Skipper Ed enjoying a visit from the Brownies.
Friend of the Children
Most children have some recollection of a favorite tv show they enjoyed as a kid. I have memories of the Mickey Mouse Club in the ’60’s with Annette Funicello as one of the featured child stars.
It wasn’t until several weeks ago that I learned children in the Jacksonville, Fla. area grew up during the ’60’s, ’70’s and ’80’s watching the Skipper Ed show. Although Skipper Ed’s daughter, Kelly Hain and I have been friends for about 8 years now, it wasn’t until she answered a question I posted on Facebook about dads, that I realized her dad, Edward McCullers. Jr. was famous.
Kelly said it was quite by accident her dad became a tv personality, hosting a kiddie show in Jacksonville, Florida. Hired at first for voice overs for commercials on NBC/TV affiliate WFGA, when the main character on an afternoon kiddie show became sick, Edward was asked to fill in. Acquiring a huge following, he eventually became host for the show and was given the name, Skipper Ed.
Girl Scouts, school groups and other children’s organizations participated in a televised segment of the program where they were first asked questions by Skipper Ed, followed by watching cartoons like Popeye and Pals. Televised live Saturday mornings at 8:00 and weekday afternoons at 4:00, at the end of each program, Skipper Ed signed off with his trademark phrase, “mind your manners.”
With an estimate of over 100,000 children on the show through the years, Kelly says even now when she goes back to Jacksonville from her home in NC, people come up to her and tell her how much it meant to them and how they remember, “mind your manners.” Some who were parents at the time said when their children were watching Skipper Ed they didn’t worry. Moms, especially, were grateful the show gave them time to fix supper.
Multi-talented, Skipper Ed not only hosted the children’s show, but also reported the news and interviewed celebrities such as Ginger Rogers and President Jimmy Carter. Even with all of his fame and recognition, he never forgot the children. A gentle soul who loved the youngest among us, Skipper Ed made a point to talk to them, making them feel important.
As a writer, it never ceases to amaze me the stories people are carrying around, hiding in their hearts. I’m glad Kelly took the time to answer the question on Facebook about her dad, sharing his memory with us. Not only would Skipper Ed be proud, but I know his fans will be, too.
To learn more about Skipper Ed, check out the following Salisbury Post link here. You can also Google the Skipper Ed show for more info, including past reunions. If growing up, you were a fan with memories to share, please leave a comment below.
Do you have memories of a favorite tv personality? Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dicy
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