brainwagon

Comment from Steven
Time 12/1/2005 at 2:00 pm

Mark

thanks for reposting the series from last year. I only listened to a couple of episodes last year so I’ve downloaded the zip file and will listen on my ipod.

Cheers

Steven

Comment from Cedric Smith
Time 10/5/2007 at 1:27 am

I’m 63 years old. Immediately you hate me and vice versa.
OK. Now that’s over. My point in mentioning
my age is that while I am ever the optimist I
also realize that I will not continue living
forever. And before I contribute to the fertilizer
file I would like to know or at least review/relive
the joy that was mine 55 years ago when WGN
produced the Cinnamon Bear on TV here in the
Chicago area. Veritably no one remembers the
show and I am so terribly tired of hearing about
those goons who only remember the 1937 radio
program. I have the radio version and it is
totally inferior to the TV version of the
early and mid ’50s. So I beseech those of you
who know/remember anything of the TV Bear to share
your thoughts/remembrances with me.

I bought my first home in 1984 at the age of 40.
Who cares, you ask? Well, that was when many things
were going well for me. I also obtained my first
Wiebolt’s credit card; the store which fostered
The Cinnamon Bear story every Christmas.

Unfortunately that very same year Wiebolts
declared bankruptcy or some such financial
difficulties and exited from the world of
department-store competition; I never got a
chance to use my new credit card. Woe is me.

But the fact remains that the TV Cinnamon
Bear disappeared along with the Wiebolts
store and family in 1984. Probably they took
their Cinnamon Bear kinescopes with them but
surely somebody remembers the program as it was
on TV in 1951 thru 1956. So to you folks I
plead “Help!”

I will not live forever and it is long past time
to ‘fess up about our favorite Christmas bear
story.

Was the TV show clay-annimation or only cartoonish?
What memories do you have about the show? I used
to watch Kukla, Fran and Ollie on CBS following
the Nov-Dec Cinnamon Bear episode. Does no one
share my experience?

If the idiots who deep-sixed Wiebolts wish to
hang onto those kinescopes so be it but at least
let the rest of us know what’s going on. If they
are saving those delightful animated films for their
own families then let us know what’s what. I
wouldn’t blame you. But to keep silent about
TVs greatest Christmas story seems the height
of effetism.

Let us plebians know what has happened to the
really truly Cinnamon Bear.

Comment from chris p
Time 11/5/2007 at 12:08 pm

Cedric, this is for you. You are not alone in the world. At age 60 I still remember The Cinnamon Bear on WGN TV. I can’t fill in any of your blanks on how the show was produced, but I can tell you that when I was very young I named my Teddy bear after Paddy – and I still have him. He now sits next to my bed very, very threadbare, but with a new green bow.

I, too, would LOVE to see the show again. Although I remembered Paddy, I had forgotten about Wiebolts. Thanks for that memory.

Comment from Kathy Walsh
Time 12/19/2007 at 4:27 pm

I,too, remember watching The Cinnamon Bear every year. I would love to see the episodes again. Do you remember the theme song?

Comment from Jim
Time 5/25/2008 at 6:14 pm

As a younster growing up in the 50’s and as a producer and executive for WGN-TV in the sixties I have to tell you all how powerful your imaginations are. There was never a Cinnamon Bear TV show on WGN or any other network for that matter. You must be reliving old radio show programs in your mind and imagining them as TV shows. It’s happens as we get older. We blur and mix our memories especially if they are media related. A song becomes a book. A movie becomes a road trip we took as a kid. Or we think we remember seeing or being somewhere or something because we see so many references to it on TV that we create our own memories. Sorry folks; there was no Cinnamon Bear TV program ever. (there was a Wiebolts however). Jim

Comment from GWT
Time 6/18/2008 at 6:35 am

Almost 70 now, I was an avid TV viewer at the time the show should have been on the tube, but I don’t remember it. That may have been the time of day it was on. I presume that was in the afternoon after school was let out – or was it in the morning? I do remember the radio show. I have it on CD’s and bore the hell out of my wife by subjecting her to it every December. I also remember that Wiebolts used to call it’s toy department Wiebolts “Toyteria” during the period when they ran the radio show each year. Ahhhh, those are great memories from a very happy youth growing up in Oak Park.

