Cultures & Communities

Furniture, cooking wares, clothing, works of art, and many other kinds of artifacts are part of what knit people into communities and cultures. The Museum’s collections feature artifacts from European Americans, Latinos, Arab Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, African Americans, Gypsies, Jews, and Christians, both Catholics and Protestants. The objects range from ceramic face jugs made by enslaved African Americans in South Carolina to graduation robes and wedding gowns. The holdings also include artifacts associated with education, such as teaching equipment, textbooks, and two complete schoolrooms. Uniforms, insignia, and other objects represent a wide variety of civic and voluntary organizations, including youth and fraternal groups, scouting, police forces, and firefighters.

"Dondi", a comic strip created by Gus Edson and Irwin Hasen was a daily comic strip originally about an Italian World War II orphan of the same name. Syndicated from 1955 until 1986, Dondi's backstory changed as American wars shifted continents.
Description
"Dondi", a comic strip created by Gus Edson and Irwin Hasen was a daily comic strip originally about an Italian World War II orphan of the same name. Syndicated from 1955 until 1986, Dondi's backstory changed as American wars shifted continents. His origin became Korean and later Vietnamese. In this strip, Dondi convinced Baldy that hiding out is wrong, because people believe that he was kidnapped by Mr. Mal.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
08/14/1976
graphic artist
Edson, Gus
author
Hasen, Irwin
publisher
Tribune Printing Company
ID Number
GA.22567
catalog number
22567
accession number
277502
Mr. Abernathy was drawn by Ralston Jones and written/drawn by Frank Ridgeway (d. 1994), distributed by King Features from 1957 to 1994. The comic features a rich business owner, Mr. Abernathy, and his exploits with younger attractive women, often his secretaries.
Description
Mr. Abernathy was drawn by Ralston Jones and written/drawn by Frank Ridgeway (d. 1994), distributed by King Features from 1957 to 1994. The comic features a rich business owner, Mr. Abernathy, and his exploits with younger attractive women, often his secretaries. In this strip, Mr. Abernathy and friends go on a double date to the Tunnel of Love, suggested by Admiral Asterbloom.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
08/09/1966
publisher
King Features Syndicate
author
Ridgeway, Frank
ID Number
GA.22531
catalog number
22531
accession number
277502
277502
E. Simms Campbell (1906-1971) was the first African American artist hired by a national publication, Esquire magazine, and the first black syndicated cartoonist. "Cuties" was one of Campbell's ongoing comic gag panels to be featured in national newspapers during the 1960s.
Description
E. Simms Campbell (1906-1971) was the first African American artist hired by a national publication, Esquire magazine, and the first black syndicated cartoonist. "Cuties" was one of Campbell's ongoing comic gag panels to be featured in national newspapers during the 1960s. In this panel, a girl is sad because she lacks common ties with the man she likes, mainly that he likes women and she likes men.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
08/05/1966
graphic artist
Campbell, E. Simms
publisher
King Features Syndicate
ID Number
GA.22453
catalog number
22453
accession number
277502
Mandrake the Magician was created and originally drawn by Lee Falk in 1924, although he did not submit the comic for print and distribution to King Features until 1934. Harold "Fred" Fredericks took over art for the strip in 1964 and continues to draw the strip today.
Description
Mandrake the Magician was created and originally drawn by Lee Falk in 1924, although he did not submit the comic for print and distribution to King Features until 1934. Harold "Fred" Fredericks took over art for the strip in 1964 and continues to draw the strip today. The story features Mandrake, a magician with superpowers, along with his compatriots in the fight against crime. This is a drawing of Mandrake by Fred Fredericks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
undated
graphic artist
Falk, Lee
maker
Fredericks, Fred
ID Number
GA.22512
catalog number
22512
accession number
277502
"Dotty", originally published under the title "Dotty Dripple" was created and drawn by Buford Tune (d. 1989) and ran from 1944-1974, distributed by Publisher's Syndicate.
Description
"Dotty", originally published under the title "Dotty Dripple" was created and drawn by Buford Tune (d. 1989) and ran from 1944-1974, distributed by Publisher's Syndicate. The strip centered around Dotty and her family in a storyline reminiscent of Chic Young's "Blondie" comic strip. In this strip, Dotty's youngest son Wilbert talks with his father about education as an investment.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
09/11/1966
graphic artist
Tune, Buford
publisher
Publishers Newspapers Syndicate, Inc.
