Thanks Joe for putting my Barber Shop photo on your news site. I must say that yours is a fine news site and I have been reading it daily since you told me about it. Very well written and trimmed of excess. Most informative with interesting local highlights. Eye catching graphics, adverts and with well thought out photos. Great fun all around, I like it. Thanks!
Joe, I have a history question about Salisbury and a personal mystery I would like to find the answer to. Perhaps you know the answer or one of your readers might know. The timeline was the late 1950's or early 1960's. In the days leading up to Christmas, White & Leonards department store would air a television show with a grown man portraying an Elf. This elf would describe and demonstrate the toys to the boys and girls in the TV viewing audience. I have found that many local men and women have fond memories of sitting with excitement and anticipation in front of the TV when they were children dreaming of these. As to whom this elf was, he was known as "Jolly Jack". I have heard it was John B. Greenberger. Others say Lonnie Layton and today I was told it was John Rahe. I'd love to know whom he was. A Christmas has not arrived that I have not thought of sitting in front of the TV with WBOC channel 16 at suppertime and dreaming of the toys that Jolly Jack shared with us.. Who was the wonderful man under that Elf hat??
All the best Joe, and Merry Christmas.
Sam Hotton
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
10 comments:
I am told Ralph Pennywell. He was always dong neat things like that.
The original "Jolly Jack" was Haryy "Bunky" Naugle Who currently lives in Delmar was the last I knew he worked at the courthouse security booth.
Just spoke with a person in the know. The elf was John Rahe and later on was Harry Nogle. The owner of White & Leonard was Mitty White.
Delmar Dustpan discussed this last year--some of the theories then:
Didn't Carroll Long, the auctioneer,play Santa on Channel 16 Also?
I seem to remember Barry Patchett of WBOC playing the part of Jolly Jack. Some of the old hands at WBOC might remember. I'm fairly certain it wasn't Carrol Long. White and Leonard was THE PLACE for toys as far as I was concerned.
It was Carroll Long, He also did the Chicken report on Wboc sponsored by Merrick who made chicken vaccinations and later medicated feed.
I agree it was Carroll Long who was Jolly Jack. Did Barry play Hobo Joe for a short time on WBOC. Anyone remember Gene Corbetts Sporting Goods Store on Lower Main Street?
Johnny Rae was the original Jolly Jack, Carroll Long (Middy White's brother-in-law was the 2nd, and Harry (Bunky) Naugle was the 3rd.
Verified by Bunk!!
YES, I remember Gene Corbetts. One cannot forget the smells of new rubber and tires on toys and bicycles. How about the fragrance of Hoppes #9 bore cleaner and various lubricants on the firearms. And not to forget Voights sporting good on North 13 across from WBOC.
Sam H.
Thanks for the great research and info on Jolly Jack. Its a pity that WBOC does not have any still photographs or film clips in their archives. You mention that Harry (Bunky) Naugle might still be found at the Court House Security booth. Is this the Salisbury court house your speaking of? It would be wonderful if he might have an old photo of himself in costume, from which modern copies could be made and perhaps autographed for us kids that never have grown up. Ask Mr. Naugle if you would.
With Thanks, and Happy Holiday.
Sam H.
I remember Gene Corbetts store I still an autographed Gene Corbett baseball mitt I got in the late 1950'S.
Harry "Bunky" Naugle lives in Delmar, DE, and is listed in the phone book.
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