Comment from CJ Ferrara
Time 9/12/2008 at 9:31 am

Yes, Cedric, there was a Cinnamon Bear TV show. It ran for three seasons between 1950 and 1953, on WGN TV. And yes it was sponsored by Weiboldts Department Stores.

It was produced on 16mm film by WGN at a local Chicago Studio. They used the radio show track and created puppets for the characters. Each episode was conformed on individual reels. The reels were then sent to TV stations throughout the US and Canada.

After hunting for more years than I like to think about and paying alot more for it than my knows, I have managed to find Episode 10 of the TV show. Judy, Jimmy and the Cinnamon are on the island of Obe. They encounter Professor Whiz, the owl, prior to entering the Wintergreen Witch’s cottage. Once inside they find her magic picture frame, go in and meet Fraidy Cat, who sings her song.

I have digitized the film and put it on DVD to share with all my fellow Cinnamon Bear Fans. I plan to sell copies on eBay this season. Start looking for it sometime mid-September or early October 2008. It is as delightful as you remember. I added a history and a cast list after the show. So, be sure to buy one of the DVDs.

I Look forward to hearing from you.
Chuck

Comment from Paul E.
Time 10/19/2008 at 4:37 pm

Here’s another who remembers the Cinnamon Bear on TV in Chicago. Yes it was on WGN, at 5:45 – 6:00 p.m., as I recall, from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, and sponsored by Wieboldt’s.

The first episode (and perhaps the last episode) had some live action, but the bulk of the series was with hand puppets and shot on film. The puppets were cheaper quality than Kukla and Ollie. The whole project seemed like a low budget affair, even to a little kid like me, but I watched every episode.

I was born in 1946 and was in the vangard of kids-TV watchers in Chicago. All those shows are vivid in my memory. (Do the names Johnny Coons, Chuck Bill, and John Conrad ring any bells?)

Until this web discussion, I could not find anyone who remembers the Cinnamon Bear TV show except for my younger brother. Even my older sister insists it was only on radio, because that’s what she remembers.

Sign me up for the DVD when it’s ready.
-Paul in Orlando

Comment from Mary Rounds
Time 10/22/2008 at 6:02 am

I have been searching for the Cinnamon Bear TV episodes for years. I believe they were broadcast inside the Kukla, Fran and Ollie show. I remember them cutting away to the episode and then coming back to the show. The words of the song go something like this, “I’m the Cinnamon Bear with the shoebutton eyes ……” can’t remember the rest but I do know the melody. It was so warm and fuzzy watching the episodes leading up to Christmas in the cold Chicago winters.

I also remember eating lunch with Uncle Johnny Coons. He had the best lunches!

Comment from Gary S.
Time 11/18/2008 at 2:09 pm

I recall the Cinnamon Bear being part of Garfield Goose and Friends show in the early/middle 50s, yes on WGN. They were puppets (with live action the first and last episodes),using the radio soundtrack. Radio historian and personality Chuck Shaden has one of the TV episodes on DVD (either episode 22 or 23), which can be obtained by going to his Nostalgia Digest web site and clicking to the Nostalgia Digest store. There is also a link to his old time radio show Those Were the Days, which plays the cinnamon bear serial during the holiday season. Let’s hope somebody someday finds all the TV episodes.

Comment from Bev Buehrer
Time 11/29/2008 at 7:29 am

Yea! People besides me who remember the Cinnamon Bear. The only thing I might be able to add is that I distincly remember hand puppets and I’m pretty sure the theme song was “Greensleeves” (aka “What Child Is This”). I knew as soon as that show appeared on television that it wouldn’t be long before my Mother, Grandmother, brother and I went downtown to see Santa at Marshall Fields and had lunch at the Berghoff. What a treat!

And since we’re nostalgic. How about Lunchtime Little Theater with Uncle Bucky, Uncle Ned and Aunt Dodie? And how about Two Ton Baker? What was his side-kick named? Didn’t he sing “One Meat Ball?” Or am I getting too obscure?

Ya know, Chicago has a broadcast museum. Has anyone ever checked there to see if they have any copies of the Cinnamon Bear television series?

Comment from Paul
Time 11/30/2008 at 5:44 pm

I’m a 61 year old from Chicago who rememberes with great fondness the 15 minute episodes of the Cinnamon Bear that I watched each year in my youth on WGN.

