Howdy Doody Cookie Jar

Having a Howdy Doody Cookie Jar is among one of hundreds of potential Howdie Doody collectibles. This character was so endeared to American hearts as to appear on everything from fruit bags to having doll figurines. And in a true American manner, every item was licensed.

Everything old is New Again:

Like many vintage pieces there are LOTS of knock-offs and reproductions in the Howdy Doody, including cookie jars. That means consumers must be a little wary and careful in their purchasing.

Howdy Doody – Getting to Know you:

With the advent of TV, its not surprising early characters would become fascinating to the public. Howdy Doody was all about the children – the future of America. In 1947 a program called the Triple B Ranch came out with a ranch hand who always greeted the audience saying “Ho, Howdy Doody!” That proved so popular that by the end of the year the show's name was the Howdy Doody Show, complete with Doodyville and a variety of characters.

Despite the fact that Howdy was a “puppet” no one who loved the show thought of him as anything less than real. Children and parents alike interacted with the TV screen. They loved the innovations that Doodyville produced like a goose translator (can anyone say Universal Translator on Star Trek?).

Howdy Doody became a huge success, as did a Howdy Doody collectibles, including cookie jars and other items that fans would love. One example was when Howdy Dooty ran for the Kid's president (think Kid's Choice Awards for the late 1940s). Of the people who responded over 1/3 of the families with children voted YES.

Howdy Doody Merchandise:

The overall response from the “election” gave the producers of Howdy Doody an idea – namely make an entire line of products that featured the main character. There were comic books, toys, shirts, and of course cookie jars. The show and the character remained an icon until 1960, when the shift in social awareness was turning away from “classics” toward new visions.

An Example of Pricing:

1953: Howdy Doody Purinton Cookie Jar: If you bought this in 1953 you're in for a great surprise. If it's still in good condition you have a $400 cookie jar. In 1953 it cost a whopping $5 - $6.

Howdy Doody Cookie jars were abundant. It's important you know your manufacturer and seller. Nonetheless, the 1950s memorabilia for Howdy Doody is highly collectible no matter what attracts your eye. The key is finding a piece that shows minimal ware and that you can authenticate.

Here are the current listings on eBay: