Florida’s Panama City Beach Pelican Souvenir Figurine With Thermometer

ATLANTIC SOUTH. 
Home Decor / Kitchen Decor, Desk Thermometer, Souvenir, c. 1950s. 

Taking the temperature of the room can never be more fun than doing it with our pelican pal, here. We were immediately taken with its beautifully painted surface and the fact that the inset gauge, which measures both Fahrenheit and Celsius, was in good working condition. Panama City Beach, famously one of the hottest tourist destinations in Florida, promoted itself by branding all types of collectible tchachki. Manufactured in Japan, this is a piece from an era when such souvenir items were quality made. Pelican motifs dominated the beachfront vacation spot gift shop scene, as the ubiquitous fowls made for perfect coastal ambassadors. Brown pelicans established their homes pretty much all the way along America’s seaboard, entertaining guests from land locked regions of the country who might have only seen cartoon versions of this admittedly ungainly looking seabird with a bucket bill. Not everything about them is goofy, however. Religious stories hold pelicans in high esteem as symbolizing self-sacrifice. Florida panhandle towns like Panama City Beach also commonly use the communal nature of their flocks, called pods, scoops, pouches, fleets, or squadrons, to evoke civic pride. Pelican imagery in this case represents societal resilience, healing, and hope - warming thoughts enough to move the needle up on any gauge. So bring this souvenir of the city whose slogan is “The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches” home to roost with you. It just might carry along with it some good Gulf Coast community spirit. [Condition: Used Very Good. No cracks or chips. No compromises in coloring. The thermometer in working condition. Made in Japan.] 

Condition: Used Very Good. 
Local / Regional Attractions. 
Dimensions: 3.25” wide x 6” high x 2” deep / 6 oz