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From
1946 to 1949, Lee served in Germany with AFN, Bremen, (American Forces
Network). Along with his disk jockey thing, he starred as "The Man With
A Million Voices" on the half hour comedy radio show "Take A Break". |
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From
1956 to 1959, Lee put several of those million voices to work in his first
childrens' TV show "Grandpa's Place" on WTTG-TV 5.
He based the main character with van dyke beard and white hair on his own
beloved grandfather.
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The
show took the slot of "Pete's
Place" when Pete Jamerson suddenly switched stations to WMAL-TV
7 in the Spring of 1956. Lee, who was director of "Pete's
Place", became the new show's talent. |
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"Grandpa's
Place" would feature a guest from time-to-time as celebrities passed through
the area on various promotions.
The
creator of the Lil' Abner comic strip, Al Capp, did a caricature of Grandpa
that made him look like Pappy Yokum!
(That's
Mammy Yokum shown here.)
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These
youngsters from Pakistan received an audience with Grandpa on his program's
set, as well as a coveted portrait card of their host for a take-home souvenir. |
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Grandpa
would take his show on-location at popular Glen Echo Amusement Park to
mix and mingle with the youngsters who made-up his devoted audience. Here,
Grandpa attracts quite a following while on the move past the Skooters.
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In this
gag publicity photo, Grandpa dons a traditional "Gay '90s" swimming suit
for a graceful low-dive into Glen Echo's Crystal Pool. It is unlikely his
suit ever got wet. |
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Grandpa
puts-on the charm with a group of spiffed-up youngsters at Glen Echo. These
pint-sized darlings may have been participating in an Easter gala or perhaps
a junior beauty contest.
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In another
gag publicity photo, the fellow who promises to "Guess Your Age" at Glen
Echo Park is stumped by the 31-year-old man with a 71-year-old face and
costume. |
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Three
lucky fans each enjoy a tasty box of popcorn and a memorable spin with
Grandpa on Glen Echo's "Tilt-A-Whirl".
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Taking
delivery of one of the first Ampex Video Tape machines in DC, Dick Vaughn
(announcer), Miss Connie Bohlin, Grandpa, Milt Grant, Santa (Norman Bernhart,
stage hand) and newsman Matthew Warren stand in front of WTTG's Raleigh
Hotel studios. A ribbon and bow indicate that the VTR is a special present
to the staff and Station Manager John MacArdle. |
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When
WTTG obtained the rights to air Popeye cartoons in 1958, Lee auditioned
and won the job of host as "Cap'n Tugg", and created a cast of unique supporting
characters from his own imagination.
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Shown
at left are just two of Lee's most popular associates; "Fantail the Parrot"
and the rarely seen "Mr. Flannagan". |
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Lee
Reynolds could be called upon to do double-duty as both Grandpa and Tugg
at Glen Echo from 1958 to '59. In this live shot, Tugg is surrounded by
admirers as a young swimmer assists with the cable.
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Everyone
knew the "Channel Queen", but fans never knew the Captain's real boat.
Lee Reynolds 'off-camera' vessel was a 45 foot Crosby yawl, built in 1909.
Her name was Chippewa, and he lost her in a storm in November of 1967. |
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Lee
Reynolds assumed another new identity in 1964 with the debut of WTTG's
"Captain Lee and Mates". Lee's "main mate" was Alexander the Great
Dane. He was a great companion. Danes don't live long, (usually about
six years). Alex lived to be a bit over ten years old.
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Alexander
catches Captain Lee off-guard in this candid publicity photo captioned
"His ear smells funny!" |
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The
Channel Queen life ring still assumes its newly assigned position in late
2003.
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Visit
"Grandpa's Place"
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Visit
"Cap'n Tugg" and
"Captain
Lee and Mates"
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