When I was a kid two of my favorite cartoon show hosts were Captain Sacto and Skipper Stu. Sacramento's station KCRA showed Crusader Rabbit cartoons, among others, and the handsome Captain Sacto had this stirring opening:
"Captain Sacto to control tower, tell all the boys and girls I'm coming in!" America had entered the space age. I wasn't the only one in first grade who dreamed of becoming an astronaut. When playing outdoors with my buddies, Jackie, Terrie and Clifford, all play would stop when a jet flew overhead. What secret mission was the pilot on? Had he detected a Russian fighter jet over California airspace? Was it Captain Sacto in that jet!
A friend's mom got us into KCRA's studio for her son's birthday celebration. My parents told me I was struck dumb when Skipper Stu waved a microphone in my face. He asked my name and what school I attended. I recall only bright lights and cameramen everywhere. Good grief, how could I speak in the presence of my two idols?
These men are both gone now. Captain Sacto was Harry Martin in real life. When I was five years old I would have told you that my Daddy resembled him:
