Checkers & Pogo
When I was a child, there was a local television show here in the islands called the Checkers and Pogo show. The two main characters of the show were like a morph between Captain Kangaroo and Gilligan and Skipper from Gilligan’s Island.
The show aired live five days a week, shortly after each school day had ended. As a latchkey child, I would often spend my first hour at home from school watching Checkers and Pogo while snacking on cookies and milk. For the most part, the show was basically about silliness, a few lame vaudeville-like skits, a studio audience of kids playing games, with a few cartoons thrown into the mix. Nothing educational here, as it would be another generation before the likes of Sesame Street would come along.
To their credit, Checkers and Pogo did have some fun games. There was the blow game, where kids would kneel down around an oval table and then attempt to blow a ping-pong ball past each other. And there was the team pillow-stuff race, where teams of kids would race to stuff a pillow into a pillow case, remove it, and then stuff it back in, and then repeat the process. Exciting stuff, right?
My favorite feature of the show was Merry Un-Birthday. Once a week, they would take one lucky child from the audience and celebrate their non-birthday. The child would be given an un-birthday hat, a pie, and the song for Merry Un-Birthday would be sung in their honor. As if all of that were not enough, the child would then be given the opportunity to put their hand into the big jar of pennies and grab as many pennies as one hand could grab. And they got to keep all of that money! In my spare time, I used to practice that penny grab, just in case I was ever so fortunate to be selected to have a Merry Un-Birthday.
April 11th, 2005 at 6:02 pm
Me too. My family was stationed at Hickam AFB from 1972-1976 and Checkers and Pogo was an after school staple. I even had a pair of the windshield wiper glasses Checkers used to have. I was thumbing through an old scrap book and found an 8×10 studio issued photo I still have.
Anyone know the actual names of the principals and what happened to them?
July 13th, 2006 at 9:13 am
The third (and longest running) Checkers was Jim Demrest (sp?) and Pogo was Morgan White. I don’t know what Jim is doing but Morgan is camping and fishing at Fish Lake, Utah this week.
August 1st, 2006 at 8:51 am
My father was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in the seventies, and I have many fond memories of watching “Checkers and Pogo” after school.
I remember they lived in a checkered submarine and bacially goofed around between old cartoons. They were always being harassed, by a dude in dark glasses named, “Super Spy.”
My brothers and I used to send away every year for their Mucular Distrophy home carnival kits. We’d have a front yard carnival and send the proceeds to Muscular Distrophy.
I don’t mean to be braggy, but we actually saw a taping of C & P and my younger brother, Tim, was selected for a “Merry Unbirthday”!!! That sucker got over $5 in pennies that day and I held that secret jealousy in my heart for years!
On a side note, one night my father was watching “Hawaii 5-0″ and he started yelling, “It’s Mr. Checkers!” and sure enough Mr. Checkers was portraying an informant in some seedy bar. Oh, Mr. Checkers. How could you?
I’m not embarassed to admit that I’m 44 years old and I still have big love for Mr. Checkers and his buddy, Pogo.
August 7th, 2006 at 10:10 am
My father was also stationed at Hickam AFB. 1969-73. I remember being on the show several times with cub scouts and birthdays, etc… As I look back it was the goofiest show ever, but as a kid, I loved it.
Robert &/or Joe, I don’t recognize your last name, but ask your mother and/or father if they remember Tom & Toni Eckert.
Regards,
Mike
August 18th, 2006 at 10:23 am
My father was stationed at Fort Shafter. 1973-1977. I loved this show as a kid after school. I was on the show for a friends birthday once and won an egg rolling contest! I forget what prize I pulled out of the prize bin.
Also remember being a big Kikada fan too!
September 2nd, 2006 at 8:11 am
I never had the opportunity to be a part of the live taping. I grew up on Maui and I don’t remember them ever taping on other islands. I was pretty young though so I may not be correct. For some odd reason I just started talking about Checker and Pogo to a friend of mine and remembering some of the wacky stuff they did. Wasn’t “Friday is Pie Day” part of the fun as well. It’s fun to read these comments and the comments of others on other sites. I’ve been trying to find clips online but I haven’t been successful. The older we get the more we look back into our past.
September 4th, 2006 at 11:25 pm
Although I was pretty young at that time, and my memories are kind of foggy, I loved Checkers & Pogo too. I loved the “on the go” segments and always wished I could have an un-birthday. Didn’t they either talk about or have commercials for the “super slide” on the show too?
September 7th, 2006 at 1:38 pm
My family lived in Honolulu the summers of 68 and 71 when my dad did some work for U of H. My little sister and I watched this show religiously. I seem to remember that Mr. Checkers was a different guy the second stay, which was shocking to us kids. We saw them once at a carnaval or something at Ala Moana park
September 10th, 2006 at 5:20 pm
We were stationed in Pearl City 1974 -1976 and lived in the Navy housing on the Peninsula, went to Lehua Elem, but before we moved into our housing assignment, we stayed at the Harbor Arms, and everyday at the same time I would watch Checkers and Pogo with my Pic-a-Pop.. Not much else to do other than swim in the tiny motel pool. I was 10, 11 and 12 and remember having the time of my life living in Hawaii.
September 10th, 2006 at 5:24 pm
Hey Lance, I loved Kikida and Ultra Man.. The cartoons were the best in those years. I just tried looking up Kikida thru Amazon and all I could come up with is Land of the Lost.
September 14th, 2006 at 9:55 am
My dad was stationed at Kaneohe Marine Corps air station in the seventies. Checkers used to drink with my dad at the base club! And I feel like a princess even all these years later, I did get a merry unbirthday! ZFilled my party hat right up to the top with pennies. ( I had been practicing.)
September 14th, 2006 at 6:49 pm
I remember one of C and P’s game.. my sister and I, along with a couple of friends tried it at home.. You had to eat a saltine cracker and then try and whistle. Well, my sister and I were grounded for the mess this game caused, and for having friends in the house while my parents were at work. I was always getting grounded for something..
September 28th, 2006 at 2:41 am
I lived in Hawaii from 1969-1975. I remember Checkers and Pogo and remember meeting them. My Boy Scout troop (Troup 313) went to the show. Didn’t they have their own theme park? Also I found a web site for Kikaida. http://www.generationkikaida.com. My little sister got to be on Romper Room. Great memories
October 9th, 2006 at 8:49 am
Awesome Mike.. Thanks for the Kikaida address and the correct spelling of Kikaida..
November 3rd, 2006 at 4:22 pm
My dad was stationed at Kaneohe from 74-77, and I can remember when we were staying in the cabins awaiting base housing that I saw Checkers and Pogo out at the golf course near the cabins. Those 3 years in Hawaii before Hawaii became excessively commercialized were the best in my life. I will never forget my 3 years at Makapu Elementary and crossing the military runway to get to the beach.
November 3rd, 2006 at 4:26 pm
Oh yeah, Ultra 7 and all of the Japanese super heroes shows were awesome! I could swear the Power Rangers were a Japanese superhero show back then. I still have a 2 foot Shogun Warrior from my childhood days in Hawaii.
January 11th, 2007 at 5:07 am
C & P ,ULTRAMAN, KIKAIDA, THOSE WERE AWSOME SHOWS. BUT REMEMBER SOME OF THE COMMERCIALS. LIKE EXCHANGE DRINK IT WENT SOMTHING LIKE. EXCHANGE GOES DOWN, DOWN, DOWN IN THE GLASS, GLASS, GLASS, MAKES YOUR MIND THINK YUM, YUM, YUM THAT ORANGE DRINK CALLED EXCANGE. & THAT HAWAIIAN KID WHO SOLD LAND PARCELS FROM MONTANA OR SOMEPLACE & AND AT THE END OF COMMERCIAL SAY. “CALL NOW FOR SURE” .THE MEMORIES OF THESE ARE A LITTLE FADED BUT STILL WITH ME THOUGH.
January 17th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Was any ever a JPO (Junior Patrol Officer) Our school, Lehua Elem., sucked at the competitions. What about May Day?
January 26th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
Wow you guys bringing back some memories to me. A lot of you guys were military brats and even I was a military but my father is a local boy so he ended up retiring at Hickam and we all have been here since. Cartoons like Speed Racer, Princess Knight & Gigantor. Our local Costco stores and Sam’s Club was selling the Kikaida DVD volumes. Shirokiya Store every so often brings in Ban Daisuke of Kikaida for autograph sessions.
February 8th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Your forgetting Kimba the White Lion and my favortie cartoon Robin Hood in Space. Hong Kong Phuey, The Chan Clan, Devlen, The Shazam / Isis hour, The Hudson Brothers Variety Show and lastly The Banana Splits..
What ever happended to that store DAIEA. It opened next to Pearl Ridge and was connected using a monorail.
Who remembers Pic-a-Pop and Zippy’s.
