PUTNAM VILLAGER Vol. XI, No. 34 Complimentary Friday, June 23, 2017 (860) 928-1818/e-mail:
[email protected] Big Bird lands in Putnam BY OLIVIA RICHMAN of Sesame Street and its on board immediately. NEWS STAFF WRITER characters, it’s Spinney He trusted Spinney. He who really brought Big knew that Spinney was PUTNAM — Big Bird Bird to life and made him Big Bird. left his nest on Sesame who he is today. When Henson first Street to visit downtown According to Spinney, hired Spinney in 1969 Putnam on Sunday, June Henson’s idea of Big Bird there was only one other 4. A favorite destination was a “big, dumb yokel.” puppeteer on the show. for Carroll Spinney and In fact, he was significant- At the time, Spinney had his wife Deb, Spinney ly less intelligent than the been working on a show was excited to have his children watching the in Salt Lake City that infamous Big Bird art show, he said. blended animation and on display at the Arts & “He didn’t have much puppets. Spinney recalled Framing – Sochor Art of a brain,” said Spinney. that while one scene Gallery and celebrate “But we’re teaching chil- worked and received a their 44th anniversary at dren. We’re trying to big applause, the rest of 85 Main. teach them about colors, the show went terribly Spinney has been the shapes... I felt Big Bird wrong. voice and puppeteer shouldn’t be this way. He “I was packing my van for Big Bird since 1969. should be someone who and Jim came up to me Passionate about his can learn.