Sorry, no graphic with this article. I wish I could have found something, but no dice.
In the 1960's, there was no such thing as Nickleodeon. There wasn't even a Children's Television Workshop. Bert and Ernie were off into the future. Kids needed entertainment! What would be done?
Well, you select a personable member of the local TV station staff who gets along well with children, you scarf up some cheap Loony Tunes shorts, set up some benches and a painted plywood backdrop, and make a kid's show.
In my area, there was KOAM's Fun Club. It was the ultimate. One child in my neighborhood made it on, and we all viewed him with new respect after having gotten the privilege of being driven 30 miles to Pittsburg, Kansas by his parents and appearing on REAL TELEVISION!
The Fun Club was conducted by KOAM newscaster Roger Neer. He was assisted by Slim Andrews, a local talent who had amassed a pretty impressive movie resume' in westerns. He was the Forty-Niner, appearing in cowboy garb and playing tunes as a one-man-band. His kazoo is what I remember most vividly. Eventually, he took over the show himself after Roger moved on, hopefully to bigger and better things.
The show would feature cartoons, interviews with bashful youngsters, puppets, and song-and-dance.
I'll bet any of you who remember JFK also recall at least one show like this!
I'm not sure when the Fun Club sailed off into the sunset. Cable networks changed everything, and local shows like this are a rarity. But in the 1960's, no Saturday afternoon was complete without watching Roger and the Forty-Niner on channel 7.
Comments (7)
Just wondering if those old Fun Club shows were ever archived. It would be kind of neat to be able to order one if you were on the show. My twin brother and I were on one back in 1966 or 67 on our birthday. Great Blog!
Posted by Mike Henderson | February 19, 2007 8:39 AM
Posted on February 19, 2007 08:39
That's pretty cool, Mike. I'll bet you remember Melody Matinee and the Homemaker's Show, too :-)
I doubt that there's any footage left. You might call KOAM TV and see if they have antything.
Posted by Ron Enderland | February 19, 2007 8:07 PM
Posted on February 19, 2007 20:07
We had good old Soupy Sales in our area, his stuff was just so... funny! In Denver, Blinky the Clown, in Alubuerque, Captain Billy. They were great.
Posted by Craig | March 24, 2007 3:25 PM
Posted on March 24, 2007 15:25
Does anyone remember Ranger Ed? He had a before school cartoon show on at KODE 12 in Joplin,Mo during the 1960's.I used to watch the Little Rascals and I think King Leonardo.
Posted by Steven Koons | September 29, 2007 9:14 PM
Posted on September 29, 2007 21:14
Steven: I remember a cowboy who showed cartoons who would always close his show with "Adios, amigo!"
Was that him?
Posted by Ron Enderland | September 30, 2007 7:06 PM
Posted on September 30, 2007 19:06
Absolutely amazing, someone remembers these same shows. I grew up in Joplin MO, in the late 1960s, early 70s.
Dimension 16 on Friday nights.
Roger Neer and the Forty Niner on Channel 7.
Lee George the KODE TV weather man??
Posted by Paul Fagan | December 19, 2007 11:10 PM
Posted on December 19, 2007 23:10
Growing up in Baxter Springs, Kansas in the early 70's, I loved the 'Fun Club' with 'The Miner '49er" and as I got a little older, I especially enjoyed 'Melody Matinee". Reminds me of afternoons spent at my granparents' house in Riverton, Kansas as they had it on the set every weekday. Even as recently as yesterday, I was trying to remember the 'Matinee's' opening song. I have the tune stuck in my head but couldn't recall the name of it. And lastly, Lou Martin: Greatest local weatherman ever. Thanks for your site. Great stuff!
Posted by Todd York | June 6, 2008 3:21 PM
Posted on June 6, 2008 15:21