I’m with you Jeff Dukes, the 3 years I was in Hawaii were the best in my life.. I was 10, 11 and 12 and went everywhere on my bike. We use to take the path behind the Primo Brewery to the Ford Island ferry, ( I hear there is now a bridge and navy housing on the island).
February 10th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
What a great trip down memory lane!! I grew up on Oahu; we lived in Ewa (the town, not Ewa Beach) when my dad worked for C&H Sugar. Then we moved up to rainy Nuuanu and I went to Nuuanu Elem School where (yep Dale) I was a JPO! We won the Competition in 1972 and I still have the badge that went with it. Some other memories: Checkers and Pogo! I went on the show twice and was in a pie eating contest at a Sky-Slide when their show was broadcast live. Remember those big Sky-Slides? Mr. Checkers used to drive his checkered car past our house on Pali Hwy in the mornings and we would wave to him. At school, we had a celebrity day every year and one year Zulu from Hawaii 5-0 was our guest. I sat right next to him at lunch that day. It was fun growing up in the islands, but when my dad transfered to the Bay Area we enjoyed the change.
February 14th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Hey there Al,
We also ended up in the bay area. Good ol Sunnyvale Ca. Small world. As far as JPO. Loved the experience. Manning the stop sign was my favorite. Two whistles down, one whistle up.
OK - Here’s one from the past. Meadow Gold Milk.
February 19th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
My broyher and i were on the show sometime in the late 60’s.My dad was in the Marines and we went on the show one day after school and had a great time with the relay races.We won a few and the next day at school we were like celebrities.I had a great childhood growing up in Pearl City.I still have an old program from that day.
March 16th, 2007 at 10:52 am
I too spent some “time” at Hickam from 1967-1970. Went to Pohakea Elementry. Wish I had been older to appreciate the time there.
I remember the Un-birthday song. I won’t recite it here. It was a silly little song and it pops into my head once in a while when we’re at a kids birthday party. I remember my Dad listening to KGMB, “The coconut wireless”. We lived on Ewa beach road, right on the beach. I learned to swim and fish there too.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
April 25th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
I was also on the checkers and pogo show, I don’t remember alot, but i do remember it was a egg passing contest from a spoon, the egg was raw, and i dropped it and i remember crying. I was also a AirForce brat stationed at Hickam AFB, Wikiki beach was awsome!! I wonder if you could ever get reruns of it, I would have been there in the late sixties. Its awsome that I can still remember that.
May 14th, 2007 at 10:34 am
I visited some relatives in Hawaii around age 9 in 1978 or 1979 and was on the show along with a cousin of mine. It’s hard to remember much, but I do remember some sort of eating contest. I remember the people on the set being very friendly, and my cousin and I had a great time.
June 7th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
OKAY - for all you Kikaider fans go retrojunk.com, 70’s TV Shows, Page 8. Look for Adroid Kikaider - There you will see the intro to the show. Tell me this doesn’t bring back memories. You’ll also find a bunch of of other stuff from the 70’s. For me, it was Saturday Morning Cartoons.. Check out Land of the Lost, you won’t believe how cheesy the show really was, but hey, were kids and thank god for active imaginations. Enjoy. I haven’t found Checkers and Pogo yet. Still looking.
June 8th, 2007 at 10:19 am
I miss chekers. My exhange drink as well
June 28th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
Jim Demarest, the man who played the third Mr. Checkers, has died in Chicago this month (June 2007). The article on it can be found at:
http://starbulletin.com/2007/06/14/news/story09.html
The second “Mr. Checkers”, Dave Donnelly, died a few years ago.
KGMB. the television station that Checkers & Pogo aired on in Honolulu, aired a pretty awesome one-hour documentary about the show several years ago. I believe it was for sale on VHS back then.
July 1st, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Sad.. a part of our childhood history is gone..
July 10th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
anybody remember Capt. Honolulu in the 60’s, I do, and I remember Bozo the Clown show, my brownie troop went on, I went back to the Pearl Harbor area in April 06 and same monkey-pod tree was still there after 40 years, I was amazed and I cried, over by Pearl Harbor Ele. by 5th St.
July 18th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
RIP Mr. Checkers!!!!
Me: Wheeler AFB brat, ‘68-’73, parents always tried to get me to watch Bozo the clown instead of C&P, but I would have none of it. I was a REBEL, man! The highlight of my time in Hawaii was when C&P came to Wheeler to hand out Christmas stockings filled with candy. Life was good…
July 24th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Pearl City Peninsula - Navy Housing (74 - 76)
Lehua Elem.
We had one of those monkey pod trees in our backyard. My sister and I would spend hours picking those things up before I could mow the yard. Since the Navy has torn down all the old housing and built all new housing the tree is no longer there. It’s a shame really, that was one of the best climbing trees around. Yep. Life was really good back then.
July 26th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Me: Lived in Hawaii from 1968- 1973, father was in the Navy we lived in Catlin Park ( we were the 4th family to move in, it was brand new ) I went to Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary School.
Checkers & Pogo was a huge part of my life……..i was sick quite a bit & spent a lot of time at Tripler in the hospital……….they would come to visit all of us kids. We also did the MD carnivals in our backyard & sent in our earnings………we loved it!
We met Checkers & Pogo several times & they were quite gracious to us every single time……..i have pictures of us together with them somewhere……….oh the great memories!!!
September 5th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
I just read about Jim Demarest’s passing. I’ll miss you Mr. Checkers.
September 8th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
how about Holy Family Academy, I used to walk home in 4th grade from there over by Pearl Harbor Kai, as we lived across the street, it was quite a walk for small child, all the nuns are now gone from Holy Family, the CPO club and the swimming pool were across the street from us also, and the Bloch Arena had Elvis in 1961 I believe that was 1/4 block away and we could hear him the night he performed
September 11th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
Hey Guys….. Has anyone tried to find any re-runs or existing archives of Checkers & Pogo? I have tried for a long time now with no success! Someone please help!
If you find it please post the website……..
Thank you All.
September 20th, 2007 at 5:08 am
Hey Kaipo,
All I could find is the C and P intro on You Tube..
September 20th, 2007 at 5:12 am
Does anyone remember the game where Checkers and Pogo would have you eat some saltine crackers and then you had to try and whistle. My sister and I tried that home once. What a mess!
September 20th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Wow….I was reading everyone’s posts and couldn’t help but laugh about all the shared memories! I was born in Kailua (Castle Memorial Hospital) and lived there till I was 11. I loved Checkers & Pogo! In fact, my grandma bought the material and made me a dress (try wearing a dress in public with Checkers & Pogo on it! HAHA). I loved Kikaida too! My brother and I used to jump off the couch yelling “Kikaida Zero One!” I haven’t been back to Hawaii since 85, but I sure miss the food! I remember getting manapua from “The Manapua Man”. I still have family all over Hawaii. I miss the old friends and the laid back life. I’m in San Antonio now, and everything is so fast paced! Dale…I remember the crackers!! HAHAHA… I made a mess too!
September 27th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
I wonder why so many of us have thought about this right now. Out of the blue I thought of the show I am now in Dallas but was born and raised there til 18. I watched the show for years and was on it a few times for brownies and other groups. My step sister ended up working on the show (some kind of intern I think) and interestingly I was “randomly” picked for the unbirthday. I picked a camera (out of the prize barrel I think) It was a great day. I can still sing the song and I am over 40. Great memories. thanks
October 2nd, 2007 at 9:28 am
Kim,
Go to retro junk . com. There you will find the intro to Kikaida. Click on 70’s shows and cartoons. Plus you will see a lot of the intros to the Saturday morning line up.. the best cartoons still.
Talk about a flashback.. even though the intro to Kikaida was in Japanese, I still new all the words. (Phonetics)
October 4th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
OMG.. I’m sitting here 1:00 am in Maine doing a timeline project for college and thought of the Checkers & Pogo show my brothers & I watched growing up. I have enjoyed all of the postings. You can only understand & relate to this great memories by living in Hawaii. I lived in Hawaii my whole life in Ewa Beach. I was a JPO & still have my trophy. I’m not sure if the whistle was the best part or getting out of Art to practice, lol. I still sing the exchange madarin orange juice tune & everyone thinks I’m loco. I have an ice cream truck that comes by thelake house everyday.. if only he was trucking, a manapua, almond cookie, pork hash or 1.00 bag of noodles, HEAVEN. The Daiea with the Hello Kitty store closed but opened in a smaller version in Waipahu that also closed. Anyone remember going to see Lani Moo for your field trip or Camp Erdman or maybe the Polynesian Cultural Center 6 grade trips. Well so many memories, I guess it’s time for a trip home. Aloha & Ahui Ho
October 5th, 2007 at 4:28 am
For our 6th grade field trip we went to the Big Island to learn about volcanos and Parker Ranch.. of course I didn’t do any of the study work and got a big fat “F” .. to me, it was more like a vacation. HAHA. We also went to Sea Life Park, the Polynesian Cultural Center oh and the ZOO. Wow, we sure went on alot of field trips. You know what I wish I could find here on the mainland - a malasada. Oh man, were those best, all that sugar.