Comment from carol
Time 12/17/2008 at 8:59 am

hi to all cinnamon bear groupies!!!! it was so nice to know i haven’t been hallucinating all these years.

i remember coming home after school and watching these magical episodes of children’s tv. although my long term memory deficits do not allow me to recall actual story lines, i just remember loving this show. i will look for the dvds on e-bay, for sure.

other favorite tv shows from back then were, of course, garfield goose, lunchtime little theatre, susan’s show, and two-ton baker (forgot the name of his program).

happy holidays to all my “boomer-peeps” from chicago!!! carol

Comment from Ralph
Time 12/18/2008 at 12:39 am

It looks like I’m not the only person who remembers the Cinnamon Bear on TV. I bought episode #23 from Chuck Schaden who does a Saturday show called ‘Those Were the Days’. From a book Chuck put out a few years ago the show aired from 1951-1954. I have a photo from Christmas 1954 where I’m on Santa’s lap wearing a Paddy O’Cinnamon pin on my coat. If Chuck Ferrara reads this I’d like to know how to buy episode #10 that he is selling on eBay.
Thanx, Ralph

Comment from Nancy
Time 12/28/2008 at 10:47 pm

I can’t believe I found all these replies. My sister and I were just talking about the Cinnamon Bear TV show yesterday and wondering why it’s never reshown at Christmastime like Hardrock, Cocoa and Joe or Susie Snowflake. Coming home from school and watching the Cinnamon Bear was so wonderful and fun. My sisters and brothers and I would gather round the tv and just be mesmerized while the show was on. I’m so glad others found the show as magical and we did.

Comment from sharon
Time 1/18/2009 at 3:58 pm

cedric– people for years have said the same to me about a video cinnamon bear kept telling me — only on the radio — but i was young & do remember watching it on tv —now i realize it was on WGN — YOU ARE RIGHT!!!!!!!

Comment from Robin Lucas
Time 2/18/2009 at 3:11 pm

I am 62 and remember Cinnamon Bear and the search for the Silver Star. I just loved that program at Christmas. I always wished they had kept on with it. It’s the kind of programming that you never outgrow and there are always new generations that should have the opportunity to see these shows. Does anyone remember Elmer the Elephant ? He was another favorite from my childhood.

Comment from Claret
Time 4/30/2009 at 6:50 am

I’ll be 64 in a couple of weeks and also fondly remember The Cinnamon Bear on TV in Chicago in the early 1950s. I thought the sponsor was Carsons but wasn’t very sure about that so I bow to those with better memories. It was indeed an intrinsic part of the Christmas season in Chicago in those far simpler times . . . a lovely memory right along with lunch at the downtown Marshall Fields store under the big Christmas tree and a hot butterscotch sundae for dessert.

Comment from Cedric Smith
Time 5/23/2009 at 2:53 am

Hello all – and Merry SpringMas 2009. Can’t believe I’m still here (at age 65) but here I am so somebody “up there” figures I should add an epilogue to my earlier comments.

Except for one horse’s A named “Jim” who claimed on 5-25-08 that:

As a younster [no doubt he was a real S-head too..] growing up in the 50’s and as a producer and executive [translation: A-kissing F-head] for WGN-TV in the sixties I have to tell you all how powerful your imaginations are.
[Translation: this A-wipe thinks everyone over 60 is senile and only capable of imagining things. Frankly, I would sell my immortal soul for 10 minutes alone with Dear Jimmy-boy! And yet he continues:].
There was never a Cinnamon Bear TV show on WGN or any other network for that matter. You must be reliving old radio show programs in your mind and imagining them as TV shows. It’s happens as we get older.
[“It’s happens as we get older…?” I sincerely doubt Jimbo was anything more authoritative than a “page” at WGN. If he was it in no way alters my opinion of the “suits” who run most businesses and networks in the US of A including AIG and Enron. Frankly I strongly believe that Jim is the main reason the Wintergreen Witch hates to be called “Missus” Wintergreen. The missing chapter of the CB no doubt details how the nasty witch falls for and marries Jimmy-kins. Hey! Jim-boy: what’s your favorite flavor?I think I can guess. I bet you just love sticking your tongue up a hot and hollow slot of wintergreen, don’t cha? Sure ya do. C’mon Jimmy admit it. You get a great big you-know-what you-know-where when you hear the sound of Wintergreen’s voice on the radio program but seeing her on TV is disgusting even to the slimy likes of you. Whatever! Still the ineffable Jim has more to say:]

