Friendly Junction

This is the kid's show that replaced Luci's Toyshop . . .

Friendly Junction's Mrs. Rattlebee played by Leslie Podkin

When Luci's Toyshop left television in 1972, apparently WBNS-TV wasn't finished with locally produced children's television -- because Luci was immediately replaced with a new local kid's show called, Friendly Junction.

Characters/Cast (check-out their links below):

Mrs. Rattlebee -- Leslie Podkin

Ron the Mailman -- Ron Steelman

Fan contribution . . .

"I don't remember a lot about Friendly Junction, because by then, I was nearing junior-high. But at some point I did notice that Luci's Toyshop was gone and Friendly Junction was in its place.

Seems to me, Friendly Junction was sort-of a cross between Luci's Toyshop and Petticoat Junction (the old CBS primetime show). I believe, it took place in a general store / post office near a railroad depot. The show's two stars (one female and one male) ran the store, and like Luci, interacted with puppet characters.

Although I only watched the new show a handful of times, I'd say Friendly Junction was a lot like Luci's Toyshop, but without Luci and without all of Luci's puppets. Friendly Junction seemed like the type of show Luci's Toyshop fans would have enjoyed. But by then, I was too old to watch it much. I had moved-on to Dark Shadows, The Archies, Another World, and Land of the Lost.

I wasn't watching at the time of Luci's cancellation, but I've been told there was some sort of cross-pollination between Luci's show and the new Friendly Junction; either they visited Luci, or Luci visited them, or some of the puppets crossed-over. I'm not sure."

-- Louise M. Barrett

"Have a Nice Day," recorded by Leslie Podkin. Believed to be the theme song from Friendly Junction

Another fan contributes . . .

Friendly Junction fan, Matt (from Kentucky), shared a photo of his “Have a Nice Day” 45 rpm record, along with the following memories . . .

“I looked up Friendly Junction on Yahoo and came across your piece about that show. I lived in Columbus in the early 70s and I ended up with a 45 rpm of that show. I still have it to this day . . . One side has "Have a Nice Day" and the flip-side is "The Numbers Song". From 1972-73. Music was by Window Pane. Sung by Leslie Podkin.

. . . Actually I don't remember much of the show at all. I don't remember even how long it lasted or any of the details of it . . . when I watched the show, I was 4 years old. I am 39 now. I do remember my mom taking me to some kind of autograph session for Friendly Junction at either a mall or department store somewhere in Columbus. I think it was an autographed picture or something like that.

. . . I do remember the lyrics . . . if that will help . . .here are the lyrics to "Have A Nice Day:" "

"Today's a nice day to something nice for somebody,

It makes you feel good from your head down to your toes,

Happiness you know, is something you can share,

So give a grin to someone near and show him that you care,

Today's a nice day to lend a helping hand to somebody,

To start the right way put a smile upon your face,

To make your day worthwhile, just start each morning with a great big smile,

have a nice day. Have a nice day . . .

- - - musical interlude - - -

Haaaave a smile at everybody 'cause it doesn't cost a dime,

We'd sing another chorus but we haven't got the TIME,

Have a nice day!"

Comments from another fan . . .

"My children watched Friendly Junction and really enjoyed it. I
don't remember much about it except for the songs that Leslie
sang for almost every show. We even bought a record (a 45!)so
the kids could sing along and do the motions. One song is "Have
a Nice Day", which I believe was her theme song. My kids also
loved the "Numbers Song" which had motions to go with each number
up to ten. I'm a teacher and have been hoping to find a
recording of those two songs to use in my classroom. The record
is so scratched it's unusable. Any help would be appreciated."

-- Heather Schmidt

We're looking for additional material on Friendly Junction, and we have lots of questions:

Was Friendly Junction a 30-minute, or a 60-minute show?
Was there a studio audience of kids?
Did Luci's puppets (Dragon, Wonder Witch, Stanley Mouse, etc.) appear regularly on the show?
Did Friendly Junction have its own group of puppet characters, unique from those on Luci's Toyshop?
How long did Friendly Junction last on WBNS-TV, before its cancellation?

If you remember Friendly Junction, and have information on the show's stars and characters, photos, or other verifiable information, please email us.

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