You’re right Winiki, I haven’t been back to Oahu in 30 years, back then H2 didn’t even exist.. I’m afraid to see how much has changed. I do know one, Zippy’s is stil in busines, but, looks like they’ve changed the menu quite bit.
I think a trip back next year is just what I need.
October 12th, 2007 at 8:27 am
Hi All Checkers and Pogo fans.
I just found a website that sells a Checkers and Pogo video/dvd?
tropicislemusic.com
October 18th, 2007 at 9:34 am
I’d just gotten the first season of Hawaii Five-0 on DVD this week and watched the first two discs (of seven). Having grown up on Oahu (I’m in my 40’s living in the Bay Area), I’m very familiar with the island, and I used to like watching the show to see if I could recognize the locales. Now that I have it on DVD, I can freeze the show and see how much the places have changed since the 60’s. The first season had a lot of actors that have gone on to fame — it’s a blast recognizing them in their younger years. One of them made me get up and Google “Checkers & Pogo” and I found this site. Thanks for the memories. I almost forgot about that cracker and whistle game! I do remember the Sky Slide, Friday Pie day and the Un-Birthday and that jar full of pennies. Never been on the show, but had fun watching it. I also ran across a Star-Bulletin news clipping posted on the net that mentioned that not much of the C&P show survived because they would videotape new shows over the old ones. Oh, and the actor that brought back the memory? He played the Attorny General on Hawaii Five-0 on several episodes — Morgan White. It was kind of freaky how my memory clicked and I realized this serious actor with the Van Dyke (chin beard/mustache) might also play the goofy and cheeful Pogo Pogue. As a kid, I would never have imagined it. Thanks Dale Watson for the link to the website. I’ll be checking it out.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:41 am
Aloha Everyone,
Reading about all the joy C&P characters brought to everyone. I used to live near the television station on Kapiolani Boulevard and would always run over to try and get on the show…made it a couple of times…ecstacy! Anyone remember the C&P skateboard with the metal wheels…I still have scars to this day. Be safe.
December 11th, 2007 at 11:55 am
Oh man,
My Family was Air force and we were stationed at Hickam from ‘68 to ‘73 and I was a Checkers and Pogo fiend.
Meadow Gold Milk!!!!!!
Some wonderful times happened in Hawaii. My Father’s Squadron used to have these killer parties on the beach, I remember barrels of soda in ice and playing until I couldn’t play no more.
Oh and I was also madly in love with my kindergarden teacher, she was a young japanese woman barely in her 20’s.
Wrote her a love letter Y’know
……………………………Karl
December 12th, 2007 at 9:16 am
I’m just curious - When you found out you were be transferred to another military base - were you bummed or exciting about leaving Hawaii.
Me, at first I was excited about going back to the mainland. After two months and now especially - I’m totally bummed we moved back to the mainland. If I had 3 wishes, one would be to go back to those years, 74, 75 and 76 and re-live it all.
December 29th, 2007 at 9:38 am
I lived in Aiea from 1967-1970. I went to Waimalu Elementary school and was also a JPO. One of the highlights for me was going on the Checkers and Pogo show and losing the watermelon contest! You think the cracker game was messy. I hope to someday go back for a visit. Thanks for the links to websites. I’ll check them out.
PS I have been celebrating unbirthdays for years and now I know where that came from.
December 29th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
I think I just died and went to heaven checking this blog out tonight. I lived on Ft Shafter and then Schofield Barracks from 1969-1974. I loved the checkers and pogo show and absolutely loved my childhood in Hawaii. I just went back this year for the first time and took my kids by my old school Hale Kula and my old house on the barracks…WOW..just to wild!! I still remember the sweetest girl giving me a bottle of plumeria cologne and cherishing that for years when I left the islands. We were fortunate to have lived there as kids! I hope that girl that gave me that perfume checks this site out and reads this!! I think she moved to the San Bardino area in CA…
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:08 am
OMG! can’t believe there’s actually a blog about C&P…kewl! just sittin here watching anepisode of MagnumPI and was was wondering who the gentleman reminded me of, and then I realized it looked like Checkers, so I googled C&P and came across this blog.
anyhoo, i remember everything that’s mentioned in this blog: C&P, SkySlide in Waipahu,JPO during 4th 5th 6th grade,Kikaida/Jiro,Rainbowman,and even Meadowgold Dairy w/Lani Moo. been on C&P w/my Brownie troop and my fave game was trying to eat the donut dangling from a string without using your hands.
Thanks for the memories people.
January 3rd, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I loved C&P!!! Born and raised on Oahu….living all my life. Married military and now reside on the east coast. Our girl scout troop was on C&P and they even got a close-up of me on tv clapping and stomping my feet while sitting on those bleachers in the studio. **L** It was such a blast and I will never forget those wonderful afternoons after school watch C&P!
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
OMG the Donut hanging on the string. I forgot all about that game. AND Rainbow man.. There was another one. Ultraman I think?
January 4th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Wow Last week I was visiting family for the holiday in WA state. I live in Southern CA. My older sister and I were trying to remember the theme to the Banana Splits. Then we started laughing about checkers and pogo. We were military brats, my father was stationed at Barbras point? We lived in the Navy housing project in Eva Beach? from 68-73. My older sisters and I were on C&P a few times. I actually won the cracker game. Then we also did a game with the ring around the ankle and the bell on the end of the rope too funny. The one thing I remember is when C&P were on a flying ship for a while does anyone remember that. Long time ago but great memories. Thanks Guys
January 5th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I loved the Banana Splits. Uh Uh Chongo! Danger Island. I had a crush on the all the Sour Grapes. I had a friend who lived in Barbers Point. My Mom,sister and I always went to the officers beach at Barbers.. there was never anyone there..
I don’t remember the flying ship.. just the submarine.
January 5th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Mike.. go to retrojunk.com and there you will find the opening song to the banana splits.
January 13th, 2008 at 4:39 am
The flying ship was called the Albatross… Somebody at kgmb must have read Jules Verne’s “Master of the World” ( or seen the movie with Vincent Price)… Super Spy and Sylvester were played the the radio DJ Granny Goose I think. Somebody way up there mentioned a theme park, C & P never had one but they always had the Checkers and Pogo Carnival every year in the seventies. There was also a place in the Ala Moana Shopping Center that was open for a little while called Keiki Land… sort of a microscopic theme park in a single room. Reading thru this blog is like eating a whole thing of Yick Lung crack seed and slurping down some S & S Saimin.
January 16th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I remember Checkers & Pogo too but the memories are a bit vague. Lived off Nanu St. from 76-79 and my dad was a TSgt on Hickam and I recall getting off school and watching the show, always checking to see if anyone I knew showed up. I think my brother went on there with his Cub Scout pack though. I seem to recall being very jealous.
January 24th, 2008 at 9:27 am
I am sitting here giggling to myself what a great testament to the phrase “LUCKY WE LIVE HAWAII!” I was born & raised in Kailua and for a brief 13 years after collage lived on the mainland. Now with 3 kids of my own there is no place like hawaii (Kailua especially) for kids. Not to brag but as far as Checker & Pogo, I was one of the lucky kids my Dad’a job was marketing for a sponsor company to the show so my brother & I were regulars and spent countless weekends at the Sky slide. You are all so right GREAT MEMORIES. Yes so much has changed but lots has stayed the same….Both my daughters have been JPOs, the oldest one looks forward to the Punahou carnival so she & her friends can “check out the boys”, we eat at Zippys on a regular basis, 7-11(not many trucks left) is a regular after school stop for manapua & Pork hash and they are old enough to groan when there is another field trip to Sea life park or PCC. Lets not forget the Haunted cabin at Camp Erdman. lastly the cracker-whistle that is a favorite in our house we play just to laugh at each other….outside of course
Thanks to you all for the reminders as I go through my day I know I will see things with refreshed eyes!! ALOHA~ A Hui Ho
January 26th, 2008 at 4:10 am
The memories keep getting better! Ahhh, the food. I miss it all. Everything from Manapua to Rice cake and Kulolo. I also lived in Kailua from birth to 11, before we moved to Spokane. I went to Kailua Elementary. One of my great memories from those days was May Day. I remember I couldn’t wait to get into 6th grade so I could hopefully be part of the Royal court. Jade, I lived on Ulupaina St. and still have family there (one’s on Maluniu Ave.). I remember going to Keiki Land! I also remember all the field trips to Sea Life Park, Queen Liliuokalani’s palace, and more. Does anybody remember the stories of the Menehune’s and how you can’t take pork over the Pali? Looking back, I truly had a wonderful childhood living in Hawaii.
