Vintage finds and retro handmade--a sweet mix I know you'll love.

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Sunday, November 27, 2011

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas!

In 1953, a girl named Gayla Peevey recorded the lesser-known Christmas classic, "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas."  A nickle and dime campaign across the U.S. followed, and thousands of children donated their small change to buy a hippopotamus for Christmas.  In fact, they were successful in purchasing the first hippos to live on display in the Oklahoma City Zoo.  I think it's an interesting story, and I love the song.

 Here's the original song recording:


Edited: I just found this video of an adorable little girl singing along with Gayla Peevey at a recent event at the Oklahoma City Zoo:


I found this friendly hippo the other day, and thought of Gayla.  It turns out it's actually a collectible print by the palette knife painter and collage artist Edna Vierra, who made these cute pieces of art throughout the 50s and 60s.  This one is circa 1969.  Just listed it today.  Don't you think it would be really fun in a nursery? 
This print can be found here
The popularity of the poodle Christmas ornaments (over 40 sold, and more sales are still coming) makes me think about trying more animals, perhaps inspired by Vierra's playful take on them.

By the way, I have marked a good deal of my vintage to free shipping on Artfire with more deals planned, and I've also expanded my stock of poodle ornament colors (only available on Etsy).

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