Description
It was the golden age of childrens television in Cleveland. Lets go behind the plywood sets, costumes, and greasepaint for a close-up look at some remarkable personalities
Childrens TV once sprang from the creative minds of actors who made it up as they went. Despite their low-budget productions, those classic shows and hosts of the 1950s-1970s formed lasting bonds with generations of Northeast Ohio kids.
Gene Carroll created Cleveland TVs first kids show, Uncle Jakes House, in 1947 with a menagerie of animals (Clarence the cat and Phillip the parrot were an uneasy pair ) and child stars.
Linn Sheldon wanted to be known as a serious actor but became such a hit as an elfBarnabythat he could never shake the character.
Woodrow the Woodsman lived in a fantasy forestbut when Clay Conroy lost his Woodrow wig, the story made real newspaper headlines.
Captain Penny (Ron Penfound) introduced Cleveland kids to the Three Stoogesannoying parents and TV critics alike. At least he reminded young viewers to behave themselves: you cant fool mom.
Miss Barbara Plummer of Clevelands Romper Room (a franchise produced locally) catered to the kindergarten crowd live on set while all dressed up in full skirts. (At all times, one had to be a lady.)
Marty Sullivan alternated between straight-laced station announcer and goofy Superhost, sometimes broadcasting news while still wearing Supes blue longjohns (behind the announcers desk).
Sideman Jungle Larry Tetzlaff parlayed a childhood love of snakes into a regular on-air gig Jim Breslin of Ashtabula transformed weekdays at 5:15 p.m. into cowpoke Texas Jim for Prairie Palace
Plus other intriguing Cleveland childrens TV trailblazers
Author: Mike Olszewski, Janice Olszewski
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Gray & Company Publishers
Published: 11/14/2019
Pages: 189
Weight: 0.62lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.50w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781598511123
Language: English
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