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,
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:
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