Goodbye, Clarabell!

[tv star collector]

Not exactly a cartoon show, but many of us "baby-boomers" still fondly recall
THE HOWDY DOODY SHOW and its many wonderful, zany characters. Jeff
Judson, president of The Doodyville Historical Society (the only fan club organization devoted to Howdy) sent me this sad note this morning. Who
among us can forget the last moments of the last show, in which Clarabell the
Clown spoke for the first time. With tear-filled eyes, the mute clown said,
"Goodbye, kids." Now it's our turn to cry. Goodbye, Clarabell. We'll miss you.
********************************************************
A Sad Day in Doodyville

I received a telephone call from a reporter, Steve Miller, from the New York Sun newspaper this afternoon informing me that our dear pal Lew (Clarabell) Anderson had passed away and requesting some information about Lew and our organization.

Lew was, of course, a very long time member of the Doodyville Historical Society. He graciously appeared at each of our conventions. He always had a kind word and probably enjoyed dressing up for us as Clarabell as much we enjoyed his performing, perhaps more. He signed autographs without compliant, answered endless questions and related countless stories, and took the time to meet and greet each of us. He was a friend.

Bob Keeshan's tenure will be recorded in trivia history as being the first Clarabell the Clown. Lew's legacy? He played the much-loved character the longest...and without question, the best.

Some of us were lucky enough to experience Lew's musical talents at his Friday evening "big band" sessions at the Birdland jazz club in Manhattan. At one performance in particular just before a club gathering, knowing several members were in the audience, Lew managed to work in the Howdy theme tune into one of numbers. But what I will remember the most was Lew asking me "how are Emily and Lara?" (my daughters he had met at a convention many years before and with whom he once spent some time at our home---before an autograph session at a toy show---showing them how Clarabell dresses up). But that was Lew. And what a memory!

Lew, we miss you already. Thank you for all you did for the club. But most of all, thank you for being such an important part of our youth. Is there anyone who had a TV in the 1950's who doesn't remember Clarabell and his seltzer bottle? Is there anyone who didn't love Clarabell? Well, OK, he seemed to be trouble a lot. But wasn't that usually Mr. Bluster's fault?

All we can say now---with a tear in our eye---is..."Goodbye, Lew."


Jeff Judson
Doodyville Historical Society
Flemington, New Jersey
Founder/Newsletter Editor

PS
The May newsletter has already been compiled, so we will honor Lew in The Howdy Doody Times in the upcoming summer issues. Please send along any obituaries and related articles you come across in newspaper and magazines, plus any internet links for use in the newsletter. (And please do not assume someone else already sent it.) Thank you.
No funeral arrangements have been announced (yet).
If possible, the club would like to send flowers, balloons (red, yellow and blue would seem appropriate), or a donation to a designated charity. If you would like to contribute, please let me know.

[Brian Damage]

Clarabell