January 26th, 2008 at 4:11 am
The memories keep getting better! Ahhh, the food. I miss it all. Everything from Manapua to Rice cake and Kulolo. I also lived in Kailua from birth to 11, before we moved to Spokane. I went to Kailua Elementary. One of my great memories from those days was May Day. I remember I couldn’t wait to get into 6th grade so I could hopefully be part of the Royal court. I, too, was a JPO! Friends now, can’t believe I went to school barefoot either. Jade, I lived on Ulupaina St. and still have family there (one’s on Maluniu Ave.). I remember going to Keiki Land! I also remember all the field trips to Sea Life Park, Queen Liliuokalani’s palace, and more. Does anybody remember the stories of the Menehune’s and how you can’t take pork over the Pali? Looking back, I truly had a wonderful childhood living in Hawaii.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:43 am
OMG - The Royal Court. What a production May Day was at Lehua Elementary. I rememeber the selection process. All the boys had to line up against the wall, while some of the girls from class, along with teachers made there selection. I have a feelling I didn’t make the cut because of my thick brown rimmed glasses . SUPER FLY! Hey, back then that’s all the Navy Optical offered. I never new why they picked Trent Poston over me to be King Kamehameha (i’m almost sure that’s not the correct spelling) Trent was the one with braces, then again, he was most popular.
January 30th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
WOW, how the memories have flooded my mind. I lived in Hawaii from 70-74. Loved CP. My father was stationed at Barbers Point and we lived at base housing in Ewa Beach. Anyone remember fishing at the Lagoon???
Also loved watching The Navy ships come in and out of the Harbor. They were huge. I also was on the show with the boy scots and won the cracker and whistle contest. Went to Barbers Point Elementary, Ms. Amestoy 3rd grade. Ms. Rogers 4th grade, she retired finally the last 3-4 years. Great memories.
February 2nd, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I watched Checkers and Pogo from 1967 until Pogo took over. Went on the show twice. Tons of memories. Here is another website that discusses the show:
http://hawaiithreads.com/
Look under the Hawaii media category at the very bottom.
Oh, and Superspy was not Granny Goose. Jerry Cox played both the spy and nephew Sylveter. Cox was also on Hawaii 5-0, he played Allistair Cooke on the Big Kahuna episode at the end of the first season.
February 5th, 2008 at 6:29 am
Can someone tell me.. I rememer the cartoon Clutch Cargo (Cartoon characters with the human mouths) Cool back then. Kinda freaks me out today though. Was this cartoon featured on C and P? And Robin Hood in Space? OMG. Yick Lung. Rock Salt Plum.
February 5th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Hey Lisa,
Which one of the Yick Lung had the hair on it. Or it seemed like hair to me. I think it was more fuzz. EEWWW GROSS! My sister loved the Rock Salt Plum. Me. I went for the candy wrapped in rice paper. I thought it was cool the way the paper melted away. And TV before remotes. We had a 19inch Slyvania and every time you turned them know to change the channel, you would hear this KLUNK. I remember Saturday morning cartoons.. and all more KLUNK KLUNK KLUNK. So much for channel surfing back then.
And lets not forget the Panasonic Dynamite 8 Track Player.
And one last trip down memory lane. Farrells at Pearl Ridge.
February 5th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
hi all,
i was also a fellow Checkers & Pogo game participant. i’m not sure how i ended up on the show, but i was there. my dad was stationed at fort shafter. i remember playing this game where a donut was tied to a string and hung from the archway of a door and you had to keep your hands behind your back while trying to eat the donut. it was big fun! i also remember all of the pie in the face smashings. anyway, after the show, we got top ramen noodles.
for any of you out there that went to fort shafter elementary school, during 1971-1973, i’ve got class pictures if you’d like to see them.
a.
February 6th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Hey Dale, Ferrels?? Man that rings a bell but can’t quite put my finger on it. Was it a wild and crazy kids place to eat?
February 6th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Hey Thomas Ewing,
Farrels Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor.. Every kid I knew had at least one Birthday Party there. They where famous for what they called “The Zoo”. It was a big silver bowl filled with every flavor of ice cream. And GROSS, even the sherbert. The waiter carried it out on a strecher like contraption with fire engine sirens blaring and whitles blowing. Every kids dream. Until you got to the sherbert. Again. GROSS!
Also, my friend Amado lived at in Barbers Point housing. After you did though. Remember the skating rink at Barbers. I was benched for skating to fast. Go figure.
Hey, did anyone have parents who bowled on the Thursday night league at Hickam.
And for anyone who went to Lehua Elementary. The 6th grade class of 76 is posted there. Dig all those Hawaiian Shirts!
And lets not forget Holiday Mart. Shopped lifted my 1st Playboy from there. What a perv at 12. My Dad found out and made me take it back, apologize, pay for it, then grounded me for a month and kept the mag. for himself. The laws where much more leinent back then.
I love this site. Great memories!
American Idol is on. Gotta Go.
February 7th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Hey there Lisa..
It was the Wet and Dry Li Hing Mui. It wasn’t that it was hairy, I think it was just the texture. And I do remember the Rock Candy. My sister say there is a Hawaiian Store in Bend that sells Yick Lung. She’s going to send me some.. whew hew!
I remember Shaky’s (mainland though).
And what I wouldn’t do for a Malasada!
February 19th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I’m reading all of this and dying of nostalgia. My dad was Navy and had 3 different tours in Hawaii. 60-64, 66-68, 72-74. I’ve lived in Pearl, Honolulu, Makaha, Waipahu (summer of 72 waiting for base housing, talk about paradise for a kid, ended up on Shields Loop in Catlin Park). Lived in HA-3? back in 60, just a newborn then and on Kidd Drive in 66-68. Went to Pearl Harbor Elementary, Pearl Harbor Kai Elem and Aliamanu Intermediate.
Loved C&P, the sky slide, Farrell’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, Chicken Delight delivery, Yick Lung, candy wrapped in rice paper.
Remember waiting in line for guava juice at break at Pearl Harbor Kai Elem. May Day celebrations and singing…”one paddle, two paddle, three paddle, four to take me home”. I also remember having to sweep and mop the classroom floor at Pearl Harbor Elementary. Try to get kids to do that nowadays.
Thanks for all the great memories. Let’s keep it up! Mahalo!
February 25th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
What I meant to say was in the summer of ‘74, we lived in Waipahu at the Royal Poinciana hotel waiting for base housing. Talk about paradise. No worries brah….livin the good life back then.
February 26th, 2008 at 5:03 am
The Royal Poinciana had to be better than the Harbor Arms Apts.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Born in Tripler Army Hospital. Father stationed there again in the early 70’s. Attended Makalapa Elementary in 73-76. Checkers and Pogo fan. Used information from this site to find the Kikaida intro for my wife to hear it. Miss those days. The mainlanders just don’t get it.
Lived on Wawe Pl. and Ukali streets back then. Settled in Louisiana close to the coast but it’s not like back “home”. Aloha!
March 18th, 2008 at 6:18 am
Duane Early………..sounds like we may have lived in Catlin Park around the same time……..i lived there from 1968-1973………we were the 4th family to move into that entire housing area………I lived in Kilmer Loop…..& went to Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary School too! What GREAT memories i have of living there!
March 18th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Great memories they were, some of the best days of my life. My Dad was in the Air Force and stationed on Hickam Air Force base. We arrived in Hawaii in 69 and left in 72. Whilst awaiting base housing we lived in Waipahu, and I think the place was called Royal Terrace, right next to Wigwam. Went to Waipahu Elementary until we moved to Wahiawa where we lived on South Cane Street, and I attended Kaala Elementary, and my brother and sisters went some other schools I don’t remember. Finally we moved on to Hickam into this new housing area, Ohana Nui Circle, man, that was awesome, loved living there, so much to do. I went to Nimitz Elementary and then to Aliamanu Intermediate along with my brother, and my older sister went to Radford. We had some killer tans too. I remember pretty much all we wore to school was little low cut shorts (hot pants), hang ten shirts and rubba slippas. We use to catch the city bus and head down to Waikiki, or go to Ala Moana and hang out, and we were actually pretty young, but apparently pretty safe. We made tons of friends while living in Hawaii, and we will never forget any of it. Yep, watched Checkers & Pogo all the time. Ate Li Hing Mui religiously, good stuff, and we all still love sticky white rice. Every time someone would come to visit around the island we’d go, sightseeing again and again. Oh yeah, does anybody remember when the Jackson Five came to Hawaii in 72? Well, their cousins lived right by us on Hickam, of course nobody ever believed them when they said the J5 were their cousins, but low and behold there they were at their house, limo parked out front, Michael being snooty, but the rest of them very friendly. I remember little Randy Jackson riding around the base on my little sister’s bike. It was pretty cool. I later went back stationed there in the Navy from 82 to 85, not even the same, missed those earlier years. Aloha!
