Vaiden,

Mississippi

Memories of a Mississippi Childhood

Part 2

Click On The YELLOW Links To Go To A Bookmark Or To Open A File.

[Ed. Note: I was blessed to have a wonderful childhood, growing up in Vaiden, Mississippi. From the War of the Mighty Treehouse, to the Go-Karts, camping out, going swimming, building fast cars, reading comic books, riding bicycles and motorcycles, reading endless volumes of Hardy Boys and Tom Swift books, playing music, watching television, going to endless movies, attending school, and hanging around with my friends, those times are always something to remember. Thanks to my family, I was able to experience the things that build memories of a lifetime.]

INDEX

SONGS: Happy Days -- Glory Days -- Those Were The Days

Centerfield – Those Were The Days My Friend – Summer of ‘69

Time For Timer I Love Lucy

Trivia Ring Around the Rosie

Old Commercials

CHILDHOOD MEMORIES PART 1

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Don Knotts

07/21/1924 – 02/24/2006

REST IN PEACE

Don Knotts, who won five Emmys for portraying the bungling deputy Barney Fife on the hit television program "The Andy Griffith Show," has died at age 81, a spokesman said on Saturday. Knotts died on Friday night (02/24/2006) at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California, of pulmonary and respiratory complications. His former co-star Andy Griffith was at Knotts' bedside when he died, as were Knotts' third wife, Francie, and his children, Thomas and Karen, an actress, Ward said in a statement.

Knotts' bug-eyed, high-strung character helped make "The Andy Griffith Show," a sitcom about a folksy sheriff in small-town America, one of the most popular U.S. television shows of the 1960s. Knotts co-starred on the show from 1960 through 1965 and won the Emmy award for best supporting actor five times.

After leaving "Andy Griffith," Knotts had a string of comedy movies, including "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken," "The Incredible Mr. Limpet," "The Reluctant Astronaut" and "The Shakiest Gun in the West." He also paired with comedian Tim Conway in "The Apple Dumpling Gang" and its sequel in the 1970s.

Knotts' career idled for much of the 1970s, during which he hosted an unsuccessful variety show. He rebounded by playing the desperate-to-be-hip landlord Mr. Furley on the sitcom "Three's Company" from 1979 through 1984. "To me, he was a genius, a kind gentle soul," Loralee Knotts, the actor's second wife, said in a telephone interview. "He made a real contribution to the laughter in this world. I'm really saddened by his loss. You wouldn't find a kinder, more gentle soul. He was a comical genius."

In New York, he was a regular on the soap opera "Search for Tomorrow" and landed a small role in the Broadway play "No Time for Sergeants," marking the first time he worked with Griffith, who was the play's star. Griffith and Knotts also appeared together in the 1958 movie version of "No Time for Sergeants."

Knotts' Fife loved to flaunt his authority in small-town Mayberry and always dreamed of solving a big case, but was so inept that Griffith's Sheriff Andy Taylor would not allow him to keep his gun loaded. Instead, Barney carried a single bullet in his shirt pocket.

Good-bye, Barney. You were a genius that will always bring a smile whenever your name is mentioned. May your gun always be loaded.

Happy Days

(TV Theme from Happy Days)

Sunday, Monday, Happy Days
Tuesday, Wednesday, Happy Days
Thursday, Friday, Happy Days

The weekend comes, my Cycle hums,

Ready to race to you

These days are ours, Happy and Free

These days are ours, Share them with me


Goodbye gray skies, hello blue
’Cause nothing can hold me, when I hold you
Feels so right, it can’t be wrong,
Rockin’ and Rolling all week long

Sunday, Monday, Happy Days
Tuesday, Wednesday, Happy Days
Thursday, Friday, Happy Days

Saturday, What a day,

Groovin’ all week with you

These days are ours, Share them with me

These days are ours, Happy and free

These happy days are yours and mine
These happy days are yours and my

Happy Days

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Glory Days

(Sung By Bruce Springsteen)

I had a friend was a big baseball player
back in high school
He could throw that speedball by you
Make you look like a fool boy
Saw him the other night at this roadside bar
I was walking in, he was walking out
We went back inside sat down had a few drinks
but all he kept talking about was

Chorus:
Glory days well they'll pass you by
Glory days in the wink of a young girl's eye
Glory days, glory days

Well there's a girl that lives up the block
back in school she could turn all the boy's heads
Sometimes on a Friday I'll stop by
and have a few drinks after she put her kids to bed
Her and her husband Bobby well they split up
I guess it's two years gone by now
We just sit around talking about the old times,
she says when she feels like crying
she starts laughing thinking about

Chorus

Now I think I'm going down to the well tonight
and I'm going to drink till I get my fill
And I hope when I get old I don't sit around thinking about it
but I probably will
Yeah, just sitting back trying to recapture
a little of the glory of, well time slips away
and leaves you with nothing mister but
boring stories of glory days

Chorus (repeat twice)

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Those Were The Days

(Theme From All In The Family)

Boy the way Glen Miller played
Songs that made the hit parade.
Guys like us we had it made,
Those were the days.

