Betty Boop to Visit

The History Center

             Throughout July, the Anoka County Historical Society will showcase the collection of Betty Boop items, owned by Joan Gamble of Coon Rapids.  The exhibit is located in the foyer of the Anoka County History Center at 2135 Third Ave. North in downtown Anoka. The public is invited to view the exhibit without charge, during regular History Center hours. The collection is the most recent in a series of monthly exhibits featuring the collections of local hobbyists from throughout Anoka County.

            Betty Boop has been a popular piece of Americana since she made her debut in the funny papers in the 1930’s.  Betty was-- and still is-- a symbol of a sexy and independent woman. Because of her sassy attitude, Betty Boop has been adopted by the motorcycle culture, where her likeness adorns bikes, helmets, and t-shirts.  She is also very popular among “Red Hatters,” a loosely organized society of fun loving, vibrant, and mature women. King Features Syndicate holds the license to produce genuine Betty Boops, and they have an agreement with Kelly Toy Company to make soft body dolls.  The soft dolls are a frequent resident of the coin operated machines in arcades and malls, where a player tries to snag a prize using a pulley and drag line.

            Joan’s collection ranges from the classic ceramic figurines to her Betty Boop cookie jar.  She has salt and pepper shakers and a creamer in Betty’s image.  Joan is a motorcycle enthusiast and says she got into collecting Betty Boops simply because they’re cute!  Once she discovered E-Bay, she pulled out all the stops! Her favorite is a figurine of Betty on a motorcycle, but a close second is Betty wearing a purple dress and a big red hat.  Another Betty Boop is reclining across a piano! At Christmas time each year, the Carlton Company makes the Betty Boop character and her attitude into charming greeting cards and Christmas tree ornaments.

            Everyone will enjoy this delightful and whimsical collection.  For History Center hours or additional information about this exhibit, or to schedule an opportunity to display your own collection, please call the History Center at 763-421-0600, or visit the website at www.ac-hs.org.