Seems that our beloved and sorely missed Bob McAllister was a vent as well. Something that I was not aware of. Seems that as a young adult he had a figure named "Clancey". Have a look at this clip. Bob and Chauncey (or Clancey --hard for me to read the scribbled name) appear at the 44 sec. mark of the clip. I believe that Jim Hensen is in this clip as well, being interviewed by Bob.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNdMsvjPCE8&NR=1

...and on this clip we hear him singing a song: The Magic Man" (I am guessing he wrote the words, but not cure), and at 1 min. 20 sec. we see Bob on his studio set with Chauncey (?) and a dog puppet figure. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-tAoK3EeNI&feature=related ...again, Jim Hensen appears in this clip.

Enjoy!

Circa 1970, I had the good fortune, as a 13 yr. old vent, to be on the Wonderama show --in the audience. Bob was kind enough to talk to my and my side-kick , on air... I was thrilled!

Jonathan

Bob's figure was named "Chauncey". In the early 60's he had a local kid's television show(The Bob McAllister show) in my hometown of Baltimore. At 9 yrs-old, I attended the show with my Jerry Mahoney "headstick" figure, and Bob and I hit it off. He offered to mentor me which lasted for several months, ending with him allowing me to do a skit on his show. I was allowed once to hold Chauncey which was a classic Davenport figure. He kept in touch for a few years afterwards until he left the area. Chauncey was the first "live" ventriloquist figure that I had ever seen, and Bob's 8x10 glossy had the first autograph that I ever received.

What a nice story, Ventriloguy.

And how lucky you were to receive Bob's interest and encouragement.

Jonathan

I remember attending a lecture Bob gave years ago. He was a real talent.

Tom