Clarice McGinis (Keeping Up with the Joneses) - Par-T-Mask - Einson Freeman Co. Paper Mask (1933)

This is an original Clarice McGinis promotional paper mask, produced in 1933 by the Einson Freeman Company as part of their Par-T-Mask series. Licensed through the Famous Artists Syndicate, these masks captured some of the most recognizable newspaper comic characters of the early 20th century.

Character Background
Clarice McGinis appeared in Keeping Up with the Joneses, a comic strip created by Pop Momand in 1913. The strip coined the phrase still in use today—“keeping up with the Joneses”—symbolizing social climbing, envy, and the pressure to match one’s neighbors in status and possessions. Clarice, the matron of the family, was instantly recognizable with her plump cheeks, cheerful grin, and hearty laugh—an embodiment of the satire behind the strip. The comic ran for over two decades, cementing its influence on American language and culture.

Promotional Use
This mask was distributed during store and theater promotions, inviting children and families to step into the shoes (or rather, the faces) of beloved comic strip characters. Unlike superhero masks that would come later, these 1930s examples were tied directly to humor and social commentary in the newspaper funnies.

Design & Details
Measuring 8 by 8½ inches, the mask features Clarice’s beaming smile and tightly curled dark hair. The cheerful design was simple yet instantly identifiable to newspaper readers of the day, reflecting the comic’s exaggerated style.