WINKY DINK AND YOU

Imagine being a child in the 1950's and watching Saturday television. In 1953 to 1957, youngsters were treated to a new phenomenon in live programming---they could draw on their TV screens, and their parents did not scold them! This unique concept generated the first "interactive" activities for viewing audiences, and it was the rage of its time. Children nationwide were sending off to an address in New York for their "Winky Dink" kits, consisting of a piece of specially made clear plastic that fit on their TV screens {"Magic Window"} and four crayons: red, black, green, and yellow.

Winky Dink was an animated cartoon character who had adventures in a story line. The genial host, Jack Barry, enthusiastically narrated the tales, and instructed viewers how to play the Winky Dink game. He was behind the Magic Window, and suggested the chosen crayon color. The idea was to follow Mr. Barry's finger, showing where to draw, thereby making the picture images on the TV screen---NEAT!!!

Recently I showed this beloved childhood program to my Webmaster, who had never seen it before, and he was most eager to see it for the first time. {The video is available in catalogs}. It was regretful we did not have our necessary Magic Window for the story pictures, so we had to imagine what was being drawn. "Rodney", I said, "you could do the same thing with a piece of cellophane on the screen, and drawing on it". He then replied, "Or a piece of paper". Not without amusement, I saw him RUN to his desk and fetch typing paper and a pencil. Rodney placed the sheet of paper on the television screen, and by following Jack Barry's finger, he drew what appeared to be a box-like car. Now completely entranced, we watched our "car's" escapades in the cleverly concocted story line. The Magic Window also was the source for drawing faces, fish bowls, teapots, and other various images. I remember this childhood delight fondly, and would love to hear from other people who remember it.

NostalgiaSearch hopes you enjoy our nostalgic trips to Yesteryear, and that you visit our webpages often! I am available to do entertainment research for your businesses and individual requests, contact me for details and for sources on old-time movies, vintage radio shows, cassettes and CD's, television classics, early music and more entertainment magic. Let us hear from you.

Nostalgically,

Stephanie Karponai

1036 Iverson #4

Nashville, Tennessee 37216