Figure of the Month
June 2007: Skinny Hamilton

Figure Name: Skinny Hamilton

Created by: Frank Marshall

Used by: W.S. Berger

Trivia: 
1. Skinny was the favorite figure of Vent Haven Museum founder W.S. Berger.
2. Berger wrote of Skinny, "Do not dispose of this figure as Skinny is part of me."
3. Berger requested that if the museum were ever to fold, all the figures except Skinny would be sold and the proceeds donated to the Masonic Widows and Orphans Home in Louisville (today know as the Masonic Homes of Louisville). Skinny would then be "donated to the Masonic Home for interested orphans to use."
4. John Brooking, the late President of Vent Haven Museum--and a good friend of Berger--often told this story: In the last year of Berger's life, W.S. moved to a nursing home in Northern Kentucky. In the first few days, things were not going well for Berger as he missed his home and collection. Brooking visited W.S. and asked if there was anything he could do to help W.S. feel better. W.S. asked if Brooking would bring Skinny and a few other figures to the nursing home. Brooking did so. A few days later, still concerned about his friend, Brooking called to check in on W.S.
     "Is he doing any better?" Brooking asked the nurse.
     "Doing any better?" the nurse replied. "Why, he's putting on three shows a day in the lobby!"
5. This figure is on display in Building One of the museum.

Do you have additional information about this figure? Do you have a suggestion for a future Figure of the Month? Is there a figure maker whose work you would like to see featured? Let us know by emailing the Vent Haven staff.