The Uncle Al show is a truly significant childhood memory for many, just as it is a piece of Cincinnati history. We asked viewers who grew up watching the show to share some of their fondest memories with us. The following is what they had to say.
Share your memories by clicking ADD A COMMENT at the bottom of the page.
Julie, former viewer in Dry Ridge, Ky, via e-mail 3/8/07
Thanks so much for putting together an Uncle Al section on your website. The more I look at the pictures and videos the giddier I get. What a treat! I have so many happy memories of watching the show with my cousins in the early 70's doing the twist. But there is one memory I have that nobody else does; it's the weather song. It went "What makes the weather, what makes the weather, what makes the weather and the sun go down? What makes the weather, what makes the weather...." I don't remember the rest. Does anyone remember the rest of the song? Every time I ask someone about it, they don't remember it. And how about some pictures of Batty Hatty? My mom always called me "Batty Hatty from Cincinnati" in the mornings because my hair was always a mess. God bless you Uncle Al and Captain Wendy and all your friends on the show.
Joyce Davis, Hagerstown, IN native living in St. Louis, Via e-mail
Never got to be on Uncle Al, however I did get to go to see Ruth Lyons show once. To this day when something great happens I say "RAY!" No one gets it but me. I also remember Captain Wendy's flying and all the great songs.
Chastity Bolar, Ripley, Ohio, Via e-mail
Looking at the pictures posted takes me back to the mornings when I was a child that I would sit as close to the television as I could to watch Uncle Al. I secretly wished with all of my heart that somehow he or Wendy would pick me to come up and twist! Even though I was never chosen, I twisted my very best and my very fastest. I wish children today had role models on television like Al and Wendy. They were truely one of kind. Thanks for posting the memories!
"CavVet", Via e-mail
I grew up in Springfield, way back in a much simpler time. We got Captain Kangaroo out of Dayton (WHIO) clear as a bell, but we thought it a treat on some days when we could get the Uncle Al show, all the way out of Cincinnati, even though the miles added a lot of snow. I still remember a lot of recurring songs from the shows and loved the show then. And now Uncle Al doesnt want you to sell the paraphenalia with his name on it? And now the truth about his racial feelings come to light? I cant help but notice the small numbers of Blacks in the pictures, but this is Cincinnati, right? I wish I had watched the Captain more. Wow, this reminded me of Bob Braun and Ruth Lyons.
Rosemarie Sperbeck, Via e-mail
The one time I saw Uncle Al's program was when ABC aired it every Saturday morning in the late 50's. It ran on the network for quite a while, but now here it is, 2006, and I am now in my 50's. About old Al himself, I just bought a recording he made on Jubilee Records all about his show and his friends. It was one heck of an album, I kid you not. Uncle Al, wherever you are right now, permit me to say thank you for all the magical memories you have given us in the past and I wish you peace love and laughter in the very near future. Just be like you are right now and don't let anything keep you from enjoying a good rich just like you're having right now. God bless you, Uncle Al. God bless you.
Deanna Alfieri, Via e-mail
My name is Deanna and I have a question about the Uncle Al show. I have a very vivid memory of a scary elf-type man being in a tree. He lived in the tree (I think) and Uncle Al would look in the tree and talk to him. Everyone I ask about this laughs at me and tells me I'm crazy. Did this exist and if so what was his name? Thank you so much! If anyone has the answer for Deanna, please e-mail her.
Candy Shannon-Freede, Via e-mail
I was on the Uncle Al show quite a few times in 1974 - 1976. My mom would buy me a new dress from Polly Flinders and she, my grandma and I take the bus downtown from our house in Price Hill. After the show, she would take me to Shillito's, Pogue's and my favorite: Newberry's. I still have all of the group pictures that we took at the show and also the paper bow ties that all of the children were given to wear. Uncle Al and Captain Wendy are as much a part of Cincinnati as the Reds, Graeter's Ice Cream and Skyline Chili.
Tony Roeder, Edgewood, KY, Via e-mail
Back in 1955 when I was six, I lived on Duck Creek Road in Norwood about a block from where Duck Creek, Smith, and Edwards Roads all intersected (way before I-71).
When it was announced that Uncle Al was going to be at the big gas station at this big intersection, I could hardly wait because my mother and grandmother agreed we could walk down to see him. There was a huge gathering of kids, of course, and a good time was had by all. For a kid in those days, it was one of the highlights of our lives. I still enjoy the memories.
