U is for Ubiquitous Symbols of the USA

is for

Ubiquitous Symbols

of the

U S A

One of my favorite collections is my 

group of Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty figures. 

As an elementary teacher, each year I taught a 

patriotic unit that focused on American symbols. 

At some point through the years, I found myself picking up various 

models of Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty or ephemera 

that featured the image of these two figures of Americana. 

 Sharing these pieces of "folk art" with my students 

often provided visual inspiration for student art, and a tangible 

connection with these iconic symbols of America.

No longer working in a classroom, 

these figures now provide patriotic decor for the summer holidays:

 Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.

This flying Uncle Sam charm ornament includes the famous 

"I Want You" poster among the various 

charms hanging from his arms.

Red and white striped pants, a blue coat, and a top hat are typical 

dress for most of the Uncle Sam figures.

and often times Uncle Sam is proudly 

waving "Old Glory" in one of his hands.

Lady Liberty is always 

featured with a crown of gold.

Some of my figures are paper maché or resin . . .

but many are hand-carved like this 

dapper gentleman with his walking stick.

Some Uncle Sam figures are made to resemble a nutcracker. 

 This trio is done in needlepoint, hand-stitched by me.

This needlepoint tassel was designed 

by Sandy Jenkins and hand-stitched by me.

Saundra Slagle was the creator of 

this jaunty Uncle Sam soft sculpture.

 I stitched the Lady Liberty in 1997. 

 It is a Sandy Jenkins design.

The tall, thin US figure in the center of this group 

is an original made by Tawn Tubbs in 2008. 

He is holding an elephant in one had 

and a donkey in the other hand.

This group includes Nancy Thomas' Uncle Sam stilt figure (1999), 

a paper maché figure by Carole Watts (2002), 

and the rolly polly wooden figure by James Haddon (1990).

Standing at a height of 12 inches, 

this glittery Uncle Sam was made in 2002 

as part of the 10th Anniversary Nutcracker Village Collection.

This flying Uncle Sam 

made of resin is unmarked.

One of my favorites is this Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam whirligig.

 When the wind blows the paddles, the figures bend to kiss.

Those of you interested in starting your own collection of these

 ubiquitous American symbols might want to get a copy of 

THE FOREMOST GUIDE TO UNCLE SAM COLLECTABLES, 

by Gerald Czulewicz, Sr. Available here at Amazon.

With the 4th of July less than a month away, 

no doubt there will be more patriotic 

inspired posts here at HFTS.

Memorial Day, Flag Day, the 4th of July, 

and Labor Day are all summer holidays. 

 Each provides a perfect opportunity to spotlight 

the US flag, Uncle Sam, and Lady Liberty.

This post is linked to the following weekly memes.

Click on each for a list of others participating this week:

Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday

My Romantic Home's Show & Tell Friday

Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie's

A Few of My Favorite Things Saturday

The Tablescaper's Summer Sundays

Smiling Sally's Blue Monday

The Gypsy Corner's Three or More Tuesday