We blur and mix our memories especially if they are media related.
[Where did this D-licker acquire his AA in pseudo psychology??? But let me not interrupt the flow of his oh-so-reasonable prose:]

A song becomes a book. [I gota book for ya you F-head!]
A movie becomes a road trip we took as a kid [Talk about an arogant A-F-er!!!].
Or we think we remember seeing or being somewhere or something [it should be “seeing something or being somewhere”] because we see so many references to it on TV
[this Duck F’er thinks he’s seen references to the CB on TV in the past 40 years!]
that we create our own memories
[Jesus Christ I swear to you that I’ll do anything you ask so long as you’ll allow me to put this B’tards nuts in a vise and shove a burning branding iron up what he thinks with! Ah well, perhaps not. And our “hero” continues:]
Sorry folks; there was no Cinnamon Bear TV program ever. (there was a Wiebolts however). Jim
[This child of obviously syphillitic, unwed parents slaps us in the face with the alleged fact that there never was a tv Cinnamon Bear but he grudgingly admits that Wiebotls actually did exist. My dear baby-boomers please allow me to apoligize for the tail-end of a burro named Jim who has insulted us all whether we remember the tv show or not. Apparently only this A-Hole and those gen-X-ers born in the ’50s still have enough synapses to remember things correctly. You and I know him for the arrogant SOB he truly is and probably always has been. I feel certain we could share many opinions and have tea with Jim’s family if indeed he actually was not hatched. The Cinnamon Bear WAS on tv from around 1950 through 1955. Frankly I remember it being a mixture of animation and claymation. Also the storyline was expanded from the radio version though I only recall the witch’s part (in the Looking-glass Valley) as being greater. I just can’t delineate the other changes very readily. But be of good cheer and forgive my all-too-obvious odium for Mr Jim. I thank the good Lord that I have no such 10-year-younger Jim-type Execs in my family to acquire attorneys’ rights to my estate. Ignorant know-it-all ingrates like Jim are what make everyone of us wish there were truly a Maybeland to escape from the world of such war-mongering, contradictory and miserable bastards. Till the next time: May the Silver Star be with you all – except that GD MFin’ SOB Jim. Love Rick.]

Comment from Cedric Smith
Time 5/25/2009 at 3:12 am

Happy Memorial Day and may God bless those soldiers who have given their lives so the rest of us can live in peace and freedom.

I wanted to follow up my last message which may have been too harsh for such a joyous web page. The Cinamon Bear is one of those delightful fantasies which helps us balance the harsh realities of life.

So I would like to thank those of you who have affirmed the existence of a TV of the show. Honestly I think “Jim’s” psychobabble above works opposite to the way he perceives it. In other words I believe it is possible that many of you out there who saw the TV version may be convinced by the lack of support for your memories that you never saw the show. Perhaps this is what Jim wishes to foster. Perhaps he is a member of the Wiebolts’ family who wish to keep their 16mm film secret for whatever reason – financial timing, personal egotism, angst in re the folding of Wiebolts, etc.

Whatever the case I thought I would contribute a few thoughts to this forum which may broaden your mind about the Cinnamon Bear.

First, I have toyed for years with the idea of rewriting some of the CB chapters – in particular the Muddlers and the Glow-worm cowboys. To me those are the worst chapter(s) of the whole story. Muddlers? Big, living mud statues? And cowboys who lasso worms? There seems to be a real problem with the concept of “size” in the story. Cowboys who lasso worms cannot be much bigger than the worms they lasso – ie., a couple inches high. How can such diminutive creatures rescue any of the protagonists much less the Crazy Quilt dragon? Even to a child this sort of illogic is most apparent.

So that was my thought for some time now. I have failed to devote enough time to re-writing those chapters. But I also must point out another size discrepency. The children in the beginning shrink fom about 4-feet tall to 4-inches tall. That’s fine. We accept the fantasy of the storyline. But subsequently when they reach “The Land of Ice and Snow” they are approximately the same size as Nickey Frudo and Santa Claus. One simply has to be given some explanation for their unexplained growth spurt unless we are to assume Santa and Nickey are also 4-inches high. And if there’s some explanation for their sput what of the dragon? Why wasn’t he increased to 12 times his prior size as were the children?