And you knew who you were then,
Girls were girls and men were men,
Mister we could use a man
Like Herbert Hoover again.

Didn't need no welfare state,
Everybody pulled his weight.
Gee our old LaSalle ran great.
Those were the days.

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Centerfield

(Sung By John Fogerty)

Well, beat the drum and hold the phone - the sun came out today!
We're born again, there's new grass on the field.
A-roundin' third, and headed for home, it's a brown-eyed handsome man;
Anyone can understand the way I feel.

CHORUS:
Oh, put me in, Coach - I'm ready to play today;
Put me in, Coach - I'm ready to play today;
Look at me, I can be Centerfield.

Well, I spent some time in the Mudville Nine, watchin' it from the bench;
You know I took some lumps when the Mighty Casey struck out.
So Say Hey Willie, tell Ty Cobb and Joe DiMaggio;
Don't say "it ain't so", you know the time is now.

CHORUS

Yeah! I got it, I got it!

Got a beat-up glove, a homemade bat, and brand-new pair of shoes;
You know I think it's time to give this game a ride.
Just to hit the ball and touch 'em all - a moment in the sun;
(pop) It's gone and you can tell that one goodbye!

CHORUS
CHORUS
Yeah!

[Ed. Note: Was there really a “Mighty Casey?” Absolutely not. However, “Casey” is immortalized in the 1888 poem by Ernest L. Thayer (below).]

Casey At The Bat
by Ernest L. Thayer, 1888

The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day;
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play,
And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the same,
A pall-like silence fell upon the patrons of the game.

A straggling few got up to go, in deep despair the rest
Clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, "If only Casey could but get a whack at that --
We'd put up even money now, with Casey at the bat."

But Flynn preceded Casey, as did also Jimmy Blake,
And the former was a hoodoo, while the latter was a cake;
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat;
For there seemed but little chance of Casey getting to the bat.

But Flynn let drive a single, to the wonderment of all,
And Blake, the much despised, tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and men saw what had occurred,
There was Jimmy safe at second and Flynn a-hugging third.

Then from five thousand throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It pounded through on the mountain and recoiled upon the flat,
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.

There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile lit Casey's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.

Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt.
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance flashed in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.

And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped --
"That ain't my style," said Casey. "Strike one!" the umpire said.

From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore;
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted some one on the stand;
And it's likely they'd have killed him had not Casey raised his hand.

With a smile of Christian charity great Casey's visage shone;
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the dun sphere flew;
But Casey still ignored it, and the umpire said "Strike two!"

"Fraud!" cried the maddened thousands, and echo answered "Fraud!"
But one scornful look from Casey and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they knew that Casey wouldn't let that ball go by again.

The sneer has fled from Casey's lip, the teeth are clenched in hate;
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville -- mighty Casey has struck out.

History of “Casey”

When George Hearst decided to run for senator from California in 1885 he realized the need of an influential organ, and bought the "San Francisco Examiner" to promote his political ambitions. When the campaign was over, he presented it to his son, William Randolph Hearst who had just graduated from Harvard College. While in college the younger Hearst had been editor of the "Harvard Lampoon."

When he went to California to edit the "Examiner" he took along with him three members of the "Lampoon" staff; Eugene Lent, F. H. Briggs, and Ernest L. Thayer. Each had nicknames -- Thayer's was "Phin." He wrote a humorous column on a basis for the "Examiner" and signed his columns with his nickname.

In the spring of 1888, Thayer wrote "Casey" and submitted it for publication. It appeared in the "Examiner" in the June 3, 1888 edition and was signed "Phin" as usual.

When "Casey" made its first appearance, nobody hailed it with shouts of joy or suspected that it would become immortal. A few weeks later, (exact date unknown) the New York "Sun" published the last 8 stanzas of the poem -- but signed its author as "Anon." Other than the "Sun," it was just plain ignored by the public.

