-Cheshire Cat- still bank c. 1930s

The Hazel-Atlas Glass Company produced this amber-colored "Cheshire Cat" still bank, and though undated, it likely hails from the mid-20th century in the United States. Still banks like this one became popular during a time when thrift and saving were virtues instilled early in childhood. Mass-produced, these banks reflected popular culture, with the grinning Cheshire Cat a whimsical choice that reveals the widespread influence of literature and illustration on everyday objects. The choice of glass speaks to America’s industrial capabilities and the accessibility of consumer goods. But it also reflects the ephemeral nature of childhood and the disposable culture that was emerging. By studying company records, advertisements, and social histories of consumerism, we can better understand the cultural values embedded in this seemingly simple object. The Cheshire Cat bank offers a lens through which to examine American attitudes towards money, childhood, and popular culture.