| Author |
Message |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Sunday, October 03, 2004 - 1:59 am: | |
Hello, I'm doing a research project and need to find good quality photographs of H&Hs in New York City during the 1950s. I'm specifically looking for exterior shots, but anything from the 1950s would be great. Can anyone help me in my search? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated! |
Marianne
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 10:12 pm: | |
The New York Public Library probably has the largest collection. It's the Robert F Byrnes Collection of Automat Memorabelia housed in the Manuscripts and Archives Division. There are about 22 boxes of photos divided by location, not date.
Our book is another source of photo resources. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 11:56 am: | |
Thank you! The Robert F Byrnes collection was amazing. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Monday, April 18, 2005 - 3:31 pm: | |
As a child in the '50s, I can remember that our family trips to NYC included a visit to Radio City, and lunch at one of the Automats. If memory serves, I believe that we were at one of the Automats when they were televising an advertisement for a children's talent show called "The Children's Hour" with Ed Herlihee (sp?). However, this happened long ago, and I'm not sure whether I'm remembering this as an experience that I had, or simply something that someone told me. Do the details about the "children's hour" sound even remotely accurate? If so, where was that automat located in NYC. Thank you!
|
Matt Gilleece
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 10:31 am: | |
Not sure about your specific memory, but Horn & Hardart's sure did sponsor a Sunday TV show called "The Children's Hour" on WNBC in New York. My father (and his twin brother, my uncle) appeared on it regularly for many years. It was hosted by Ed Herlihy - I am dying to find out if anyone has films, kinescopes or recording of any kind (even photos!) because I've never seen any! |
Michael C
| | Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 8:32 pm: | |
Responding to Matt Gilleece, I do not know of any reproductions made. Some of the performers were: Bobby Hookey (decease) and his comedy partner Kenny Best; singers Rose Lee Alter, Marilyn Cooper, Irma Santos and her singer partner Al Di Sio; Termite Daniels, Cricket Skilling as "Marrowbone." There was a comedy act
featuring two girls, one from the Bronx the other from Brooklyn. That's about as far as my memory goes. What were your fathers and uncles characters?
|
Matt Gilleece
| | Posted on Monday, July 17, 2006 - 3:39 pm: | |
Reponding to Michael C - My dad & his brother were "The Gilleece Twins", John & Frank. Their younger sister (Maureen) and brother (Bob) also appeared sometimes. Funny, I do remember hearing the name Bobby Hookey - I always thought that was kind of the stereotypical "made up name" of a childhood friend (you know, the kind that you played hooky with), I thought he was just their friend, didn't know he was a comedian! Thanks for the info - if you have any more, it would appreciated. thanks! |
Michael C
| | Posted on Monday, July 17, 2006 - 6:57 pm: | |
Responding to Matt G. I am sorry I don't remember your family. Bobby Hookey was real. He had a tavern on Long Island. Irma Santos, I heard, became a dressmaker. Al D and Marilyn Cooper I THINK were in the original West Side Story. I will keep digging out of curiosity. I did not note the date earlier: approx early 1950's. Nice chatting with you. |
karen
| | Posted on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 6:50 am: | |
I have heard that an Automat is opening in NYC and is expected to be opened in August. Does any one know were? |
susan
| | Posted on Monday, September 11, 2006 - 5:40 pm: | |
I danced with the Ballet Academy in Forest Hills and had a chance to perform on the Children's Hour several times. I remember Brooklyn and Bronxie and Cricket Skilling would dance at the studio occasionally. Anyone out there from the Ballet Academy on Queens Blvd?
|
Michael C
| | Posted on Monday, September 11, 2006 - 9:29 pm: | |
Hi Susan. Thank you. I do now recall the name "Bronxie" being the other half of Brooklyn. Do you know their names? I cannot find cast members from that time. I went on "Pioneer" and was informed "No information available." Do you remember any of you co- performers? |
Art A.
| | Posted on Friday, October 27, 2006 - 12:51 am: | |
Response to Michael C., Susan and Matt Gilleece.
