Name/Title
Burr Tillstrom memorialEntry/Object ID
2021.41.87Scope and Content
Collection of newspaper clippings about the Burr Tillstrom memorial. The bronze statue of a girl interacting with a rabbit hand puppet is located in Saugatuck's village square.Context
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.Collection
Burr TillstromCataloged By
Winthers, SallyAcquisition
Accession
2021.41Source or Donor
Schmiechen, James A.Acquisition Method
DonationLocation
* Untyped Location
Digital data in CatalogItRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Saugatuck Village Square/Green, Van Mell, Helen S. -2002, Tillstrom, Burr 1917-1985, Art Club, Saugatuck DouglasGeneral Notes
Note
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 MellCreate Date
December 21, 2025Update Date
January 1, 2026
