Historic Footage: ”Howdy Doody” – 3 November 1952

Here’s an old Colgate commercial with Buffalo Bob and Howdy Doody. “Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.”

“Live” televisiion commercial for Welch’s Grape Jelly and Grapelade ( jam) from a 1954 episode of HOWDY DOODY. Welch’s began its association the iconic television show in 1951 and introduced its line of popular Howdy Doody jelly glasses — touted in this commercial — in 1953. In September, 1954, Buffalo Bob Smith suffered a heart attack and convalesced at his him. During his absence, guest hosts, inlcuding “Bison Bill” (New York disc jockey Ted Brown) filled in for Smith and Alan Swift provided the voice for Howdy Doody. Behind the Clarabell the Clown makeup Bobby Nicholson, who had replaced Bob Keeshan the previous year. Keeshan went on to greater fame as the star of CAPTAIN KANGAROO, one of television’s longest running children’s shows, debuting on October 3, 1955 and ending on December 8, 1984. Princess Summerfall-Winterspring is played here by Linda Marsh after Judy Tyler left the show in 1953. Ms. Tyler died in a car accident on July 4, 1957, shortly after completing JAILHOUSE ROCK with Elvis Presley. You can find out more about Welch’s products and history by visiting its website, www.welchs.com.

In his 7-part (each 30-minute segment is posted separately) oral history interview, Bob Keeshan talks about the beginnings of Smith’s “Howdy Doody Show” and how he was eventually transformed into the show’s clown, Clarabell. He discusses starring in two local New York childrens’ programs, and being tapped by CBS to star in his own show, “Captain Kangaroo” which he executive produced and starred for almost 30 years. This is part of a multi-part oral history interview. For all segments visit channel playlists or go to tvinterviewsarchive.blogspot.com

In his 7-part (each 30-minute segment is posted separately) oral history interview, Bob Keeshan talks about the beginnings of Smith’s “Howdy Doody Show” and how he was eventually transformed into the show’s clown, Clarabell. He discusses starring in two local New York childrens’ programs, and being tapped by CBS to star in his own show, “Captain Kangaroo” which he executive produced and starred for almost 30 years. For all segments visit channel playlists or go to tvinterviewsarchive.blogspot.com

One of the earliest classic kids show on television.

It’s Howdy Doody Time Song Buffalo Bob Smith Princess Summer Fall Winter – I hope this brings back some memories.

An episode of “Howdy Doody”, likely first aired March, 1949.

An episode of “Howdy Doody”, likely first aired March, 1949.

An episode of “Howdy Doody”, likely first aired March, 1949.