Ernie Mims

{{Short description|American television broadcaster (1932–2019)}}

Ernest Christopher Memos (October 28, 1932 – July 14, 2019) was an American television broadcaster known by his stage name Ernie Mims. He hosted the WOC-TV children's show Cap'n Ernie's Show Boat from 1964 to 1974.The Palimpsest, Iowa State Historical Dept., Division of the State Historical Society, volume 75 (1994)

Life and career

Mims grew up in Nashua, New Hampshire and served as a trumpet player in the United States Air Force Band. His first broadcasting job was at WQUB radio in Galesburg, Illinois, and he adopted his stage name there. He moved to WOC-TV and performed several on-air duties. His first cartoon show aired on Sundays, and he played Uncle Ernie, the station's janitor.

Mims took over the Show Boat hosting duties following runs by Cap'n Ken Wagner, Cap'n Verne Gielow and Cap'n Don Warren.Hollis, Tim (2001). Hi There, Boys and Girls! America's Local Children's TV Shows. Univ. Press of Mississippi, {{ISBN|978-1-57806-396-3}} The show featured cartoons intercut with segments on his riverboat the Dixie Belle, where Cap'n Ernie would chat with his puppet friend Sidney (voiced and animated by Craig Frogley), would give away prizes from his treasure chest, or interact with the children in the audience. The show ran until August 1974.Stein, Jeff (2004). Making Waves: The People and Places of Iowa Broadcasting. WDG Communications, {{ISBN|978-0-9718323-1-2}} None of the 2,600 live episodes were archived.

References

External links

[https://archive.today/20130415035730/http://www.iptv.org/video/detail.cfm/6909/tvi_20100314_captain_ernies_showboat_preview Captain Ernie’s Showboat] (March 14, 2010), on TV Iowans Grew Up On, Iowa Public Television

Category:1932 births

Category:2019 deaths

Category:American television personalities

Category:American children's television presenters

Category:People from Nashua, New Hampshire

Category:Military personnel from New Hampshire

Category:United States Air Force Band musicians