We have a winner!

This handout/flyer (late '40s?) gives us a fun "look-back" at the latter years of the Great Lester's career. At first glance, it appears EDGAR BERGEN is appearing "In Person" at Wally's Show Bar. But a more careful reader will discover it is "The Great Lester" who is appearing. "Teacher of" Edgar Bergen is the qualifying statement in small print. (One does have to wonder why Bergen's name gets top billing if Lester is the "Greatest", but oh well...the circle of life.)

The picture above is a scan of a yellowing copy of an actual flyer held in my collection. It is a unique piece of ventriloquist history.

Because he has a wall display collection of Bergen memorabilia which this item, framed, will compliment nicely, I am gifting this original flyer to George Boosey. All others who entered for consideration will receive an actual size photo copy. My thanks to all who responded!

Break Apart dummy

From Kevin Detweiler:

You need to see the Break Apart Dummy that I am working on for a customer. It's crazy, I wish it was a little easier to make, be great item to sell. Of course, arms come off first and then legs. Then you push forward body and head slides out, one lever releases top of head then another lever releases back of head and it falls off, and then one more lever and front half of face falls off - all that is left is you holding a headstick with workable mouth! It's great!!

Reverse auction! - price lowered until sold!

She's 31" tall with side-to-side moving eyes and raising eyebrows.

Price will be LOWERED $10 each week until sold...wait as long as you dare!


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290389055183

Great Lester's Slate

Nearly 40 years ago I received this small slate from W.S. Berger. W.S. told me the slate was one used by the Great Lester in his act. Although erased many years ago, faint chalk markings can still be seen on the slate. So I've kept it carefully protected and in storage all these years. After reading Dr. Klock's comments about his time spent with Lester, I mentioned the slate to him. The following was his reply:

From Dr. Larry Klock: "Hello Clinton, Regarding the slate, I think I know exactly how Lester used it. He did a 'memory' act, where the audience would yell out objects, someone would write them down and he would remember all of them--up to 100 items, in order, when asked. Usually he only did 20 or 30 objects, and this slate may have been used to record these. That's my best guess. Lester taught us this memory method (which used association), and I used it all through medical school to memorize the nerves, muscles, etc. It got me through many exams! I still remember precisely the system we learned right down to the very detail.

One day a friend of Lester came to the door and Lester met him and asked him to remove a card from a deck, which he did. I was sitting in an adjacent room but could see them. Lester introduced me as one of his students, and asked me to reveal the name of the card. As he did that, he "flashed" quickly the bottom card of the deck, and I knew immediately what the chosen card was. Of course, I waited a few seconds and concentrated hard and then revealed the card. His guest was flabbergasted and amazed. Lester had used a simple 'stacked deck' effect (which he had taught us previously), so all one had to do was to see the card next to the one chosen to know its identity. That kind of stuff went on all the time around his studio!"

* * * * * *

Memories from a student of the Great Lester!

Readers, we have a rare treat today! The post below is from Dr. Larry Klock who spent two summers as a student of the Great Lester. At my invitation, Dr. Klock generously took the time to write some of his memories of that experience. Read on and enjoy this priceless opportunity to catch a first hand glimpse of the master ventriloquist, Harry Lester.

Remembering my time with the Great Lester

Dr. Larry Klock, MD
Spokane, Washington

Thanks, Clinton, for featuring The Great Lester and for the generous gifts. I'm a physician in Spokane, Washington, and had an opportunity to spend two summers studying ventriloquism with Lester when I was a teenager in the mid 1950s. It was an amazing experience.

Lester lived in a small apartment above a hardware store on Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, California. I spent nearly two months there each summer, and we would have lessons daily in his flat. My parents were with me and we lived in a small, nearby motel room. We worked very hard on voice technique and figure manipulation. Lester had very precise and specific ways he approached teaching. He was in his seventies at the time and was a gracious and patient instructor. He was a perfectionist, but in a gentle way. We would practice for hours at a time and record our lessons on a reel-to-reel tape, so we could listen to our voice.

He emphasized attention to detail. He insisted that one never performed in public unless his shoes were recently shined. He prohibited "touching" the figure with the free hand. Of course the words "dummy" and "puppet" were absolutely prohibited, and we could only use the term "figure." He had many of these "tips." We also worked on the "distant voice" for which Lester was famous. When we would take a break, Lester would perform and teach us magic tricks. I still do his cut and restored string for my grandkids, exactly as Lester had taught.

The wall of his apartment was covered with dozens of glossy photographs of entertainers. We heard many stories of his life as a performer. Various friends would come and go in his apartment each day. There were four or five of us "students" there at same time, but we all received individual instruction and had our own pace. One of my fellow "students" was Stuart (Stu) Scott, who went on to a vent. career in Las Vegas. Bob Bradford was also there, and worked as a professional ventriloquist.

We spent one memorable day with Edgar Bergen, which included lunch at his "studio" and had an opportunity to see his various figures and their large wardroom rooms. Lester had been Bergen's teacher and mentor.

I've performed in various settings as a ventriloquist since those days, and still have clear and fond memories of many of the techniques that Lester taught. I've used an Insull figure obtained from Mrs. Maher for many years and have used Clinton as a resource and supplier for scripts, figures, repairs and cases for a long time.

Thanks, again, Clinton, for your devotion to the Art of Ventriloquism in the tradition of The Great Lester.

And the big winner is ...

Congratulations to Wes Green, winner of the Great Lester wall display (right). The actual number of persons responding to the Great Lester give-away was 119. Major Green came closest to that amount with a guess of 120.

Second place was a tie between Andy Mrkvicka and Shawn Patrello, both of whom entered a guess of 122.

Thanks to all who made the effort to participate in the 24 hour give-away. Your gifts are being prepared and will be mailed 01/11/10.

MORE GIVE-AWAYS COMING SOON.

Great Lester newspaper ad from 1945

announcing the opening of his studio to teach

Voice and Ventriloquism

Great Lester

I received this 8x10 photo from W.S. Berger years ago. One of the few I've seen of Lester without his vent figure. The inscription reads: "Fond memories and recollections of Muzz and Skipper Berger. Harry Lester (Great Lester)."

Comments from yesterday's entrants

THANK YOU for all your entries to my 24 hour give-away yesterday! The offer has now ended. Final results and tallies are being completed and double-checked. But while we do so, here, in no particular order, is a sampling of comments several vents included with their entries.
* * * * *
From Budi HaHa (Indonesia): I just want you know that I'm still doing ventriloquism especially for church and school shows. Once (in) a while I give training for young people about puppetry and ventriloquism too. So hopefully ventriloquism is more popular in Indonesia. And I'm not sure how many other Indonesian took Maher Course until now, but I still tell anyone, who ask me how to learn ventriloquism, to get Maher Course as their best effort.
* * * * *
From Franna Barger: It's been a long time since our last communication with you. Our daughter bought a dummy figure from you back when she was just a teen about 16 years ago. With the changes of hair color, style, when she got DARLENE people thought it was custom made to look like her. She has gone far since then. Christine has been living in L.A. for about 6 years after graduating from Ball State. She has made entertainment her life. She has done serious acting and ventriloquism. Keeps herself very busy. I have the copy of the your newsletter she was in and look at it often remembering back then . How how life does change over years. PS. Darlene is still alive :) and looks the same!
* * * * *
From Canon John Jordan: "Thank you" for more than 40 years of giving of your time and talents not just to earn a living, but also to use your God-given talents and abilities in service to your fellow man. Your figure-making and repairing provide the tools, and the Maher Course provides the instructions and guidance to ventriloquists the world over. In a very real sense, your "daily blog" is an on-going source of knowledge and encouragement to the hundreds who turn to it daily for inspiration and information. That as a Christian, you encourage others to reach out with the help of the ventriloquist's art to bring others to our Lord, is a very real Ministry that you offer to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. This comes with a prayer that you will be spared and encouraged to continue this Ministry for many more years to come.
* * * * *
From Ken Howell: Thanks again for all you have done in support of the vent community all these years. Also thank you for taking on my project this past year. (You agreed to complete the figure that I had started 20 years ago) It will always be a cherished possession. Have a great year.
* * * * *
From Matt Sponaugle: Thanks so much for your blog. I've learned so much over the years and it's been a wonderful way to keep in touch with the vent community past and present.
* * * * *
From Evelyn Hickam: Happy New Year, and thank you for being so generous! However, I do think you could be just a little more giving and include in this offer an autographed picture of Clinton and Adelia Detweiler since, in everybody's book, they rank right up there with all these greats you have mentioned. Certainly you have been so very helpful to all of us over the years -- and you continue to be! Your Blog is an interesting and enjoyable way to keep in touch with the vent world. Thank you!
* * * * *
From NJay: It is with utmost respect I send you this e mail to inform you of my visit to your blog today, not as much for the gift, but for the knowledge he gains by visiting. I would like to in earnest state a very large thank you for the information I have gained from your blog. I am also a graduate of your Maher Basic Course and I thank you for that. I am still looking at the Course on a daily basis - you have so much information crammed into so few pages, it's amazing. Last, but not least, I want to wish the great Lester a happy 129th birthday...he will live on forever in all the minds of the students of ventriloquism.
* * * * *
From Allen Fuller: I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading the NewsyVent from 1988. It brought back memories of when I joined N.A.A.V. as a teenager after my parents purchased a Knee-Pal from Maher in 1983. I recall eagerly reading all the articles in each NewsyVent that I received. Thanks again for your continued support and encouragement to me and to the entire ventriloquist community.
* * * * *
From Joyce Carroll: Thank you for your great service over the years. I have been a vent for over 35 years! I am still telling folks how it has made all the difference in my life ( in fact, may have saved it, but that's a long story). I have some precious stories about children who have touched my life in an in-measurable way. Some of the jokes that I have acquired from your dialogue books are still some of my best, and friends tell me that no matter how many times they've heard a few of them, it still makes them laugh. Thanks for laughs.
* * * * *
From Wes Green: Where do you come up with such treasures? When you share these artifacts, you perpetuate ventriloquism and immortalize a craft worthy of honor. Thanks for keeping the voice alive, even if the lips are still. If any should find their way into an envelope addressed to Wes Green, just know that it will not stay in the mailbox long, but will join other treasures destined for "Inspiration Alley" on the way to a future "Great Lester". God bless you with all that you need to be all that He needs you to be.
* * * * *
From Melissa Nichols: I just wanted to drop a line and share my enthusiasm and love for vent history. I am by nature a lover of all things historic, and have spent many years in private scholarship reading about various and sundry dates in history. At one time I was pursuing a degree in history, but over time I was taken down various other paths instead. I do FX work and Entertainment with my brother and business partner Phil Nichols. From the time we were children we've loved vent. Now we are venturing out into the vent world in all seriousness and it is an exciting journey. I was thrilled about your Great Lester give away today. I've been collecting old digital images of Vents from the 19th century and I wish to become a serious student of vent history.
* * * * *
From Martin Gutzmer: I still have my "mouth coin purse" from my Maher course years ago. I do not know if I ever told you that I got a job as a pastor over 20 years ago because of my mouth coin purse. When our United Methodist Bishop read my resume' in front of the Central Illinois Conference Cabinet - and said - "I notice you are a ventriloquist, do some for us", - I dumped the contents out of my coin purse, and "Percy" the coin purse talked for a couple of minutes, and here were grown men laughing themselves silly. The bishop said - "Well, that's GREAT ', -turned to his secretary and said, "get Roy (my old bishop's first name) on the phone, and tell him we'll take Martin!" Then turned to me with these words, "Welcome to the Conference Son - How DO you do that?"
* * * * *

For 24 hours, Everyone was a winner!

January 6, marked the anniversary of the "Great Lester's" arrival in America as an infant. The year was 1881. Lester began his vent career at the age of 20 (1901) and his impact on vent history was in many ways equal to that of one of his better known students, Edgar Bergen.

I spent several hours last week rereading hundreds of pages of correspondence between past century ventriloquists including: Judge Frank Carter, Madame Pinxy, W.S. Berger, Great Lester, Edgar Bergen, Frank Marshall and several dozen others. So fascinating and insightful it was to step back in time in that manner! I was once again reminded of how much we vents of today's era owe to those who paved the way - arguably, none no more so than the Great Lester.

So in his honor on January 6, for a period of 24 hours, I offered a FREE "Lester themed" gift to every person who responded to this post!

Thanks to the generosity of M.A. Denemark, every respondent wasl sent one new genuine (not a copy) Great Lester Collector Card from The Great Ventriloquist series (card #2). This rare out-of-print card has Lester's picture on the front with "Frank Byron, Jr.", and a brief biography on the back.

In addition, every sixth (6, 12, 18, 24, etc.) person receives a Collector Card, PLUS a copy of a 1960 issue of The Oracle ventriloquist 12 page newsletter with the Great Lester on its cover. (What a treat to browse these pages of news from half century past!)

There's was MORE! Every person then had a chance to win a one-of-a-kind framed Great Lester wall display (photo below). Featured on this large attractive 11"x 21" framed unit are photo cover reprints of a very rare 1921 issue of The Magic World on which The Great Lester was the cover feature, and the cover page of the aforementioned 1960 Oracle. Plus two Lester collector cards (showing both front & back sides)!

This one-of-kind piece of ventriloquist history was awarded (along with the other item or items won) to the person who came closest to guessing the number of people who will responded to the Great Lester give away. Not every person chose to participate for this prize, but the majority did so, and of the winner was (to be announced 1/8/10).

*One entry per person. Every respondent will be notified of their entry's position by letter with their gift or gifts. Please note: This 24 hour give-away has ended. However, I will continue with 2-3 give-aways each week (on average), so return to visit this blog often!

Nothing to buy, no obligation. As with all gift give-aways on this blog, they are simply my personal thank you to an amazing vent community which has provided my family's livelihood for more than 40 years. Clinton D.

From previous winners:

"Thank you for the 'Issue #6' of 'Newsy Vents' which I won in one of your raffles, and which arrived quickly. It is interesting to read about what happened 20 years ago. I have added it to my collection of 'Newsy Vents' from the last few years of publication. Your efforts in the world of ventriloquism are greatly appreciated." Harry Schwab
* * * * * *
"When I went to the mailbox and found the 5x7 envelope with the prized #16 Authographed book inside, I stopped before opening it and recalled some years ago when I opened a similar envelope with a catalog I had requested to purchase my new bride a basswood figure from Craig Lovik's line. My mind raced as fast as my heart when I thought of writing the check and mailing it for Clementine to be created. When she arrived my wife teared up and bowed her head and dedicated this 'dummy' to Glorify God. (I always wondered if she meant me.) She renamed her Jenny Lynn and proclaimed the Gospel to thousands of all ages. Wow, look what sending a simple book in an envelope can do." Wes Green

New for 2010!

In addition to my weekly Give-Aways,

I will periodically have a 24 hour Give-Away

where everyone wins something!

Be sure to watch for them!

Mostly personal...

Tomorrow is my brother Jerry's birthday. Happy Birthday Bro! We grew up as wild west Kansas cowboys, and if you don't believe me, I have photos to prove it. (Jerry is the rider. I'm the stable boss on the right. Our brave sister, Marjorie, chief handler, is asking me why we didn't have a bridle on the colt.)

On a more serious note, two months ago Jerry, and his wife Jane, made a trip to Atlanta to assist as volunteers for Samaritan's Purse/Operation Christmas Child. I wanted to share their experience in hopes that some readers will want to take part this year. Jerry wrote:

"Jane and I returned from a week in Atlanta with Samaritan's Purse /Operation Christmas Child. It was a wonderful experience and a huge blessing. Wow! We processed (along with a couple hundred other volunteers) over 200,000 boxes in the days that we worked in Atlanta. It is an amazing operation-over 5,000,000 boxes collected in the U.S. alone plus 2 or 3 million more boxes collected in 10 other nations world wide that collect the boxes and then help distribute them. This year for the first time, Samaritan's purse was allowed to send boxes into Pakistan although they had to be very carefully screened (no religious symbols, nothing American, no farm animals, no dolls that could be dressed and undressed, nothing provocative, nothing scary, nothing that in any way referred to Christmas-which means no wrapping paper, no Bibles, no Christmas cards, etc.) Jane and I weren't involved in the packing for Pakistan. All of the boxes that we worked on went either to India or to the Ukraine. " Jerry

For more information on Operation Christmas Child, go to:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/

Getting into shape

It's a little hard to see from this photo, but all three of these Goldberger heads have masking tape taped under their chins, running cheek to cheek. Some dolls arrive from the manufacturer with the cheeks out of line with the mouth. I suspect this is caused by too much tension on the rubber band as it is installed. While the dolls likely look great when they are first packed in China, the newly molded heads are slightly flexible and the tension of the rubber band pulls and distorts the head during the long boat ride across the ocean to the USA. So once a doll with this problem arrives at my shop I have learned to reverse the process by first heating the misshapen head to soften it again, then using my hand to reshape the head as it was originally intended, tape the head to hold it in shape, and then letting the head slowly cool and rest for several days with the masking tape in place. After a few days have passed, I remove the tape and the head will retain the proper original shape. Problem solved.

From previous winner:

Playing Santa...

I don't know if you remember my post a few weeks ago concerning the mother wanting a puppet for her son, but she lacked the funds to buy one. I suggested she make a sock puppet, and provided the link to a site for puppet-plans. After posting that blog, I received the following email:

"Dear Clinton: I'm reading today's post and I think I could do something for this mother who is asking for a puppet. I have a brand new Folkmanis shepherd dog that I bought years ago but I never used. Can you forward this message to this lady so she can contact me and I can send her the puppet? When I was a kid growing up in Argentina, we had very rough times at home after my father died, when I was five. Some days the food wasn't as nutritious as it should, most of my clothes were hand me downs from cousins or neighbours, but I always had toys. Somehow, my mother was always able to buy me a toy for my birthday, Child's Day, Christmas, Wise Men Day (on January 5th at night, the Three Wise Men who went to adore Jesus, are supposed to leave children a present as they did with Him; it's a latin american tradition). For a child, a toy is way more beautiful than good food or proper clothes. That is why I'm always so sad every Christmas, because I think of how many children will not have a toy on that day. I do as much as I can, I help as much as I can, and maybe I can help here. I'm not working myself either, I lost my job almost one year ago, so I understand her situation very well. Things in Canada are very rough too. Please allow me to be Santa. Perhaps this will motivate others to play Santa as well. Thanks again, may God bless you and yours." (Name withheld at the request of the sender)

It was my pleasure to be able to connect the two parties and it was a merry Christmas for all. As I write this, I wonder if there are other readers who have an unused puppet or vent figure that they'd be willing to donate to a worthy recipient? If so, I have a suggestion. See the post that follows.

Needed: vent figures/dolls/puppets

After witnessing the blessings experienced by both giver and recipient in the incident described in the post above, I contacted our friends Darrell and Sandy Blatchly to see if they still have a need for puppets and vent figures. (Sandy is the Family Circus lead ventriloquist.) Several readers have, in the past, responded to this need. Thank you! The Blatchley's have an amazing ministry to extremely needy families in the Philippines. They have a trained staff of puppeteers and many nationals ready to be trained in the art. But the need is greater than the resources available. I highly recommend this cause, and it's easy to lend the Blatchley's a hand if you have a puppet donation - What a great way to start this New Year! Read on:

From Darrell Blatchly
(Philippines)

Hi Clinton, Thank God for all His blessings. The Family Circus ministry to the children and their families continue to grow. Those calling Family Circus their church home are approaching 7,000. We continue to obey His instructions to feed the poor, feeding thousands of severely malnourished kids each week, bringing in the lame, deaf, widows, orphans. God remains faithful to supply the needs. We do a lot of praying, and though we grieve when we see some young people abandon Him, make wrong choices, and even have their lives snuffed out early, there still remain so many who have their names written in the Lambs book of life.

Donated dummies/puppets both Human & Animal would be would be wonderful gift to the children’s ministry here in Davao City, Philippines. We have a trained team of children workers and the puppets would be given a great home and tender loving care.
Anyone interested or having questions could contact us direct via email familycircus@agmd.org or check out our website at http://www.familycircus.org/

Our mailing address is:
Darrell & Sandy Blatchley
1011 1st Avenue South
Payette, Idaho 83661

We have people travelling out in 2010 that can hand deliver them.

For the King & His kids,
Darrell & Sandy Blatchley
Family Circus Children’s ministry

More from Darrell Blatchley ...

