This episode of Found in the Archives features a recent donation from CWU Emeritus Professor of Music, Linda Marra, who taught at the university for 26 years. Linda Marra was close friends with Jim Hawkins, who was an Emeritus Professor of Theatre Arts who taught at Central from 1970 to 2001. Jim was known for his work as a theatrical designer and puppeteer. The CWU Archives and Special Collections has a large collection of Jim’s puppets and theatrical designs, and Linda Marra donated some special additions to add to these collections.

The materials that Linda donated include a puppet of Linda that Jim made for her, along with a puppet kitchen gadget that Jim gifted to Linda for Christmas in 1995. Linda also donated a set of Hansel and Gretel puppets that were made by Jim. She also donated a drawing Jim designed of Peter Pan, programs of musical shows that they worked on together, and a newspaper article featuring Jim.

You can learn more about Jim Hawkins in these interviews: 

Jim Hawkings Video Interview

James Hawkins Video Interview

You can see a listing of Jim's puppets that are in the archives in this finding aid.