1 of 1- Retrontario
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New Book about the history of Kids TV production in Toronto
Hello all! So excited to announce the publication of my first book! Releasing this Fall from Dundurn Press, ImagiNation: The Golden Age of Toronto Kids’ TV is a memory-filled trip for anyone who spent their weekdays after school or Saturday mornings staring at the squawk box. Featuring a complete chronology from the birth of Television in Canada right through to the new millennium, ImagiNation spans all of our TV favourites from Uncle Chichimus, The Friendly Giant, Mr. Dressup, Razzle Dazzle, Uncle Bobby and Mr. Rogers through The Littlest Hobo, Polka Dot Door, Degrassi, Today’s Special, The Edison Twins, Fraggle Rock, Nanalan’ and lots more! The story of each Toronto-produced series is covered — from inception through production to broadcast — along with the tales of local stations and the people who made it all happen. Drawing from decades of my celebrated work with Retrontario, ImagiNation shines a light on the uniquely Canadian creators, innovators, and iconic moments that helped shape our shared cultural landscape. Combining archival materials, exclusive interviews, and never-before-told anecdotes, the book serves as both a nostalgic trip and an eye-opening history lesson for readers of all generations.Now available for pre-order! 
- RadioActive
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Re: New Book about the history of Kids TV production in Toronto
Congratulations Mr. Conroy! Sounds like a great read.
Too bad you couldn't include "The Buddies," which starred Ted Ziegler and Peter Cullen and aired on CTV in 1967. It was a great live action kids show, but I think it was produced at CFCF in Montreal, so it wouldn't be in your Toronto-centric book. Maybe the next one!
Best of luck with it!
- betaylored
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Re: New Book about the history of Kids TV production in Toronto
I need to get this. It looks wonderful.
Toronto Public Library is sure to invest in copies.
Flashback to an average, happy morning of television: Friendly Giant, then Chez Helene, with Mr. Dressup as the cherry on top. 🦒🐁🐶 #IYKYK
- torontomike
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Re: New Book about the history of Kids TV production in Toronto
Congrats to FOTM Hall of Famer Ed "Retrontario" Conroy!
- Shorty Wave
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Re: New Book about the history of Kids TV production in Toronto
Although I didn’t grow up in the Toronto area, this looks like a great book and some of the shows mentioned were seen across the country. Look forward to it!
- mace
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Re: New Book about the history of Kids TV production in Toronto
Did you include one lost CFTO show that ran weekday afternoons from 4pm-6pm. I am referring to The Professor's Hideaway which starred [I think] Stan Francis as the professor
- Retrontario
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Re: New Book about the history of Kids TV production in Toronto
mace wrote:
Did you include one lost CFTO show that ran weekday afternoons from 4pm-6pm. I am referring to The Professor's Hideaway which starred [I think] Stan Francis as the professor
Indeed! The Professor's Hideaway with Stan Francis was very important as it was CFTO's very first kids show and put together by the same team who made CBC's version of The Howdy Doody Show. And then when Francis was fired, occasional Hideaway guest star Bobby Ash who played Bimbo the Clown was elevated and given his own show to replace it - The Uncle Bobby Show...
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Thread Starter- martyb
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Re: New Book about the history of Kids TV production in Toronto
Les Squelettes!
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Re: New Book about the history of Kids TV production in Toronto
This book is now out and according to one SOWNY poster who bought the tome and contacted me off board (so I won't name him), it's well worth the $32 purchase price. It was written and compiled by SOWNY member and Retrontario founder Ed Conroy, and is available on Amazon, among other outlets.
Here's the brief review:
"This 300+ page book is extremely detailed. The introduction is 10 pages. The book is divided by decade and yes there is a small section entitled "It came from Buffalo" It is difficult to find any information online about one of CFTO's earliest programs The Professor's Hideaway. I watched it and vaguely remember it.
Ed Conroy was able to find enough information on this show to devote three and a half pages to it. Each decade begins with a background photo of TV Guide listings from the era. There is even a small section on Elmer the Safety Elephant.
One small complaint. There are some spectacular photos. I wish there had been more."
Seems like the old adage "leave 'em wanting more" applies. Congratulations to Mr. Conroy on what sounds like a weighty and worthwhile review of many of our childhoods.