ID Number
GA.22572
catalog number
22572
accession number
277502
"Brother Juniper," created by Fred McCarthy, is based on a monk of the same name. The comic is centered on Christian principles, adding humor through the somewhat naive Juniper. This is an artist drawing of Brother Juniper for the Newspaper Comics Council.Currently not on view
Description
"Brother Juniper," created by Fred McCarthy, is based on a monk of the same name. The comic is centered on Christian principles, adding humor through the somewhat naive Juniper. This is an artist drawing of Brother Juniper for the Newspaper Comics Council.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
undated
publisher
Publishers Newspapers Syndicate, Inc.
graphic artist
McCarthy, Fred
ID Number
GA.22487
catalog number
22487
accession number
277502
An assistant to original artist Frank King (1883-1969), Bill Perry (1905-1995) became responsible for the Sunday edition of "Gasoline Alley" in 1951, as well as full-time artist on King's "Little Brother Hugo".
Description
An assistant to original artist Frank King (1883-1969), Bill Perry (1905-1995) became responsible for the Sunday edition of "Gasoline Alley" in 1951, as well as full-time artist on King's "Little Brother Hugo". In this "Gasoline Alley" strip, Sandra finds out that Clovia is never wanting for a date, even when she has to babysit. In "Little Brother Hugo", Hugo puts flea powder on the dog, only to become itchy himself.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
05/23/1965
publisher
Tribune Printing Company
graphic artist
Perry, Bill
ID Number
GA.22368
catalog number
22368
accession number
277502
Frank King (1883-1969) was the creator and original graphic artist of "Gasoline Alley", the first comic strip to show its characters age as the years of publication progressed.
Description
Frank King (1883-1969) was the creator and original graphic artist of "Gasoline Alley", the first comic strip to show its characters age as the years of publication progressed. This is a specialty drawing by the artist of Walt, the main character of "Gasoline Alley".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
King, Frank
Moores, Dick
Chicago Tribune
ID Number
GA.22506
catalog number
22506
accession number
277502
"Debbie Deere", the first newspaper comic strip created and drawn by Frank Bolle (b. 1924), was published from 1966 to 1969 by McNaught Syndicate. Debbie is a newspaper advice columnist, who is continually involved in the drama of her fans.
Description
"Debbie Deere", the first newspaper comic strip created and drawn by Frank Bolle (b. 1924), was published from 1966 to 1969 by McNaught Syndicate. Debbie is a newspaper advice columnist, who is continually involved in the drama of her fans. Although the strip was short lived, it allowed Bolle to gain recognition as a comic strip artist; he went on to draw five other strips including "Winnie Winkle". In this strip, Mr. Boyd, Debbie's boss, criticizes her writing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
07/15/1966
graphic artist
Bolle, Frank
publisher
McNaught Syndicate, Inc.
ID Number
GA.22556
catalog number
22556
accession number
277502
John T. McCutcheon (1870-1949) was a Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoonist, known for his political cartoons and fascination with technology, particularly aviation. In this comic page, the artist depicts the new wave in flying cross-country in airplanes.Currently not on view
Description
John T. McCutcheon (1870-1949) was a Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoonist, known for his political cartoons and fascination with technology, particularly aviation. In this comic page, the artist depicts the new wave in flying cross-country in airplanes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
09/02/1937
original artist
McCutcheon, John T.
publisher
Tribune Printing Company
ID Number
GA.24206
catalog number
24206
accession number
1976.320859
"Big George!" created and drawn by Virgil Partch (d. 1984) was based around the life of George, an ordinary family man and his inability to do anything right. Most "Big George" comics appear as single panels.
Description
"Big George!" created and drawn by Virgil Partch (d. 1984) was based around the life of George, an ordinary family man and his inability to do anything right. Most "Big George" comics appear as single panels. In this strip, George teaches his son Randy about hot air and how it rises.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
06/26/unknown year
graphic artist
Partch, Virgil
publisher
Hall Syndicate, Inc.
ID Number
GA.22367
catalog number
22367
accession number
277502
Moose, also published as Moose Miller, was a comic strip created and drawn by Bob Weber, Sr. and Bob Weber, Jr. from 1965 to the present (now titled Moose & Molly).
Description
Moose, also published as Moose Miller, was a comic strip created and drawn by Bob Weber, Sr. and Bob Weber, Jr. from 1965 to the present (now titled Moose & Molly). Distributed by King Features, the comic strip features the domestic life of Moose Miller, a perpetually lazy and jobless husband, his wife, Molly, and their three children. In this strip, Moose's wife and daughter think he's at a bank opening, but he is really helping a friend open a piggy bank to get money for a horse race.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
08/21/1966
graphic artist
Weber, Bob
publisher
King Features Syndicate
ID Number
GA.22586 [dup1]
catalog number
22586
accession number
277502
John T. McCutcheon (1870-1949) was a Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoonist, known for his political cartoons and fascination with technology, particularly aviation. In this drawing, various racecar drivers are breaking world records, harming only Father Time.
