New Rochelle in Westchester County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Buffalo Bob Smith
(1917 - 1998)
Say kids, what time is it? It's Howdy Doody Time!
| | New Rochelle Walk of Fame | |
Buffalo Bob Smith was the creator and host of the pioneering children's program The Howdy Doody Show. Howdy Doody, an affable freckle-faced puppet, lived in Doodyville, USA along with his friends Mr. Bluster, Dilly-Dally, the Flub-a-dub (puppets) and Clarabell the Clown, Princess Summer fall Winter spring and Chief Tunderthud (actors). The show played before a live audience of children who sat in the Peanut Gallery. It ran on NBC TV from 1947 to 1960 and was a favorite among today's baby boomers.
Born Robert Emil Schmidt in Buffalo, New York, Buffalo Bob was a talented musician who at 17 was invited to join the act of singer Kate "God Bless America" Smith, serving as both pianist and master of ceremonies. Before finding Fame with The Howdy Doody Show, Smith created Triple B Ranch, a children's radio program that voiced a character named Elmer who frequently said "howdy doody." Elmer's favorite phrase was to become the name of TV's red-haired, freckle-faced marionette, Howdy Doody.
In 1946, Buffalo Bob Smith moved to 195 Paine Avenue in New Rochelle. In 1949, he began broadcasting an early-morning radio talk show
this page online
Buffalo Bob took an active interest in his community and was a familiar figure around town. His children went to Roosevelt School and he would make appearances at schools and civic events. He owned a liquor store in Wykagyl and was made an honorary member of the New Rochelle Police Association. He died in Hendersonville, North Carolina in 1998.
Erected by City of New Rochelle, NY; New Rochelle Downtown Business District.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.
Location. 40° 54.625′ N, 73° 46.971′ W. Marker is in New Rochelle, New York, in Westchester County. It is at the intersection of Library Plaza and Lawton Street on Library Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle NY 10801, United States of America.
Regionally, this marker is in the Hudson Valley and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Teresa Brewer (here, next to this marker); Jan Peerce (here, next to this marker); Irene Castle (here, next to this marker); Eddie Foy and the Seven Little Foys (here, next to this marker); Joseph Campbell (here, next to this marker); E. L. Doctorow (here, next to this marker); Alex Raymond (here, next to this marker); Mighty Mouse (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Rochelle.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 373 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 21, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
