Issue date: 6/16/09 Section: News

Burl Ives was an Eastern alum who is famous for his music and such roles as Sam the Snowman. (Submitted Photo)

The Burl Ives Centennial exhibit can be found in the North lobby and the Marvin Foyer of the Booth Library through August 2009. (Joe McCue/The Daily Eastern News)

Burl Ives never forgot about his alma mater, then known as Eastern Illinois State Teacher's College, after becoming a star.

Known for his acting as well as his voice, Ives is remembered both for his singing and as the voice of Sam the Snowman in the 1964 film, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

The Booth Library exhibit allows people to learn more about one of Eastern's most famous alumnae, showing photos of him during different stages of his life and career.

Several photos of Ives during his collegiate career are on display, including a photo of the football team that Ives helped lead to a conference championship, and also "The Players," Eastern's dramatics club.

There are also photographs of different films that Ives was in.

A large part of the exhibit consists of items that were given to the university by Ives and his wife, Dorothy. Some of the items on display range from a Winchester rifle to a beaded buckskin jacket that was worn by Ives while portraying his character Prater Beasley in a 1969 guest appearance on the TV show, "Daniel Boone."

An outfit that is comprised of a hat, jacket, kilt, muskrat purse and shillelagh, displaying Ives' Scottish-Irish ancestry, is another item in the exhibit, along with other attire that the Eastern alumnus wore in his life, like the white and red plaid outfit he wore for stage concerts.

There are several different costumes on display along with the Ibanez guitar, which was also used in portrayal of Prater Beasley.

Along with memorabilia from his acting career, the exhibit also holds items that represent Ives' musical career, like the Song Hits Magazine Award trophy that was given to him, naming him "America's Outstanding Folksinger."

Part of Booth Library's collection of films is "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," along with other DVD versions of several of the entertainer's films.

According to documents supplied by the Office of University Marketing and Communications, Ives made several returns to his alma mater after leaving and gave multiple performances also.

At the age of 76, the actor/musician/author returned to Eastern, just 23 days after having cataract surgery, and gave a performance at a benefit concert on Eastern's campus despite his doctor's recommendations that he wait at least one month before taking the stage.

The campaign helped to raise funds for the university's art department and art studio building. In 1990, he returned to participate in the dedication of the art studio hall, which was named after him.

The images and artifacts from Ives' life and career will be displayed in Booth Library until August.

Burl Ives died on April 14, 1995.

Spenser Nobles can be reached at 581-7943 or at dennewsdesk@gmail.com.

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