Janet Ward-Hulsey, from Gettysburg, OH, now living in Georgia, Via e-mail
Good Day, I was on the show in the 70's. Wow, what a long time ago. I just found a picture of the entire crew that was signed and showed it to my son. I miss those shows where the kids were a part of a good clean show. I wish there was one like that now.
Mark Jurgensen, Via e-mail
I am 48 years old and not only watched the Uncle Al Show growing up, but actually was on the show some time in the early 1960's. What I remember was sitting with a group of children as Uncle Al played the accordion. When he finished his song, Uncle Al told us all to run back to our seats. I was in such a hurry that I stumbled over the bench and hit my head. Uncle Al came over and rubbed my head and asked if I was OK. This is all preserved for posterity since an album was recorded that day. I used to have this LP, but some time in the intervening decades it was lost. The album cover featured Uncle Al in his signature straw hat along with Hattie the Witch. If anyone knows how I could obtain this album I would appreciate hearing from you. (Mark's e-mail is markjurgensen - atsign - cox.net.)
Darla Eskin, Via e-mail
I was born in 1955 and grew up enjoying Uncle Al and Captain Wendy weekdays on WCPO. I lived in Newport, KY and had opportunities to see "The Uncle Al Show," in person, two times. My fondest memory was not actually in the studio, but on the way. My Mother took me (brother, too) to see the show in the early 60's.
The day we were scheduled to appear, was a rainy and dark Cincy morning. We had quite a walk from where we were able to park. On the way, Al and Wanda drove by, stopped and offered to give us a ride to the studio. So, we were able to take the short drive to the WCPO studio with Uncle Al and Captain Wendy! I felt as though I was "Oh so very special" to arrive with the STARS!!
Chuck Gillespie, Dublin, OH, Via e-mail
We lived in Bond Hill in the late 50's and I guess I went to his show three or four times. Each time I would be so nervous I would be sick to my stomach. I wanted to be there so much yet it literally made me sick with anticipation.
I got to do some neat stuff...do a Barq's commercial riding in a car with a girl in another studio and when they turned it on I took a slug of creme soda and kissed the girl...riding the Giant Grippo Pretzel...and playing the "Junior Robot"...getting backstage and seeing behind the set! It was like being in Oz or somewhere! I remember how really small the studio was and how hot it would get. When you reflect back you have to really respect Al, Wendy, the cast and crew for doing a daily live morning kiddie show, with new bits and songs and filmed pieces. It must have been exhausting.
Stephanie Failoni, St. Louis, MO, Via e-mail
We lived in Fairfield, Ohio, when I was in Preschool and Kindergarten back in the early 70's. I have vivid memories of the Uncle Al Show and was surprised to find information. I remember the Uncle Al Twist and how kids would stand on the barrels and twist and win marshmellow ice cream cones. I always wanted to go on there and do that! I never saw the show again after we left Ohio and often thought about it. It is a great childhood memory.
Darrell Leland, Via e-mail
I don't have a picture to show, but I certainly remember Uncle Al from way back when I lived in Cincinnati in the early 60's. I remember Uncle Al, Captain Windy, and all the rest very well. Wasn’t there also a Pinocchio that sang a song about being “made from the wood of an apple tree” who was asked a question and always told a lie? I especially love the picture from 1964. I could have been one of those kids! Alas, I never got to be on Uncle Al, but by brother and I faithfully watched it every day. Thanks for the great memories.
Susan, Via e-mail
I, too, have been wondering about a song...where Uncle Al played his accordian and he and the kids sang and danced around and at the end, they always clapped and instead of saying "hooray or yeah" they just said, "'ray!" Do you have any idea what song that was?
I went to the Uncle Al show when I was either 5 or 6 years old. They tried to get me into the Mama's Cookie Jar and I got scared and wouldn't. I started crying, they took me to my mom and I sat on my mom's lap the rest of the show. I love those memories!
Gary Schlueter, Via e-mail
The brother of my uncle worked at the Uncle Al show and it had been pre-arranged for Uncle Al to select me from the audience to come up and participate in one of the segments on the show. This would be good, but as the story goes, I was kind of upset because my job wasn't what I was expecting. I was supposed to stand at one place on the floor while three girls rode down to me on bicycles and as they rode by me they had to be kissed. So I was had. I had to kiss these girls as they went by and at that age I thought girls were yucky. I think I wiped my lips off after I kissed each one. I always wondered who those three girls were -- the first three girls I ever kissed. Yuck!
