'Howdy Doody Show' head writer Edward Kean well remembered

 

Edward Kean, the original head writer for "The Howdy Doody Show" who died Aug. 13 in West Bloomfield, Mich., at age 85, created characters and story lines for the pioneer NBC children's TV program that debuted in late 1947 as "Puppet Playhouse" and ran until 1960.

The prolific Kean also wrote songs for the baby boomer TV favorite hosted by Buffalo Bob Smith.

Said Rhoda Mann, the program's master puppeteer from 1947 through 1952: “I think of all the people on the show, including the emcee, he was the true talent of the show because he put the words in our mouths, and he did the music and the lyrics.”

Kean, Mann recalled, “was kind, sweet and very pleasant to everybody on the show; he never had a mean word for anybody."

Read more in the Edward Kean obituary that appeared in The Times, and watch an extensive interview Kean did with the Archive of American Television.

-- Dennis McLellan

Photo: Edward Kean, left, with wife Vivian Kean and family friend Del Reddy, who is holding a replica of a Howdy Doody stamp unveiled by the U.S. Postal Service in 2009. Credit: Del Reddy

 

Comments

[James Jackson]

I rushed home every day after school not to miss "Howdy Doody" time with Clarabelle Clown, Buffalo Bob, and the gang. Clarabelle went on to become Captain Kangaroo, but none of the other children's shows offered as much fun as Howdy Doody. Only now, years later, I am surprised to find that one man orchestrated all those comical antics.

[James Jackson]

I rushed home every day after school not to miss "Howdy Doody" time with Clarabelle Clown, Buffalo Bob, and the gang. Clarabelle went on to become Captain Kangaroo, but none of the other children's shows offered as much fun as Howdy Doody. Only now, years later, I am surprised to find that one man orchestrated all those comical antics.

[Deborah Joyce Goodman]

Well at this time it is so hard.seems so unfair that death should have the power to take away someone you love. And when it happens, the thought of never again being able to talk to, laugh with, or hold your loved one can be most difficult to bear. That pain is not necessarily erased by being told that your loved one is up in heaven.
The Bible, however, holds out a much different hope.
the Scriptures indicate that it is possible to be reunited with Edward in the near future, not in an unknown heaven but right here on earth under peaceful, righteous conditions. And at that time people will have the prospect of enjoying perfect health, and they will never have to die. Jesus Christ promised that millions now that have died will live again on this earth and have the prospect of remaining on it forever under peaceful, paradisaic conditions. Jesus made the promise, it is safe to assume that he is willing to fulfill it.
I hope you find this comforting.