March 22nd, 2008 at 11:02 am
Hi Kim…I didn’t recognize Kilmer Lp so I mapquested it. It’s right behind Shields Loop DUH! Our lanai looked out onto Kilmer Lp. I wonder if we went to Pearl Harbor Kai at the same time? I only went there for 6th grade. My teacher was Mrs. Minami (sp) and I remember she was pregnant at the time. How did your family end up staying for almost 5 years? Usually its 3 and out.
March 25th, 2008 at 6:54 am
All,
check out the following web site.. These aren’t the homes I remember. The one I lived in was made of cinder block with slat windows and painted blue. http://www.fcnavyhawaii.com/neighborhoods.asp
March 29th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I wish I wouldn’t have clicked on the link you provided Dale.
I was wondering why I couldn’t find Kidd Drive when I mapquested it. Now I know why. It no longer exists. The same with the house we lived in.
You truly can’t go home again.
March 30th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I’m sorry Duane.. I know what you mean. Lehua Drive still exists, but, not the house we lived in. When I Googled Earth the address I could see that the big tree in our back yard had been removed. I’m surprised they would just get rid of a whole street.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Daune,
I just did a mapquest and found Kidd St, Kidd LP and Kidd CT. WHen you do the search, type in Kidd(no street number), Honolulu HI. It’s righht there off of Salt Lake Blvd and Radford Drive. Right? Although, I don’t remember a Mall on Pearl City?
March 30th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Dale,
When I lived there, there was only Kidd Drive. No Kidd Street or Kidd Ct. I only remember the Moanalua Shopping Center. A “friend” got me to shoplift a little black note book from the Kresge’s there. Got it home and was scared out of my wits that the base police were going to come and take me away to jail.
I went to Google maps and used the satellite view and you can see very well. They’ve bulldozed it all and redesigned the streets. Kidd Drive was actually a long street that ended in a court. If you drove up the court to the end and kept going you would run into our house. Behind our house was a long, narrow strip of trees/bushes/vegetation that shielded the houses from Salt Lake Blvd. At least when I google mapped the Shields Loop address, that all generally looks like it did when I lived there, down to the placement and design of the housing.
Nostalgia is great but it hurts some times.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:14 am
Daune,
Me and my best friend shop lifted. From Holiday Mart. My friend felt so guilty he told his parents. Then came over told me I had to tell my parents.
Him - got off for good behavior and honesty. Me - grounded for a month.
We were busted by the MP’s for playing ding dong ditch. Him - had to be in before dark. Me - Grounded for a month.
Man - to be 10, 11 and 12 again. Now I know why they say “Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up”
April 1st, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I remember when I lived on Shields Loop, a couple of my friends and I standing in the front courtyard area of my house chucking raw eggs at cars driving by on Catlin Drive. Don’t know if we ever hit any. That’s probably the extent of my juvenile delinquency.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:07 am
Dale Watson: I think I lived in PCP Housing around the same time as you. My father was in the Navy and we were in HI from 1974 to 1983. We first lived in PCP Navy Housing from 74 to 78 & then moved to Makakilo (off base - it’s out by Ewa Beach) from 78 to 80 & then moved back to PCP from 80 to 83. I went to Hale Keiki Pre-K through 1st grade, Lehua Elementary for 2nd, Mauka Lani Elementary for 3rd & 4th, Lehua Elementary for 5th & 6th, then Highlands Intermediate for 7th grade. I was also a JPO & used to love holding that big stop sign on a pole to stop the cars. I have so many awesome memories of PCP. Remember the little after school shack right next to the school where they had summer programs & stuff like that. I remember buying Diamond Head Soda (Strawberry & Grape were the best) from the soda machine in that building before walking down that long sidewalk home. There were like huge water reservoirs or something on the right as you walked into PCP. There was the mini-mart right next to the community center where we used to go watch movies & they had dances on saturday nights for the older kids. I have to admit that I also shoplifted from Holiday Mart & got busted (for a damn Hello Kitty Eraser that smelled like Cola). I remember the McDonalds that was up there by Holiday mart. If I remember correctly it was kind of elevated with parking underneath & it was completely outside with a huge patio. Plus, who can forget Pearl City Tavern with its “monkey bar”. We never got to go in, but my parents would go there & then tell us about the monkeys. My parents went back about 10 yrs ago & they told me that it’s not there anymore. Who remembers the Drive-In Movie Theater across from Pearl Ridge where they had swapmeets on the weekends during the day & then had movies at night. I can still remember watching Oh God!, Star Wars, and ET in the back of my folks’ station wagon all cuddled up. I’m trying to think of some more things, there’s so many wonderful memories of growing up in HI during the 70s-80s. Remember Manana Pool where all the PCP navy kids went or Bellows Beach where we would spend the weekend at the cabins & spend the whole day boogie boarding & stuff? I also remember when they built Castle Park with all the water slides & the video arcade. It was amazing! I’m sure I’ll think of more stuff, but, I have to admit that Checkers & Pogo was a fond memory for this latchkey kid!
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:22 am
Hi Anne,
WOW.. I went to Lehua elementary from 1974 - thru 76.
4th Grade - Mrs. Yoshinobu
5th Grade - Mrs Uyen
6th Grade - Mrs Uyeda (who could not stand me).
I remember that log side walk home, and just for fun, we would take the trail that was just off the side walk though the woods. Sometimes on the way home we would walk around the water tanks, although strictly forbidden by our parents to do so.
I remember the Drive In - My parents took us to see Jaws. How stupid was that! I had a green and yellow raft, just like the kid that got eaten up. After that, you couldn’t pay me to go in to the water and for the longest time I slept against the wall in my room. I remember Manana Pool, now that was a long walk. There was also this big green hill we use to slide down using old card board boxes.
Anne Hoffert? I’m not sure, but, were you the family that lived in officers housing. They had to combine 2 homes because there were so many of you. Or maybe that was Amy Huff? I can’t remember now, but one of you loved Barry Manilow.. I Write the Songs..
Yep, the monkey bar, the bowling alley and the little candy store are all gone. In fact even the houses we lived in are gone. Replaced by new air conditioned homes. We lived on the corner of Lehua and Ashley. Even the ball field at the end of Lehua is gone.. all new housing. As if there were’nt enough homes in that area.. 600 in 76. I could talk about this all day.
April 28th, 2008 at 11:04 am
I LIVED IN Honolulu,Hi. after I got out of the Navy in 1959,
I was stationed at Barbers Point VR-21 Squardon.I studied
radio and tv Broadcasting, a couple of my assignments was
to interview on air dj,s and sports announcers at time I spoke
with POGO (Morgin White,also of}”Hawaii 50 fame” Jo More
sports caster for ch9 KGMB the Checkers &POGO Studio ,
also “SUPER SPY MAC PUG”(Kim Chee ” Granny GFoose”
(eorge Groves) D.J”evening drive” Thanks for look back!
PS I LEFT THE ISLES IN 1983 ALOHA AND MAHALO!! Herbert,
April 29th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I lived in Ewa Beach from 1968 to 1972. My father was in the Air Force stationed at Pearl Harbor. We lived on Ahona St and I went to Pohakea and Ewa Beach Elementary. I was on the C&P show once but memories are a little fuzzy, I do remember doing the doughnut on the string game. Also sitting on the bleachers and having to stomp our feet and clap when they held up the sign. Did anybody else eat sliced green mangoes with soysauce and vineger?
May 5th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
It’s so interesting to see that other people remember those old japanese shows….I thought I had dreamed it all, because here on the mainland noone ever heard of them. My family was at Hickam AFB from 74-78. I still remember the address…7246-A Okika Place. I loved, loved, LOVED it there…..then we were moved to Spokane, WA. I hated it. Those times in Oahu mean so much to me, I can recall the memories vividly…all the details….going to Nimitz elementary…my teachers, Miss Kawasaki, Miss Hashimoto and Mrs. Euchi, who was mean. Going to (I think) Ala Moana shopping center, and there was a big acrylic sculpture with water that turned things and what not, and noticing the red button on the escalator that my mother said “DON’T TOUCH IT” and I did and stopped the escalator, everyone looking at me in their 70’s finery.
Watching “Zoom”, catching tadpoles in the canals, the coconut palms and banana plants in the yard, the Seiferts next door that said I scratched their Cadillac, the sugar cane factory, pineapple farms, my Mom driving us in the VW Squareback to the beaches where the ghost crabs would come out at night, Zippys……it’s all still so fresh in my mind, probably the best times of my life were there. I could go on and on, but I’ll just say “Thank you” for bringing these cherished memories back. And wasn’t there a female accomplice to Kikida….”Majinga”? (sp) I recall she had yellow rings on her bosom that would shoot off to encircle the villains?……..Nothing better than 70’s Hawaii………..