I was on the Children's Hour from 1950 thru 1955. I sang with a group called the Baby Tones and Live Wires. We were from Miss Rose's School of Dancing and Singing in the Bronx. If I remember correctly, the Gilleece Twins were two young boys with blonde curly hair. I remember Brooklyn and Bronxie also and , of course, the host, Ed Herlihy. They were fun times and I also would love to find a copy of any videos of the show. |
Michael C.
| | Posted on Monday, October 30, 2006 - 6:15 pm: | |
Art, good of you to respond. Do you recall any names mentioned in previous postings? I worked with Bobby Hookey and Rose Lee Alter on stage. Bobby passed and I cannot locate Rose Lee. |
Art A.
| | Posted on Monday, January 08, 2007 - 12:47 pm: | |
Response to Michael C. I do recall Irma Santos and Cricket (Marrowbone) Skilling. If I think of anyone else, I'll let you know. I remember the name of one of the producers, I beleive it was Alice Clements (spelling ?), very nice lady. What was your connection to the show? How are you familiar with the characters? |
Bobbi Cole Hersh
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 2:04 pm: | |
How well I remember H&H. What wonderful nostalgia. I only wish my children could have experienced the Automat. Their chocolate pudding was the best. My father was the manager of the Roosevelt Theatre on Frankfort Ave. in Philadelphia. After my ballet lesson with Madam Lingo I walked over to the theatre and my dad and I had lunch there. He always got the ham sandwich on a long bun. Does anyone remember the mustard holders on each table? I sure wish someone had photographs of the Automat. I am glowing from the memory. |
Michael C.
| | Posted on Saturday, January 20, 2007 - 11:25 pm: | |
Hello, Art A.,
No direct connection. I was an avid fan. Entered "The Business" doing theatre. As fate had it, had the pleasure of working with Bobby Hookey and Rose Lee Alter. Thank you for responding.
|
Blanche Selikoff
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 06, 2007 - 10:36 pm: | |
I was on the Children's Hour with Ed Herlihy and Marrowbone in the late 50's. I was one of the young dancers from The Merry Perry Dance School. It was on Allerton Ave in the Bronx. I remember the lights and the cameras and some of the scenery. I remember some of the costumes we wore. We were in Baby doll slumber outfits, rooster costumes, and sailor outfits. I remember having a very exciting time!! Does anyone have film clips? |
Michael C,
| | Posted on Thursday, February 15, 2007 - 9:49 pm: | |
Hi Blanche,
Re "clips" cannot come up with any. Sorry. |
Art A.
| | Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 3:02 am: | |
Response to Blanche: I don't think they had video tapes back then. I would love to see some of the footage from the shows. Does anyone else know of any possible sources? |
John De Salvio
| | Posted on Friday, March 09, 2007 - 12:08 am: | |
To all the Gilleece Twins fans:
I indeed remember the Horn & Hardart Children's Hour every Sunday morning. Hosted by Ed Herlihy, and produced by "Aunt" Alice Clements. Yes, there was also Bobby Hookey and Kenny Best, "Brooklyn" and "Bronx", Irma Santos and Al DeSio and others.
I remember when the twins appeared on Johnny Carson's "Who do you Trust?" quiz show. John & Frank kept calling him "Mister CarSONE."
Back then there were only kinescopes, which was film shot from a television monitor.
The Gilleece Twins were my classmates in St. Ignatius Loyola School at 84th Street between Park & Madison avenues in NYC.
The twins went on to Cardinal Hayes High School, I believe, as I did - Class of 1959.
I am now on the Left Coast, on the Russian River in Sonoma County. I am a graphic designer newspaper producer, and singer.
