Antique Howdy Doody Toys
This popular children's western themed television series aired on NBC from 1947 to 1960, featuring Howdy Doody, a freckle faced marionette sitting on the knee of Buffalo Bob Smith. Part of the charm of this series involved the dialogue between Howdy Doody, Buffalo Bill and several other human characters including Clarabell the Clown and Chief Thunderthud. Other puppet characters included Heidi Doody who played the role of Howdy's sister, Mayor Phineas T Bluster, Dilly Dally, Princess Summerfall Winterspring and Flub-a-Dub.
 |
In the mid 1950's, licenses were sold to create a Canadian and Cuban versions of the popular kids television series. The Canadian version included a then unknown actor by the name of William Shatner who played the roll of Ranger Bob. Shatner would go on to star in the popular Star Trek series.
For today's baby boomers, Howdy Doody was a large part of their childhood. This popular kids show aired faithfully every Saturday morning for one hour before being moved to a weekday program from 1948 to 1956 and then back to a Saturday morning slot. Some children had the amazing opportunity of sitting in the 40 seat audience in each show, interacting with the characters.
The popularity of the show made every child eager to have a Howdy Doody toy of their own and over the years, many toys and games were produced depicting the character. Popular antique Howdy Doody toys to collect include: puppets, marionettes, dolls and board games.