This is a pinback button promoting Foley Fun Days and Axel’s appearance at the annual summer celebration. Does anyone have any further information? Photo courtesy of Jack Kennelly
Axel at Foley Fun Days 1964
Ken Wagner – Grandpa Ken/Captain Ken
Minor updates Aug 12, 2023 Ken Wagner entertained Minnesota children from 1960 to 1973 on KMSP, channel 9. When the show began, Wagner was known as Captain Ken, a character he originally created for WOC-TV in Davenport, Iowa. In later years, the Captain retired and was known to viewers as Grandpa Ken. A talented artist, […]
Captain Ken in Apple Valley
Here’s a brief article from the Dakota Count Tribune, featuring Ken Wagner, best known at the time as Captain Ken on Channel 9. He later became Grandpa Ken. My thanks to Jack Kennelly for sharing this.
Jack Rebney – Captain 11 has passed away
Jack Rebney has died at the age of 93. Rebney played Captain 11 on WMIN, taking over the role in late 1954 when Jim Lange went into the military. Rebney hosted the show through early 1955 when Chris Wedes took over. Following his brief run as Captain 11, he worked in advertising in Minneapolis, then […]
Wizard of Baghdad promotion in Twin Cities
Every so often I bump into a bit of Twin Cities television history that tells us a little bit about our favorite TV hosts. This article comes from BoxOffice magazine dated February 6, 1961. It describes promotion of a movie called Wizard of Baghdad on the local kids shows. The movie was promoted by Casey […]
T.N.Tatters autograph from 1957
Every once and a while an obscure bit of Minnesota TV history pops up. This is a vintage signed envelope of T.N.Tatters, who was played by Daryl Laub on KSTP, channel 5. This envelope features a faded images of the TV host with his name typewritten, and signed in blue ink to Sigurd Berg. I’m […]
Miss Barbara/Sunday Storybook on WTCN
A March 1967 newspaper article on Twin Cities children’s programs briefly mentioned a show called “Miss Barbara” hosted by Barbara DeValerio. It was described as “Barbara De Valerio of the St. Anthony School District uses puppets to present short reviews of new children’s books.” The program may also have been known as “Sunday Storybook.” A […]
Easter with Axel
These postcards were apparently given out at a special Easter event at Dayton’s department store. I don’t have details, but two cards refer to “Bunny Breakfast” and the third mentions “Bunny Parties.” I believe that is Mary Davies dressed as Bunny, along with Allan Lotsberg as The Magician. Of course, Allan also played Willie Ketchem […]
The Night Before Christmas, read by Bob Dylan
So we present to you a little something different this year, for all you kids from Minnesota. Merry Christmas from Minnesota KidVid!
Shoppers’ City in 1968
Shoppers’ City opened a new store in Columbia Heights in November of 1968. To celebrate, the store featured personal appearances by several local kids televison show hosts. Casey Jones was scheduled for November 19, followed by Wilie Ketch on the 20th. On November 21, Clancy the Cop appeared, and the week ended with Miss Betty […]