Would love to meet again with the Gilleece Twins. But the last time I was in Riverhead was in 1957. |
[email protected]
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - 8:22 pm: | |
he that would eat the fruit, must climb the hill |
[email protected]
| | Posted on Friday, July 27, 2007 - 12:48 am: | |
whether you think that you can or that you can't, you are usually right. |
DIANA RIVERA
| | Posted on Sunday, August 12, 2007 - 3:28 pm: | |
DIRECT CONNECTION. I WAS ON EVERY SUNDAY. I WAS ONE OF THE MAIN DANCERS WITH HELEN BUTLEROFF SCHOOL OF THE DANCE. THIS IS A MEMORY I HOLD VERY DEAR TO MY HEART. |
tom lynch
| | Posted on Friday, August 24, 2007 - 3:35 pm: | |
Matt gilleece, your twin dad and uncle grew up on east 88th street off third avenue.I grew up on 90th. They had a cousins Josiphine and kevin Barry who I palled with circa early 50s. How are they doing? If you know.. |
helen butleroff
| | Posted on Monday, September 17, 2007 - 12:30 am: | |
Hi Diana Rivera:
I am helen Butleroff Jr. How nice to see your comments. My Mom is fine!! Still a terrific lady in every way - your Miss Helen.
You were the most talented little girl and young lady I ever knew. |
DIANA RIVERA
| | Posted on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 10:42 am: | |
Hi Helen Butleroff Jr.,
Little Helen.How are you, you sweet thing you.Kisses to your Mom,she is always in my prayers. I am an interior designer in Florida the company name is "Your House" our phone number is 321-956-0170.I will always remember my "MISS HELEN" , she was such a beautiful part of my past.Do you still have the studio? Call or post another message I love to hear from you.
All My Love,
Diana Rivera |
Etta Korenman
| | Posted on Friday, October 26, 2007 - 9:51 am: | |
I have just come upon this site by accident, and cannot believe it. The Butleroff dance studio! I started there when I was 3 years old, and I am still dancing. Helen Jr. I remember you being there. I remember doing "76 Trombones" for a segment on the Children's Hour, and Bernice Chu and I got to skip across "the big kids dancing" on the show also. I had very curly hair back then.
Your parents taught me well. As an adult I was in a tap company with Gracey Tune, Tommy's sister, and performed with a small ballet company in Texas. So glad I found this site!!
Love,
Etta Korenman - was Etta Joseph |
Steve Adams
| | Posted on Saturday, October 27, 2007 - 5:39 pm: | |
Michael C,
I was a regular on the Children's Hour. I started back in the late 40's when it was a radio show, and continued through the TV years. I sang solo and did few duets with Gioia Lombardi. We also teamed up with Bruce Marshall and Pauline Hahn. Brooklyn and Bronxie were Anita Simpson and Marcia Gustin. Marcia(Bronxie) was the sister of the show's director Marilyn Gustin. And yes, Alice Clements was a wonderful lady. We all called her "Aunt Alice". She had no children of her own, and loved us as if we were hers. She, her husband and flock of exotic birds lived in a really swank suburb of Philadelphia. "Uncle Morty" a TRULY kind, talented and patient old man, was both rehearsal pianist and accompanist on the show. The kids just loved him. It was a really fun 7 yr experience for me.
It was broadcast from the NBC studios in Rockefeller Center. The rehearsals were held Saturdays on the 3rd floor in Studio 3D (down the hall from the studio that Howdy Doody Show was broadcasted from during the week. I can remember once, when we were poking around looking for something to do, and came upon the Howdy Doody "limp Bodies" in a trunk!! We were just kids, and were scared to death to find our "TV friends" Lifeless in a box.
Milton Berle rehearsed down the hall in 3B and his daughter Vicki hung around with us playing games and getting into mischief.
Upstairs Studio 6B, was where the TV version of the show broadcasted from. Across the hall in Studio 6A, was where the Lucky Strike Hit Parade with such stars as Frank Sinatra and Doris Day was performed and rehearsed. One day, I went with a couple of the kids to ask for Sinatra's autograph. He picked me up and remarked "I have a daughter for you to meet. She's just about your age!" He was only kidding, but I never forgot that day.
