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 […]
Category: WTCN
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 […]
Dave Lee and Pete the Penguin – Christmas 1963
This photo appeared in TV Times, dated December 21, 1963. It was featured in an article called “Holiday Fare with Local Glare.” Christmas is especially for children — of all ages — and some shows are geared for the younger set. More than 100 children of employees of WTCN (11) will comprise the audience […]
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
Dave Lee’s Puppet Coloring Book
Puppeteer Phil Johnson has died
Phil Johnson passed away at the age of 69 on August 30, 2016. Phil was the puppeteer on The Happy Hour which ran from 1970 to 73 on WTCN, channel 11. Phil performed as “Fred” and the various puppets opposite the host, Henry Novotny. After the cancellation of the show, Phil joined Roger Aswumb as […]
The Dave Lee Show – So Long It’s Been Good To Know You
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. […]