9" tall composition casting attached to wooden dowel rod and inserted into painted wooden base (total height of 10.75") w/engraved name of Velma Dawson, the puppet maker/puppeteer responsible for designing and sculpting the second Howdy Doody head, the version that has long since become one of the most iconic images in television history. Head has been painted w/some natural brown highlight accents to hair, eyes, lips and eyes and has tied Western print neckerchief around neck. Displays Exc. Comes w/19x33.25" frame that has four matted openings that contain envelope and 7x8.5" matted typed letter dated July 1, 1948 that was addressed to Dawson from NBC Pacific Coast Counsel Richard Harper Graham. Letter is on NBC letterhead and mentions enclosed executed copy of contract between Dawson and NBC for her Howdy Doody puppet and goes on to mention how "Telegenic" it is. Display also includes two-page typed contract that has been matted to 7.25x10.25" for each page. Contract is dated June 8, 1948 and stipulates that Dawson was to draft designs for the new Howdy Doody puppet, create a puppet and return these to NBC upon payment. Payment was disclosed as $300 and goes on to secure rights to use puppet however NBC saw fit. Last page of contract has been signed in blue ink by Dawson as well as NBC representative. Scattered aging and some inking to envelope but overall letter and contract are Exc. and make for wonderful display as professionally matted and framed. Additionally, comes w/various papers detailing Dawson's involvement and her Howdy Doody puppet design. These include a photocopy of signed photo from Buffalo Bob Smith in which he addresses her as "Howdy's Real Mother" and Howdy has "signed" "Hi Mom." Photocopy of letter from Dawson mentions her setting the record straight about her involvement in Howdy's design and sending copies of magazine/newspaper articles, many of which are included here. Another document chronicles the decision to replace the "Ugly Doody" puppet and includes copy of rough design sketch. Also included is a notarized four-page letter from Norman Blackburn (who hired Dawson) attesting to Dawson's involvement. Great historic television item.