Now I know this is a fairy tale and I’m willing to accept many things that are “most magical” but they must be explained rather than sprung on us suddenly with no rationale whatsoever. So perhaps there is one or more missing chapters in which the heroes grow to their normal size before crossing the great abyss. Someone needs to fill in such gaps.

I will now turn my attention to several unresolved parts of the story. The Misty Folk. Please folks, these folks need considerably more explanation than the text provides. The Candy Pirates? They promised to return to the Island of Obi to rescue our gang but nothing more is said of them. No one even mentions the fact that they should at least tell Captain Taffy his services are no longer required. And finally who the blinketyblank is this new witch with a skull tattooed on her elbow? Come on guys; this is a fascinating new character. Who, what, where, why and how did she come about? Did she loose Wintergreen from the Looking Glass valley? What goes on here as Santa was wont to ask?

No doubt there are many more “chinks” in the armor of the CB story. Perhaps those I have posed here will awaken your interest in a subject most dear to our ancient hearts. I look forward to reading future posts to this formum. In the meantime, God Bless and the best to you all for the coming year – even to Jim:-)

Comment from George M.
Time 9/19/2009 at 11:35 pm

I am 66 year old. In 1954 I was admitted to the St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, IL from October 8 thru December 23. Because I was going to be in the hospital for a period of time due to major heart surgery, my parents bought a used black/white TV for me to watch at my bed side. I looked forward to watching the episodes of The Cinnamon Bear. Yes, at 11 years old at the time, I was a little old for The Cinnamon Bear, but I looked forward to watching the episodes to pass the long days in the hospital. For those who say we are immagining the TV show, they are wrong. When you are a kid confined to a room for 2 1/2 months, you remember almost everthing. That was my world and The Cinnamon Bear TV program was part of it.

Comment from Sherman Wilcox
Time 10/3/2009 at 10:06 pm

I am now 62, born in Hammond INDIANA in 1947. I remember vividly watching The Cinnamon Bear on TV growing up in northern Indiana. For many years I thought it was just something I made up, because no one else I knew from that time seemed to remember it. For some reason, there is a magical sense to my memory, like I saw something in the program that was not possible on television, but I have no idea what might have caused that memory — probably just the awe of a child watching this new-fangled device.

Comment from Fred Cowan
Time 11/23/2009 at 1:49 pm

I’m 63 years old from Chicago and the Cinnamon Bear magically pops in my head from time to time and its adventures, if I remember correctly, in a magical forest. It’s just a blur now, but I do know it existed and I watched it on WGN probably in the late afternoon time slot after school. I’d pay anything to get ahold of the telecasts for my toddler grandchildren.

Comment from Barbara
Time 12/1/2009 at 2:03 pm

I too remember The Cinnamon Bear with the Shoebutton eyes…that’s the way the song went. Judy and Jimmy go to the attic to get the silver star and fall asleep. They have adventures with the crazy quilt dragon and pirates. I heard it on the radio every day in December. I also entered the coloring contest, but never won.

Comment from Tony
Time 12/17/2009 at 1:14 pm

Hi,
And a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to Everyone. I am British, 71 years old and had never heard of the Cinnamon Bear until 2002 when I bought several collections of OTR on eBay. Needless to say, the Cinnamon Bear series was included.
I introduced Paddy to my family and friends and we all fell in love with the story. In 2003 with the help of many great fans in the USA, I launched the only specialist Cinnamon Bear website on the internet. http://www.cinnamonbear.co.uk for the whole WORLD to enjoy.
If anyone knows where I can download or purchase any of the episodes from the TV series for my own personal collection, I would be extremely Grateful.
Kind Rgards
Tony

Comment from Andy
Time 12/19/2009 at 4:39 pm

I remember the Cinamon Bear but also remember that I would never get to see all the episodes for one reason or another. That’s how I found this site. I was hoping to find it somewhere. this many fans can’t possibly be wrong. It’s got to be out there in some studio basement. I also remember our seasonal trips to the “Loop” to see all the displays, an early psychedelic trip from which I have never recovered. “I also remember this….. “Don’t ever say Boo to a crazy quilt Dragon”.

