Don Mahoney And Jeana Clair

[Watchful]

Oh my the all time classic children's show had to be the Kiddie Troopers with Don Mahoney and Jeana Clair (spelling?).

For the taped opening intro and the closing "outro" they would ride up on their horses like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Then the bulk of the show was a kiddie talent show.

Positively horrific. Twirlers, tap dancers, glittery outfits - it was awful and awesome at the same time. It was around the late 60s or so when it was on channel 39 or one of those UHF stations.

Back in the late 80s the reruns of the old shows reappeared (IIRC) on Houston access stations.

I swear they should make a DVD of the greatest hits. They were the greatest!

[Heights2Bastrop]

I was on their show in the 5th grade. A group of us from Love Elementary square danced at Woodland Park, and our group danced on the show which was taped at the Prudential Building on Holcomb.

I was at a restaurant in Bastrop not long ago, and the owner was connected to many musicians. One of the posters in the restaurant was of Edgar Winter. I told the woman that I got my show biz start at the same place as did Edgar. She looked hard at me, and finally asked,

[editor]

She looked hard at me, and finally asked, "Well, who are YOU?"

No tip! No tip! No tip!

[Heights2Bastrop]

Well, I did kinda sorta say that to her as if I WAS somebody.

[TJones]

Well, I am 35 and remember loving that show as a kid, it came on channel 39 on Sundays. He really did seem like such a nice man. I don't know if the shows I saw in the 70's were reruns or not. I just remember that Houston Rasslin' came on afterwards.

I just found out from my mother, that those shows were NOT reruns. That gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. AAAAHHHHH ! Goodtimes.

Edited October 1, 2005 by TJones

[native_Houstonian]

I was a student at the Hallie Pritchard School of Dance in the 70's. Her dancers had many opportunities to perform on the Don Mahoney and Jeana Claire show. It was taped on Friday nights at channel 39 on Westpark. I remember how scratchy the bales of hay were to sit on with our costumes on. I ripped many a pair of hose on those! Don Mahoney was always kind and would call us over after the performance to ask our names and how long we had been dancing and such. Poor thing, though, he was losing his eyesight and really couldn't even make out where you were standing and had to feel around for the cowbell.

I do remember that after we taped the show, we would go to I think Antonio's Flying Pizza on Fondren for dinner.

If anyone has access to any of these old shows or would know if anyone had copies of them, I would love to get a memory from my youth!

[TJones]

I was a student at the Hallie Pritchard School of Dance in the 70's. Her dancers had many opportunities to perform on the Don Mahoney and Jeana Claire show. It was taped on Friday nights at channel 39 on Westpark. I remember how scratchy the bales of hay were to sit on with our costumes on. I ripped many a pair of hose on those! Don Mahoney was always kind and would call us over after the performance to ask our names and how long we had been dancing and such. Poor thing, though, he was losing his eyesight and really couldn't even make out where you were standing and had to feel around for the cowbell.

I do remember that after we taped the show, we would go to I think Antonio's Flying Pizza on Fondren for dinner.

If anyone has access to any of these old shows or would know if anyone had copies of them, I would love to get a memory from my youth!

Antonio's was on hilcroft, between richmond and westheimer. I think it is a dog groomer's now, or it may still be there.

[nmainguy]

Oh my the all time classic children's show had to be the Kiddie Troopers with Don Mahoney and Jeana Clair (spelling?).

For the taped opening intro and the closing "outro" they would ride up on their horses like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Then the bulk of the show was a kiddie talent show.

Positively horrific. Twirlers, tap dancers, glittery outfits - it was awful and awesome at the same time. It was around the late 60s or so when it was on channel 39 or one of those UHF stations.

Back in the late 80s the reruns of the old shows reappeared (IIRC) on Houston access stations.

I swear they should make a DVD of the greatest hits. They were the greatest!

It was bizarre and facinating at the same time. Don going blind and Jeana Claire looking like she was on a Valium drip-but me and my sisters loved it. We would roll around on the floor and howl watching my crazy middle sister try to imitate the baton twirlers with a crow bar.