To become immortal, everyone (or thing) needs a press agent. Archibald Clavering Gunter, an author of novels, was "Casey's" press agent. Always on the look out for incidents to base some of his novels on, Gunter, living in New York, sought and actively read newspapers from around the country on a regular basis. When he read "Casey" for the first time, he clipped it out to save. He wasn't sure just what he would do with it, but he clipped and saved it anyway.

Many weeks later, in August of 1888, Gunter read that both the New York and Chicago baseball clubs would be attending the performance of the comedian De Wolf Hooper at the Wallack Theater in New York. Upon reading the announcement, instantly knew what he wanted to do with the clipping of "Casey" he had saved.

Gunter approached Hooper, a good friend, and offered the poem for him to recite as he felt the baseball teams would enjoy a comic baseball recitation. Hooper agreed and recited it that night. The rest, as they say, is history. From that point forward in time, "Casey" become immortal -- while a good poem to begin with, it took a recital before a group of "famous" baseball players by a professional comedian to bring it to life.

After reviews for Hooper's performance were published, three people came forward to claim authorship and demanded pay a royalty to use "their" poem. None could prove authorship, so Hooper kept it in his repertory.

Four or five years later, Thayer, living in Worcester, Massachusetts at the time, attended a performance of Hooper in Worcester. After the show, Thayer sent a note backstage requesting to meet Hooper. Thayer gave him the rights to perform it without paying any royalties.

Newspaper collectors should check their issues of New York papers for August, 1888 (exact day unknown) for reviews of Mr. Hooper's performance of "Casey" -- You may have an issue almost as important as the first printing of the poem in the June 3, 1888 "San Francisco Examiner."

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Those Were The Days My Friend

(Sung By Mary Hopkins)

Once upon a time there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours
And think of all the great things we would do
 
Chorus:
 
Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
 
Then the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our starry notions on the way
If by chance I'd see you in the tavern
We'd smile at one another and we'd say
 
Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
Those were the days
Oh, yes, those were the days
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
 
Just tonight I stood before the tavern
Nothing seemed the way it used to be
In the glass I saw a strange reflection
Was that lonely woman really me?
 
Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
Those were the days
Oh, yes, those were the days
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
 
Through the door there came familiar laughter
I saw your face and heard you call my name
Oh, my friend, we're older but no wiser
For in our hearts the dreams are still the same...
 
Those were the days, my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
Those were the days
Oh, yes, those were the days
La la la la la la
La la la la la la

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Summer of ‘69

(Sung By Brian Adams)

Got my first real six string
Bought it at the five and dime
Played it till my fingers bled
Was the Summer of '69
 
Me and some guys from school
Had a band and we tried real hard
Jimmy quit and Jody got married
I should've known we'd never get far
 
Oh when I look back now
That summer seemed to last forever
And if I had the choice
Yeah - I'd always wanna be there
Those were the best days of my life
 
Ain't no use in complainin'
When you got a job to do
Spent my evenin's down at the drive-in
And that's when I met you - yeah
 
Standin' on your mama's porch
You told me that you'd wait forever
Oh and when you held my hand
I knew that it was now or never
Those were the best days of my life
Oh Yeah
Back in the Summer of '69
Ooh
 
Man we were killin' time
We were young and reckless
We needed to unwind
I guess nothin' can last forever - forever, no...
 
And now the times are changin'
Look at everything that's come and gone
Sometimes when I play that old six string
I think about you wonder what went wrong
 
Standin' on your mama's porch
You told me that it'd last forever
oh when you held my hand
I knew that it was now or never
Those were the best days of my life
Oh yeah

Back in the Summer of '69

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Newspaper Cartoon Strips

[Ed. Note: Many of the Links below are to External Web Sites. I will endeavor to keep the links active whenever possible.]

Don Markstein’s Toonopedia

Pioneer Cartoonists of Color

Some of My Favorites Over the Years (Below):

Joe Palooka – Moon Mullins – Bringing Up Father

Gasoline Alley – Katzenjammer Kids – Barney Google

Snuffy Smith – Nancy -- History of Nancy – Mutt & Jeff

Lil’ Abner – Little Orphan Annie – Dick Tracy

Beetle Bailey – Sad Sack – Pogo – Little Iodine

Alley Oop – Our Boarding House – Hi & Lois

Popeye – B.C.

