[Publib] Mary Todd Lincoln in cardboard

[John Richmond]

I've moved on from obsessing about the governor of Illinois to
obsessing about more important things.  I guess.  Some months ago we
acquired a life-size cardboard figure of Honest Abe.  He moves around
the library, mysteriously donned a Santa Claus hat in December, is a
helpful marker for flyers or other info that we want people to find in
any given location in the building, and gives only one staff member
the creeps when she comes in to empty the book drop during holiday
closings, etc.  Minimal psychological damage.

As 2009 is the 200th anniversary of AL's birthday, I have been looking
for a cardboard figure of Mary Todd to go with Abe.  I have looked
everywhere--well, almost everywhere; I may have missed *some* internet
site--that I can find life-size cardboard figures for sale.  Lots of
Abes, no Marys.  I wonder if any of my colleagues in IL or in other
states have esoteric knowledge of little known manufacturers of
cardboard figures, or of companies that might custom-produce cardboard
figures.  I'm thinking that people might've, say, celebrated a local
or regional figure in their own state's history, and have commissioned
a cardboard person.

Potentially a weird question, I know, but then, we live in weird
times.  (See passing reference to the governor of IL, above...among
other reasons for weirdness in our time.)  And it doesn't seem right
that poor Abe should be alone on his birthday, and beyond.

Thanks.  All enlightenment and/or suggestions welcome.

John Richmond, Director
Alpha Park PLD
3527 S. Airport Road
Bartonville, IL 61607
jdr1952 at gmail.com or jrichmond at alphapark.org