Oh yeah, a peice of trivia: Annette O'Toole got her "Big Break" on the show! Now she plays Superboy's Ma on TV.

[GoAtomic]

I was on their show in the 5th grade. A group of us from Love Elementary square danced at Woodland Park, and our group danced on the show which was taped at the Prudential Building on Holcomb.

I have very vague memories of being on some kiddie show here in Houston when I was 6 or 7, in the early 70's. All I recall of the show is that we did some finger painting or something equally tame.

This was when I was in an elementary school off Red Oak in NW Houston. It was a big deal to me, because I remember my teacher, Mrs. King, driving me to the taping in her '71 Chevelle coupe (Orange Glow paint with a white vinyl interior). And I usually don't have a very good memory ...

I've asked my dad but he has no recollection of this happening, what show this was or who with. Apparently we didn't get a tape or anything.

I wonder if this was the program I was on ... Were there others like this in Hou at that time?

[Hellsfuzzy]

Here's one for you: I was on the show in 1973--I was part of singing group from Pearland Elementary named, oddly enough, The Swinging Seabees. We wore salior outfits. Our choir director told our parents to put "lots of makeup" on us because otherwise we wouldn't show up on TV. We looked like little drag queens and sang Tie A Yellow Ribbon.

[Heights2Bastrop]

Atomic, my performance was in 1958, a bit before your time. In the early 70s, I wasn

[MarthaG]

I always wanted to go on the Kitirik show. Remember the little merry-go-round that would stop so each child talked to her? Didn't she give them presents for thier birthday or something?

I did manage to get on the Don Mahoney and Jeana Clair show once. Early 60's, my dance class did a tap number. The one and ONLY time I made it on TV.

[Heights2Bastrop]

On one of the shows (maybe Kitirik

[EastEnd Susan]

I was on their show in the 5th grade. A group of us from Love Elementary square danced at Woodland Park, and our group danced on the show which was taped at the Prudential Building on Holcomb.

I was at a restaurant in Bastrop not long ago, and the owner was connected to many musicians. One of the posters in the restaurant was of Edgar Winter. I told the woman that I got my show biz start at the same place as did Edgar. She looked hard at me, and finally asked,

[john Lopez]

I was a student at the Hallie Pritchard School of Dance in the 70's. Her dancers had many opportunities to perform on the Don Mahoney and Jeana Claire show. It was taped on Friday nights at channel 39 on Westpark. I remember how scratchy the bales of hay were to sit on with our costumes on. I ripped many a pair of hose on those! Don Mahoney was always kind and would call us over after the performance to ask our names and how long we had been dancing and such. Poor thing, though, he was losing his eyesight and really couldn't even make out where you were standing and had to feel around for the cowbell.

I do remember that after we taped the show, we would go to I think Antonio's Flying Pizza on Fondren for dinner.

If anyone has access to any of these old shows or would know if anyone had copies of them, I would love to get a memory from my youth!

I was student at hallie Pritchard in 50's. I was on Don mahoney/Jeana Claire many times. I was a goofy kid but I had a blast there..

[enviromain]

Used to watch that and Captain Kangaroo! My best friend was on Don Mahoney and Jeana Claire show! Thanks for the memory!

[roym]

Didn't that come on Sunday on Channel 39 (in the 70s)? I think someone already posted to that effect earlier. Anyways, there sure wasn't much to watch in Houston on Sunday mornings back then. That and wrestling with Paul Bosch!

[groovehouse]

Well, I am 35 and remember loving that show as a kid, it came on channel 39 on Sundays. I just remember that Houston Rasslin' came on afterwards.

YES! Me too!!

[petemoss]

Oh my the all time classic children's show had to be the Kiddie Troopers with Don Mahoney and Jeana Clair (spelling?).

For the taped opening intro and the closing "outro" they would ride up on their horses like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Then the bulk of the show was a kiddie talent show.

Positively horrific. Twirlers, tap dancers, glittery outfits - it was awful and awesome at the same time. It was around the late 60s or so when it was on channel 39 or one of those UHF stations.

