Velma Wayne Dawson (May 30, 1912 – September 26, 2007[1]) was an American puppet maker and puppeteer. She was best known for creating Howdy Doody marionettes for the Howdy Doody Show.[2] She was born on May 30, 1912, in Sydney, Australia.
Dawson built only two classic Howdy Doody marionettes (Howdy, and The Inspector John J. Fedoozle) for the famous children's show that began on December 27, 1947. She was replaced in June of 1952 by Rufus and Margo Rose who complimented Scott Brinkers puppet making for the show. Howdy Doody went off the air on September 24, 1960 after 2343 shows.
Dawson was honored by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Pacific Southwest Chapter for her 50 year long career in television.[2] Additionally, she has been honored with a spot on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.[2] She was an active benefactor to College of the Desert in Palm Springs. [2]
Velma Wayne Dawson died on September 26, 2007, at her home in Palm Desert, California at the age of 95.[2] She is buried at the Desert Memorial Park[1] in Cathedral City, California.