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Toys and Games ➔ Willy Wood Plush
Identifier:
2022.104.12Description:
This fabric and wood plush is Willy Wood, mascot of WOOD Radio. The character was created by Harry Wesslund in 1951 after winning a contest to design a mascot for the station. Using Wesslund's design, promotional materials such as this plush were created.Date:
circa 1960Materials:
Fabric, WoodCurrent Location Status:
In StorageCollection Tier:
Tier 1Source:
Gift of WOOD RadioRelated Entities:
WOOD Radio (donor) Willy Wood (depicts)Alternate names: Willie Wood
Willy Wood, sometimes seen as Willie Wood, is the mascot of WOOD Radio and TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was created in 1951 by Harry Wesslund after the radio station hosted a contest to find a mascot and Wesslund's character won. According to museum records, WOOD Radio was sued for infringing on the Woody Woodpecker trademark, resulting in the station patenting Wesslund's design and name. Documentation of this story could not be found, however, the GRPM would welcome any supporting information. Harry Wesslund (is related to)
Harry Wesslund (July 22, 1912 - September 23, 1985) was an artist and designer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the creator of WOOD Radio's mascot "Willy Wood". He worked in the display departments of Wurzburgs and Herpolsheimers before starting his own company, Custom Displays, Inc., designing many graphics for numerous local and regional companies.
Wesslund graduated from Union High School in 1919 and Grand Rapids Junior College in 1933. He served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946.