Reddy Kilowatt Clock
Thursday, December 31st, 2009Reddy Kilowatt, retired mascot for the electric utility industry, remains a familiar figure. Created in 1926 by Ashton Collins of the Alabama Power Company, Reddy’s slogans and advertising products were used by more than 300 power companies across the country. This clock in the Society’s collection is just one example of the products that carried his lightning bolt figure and accompanying slogans into the homes and memories of families growing up in the mid 20th century. Years after hearing it, his “electricity is penny cheap…” jingle still plays in my head. Besides his light bulb nose and his light socket ears, this Reddy Kilowatt is dressed up for kitchen duty. Named one of the top twenty product mascots in the United States, Reddy Kilowatt is a pop culture star with his jingles and products; even the Granite Falls, Minnesota high school adopted him as their mascot.
Linda McShannock, Objects Curator