Kim Miller, West Union, OH
Thank your for the memories with Uncle Al and Capt. Windy!! It was great seeing them again. I loved the show. I was a very active child, and according to my mother, that was about the only time I sat still was during the show. I still remember (and love the chips!!) the Husmans' jingle. I'll still sing it at work from time to time. I loved Hattie the Witch. I find that as I drift into middle age I get more comfort from my childhood memories. Spending the morning with Uncle Al will always be a special memory. Thanks much!
William Baker, Georgetown, OH
I took my son on a train ride from Union Terminal to Maysville, Kentucky about five years or so ago and Uncle Al played music for us on the train ride. It was very special to me and very nice for my son. Will, my son, is 13 now. He was very interested in the instrument that Uncle Al played and enjoyed the performance very much. He is now in band and plays the slide trombone. He has taken interest in the keyboard and is doing quite well for a starter. I can't help but wonder if the strange keyboard that he saw Uncle Al play had something to do with it. After all these years, you still know how to impress kids, and adults too! Thanks Uncle Al.
Stacy Jacobs, Frankfort, KY
Back when we received a Cincinnati channel, Uncle Al and Captain Wendy were an every day must-see along with Batty Hattie from Cincinnati on WXIX. I still remember Captain Wendy doing the Barg's Root Beer pitch and the ice cream cones Uncle Al would give to the children at the end of the show.
Angie, Via e-mail
It was so cool you actually got to be on the show once a year. How did you get to do that? I do prefer to remember Captain Windy "flying" in instead of laying on a table and jumping off of a chair, it's just one of the "magical moments" of childhood I'd rather keep intact. I'm glad I'm not the only one who checks back on the past or this page. Keep me checking. Your past is who you are today and. "It's a Small World" after all!
Julie Ball Hambrick, Via e-mail
I grew up in Northern Kentucky and watched the Uncle Al show faithfully. I sent drawings in to be displayed on the wall during Captain Windy's art segment, but my pictures never made the cut. ;-) Once, my sister came back from the gas station with one of those ice cream cones like Uncle Al handed out to the twisters. She told me he was at the gas station and I missed him. I burst into tears, and she had to give me her cone to shut me up! When I went to college, I told friends (from outside the Cincy viewing area) all about Uncle Al - NOBODY believed me. To this day, when I start on an unbelievable story, college friends will roll their eyes and say 'Oh, sure, Julie - it must have been on that CINCINNATI station!' Thanks for giving me proof of their existence.
Karen Howard, Via e-mail
I remember Uncle Al and Captain Wendy like it was yesterday. When I was five my mom got tickets for me to be on the show. Captain Wendy was off saving the world (you know those special trips she took were when she was having babies) and the Fairy Princess was on the day I was there. I remember this so clearly because when it came time to slide down the Birthday slide I wanted to be first in line (there were four of us), but the Fairy Princess pushed me aside to let a particular boy on first. This boy was so tall that when he sat on the slide, his feet almost touched the bottom of the slide. I ran crying off the stage and into my mom's arms. Uncle Al came over and got me and took me to the slide. He gave me a hug and let me slide second. I still remember this and it was almost 45 years ago.
Jenny Fardo, Via e-mail
I remember watching Uncle Al and Captain Windy. This was back in the '60's and my sister, my brother, cousins and me were all on. I'd like to find that episode and purchase it. [Editor's note: WCPO does not sell Uncle Al episodes due to music rights issues.] My sister got one of those marshmallow cones in her mouth when she came down the slide. Some of us got a cardboard car and jumped up and down. Those were great times!
Donnie Redondo, Via e-mail
I was on the Uncle Al show when I was four or five. I remember that we kids got to be farm animals that day and wear cardboard outfits. I got to be a chicken, and I'll never forget Uncle Al asking me, 'Do you like eggs?' My answer was an irate, 'No, I HATE them!' There went my television career. :-) I had forgotten about the cream cones, but those were cool, as were the prizes one got on Skipper Ryle (I was on twice). I wanted a big canister of Husman's Potato Chips, but got a Coca Cola cooler instead. Speaking of jingles, who else besides me remembers Cash Amburgy and "Cash's Big Bargain Barn, where you save cash with Cash!"? Every time I see Al's Toy Barn in Toy Story, I think of old Cash. Thanks Al and Windy for some great memories!