I got to climb up on Roy Rogers' horse "Trigger" backstage when he was a guest on our show. I met Gene Autry as well. It was something that I'll never forget. I only regret not having kept in touch with my "pals" over the years. I do know that Bruce Steinberg(Marshall) lives in San Francisco and really nothing about anyone else. Sorry to have learned of Bobby's death (on this board).
I was surprised to find that nobody on this board made mention of Connie Francis having being on the show! She was with us, on and off, for a year or so, singing and accompanying herself with an accordion. Her father was very difficult to get on with, and took her off the show to put her on the "Lenny Dale" show (Lenny left the Children's Hour to start his own show on CBS). As they were leaving, a couple of our parents mentioned that Connie would be missed. Her father replied, "we were only slummin' here!" LOL Who ever DREAMED that she'd make it so big? She was a sweet talented girl. Just too bad that things ended up as they did for her. It didn't last.
I'm now 66 yrs old, retired, and living upstate in the Catskills. Would be interested in hearing from any of the "kids". If you need further information just ask. If I can help, I'll be happy to do so.
Steve A. |
Amy Langer
| | Posted on Saturday, November 03, 2007 - 3:58 pm: | |
I am so thrilled I found this. My father was a regular on The Children's Hour. His name is Roy Langer, and he was the ventriloquist on the show in the 50's and 60's. His dummy was Mickey Malarkey. It's all so fascinating to me! He has so many great memories, pictures and stories, but no kinescopes. I'd love to get those as well! Anyway, I am going to pass this along to him, but just wanted to post! |
Michael C.
| | Posted on Monday, November 05, 2007 - 11:45 pm: | |
Steve Adams,
The rehearsal days were more exciting than the shows.
Connie Francis was with Star Time Studios in Jamaica, sometime in the 50's, when I knew her.
I lost track of Roseallee Alter. She was a dynamic singer. The last I heard from her was in the 60's, doing clubs on the Island.
Amy Langer,
I do not know of exixting copies of the show.
Nice to see this board is continuing. |
nancy parks
| | Posted on Monday, December 31, 2007 - 4:43 pm: | |
I danced in 3 ballets on "The Children's Hour" in 1955 and will never forget it. I studied ballet with Miss Nina Tinova and she choreographed "The March of the Toys": I was a puppet and had to dance holding a hugh pole over my head : A Dutch Girl and Boy ballet with 3 couples: and a "Candy Cane Ballet". The costumes were magnificent for all 3 ballets. The other dancers were just wonderful and of course Miss Tinova was the best. Loved her so much .I remember some of the other dancers : Joanie, my cousin, Shirley, Carol whom I have reconnected with and the prima ballerina of the group was Sharon. What a beautiful ballerina she was. Would love to reunite with any of Miss Tinova's students and if there were any tapes made back then wouldn't that be fun to see. I also remember very vividly Kathy Dunn, a singer and perhaps a dancer (tap) who was an adorable young girl with a beautiful smile and lovely curly locks. I saw her in "The Sound of Music" as one of the Trapp children on B'way. I am so happy I found this site.Here's to: Miss Tinova, The Children's Hour, Horn & Hardatt "Less work for Mother Dear" and that wonderful host Mr. Ed Herlihy.Thank you so much. |
Joseph Storey
| | Posted on Thursday, January 03, 2008 - 6:52 pm: | |
Gee, I thought I was the only one who still remembered when the H&H Children's Hour was on the radio out of NYC. My sister, Isobell Storey (later changed to Jill Storey) sang on the program for about two years (around 1943, I believe) As I was her older brother,by two years or so, I often chaperoned her to the broadcasts. I clearly remember Elliot Lawrence, the music director, Ed Herlihy and Alice Clements. Jill later appeared on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts and his morning radio program.She passed away five years ago |
Georgina Stevenson
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 12:02 pm: | |
I am a friend of Bruce Marshall Steinberg, and I am sorry to have to tell you all that Bruce passed away on December 30, 2007, from heart failure. Bruce wore many career "hats", from NASA engineer to marketing director, but he is most noted for his photography and album cover design (Tower of Power, Doobie Bros., Lee Ritenour and many more). Bruce had launched a website just last summer for his photos: www.brucesteinberggallery.com
Bruce's obituary is posted on the Tower of Power message board: www.towerofpower.com/2007. Click on Message Board, then the General Discussion link.
