1950's OLDE TIME TV THANKSGIVING
by Billy Ingram

Let's trip way back to Thanksgivings past and explore the world of classic television for celebrations past. For the next half hour or so, the present melts away and you're back in the 1950s. Perhaps for the first time - or maybe this is a return trip.

First the opening to the three hour Rootie Tootie Thanksgiving Special from Radio City in the early-1950s hosted by Big Todd Russell. This show featured a host of kid show guest stars including Kukla, Fran & Ollie.

Next, pee pickin' good old boy Tennessee Ernie Ford treats us to a musical feast starting out with a traditional singing and dancing variety show opening followed by a funny monologue about down home Thanksgivings.

Let's wrap up at Tennessee Ernie Ford's place for yodeling, some honky tonk country music (the kind I like) and, finally, a prayer before beginning to eat. Remember, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks - if nothing else, thanks that things aren't worse than they are.