What time is it?

If by chance you were one of the lucky kids who sat in the Peanut Gallery, or part of the millions of children who watched from home, then you already know the answer, "It's Howdy Doody Time". What fun it was to watch the antics of Howdy and his pals, Buffalo Bob, Clarabell the Clown, Princess Summerfall Winterspring and Howdy's sister, Heidi Doody, to name a few.  "Howdy Doody Time" was a pioneer in children's programs that aired from 1947 until 1960, and was one of the first audience participation programs. Should you be wondering, no, I am far to young to remember "Howdy", but I do recall a member of my family (no names) did have a "Howdy Doody" spinoff.

Howdy's was a marionette with 48 freckles on his face, representative of each state in the Union at the time of his inception. Howdy had a stand-in for lighting rehearsals and personal appearances, his name was "Double Doody" and can be seen at the Smithsonian. Also there was "Photo Doody", a near stringless proxy used for personal appearances, photos, parades and the NBC test pattern. The original "Howdy" now resides at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Of interesting note, Clarabell the Clown, was originally portrayed by "Captain Kangaroo" until he was fired over a salary dispute. Clarabell never spoke and only communicated by honking horns on her belt and squirting seltzer until the very last episode when she uttered her very first words, "Goodbye Kids".

The "Howdy Partner" image was created as the result of a new monthly challenge Stamping Dragon Designs has at their group on Crafter's Digital Art Center.  On the first day of each month, a new challenge will begin and end on the last day of the month which gives everyone plenty of time to create. This month we are using a sketch to make a male-theme creation. Also, "Howdy Partner" is available there as a freebie. Join us, please, the more the merrier.