If I have $100 in my left pants pocket and $50 in my right pants pocket, what do I have? If you answered "somebody else's pants," then maybe you knew Cousin Cliff Holman. That was one of his trademark jokes.
Cousin Cliff is one of my happiest childhood memories. All through the 50s and 60s, this funny, friendly man starred on "Tip Top Clubhouse" (later "Cousin Cliff's Clubhouse" on local Birmingham, Alabama television from 5:15 till 5:30 p.m., on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Kids from all over the area visited Cousin Cliff to celebrate their birthdays. Cliff entertained them with his puppets Corky and Kim and with magic tricks. I went to a party there once, but I can't remember which one of my friends was having a birthday.
Earlier this week, Cousin Cliff passed away at the age of 79.
This last time I saw Cliff was at a children's Christmas party at Southern Progress Corporation where I worked in Birmingham. That was at least 10 years ago, maybe more. He had gained weight and lost hair, but he was still Cousin Cliff--big smile, corny jokes, and all.
We'll miss you Cousin Cliff. I know you're keeping all the kids in Heaven giggling right now. I hope you'll save a seat for me in your peanut gallery, along with a nice PB&J sandwich on some of that delicious Tip Top bread.
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On 09/09/2008, Teresa said ...
I am not familiar with Cousin Cliff, but isn't it wonderful how many children's lives he must have touched in his time.
I love the pictures of the show and tell, especially the apple core (I think that is the name of that pattern) quilt - the black and white with touches of red. I have always admired this block but felt it would be a difficult one.
On 09/10/2008, Lallee said ...
What a sweet memory and tribute. I had to watch Howdy Doody every day without fail. So fun and innocent.
On 09/10/2008, Beverly said ...
I'm sure Cousin Cliff has received God's blessings.
We had Skipper Chuck where I grew up.
On 09/10/2008, Gayle said ...
Such a lovely post. I am not familiar with Cousin Cliff but I remember the day Mr. Rogers passed away. I was at one of my oldest daughter's school functions. I remember many children in tears (as was I) because they cared so much for him.
On 09/10/2008, Karla said ...
This is a nice tribute. I don't know Cousin Cliff but he makes me think of Captain Kangaroo.
Karla
On 09/10/2008, Nicole said ...
I don't know about cousin Cliff either, but your post reminded me of when I was a little kid how I loved to watch Soupy Sales. My dad would come home for lunch with us while the show was on. I remember Dad cracking up laughing at some joke that Soupy made that I didn't get at all. It happened all the time, Dad cracking up, and me being mystified. Turns out, Soupy was known as a master of the double entendre! Who knew?
On 09/11/2008, Joan said ...
Thanks for telling us about Cousin Cliff . Programmes we watched as a child do stay with us.
On 09/11/2008, Andrea said ...
Thank you for sharing Cousin Cliff. In the Minneapolis, Minnesota area we had Casey Jones and Roundhouse Rodney for our childhoods! They have all passed away, too.
On 09/12/2008, maizee said ...
What a nice memory. My show in St. Louis, Mo. was Texas Bruce, along with Howdy Doody and Captain Kangaroo. Our geneation really had it the best with all the great TV back then. It's a shame that those shows with good simple fun had to go away. Oh no, I've got to get off of my soapbox. I have lots of opinions about todays TV, some good--a lot of bad. Classic TV is for me.
On 09/12/2008, maizee said ...
Quick post again. Remember Kukla,Fran, and Ollie. Another kids favorite.
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