We see the passing of so many people who, if you are a boomer, they were fairly young when we were kids. They are all fading now. In fact, even we are not that far away at this stage. The beautiful time of the 60s will soon be void of any first hand memory banks. What we leave in writing will be all that's left of a life that was rather nice for such a brief time.

I do not know Art Clokey but I loved Gumby. So I really appreciate people like Art, whose unique creative gifts give us some fun and pleasure. I loved Gumby shows and did not see many as a kid. They did not get syndicated in the Portland Maine area. Gumby had a unique visual appearance that was very compelling in my youth and no less now. I have spoken of Gumby elsewhere on this site, but this is for Art, not Gumby.

To give kids joy is certainly something worthy of doing. Art's Gumby deserved more exposure and I am not sure why Gumby did not get it. I remember my brother and I watching it in syndication maybe around 1980 after we had both graduated. We enjoyed watching it even then. Nice to see its on YouTube.

People like Art are important to light playful entertainment. Kids really like it, and so do adults if they are honest. Each person (with few exceptions) has gifts that add to our world. Everyone is different so that all our needs and delights, too, are catered to. It is good that there is variety in people. It makes our world a better place. Art may not be known or remembered by many but Gumby will live as long as his archives to. Another tribute to the 50s and 60s when such things came into our lives. Indeed, this is the kind of diversity that is good.

One more lesson. I notice that certain types of entertainment are compelling, often simply because they are so visually different, outstanding, and compelling. Whether Jim Henson puppets, Claymation, 3D rendering, even certain types of unusual costumes, like the aliens in Alien, or some of those cheap horror, monster syfy flicks, or the like, they are fascinating to see and watch.

It is things that really stand our and stand apart that get our attention. Advertiser's have understood this for years. They stick in our heads better and, to some degree, are visually stimulating. Its nice to understand our own nature a little and contemplate the past, and come to understand it all, as well. Don't ya think?

Thank you for this trip down memory lane and for honoring this brilliant man and his creation. Art Clokey should have become a household name. But like many creative people, he will live on in his creations.

Gumby was a delight in my youth and remains so even now - especially now - as I get all nostalgic about our ever increasing losses.

I've just now found your site, through some very convoluted surfing, and I'm so grateful that I did! I, too, wax nostalgic for all things from the past. I will stop by often to see what you've come up with and I invite you to run over and visit me at my site when you get a minute.

One more note... Scott, your comment was so touching. I've got to say you really hit it on the head about our collective memories disappearing. "The beautiful time of the 60s will soon be void of any first hand memory banks." Wonderfully said! ... our first hand memory banks. Wow. I've been suffering those pangs myself as you'll notice if you read my blog post that I've linked to. It started when my Mom died and I mourned the loss of her "first hand memory bank" as much as I mourned her. She actually REMEMBERED World War II, had the sights and sounds in her mind. It's all disappearing so fast. And now our generation is losing its memory bank.

I'm thankful for people like you who value the importance of what the older generation has to say, and how we feel. Thanks again.

Patti:

Your words are too kind. But people who come here, with only very minor exceptions, love the past and its memories. We know how good it was and, I hope, realize how much we have truly lost and dare to pinder as to how and why we lost it. To quote some exceptionally wise words from a "mere" songwriter, Rick Nelson: If you gotta play at Garden Parties, I wish you a lot of luck. But is memories were all I had, I'd rather drive a truck.

I got memories, but I got much more that goes with them and suspect that you do, too. I am delighted to meet you!

Scott

I remember the characters Gumby and Pokey, but it seems I may have been very young. I had the rubber characters, but other then that, I. don't remember to much about. them!

Art Clokey was my dad's patient in the mid-1960s in Covina, California. When I was 4 or 5, I was filmed in our apartment courtyard pushing Gumby & Pokey around in my little Tonka jeep for a TV commercial.

RIP, Mr. Clokey.

Gomby was a mainstay in our house. my sis and me loved this show. RIP ART CLOKEY.