Description
John T. McCutcheon (1870-1949) was a Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoonist, known for his political cartoons and fascination with technology, particularly aviation. In this drawing, various racecar drivers are breaking world records, harming only Father Time. On bottom in black ink, text relating to the records broken by each of the drivers in each panel. On reverse in pencil, "Mr. Stephens--314 Tribune Bldg."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
01/28/1915
original artist
McCutcheon, John T.
publisher
Tribune Printing Company
ID Number
GA.24188
catalog number
24188
accession number
1976.320859
"Blue Chips", drawn by Morrie Brickman (1917-1994), is based on stock traders and their dealings with the economic uncertainties of the times. This was a precursor to Brickman's most famous cartoon, "The Small Society", which deals with money, politics, and national issues.
Description
"Blue Chips", drawn by Morrie Brickman (1917-1994), is based on stock traders and their dealings with the economic uncertainties of the times. This was a precursor to Brickman's most famous cartoon, "The Small Society", which deals with money, politics, and national issues. In this strip, Pigeon gets advice from his advisor, Bartlett.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
9/24/1966
graphic artist
Brickman, Morrie
publisher
King Features Syndicate
ID Number
GA.22357
catalog number
22357
accession number
277502
Mary Worth, also titled Mary Worth's Family during the early 1940s, was famously drawn by Ken Ernst and written by Allen Saunders during the 1960s-1980s. It continues to be distributed by King Features Syndicate, although with new artists and writers.
Description
Mary Worth, also titled Mary Worth's Family during the early 1940s, was famously drawn by Ken Ernst and written by Allen Saunders during the 1960s-1980s. It continues to be distributed by King Features Syndicate, although with new artists and writers. The strip features the title character Mary, a former teacher and widow, in a soap-opera style storyline including the drama surrounding her apartment house neighbors. This is an original drawing of Mary Worth by Ernst.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
undated
graphic artist
Ernst, Ken
author
Saunders, John Allen
ID Number
GA.22500
catalog number
22500
accession number
277502
Laugh It Off was a comic panel series created by New Yorker cartoonist Sydney "Syd" Hoff (1912-2004) and distributed by King Features Syndicate from 1957 to 1971. The panels often illustrated funny moments or situations people find themselves in on a daily basis.
Description
Laugh It Off was a comic panel series created by New Yorker cartoonist Sydney "Syd" Hoff (1912-2004) and distributed by King Features Syndicate from 1957 to 1971. The panels often illustrated funny moments or situations people find themselves in on a daily basis. In this panel, a boss addresses one of his workers that is putting on his jacket to leave: "I don't mind you leaving early to avoid the traffic rush, Folsom, but it itsn't even noon yet."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
8/10/1966
08/10/1966
graphic artist
Hoff, Syd
publisher
King Features Syndicate
ID Number
GA.22346
catalog number
22346
accession number
277502
"Gordo", created and drawn by Gustavo "Gus" Arriola (1917-2008), ran from 1941 to 1985, distributed by United Feature Syndicate.
Description
"Gordo", created and drawn by Gustavo "Gus" Arriola (1917-2008), ran from 1941 to 1985, distributed by United Feature Syndicate. The strip followed the life of Mexican bean farmer Perfecto Salazar "Gordo" Lopez, who lost his lease on his land and had to travel throughout Mexico as a tour guide. The artist used the tours as a vehicle to introduce Mexico and its people to the wider world. Arriola often used a comic penname for Sunday comic strips, often a phonetic pun of a recognizable word or phrase, i.e., "Anne Teak" (Antique). In this strip, a drunken New Year's celebration causes Juanito to pass out.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
8/27/1966
graphic artist
Arriola, Gus
publisher
United Feature Syndicate, Inc.
ID Number
GA.22559
catalog number
22559
accession number
277502
"They'll Do It Every Time" was created by Jimmy Hatlo (d. 1963) and distributed by King Features Syndicate between 1929 and 2008. The strip was drawn from 1963-2008 by Bob Dunn (d. 1989) and Al Scaduto (d.
