This was sent in by our good friend Bob Abdou:
Saturday April 26 was National Puppetry Day in America.
I was honored to promote the art of Puppetry (ventriloquism a must) on Good Day Columbus, the morning tv show here in Columbus, Ohio
I was on a whole hour describing the different types of puppetry, marionettes, hand/rod and vent.
For the most part the size of most full size ventriloquist figures run between 38 and 42 inches in length. I have found that the size of shoes that fit best with figures of this size are about seven inches in length from heel to toe. Flea markets and yard sales will turn up some great children’s shoes which work great. I myself really try to stay away from sneakers. Just my preference. I like leather shoes.
Many times once you put shoes on the figure and as you handle the figure the shoes will fall off and I know that can be frustrating to say the least. I have found that one of the easiest ways to remedy this problem is with velcro. You can purchase a strip of either black or white velcro at most craft shops like Michael’s or AC Moore or else at a fabric shop like Jo Anne Fabrics.
I was so pleased to be contacted by the heirs of Harold “Doc” Dougherty because they had his ventriloquist figures and decided they should come to the Ventriloquist Central Collection.
Willie is a full size 40 inch tall figure and is in all original condition and dates from the late 1920’s to early 1930’s. He still has his original paint, wig and his body is original too.
I am going to offer these great reproduction pins for the Effanbee Charlie McCarthy dolls at a special discounted price of $14.99 which includes the shipping in the US.
If you have an Effanbee Charlie and are missing the pin for his lapel now is your chance to get one at a great price.
![DSCN2509[1]](https://ventriloquistcentralblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/dscn25091.jpg)
When I first started to collect the Effanbee Charlie dolls I really didn’t care what the outfit was but quickly I found that the 15″ tall model have quite a variety of outfits.
Today I am happy to show you five of these small size Charlies in five different outfits. I am still hunting for the detective out fit but I am sure eventually I will find that one too.
