Howdy Doody toy marionette

Object Details

Description: This toy Howdy Doody puppet was made by Puppet Playthings, Inc. during the 1950s. Authentically costumed with sliding eyes, a moving mouth, and six-inch strings, Howdy Doody puppets became a popular children’s toy during the 1950s. From 1947 to 1960, The Howdy Doody Show was the leading children’s TV program in the United States. The creator of the Howdy Doody character, “Buffalo” Bob Smith, first performed him as a radio character. When the show transitioned to TV, Frank Paris created the new puppet, but left the show (with the puppet) in 1948 to disputes over merchandising rights. Velma Dawson created the now-ubiquitous Howdy Doody that debuted in 1949. This Howdy Doody became popular spokes character, hawking sponsored products on the show or in print. The show’s characters were also licensed and sold in a variety of products and toys.
Location: Currently not on view

1947 - 1960

Physical Description: plastic (overall material); wood (overall material); string (overall material); cardboard (overall material); ink (overall material)
Measurements: overall: 16 in x 5 3/4 in x 3 1/2 in; 40.64 cm x 14.605 cm x 8.89 cm

Related Publication: Sewer, Andy; Allison, David; Liebhold, Peter; Davis, Nancy; Franz, Kathleen G.. American Enterprise: A History of Business in America

See more items in: Culture and the Arts: Entertainment; Popular Entertainment; American Enterprise

National Museum of American History

Subject: Puppetry; Radio and television broadcasting; Television broadcasts; Children's television programs; Consumerism
general subject association: Television
Subject: Toys

GUID (Link to Original Record): https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-4017-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa