Cole Puppets perform at Rupley Elementary School in Elk Grove Village. George Cole, was a Chicago-area puppeteer for over 50 years, and was the founder and manager of the Cole Marionettes, which had four troupes that have performed close to 100,000 times at schools and malls in the Chicago area since the mid-1930s. He was past president of the Puppeteers of America.
Daily Herald file photo, 1966
While researching the Daily Herald archives for topics, we discovered that we covered multiple assignments about puppetry during the 1960s and '70s. Geared mainly for children, puppets have been delighting audiences for years. We thought it would be fun to share this unusual gallery and some history of this entertainment form.
Puppets have been used to help tell memorable stories since the 5th century B.C., originating in Ancient Greece, as a form of theater.
From sock puppets to shadow puppets, each puppet often perform different tasks and abilities. Marionettes tend to be the most complex puppets and can perform many different movements with many strings attached that almost make them seem alive.
Some of the images in this gallery include the famous Cole Puppets who are rumored to have performed more than 100,000 times at Chicago area schools. George Cole was a Chicago-area puppeteer for over 50 years and was the founder and manager of the Cole Marionettes, which had four troupes that have performed since the mid-1930s. He was a past president of the Puppeteers of America.
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Methodists put on a puppet show for children of all ages.
Daily Herald file photo, 1966
A puppet show at Arlington Heights Park District.
Daily Herald file photo, 1971
What looks to be a Pinocchio puppet entices the crowd during a puppet show at Westbrook in Mount Prospect.
Daily Herald file photo, 1971
Children and puppeteers get into the act during a puppet show.
Daily Herald file photo, 1965
Characters entice the crowd during a puppet show at Westbrook in Mount Prospect.
Daily Herald file photo, 1971
Puppeteers control their creations during a show at Westbrook in Mount Prospect.
Daily Herald file photo, 1971
Children listen intently during a puppet making class at Camp Fire Leaders in Arlington Heights.
Daily Herald file photo, 1971
Children listen intently during a puppet making class at Camp Fire Leaders in Arlington Heights.
Daily Herald file photo, 1971
"Poppets" which is defined as a small figure of a human used in sorcery and witchcraft is used during a puppet show.
Daily Herald file photo, 1970
A young girl talks to a puppet during a show.
Daily Herald file photo, 1970
Children pay keen attention to the Elk Grove Park District puppet show at Admiral Byrd Elementary School.
Daily Herald file photo, 1970
A young boy reads his lines as he controls his character during the Elk Grove Park District puppet show at Admiral Byrd Elementary School.
Daily Herald file photo, 1970
Mrs. Bingaman shows two of her Fairy Tale Puppets.
Daily Herald file photo, 1970
Three ladies from Beth Tikva show off one of the characters they will use during a puppet show in Hoffman Estates.
Daily Herald file photo, 1973
A young boy shows a senior citizen his puppet during a show at Addolorata Villa in Wheeling.
Daily Herald file photo, 1973
Girl Scouts make puppets in Hoffman Estates.
Daily Herald file photo, 1972
A young boy looks over his work during a puppet making class at Schaumburg Park District.
Daily Herald file photo, 1973