Peter Cottontail (Bunny Rabbit) - Connecticut Potato Chips Promotional Paper Mask (1951)

A charming slice of postwar Americana, this Peter Cottontail paper mask was issued in 1951 as a promotional premium for Connecticut Potato Chips. Distributed around Easter, these masks tied into the popularity of the novelty song “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” (recorded by Gene Autry in 1950), which had quickly cemented the rabbit as a seasonal cultural icon.

Made of thin printed card stock, the mask was lightweight and intended as a free giveaway—children would cut out the eye holes and wear it for holiday fun. Most examples were quickly discarded after use, making intact survivors scarce. This promotional piece not only reflects mid-century advertising ingenuity but also the way brands leveraged popular characters and holidays to create loyalty and excitement.

Date: 1951
Maker/Distributor: Connecticut Potato Chips
Cultural Context: Issued at the height of “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” fame
Size: 9" x 6.5"
Rarity: Scarce regional promotion; ephemeral item seldom seen outside private collections.