May 20th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
I just found this site and I am so stoked!! I grew up in Pearl City (in Pacific Palisades, to be specific), and my brothers, sister and I were on C & P twice! I even got to be one of the kids that was in the pie eating contest! Let me tell you…those pies were not as easy to eat as most would think!
I remember all the cartoons, Banana Splits, Danger Island (when Jan-Michael Vincent was still hot), Kikaida, oh, all those shows! It brings tears to my eyes! I just made 46 years on this planet yesterday. Man, I miss the ’70’s. I miss living there, too.
My mom still lives there and I was able to visit her in 2002. Things there have changed so much. The sugar cane fields are pretty much gone. It’s depressing, but I still want to go home.
Dale, I wouldn’t have known you when you were there, but in high school I used to hang out with the “Peninsula” kids. We used to go out to the ‘mud flats’ and drink beer and stay out all night. After seeing your posts, I wish I had known you…we could have had some rockin’ fun!
If we didn’t get drunk, we were at Kam Drive-In or at PearlRidge Mall. Sometimes, I’d visit my little brother at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor (he used to pretend it was my birthday and do the whole bell-ringing, singing, yelling thing so my friends could have cheap ice cream).
God, I miss those days.
I’m stuck in Montana now, but I’d go home in a heartbeat. After finding this blog, though, helps a lot! Believe me, I’ll be visiting often!
Keep reminiscing! Nothing wrong with good memories, right!
Take care!
May 27th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Hi Sherry,
Yeah - I had a lot of fun in Hawaii. The mudflats? Man, that sounds so familiar to me. hmm, red dirt, rutted and the ruts beating the crap out of me and my Huffy. As kid I was all over that peninsula.
Now I wish I hadn’t been in such a hurry to move back to the states. It was so laid back in Hawaii. I remember I was afraid to go to Highlands and was relived to know we where moving back to California before the school year started. In 1976, seems as though a lot of my friends where being transferred. That was my only bitch about Navy life.
I’m sure you probably new Andy Konwinski.. He lived in Pacific Palisades.
June 8th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Here is another site that has people reminiscing about their time in Hawaii.
http://www.hawaiistories.com/archives/004969.shtml
June 17th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
“Spring time, for Super Spy, and Pigstyvania!” Such a catchy tune, I still sing it sometimes. Really enjoying the trip down memory lane. My dad was stationed in Pearl Harbor from 58-72. Attended Pearl City Highlands Elementary before moving to Hawaii Kai. I got busted for shoplifting from Holiday Mart, too. It was the Partridge Family album. Did anyone else play “mall tag” when Pearl Ridge Center was built?
I attended the C&P show in 70′. I remember sitting in the front row with my older brother and sister behind me. Checkers was walking by for some reason, and dropped something in front of me. He bent down so his rear-end was in my face. I looked at my brother who made a ’slapping’ gesture. I whacked Checkers on the rump! He straightened up pretty fast and turned around with “who just hit me!? Don’t ever do that again!” It was so traumatic, I took his words to heart. To this day, I can’t even bring myself to put my hand in my back pocket without the memory of his bulging eyes “Don’t ever do that again!” I really loved that show.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
My brother and I were very lucky to be on the Checkers and Pogo show. My dad was stationed at Wheeler AFB and we lived in Waialua. I remember my brother holding a little fishing pole and they let him pick a prize out of a bucket. Does anyone know where we can find the old show archives? I would love to find us.
July 17th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Wow, what a blast from the past!
I woke up this morning with the song ” a very merry un birthday” in my head for some strange reason. After doing a google search of C&P , I found this blog, cool.
I grew up on Molokai, and went on the show once. It was like going to Hollywood for me. Any time we went to Honolulu was pretty exciting, but to go on C&P, was great!
This has been tastier than a “Lenords Hot Malasada”
August 9th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Just Googled C&P recently and found this site too. I lived in the Pearl City Peninsula from 75-79 on Lehua Ave. Went to Lehua Elem., Highlands Inter., then on to Pearl City High. I remember the community center were they would show movies on the weekend, and going to the shoppette to get candy (wacky packages) and yick lung and danced at the dances. I remember going to the bowling alley across from Lehua Elem. and playing pinball. I use to walk all the way from my house down to The BUS stop and catching The BUS to Pearl Ridge to go to the movies, I remember when they would show double features. I remember paying a quarter to ride the monorail from one side to the other and going to the Fun Factory video arcade inside the mall were there were bumper cars and a shooting gallery. Was never on the C&P show, I was too old, but it was a big part of my childhood because I remember watching spider-man, I was really into comic books. Kevin, what a traumatic thing with Checkers, I wonder if he liked kids at all or was just putting on a face? That really puts a new damper on good old memories. I’m in the Air Force now and went back a few years ago after 20 years and found that my old house on Lehua Ave was torn down to make way for the new Navy Housing and found 1 friend from high school still there, it was pretty depressing. It was great to see him though. Alot of my friends were Japanese. Dale, your name is very familiar to me, but I can’t put a face to it. Did you have any brothers or sisters? I just ordered from Amazon.com the first volume of Kikaider but they didn’t have any Rainbowman or Kamen Rider V3 DVD’s. I remember playing with the toy dolls/action figures when I was in elementery school. My family also stayed at the Royal Ponsiana in Waipahu before we moved into Navy houseing in the peninsula. We were on the 3rd floor and I remember looking out the big picture window and seeing movie’s on the screen at the drive inn. We went to the Manana pool alot too. I’ve got alot more memories to share but that’s it for now, back to work, I’m currently in Afghanistan helping to fight the war on terror, but this site surely brightened up the place for me. Thanks for the memories guy’s.
August 11th, 2008 at 5:08 am
Hey Wayne,
I remember you.. You and your family moved in from the East Coast. We got into an argument over the pronunciation of Massachusetts. I remember your accent. You were a year older and your brother Robert was my age or one year younger. You also had some sisters. Gina? I had a sister named Greta.
Wow, Air Force and in Afghanistan.. Thank You for that.
Yep, all the old cinder block, vinyl floored and gray kitchen cabinet homes are gone. I’ve seen pictures of the new ones, wow. They even added more housing at the end of the peninsula where the baseball field was.
It’s a shame really, but, time will progress..
Thanks for fighting for us hope you come home soon..
August 28th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Hey Dale, I think I remember you and your sister. You lived in one of the house’s down from us by the parking lot in the first appartment right? Yes I had a brother named Robert and sister’s Gina, Shanon and Missy. My dad’s name was Dale too, and are you sure it was Massachusetts and not Connecticut which was were I was from?
August 29th, 2008 at 5:56 am
AH Connecticut.. that was it! I wasn’t able to pronounce the “C” in nect. So instead it came out Conneticut. Funny the things you remember. Yeah. We lived in the blue row of houses on the corner. The one with that big ass yard I had to mow every other Saturday. So much for Saturday morning cartoons. Where were the mudflats? Do you remember?
August 29th, 2008 at 6:40 am
Hey Wayne,
I forgot to ask if you remember Zach and Renee, they lived in the end unit of your building.. I was just wondering how long they were there after we left in 76. I think thier parents were going through a divorce at the same time mine were. Oh yeah, and that pest Bobby Behm and his little brother Kenny. I wonder what happened to them.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:10 am
I don’t remember the mud flats either. I’m not sure I remember Zach and Renee either, now Bobby Behm, didn’t you and me follow him home one night and beat him up or was that someone else? As far as your mom, now I know why I didn’t see her and your dad, I remember coming to your house to see if you could come out and your dad answered the door in just his underware, I think he said you were grounded or something. My e-mail is wsreed63@yahoo.com. I don’t think anyone else would be interested in our childhood but us. We can talk more if you want.
August 29th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Your probably right. I keep forgetting this is a blog for Checkers and Pogo.
I’ll catch up with you later this week-end.
August 29th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Hey there Wayne,
Tried to send you an email.. came back from the post master returned.
August 30th, 2008 at 9:17 am
I don’t know why. I just sent one to myself by clicking on the link I added and it worked.
August 30th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Dale, E-mail goes down here often. Don’t give up yet, just keep trying.
August 30th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Hey there Wayne,
Just sent off another email. I’ll keep trying.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I was just watching an old rerun of Hawaii 5-0 and saw the man who played Checkers. Wondering what ever happened to him, I googled Checkers and Pogo and came upon this website. I was in the Air Force, stationed at Hickam from 1969-1973. I was a young A2C and would watch Checkers and Pogo every day after work. I think I liked them more than the kids did. I can remember seeing Checkers and Pogo riding around town in the checkered convertible. They would wave to everyone as they passed them.
