"Say kids, what time is it? It's Howdy Doody time!" In 1948, Howdy made his first appearance. During this time, Bob Keeshan (later known as Captain Kangaroo) was selected to become Clarabell the clown.

By 1949 the show officially became Howdy Doody and a town called "Doodyville" replaced the original circus atmosphere. Aside from Buffalo Bob, the show's main star and the freckle-faced marionette, "Howdy Doody," the most famous cast member was the silent prankster clown, Clarabell.

Clarabell's famous trademark was his horn, which was attached to a box at his side. He would honk his horn once for "yes" and twice for "no." He was also quick to chase Buffalo Bob around the stage with a seltzer bottle squirting him to the joys and cheers of delight of the children in the "Peanut Gallery."

Clarabell never spoke on the show until the last episode, when he tearfully said "goodbye kids." Due to competition from other network shows such as the Mickey Mouse Club, ratings began to slip. In 1957 the "Howdy Doody" show was cancelled due to lack of sponsorship. Edward Alberian played the mute Clarabell for 10 years on the "Howdy Doody" show, entertaining millions of baby boomers throughout the show's history until the last and final episode.

Mr. Alberian was a graduate of Columbia University and majored in science and medicine. He gave up his future career to enter the world of entertainment. He also played Bozo the clown during his career. He died on March 31, 1977 at age 77, from complications of pneumonia.