The identity of the Toronto firm was unknown up until recently when we purchased, on ebay, the pictured Whoopee Cushion. As you can see, the manufacturer was the JEM Rubber Co., Limited of Toronto, Canada. The imprint on the cushion is quite striking being a Scottish kilt clad boy wearing boots with spurs and carrying a rifle. He is also carrying a rather mischeiveous smile! This same picture appeared in 1932, in the famous Johnson Smith novelty catalogue. This was the first time they advertised the Whoopee Cushion and they offered it in two versions - the economy model for 25 cents and the deluxe model for $1.25. We believe the one we have is the deluxe version because instead of just rubber it is made of a rubber impregnated fabric. If you are wondering, it no longer works. The mouth is brittle and the rest is stuck together.
Bits and Pieces -- The JEM Rubber Company, to our knowledge, never made any other joke items. They specialized in rubber products for manufacturers, particularly those in the printing business.
The WC was an instant hit helped on by the Depression when gags were understandably popular.
The name Whoopee Cushion was not immediately adopted -- early on other names appeared including Poo-Poo Cushion, Whoopee Pillow, and Boop-Boop a Doop. The SS Adams Company eventually came out with their own version which they tagged the Razz Cushion.
Movie Pig
Dribble Glass
Johnson Smith Catalogues
Ventrilo, or How to Throw Your Voice
Live Animals
Cameras
Other Jokes
Whoopee Cushion
Musical Instruments
Electrical
Publications
