Panhandle Pete (a lifesize puppet voiced by Johnny Coons) was a cowboy storyteller (who had a talking burro named George) whose yarns were illustrated by Bill Newton as he related them to young Chickamoochie County rancher housewife Jennifer Holt (daughter of cowboy star Jack Holt) on a ranch setting in this daily production from Chicago’s WNBQ (Channel 5) for NBC.
The pair had previously worked together on Uncle Mistletoe (1948 – 1952) for WENR in Chicago – one of the earliest television puppet shows.
When Holt took four weeks off in April 1951 for a delayed honeymoon, Barbara Sims filled in as her temporary replacement.
Adele Scott was the organist. The producer of this show was Stephan Hatos, who gained some recognition later when he joined with Monty Hall in the 1960s to create Let’s Make a Deal.
When Quaker Oats dropped their sponsorship of the show in favour of Gabby Hayes, Panhandle Pete was reduced to twice-a-week status, alternating with the latter series.
The series ended in June 1951 after a single season despite winning the Motion Picture Daily Award as the Most Outstanding Children’s TV Series in 1951.
Johnny Coons died in July 1975, aged just 58. Sadly, his son died two days later in his father’s home after flying from Hawaii for his father’s funeral.
Panhandle Pete
Johnny Coons Jennifer
Jennifer Holt Bill Newton
Himself Organist
Adele Scott
When Holt took four weeks off in April 1951 for a delayed honeymoon, Barbara Sims filled in as her temporary replacement.
