-Moody and Sankey- (photos missing) still bank c. 1874

This iron still bank, "Moody and Sankey," was created by Smith & Egge sometime in the late 19th century. Its design and title reference the popular evangelists Dwight Moody and Ira Sankey, reflecting the cultural influence of religious revivalism in post-Civil War America. This object invites us to consider the intersections of faith, finance, and childhood in American history. By saving their pennies in a bank adorned with religious figures, children were taught not only the value of money, but also the virtues of piety and thrift. The act of depositing coins became a symbolic gesture, linking personal savings with spiritual growth. How does the use of religious imagery on a child’s bank reflect the values and aspirations of the time? This piece ultimately reflects a society grappling with questions of morality, progress, and the role of religion in everyday life.