By Ken Anderson, The Mayberry Guru, themayberryguru@gmail.com
Ten years ago, my brother Nels my wife Linda, and I went to Dickieville to pick up my 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 replica Mayberry Squad Car, which I had just purchased. On our way home, I realized my life would become more fun. Cars passed us as we drove on the interstate, and cameras pointed at us. When we stopped for gas, strangers came over to look at the car and ask questions. There was no doubt that my new car was unique
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I always suspected that my family and friends thought I was somewhat strange when I donned my Mayberry uniform and walked around acting like Deputy Barney Fife. Now that I think back, they may not have admitted to knowing me. However, as time passed, they got used to my obsession with Mayberry and accepted me for who I was. They then came to car shows and parades to see me in action.
Now that my family and friends genuinely know what I am all about, I have decided to add a new bit of amusement to my Mayberry activities. So, now this 77-year-old retired teacher walks around with a puppet—not just any puppet, but a puppet dressed in a replica Mayberry deputy uniform that my wife Linda made. When we first married, I doubt she knew what I would ask her to do. But she enjoys it as much as I do. The smiles and interaction we experience when kids talk and hug my puppet make it all worthwhile.
My puppet's name is Chester, and he has spent the past 25 years in a plastic storage bin. A good friend's late wife had used Chester as part of a children's puppet ministry, but Chester was retired when puppet ministry went by the wayside. So my friend Roger was delighted when Chester was given a second chance to make kids laugh.
Puppets have been around for a very long time. Some historians believe that they originated about 4000 years ago. Puppets have been used since the earliest times to animate and communicate the ideas and needs of human societies. Some historians claim that they pre-date actors in theatre. As a child, I recall watching the puppet Howdy Doody when he appeared with Buffalo Bob. Another very famous puppet show was the classic Punch and Judy performances.
I don't claim to be an expert puppeteer, nor do I attempt to be a ventriloquist. The kids are so engrained in looking at Chester that they never notice that my mouth may be moving when Chester speaks. And the smiles that come from the parents of these kids make my puppet efforts even more worthwhile. My wife now wonders what my next addition might be, but I don’t think anything will ever top Chester.
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