James Francis "Jimmy" Durante, star of radio, TV and films was one
of  most familiar and popular comedians of the 1920s through the
1970s. He died on January 29, 1980 at the age of 86.

   
                                            “Inka Dinka Doo”

  
Ding Dong School with Miss Francis(Dr. Frances Horwich) was one of the first children’s TV shows in the early 1950’s.  It was before Romper Room, Mr. Rogers and even before Sesame Street. The show was a half-hour production that originated from the studios of WMAQ-TV in Chicago. It aired live on NBC weekdays from November, 1952 to 1956. At one point is was the most popular pre-school series. Those were the simple days! 
      



Miss Frances on the set during the show.