Elsie the Cow
Encyclopedia
Elsie the Cow has been the spokescow for the Borden Dairy Company since her introduction in 1936.
Elsie was created in the 1930s to symbolize the “Perfect Dairy Product,” and made an appearance at the New York World's Fair
in 1939. She also starred in a movie, RKO's Little Men
, in 1940. For a time in the mid-1940s when she was voiced by Hope Emerson
, she was better known than some human celebrities, and Elsie the Cow remains among the most recognizable product logos in the United States and Canada.
Elsie and her calves were featured in Elsie's Boudoir at Freedomland U.S.A.
from 1960 to 1963. Freedomland was a true theme park depicting America's history, located in the Bronx. A live cow representing Elsie appeared on stage at the Borden's exhibit in the Better Living Pavilion at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair, in a musical revue with a score by the Broadway composer Kay Swift
.
The first Elsie, "You'll Do, Lobelia," was a registered Jersey heifer born at Elm Hill Farm in Brookfield, Massachusetts
. The most alert cow at Borden's World’s Fair "Rotolactor" (the first rotary milking parlor) exhibit, Borden purchased Elsie from her owners, family farmers from Connecticut, and promoted her as their mascot. For the rest of the season, this particular Elsie, dressed in an embroidered green blanket, was put on display twice each day for all to see.
Elsie’s husband, Elmer the Bull, was later lent to Borden's chemical division as the mascot for Elmer's Glue. Their offspring included Beulah, Beauregard (born 1948), and twins Larabee and Lobelia (born 1957). Elsie has earned such honorary degrees from Universities as Doctor of Bovinity, Doctor of Human Kindness and Doctor of Ecownomics. In Wisconsin
, which had its reigning Dairy Princesses, Elsie was named Queen of Dairyland. The Seneca Indian Tribe named her an honorary chief, and the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut
, presented her with their P.T. Barnum Award of Showmanship. And in 2000, Elsie was named one of the top 10 advertising icons of the century by Ad Age.
Elsie was created in the 1930s to symbolize the “Perfect Dairy Product,” and made an appearance at the New York World's Fair
New York World's Fair
New York World's Fair may refer to:* 1939 New York World's Fair* 1964 New York World's Fair...
in 1939. She also starred in a movie, RKO's Little Men
Little Men (1940 film)
Little Men is a 1940 American film based on the 1871 novel Little Men by Louisa May Alcott. Norman Z. McLeod directed the film starring Kay Francis as Jo March, now in charge of a private school for young boys.- Cast :*Kay Francis as Jo March...
, in 1940. For a time in the mid-1940s when she was voiced by Hope Emerson
Hope Emerson
-Early life:Emerson was born in Hawarden, Iowa. Following her graduation from West High School in Des Moines in 1916, she moved to New York City where she performed in vaudeville.-Career:...
, she was better known than some human celebrities, and Elsie the Cow remains among the most recognizable product logos in the United States and Canada.
Elsie and her calves were featured in Elsie's Boudoir at Freedomland U.S.A.
Freedomland U.S.A.
Freedomland U.S.A. was a short-lived, U.S. history-themed amusement park in the Baychester area in the northeastern part of the Borough of The Bronx, New York City. Its slogan was "The World's Largest Entertainment Center" .Freedomland opened on June 19, 1960...
from 1960 to 1963. Freedomland was a true theme park depicting America's history, located in the Bronx. A live cow representing Elsie appeared on stage at the Borden's exhibit in the Better Living Pavilion at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair, in a musical revue with a score by the Broadway composer Kay Swift
Kay Swift
Kay Swift was an American composer of popular and classical music, the first woman to score a complete musical. Written in 1930, Fine and Dandy includes some of her best known songs; the title song has become a jazz standard. "Can't We Be Friends?" was another important hit...
.
The first Elsie, "You'll Do, Lobelia," was a registered Jersey heifer born at Elm Hill Farm in Brookfield, Massachusetts
Brookfield, Massachusetts
Brookfield is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 3,390 at the 2010 census.-History:Brookfield was first settled in 1660 and was officially incorporated in 1718...
. The most alert cow at Borden's World’s Fair "Rotolactor" (the first rotary milking parlor) exhibit, Borden purchased Elsie from her owners, family farmers from Connecticut, and promoted her as their mascot. For the rest of the season, this particular Elsie, dressed in an embroidered green blanket, was put on display twice each day for all to see.
Elsie’s husband, Elmer the Bull, was later lent to Borden's chemical division as the mascot for Elmer's Glue. Their offspring included Beulah, Beauregard (born 1948), and twins Larabee and Lobelia (born 1957). Elsie has earned such honorary degrees from Universities as Doctor of Bovinity, Doctor of Human Kindness and Doctor of Ecownomics. In Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
, which had its reigning Dairy Princesses, Elsie was named Queen of Dairyland. The Seneca Indian Tribe named her an honorary chief, and the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Connecticut. Located in Fairfield County, the city had an estimated population of 144,229 at the 2010 United States Census and is the core of the Greater Bridgeport area...
, presented her with their P.T. Barnum Award of Showmanship. And in 2000, Elsie was named one of the top 10 advertising icons of the century by Ad Age.
External links
- Borden Dairy
- Elsie and Borden dairy products
- Obituary of David William Reid, advertising marketer and creator of Elsie and Elmer]
- Article on "You'll Do Lobelia," one of the live Elsies, from her hometown, Brookfield, Massachusetts
- Article on Elsie's grave in Plainsboro, New Jersey