Here are the highlights from our Facebook Group over the last 24 hours. Feel free to discuss these topics below!
Ok, those who know me,
Ok, those who know me, know that I’m all about the USL Bulldogs. I still support UL Lafayette; but, I graduated from USL, twice. That being said, look what my stepdaughter hand painted and surprised me with an early birthday present!
Original Source: View on Facebook
—## 1986: FROM THE ADVERTISER.
1986: FROM THE ADVERTISER.
Original Source: View on Facebook
Frank R. Brucato was born on November 24, 1934, to Andrew & Francis Brucoto of Jersey City New Jersey. Andrew was from St. Agata, Sicily, and was in the garment industry.
In 1952 & 1953, Frank played baseball for the Hudson County Semi-pro league in New Jersey for the Hudson City and Meadowbrook teams. In 1954 he moved to Crowley, LA to play for the Crowley Millers of the Evangeline League.
On Monday April 26, 1954, Frank married Jennie Perry, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Allen Perry of Crowley, in a quiet ceremony in Lawtell. Frank was a baseball player playing outfield and Jeannie was a cashier at the Palace Barber Shop. In April 1955, Frank was cut by the Millers squad and then played for the Crowley Merchants Team.
On August 4, 1955, Frank and Jeannie welcomed a daughter Linda who was born at the Acadia Hospital. After Frank’s baseball career ended, he moved to West Virgina working at several Radio and Television Stations. On July 22, 1959, a second daughter, Margaret, was welcomed into the family.
The Brucato family moved back to Crowley Louisiana and starting on Monday November 7, 1960, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, The “Funtime Playhouse” aired on KLFY TV 10 staring “Happy the Clown” played by Frank Brucato. The show aired for 9 years with the final show airing on Saturday September 20, 1969. According to some comments I read on Facebook, his leaving the station was not a cordial one.
His show consisted of puppets, and he wore a silver mask. He closed every show with “A pinch of salt, and a grain of sand, Take me away from Happy Land!” I also read he had Mortimer the mouse (a handkerchief folded like a mouse) with him. He would hold it in his hand, and you would pet it and it would jump across the room. He worked at Astroworld in Houston when it first opened and Seaworld in San Antonio as well.
The next chapter in Franks life started on Sunday September 14, 1969, when the “Happy the Clown” show premiered on KATC TV-3 on Sunday mornings 7:00 am to 8:30 am. Now working with John Plauche (Polycarp), the pair were stars on and off the air appearing at parades and events throughout Acadiana. By June of 1970, the last “Happy the Clown show” aired on TV-3.
Sometimes around 1974. Frank and his wife moved to Houma where he continued doing shows in the area. He moved back to Lafayette and in 1985, his parents Andrew and Francis Brucato joined him. Andrew passed away in 1993 at 87 and Francis in 1995, also at the age of 87. His wife of 44 years Jennie, passed away in 1998 at 62 years of age.
Frank continued to do local shows, festivals, grand openings and birthday parties advocating that although he was over 65, he still could and wanted to work. Although he never had his own TV show again, he continued to work in his advanced age with records showing his last publicized show 2000 at the age of 66.
Frank “Happy the Clown” Brucato passed away on Saturday January 9, 2010, at the age of 75 and is buried in Crowley, LA.
Original Source: View on Facebook
—## Where it all started Don’s
Where it all started
Don’s Beer Parlor Postcard ca.1934
(later Don’s Seafood & Steakhouse)
Original Source: View on Facebook
—## Vintage Mello Joy advertising clock.
Vintage Mello Joy advertising clock. Circa 1950’s.
Original Source: View on Facebook
Hello can someone tell me the name of this Doctor? His photo hangs at Lafayette General on the ICU floor. I remember seeing the original photo hanging on the Cardiac floor of the hospital back in the late 90’s.
Original Source: View on Facebook
1986: LAFAYETTE HISTORY.
Original Source: View on Facebook
—## The Sabine, 1930’s. The “Sabine”
The Sabine, 1930’s. The “Sabine” was a work engine of the Texas & New Orleans railroad. It was the first railroad locomotive to arrive at Vermilionville in 1880. The engine was donated to Lafayette in 1923 and displayed in a park near the train depot. It was scrapped for metal in the 1940’s for the war effort. [Colorized]
Photo album: https://shorturl.at/ktAbj
Original Source: View on Facebook