Sandy and the team ladies made up Christmas packages for our poorest of the poor families from out of the thousands that attend the Family Circus services. This past week we found Michael after several months disappearance. He still needs the medicine for TB and food (looks like he’s lost weight (age 12, only 56 lbs) we will do what we can for his dying grandmother, his only caregiver for he and two other siblings.

This week Sandy and our team traveled around town and even into surrounding cow pastures to deliver the gifts. The description of where some of these people live is heart wrenching, but when our team drive up and greet the families, and after distributing hugs and gifts, the parents and their children’s level of joy would be no less than that of the richest kids on this planet who'll receive a bag of Santa’s latest and greatest toys.

I’d dare say many of these children would be far happier and the joy of this Christmas may even last in their memory for the rest of their lives… In comparison, how many rich kids will remember this Christmas as it gets lost in the piles of stuff they receive both this year and in the future?

This Christmas, other than priceless love, what gifts did the poor kids receive? Some clothing, salt, rice, food, soap, toiletries, some small toys, perhaps a stuffed animal, specially gathered and or purchased just for them.

For the next two weeks our plans are to spend time relaxing and being refreshed before getting into a new year with all the business that accompanies serving the King in the heart of one of His harvest fields.

99 Cent Book Auctions

Again, I now have a selection of books listed on eBay auctions beginning at just 99 cents (with free shipping!). CLICK HERE to see the full list.

Among the books listed is Dale Brown's very popular Banquet Performing. The following is a brief excerpt from the opening chapter:

Why Banquets?

By Dale Brown

Many vents choose not to pursue banquet engagements because banquets appear to represent a relatively small and seasonal market. Nothing could be further from the truth. It's true that at certain times, at Christmas, for instance, it's easier to book banquets than at other times. But "easier" doesn't mean that opportunities don't exist during non-holiday periods as well....the vent just has to know how to uncover these opportunities.

First of all, you have to realize that banquets are not limited to formal, annual dinners. Weekly or monthly luncheon meetings, retirement parties, class reunions, and special award dinners can be classified as banquets. In fact, whenever a meal is served to an organized group, it could represent a potential opportunity for the vent who offers banquet programs.

That means the vent who is willing to put some effort into selling his or her services has a never-ending list of possible engagements right in their own back yard.

To ensure success on the banquet circuit, a vent should know:

* How to identify upcoming banquets.

* How to market himself.

* How banquet programs are different from other types of shows.

* What types of programs are best suited to banquets.

* How to work with banquet organizers.

* How to avoid typical pitfalls often encountered in banquet settings.

The chapters of Banquet Performing will discuss each of these subjects in detail.

* * * * *

Reprinted by permission from Banquet Performing, published and copyrighted 1985 by Maher Studios.

2009 NOV/DEC HONOR ROLL

* * *
NEW MILLENNIUM BASIC MAHER COURSE:
Donna Kaufman (IL)
James Mast (OH)
Melissa Nichols (TX)
Phil Nichols (TX)
* * *
NEW MILLENNIUM ADVANCED MAHER COURSE:
Warren L. Lawson, Jr. (MA)
<>
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
<>
For more information, or to purchase the
Maher Home Course of Ventriloquism:
CLICK HERE.

From Maher Graduate

Hello, Mr Detweiler! It's hard to believe that we now are in 2010. In December, we had 20 shows booked. We were really excited. We already have a number of shows booked for January. We also have a number of shows booked throughout the year. I got to perform with a puppet troupe recently at our local theatre where we did a Halloween show. I think I did pretty good. I should tell you that in doing all those shows in December, I've noticed that the problem of "flipping my lid" seems to have just about disappeared. I've also had a number of people tell me that I am a very good ventriloquist. One lady told me that she swore that the puppet was doing all the talking. That's what we want. We give God all the credit for this. We are working on new ideas and different things we can do. We love doing what we do. As I've said before, taking the Maher Course was a very smart move. Have a blessed 2010! Ron Butcher "R & T Puppets"

01/01/10

Happy New Year!

Clinton & Adelia

We have a winner!

This Dave Miller Ventoon was first published 01/01/1978 as part of the NAAV ventriloquist calendar. "Just missed the big event" likely happened to more than one person just last night!

I thought I'd start the year off by giving a framed copy of this original Ventoon to the tenth (10th) person who, after reading this post, sent me an email with the word Ventoon in the subject line. We now have a winner: Walter Ratzell (NJ). Congratulations!

Visitor's New Year's Wish

I wish "Happy New Year" with all of my might

to every vent visitor to Mr. D's site!

May peace, health and happiness remain a close friend

throughout every minute of 2010.

.

Winkle and Wags

Reverse Auction

I've put this newly completed figure up for sale with a unique REVERSE AUCTION. The starting "Buy-It-Now" price of $350 will be LOWERED by $10 each week until the figure is sold!

The longer the buyer waits, the more he or she saves. However, the longer the buyer waits, the more likely they will lose the bid!

Check it out: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290386470618

Not a good job ...

From Jim Burke

Hi Clinton, I received the new body (right) yesterday for "Miguelito", and I need to tell you that you did not do a good job.....you did a FABULOUS JOB! Workmanship was superb, truly professional. The way you packed the body for shipping was also professionally done--I don't know whether you did it personally or had someone else pack it but it gives the purchaser a wonderful impression even before the bubble wrap is removed. Everything is great!

