has raised lettering the reads “MOUND/CITY/MUTUAL” in the center of the mark. The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1855 until 1891.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0526
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0526

Pilgrim Woman Marionette

One of a pair of marionettes dressed like Pilgrims which premiered in 1949 on a Kansas City Missouri television station (KCTV) in 1949. Hazelle Rolllins used the pair for several years for Thanksgiving programs that featured the art of puppetry.
Description (Brief)
One of a pair of marionettes dressed like Pilgrims which premiered in 1949 on a Kansas City Missouri television station (KCTV) in 1949. Hazelle Rolllins used the pair for several years for Thanksgiving programs that featured the art of puppetry. The female pilgrim wears a white cap, white satin blouse, and cotton skirt, gray cape, white felt collar, white leggings, and black plastic shoes. She is the female counterpart to a male pilgrim puppet (1980.0910.03). Though the puppeteer didn't name her, she may be Priscilla Mullens Alden, member of the fabled couple who met on the ship, the Mayflower, en route to America.
Created by Hazelle Hedges Rollins in the late 1930s. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Hazelle Rollins was a puppeteer who trained with Tony Sarg and is the creator of over 300 string, hand, and finger puppets. She holds four patents in the puppetry field, including the airplane control marionette that is easy to manipulate. By 1975, Hazelle Inc was the world's largest exclusive manufacturer of marionettes, hand, and finger puppets.
user
Rollins, Hazelle H.
maker
Rollins, Hazelle H.
manufacturer
Hazelle Inc. Airplane Control
ID Number
1980.0910.04
accession number
1980.0910
catalog number
1980.0910.04

Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark in 1865. The oval mark has a raised image of two hands shaking in the center of the mark, with the raised text “LACLEDE/MUTUAL” around the rim. The fire mark has been painted red. The Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1859 until 1903.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0524
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0524

Missouri State Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Missouri State Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company issued this zinc fire mark around 1849. The oval mark has raised text that reads, “MISSOURI / STATE / MUTUAL.” The mark has been painted red. The Missouri State Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1849 until 1907.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1849
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0532
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0532

Franklin Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Franklin Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1855. The shield-shaped mark has raised text that reads “FRANKLIN/INSURANCE/Co./ST.LOUIS.” The fire mark has been painted green, which is faded in some areas. The Franklin Insurance Company operated from 1855 until 1906.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0529
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0529

Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this tinned sheet iron fire mark in 1859. The oval mark has a raised image of two hands shaking in the center of the mark, with the raised text “LACLEDE/MUTUAL” around the rim. The Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1859 until 1903.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1859
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0522
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0522

Pop Hand Puppet

This hand puppet, known as Pop, is one of the three characters used to represent the famous Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal. His head is made of molded synthetic rubber, his hands are red felt, and he is dressed in a peachy pink colored cotton shirt.
Description (Brief)
This hand puppet, known as Pop, is one of the three characters used to represent the famous Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal. His head is made of molded synthetic rubber, his hands are red felt, and he is dressed in a peachy pink colored cotton shirt. Snap, Crackle, and Pop were created in the 1930s as spokesmen for Kellogg's Rice Krispies. Their images are based on drawings by illustrator Vernon Grant and cartoonist Don Margolis. These three little sprites were popular images used to advertise cereal to children.
This particular set of puppets is from the early 1960s were offered as premiums for saving cereal box tops. These familiar elves continue to represent the Rick Krispies brand in the twenty first century.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950 - 1959
user
Rollins, Hazelle H.
Rollins, Hazelle H.
ID Number
1980.0910.08
accession number
1980.0910
catalog number
1980.0910.08

St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company issued this zinc fire mark in 1851. The fire mark is in the shape of a banner, and features the raised text “ST. LOUIS/MUTUAL.” There are tabs on either side of the fire mark that are used to hang the mark. The St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1851 until 1901.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1851
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0521
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0521

Home Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Home Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this fire mark around 1848. The rectangular mark has inversely rounded edges, with the image of two clasped hands shaking in the center, and raised text on the top and bottom that reads “HOME/MUTUAL.” The Home Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1845 until 1880.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1848
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0530
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0530

