From Avi, 12/22/04:
HI Karen,
Thank you for your site.
I was born in Des Moines in 1960, and lived there until 1975. Of course, watching Floppy is still one of my great memories of my early childhood. I attended the afternoon show twice in the mid-sixties, once for a friend's birthday and once for mine. The noon show was never the same to me. It was in the days before Duane did most of the hosting, as I remember floppy came out of a door in a wall, and there was a hostess during most of the show.
The highlight was during the riddle time. They had big cardboard, or maybe particle board, question marks, and this was given to the kids who were going to ask riddles. I got to ask one on my birthday, but I don't remember what I said, and I think I might have frozen. The big question of that era was "What is the biggest pencil in the world? Pennsylvania" That riddle was surpassed by "Why did the man put his car in the oven?" around the late sixties, in fact I would say that you can tell the age of someone from Des Moines by which Floppy riddle he remembers as the most popular.
Along with the question marks, they also had big signs with the pictures of the cartoon character, and instead of saying here is Touche Turtle, they would pan the audience to the lucky kid holding the sign.
The other highlight of the show was to go up to Floppy and beep his nose.
When the show was over they gave out a grocery bag to each kid with Highland Potato Chips, Wonder Bread, Mountain Dew, and other stuff I think including a picture -- it was treasure.
They did a really good job of keeping the kids at ease, but this was made easier because if you got to go to the show you made sure you were on your best behavior, and that is Midwestern 1960's behavior.
Over the years, often when I run into fellow Iowans we talk about Floppy. It really is a touchstone, because as corny as it was, there was something genuine about it.
From Toby KID:
Fun to see your site. I was a huge fan growing up. Eventually was hired by Duane to "open" for him at Floppy at the Fair and on some other personal appearances. Was traveling with a circus in Europe when Duane passed. He gave a young dreamer many miles of chat and a few welcomed meals.
Thanks to Duane's help, I've never had a day job. His advice which differed from EVERYONE else, gave me the knowledge and connections to pursue a career as family entertainer. Floppy told me many times, "It can be done."
From Carl, 4/5/04:
I know that show was aired sometime between fall 1979 and spring 1982, as I watched it as a college student atIowa State. A large gathering of students watched Floppy every afternoon in the Memorial Union TV lounge. Normally amused, this day all were spellbound and in awe as the Ten Rules were delivered. One of those peak moments in life, definitely!
Cheers,
Carl
From Carl, 4/5/04:
Hi Karen,
For many years since sometime around 1980, I have treasured what I could remember of Floppy's Ten Rules. But now I only remember four of them. Last night it occurred to me that if these could be found anywhere, it would be somewhere on the Internet. Which, via Google, led me to your site.
Do you remember these? Do you know of any sort of Floppy Forum where I could enquire? Here are the four I remember, verbatim:
Eat good food to get some health.
Be quiet in the evening because your mother needs her rest.
Don't laugh when your father hammers his thumb.
Look both ways at cars which are driving.
Oh, how much easier life would be if I could remember the other sixJ!
Cheers, and thank you for the wonderful site! I live in Seattlenow, but next time I'm inDes Moines, I'm off to the Historical Society to see Floppy!
Carl