I did not qualify for base housing in those days and lived off base. First on Date St behind the Ala Wai Canal. We had 2 plummeria trees in our yard. The local girls were always knocking on the door wanting to know if they could pick the flowers off the trees to make leis. The smell from those trees was so strong it was almost sickening sweet.
I also remember that one night they were filming an episode of Hawaii 50 around the corner from my house. Of course we all had to go watch. I got to stand there and talk with James McArthur and Zulu between takes. They were great. I remember Jack Lord was really standoffish and would have nothing to do with any of us. He wouldn’t even wave or acknowledge the fact that we were there.
I then moved to 2989 Ala Ilima in Salt Lake. I checked it out on Google earth and it is still there. I was working the midnight shift then and would get home in the morning and sit on the lanai and watch the guys building the apartment next to ours. One day they were bringing a crane in and it tipped over and hit the apartment on the other side. Nobody got hurt so it was kind of funny.
I remember most all the things you guys have been talking about plus a few more adult memories. I actually got to go to the Monkey bar at the Pearl City Tap. It was one of my favorite hangouts. We would sit there for hours watching the monkeys. We would take all the new guys there and convince them that the specialty of the house was monkey and get them to pick out their monkey for the waitress. Ah what fun.
Thanks for the memories.
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:45 pm
does anyone remember going to a swimming pool by the CPO club just a bit west of Pearl Harbor Ele?
October 4th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
We used to go there all the time, I remember getting swim lessons there. My mom worked as a waitress at the CPO club and knew the lady that ran the snack bar. We would always get free candy and stuff.
October 7th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Wow! Did this site bring back some memories. Did anyone go to Mokulele elementary school? I was there for the 4th thru 6th grades in 1970-1973. I would love to get in touch with friends that I have lost contact with (I was only 12 when I left). I have signed up with Militarybrats.com and I’m crossing my fingers that someone will find me.
October 9th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Duane that is so cool, I live across the street, so my parents frequented the CPO club, and I remember eating there a lot, (an only child), it was the first place I ever saw that had a salad bar, and the shows with hula dancers they had were great. My mom would go into the bar and so I learned to like Shirley Temples, I remember the pink pistachio nuts, and Connie Francis music on the jukebox. I actually lived at the green townhouses that were east of the Bloch arena, there was a giant monkey pod tree, it’s still there! And I remember once in a while others would come to that tree, sometimes poly boys would talk pidgeon latin or whatever its called. I spent the entire summer at that pool, I could touch the bottom, 10 ft, with no problem, I lived at that pool, and mainly swam on the bottom and we’d dive for change, it was the greatest pool! It’s gone and sadly so is the club that was there, and over to the east was the liquor store in a quanset hut, that’s gone to. I could always see USS Arizona there from my front yard, but you can’t anymore. In fact everything is so packed, I didn’t see any wide open spaces.
October 9th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Duane that is so cool, I live across the street, so my parents frequented the CPO club, and I remember eating there a lot, (an only child), it was the first place I ever saw that had a salad bar, and the shows with hula dancers they had were great. My mom would go into the bar and so I learned to like Shirley Temples, I remember the pink pistachio nuts, and Connie Francis music on the jukebox. I actually lived at the green townhouses that were east of the Bloch arena, there was a giant monkey pod tree, it’s still there! And I remember once in a while others would come to that tree, sometimes poly boys would talk pidgeon latin or whatever its called. I spent the entire summer at that pool, I could touch the bottom, 10 ft, with no problem, I lived at that pool, and mainly swam on the bottom and we’d dive for change, it was the greatest pool! It’s gone and sadly so is the club that was there, and over to the east was the liquor store in a quanset hut, that’s gone to. I could always see USS Arizona there from my front yard, but you can’t anymore. In fact everything is so packed, I didn’t see any wide open spaces. What year were you there Duane?
October 9th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Duane, what year were you there we were there in ‘63, I am old lol. The other day I went on youtube and played the Hawaiian Eye song that is played when the show started, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard it for 40 years. My barbie doll I had with one outfit is selling as a collector doll for $400, my pineapple shaped ukulele retails for $450 at a shop by Aloha Tower, I find that hysterial.
October 9th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
We had 3 different tours in Hawaii. We were there
October 9th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
We had 3 different tours in Hawaii. We were there
October 9th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
We had 3 different tours in Hawaii. We were there 60-63, 65-68 and 71-74. I was born in 60 but not in Hawaii.
October 30th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
HI! I AM DOING A SCHOOL PROJECT ON WAIPAHU AND I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE HAS PICTURES OF THE “SKY SLIDE” OR THE SKATING RINK THAT WAS THERE IN THE 70′S! IF ANYONE HAS ANY PICTURES, PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP! THANK YOU!
MY EMAIL IS: jennylei808@yahoo.com
THANK YOU!
November 16th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Wow, I found this blog by accident. My dad was in the Navy. We moved to Hawaii when I was about nine and lived in Pearl City from 73-75. I went to Lehua Elementary school and lived in the housing on the peninsula. Checkers&Pogo and all the other shows mentioned. I forgot about all the games that they taught us, until I read the blog. My sister went to the show, she was actually shown on tv, making a horrible face. Boy was my mom mad that she didn’t act like a lady. My sisters and I tried the game with the crackers and whistling and got in trouble because of the mess we made. I found the Generation Kikaida website by accident last year, and now have the first few episodes that I have shown my 9 year old. It was great to share the show and the memories it brought back. I remember the mud flats, a forbidden place, but oh so fun. There was a spot there where you could just see the USS Arizona if I remember correctly. The neighborhood kids would go around and picking macadamia nuts and when the Navy guys would come to pick the coconuts we would tag along behind them in hopes of a coconut falling from their truck (they weren’t allowed to give us the coconuts), never failed a few ‘accidently’ fell from the truck. If we had any extra money we get soda from the bowling alley after school. They had a machine that dispensed the soda in paper cups and the ice was crushed…yum. I remember ’slug island’ the piece of property we had to walk by on the way to school where the boys would through the slugs at the girls. With three kids, we didn’t go out much, but my mom took us to the restaurant that had the monkeys and bonsai trees. Does anyone remember the monkey man at the zoo? Every time we went to the zoo, he was there talking to the monkeys. I remember celebrating May Day and attending Summer Fun at Lehua! One of the summer’s we put on a musical for our parents, I was a cookie. I remember there was a field trip to the big island, but my mom wouldn’t let me go, boy was I disappointed. My dad made model airplanes and he’d fly them around the neighborhood sometimes, I was the cool kid on those days all the kids would come out and watch. When we moved, he gave away all his planes, boy was I mad, they were supposed to be mine when he was done with them! Saimin, one of my favorite foods to this day! Like most who have posted, my days in Hawaii were some of my favorite. I hated absolutely hated to leave. I hope one day I can go back. Thanks for bringing up such great memories!
November 20th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
I just found this blog tonight while attempting to search for any possible video clip of The Checkers and Pogo show online.
My grandfather was Mr. Checkers. There were three Mr. Checkers, but he was the third and “longest reigning” Mr. Checkers and probably the one most of you remember. His name was Jim Demarest. And yes, as I read in a couple of your posts, he did have a few guest spots later in his career on other television shows that filmed in Hawaii, such as Hawaii 5-0 and Magnum PI.
Later in life my “Grandpa Jim” looked exactly like Santa Claus– tall, rather heavy build, and having the natural snow white hair and beard. He moved back to Illinois when I was in grade school and it was always fun to bring him in for Grandparent’s Day. All my young friends would gather around believing he was the “real thing.”
Later, he came in to my acting classes in Highschool (twice I think) and lead a seminar on theatre. Before marriage, kids, a divorce, and his move to Hawaii (where he was remarried, though she died before I ever met her), he got his start in Off-Broadway productions. And live theatre was his great love. When he would babysit my younger sister and I he had wonderful stories of traveling with a troupe of actors to their performances all over the country.
Sadly, my Grandfather passed in June of 2007.
I want to thank you all for posting simply about how much you loved the Checkers and Pogo show. It is so awe-inspiring for me to realize what a celebrity my own Grandfather was. Many times we never appreciate what we have until it’s taken from us.
P.S. If anyone knows of any video clips online, I’d be most appreciative. I’d love to be able to “see” my Grandpa Jim again.
November 23rd, 2008 at 11:10 am
Thanks for posting Kate. I’m sorry for the loss of your grandpa. He meant so much to so many kids growing up in Hawaii. I will never forget Checkers and Pogo and my time in paradise. Best wishes to you.
Duane
November 24th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Thanks for your sentiments, Duane. It means so much to hear that my Grandfather made a difference to so many.
November 29th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Wow…..what great memories! I lived in Navy housing on Pearl City Peninsula from 1973 to 1975; we lived on Kirkbride Ct in the only apartment/house that had the hedge around the yard. Tina, I remember your father in the field with his model plane.
