Images(6)

Figurine

Object number2023.35.1

Artist Margie Larson

Datec. 1970

MediumClay; Glaze; Ink

Credit LineGift of John "Jack" Bogut

DescriptionGlazed white clay figurine appears like a three-dimensional puddle with undulating edges and mounded center. Figurine has two eyes (white with black pupils) above mouth/snout with pink tongue sticking out. Figurine is glazed in brown with green and white details. Underside is unglazed and has handwritten artist note in black ink.DimensionsHeight x Width x Length: 0.875 x 1.688 x 2.5 in. (2.2 x 4.3 x 6.4 cm)
MarksUnderside has handwritten text in black ink "HAND-MADE AND / HAND-PAINTED / ESPECIALLY / FOR JACK BOGUT / BY / MARGIE LARSON".
Historical NotesSlithery-Dee figurine. KDKA radio personality Jack Bogut broadcasted from the window of Horne’s, Kaufmann’s, and Gimbels at Christmas time to raise money for Children’s Hospital. The Press Old Newsboys sponsored the fundraising campaign, which began before Bogut relocated to Pittsburgh from Salt Lake City in 1968 to join the KDKA morning show. As he asked for donations on air, listeners at the department store windows could interact with Bogut and he developed gags to attract an audience downtown. One such gag was the “Slithery-Dee,” a popular poem for children by Shel Silverstein. Bogut recited, “The Slithery-Dee has crawled out of the sea, He may catch all the others, but he won’t catch [gulp sound]!” Listener and schoolteacher Margie Larson made the “Slithery-Dee” for Bogut out of clay, and he broadcasted that listeners could see the “Slithery-Dee” after donating to Children’s Hospital. Bogut pulled a lever lifting the lid of a cigar box, revealing the “Slithery-Dee” much to the delight of the lucky donors. His radio antics boosted the campaign, allowing the fundraiser to maximize the proceeds given to the Children’s Hospital.

Previous owner John C. Bogut

Related institution KDKA 1020

Related institution Children's Hospital Free Care Fund

Related person Sheldon Allan Silverstein

Related institution Joseph Horne Company (1849 - 1994)

Related institution Kaufmann's Department Store (1871 - 2005)

Related institution Gimbel Brothers

Related institution Press Old Newsboys

Subjects