Missouri State Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Missouri State Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company issued this zinc fire mark around 1849. The oval mark has raised text that reads, “MISSOURI / STATE / MUTUAL.” The mark has damage in the areas where it would have been attached to the building. The Missouri State Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1849 until 1907.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1849
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0533
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0533

South St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The South St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark in 1859.The oval fire mark features raised text that reads “SOUTH/St. LOUIS/MUTUAL.” The South St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1859 to around 1878.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1859
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0518
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0518

Jas Wallick's Bandit King

This black and white wood engraving is colored with a blue tint overlay and was used as a theater poster or advertising billboard. Reading from top to bottom, the poster states, “The Sensational Event/ Jas. H. Wallick’s Bandict King / Jas. H.
Description
This black and white wood engraving is colored with a blue tint overlay and was used as a theater poster or advertising billboard. Reading from top to bottom, the poster states, “The Sensational Event/ Jas. H. Wallick’s Bandict King / Jas. H. Wallick / Roan Charger and Bay Raider / Popular Prices.” At the center is an oval bust portrait of the actor Jas. H. Wallick. Above and below this portrait are two rectangular scenes, one showing Wallick with his two horses and the other depicting a performance of The Great Bowie Knife Fight on Horseback. The "Roan Charger" and the "Bay Raider" refer to the very expensive horses that purportedly once belonged to Jesse James.
James H. Wallick (ca 1839-1908) was born in Hurley, New York. Sources have suggested varying possibilities for his birth name, including Patrick J. Fubbins, James Henry Wheeler, or James H. Fubbins Wallick. There has also been speculation that he took the last name Wallick to link himself to the actor James William Wallack, Sr. James Wallick appeared in melodramas and circuses before achieving his best-known success in The Bandit King, a touring Wild West show loosely based on the life of outlaw Jesse James, recast as an anti- hero named Joe Howard. After the death of James in 1882, Wallick created, produced, and starred in the drama, originally titled Jesse James, The Bandit King,. The production featured the typical Wild West genre like horses, buffalo, trick riding and an impressive sharpshooting demonstration. The show was comprised of 6 acts and 8 tableaux and sometimes featured Robert J. Ford, James's real-life killer. The Bandit King made several tours across the country from 1882 to about 1902. Wallick’s other productions included The Cattle King and The Mountain King. He made and lost several fortunes over the course of his career and suffered from heavy debt. He committed suicide in 1908.
Jim Bowie (ca 1796-1836) was a Kentucky-born frontiersman, who became legendary for surviving a fierce knife duel known as the Sandbar Fight. The style of knife he carried became known as the Bowie knife, named in his honor. He was killed fighting at the Battle of the Alamo in Texas in 1836.
This lithograph was produced by the Great Western Printing Company of St. Louis, Missouri, which was eventually bought by the National Printing and engraving Company of New York.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
depicted
Wallick, James H.
maker
Great Western Printing Company
ID Number
DL.60.3011
catalog number
60.3011
accession number
228146

Practical Lace Making Booklet; Torchon Lace Co.; ca. 1904

Practical Lace Making (Illustrated). Torchon Lace Company, Saint Louis, Missouri. Copyrighted 1904. All rights reserved. Fifth Edition. Price Ten cents. Booklet with history of lace making, translated with some errors from Sara Rasmussen KNIPLING from 1884.
Description
Practical Lace Making (Illustrated). Torchon Lace Company, Saint Louis, Missouri. Copyrighted 1904. All rights reserved. Fifth Edition. Price Ten cents. Booklet with history of lace making, translated with some errors from Sara Rasmussen KNIPLING from 1884. Also the history of the Torchon Lace Company and images of laces that can be made on the Princess Lace Loom (2016.0048.01). Most of these images are direct copies from Rasmussen, KNIPLING, including the "fig." number. Dark burgundy "alligator" skin textured thin cardboard with gold embossed script on front and back covers. 32 pages
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1904
copyright date
1904
Author
Lewis, Sylvester G.
maker
Torchon Lace Company
ID Number
2016.0048.04
catalog number
2016.0048.04
accession number
2016.0048

Home Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Home Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1845. The rectangular mark has inversely rounded edges, with the image of two clasped hands shaking in the center, and raised text on the top and bottom that reads “HOME/MUTUAL.” The Home Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1845 until 1880.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1845
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0531
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0531

