Alan Mays' photos with the keyword: dummies

Sometimes it's hard to tell.

A boy and his toys--a pedal car, tricycle, wheelbarrow, stuffed bunny, and ventriloquist's dummy. Circa 1930s, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, area.

This "Paul Winchell" trading card is no. 18 in a series of 36 "Television & Radio Stars of N.B.C." cards published in 1952 The description on the back of the card identifies ventriloquist Paul Winchell as the star of the Paul Winchell-Jerry Mahoney Show on NBC-TV (the show ran from 1950 to 1954) . Winchell's puppet (also called a ventriloquist's dummy or ventriloquial figure) was named Jerry Mahoney, and the back of the trading card explains, "Jerry, the sassier half of Winchell, is one of the most valuable puppets in the world. He is insured for $10,000. Winchell lives in New York with his wife and small daughter, who accepts Jerry as a living member of the family." Paul Winchell died in 2005, but his puppets--Jerry Mahoney and another one named Knucklehead Smiff--live on in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution.

Printed on the other side of this promotional postcard, which was also signed: "Bobby Snyder and His Wooden Pal Jimmy: This pair entered show business on radio, road tent, and medicine shows in 1932, also served together in World War II. This team has entertained in night clubs, theaters, and on circuses, making many friends throughout the country. We sincerely thank you. Affectionately yours, Robt. F. Snyder [signature]."

A 1971 Bus & Car Co. Golden Eagle 05 bus on display at the Museum of Bus Transportation , Hershey, Pa.

"Arizona Kid and His Cow Girls, Reading, Pa., 1941. Arizona Kid, Sun Set, Texas Jean, Moon Beam, Utah Ginny, Montana Patsy, Popeye, Chuckles, Winnie, and Sheriff and Cactus Sam. WYZ."