Willis was very artistic and fashioned paper puppets for our first puppet show in the 1940’s. He attached strings to the movable hands and legs of his people and animals puppets. He made stationary props for the different cardboard background scenes. Our puppet shows were held in our old dirt cellar. He used a kerosene lamp for lighting. On the far north end of the cellar, was a dirt ledge where mama put her canned fruits and vegetables. Willis carefully set the jars on the sides of the cellar floor and used the ledge for his stage. It was a bit cramped for him to crouch on one side while pulling the puppet strings, but he managed. When the show began, he set the lamp behind the stage where the light enhanced the stage setting.
Willis’s first stage was rather primitive, but he soon made a stage with a draw curtain. Our cellar had a dirt floor with walls lined with posts. We shut the door for privacy and used the kerosene lamp for just enough light to see what we were doing before the show began. Willis was very shy and did not like anyone other than the three of us watching his shows. Mama entered the cellar one time while Willis was performing. Willis saw the door open and shut up like a clam. The show was over. He was really embarrassed for mama to see his act. Lila and I were really disappointed that he stopped the performance.
After some time, Willis had Lila and I take our turn with the skits. We were not as talented as Willis or we thought so anyway. Lila made a comic man puppet and used Willis's old paper Model T Ford that he made for his skits. She placed the man behind the car, for the effect of him being the driver, and moved the old car slowly across the stage while repeating "putt, putt, putt" and then a loud "BANG !!" Willis laughed harder than I had ever heard him laugh. Lila picked up on that and replayed the scene over and over until it was not funny anymore.
Willis's reaction to this funny scene has been etched in my memory all these years.
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