North St. Louis Mutual Fire Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The North St. Louis Mutual Fire Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark in 1865.The oval fire mark features raised text that reads “NORTH/St. LOUIS/MUTUAL.” The North St. Louis Mutual Fire Insurance Company operated from 1864 to around 1888.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0516
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0516

Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1855. The rectangular fire mark has rounded edges, with raised lettering the reads “MOUND/CITY/MUTUAL.” The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1855 until 1891.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0525
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0525

South St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The South St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark in 1859.The oval fire mark features raised text that reads “SOUTH/St. LOUIS/MUTUAL.” The mark shows remnants of red paint. The South St. Louis Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1859 to around 1878.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1859
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0519
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0519

Allen, Copp & Nisbet Business Card

Samuel Copp Jr. was a partner in the banking and exchange business of Allen, Copp, & Nisbet of St. Louis, Missouri during the 1860s.
Description
Samuel Copp Jr. was a partner in the banking and exchange business of Allen, Copp, & Nisbet of St. Louis, Missouri during the 1860s. This trade card advertises the businesses as being located on the North-West corner of Second and Chesnut streets, and participating in sight exchange, bank notes, gold & silver coins, stocks, bonds, and mercantile papers, loans, and collections.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
owner
Copp Family
ID Number
DL.006513.04
accession number
28810
catalog number
6513.04

Snap Hand Puppet

This hand puppet, known as Snap, is one of the three characters used to represent the famous Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal. His head is made of molded synthetic rubber, his hands are red felt, and he is dressed in a peachy pink colored cotton shirt.
Description (Brief)
This hand puppet, known as Snap, is one of the three characters used to represent the famous Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal. His head is made of molded synthetic rubber, his hands are red felt, and he is dressed in a peachy pink colored cotton shirt. Snap, Crackle, and Pop were created in the 1930s as spokesmen for Kellogg's Rice Krispies. Their images are based on drawings by illustrator Vernon Grant and cartoonist Don Margolis. These three little sprites were popular images used to advertise cereal to children.
This particular set of puppets is from the early 1960s was offered as premiums for saving cereal box tops. These familiar elves continue to represent the Rick Krispies brand in the twenty first century.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950 - 1959
user
Rollins, Hazelle H.
Rollins, Hazelle H.
ID Number
1980.0910.06
accession number
1980.0910
catalog number
1980.0910.06

Franklin Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Franklin Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1855. The shield-shaped mark has raised text that reads “FRANKLIN/INSURANCE/Co./ST.LOUIS.” The mark was painted red, which has chipped in parts. The Franklin Insurance Company operated from 1855 until 1906.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
1855
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0528
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0528

Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark in 1865. The oval mark has a raised image of two hands shaking in the center of the mark, with the raised text “LACLEDE/MUTUAL” around the rim. The Laclede Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1859 until 1903.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0523
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0523

Pilgrim Man Marionette

One of a pair of marionettes dressed like Pilgrims which premiered in 1949 on a Kansas City Missouri television station (KCTV) in 1949. Hazelle Rolllins used the pair for several years for Thanksgiving programs that featured the art of puppetry.
Description (Brief)
One of a pair of marionettes dressed like Pilgrims which premiered in 1949 on a Kansas City Missouri television station (KCTV) in 1949. Hazelle Rolllins used the pair for several years for Thanksgiving programs that featured the art of puppetry. The male pilgrim is dressed in gray, black, and white suit and hat, has white wooden legs with black plastic shoes, and is paired with a female pilgrim (1980.0910.04).
Created by Hazelle Hedges Rollins in the late 1930s. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Hazelle Rollins was a puppeteer who trained with Tony Sarg and is the creator of over 300 string, hand, and finger puppets. She holds four patents in the puppetry field, including the airplane control marionette that is easy to manipulate. By 1975, Hazelle Inc was the world's largest exclusive manufacturer of marionettes, hand, and finger puppets.
user
Rollins, Hazelle H.
maker
Rollins, Hazelle H.
ID Number
1980.0910.03
accession number
1980.0910
catalog number
1980.0910.03

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