Do You Remember Captain Kangaroo?

[dilettante]

Iconic weekday TV show for children. A short history and retrospective.

On October 3, 1955, a television program debuted that would eventually produce nearly nine thousand shows over a span of nearly 40 years. I was among the millions of children whose morning included the words “Good Morning, Captain.”

 

[Marcy Sheiner]

I was a new mama and my son watched this show every single morning. We lived in West Babylon, on Long Island, and the Captain K lived in Babylon; in fact, when my then husband was in HS he picked up CK's trash in the summers. So I have a soft spot in my heart for him and his show.

 

[CallMeKate]

Sure do... Bunny Rabbit and Mr. Moose can still make me smile.

 

[KSav]

Yes! I loved Captain Kangaroo.

 

[ChiroDoc]

I was a tad too old to be drawn to Captain Kangaroo, but earlier I'd watched "The Howdy Doody Show". The original Clarabell the Clown on that show was played by Bob Keeshan, who later became Captain Kangaroo.

 

[LoveTulips]

Yup, part of my childhood.

 

[dobielvr]

Of course I do...and Mr Green Jeans too.

 

[OneEyedDiva]

I do.

 

[MaidMarian]

I watched Captain Kangaroo. Did your state have Romper Room? I was on Romper Room with Miss Nancy.

 

[Marcy Sheiner]

I was a tad too old to be drawn to Captain Kangaroo, but earlier I'd watched "The Howdy Doody Show". The original Clarabell the Clown on that show was played by Bob Keeshan, who later became Captain Kangaroo.

I didn't know that! Very important piece of trivia, thank you.

 

[Marcy Sheiner]

Also a birthday show, it was like a kid's birthday party every day, with great silly songs. My kids used to sing them. Anyone remember or know the name?

 

[Imogene]

Kaptain Kangaroo
Howdy Doody
The Buster Brown and Tige Show.
Sky King
Fury
I Led Three Lives was one of dad’s favorites.

 

[MarkD]

Of course along with Romper Room and Ding Dong School.

 

[Feelslikefar]

One of my favorites growing up.

Mom helped me stock my 'Construction Box', a shoe box filled with construction paper, glue, scissors, etc.
(one of dad's old shoe boxes)

Wanted the 'store bought' one, but knowing the box came from dad, it was still special.

 

[Paladin1950]

I remember Captain Kangaroo, but not as much as Howdy Doody or Ding Dong School.

 

[Feelslikefar]

On our first move to Hawaii, there was a kid show called, 'Captain Honolulu' in 1959.
It was an afternoon show with cartoons and the 'Captain' dressed in an old 'G-Suit'.

It was still on the air when we moved back in mid-60's.

 

[Pepper]

While I remember him, I don't remember liking him or watching show much. Miss Nancy, from Romper Room, like @MaidMarian more my thing.

 

[jim_slim]

Brings back good memories

 

[Oldeagle66]

Watched it everyday on the console tv with a bowl of cereal.

 

[Rae]

I heard the name Captain Kangaroo but didn't watch it. There was a kid show called The Merry Milkman when I was a child. It was a local show but we watched it daily.

 

[JustDave]

I was just outgrowing early childhood, and I didn't take any interest in Capt Kangaroo. I just thought it was for younger kids, without judging it any other way. I do remember Howdy Doody. That seemed worthwhile to me and age appropriate.

 

[Pepper]

Clarabelle the Clown, whom it is revealed to be Captain Kangaroo, squirted me in face with seltzer as I rode the kid rides. It was Howdy Doody Day at a Playland near me. Fun. My big sister took me.

 

[dilettante]

Maybe since I am the eldest of 7 kids these shows maintained "currency" in my home for a longer time than many.

 

[MoBeans]

Didn't he have a sidekick called Mr. Green Jeans ?

 

[MarkD]

Clarabelle the Clown, whom it is revealed to be Captain Kangaroo, squirted me in face with seltzer as I rode the kid rides. It was Howdy Doody Day at a Playland near me. Fun. My big sister took me.

Was that Playland in San Francisco? My aunts took me there once but I didn't get sprayed and didn't see Clarabelle. But I did see Laffing Sal.