Bruce was an amazing person, and will be missed by his many friends. |
Matt Gilleece
| | Posted on Monday, February 11, 2008 - 1:00 pm: | |
Responding to Art A, John DeSalvio, Tom Lynch, and anyone else who remembers my dad John and my uncle Frank - "The Gilleece Twins", I thought I'd update you.
Both are doing quite well. John had three sons, and now six grandchildren. He lives in the Rockaways (where he used to vacation when he was young), and showmanship still being in his blood, he started a theater company out there, and directs and acts in the productions. (My brothers and I also have been involved in � mostly amateur � theater in various ways over the years. Genetic, I suppose�)
Frank had two sons and so far two grandkids; he lives out in Port Jefferson Long Island.
John De Salvio, funny you should mention Riverhead, because Frank & John occasionally play & sing folk music together, and the last time they did it was an irish festival out in Riverhead!
I�m still interested to hear more of anyone's memories of The Children�s Hour � in particular if anyone has digital pictures! |
anonymous
| | Posted on Thursday, February 14, 2008 - 4:53 pm: | |
I may be wrong, but wasnt't there a song called 'Save work for mother, let's lend her a hand'? I think it was used as a commercial lead-in for the Automat. |
Michael C.
| | Posted on Friday, February 15, 2008 - 11:07 am: | |
"Less Work for Mother" I believe was the title. |
Michelle DeLuca
| | Posted on Monday, February 18, 2008 - 2:47 pm: | |
I too was a regular on the Children's Hour for about two years in the late 50's. I was a singer and, yes the song was "Less Work for Mother" I remember always wanting to be in a skit with Marrowbone! I am now a math teacher in a middle school in Westchester County. |
Carol Gibson
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 12:06 pm: | |
Bobby Hookey was my "cousin," in that his parents and my parents were best of friends and his mom and my dad dated seriously before he met my mom. Grace Hookey had live animal acts at her house on LI - a duck that walked a tightrope and a talking parrot. Would love to hear from anyone with memories of Bobby. |
Steve Adams
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 7:40 pm: | |
"Less Work For Mother" was sung leading into the Horn & Hardart Retail Stores Advertisement.
Less work for mother, just give her a hand.
Less work for mother so please understand.
She�s your greatest treasure.
Just make a life a pleasure.
Less work for mother dear!
It was sung by a soprano member of the cast. I remember a blind girl with a beautiful voice performing this for years. The name Betty jumps out at me, but I don't DARE attempt to guess the last name. Would anyone who knows pleased post? I don't wish to appear foolish, but could the name be "White"? No, not that Betty White!! lol |
Steve Adams
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 - 7:44 pm: | |
Hey! I REMEMBERED! The name is BETTY CLARK! |
Dennis Sargent
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 02, 2008 - 3:13 pm: | |
To all interested parties-
I recall an kinescope being made at the very end of the run in an effort to save the show and attract a sponser.(If memory serves me well).
I believe at the time the show was being broadcast on Channel 5 in New York. This would have been the very end of the run.
I was in the backround of the "East side West side" opening segment. My bother, Francis Sargent was a featured performer on the show. |
Jack
| | Posted on Monday, April 07, 2008 - 3:42 pm: | |
Didn't the kids from the 'Children's Hour' do remotes from one of the local automats? I recall being there when one of those remotes was broadcast. Do you know where that automat was located?