I know that you are busy, but I wanted to give you a very brief history of this puppet. When we left for the mission field in Colombia, South America, in 1978 I took a professional figure with me from your studio. I think it came from the workshop in California, and the original name it was sold under was Homer. It had a tooth proceeding from underneath the upper lip. It also had a deer skin mouth.

Unfortunately, that figure was stolen [not an uncommon occurrence in Colombia]. My father, who is now 91, came to visit us and brought a small figure that you have sinced identified as Hal from Madeline Maher. It was not in good condition---but I ordered a wig from your studio for the figure, and I used it in Colombia, even carrying it one time in my saddle bag as I rode a horse to a mission point in the Ande mountains. I gave him the name of Miguelito "Little Mike" in English). I used the figure for years after returning to the States with great response wherever I went. It seemed that no matter what type of program I gave (I am also a juggler, magician) it was always acclaimed to be the favorite part of the program. I did school programs in New Mexico and parts of Texas on character and it was one of the featured presentations. After several years I had you refurbish the head (and what a professional job that was! You even added the raising eye brows without charge. I still don't know why I didn't have you do the body then). Clothes continued to cover up a body that was in very poor condition (photo left).

I have other figures now, of varied sizes, but Miguelito continues to be one of the favorites. This goes to show that the size of the figure does not determine the audience response. The personality that the ventriloquist gives to the figure and how well the ventriloquist makes the figure come to life does.

Thanks for extending years to the use of this special figure, Miguelito Milkweed.

We have a winner!

This is a double-collectible! A matted and framed Great Ventriloquist collector card of Fred Maher PLUS an actual 1999 Vent Haven Convention pin featuring a likeness of Mr. Maher's Skinny Dugan. Skinny was one of the famous McElroy Bros. figures. The likeness on the pin was drawn by Dave Miller. This very nice and definitely unique 5x7 piece, and was won by Jim Burke, the required 4th person to email me after reading this post.

Finally!!!

Poor little "Nick Nack" had his headpost broken from his head in an accident last Spring. He belongs to my cousin, Bonita Yoder, who brought him to me to see what I could do for him. It's always been my position that if the maker of any figure is still in the business it's better to have the figure returned to the original builder for needed repairs. It's easier for the one who designed and crafted the figure and mechanics to make any necessary repairs. And it should be faster.

My policy has always been to give priority to repairs necessary on any figure I made or sold, even if it meant working evenings and/or weekends. Unfortunately, Bonita has had difficulty making contact with his builder. Thus, poor Nick Nack has been out of commission for months. And then this past week when I learned from Bonita it was going to be sometime after March 1st before repairs would be made, I decided he had waited unattended long enough; further delay was unacceptable. So although a bit reluctantly, I did take him into my shop, disassembled his headpost and controls, studied the damaged linkage, successfully made necessary repairs, and now, finally, he's ready to return to action! (We're all breathing a sigh of relief!)

Triple-Trouble

The box was delivered to my door and when I opened it I was met with the sorrowful faces of three vent figures with broken mouths! Triple-trouble! Not only did two of them try to swallow their entire mouths, but the big fella was even missing his upper front teeth.

All are now repaired, chatting amicably and excitedly amongst themselves and will be on their way home (where their bodies await!) shortly!

Just another day in the life of a puppet repair person.

Self-made man

From Michael Richards:

As promised, here are photos of the ventriloquist figure I made using Bill Andersen's book. The figure is sculpted with plastic wood, using Apoxie Sculpt for final details. He is a full sized, 40" pro figure with slot jaw mouth and side to side moving eyes.

* * * * * *

From Clinton: Great job, Michael. And such strong character expression. Well done. Thank you for sharing your photos. To those of you reading this, the book Michael is referring to is Make Your Own Dummy by William Andersen. I do have this book in stock. $6.00 postpaid.

* * * * * *

From Michael: Hello, everybody. I agree that the plastic wood currently on the market isn't very good, but I found I could get it to act more like clay by adding some white flour into it. I didn't have access to any fine sawdust, since I live in an apartment, and don't have a studio. Flour worked great.

I tried all the wood fillers on the market, and the one I like best is Elmer's Carptenter's Wood Filler. Mixed with some flour, it works great. When working, I would just add flour until the stuff was the right consistency. To keep it from drying too fast, just add a little bit of water while you work. I kept a cup of water beside me at the table, and I would dip my fingers into it and work the water into the sculpture.

Also, I didn't use molds. I first used paper mache over a balloon to get a hollow head. Once dry, I put the plastic wood over that. As I said, I used Apoxie Sculpt (similar to Magic Sculpt), which is an epoxy clay, for finer details. Although, I would not do this again, because epoxy is really hard to sand. Also it's pretty heavy.

I'm making a figure now out of paper clay. I recently met a professional and well-known sculptor named Bill Nelson. He makes vent figures and dolls for celebrities and such. And he uses paper clay. I tried it, and the stuff is amazing. It's very easy to work with, can be kept workable with water for as long as you need, and dries in less than 24 hours. When it dries, it's rock hard, but sands like a dream. I found you can still use Mr. Andersen's book. You just replace the usage of plastic wood with paper clay. I wish I'd known about paper clay ages ago!

