Category: WTCN

Miss Barbara/Sunday Storybook on WTCN

Barbara DeValerio

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 […]

Hi Jerry with Sister Cabrini

One of the lesser known, and largely forgotten kids shows in the Twin Cities was Hi Jerry with Sister M. Cabrini Bongiovanni.   Sister Carbrini was a Catholic nun who combined entertainment and performing with her ministry.    Patrick Sweeney remembers the program.  “Jerry was a ventriloquist’s dummy and the ventriloquist was a nun named Sister Mary […]

Jack McKenna as Sgt. Scotty

This is a rare image of Jack McKenna as Sgt. Scotty.  McKenna had been a kids show host in Duluth as Captain Q.  Sometime around 1962, McKenna joined WTCN, channel 11.   I’ve had difficulty finding out any specifics about the show.    It may have been a program that ran on Saturday afternoons.   […]

J.P. Patches Peanut Butter

Chris Wedes played J.P. Patches on Channel 11 until 1958 when he moved to Seattle, WA.   J.P. Patches became a hit show throughout the Northwest, running until 1981.    Over the years, J.P. Patches promoted many products including Adams Peanut Butter.    This rare jar featured J.P. on the label and probably dates to the early 1960’s. […]