Description
"They'll Do It Every Time" was created by Jimmy Hatlo (d. 1963) and distributed by King Features Syndicate between 1929 and 2008. The strip was drawn from 1963-2008 by Bob Dunn (d. 1989) and Al Scaduto (d. 2007) It was mostly a gag strip, showing the absurdities and realities of everyday life. "The Hatlo Inferno" and "The Hatlo History" were other tandem features of the strip, showing humorous scenes from Hell or history. In this strip, none of the kids want to help their father build a patio, but they all dream of how they will take advantage of the space.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
08/02/1966
graphic artist
Dunn, Bob
author
Thompson, Tommy
publisher
King Features Syndicate
ID Number
GA.22614
catalog number
22614
accession number
277502
"B.C.", created and drawn by Johnny Hart (1931-2007), features a group of cavemen and anthropomorphic animals, set in prehistoric times. The comic strip discusses topics usually related to the human condition and the oddities of life.
Description
"B.C.", created and drawn by Johnny Hart (1931-2007), features a group of cavemen and anthropomorphic animals, set in prehistoric times. The comic strip discusses topics usually related to the human condition and the oddities of life. This is a drawing created by the artist for the Newspaper Comics Council.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
undated
graphic artist
Hart, Johnny
publisher
Publishers Newspapers Syndicate, Inc.
ID Number
GA.22498
catalog number
22498
accession number
277502
John T. McCutcheon (1870-1949) was a Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoonist, known for his political cartoons and fascination with technology, particularly aviation.
Description
John T. McCutcheon (1870-1949) was a Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoonist, known for his political cartoons and fascination with technology, particularly aviation. In this drawing, an arm labeled "Byrd" is reaching through storm clouds over Paris grabbing for a man, "Bad Weather", running away with "Success" in a bag. On reverse in pencil, "Office of the managing editor, 4th Floor--Tribune Tower."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
07/02/1927
original artist
McCutcheon, John T.
publisher
Tribune Printing Company
ID Number
GA.24193
catalog number
24193
accession number
1976.320859
Al Liederman (aka Leeds) drew cartoons over a forty-year period, including a stint as assistant artist on Marvel's "Captain America". During his early career and towards the end of his career, Liederman created sports-themed and editorial cartoons, including "Li'l Leaguer".
Description
Al Liederman (aka Leeds) drew cartoons over a forty-year period, including a stint as assistant artist on Marvel's "Captain America". During his early career and towards the end of his career, Liederman created sports-themed and editorial cartoons, including "Li'l Leaguer". In this strip, a baseball player figures out that the base coach is just swatting a bee, not giving a signal to the batter.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
09/03/1966
graphic artist
Liederman, Al
publisher
United Feature Syndicate, Inc.
ID Number
GA.22412
catalog number
22412
accession number
277502
Moon Mullins was created and drawn by Frank Willard (1893-1958), later drawn by Ferd Johnson (1905-1996), Willard's assistant. The strip was syndicated by The Chicago Tribune-New York News Syndicate Company from 1923 until 1991.
Description
Moon Mullins was created and drawn by Frank Willard (1893-1958), later drawn by Ferd Johnson (1905-1996), Willard's assistant. The strip was syndicated by The Chicago Tribune-New York News Syndicate Company from 1923 until 1991. The strip featured a cast of characters at a boarding house, including the title character Moonshine "Moon" Mullins, a failed and often broke prizefighter. This is an original drawing by Johnson of Moon jumping into "Dad's" arms.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
9/12/1966
09/12/1966
graphic artist
Johnson, Ferd
ID Number
GA.22520
catalog number
22520
accession number
277502
"Big Ben Bolt", written by Elliot Caplin and drawn by John Cullen Murphy, centers on Ben Bolt, a college-educated boxer and journalist.
Description
"Big Ben Bolt", written by Elliot Caplin and drawn by John Cullen Murphy, centers on Ben Bolt, a college-educated boxer and journalist. In this strip, railroad pirates make up an idea of how to better rob people, based on the government's project to build a highway across the roadbed.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
02/20/1966
graphic artist
Murphy, John Cullen
publisher
King Features Syndicate
ID Number
GA.22600
catalog number
22600
accession number
277502
John T. McCutcheon (1870-1949) was a Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoonist, known for his political cartoons and fascination with technology, particularly aviation.
Description
John T. McCutcheon (1870-1949) was a Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoonist, known for his political cartoons and fascination with technology, particularly aviation. In this drawing, a man tricks a boy into drugging a fearless pilot who is about to fly his plane in front of a grandstand of admirers. On reverse, a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 paper with three chapters typewritten from "Extract from the Novel of the Future," describing what is going on in the comic. Dated "Oct 4-1910" with "Mr. Hammer, 314 Tribune Bldg." written in pencil on the back.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
10/04/1910
original artist
McCutcheon, John T.
publisher
Tribune Printing Company
ID Number
GA.24183
catalog number
24183
accession number
1976.320859

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