Happy Captain Kangaroo Day: Take a stroll down memory lane

When it comes to holidays, the younger crowd will get a real “kick” out of this particular holiday and older folks will get to take a stroll down memory lane! October 3 is not only Techies Day, it is also Captain Kangaroo Day!

Many of you of a “certain age” probably have fond memories of watching the Captain Kangaroo television show when you were a kid. The Captain Kangaroo show was televised for the first time on this day back in 1955 and went on to become one of the longest-running children television shows in history.

The popular show went on to entertain and educate children for nearly 40 years with all sorts of stories, songs, games and educational activities. Besides Captain Kangaroo, brilliantly played by Bob Keeshan, other memorable characters of the series included Mr. Green Jeans, Mr. Moose, Mr. Rabbit, the Dancing Bear and of course, the Grandfather Clock.

Keeshan, who served in the United States Marines Corps, actually began his career as the original Clarabell the Clown on The Howdy Doody Show. The Emmy and Peabody-award winner was also inducted to the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1998 and the International Clown Hall of Fame in 1990. Robert Keeshan died in 2004. He was 76 years old.