Name/Title
Burr Tillstrom letter and photos, framedEntry/Object ID
2025.45.01Description
1978 letter from Burr Tillstrom surrounded by photo and a blurb about the TV pioneer. The materials are behind glass with a green background and a .25" wide bronze-colored frame. The back of the frame is blank.
The letter, on Kukla and Ollie stationary, is dated Jan 27, 1978. Handwritten text reads, "Dear George Guy Randall: We're glad you came to our show. Hope you enjoyed it. Here are our bonafide, authentic, real autographs!" and signed Kukla, Ollie and Burr Tillstrom.
A blurb about Burr Tillstrom reads, "BURR TILLSTROM
Franklin Burr Tillstrom (1917-1985) was a puppeteer and the creator of the television show "Kukla, Fran and Ollie" in which he appeared with partner Frances Helen Allison (1907-1987), a television and radio comedienne, personality, and singer. The show ran from 1947 to 1957, occasionally returning to the air until the mid-1980s.
Tillstrom became aware of Saugatuck when visiting the Summer School of Painting here in 1943, prompting him to buy the barn-like red home on the hill at 595 Spear St which became his part-time residence while he maintained an apartment in Chicago.
He occasionally performed and taught in the theater department of Hope College, and with his Kuklapolitans, frequently supported community projects. They were the hit of Saugatuck's Village Centennial Celebration in 1968, and an important part of the National Bicentennial Pageant held at Saugatuck High School in 1976.
He taught Sunday School at the Christian Science Church on the Saugatuck Village Square and would walk briskly through the Village, stroll along the sandy shores of the Oval Beach and shop at Taft's Supermarket on the Blue Star Highway, usually without fanfare or autograph seekers. The Saugatuck-Douglas Art Club erected a memorial statue to Tillstrom in 1988 and placed it in the Saugatuck Village Square."Context
This keepsake, purchased by the donor at an AWARE fundraiser, gives insights into Mr. Tillstrom's life in Saugatuck and demonstrates the community's continuing interest in his work.Collection
Burr TillstromCataloged By
Winthers, SallyAcquisition
Accession
2025.45Source or Donor
Engle, Elizabeth "Liz"Acquisition Method
Donation, unconditionalMade/Created
Artist
Tillstrom, Burr 1917-1985Date made
1978Dimensions
Height
16 inWidth
12 inDepth
1 inRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Tillstrom, Burr 1917-1985Create Date
November 3, 2025Update Date
November 4, 2025