The Lone Ranger, Tonto, Cisco Kid, Poncho — all my heros. Dad was in radio through the 20s and 30s. We did, however, have one of the first television sets — I think it was called a Halicrafter or something like that. My Mary Janes wore a spot on the wing-back chair staring at the test pattern on Saturday morning waiting for my heroes who kept me spell-bound until noon (giving my parents a much needed chance to sleep in).
Pop said he knew radio was through when the one and only temper tantrum I had was at the corner grocery - Herrs Market — in South St. Louis. He and I walked to the corner for a loaf of bread. He got one off the shelf and walked to the cash register. Suddenly, there broke out a wail the likes of which would cause the hair on the back of your neck to stand up. All eyes grew round and fear shown in the faces of those who worked at the market (i.e. Mr. and Mrs. Herr). Could it be the dear child has pulled a large shelf of canned goods down on her head??? The cry went out — to the canned goods aisle!!!
Actually, I was standing in front of the bread with the Cisco Kid's picture on the label that held the ends together, sobbing and pointing, unable to control my sobs and in between hiccups I motioned to the wrap and said, “You didn't get the right bread.”
It was a long quiet walk back up the alley to home. I was only two, but I realized that day would never be mentioned again in the anals of our family history.
Hi-Ho Silver (you were so pretty).
I love that story!
Saturday mornings. I believe it started for me with Huckleberry Hound and then the Jetsons. Soon, we switched over to Happy Trails Theatre, the Lone Ranger, Rin Tin Tin and Sky King. I so badly wanted to be either Penny or Dale Evans.
I also learned of the horrors of racism from The Lone Ranger. No one could be more indignant that I when Tonto was treated badly by some ignorant fool. I saw that the Lone Ranger didn’t boss Tonto around but respected him, asked his opinions and that Tonto made major and important decisions.
It ranks as one of my all-time favorite show.
My hero was Froggy the Gremlin from “Andy’s Gang”. Explains a lot.