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Everything
you ever wanted to know about the HAPPY SMILEY FACE . . .
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Worcester, Mass., is the birthplace
of the yellow smiley face. Resident Harvey R. Ball, who co-owned an advertising and public relations firm, designed the HAPPY SMILEY FACE in 1963 to boost the morale of workers in two recently merged insurance companies. |
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Harvey Ball was paid $45 for his artwork by State Mutual Life Assurance Companies of
America. |
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In the late
1960's, N.G. Slater Corporation began making
yellow and black smiley face pins
that quickly became a hit with the public. Later, more colors were added. |
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During the 1970s, the yellow SMILEY FACE became an omnipresent
symbol of happiness and good cheer. This perky design appealed to all ages
and appeared on everything from buttons and cookie jars to neckties and sleeping bags. |
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At first, the smiley face design was used by itself. Later, the
phrase, "Have a nice day!" was added. |
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At its peak of popularity in
1971, more than 50 million SMILEY FACE buttons were sold. It has been used in countless advertising
campaigns, most recently by the discount chain store, Wal-Mart. Do you have the new set of Wal-Mart
PEZ Smileys? |
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In the 1990's, "RETRO" fashions, including styles like those worn in the 1960's
and 1970's, have made the smiley face popular again. |
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In 1999, the U.S. Postal Service issued a SMILEY FACE postage stamp in
the "1970s Celebrate
the Century" set. |
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The SMILEY FACE is also known as the "Happy
Face". |
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Harvey R. Ball, designer of the SMILEY FACE, died on April 12, 2001 at the age of 79. Our condolences to his wife, Winifred, three sons and a daughter. We can pay tribute to him and carry on his legacy
by putting his motto into action . . . |
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Do
an act of kindness. Help one person SMILE!
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