Molded Plastic AUNT JEMIMA & MOSE SYRUP PITCHER Black Americana Circa 1949

Fiedler & Fiedler (F & F) Mold and Die Works Company of Dayton, Ohio crafted the AUNT JEMIMA SYRUP PITCHER in 1949 as a premium for Quaker Oat customers in exchange for Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix box tops. The Aunt Jemima holds a white platter and is dressed in red dress, headscarf, white apron and neckerchief. Made of molded hard red plastic with spray painted facial features, skin tones and clothing, the item is in great condition with minimal paint wear.  

The iconic Aunt Jemima character was based on a vaudeville song and served as the brand's "face and brand" emblem throughout its history until Quaker Oats discontinued her in June 2020 to promote racial equality.

About Black Americana:  Black Americana treasures reflect African American history and its struggle against racial injustice. Opinion is divided on whether to preserve these artifacts, as some believe it prolongs racist attitudes while others see it as a way to educate future generations on the importance of tolerance and social justice.

Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg, Spike Lee, and Anita Pointer (lead singer of the singing group, the Pointer Sisters), all collect Black Memorabilia, Lee used some of his objects in his movie Bamboozled. One of the largest collectors of Black Americana is Dr. David Pilgrim, who donated his large collection to Ferris University to found the Jim Crow Museum.

Dr. Pilgrim used a poignant quote to sum up the purpose of these artifacts: “Use items of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote social justice.”

For more information and to better understand Black Americana, visit the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University.