Time For Timer

“Timer” was the little Yellow Cowboy Guy that sang “I hanker for a hunk of, a slab, a slice, or chunk of, I hanker for a hunk of cheese. When my get up and go, has got up and went, I hanker for a hunk of cheese. When my 10-gallon hat’s feelin’ 5 gallons flat, and I’m feeling kinda weak in the knees…I hanker for a hunk of, a slab, a slice of, I hanker for a hunk of cheese…If you’re headin’ for a show down, and yer feelin’ kinda lowdown, feeling kinda weak in the knees…It’s a real winner, and yet won’t spoil my dinner…I hanker for a hunk of cheese.” He also did “Sunshine on a Stick,” which was made by pouring fruit juice into an empty ice cube tray, covering it with plastic wrap, poking a toothpick into each cube, and freezing it for several hours. “Timer” also appeared in other commercials, such as “Quick Snack,” “Quickie Breakfast,” and “You Are What You Eat.” Another version of “Hanker for a Hunk of Cheese” went something like this:

I'm so hungry I can eat a wagon wheel!

Bang, bang, bang!

Oh! Howdy Partner! Time for Timer!

Do you ever get that hungry feeling after school?

Boy, I do! I'm so hungry, I could eat a wagon wheel!

When I'm slow on the draw and I need something to chaw,

I hanker for a hunk of cheese!

When my ten gallon hat's a-feelin' five gallons flat

I've got something planned, which is

Little cheese sandwiches! Come on!

Here's a great little snack to tide you over till dinner!

If you want something that's delicious and nutritious,

cheese is a super snack! Look! A wagon wheel!

When my get up and go has got up and went,

I hanker for a hunk of cheese!

When I'm dancin' the hoedown and my boots kinda slow down,

Or anytime I'm week in the knees,

I hanker for a hunk of,

A slab, a slice, a chunk of,

A snack that is a winner,

And yet won't spoil my dinner!

I hanker for a hunk of cheese! Ya-hoo!

Click below to see the “Timer” commercials. You will need Real Player to view these.

And Now…Here it is !!! Hanker for a Hunk of Cheese !!

Hanker for a Hunk of Cheese (slightly clearer version)

NEW ! Peter Griffin from Family Guy meets Timer

Quick Snack Sunshine on a Stick

Quickie Breakfast You Are What You Eat

The Only You You’ve Got

Another commercial (non-“Timer”-related) from this time period is Beans and Rice.

Remember QUISP cereal? Click HERE to see the commercial. (2.6Mb)

And, of course, there’s the famous Life Cereal commercial with Mikey !

I Love Lucy

Did you know that the theme to the “I Love Lucy” television show had words? Most of the time, we only heard the instrumental version. Here are the lyrics, and the sound files of the instrumental version and the version with vocals.

INSTRUMENTAL VOCAL VERSION

Lyrics to “I Love Lucy”

I love Lucy and she loves me.

We're as happy as two can be.

Sometimes we quarrel but then... ha ha ha

How we love making up again.

Lucy kisses like no one can. (Lucy kisses Ricky)

She's my Mrs. and I'm her man.

Life is heaven you see,

Cause I love Lucy,

and I love Lucy,

and Lucy loves me!!

Trivia

Q.: On the TV Show “Happy Days,” do you remember the name of Richie Cunningham’s older brother from the first seasons?

A.: Chuck only appeared in seven episodes. His name was “Chuck Cunningham,” played by Gavan O'Herlihy in 1974 and Randolph Roberts in the 1974-1975 season. Gavan O’Herlihy was later cast as Airk Thaughbaer, leader of the rebel army in the movie “Willow,” which was directed by Ron Howard (“Richie Cunningham”). The face of “Chuck” was hardly ever seen, almost never spoke, and “disappeared” completely after Episode 27 (second season). The premise was that Chuck went off to college. Randolph Roberts later appeared in the 1976 movie “Logan’s Run.”

ADDITIONAL:

Chuck, as played by Gavan O’Herlihy, appeared in only 5 Happy Days episodes: # 1 – All The Way (01/15/1974); # 3 – Richie’s Cup Runneth Over (01/29/1974); # 4 -- Guess Who’s Coming To Visit (02/05/1974); # 8 – The Skin Game (03/05/1974); and # 10 – Give The Band A Hand (03/26/1974). Chuck, as played by Randolph Roberts, appeared in 2 Happy Days episodes: # 17 – Richie Moves Out (09/10/1974); and # 27 – Guess Who’s Coming to Christmas? (12/17/1974). The character of Chuck was never seen again after Episode # 27, and was mentioned only a few times throughout the rest of the series.