PBS is airing a series on the pioneers of television with an episode on local kids shows tomorrow, Tues, Feb 8th.

Check your local listings.

http://www.pbs.org/opb/pioneersoftelevis......kids-tv/

Has anybody here been inspired by a local TV kidshow? Have any of us ever had or wanted to have a local kids TV show? Are any of you doing a kids web show?

1 word for you: MAGICLAND.

There are probably hundreds of magicians who lived in or near the Memphis, Tennessee area who were influenced by Mr. Magic, himself, Dick Williams. He still holds the world's record for longest running TV magic show.

Steve

I do what I do today largely due to early TV kidshow hosts Barnaby (Lynn Sheldon/Cleveland), Captain Penny (Ron Penfound/Cleveland), Flippo (Bob Marvin/Columbus), Buffalo Bob (Bob Smith/Howdy Doody) and Mr. Rogers (Fred Rogers). When they spoke on the television, they were speaking directly to me. When I met them all in person (except for Flippo, who frankly was an ass off screen) they took the time to treat each fan, young and old, as true VIPs. They inspired the character I draw upon today.

Because of them, my professional goal has always been to create a character and shows that kept this "Every Child Matters" concept alive. I truly miss these interactive show hosts and I believe our younger children today are missing out on a great self esteem builder.

I have the Pioneers of Television series on DVD and watch it often. I've carried it to Red Nose twice, but we've never found the free time to enjoy it. Maybe next year...

We had Sally Starr and Gene London in the South Jersey/Philly market when I was a kid.

Jim

I remember JamesinLA (who used to be in PA) I met Sally Starr several years ago dressed in her cowgirl hat a spandex pants. Do you remember Dr. Shock? He did magic tricks on local (Philly) TV during breaks in movies back in the 70's.

I'm embarrassed to say I did not know much about Dick and Virginia Williams and their success. I'd be grateful if you all would continue to share your memeories of local TV Magic shows for children.

If my memory is working this afternoon, I met the Williams during a trip to Wichita Kansas. Nice people.

Will check out your lead on the 9th...thanks...

Harris

Mr. Williams wrote and incredible book about his experience in television and how to do it ourselves. It's called Lights! Camera! Magic! It's an excellent read.

I appeared on the Captain Kangaroo show as a cub scout way back in the day. They treated us very well and I believe that helped me in wanting to entertain.

One of my favorite shows as a kid was Bill Nye the Science Guy and The Electric Company. Lots of cool stuff on both of those shows...they both helped spark my creative juices.

Christopher

Growing up 50 miles south of Chicago, we had the mecca of childrens programs Ray Rayner, Garfield Goose Bob Bells Bozo, BJ and dirty dragon. Yes I wanted to have my own show. In my teens I met rayner, Roy brown, Narshall brodien, Buffolo Bob Smith and Even Clayton Moore, I found them all to ve very nice people who took time for those who appreciated them. I do that today . I had a hand in a cable show once in Ohio but politics ended it much to soon. Those guys are why I do what I do today. Thanks for the update.

Don't forget Wonderama - Bob McAllister was the host from 1967 -1977.
Bob was a great magician and friend to many in the northeast.

Years after his show was canceled, Gene London appeared at a small local carneval at our church. He was tall slim and had great charisma. We were probably 18 at the time, but he had star quality for us because of our past.

Jim

Just set the DVR to record,

As a child, my wife used to watch the "Dr. Max" show (WMT in Cedar Rapids, Iowa) which featured Mombo the Clown, who did magic. As adults, I became friends with Fred Petric, who was Mombo. He was truly a one-of-a kind, a gentleman who is sorely missed.

http://www.iptv.org/kids/story.cfm/video......ip/video

I was inspired to be a ventriloquist and magician by a local show called "Pete's Place" with Peter Rolston.