Back in the late 80s the reruns of the old shows reappeared (IIRC) on Houston access stations.

I swear they should make a DVD of the greatest hits. They were the greatest!

I never knew how many people really liked the show with Don & Jeanna. Before Jeanna Clare came along, the show was one of the first television shows in Houston. KPRC had a small building off of Hwy 610 & some of the shows were filmed there. Then they were filmed over at KGUL-TV in Galveston. This is back in the days when the draw bridge was being used & it took over 1 1/2 hrs to get there. KGUL was Channel 11 & later changed its call letters to KHOU & moved to the Prudential Building. Anyway, those were very exciting days & I knew Don & Jeanna better than anyone else did. You see, Don Mahoney was my dad & thanks for caring.

[petemoss]

I was a student at the Hallie Pritchard School of Dance in the 70's. Her dancers had many opportunities to perform on the Don Mahoney and Jeana Claire show. It was taped on Friday nights at channel 39 on Westpark. I remember how scratchy the bales of hay were to sit on with our costumes on. I ripped many a pair of hose on those! Don Mahoney was always kind and would call us over after the performance to ask our names and how long we had been dancing and such. Poor thing, though, he was losing his eyesight and really couldn't even make out where you were standing and had to feel around for the cowbell.

I do remember that after we taped the show, we would go to I think Antonio's Flying Pizza on Fondren for dinner.

If anyone has access to any of these old shows or would know if anyone had copies of them, I would love to get a memory from my youth!

I am also a native Houstonian & former student of Hallie Pritchard's dance studio. I probably ran into you out at the show at times. You know, every week was an exciting experience for me. There were many times that I performed on the show as well. I remember Annette O'toole being on the show several times before she went to Hollywood. She sang each time & has a beautiful voice. She is now Superman's mom on the show called Smallville.

I understand that you are interested in some of the past shows that my dad did. Well, Jeanna Clare has quite a few of them. The only problem is is that they are big reels, & not transfered to a VCR tape or DVD disk. They would have to be taken to someone who could transfer them. I am fortunate enough to have the first show ever made by my dad. If you could see it, I guarantee it would probably bring tears to your eyes. I would love to find the kids who performed on my dad's first show. I know they would like to have a copy of that show. This is the only copy of the show that Jeanna Clare had made into a VCR tape. Hopefully you will contact me & maybe we can find one of the shows that you were on. We can contact Jeanna Clare. (Not my mom, just my dad's partner).

[PapillionWyngs]

I am also a native Houstonian & former student of Hallie Pritchard's dance studio. I probably ran into you out at the show at times. You know, every week was an exciting experience for me. There were many times that I performed on the show as well. I remember Annette O'toole being on the show several times before she went to Hollywood. She sang each time & has a beautiful voice. She is now Superman's mom on the show called Smallville.

I understand that you are interested in some of the past shows that my dad did. Well, Jeanna Clare has quite a few of them. The only problem is is that they are big reels, & not transfered to a VCR tape or DVD disk. They would have to be taken to someone who could transfer them. I am fortunate enough to have the first show ever made by my dad. If you could see it, I guarantee it would probably bring tears to your eyes. I would love to find the kids who performed on my dad's first show. I know they would like to have a copy of that show. This is the only copy of the show that Jeanna Clare had made into a VCR tape. Hopefully you will contact me & maybe we can find one of the shows that you were on. We can contact Jeanna Clare. (Not my mom, just my dad's partner).

I cannot believe it!!! I tried to email you, but for some reason, I couldn't, so everyone has to read this. Sorry, all.

Your Dad "discovered" me when I was 18 months old, going through Playhouse toy store singing "Sugar in the Morning". He didn't realize how old I was until Jeanna Clare told him - so he referred my Mom to Mildren Franz school of voice and whatever it was. I was on his show many times, even went to Beaumont to do it there.

I absolutely loved your father and mourned at his passing. He was a big part of my life - even got me an audition for "To Kill A Mockingbird" and I got to sit on Gregory Peck's lap. I tried out for the part of Scout, but was too young.

