Potter & Potter Auctions
Live Auction

Advertising & Coin-Op

Thu, Apr 10, 2025 12:00PM EDT
Lot 267

[WISCONSIN DELLS]. [TOMMY BARTLETT SHOW]. Matching Pair of ...

Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
[WISCONSIN DELLS]. [TOMMY BARTLETT SHOW]. Matching Pair of Hand-Painted and Hand-Cut Large Plywood Signs of Costumed Female Water Skiers. [Wisconsin Dells, ca. 1950s-60s]. Signs depict female performers on water skis in the water in bikinis with tiaras and scarves, with their tow-ropes (one sign with broken tow-rope). Both approx. 62 x 52". Both with holes on front (presumably meant to attach other signage). Worn, soiled, with occasional chipping, cracks. Very good. Most likely used for outdoor ads or displays. Tommy Bartlett's Show was a Wisconsin Dells legend, running for nearly 70 years, featuring water skiing acrobats, magic and other variety acts at its location at Lake Delton. It was forced to end its water acts in 2008 when Lake Delton drained; the land-based acts continued until 2020, when the pandemic forced its permanent closure. Many visitors to the Dells still remember the Tommy Bartlett Show with fondness and nostalgia. Customer pick-up or third party shipping required.