Comment from Ellen
Time 12/27/2009 at 4:35 pm

I also remember the Cinnamon Bear TV show in the early 50’s back in Chicago. I do not remember the tv station that aired it but it was always my favorite during the Christmas season. My family moved from Chicago in the mid 50’s and I was very sad that the next Christmas season there wasn’t a Cinnamon Bear in Denver. I never forgot the program. For those of you who say it did not exist. Look again….it did exist and it was wonderful.

Comment from Emily
Time 12/31/2009 at 5:42 pm

If you go to http://www.nostalgiadigest.com you can buy a book with a DVD containing 3 episodes of the TV Version of Cinnamon Bear.

Comment from antelope hunt
Time 1/9/2010 at 2:18 am

Thanks for the articles. I have learned a lot reading your site.

Comment from Susan Dockus
Time 4/7/2010 at 11:04 am

Born in 1948, I remember Paddy O’Cinnamon Bear from my childhood too, but I thought it was an animated segment on Garfield Goose around Christmas time. I named my Teddy Bear “Paddy O’Cinnamon Bear Jr.” and I still have him, with his plastic nose broken and the stuffing showing, and with his fur all threadbare. I lived in NW Indiana during the 50’s, and I suspect I also watched the programs on WGN. So glad to find others who have the same fond memories!

Comment from Branda Ahnell
Time 6/8/2010 at 1:04 am

my friends and I really have to thank you, this was very good to read..

Comment from Bill
Time 9/24/2010 at 5:47 pm

Born 1947 in Chicago, one of my earliest memories from our Muntz TV was the Cinnamon Bear. I recall the theme song vividly, but the only video I remember was the final episode. I recall the bear making it up to the top of the tree, placing (or becoming) the silver star, and giving a big wink. Perhaps others have a better recollection.

I rarely watched Garfied Goose or Kukla, Fran and Ollie on WGN, so I think the Cinnamon Bear was aired seperately. I did watch the puppet show with “twang your magic twanger” Froggie, but doubt it was there. Was Buster Brown shoes the sponsor?

Uncle Johnny Coons was a lunchtime favorite, a precurser to the 1959 Bat Masterson look with his derby hat. And everbody watched Howdy Doody. I became fans of wrestling and Blackhawks hockey because those shows were on all the time. This was when wrestling was watched by grandmothers and little kids like me. And of course we saw the Flash Gordon episodes on weekend mornings, sponsored by a local department store. Finally found a DVD collection of all three years of episodes (not just the movie made from excerpts). Would love to find a similar collection of Cinnamon Bear.

I’ve thought about the Cinnamon Bear show for years and years, trying on earlier occasions to find a video or some reference. Thanks to Google for this link, and to the special folks who posted here with similar, wonderful memories.

Comment from S. Larkin
Time 1/24/2011 at 8:13 pm

I am 73 & was going through my Mother-in-laws things she left behind after her passing. I found in her possessions a Paddy O’ Cinnamon bear with a cassette (which it says was never broadcast), so it is a rare recording. It still has the cellophane wrapped around it. I’m sorry to say the box the bear came in is no longer around. The bear stands about 14″ tall, & has a green ribbon around it’s neck, it also includes a stand for it to prop up for display. It has a certificate of authenticity from the Ashton Drake Galleries. I have been trying to find out what the value of the bear’s worth is! Doesn anyone know how I can find out? I have already tried going through the Ashton Drake Gallery online, but have had no luck with that. They don’t seem to have it in their archives. If anyone knows anything about this wonderfully stuffed bear & how to find it’s worth, please respond. Thankfully yours, S. Larkin