If you can email me, please do so.

So nice to make your cyber acquaintance.

[enviromain]

YES! Me too!!

YES! Me too!!

[FilioScotia]

I cannot believe it!!! I tried to email you, but for some reason, I couldn't, so everyone has to read this. Sorry, all.

Your Dad "discovered" me when I was 18 months old, going through Playhouse toy store singing "Sugar in the Morning". He didn't realize how old I was until Jeanna Clare told him - so he referred my Mom to Mildren Franz school of voice and whatever it was. I was on his show many times, even went to Beaumont to do it there.

I absolutely loved your father and mourned at his passing. He was a big part of my life - even got me an audition for "To Kill A Mockingbird" and I got to sit on Gregory Peck's lap. I tried out for the part of Scout, but was too young.

If you can email me, please do so.

So nice to make your cyber acquaintance.

This is why I love the Internet, and websites like this one. You meet the nicest people. Please allow me to weigh in with my own good feelings about Don Mahoney and Jeanna Clare. I never had the pleasure of meeting them, but I've heard from countless people that they were two of the nicest and most "genuine" public personalities you could ever hope to meet.

[PapillionWyngs]

I love the pictures!!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You made my day!

[Heights2Bastrop]

Petemoss, it was a delight to see your posts here. I was a huge admirer of your dad, and proud to have been one of his guests (1958). I have always assumed that Don and Jeanna were married, and I was surprised and even a little stunned to learn they were not.

I mentioned above seeing them at the SPJST Lodge on Beall and 15th in the Heights. Perhaps it was just your dad who was there, but I would swear it was otherwise. He was nearly totally blind at that time, but he still loved interacting with all the kids, both young and old. And he was loved by all, which was plainly evident by the folks who flocked to him.

Don was decked out in full regalia at the Lodge, but I got the feeling he was just there as a guest. Did he always dress up? Or was it just when he made

[native_Houstonian]

I never knew how many people really liked the show with Don & Jeanna. Before Jeanna Clare came along, the show was one of the first television shows in Houston. KPRC had a small building off of Hwy 610 & some of the shows were filmed there. Then they were filmed over at KGUL-TV in Galveston. This is back in the days when the draw bridge was being used & it took over 1 1/2 hrs to get there. KGUL was Channel 11 & later changed its call letters to KHOU & moved to the Prudential Building. Anyway, those were very exciting days & I knew Don & Jeanna better than anyone else did. You see, Don Mahoney was my dad & thanks for caring.

Oh my gosh! It is a small world!!

I would have been on the show probably sometime between 1976 and 1978. I probably did 5-6 performances total.

[petemoss]

Petemoss, it was a delight to see your posts here. I was a huge admirer of your dad, and proud to have been one of his guests (1958). I have always assumed that Don and Jeanna were married, and I was surprised and even a little stunned to learn they were not.

I mentioned above seeing them at the SPJST Lodge on Beall and 15th in the Heights. Perhaps it was just your dad who was there, but I would swear it was otherwise. He was nearly totally blind at that time, but he still loved interacting with all the kids, both young and old. And he was loved by all, which was plainly evident by the folks who flocked to him.

Don was decked out in full regalia at the Lodge, but I got the feeling he was just there as a guest. Did he always dress up? Or was it just when he made

[Earlydays]

Does anyone remember which show was sponsored by the Alvin Furniture Warehouse....was it Don Mahoney's or Utah Carl's show??

[PapillionWyngs]

Back to the tapes or DVRs - how far back do they go? Are there any from Beaumont - because I travelled to appear there, too. We are probably talking 1958 to 1968 - maybe.

[FilioScotia]

Does anyone remember which show was sponsored by the Alvin Furniture Warehouse....was it Don Mahoney's or Utah Carl's show??

That was the Utah Carl Show on Channel 11, sponsored by the Gulf Coast Furniture Warehouse on Hwy 35 in Alvin. I started a thread on Utah Carl here in Historic Houston, and included a link to a wonderful biography of that famously talented local country music star. Feel free to check it out and share your own memories of Carl.