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Burr Tillstrom memorial

2021.41.87

In 1988 the Saugatuck-Douglas Art Club erected a memorial in honor of Saugatuck resident and pioneering television puppeteer Burr Tillstrom of “Kukla, Fran and Ollie” fame. The sculpture was created by Patricia Daggett-Sinclair. According to the Art Club's website, the memorial effort was led by Helen Van Mell.

Burr Tillstrom

Winthers, Sally

2021.41

Schmiechen, James A.

Donation

Digital data in CatalogIt

Saugatuck Village Square/GreenVan Mell, Helen S. -2002Tillstrom, Burr 1917-1985Art Club, Saugatuck DouglasDaggett, Patricia Sinclair c1927-2008

https://www.saugatuckdouglasartclub.org/history History of the Saugatuck Douglas Art Club by Jane Van Dis, 9/15/2017 1987 A memorial for Burr Tillstrom was discussed. Some of the options: 1) small memorial and scholarship, 2) set of puppet books, 3) recordings of retrospective, 4) bench, 5) day, 6) sculpture in park. The sculpture was okayed. It cost $8000 - $3,500 for the foundry and $4,500 for the artist, Pat Daggett. ... 1988 ... Michigan Council for the arts contributed $1000 to the sculpture. The dedication ceremony took place on August 7. .... Dr. Shorey gave $500 to Burr Tillstrom memorial. An auction raised $127 for the sculpture. Other donations were $250 from NBC, and $250 from Don Mitchell. $100 was given to OxBow. President this year was Helen Van Mell

12/21/2025

02/12/2026