It’s like going back in time to the golden age of television.
Puppeteer Nina Keogh was part of this television history working on children’s shows such as The Friendly Giant and Polka Dot Door.
“I was the first host at the Polka Dot Door in 1971,” says Keogh. “And yes. I had to wear the Polkaroo suit.”
Keogh also worked on Mr. Dressup.
“We were working under the counter when Mr. Dressup was standing on the counter,” says Keogh. “And the puppeteers were downstairs and we were on little rolling stools with back supports. And we also had screens down there so we could see what the camera was seeing.”
For anyone who remembers the Today’s Special, Keogh was part of that too.
“Muffy the Mouse and Sam Crenshaw The Night Watchman.” Keogh says.
Another popular program in the 80s was Marie-Soleil, played by Suzanne Pinel.
“Furgus was created with the fur coat by my aunt. He had given me a fur coat,” says Pinel. “I feel it was such a privilege to be able to do the Marie-Soleil TV series, with all the wonderful people at CJOH. It brings back all the memories of how much fun we had doing it.”
Also included in the exhibit are rare dolls from a number of children’s shows.
Marigold, Humpty, Dumpty and Bear from Polka Dot Door. (Dave Charbonneau/CTV News Ottawa) “You’ll also see the programs you like the most,” says Olivier Cote, curator of the exhibition. “Like the Friendly Giant, Mr. Dressup, Polka Dot Door, Littlest Hobo, Romper Room. They’re all at the fair.” “It gives people a reason to come now,” says Jantine Van Kregten of Ottawa Tourism. “It’s great for generations of people, it’s not just for kids. It’s for old people but also for middle-aged people.” About 100 Canadian-made children’s TV shows are shown here to trigger your childhood memories “For adults going around it brings back so many memories, it’s just amazing,” says Pinel. “It’s really history, something that the museum can recreate so well.” The “Our Children’s Television” exhibition opens on Friday and will remain open for the next year.
