1 9 5 1 – 1 9 5 3 (USA)
30 minute episodes
This Philadelphia-based kids’ show had actor Bill Sears sitting on his favourite park bench next to a prop tree as he talked to puppet animals, including pontificating Sir Geoffrey the Giraffe, whining Albert the Chipmunk, primping Magnolia the Ostrich (a Southern belle from Georgia), and Calvin the conniving Crow (who sounded like Jimmy Durante and smoked cigarettes!).
Bill and the creatures – operated by husband and wife puppeteers Paul Ritts and Mary Holliday (who voiced Magnolia the Ostrich) – would share stories and talk about their feelings, with Bill offering grandfatherly advice.
Bill Sears and Paul Ritts also both wrote for the show, which aired on Sundays.
Host
Bill Sears
Puppeteer
Paul Ritts
Mary Holliday