Incidentally, I didn't use anyone to pose for my old man figure. I actually changed the face three times as I sculpted, deciding on an old man at the very end. I used pictures of my own grandfather when sculpting the wrinkles and making the age spots.Thanks for all the wonderful comments! -Michael Richards

Where's Emmett?

Question: I'm curious to find out what Emmet has turned out to be. Can we have an update of his progress?

* * * * *

Answer: He is in this photo - your job is to find him. (I will have more on him at some future date.)

We have our winners!

During the '80s I did all the printing for Maher Studios on our own in-house offset press. While I leaned the craft, the quality of the printing admittedly decreased some; however, the volume of printed materials increased tremendously due to the reduced costs for publication (I "volunteered" much of my time - wasn't planned that way - just the way it worked out!).

I used color much more frequently as well. This Nov/Dec 1988 Newsy Vents is one of those self-print items. Vent photos found on the 12 page issue: Liz VonSeggen, Clint Hammonds, Ronn Lucas, Mr. Hart, Al Getler, Timothy Arends, and Joyce Wilkes. Plus vent news and helpful articles.

A signed copy of this issue was offered free to the first six people who contacted me after reading this post. The winners are in and will be announced soon.

Book 16 ...

The prizes of the last give-way, and the stories that accompany them and their winners, seek to take on a life of there own. Here's what yet another winner wrote yesterday:

"It seems Book 16 may be magical because the people who won it seem to be better for it. One person receives it as they seem to begin their Journey into ventriloquism. One gives it to help some one entering this world of tight lipped talkers. Another person gives theirs on to another person who generously passes it on as a gift of gratitude! And I have received it with much joy because it was just the tool I needed.

"I have recently (as of September) become a co-youth leader at my church for my church's youth group and at the same time I have become the Assistant Teacher for the high school Sunday school class. Because I hold those two positions I have been trying to find ways to convey the message and I plan to use the book to not only inspire me in ways to teach my youth but to help my youth, as well as myself, tell others about the love of Christ without having to just stand around and quote the Bible. Best Wishes, Josh Minetree"

From Winkle and Wags

‘Twas the day after Christmas and I returned here,

to a long-favored website I’ve always held dear.

I knew right away I was here for a reason.

To wish all who visit the best of the season!

A safe, happy and very Merry Christmas season to all

and a New Year of loud laughs …

stilled lips … and peace, health and happiness.

Ventriloquism with purpose

From "Dialogue Book #16 Winner" Ron Havens:

You are my ventriloquism Santa. Even if I hadn't won this time you have already given me the best gift of the year. You sent me my first "official" vent figure (see photo). I use him all the time and really enjoy it.

I named him "Ruben Nathaniel Young". His initials (RNY) are representative of the name for the weight loss surgery I had, in July 2009, about the same time you sent him to me. Both Ruben and my surgery are blessings God has given me. I have used him in all my shows since I got him and I have lost 125 pounds since surgery.

Every time I use Ruben "on stage" and mention his full name I am reminded of the commitment I have toward both my ventriloquism ministry and being healthy. Both things are means of doing my part in God's will for my life.

I want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

God Bless,
Ron Havens

"It was the day after Christmas . ...

.... at a church in SanFrancisco. The pastor of the church was looking over the crèche when he noticed that the baby Jesus was missing from among the figures. He hurried outside and saw a little boy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant Jesus. So he walked up to the boy and said,"Well, where did you get your passenger, my fine friend?" The little boy replied, "I got Him at church." "And why did you take Him?" The boy explained, "Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to the little Lord Jesus and I told Him if He would bring me a red wagon for Christmas I would give Him a ride around the block in it."

Christmas 2009

.

.

.

"What can I give Him,

Poor puppet that I am?

If I were a shepherd,

I would give Him a lamb.

"If I were a wise man,

I would do my part -

But what can I give Him?

(With Clinton's help...)

...I'll give Him my heart."*

"R.C."

Merry Christmas from

Clinton & Adelia

* Adapted from poem by Christina Rossetti

Christmas Eve 2009

Kneeling L-R: Hannah and Nicole

Standing L-R: Dale, Joy, Adelia, Clinton

We have our winners!

In 1974 we (Maher Studios) published a series of 36 dialogue books with dialogues authored by nearly 100 different members of the NAAV (North American Association of Ventriloquists). Three of the books contain my own personal writings. This book #16 of Gospel Dialogues one that I authored and contains five full length dialogue programs: I'm Stuck, Christmas List, It Doesn't Pay To Be Stubborn, Dummy Conducts Children's Lesson, and Appearances Deceitful.

While this book series has been out of print for many years, I had four signed copies of book #16 which were awarded one copy each to the first four (4) people who emailed me after reading this post. Winners: Ron Havens (KY), Jim Burke MS), Joshua Minetree (MD), and Maj. Wes Green (IL).

But this give-away continues with unusual and heartwarming twists - read on.

Abhijeet Deshpande (India) was just out of the winner's group by coming in #5. Along with Abhijeet's entry was a request "If I win this item, I would like to gift it to my guide in ventfigure making from USA, Mr. Ken Souza. He helps me a lot in figuremaking, he provided me many books, tons of information and materials. So I want to thank him by giving this item as a gift in this Christmas season."

