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.