Search
 

A history of the little man under the umbrella

MADISON, Wis - Googolplex, an online publication for students published by CUNA, has a new feature looking at the history of the Umbrella Man, a symbol used to represent the credit union industry for nearly 40 years. The Umbrella Man was first drawn in 1923 by Boston Globe artist Joseph...

By Staff Writer | Updated on November 27, 2001

MADISON, Wis – Googolplex, an online publication for students published by CUNA, has a new feature looking at the history of the Umbrella Man, a symbol used to represent the credit union industry for nearly 40 years. The Umbrella Man was first drawn in 1923 by Boston Globe artist Joseph Stern at the request of Roy Bergengren. The original drawing shows a happy CU member under an umbrella, with bad things such as hard times, sickness, and financial distress raining down from above. The little man wasn’t always holding an umbrella. During World War II, the man held a gun to help credit unions sell war bonds. In one drawing, the little man smiles as he rides a tank with his thumb in the air. The ad reads, “This credit union has enlisted for Victory.” In another version, the little man stands at attention with a gun in his hand and his umbrella stuck in the ground by his side. In the mid-1960′s, the Umbrella Man drawing was retired and is rarely used today.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to CUTimes.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited CUTimes.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical CUTimes.com information including comprehensive product and service provider listings via the Marketplace Directory, CU Careers, resources from industry leaders, webcasts, and breaking news, analysis and more with our informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and CU Times events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including Law.com and GlobeSt.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

Credit Union Times

Join Credit Union Times

Don’t miss crucial strategic and tactical information necessary to run your institution and better serve your members. Join Credit Union Times now!

  • Free unlimited access to Credit Union Times' trusted and independent team of experts for extensive industry news, conference coverage, people features, statistical analysis, and regulation and technology updates.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Credit Union Times events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including TreasuryandRisk.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join Credit Union Times

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.