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Kukla and Ollie Parade Puppets

Object/Artifact
Handmade, oversize Kukla the clown and Ollie the dragon puppet made by Burr Tillstrom for use in parades.
Kukla and Ollie parade-size hand puppets.; Hand Puppets, parade-size
Kukla and Ollie Parade Puppets picture number 2 Kukla and Ollie Parade Puppets picture number 3 On display in History Center in loaned puppet stage used by Burr Tillstrom when he taught at Hope College. Stage on loan from Steve Williford Kukla and Ollie Parade Puppets picture number 5 Puppets on display in the Century of Progress exhibit 2020-2024 Kukla and Ollie Parade Puppets picture number 7 TillstromParade.jpg 398 KB; Note Ollie's spots. Burr Tillstrom in Saugatuck parade with larger-sized Kukla and Ollie puppets. Kit Lane image of Burr with his oversized puppets Burr in July 1976 Saugatuck Parade.jpg 5.7MB; Color photo print 1976. Burr in parade posted July 27-2016 by Erin Wilkinson.jpg 453KB; Likely 1983 Santa Clause parade, see newspaper clipping

2019.21.02

Burr Tillstrom created these large size puppets to display in parades or when Burr appeared publicly before large crowds, for example at the grand openings of shopping malls. According to Kit Lane in her book "Saugatuck Visitors 1848-2004", "When Burr's brother, Dick Tillstrom, himself an early Grand Rapids television personality, sold the Spear Street house in 2003, the new owners found a box in the attic labeled "Parade K&O." Inside they found the larger and less finished version of Kukla and Ollie often used in outdoor events, especially in inclement weather. They were just waiting for the next parade." See page 85. Mentioned at minute 30 of video at 2024.41.303

Burr TillstromFestivals, events, parades, celebrations

Smollen, Alanna

2019.21

Balas, David L. 1952-2019

Donation

105 Kukla Puppet

104 Ollie Puppet

Century of Progress Exhibit

Tillstrom, Burr 1917-1985KuklaOllie the Dragon

06/25/2019

04/05/2025