Puppets existed in the 1300s, but the only record of them is from some illustrations and stories. By the 16th century, there were puppet shows similar to the later “Punch and Judy” shows. It was in the 18th century that puppets became well-known. Some were made as caricatures of famous people and performed in shows with political messages. Paper and cardboard were used to make the puppets. In the 19th century, puppet shows became very popular, especially the slapstick “Punch and Judy” shows.

Q: I can’t seem to find out anything about the Northern Furniture Co. of Sheboygan, Wis. I have a chest of drawers that’s marked with that name, the number 6826 and the year 1952.

A: Northern Furniture Co. manufactured upscale tables, bookcases, desks and other case furniture in Sheboygan from 1904 into the 1950s. The company’s history dates back to 1881, when George B. Mattoon founded his Mattoon Manufacturing Co. in Sheboygan. The company’s name was changed to Northern Furniture when Mattoon died, and it was purchased by an established Sheboygan family named Reiss in 1916. The company’s name became R-Way Furniture (the “R” standing for Reiss) at some point, but the Northern Furniture brand name continued to be used for decades.