Thanks |
John Moore
| | Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 3:49 pm: | |
I am researching a book. Where there any automats
in Manhattan near Foley Square Federal buildings
or New York City Hall or Park Row? |
John Moore
| | Posted on Sunday, April 20, 2008 - 5:03 pm: | |
anyone have detail information about the employee
communion breakfasts held at the Hotel Astor? |
StaceyT
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 9:43 am: | |
I am very happy to have come across this forum. My father was also affiliated with the Children's Hour; He starting singing at a very young age and went on to producing. He and Irma sang Baby Face together. Although they are not in the best condition I believe I have many records of the shows along with some scripts. Many have mentioned "Aunt Alice, yes she was an amazing lady and her home in Drexel Hill was beautiful. At my brother's Bar Mitvah Ed Herlihy referred to himself as our Irish Zada! Irma Santos is also an amazing lady! |
Michael C.
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 7:58 pm: | |
Hi StaceyT,
Welcome. I discovered this site the summer of 2006, and have been on and off since. I worked with some of the performers over the years. You may find some interesting stories if you go back to the top. Please keep posting. |
Gabrielle Z.
| | Posted on Friday, May 23, 2008 - 11:13 am: | |
I am researching a documentary on Charles Kelman who invented the current, and most popular, procedure for cataract surgery. According to his autobiography he played the harmonica on the Horn and Hardart Children's Hour in 1936. He was living in Brooklyn at the time I believe so it must have been the NYC version of the radio show. Does anybody have any recollections of this era of the show or of Charles Kelman playing the harmonica. He was 6 years old at the time. Also, does anyone know of any recordings of the radio show from this time? |
Seamus O Hagan
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 - 5:11 pm: | |
In responce to Matt Gilleece,I am Seamus O Hagan
from Cookstown Co Tyrone Ireland your fathers
cousin, and when we were young we got mail from
your granny Mary telling us how proud she was of the twins,a fact that we were very proud of too
Small world is it not |
Isobel Aronin
| | Posted on Sunday, September 28, 2008 - 5:14 pm: | |
I was on the radio show for about two years in the 1940's wrote and read poems and comedy sketches;remember Termite Daniels, real name Carol, older siblings, one William, and she went on to theatrical careers; Kenny Best, real name Vesterman, billed as 36 months old;Beverly Sills was on before me when she was Bubbles Silverman; have other memories of participants. My name is the same; I married but did not change my name. Am a Registered Nurse, still working. Would love to hear from those who remember me; or those whom I might remember; e-mail or phone 212 831 3964 |
phyllis landi
| | Posted on Sunday, October 12, 2008 - 7:14 am: | |
I was on the Tv Show in the 50's I was one of
The Baby Tones - - three little girls who sang
and danced and did skits with Marrow bone.
Love this site. Are there any kinescopes of
this show. |
Dennis Sargent
| | Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008 - 1:38 pm: | |
There was a kinescope made in an effort to attract a sponser. (see my post from April 8th).
That is the only known taped record I believe.
Is it possibile the family of Mr. Herlihy or Ms. Clements may know?
I have photo's of my brother,Francis Sargent, who appeared on the show in various costumes- firefighter, cowboy, etc etc. Does anyone know the whereabouts of his singing partner, Carol Ann Fago? |
Art A.
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 - 9:12 pm: | |
Hi Phyllis,
I was one of the Live Wires that sang with The Baby Tones. What I recall: you were Rose Reisman's neice (I think) and the other Baby Tones were Rosemary (last name) and Patricia Salerno. The Live Wires were Peter Delacchio, Gregory Amato and Johnny (last name) Every year we did a show at the Winter Garden and Jerry Vale would appear at the show. I now live in California but come back to N.Y. occasionally for weddings etc. I don't have any video sources for the Children's Hour but I do have a picture showing all of us at one of the Winter Garden shows. If you contact me at my e-mail address, I will try and send the picture to you. Do you still have any contact with anyone else from the show?
