Friday, April 17, 2009

Vintage Photo Friday

Ken Bloom in his Hop-Along Cassidy Outfit
1950, Los Angeles
I've mentioned before that my brother, Ken, is a character. He's a professional musican and instrument builder. He still likes to wear costumes. It must have been our parents indulging their first child, the post-WW II baby and dressing him up in the pop-culture icons of the day, that influenced him. Today, his wife, Ginny still indulges Ken's need to wear authentic old-timey gear. She even knit him a beret and felted it for his Scottish Highland kilt outfit that he wears in the bagpipe band! Yikes!
Topper the Horse & Hop-Along Cassidy
William Boyd was an actor during the silent era. He made the "Hop-Along Cassidy" movies in the late 1930's and early 1940's.
Ken, in our backyard, Beverlywood, LA, 1950
Boyd had the rights to the movies, so when television came along, he licensed the movies to be played on TV. Subsequently, all of those baby boomers became Hoppy fans, including one Kenneth Bloom! There was lots of merchandising goin' on in those days too, just like today. My brother had a Hoppy outfit, Hoppy guns and holster. There were bedspreads, books, radios and more.
Hop-Along Cassidy & Topper Cookie Jar
You could say that my brother was properly spoiled as a child. Hmmm? Maybe that's why there are so many more photos of Kenny as a youngster than there are of me! Harumph.
Anyway, William Boyd eventually retired, but still rode in parades and made public appearances as Hop-Along Cassidy to promote the TV shows. In 1950 or 1951 (pre-Ellen), my parents and brother were staying at the Ocotillo Lodge in Palm Springs for vacation. Who was sitting around the pool, looking all tan and handsome? None other than William Boyd! My brother was so excited. He had his photo taken with his idol, Hoppy!

William Boyd and itchy Kenny, Palm Springs, 1950 or '51

More vintage photos! Have a great weekend.

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5 Comments:

At 12:21 PM PDT, Anonymous Annika said...

I just can't get enough of young Kenny! And Hopalong Cassidy too! Best post ever.

 
At 2:29 PM PDT, Blogger Natalie said...

Does your brother know he features prominently in costume on you blog? The last picture is the absolute best. I think Hopalong flicked your brother in the ear. hehe

 
At 2:38 PM PDT, Blogger Beth McDermott Oliver said...

There's something slightly creepy about that last picture of Kenny with 'ol Hoppy.

Beth O.

 
At 4:20 PM PDT, Blogger MonkeyGurrrrrl said...

I think Hoppy gave Kenny a wet-willie (nothing dirty - a wet finger in the ear), one of my fave ways to torture the wee monkey gurl. Great pics, as always.

 
At 11:37 AM PDT, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Ell!

I have to say, that meeting Hoppy was probably the highlight of my younger years!

Your Bro,
Ken

 

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