Dilly Dally (Howdy Doody) - Poll-Parrot's Tuk-A-Tab mask (1950s)

Straight from the golden age of children’s television, this unassembled Dilly Dally mask was issued in the early 1950s as part of Poll-Parrot Shoe Company’s promotional Tuk-A-Tab mask series tied to the wildly popular Howdy Doody Show.

Dilly Dally, the wide-eyed, scatterbrained friend of Howdy Doody, was one of the program’s comic-relief characters and a fan favorite among young viewers. This mask was designed with Poll-Parrot’s clever “Tuk-A-Tab” system, where kids could punch out, fold, and tab the illustrated pieces to create a dimensional, wearable mask.

Because these masks were intended to be cut, assembled, and played with until they fell apart, surviving unassembled examples like this one are rare. Complete with vibrant litho printing and assembly instructions, this mask measures a large 15" x 12" and displays beautifully flat, making it ideal for framing or collecting.

Historical Details

Date: Early 1950s

Maker/Promoter: Poll-Parrot Shoe Company (Howdy Doody Show sponsor)

Character: Dilly Dally

Format: “Tuk-A-Tab” unassembled paper mask

Size: Approx. 15" x 12"

Condition: Vintage original, unassembled with instructions