Chris Price, Via e-mail
My favorite part of the Uncle Al show was the segments where he would go visit the Giant. I remember he would be walking along through the woods somewhere and then he came upon a cave where he'd have to reach up and cling to the wall and walk along this tiny ledge to get to where the Giant lived. When he finally got in there, you could see were the Giant's big legs and feet hanging down. Great memories. Anyone else remember that?
Rob B., Mt. Washington
I was on the Uncle Al show once in the late 1960's. I remember how the show's set seemed SO different from how it looked on TV (I was about five years old and kind of intimidated by the experience). I got a black and white photo and I think some potato chips. Ah, traveling on the way back machine now ;), remembering Uncle Al, Banana Splits, moon rock coming to Cincinnati.
Claudia Milesky, Via e-mail
I can't believe I remember this stuff. I'm 46 now but I remember being on the Uncle Al show. I loved that show, especially Hattie the Witch. She used to scare the hell out of me (didn't want to meet her in a dark alley). Reading all the other posting has brought back a wealth of memories. Husman potato chips, Kahn's wieners, Captain Windy's flying, the Bargain Barn, the Giant, etc. I've often wondered what Uncle Al and Capt. Windy were doing now. Nice to know they are alive and well.
Zoe Flanigan, Via e-mail
I remember taking my oldest son, now 42, to see Uncle Al forty years ago. He just loved Uncle Al and imitated him all the time from day one of watching him. He talked about going to see him for months after that. Uncle Al made another mother and I sing Humpty Dumpty on the show. It always amazed me when he and Captain Windy did three live shows a day.
Kennitta Terry, Via e-mail
Hi, my name is Kennitta Terry, I'm 26 years old. My Uncle Al memories are sad and funny. I attended preschool at Washburn Elementary around 1979 or 1980. My story is funny now, but I didn't think so back then. My mother was doing my hair when I looked up and noticed my friends were on TV. I looked repeatedly before I realized that it was my classmates on their field trip to Uncle Al I then realized I was too late to make it to school and make it on the Uncle Al show. From that day on I have been a little upset with my mother for making me miss my big day on television! Today, my sister and other people make fun of me by playing the the Uncle Al theme song "It's A Small World". When I hear that melody it always brings me back sad but funny memories.
Steven Davis, Via e-mail
Do I remember Uncle Al? Yes I do! Every morning it was a dash to get to the huge Zenith in the family room to tune in to the show. I think most kids in the Tri-state were doing the same thing. I never made it in the show, but I vividly remember Uncle Al's accordion playing, Captain Windy "flying" around, or pantomiming to "Whip crack away!" and shooting down buzzards, Uncle Al's trips to visit the Giant and the perilous trip through the cave (actually filmed at the Museum of Natural History, I believe), Captain Windy's beautiful drawings that magically came to life from a few swoops of her "crayon." For kids like me, who grew up in the country, the show was a fantasy world, a place that sparked our imagination (and made us beg our mothers to buy us Bare'ssoda and Mama's cookies.) I'm nearly 40 now, but those mornings are just as vivid in my mind as they were 30 years ago.
Bob Fitzpatrick, Via e-mail
I couldn't believe it when I saw the photos on the Web site! It must have been over 30 years ago when I was an Uncle Al watcher. His program is where I learned to say the Pledge of Allegiance as I was growing up in Cherry Grove. I saw Al and Wendy once in McDonald's on Beechmont Avenue sometime around 1970. Man does this Web site bring back the memories!
Lori Dremel, Via e-mail
My favorite childhood memory is being on the Uncle Al show in the early 1970's. I still have my picture of Uncle Al, Captain Windy and everyone else on my wall. I got to be the cloud for the weather and toss the hoops over the giraffe's neck. My only regret - I was quite the awkward child and when walking through the gate I was the only child not to hug Uncle Al. I shook his hand. Well, dear Uncle Al, I am sending you the biggest hug as I've imagined I did through the years. You are the dearest man. Love to all involved with this show; You have brought happiness.
