Posted on 05/23/2023 6:34:42 AM PDT by massmike
Jean Durkee, known and beloved as “Miss Jean” of Boston’s version of the “Romper Room” television series from the late ’50s to the early ’70s, died Tuesday at the age of 90.
Born in Lynn and raised in Salem, Durkee started out her career teaching language arts and social studies and serving as the director of girls’ physical education at Lynnfield Jr. High School, before continuing on in Lynn where she taught students with physical disabilities in grades 1-6.
When given the opportunity to make the pivot from a traditional classroom to the television screen in 1958, Durkee “was nervous but excited about the opportunity to reach into homes, hearts and minds of preschool and kindergarten aged children in New England,” an obituary for the schoolteacher reads.
The dedicated teacher, whose maiden name is Dallaire, retired to Naples, Florida after WHDH lost its television license. She married Bruce Durkee, “with whom she shared 40 wonderful years,” the obituary notes.
(Excerpt) Read more at boston.com ...
I remember her well.
Replaced by Teletubbies.
RIP
I saw her years ago in a Christmas parade in Quincy. She was riding in a car with Willie Whistle.
I think my dad may have had an affair with that chick.
Willie Whistle was portrayed by Dick Beach who also died at age 90 — in 2018. Those were good days for children’s TV in Boston.
Unless I’m forgetting anyone,she was the last of that group: Major Mudd,Rex Trailer,Frank Avruch as Bozo, Captain Bob Cottle,Willie Whistle....
Growing up in Michigan, we used to watch “The Friendly Giant”, on Canadian TV.
Near the end of the show they did a long travelling shot of submissions, and I got a piece of “art” on there when I was very young. Thrilled me. Of course, at that age it could have been anyone’s art. :^)
That was my time growing up. I would add Rex Trailer and Pancho, Big Brother and, for our southern neighbors, Salty Brine.
I remember her. RIP.
They used to show that in Boston,too!
“Look up! Look WAY up.....”
“Do be a do-bee.”
Do be a do bee
Sesame Street and Electric Company were just starting and were brand new shows when I watched them.
Rex Trailer used to have trips to California to visit Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland. I always wanted to go to one of those trips but my parents couldn't afford it.
I may be mistaken,but I believe I read once that she had been the girlfriend of Harry Agganis
My kid siblings watched “Romper Room’’ a lot. “Think And Do Bee’’.
Just another reminder that the America we Freepers over fifty knew has vanished.
Today's Leftist parents would sh!t bricks over this one. We need to re-instill patriotism and Godliness for the sake of our nation's future.
I thought about doobie too
SNL skit
well, they did call it romper room...
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