I would gladly have awarded a 5th copy of the book to fulfill Abhijeet's request, but unfortunately, four copies was all I had. However, almost at the same time I received the following email from winner Jim Burke: "I have checked and (found I) already have a copy of this book. Could you send this one to the person who came in number 5 with my desires that this person have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!"

Amazing coincidence? Maybe. I prefer to think of it as the Spirit of Christmas actively at work with this double "pay it forward". But wait, that's not the end of the story!

Learning of the above incident, Wes Green sent me the following:

"Clinton, I was blessed to see that Abhijeet Deshpande had indeed been accommodated for this gift. I was especially interested in this copy as it was signed by the author. I feel that something has greater value when it is personalized. It says the you were known by the author personally. I know that experience in my Bible's author. I celebrate His Birth and Life thru my own.

"I would like to share this book with a beginner who is still learning about ventriloquism and Clinton Detweiler. I'm putting a package together of other treasures from my wife's collection to pass on to my friend and am thrilled to add this to it. I look forward to meeting this author and creator one day. If not before Heaven, then I'll look for you in Glory where we'll both be known by the Author and Creator of our Faith. Blessings, Wes!"

There will be an extra bright smile on my face when I put these gifts into the mail, Saturday morning. The gifts that keep on giving! And I was blessed to share the experience and now share the story with you - what an honor! Merry Christmas, everyone! Clinton

Free Gifts

Question: How long will you be giving away the free gifts? This is fun!
* * * * *
Answer: My plan is to offer the free gifts through the end of December. It's been fun for me as well. Keeps me in the spirit of the Christmas season!

Greetings from blog visitors

Thank you for YOUR Christmas and seasonal greetings for posts this week - all those that were published on this blog and the many others that came privately by email and letter. We appreciate your friendship and encouragement!

From Neale Bacon: “Horton Hogg and I want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season, and a our Christmas wish for you is that your calendar fills up with shows. We look forward to seeing our friends at Venthaven again in July”

Christmas Treat on Leno tonight

This is non-vent, but still worthy of your consideration if you'd like to experience an extra blessing in keeping with the season. Our niece, Kristine Detweiler, lives in Uganda where she works with the amazing kids of the African Children's Choirs. She just sent us the following:

Hi everyone, Just wanted to let you all know the African Children's Choir have been confirmed to sing on The Jay Leno Show, Wednesday the 23rd of December. This is Jay's new primetime talk show that airs on NBC at 10pm/9central. We will be the musical guests singing a Christmas medley with our African drums. Best, Kristine

Reader Greetings:

Did you miss Terry Fator: Live From Las Vegas?

Catch the re-broadcast on CMT:

Saturday, 12/26 - 1pm-2pm est/pst - 6pm-7pm est/pst

Sunday, 12/27 - 10:45pm-11:45pm est/pst
Thank you again for supporting Terry.

Here's wishing a Happy Holiday season to you and yours.

Peace & Love from our family to yours
Cousin Joey the mouse, Baby the love bird, June & Bob Abdou

Neon Lim,

Singapore

(With his cast of characters

and recently purchased

Maher Course.)

"Clinton, here is a Christmas vent photo with one of your creations is beside one of my creations. I'll leave it to you to decide which one is which! :-) Merry Christmas," Allen Fuller

Teresa Shieh requested a "look-alike" figure as a gift for her boy friend, Kerry Perloff.

Bonus Freebies!

In the spirit of the season these were a couple bonus give-aways. Two books by Craig Lovik that did not sell on eBay this past week. Rather than relist them or return them to inventory, I have given them away, one each, to the first two people who responded to this post when initially published. First respondent: Joshua Minetree.

Second respondent: Warren Lawson .

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN GRUMPS
Plus two other FRAZZLED FAIRY TALES. Mixed up comedy ventriloquist dialogues where the conversation goes from funny to downright hilarious. You’ve never heard the tales told in this manner before! For your younger audiences. By Craig Lovik.

FRAZZLED FAIRY TALES
CLASSIC VENTRILOQUIST NONSENSE for the younger children who will squeal with delight when they hear the original comic twists given to their favorite stories as told by the ventriloquist puppet! By Craig Lovik. Cinderella and the Beanstalk; Sleeping Beauty; The Underwater Years; and 200 Years In The Fourth Grade.

(If you would like to purchase a copy of either book, I have more in stock. $5.00 each PP)

"Charlene" with Melissa Nichols

This note from Phil Nichols regarding the figure in the above image: "Melissa needed a smaller version of Charlene since the original was too heavy for her. Here is a juro Mortimer I converted and reshaped the face with Apoxy sculpt and wood filler. I used headstick, eyes, hands, and 2T body form from Braylu to build her body. She turned out really well and Melissa loves her."

The image below is "Charlie, the wedding crasher", also by Phil Nichols.

Christmas at Mt. Hawley Country Club.

Photo right, L-R: Santa, Carl Bopp, and Doc Lowery with Clyde the Camel. Doc and Clyde kept the kids entertained until they could see Santa. Sidney the monkey meets Santa (below).

"Mr. Clinton, Thank you so much for these 3 wonderful boys' makeovers. Merry Christmas,"

Lori Schnell