Regards,
Art A. e-mail address [email protected] |
Ted T
| | Posted on Thursday, November 06, 2008 - 5:23 pm: | |
My wife Natalia Pope and her sister Helene Pope (Parkchester, Bronx) were part of the Merry Perry Dance School. They danced on the Sunday morning shows in the 1950's. As I watched the show in those years, little did I realize I would marry a TV star. And, I arrived here while searching for kinescopes of the show and stumbled onto this site. |
Michael C.
| | Posted on Monday, November 10, 2008 - 6:56 pm: | |
Hi all,
Finding this site accidently, my first posting was on July 10, 2006. I have fond memories working various venues with some of the show's performers from the early 50's, establishing friendships along the way. But, as time passes and one becomes comsumed with family matters and trying to keep your children from going into the "business" yeah right, (how about both my sons and grandson), all I have left are fond memories. In past postings I put calls out for some people as well as passings and those I knew continued on. Thank you all for keeping this site alive. |
Fred Mcdonald
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 - 11:58 pm: | |
k0216i5bqoqub8xo |
Susie Alterman Hauptman
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 - 7:26 am: | |
I, too, came across this site accidently. I was a Mary Perry baby dancer for many years. I have very fond memories of early rehearsals, getting to wear red lipstick, Pops dinners, parties at Ed Herlihy's house, Aunt Alice (I still have some of her Christmas cards somewhere),dancing with a life--size doll attached to my feet, George Washington and carrot costumes, etc. I still have some of the costumes, and I also have photos of the group with Marrowbones and other photos of our dance group.I also have the leather portfolio that we received one year that has the prayer that we recited at the end of the show and the round, gold pendant that has a tv on it and The Children's Hour engraved on it. I am Susie Alterman Hauptman and would love to hear from other Mary Perry dancers and others who were on the show. |
Kenny Best Besterman
| | Posted on Saturday, January 24, 2009 - 11:00 pm: | |
Hi all: Just found this site and it really brought back some great memories. I was on the show from 1942 - 1957. I started as a very young (2 1/2) singer and was later teamed with Bobby Hookey. I went on to NYU law school and practiced with my own firm for 45 years. I'm married, have 3 sons and 7 grandchildren. All my sons are very musical and my oldest is a 3x Tony award recipient.
I can probably answer most of the questions that people have asked on this board and will attempt to do so in further posts, if anyone is interested..lol I have lots of pictures and original posters which hung in the automats and advertised the show. I also located a site called "radiospirits" and obtained what may be the only casette of the show, vintage 1945. I have tried to locate the kinescopes which once did exist but hit dead ends. Will post again. |
Art A.
| | Posted on Sunday, January 25, 2009 - 6:15 pm: | |
Hi Kenny: Nice to see you found this site. I see your name appearing in many of the above posts. I was on the show from 1949 to 1954 (see my above postings). I'm interested in hearing any contributions you have. |
Michael C
| | Posted on Monday, January 26, 2009 - 9:37 pm: | |
Hello Kenny,
Welcome. We'll talk later. |
Carolyn Maldonado
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - 11:34 am: | |
Wow! Was so happy to find this site again. I'd actually seen it before but it didn't look active - the last postings were from 2006-2007. I see now that as of January 26, 2009, it is still going!
I was on the Children's Hour for many years. Danced with the a group of five girls, known as the Five Professorettes. Miss Minerva was our dance teacher -- her studio was on Jeroloman Street in Brooklyn.
Steve Adams -- couldn't believe how much you remember and everything triggered a memory in me. We also ran rampant through the building. I remember having an autograph book with all kinds of stars (didn't think of them as "stars" back then). I lost it in a flood in one of my parents' homes.
We tried desperately to get hold of films of the shows a number of years back. No luck whatsoever.
When the show went off the air and ran on radio for awhile, the Professorettes still tapped dance -- we were a precision group and they thought it would be neat to do it on radio and sound like one person. Wish I could remember if we were really that good!!
All I know is -- they were wonderful years and every Monday morning, we were punished by the nuns for not attending 9:00 a.m. children's mass. We always attended mass at St. Patrick's.
If anyone has pictures, are you willing to share them?