I loved Checkers and Pogo; my mother took a group of kids from the neighborhood to be on the show, we had so much fun that day. Kate, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandfather, he will forever live in our memories.
November 30th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Hi, All!
All these years, I have thought on and off about Checkers and Pogo, a show I never missed in the two years I lived on Hickam AFB. Loved that show, I tell you! I will also tell you that I was extremely happy living in paradise. Even though we left by the time I was seven years old, my memories of the island, our Ohana Nui Circle neighbors, and my first years in school at Nimitz Elementary are FABULOUS and very clear! Good wishes to all.
December 1st, 2008 at 6:45 am
Hi Kerry,
My friend Danny Kapsalis lived on Kirkbride Court.. Did you know him?
December 1st, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Hi Dale,
I do not recall a Danny; I will ask my brothers if they knew him. I had Ms. Picard for 6th grade, do you remember her? Do you remember the woods across from the store that sold the Icee’s on Lehua St? My friends and I used to get lost in the woods for hours until my mother found out and I was never allowed there again.
December 2nd, 2008 at 7:33 am
Hi Kery,
I don’t remember a Ms. Picard.. I had Mrs. Uyeda. Yes, I remember the woods.. very well. We came across a horse once. When I walked up to it, it bit me on the shoulder. Since when do horses bite!! I have some bad news. Kirkbride Ct. is no longer there.. it’s one huge park now. In fact, all the houses we lived in have been torn down and rebuilt with new ones. We lived on the corner of Lehua and Ashley.. we were lucky enough to have one of those huge monkey pod trees in our back yard. We spent a lot of time in that tree.. and a lot of time picking up those seed pods.
December 2nd, 2008 at 7:38 am
Hi Kerry,
Sorry, I was wrong.. Google shows Kirkbride Ct..
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:33 pm
My dad was a navy pilot stationed at Barbers Pt. 1967- 1969 and in Vietnam for 2 tours. I was 9-11 years old and watched the show everyday after school.6 kids and no dad around left plenty of time to do what you wanted. In the scouts my troop got to sit in the bleachers for a live show. I remember a stunt practiced where Checkers was supposed to push Pogo off his stool and they had a block of wood nailed to the counter near the floor so he could brace himself and “sit” after the stool was kicked out. It worked great on the rehearsal but when they went live Pogo went right to the floor! They went to commercial and busted out laughing over the failed stunt.And I’ll never forget the tune to “spring time for Super Spy and Pigstyvania !”
December 4th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Wow - I stumbled upon this site by accident - I was trying to find a website to order rock salt plum! I lived at Schofield Barracks from ‘73-’77 as my Dad was finishing up the last of his 20 years in Army. I went to Solomon Elementary School and loved watching C&P after school! A friend of mine (a fellow army brat) got to be on the show in a Lemon Twist competition. Remember those? You put the loop around your ankle and it had a plastic “lemon” on the end that you would rotate around and jump over it with your other foot. My favorite place to go was Sea Life Park - as a kid I thought it was a really big place and I loved watching the hang gliders! I went back to Hawaii in 1997 with my husband and took him there - it’s actually really SMALL!!! Thanks to everyone who posted - It’s nice to read how many other people out there have the same fond memories - spending a part of our childhood in paradise - we were so lucky to have that experience. I’ve always felt I have a better understanding of different cultures and perspectives because of it!
December 11th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I was in Hawaii from 72 to 76 and I went to Aliamanu Middle School. I remember one of my teachers was Ms. Wakimoto. I think we lived on Enger Street in Military housing.
Checkers and Pogo and that jar of pennies! We must have recreated that at a birthday party or something because I so vividly remember trying to get my hand out of the jar but I couldn’t so I had to drop some pennies. The joke was on us because you really couldn’t grab that many and still fit your hand out of the top of the jar. I remember seeing Checkers in that Cadillac at the airport and I thought I was seeing Elvis or something! I was so excited to see the biggest star in my world. It was the first time I had ever seen someone that was on TV in real life. Whenever I eat saltine crackers I always try and whistle a little bit just to see if I can do it.
Kikaida: I lived for Kikaida. My mother bought me a Kikaida doll and to this day I can remember the smell of that sweet, toxic plastic figure when I first opened it. From then on I have never opened something that smells like plastic without thinking of Kikaida. A few years ago at the San Diego comic-con I bought some Kikaida DVD’s and break them out every once in awhile. That show was really cheap and really good. The flute made him crazy but he always found a way to break loose and kick some foam rubber ass.
Does anyone remember those two floating platforms off of Waikiki? My brother and I would swim under them and breathe the air that was trapped in the spaces underneath. We would reach out and grab the tourist ankles as they dangled their legs over the side.
I went on a 5th grade field trip to the Big Island and Parker Ranch too. They had us put our fingers out so the calves could suck on them – freaked me out. That calf about sucked my whole arm in – gross. I remember we all wore matching shirts and shorts on the trip.
Manapua, Spam, Polynesian Cultural Center, Yick Lung (orange peel, lemon peel and rock salt plum were my favorites) Saimin, Sky slide, Farrels Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, PearlRidge - all these things I remember and when I moved to California in the 6th grade no one knew what the hell I was talking about. It was a real culture shock to leave Hawaii and suddenly be around people that I had nothing in common with. I even spoke funny with a Pidgin English accent.
Thank you everyone for bringing back all these great memories.
December 14th, 2008 at 8:00 am
My sister and I have been searching everywhere for Yick Lung rock salt plum and we found this blog. Wow! what great memories I had forgoted how much fun it was to grow up in Hawaii.
My dad was a Marine stationed at Camp Smith. ‘74-’79 We lived in Manana and went to the pool everyday we could. I remember the big hill we would slide down with cardboard for a sled. We then went to the 7 day store and bought wacky packages withthe funny stickers.
Our boy scout troup used to go mud sliding at one of the parks, we would haul water up and then make a trench and slide down, covered in mud,what fun! My brother and I played pop warner football and we would always go as a team to get the “Zoo” at Farrels. A few other memories were Red Baron Pizza in Waipahu, C&P, S&S saimen, Kikaida, Rainbow man. Adam I can still remember that toxic smell unwrapping that Kikaida doll….heaven. We would play Kikaida for hours! Barbers Point beach cabins, Malasadas, manapuas, fried rice. The skating rink.
Great memories, thanks to all!
December 14th, 2008 at 10:08 am
My brother sent this link to me and I had so much fun reading through all of the memories. So many things I had forgotten! It was wonderful to have it all brought back. As Butch said, my dad was stationed at Camp Smith from 74 - 79. I’m afraid I was one of the “wild ones”. I remember groups of us drinking Strawberry Hill wine in the dugouts of the baseball field at the Manana housing area while smoking Kool cigarettes we had bought from the 7 day store for 35 cents a pack. I went to Catholic school for 8th grade and remember rolling up the waist band of that hideous blue plaid skirt trying to make it shorter. My girl friends and I would get up at 8am on the weekends to walk to the city bus stop with our bikinis and straw mats so we could ride the bus to the beach and spend the whole day checking out the cute guys. When I went to Pearl City High School, I remember buying my prom dress at Liberty House in the mall and going to See’s candy store in the same mall where we would buy the square caramel lollipops. The high school was a closed campus which meant we couldn’t leave for lunch, so I remember walking up the hill to the end of the chained parking lot where a truck would be waiting to sell us noodles, manapua and almond cookies. I also remember my brothers playing with Jimmy Carter’s daughter, Amy, the summer we stayed in the cabins at Barber’s Point. We still have a picture of the three of them around here somewhere.
December 30th, 2008 at 5:30 am
My father was stationed at Schofield Barracks from 68-72. I went to Hale Kula Elementary and lived on Dawson Rd. (walking distance from the school). Those are years that are a little vague, but ones I can’t forget. I liken them to “paradise” as I others have said in this forum. I was on the Checkers and Pogo show for my birthday, and remember dropping my cake! I also remember the Pearl City Tavern with the monkeys behind the glass, something called “crack seed” that we ate that was real sour, and going barefoot to school among many other things.
To Kate G, sorry for your loss. As others said, he was a fond memory from our childhood.
December 31st, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Just looking at Google Earth and seeing how much the old places have changed. Some streets have been moved and some are just no longer. All of the housing that I lived in in the 10 years we were stationed there are all GONE. The baseball field next to the tennis courts on Catlin Drive in Catlin Park is gone. I remember playing on that field. Probably the other field I played on is gone but I can’t remember exactly where that one was. Seem like it not far from a major road or highway. Our coach was a Marine by the name of Reigner. His son played on the team. All I can remember is all the laps he made us run!
December 31st, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I think the coach’s name was Regner. Anybody recognize it? Maybe some of my old teammates? Can’t remember the team name but there were the Bankoh’s, Misseleers.