Captain kangaroo memorabilia series#

Even after leaving the role of the Captain, he continued to be an advocate for children: as an activist, fighting for quality children's programming as a performer, planning a cable television show about grandparenting and as a writer, producing gently moralistic child-ren's books as well as lists for parents of worthwhile books to read to children. In 1984, it moved to PBS (Public Broadcasting System), where it continued to run for another six years.Ī father of three, and later a grandfather, Keeshan had always been a supporter of positive, educational entertainment for children. Keeshan created Captain Kangaroo, and the show ran for 30 years on CBS. He created and played the role of Clarabell the Clown on that show and was so successful that in 1955 CBS offered to give him his own show. He left New York to perform his military service in the Marines, then returned to NBC where he got a job with the newly-popular Howdy Doody Show. Keeshan got his start in the world of television early, working as a page at NBC when he was a teenager in Queens, New York.

It is 'Story Time' that perhaps best illustrates Bob Keeshan's unassuming approach to children's entertainment, operating on the theory that children need kind and patient attention from adults more than attention-grabbing special effects. Zoologist Ruth Mannecke was also a regular, bringing unusual animals to show the young audience.Ĭaptain Kangaroo also had regular animated features such as 'Tom Terrific and His Mighty Dog Manfred.' One of the most popular segments was 'Story Time,' where the Captain read a book out loud while the camera simply showed the book's illustrations. Moose, animated by puppeteer Gus Allegretti. Greenjeans, played by Hugh Brannum, and Bunny Rabbit and Mr. His friends on the show included a lanky farmer, Mr.

Bob Keeshan created the comforting role of Captain Kangaroo, so named because of his voluminous pockets. Much like another children's television icon, Mister Rogers, the Captain welcomed children to the show with a soft-voiced sweetness that was never condescending, and guided viewers from segment to segment chatting with the other inhabitants of the Treasure House. The central focus of the show was always the Captain himself, a plump, teddy bear-like figure with Buster Brown bangs and a mustache to match. The longest running children's television show in history, Captain Kangaroo dominated the early morning airwaves for over 30 years, offering a simple and gently educational format for very young children. Our sister site, PFC Auctions, is currently accepting bids on this original EH Shepard drawing of Piglet from the classic children's book Winnie-the-Pooh.For those who were either children or parents from 1955 through 1991, the perky theme music of Captain Kangaroo, accompanied by the jingling of the Captain's keys as he unlocked the door to the Treasure House, arouses immediate feelings of nostalgia. To millions, the show represents a crucial and valuable facet of childhood. The Baby Boomer generation (born between 19) is responsible for 80% of the world's wealth and is currently putting its stamp on the memorabilia market.Ĭaptain Kangaroo was on air between 19, impacting upon the Baby Boomers' psyches. The keys, which formed a crucial part of the show's opening ritual - Captain Kangaroo unlocking the door to his Treasure House and hanging his keys on their hook near the door - sold for an impressive $27,971, garnering 25 bids.Ī moth-eaten Bob Sanders-worn Captain Kangaroo suit hailing from the show's early years made $15,786, while a plaque honouring the placement of Captain Kangaroo's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1976 sold for $19,103.įrom left: Dancing Bear, Bunny Rabbit, Captain Kangaroo, Grandfather Clock, Mister Moose, and Mister Green Jeans

The famed keys to Captain Kangaroo's Treasure House also put in a strong performance. The colourful costume, which includes a one piece body suit and a felt and velour plush head accessorised with a black bowtie, led the Los Angeles-based auction house's sale of Captain Kangaroo memorabilia.įollowing a brief stint by Donn Watts at the series' inception, the much-loved Dancing Bear character was played by its creator, Cosmo Allegretti, who inhabited the padded suit with gusto. The fully lined suit features a shaped, padded tummy, enclosed mitten hands and built in feet

Captain kangaroo memorabilia series#

A hand-crafted, screen-worn Dancing Bear costume from popular US kids' television series Captain Kangaroo brought $207,019 to Nate D Sanders yesterday (May 21).