Tara Kelley, Via e-mail
I was flipping through channels just now and came to Winnie The Pooh. I was thinking that I wish they still had TV shows like they used to. Then I remembered Uncle Al and decided to see if I could find anything online about it. I am quite surprised and I wish I could get copies of it. I too, was on the Uncle Al show. I don't really remember it that well. That was many years ago, but I would love to see it. I'm sure my daughter would love Uncle Al and Windy.
Mark Douglas, South Dakota
I remember when Uncle Al was 90 minutes long right after Captain Kangaroo, with the last 30 minutes going to the "circus". I still have the "Ernie" song in my head: "Hi Ernie, Hi Ernie, what do you know? What do you say? Hi Uncle, Hi Captain, I want my bananas today." Then kids would give him fruit. I remember believing that Captain Windy could fly and I remember believing it was because she shuffled her legs when they showed her flying sequence. There are a lot of bits and pieces, such as "It's a Small World" being played at the end when the kids would all go out the gate, the "prayer song", which my younger sister and I modified for use at the dinner table, and of course the Kahn's wieners song, ending with "all good mommies buy me", if I remember correctly. It's a shame most local stations today are too worried about the almighty dollar to do more local programming like Uncle Al. Thanks for the memories on this site.
Keelen Cummings, Via e-mail
I'm 34 now, but I remember all the kids on Uncle Al doing a version of the twist when Uncle Al played his accordion. I remember Uncle Al going to visit a giant in a cave or something, and all you could see were these tall, skinny legs wiggling in the cave entrance. I remember the puppet mailman, and the little song, "It's your merry, merry, merry, merry mailman!" I remember the circus and Uncle Al plugging "Pat and Joe", who I think owned a furniture store or a furniture moving company. Uncle Al would sing, "My good friends are Pat and Joe, Pat and Joe, Pat and Joe..." I remember having a pair of white go-go boots just like Captain Wendy. I would put a towel over my shoulders to fashion a cape, like she had. What wonderful memories!
Jeanne Jones, Via e-mail
I have warm and fuzzy memories of Uncle Al -- mainly of watching him on TV. I was on the show a couple of times myself. I remember once I drove the "Mama's Cookie Car" and Uncle Al pretended I had run into him with it! I have Uncle Al's picture hanging on my wall (along with the Lone Ranger and Tonto). Last spring I went to a church luncheon and the prayer card in front of me said "Thank you for the world so sweet ...." I took it home with me and have it on my desk right now. And how many times have you looked into the sky and saw a small plane flying and said, "Hi, Uncle Al!" Thank you, Uncle Al, for being a wonderful uncle to the whole city of Cincinnati.
Paul, Via e-mail
My Mother tells a story of Uncle Al signing off after a show. He didn't realize the cameras were still on after he finished saying good-bye. He said something like, 'There! That ought to hold the little @&$#'s for another day.' That is an urban legend. Never happened.
Charles McClinon, Via e-mail
I remember Uncle Al as a closet bigot especially against children of color. It is not solely the host for whom I blame this, but the management of WCPO. I am happy to say that WCPO is taking great strides to improve its image. I think that should count for something.
Ken Strite, Via e-mail
I remember the airplane on the Uncle Al show. When I was a kid, I thought "Wow, his plane has a face!" I credit him with my interest in aviation and now that I have my own plane, I often think of how Uncle Al was my inspiration. It was his inspiration also that steered me toward aviation as a career which landed me in my current position with NASA working on the Space Shuttle and having the unique honor of helping the astronauts into the Orbiter for launches.
Ron Rice, Via e-mail
What a surprise to find this site. I remember Uncle Al, but in the role he played as a disk jockey, with drawings being created during the music. I also remember visiting the set of "Calamity Kitchen" and Uncle Al draped himself over the monitor so that we couldn't see the picture of the show in progress. I remember the feeling that he was arrogant. But seeing some of the other posts, evidently not. I'm glad to hear that.
Monica Poston, Via e-mail
I don't see anything wrong with stating the good and the bad. I remember Uncle Al and my brothers and sisters going on the show. I imagine it would be quite hurtful to hear others talk about what fond memories they had of the show and how wonderful it and everyone in it was if you and/or people you knew were the ones excluded from the whole experience simply because of the color of your skin. Try walking in someone else's shoes for a moment.