Comment from Patti
Time 11/20/2011 at 12:36 am

Oh My!..I was born in 1946, and Reading all these posts has been a marvelous experience of refreshing my wonderful childhood… ‘Thank you all for sharing’…(except the unhappy individual..who obviously never experienced the joy of that delightful TV program. His negativity and attitude is the product of the present times!…and this is so sad! I feel sorry for him)..
I guess, I have thought about that program so many times..savoring the memories of the sweet innocence..and joy we had with it in our lives…It was socially uncomplicated, warm, happy,nurturing, exactly what the young people of today don’t have on television..with all the foul language, violence and negativity that is so common now, just as we saw the prior sad and negative comments..not peaceful..as the shows we enjoyed in our youth!
I too have had the Cinnamon Bear TV shows pop into my memory for several years, not having the time, or knowing how to track the history of it..and I decided to google the existence of the show..
How wonderful to read of the individuals that so enjoyed exactly what I experienced!
…also to have had the Marshall Field Holiday dining experience..under the huge Christmas tree..in the Walnut Room, we also enjoyed the Goodman Theater, Lyric Opera,by my parents directionin my life, but at that time the Chicago public schools sent us on field trips to the Symphony & Lyric operas, then my School years and family was relocated to Park Ridge,Ill.
Our traditional holiday trips continued..even to the recent closing of Berghoff.
(Those memories so delicious..my husband & I took the adventure on the Amtrack, for the Berghoff final meals before they closed..and we walked thru Marshall Fields , at Christmas time..the elegance was gone,obviously going into the Macy’s transition..that was sad to see…but the trip was wonderful!
From our very early childhood years we wore our very fancy dresses and white gloves, To the Walnut room under the Christmas tree..and annual event!.. then into our later years started, we still went there every year, dressing.. as young ladies.
Ahhh, thank you so much to you all for remembering so many good things! Weibolts, Downtown, Carsons, Lake shore Drive..and Buckingham Fountain in the Summer!.. smelling the wonderful Carmel Corn on State Street, as we’d walk in the show flakes looking at the beautiful window displays, animated.
And, All the different TV shows you’ve named, I remember them all!
My goodness….a delightful time capsule opened!
Memories that my CEO,international- travel/business years, building companies, and life’s responsibilities, almost faded away! but, never the Cinnamon Bears!
That was a time of sweet innocence..we were blessed to have those times to build and instill all that you have all shared..
Those shows..sweet and innocent touched our core values, of our family upbringing, it’s delightful to know that so many shared that same emotionally rich experience..and I guess that is why I have so desired the question answered,…about the Cinnamon bear shows,and were there any tapes, or CD’s of them…
..you have all so wonderfully refreshed a delightful time of my life, and a special Era…
..We were all blessed! Thank you again!
Patti

Comment from candice
Time 9/28/2014 at 8:20 am

I am happily shocked to find this discussion. Born in 1944, I clearly remember the attic adventures of Cinnamon Bear on TV. I grew up in Chicago, went to Sayre Elementary school and would love a dvd of any episode. I’ll look for it now on ebay, tho the gentleman offered it more than 6 yrs ago, so I’m not actually expecting it to be available. But even if it’s not, at least I’ve finally confirmed that my memory of the program isn’t the fantasy of my crumbling 70 yr old brain. Thanks all, for sharing this special piece of nostalgia.

Comment from Ruckus in Chicago
Time 12/13/2014 at 7:08 pm

Didn’t realize that no one can remember Cinnamon Bear on TV.
Watched it religiously on WGN. My moms said it started on the
radio when she was younger, but I only remember the TV.
P.S.
I seem to remember some black and white animation and not
just puppets!!!!
But it did come on along with Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph so
I may be ‘so confused’

Merry Xmas!!!

Comment from Phil
Time 11/29/2015 at 9:13 pm

The Cinnamon Bear was indeed a television show for several consecutive Christmas seasons in the 1950’s. The story was performed with hand puppets, using the original radio audio recordings. Two chapters still exist on kinescope. Merry Christmas!

Comment from Linda
Time 11/21/2016 at 11:00 pm

I remember watching Cinnamon Bear on TV. I am 69 and was four when I first saw it. I remember sitting in front of our tiny screen black and white TV with tears streaming down my cheeks as I was so afraid of the Wintergreen witch and the forest. Memories of it are more vague now. Seems they were puppet figures. For several years it was on TV and I was glued to the TV each time. I do recall many years ago I was trying to find out why it has never been shown again. Not a lot of people I talked to remembered it. There were some that remembered. I searched the web and found something stating that the original / master had been destroyed in a fire years ago. I forgot it was Weibolt’s. Someone else thought it was Marshall Field’s. I do clearly remember reading it was burned / destroyed in a fire so it could not be shown again. That made me sad as there was so much I had forgotten because I was terrified of that witch. I guess the master was all they had. No copies.
I did love Paddy O’Cinnamon!
Linda