Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Larry Harmon’s Bozo the Clown character originated in 1946 as a read along kids record. Bozo became a part of popular culture and was even the center of a Seinfeld episode. But more importantly Bozo is a piece of our Somerville/Boston childhood.

My generation is referred to as baby boomers. Many boomers in the area grew up watching locally produced kids shows such as Rex Trailer’s Boomtown (boomers on Boomtown!), Big Brother Bob Emery, Major Mudd, Romper Room, Zoom and, of course, The Bozo Show. These programs gave kids the opportunity to participate in a live TV production of a show they watched religiously and loved.

The late great Frank Avruch, besides his many other important TV accomplishments, played Bozo on Boston’s WHDH TV 5 from 1959-1970. After we would hear a resounding voice proclaim “Introducing Bozo, the world’s most famous clown,” he would peddle on stage in the Bozo-mobile with two lucky kid guests in the front seat.

A happy, laughing Bozo would sing, “I am such a funny clown I love to travel round and round the circus is my home, but I always seem to roam! In a rocket ship I soar or I enjoy the ocean floor but you must know I never go unless you come along. Bozo, Bozo, always laughs never frowns Bozo, Bozo, Bozo the clown.” I still know it by heart.

Bozo had a cast of characters in costume including Kookie the Boxing Kangaroo, and Mr. Lion, played by Carroll Spinney, who went on to portray Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird on Sesame Street. Other characters were Clank the Robot, and a lucky kid got to be “Butch for a Day,” Bozo’s ringmaster assistant. That child got to wear an oversized ringmasters hat and coat. There were lots of games where kids could win prizes but everyone went home with a goody bag.

When your parents brought you to the TV studio to be on Bozo it was a bit scary but very special. I was surprised to discover how many of my Somerville friends actually appeared on the Bozo show live.

Here are some of their memories:

“I went in the second grade with my Brownie troop! I won the Treasure Chest. I can still remember everything that was in it. I was so sad my mom missed me on TV because she was at work. My lucky number was 43!”

“Myself and two brothers were on Bozo back in 1964. One of my brothers was chosen to tell Bozo a riddle. As a prize he got a large Tootsie Roll container filled with tootsie rolls.”

“I was on Bozo twice! Butch for a day also! Loved that show when I was younger!”

“…I was picked to wear the big pants while the other person stuffed balloons in them.”

“Yes. I was on Bozo. All dressed up with patent leather shoes and white gloves!”

“I was on Bozo in 1966. Bozo chose me when we all raised our hands to tell a joke. I said, “What did the big chimney say to the little chimney? You’re too young to smoke.” I was so proud of myself. I think I got a gift for telling a joke. At least it was clean.”

My own kids got introduced to the Bozo experience at Canobie Lake Park in Salem New Hampshire in the early 2000’s. The Canobie Bozo was a very kid friendly and approachable fellow. My oldest son became an instant fan. He appeared on the live outdoor Canobie stage with him a few times and so did I.

We amassed quite an extensive collection of vintage Bozo memorabilia, some that can be seen in my son’s music video The Next Night at Joeydel.com and YouTube. As Bozo would say, “Whoa Nellie!”

I was never on the old Bozo show as a kid but my sister and I were on Big Brother, Bob Emery. Many Somerville friends were on the other locally produced shows, especially Rex Trailer’s Boomtown, a story for another day.

You can find nostalgic clips and stories about Bozo online. In the meantime, remember what Bozo says … “Always keep laughing!”