Collecting antique cast iron banks is a fascinating hobby, and one particular bank stands out for its intriguing history and unique design: the cast iron Aunt Jemima bank. These banks have become highly sought after today, but their origins can be traced back to the late 19th century.
What is the Cast Iron Aunt Jemima Bank?
The cast iron Aunt Jemima bank is a mechanical bank produced by the J & E Stevens Company of Cromwell, Connecticut in the late 1800s. It features a figure of Aunt Jemima, a character from a popular minstrel show of the time, holding a tray of pancakes. When a coin is placed on the tray, a lever is activated and Aunt Jemima flips the pancake into her pocket, depositing the coin at the same time.
The History of Aunt Jemima
Aunt Jemima was originally a character in a minstrel show called “Old Aunt Jemima” that was performed by Billy Kersands in the 1870s. The character was portrayed as a jolly, overweight African American woman who made pancakes and other breakfast foods. The character became popular, and in 1889, the Pearl Milling Company, a flour milling company in St. Joseph, Missouri, began using the Aunt Jemima name and likeness to sell their pancake mix.
The character continued to be used in advertising for the brand, and Aunt Jemima became a household name. The character was portrayed by a series of actresses, and her image evolved over time. In the 1930s, the Aunt Jemima character was updated to be more modern and glamorous, and later iterations of the character were portrayed by African American women.
The Significance of the Aunt Jemima Bank
The cast iron Aunt Jemima bank was produced during a time when racist stereotypes were prevalent in American society. The depiction of Aunt Jemima as a fat, jolly mammy figure was offensive even at the time, and the fact that the bank was designed to encourage children to deposit money in the pocket of a caricature of an African American woman is problematic.
However, the Aunt Jemima bank is also a valuable artifact of American history. It is a reminder of the racist attitudes and stereotypes that were prevalent at the time, and it is evidence of the ways in which popular culture reflected and reinforced those attitudes. The Aunt Jemima bank has become a highly sought after collectible today, not only for its historical significance but also for its unique design and mechanical functionality.
Collecting Cast Iron Banks
Collecting antique cast iron banks has become a popular hobby among collectors. Cast iron banks were produced in large numbers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and many of them feature intricate mechanical designs and whimsical characters. Collectors prize banks that are in good condition, with all their original parts intact.
The value of cast iron banks can vary widely depending on their rarity, condition, and historical significance. The cast iron Aunt Jemima bank is one of the most sought after banks among collectors, and examples in good condition can sell for thousands of dollars at auction.
In Conclusion
The cast iron Aunt Jemima bank is a fascinating artifact of American history and a valuable collectible for those interested in antique cast iron banks. While its depiction of a racist stereotype is problematic, it is also evidence of the ways in which popular culture reflected and reinforced those attitudes. Collectors prize the Aunt Jemima bank for its unique design and mechanical functionality, as well as its historical significance.