I just came across your web site when I was searching for something about Anita Cleaver, the host of the old TV show on weekday mornings in Philadelphia, "The World Around Us". I was a contestant on the show in June of 1970 (I was 11 years old). I've got a picture of myself with Anita Cleaver at the show.

It's not easy to remember much about something that happened 39 years ago, even something as exciting as appearing on television! I do remember that there were 2 other kids on with me, and one kid won all the games (it wasn't me). I think the theme of the show when I was on was "William Shakespeare". The shows used to have themes that they would talk about and base the games on for that day (I don't remember any other theme they ever had on any other show).

I was trying to remember what I won, 'consolation prizes', for being on the show. I'm not sure but I think one thing was a box of Razzles (remember those?) And I think I also got a Mattel Whizzer. As a matter of fact, I think I still have it around somewhere! Now I'll have to go hunting for it. I wonder if it still works? (I still have a lot of my old toys. Some of them would be extremely valuable now -- if only they were still in working condition.) And I'm pretty sure there was a third thing I got too, but I can't remember at all what that was.

This was before people had VCR's but my mother did make a tape recording of the audio of the show. But even if I could find a working tape recorder that could play it (it wasn't even a cassette; it was a reel-to-reel tape), I don't think there's any hope of ever finding that tape.

Above is the picture of me and the host, Anita Cleaver. I am surprised there isn't more about her and this show on the internet! It was a very popular Philadelphia kids' show at the time, in the 1960's and into the early 70's. - Rick Kephart

06/04/2010 ... I, too was on the show in the late 60's. In fact, the day I was on, was my birthday. I remembered being asked; at what age should people be allowed to vote. I said 16, because they can drive then. I also remember being given a bag of penny candy at the end of the show.

I know there were a regular bunch of actors who worked with Anita but my greatest memory of the show was the prize I won. There were all questions of TV and I won first place which was a portable television. I was in the 9th grade at the time and this was a big prize for me.

I also remember, it took a long time to wait to be on the show. My brother went on a year or two later and all he won was a Bonzai tree and some sort of candy.

After the show, I got to meet Sally Starr, who was on the way to her show. It was a good show for children, I watched the show every day. I am glad, someone remembers the show, like me. - Rick Goucher