But Miss Frances would always brighten the day. Jeepers, tonight must be nostalgia night with Burt passing and Miss Frances mentioned. For those not of a certain age (ancient) Miss Frances had a show on TV called “Ding Dong School” where for a half hour her audience learned facts and lessons in understanding others. She was sort of Mr. Rogers before his show debuted. I doubt the show made it past 1955. By then “Romper Room” was all over the dial.
Brings back memories of “Busy Kindergarten.” I don’t remember the presenter’s name but we got the original “Tales of the Riverbank” as part of the programme.
Yup. Miss Frances and Ding Dong School was part of my daily diet as a very young child. This episode demonstrates just how much like Fred Rogers she was. It also demonstrates the painfully primitive state of Television in the early ’50s, but everything has to start somewhere.
Wow! I got the reference immediately and flashed back to the Romper Room teacher I remembered, Miss Nancy. Yes, I’m old and so is the strip, but I’d like to think we both aged well.
LeeCox about 6 years ago
Who remembers “Romper Room”? In MY day, it was “Miss Julie”!
wiatr about 6 years ago
But Miss Frances would always brighten the day. Jeepers, tonight must be nostalgia night with Burt passing and Miss Frances mentioned. For those not of a certain age (ancient) Miss Frances had a show on TV called “Ding Dong School” where for a half hour her audience learned facts and lessons in understanding others. She was sort of Mr. Rogers before his show debuted. I doubt the show made it past 1955. By then “Romper Room” was all over the dial.
sirbadger about 6 years ago
I predate Sesame Street, but don’t remember Miss Frances.
Johnny Q Premium Member about 6 years ago
We had a record of her presenting the song “The Muffin Man”!
orinoco womble about 6 years ago
Brings back memories of “Busy Kindergarten.” I don’t remember the presenter’s name but we got the original “Tales of the Riverbank” as part of the programme.
Rufus The naked mole rat about 6 years ago
I was wondering that. I actually grew up in the “Miss Molly” years of the show. Good golly.
The Old Wolf about 6 years ago
Yup. Miss Frances and Ding Dong School was part of my daily diet as a very young child. This episode demonstrates just how much like Fred Rogers she was. It also demonstrates the painfully primitive state of Television in the early ’50s, but everything has to start somewhere.
https://youtu.be/Ad6UxxL4yi8
The Old Wolf about 6 years ago
Violet, on the other hand, grew up to be one of the “mean girls” in high school and spent the next 20 years in prison for dealing crack.
CeeJay about 6 years ago
And I always waited for Miss Frances to say my name!
dlkrueger33 about 6 years ago
You guys are good. I cannot remember the name of the teacher….1960-61-62?
dlkrueger33 about 6 years ago
Miss Frances was the teacher on Ding Dong School, not Romper Room. 1952-1956. Too early for THIS Boomer.
Wichita1.0 about 6 years ago
“Romper-stomper-bomper-boo…”I vaguely remember.. And now THAT’S going to be stuck in my head all day!
slrowe about 6 years ago
I think it might have been a different teacher depending on which TV market one was in.
Neo Stryder about 6 years ago
Who?
jrankin1959 about 6 years ago
Lucy must have been hanging out with Violet a great deal to pick up the critical part of her personality.
wsash about 6 years ago
Wow! I got the reference immediately and flashed back to the Romper Room teacher I remembered, Miss Nancy. Yes, I’m old and so is the strip, but I’d like to think we both aged well.
wangster2 about 6 years ago
This was Ding Dong School. I still have my bell!
Teto85 Premium Member about 6 years ago
And in later years you disappear Violet.
WCraft Premium Member about 6 years ago
Can you imagine being told that all your life by everyone you know (except Ms. Frances?) Those are the kids who “snap” and go postal.
ajakimber425 about 6 years ago
I think that’s the first time Violet tells him that.
Charlie Tuba about 6 years ago
This strip was printed in 1954 two years before I was born. (June 8 was the date it appeared in the newspapers.)
Super Fly about 6 years ago
In Houston, it was Mr.Caboose, Cadet Don, Kitirik, Milk Drop Moe (really), and Uncle Bert Lynn (I think).