Thanks for a great trip down memory lane. |
Renee Reid
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 12:30 pm: | |
I remember watching Children's Hour when I was six or seven and feeling guilty when I heard "Less work for mother, just give her a hand," because I didn't and even had to be nagged to clean the bird cage. |
alan c.
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 07, 2009 - 12:00 am: | |
I was a teenager when I served as a technical apprentice at the now-gone Starlight Summer Theatre in Pawling, NY. Cricket Skilling and his wife Violet were resident actors for the summer and delighted audiences. I was 15 yrs old at the time, but it was an unforgettable summer. |
eileen g brown
| | Posted on Monday, April 27, 2009 - 11:23 pm: | |
my name is eileen brown and natalia pope and i lived on the 7th floor at 2065 st. raymond ave parkchester. i attended mary perry school of dance, and performed nearly every sunday on the childrens hour. being jewish i did not celebrate christmas, and so natalia's mother would have me to their apartment to celebrate their holiday which was possibly greek orthodox?? those days were wonderful. wearing lipstick and costumes at the age of 6. a flamenco dancer, indian princess and even a fir tree, which had to be disassembled because of the fire laws and the real fir branches that i wore. |
Michael C
| | Posted on Thursday, April 30, 2009 - 10:16 pm: | |
Nice to see some action again. This board must be kept alive. They were happy and exciting years, and the experience remains with us. |
John Sargent
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 02, 2009 - 10:34 am: | |
My dad founded the Boston College Alumni of Long Island. Ed Hearlihy was a classmate of his. Every Easter we would make the trip 43-48? to NYC to see the show. I loved watching Broxie and Bronxie have a banter about their roots. Then they would lead this blind girl to a mike, put her hand on it to judge distance and she would sing "Less work for mother". After the show we met with Ed
then we would go to Horn and Heartarts (sp) for breakfast and I would stare at the ornate coffee dispenser and wonder if it would ever run out. I would buy a pie for 25 cents and was shocked to see a PERSON refilling the slot.A Person was in ThE MACHINE! what horror. |
Joanne
| | Posted on Friday, June 12, 2009 - 9:55 pm: | |
I am so glad to have stumbled across this discussion. My Aunt, Marilyn Gusten, was a writer for the Children's Hour and my mother, Marcia Gusten, was "Bronxie."
Marilyn had a long career as a theater teacher and director in New Jersey. Sadly, she passed away just yesterday. (That is why I was fishing around on the internet for information about the show--trying to reconnect with her in a way).
Marcia also became a teacher. She continued to sing and act in local productions. She is currently a docent at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Like everyone else on this page, I would love to get a hold of some old footage. |
Bronxie
| | Posted on Sunday, June 14, 2009 - 8:12 pm: | |
So fantastic to read all the memories which were actually the essence of my growing up years on NBC.I went on to work on the Sid Cassar show in the 50s and continued for a while until I had my family. I wish my sister could have read all your notes. Kenny Best- Marilyn and I along with Irma Santos have all along thought that Max must be your fabulous son , named for your dad. We have been trying to get in touch with you for a long time and now finally learned that we were right . I remember your family well. I am going to try to get your phone number from a lawyer who told me he could find you.
What a thrill!!Too bad Marilyn missed it. |
Bud Wertheim
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - 9:40 pm: | |
I remember a child singer whose first name was Eugene, who sang the "Less Work for Mother" theme song for a few years in the mid '30's about 1936 to 1939. I don't recall his last name. He lived in the upstairs apartment of a two family house in Edgemere, Rockaway Beach, NY. We, my parents, brother and I lived in the downstairs apartment. I can still hear his wonderful voice practicing singing almost daily. |
mort s.
| | Posted on Saturday, June 27, 2009 - 5:12 pm: | |
Were there ever any Automats in the Bronx, and if so, where? |
marcia gusten pundyk
| | Posted on Thursday, July 09, 2009 - 11:31 am: | |
To Bud Werheim
The singe you remember was Eugene Martin and he did have a fabulous voice!
Bronxie
July 09 |
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