Clellan Card’s Beloved Kids Show: “Axel and his Dog”

Explore the heartwarming tale of Minnesota’s Clellan Card and his iconic show ‘Axel and His Dog,’ where personal tragedy transforms into a legacy of joy for generations of children.

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Quick Summary

Explore the inspiring journey of Clellan Card, the heart behind ‘Axel and His Dog.’

• The Life of Clellan Card: Discover Card’s early broadcasting career and the personal tragedies that shaped his path.
• The Magic of ‘Axel and His Dog’: Dive into the creative process, memorable characters, and innovative concepts that made the show a Minnesota treasure.
• Legacy and Impact: Reflect on the show’s immense popularity, Card’s enduring legacy, and his posthumous recognition in the world of broadcasting at the Pavek Museum in St. Louis Park, MN.

Clellan Card’s Axel and his Dog

Imagine a small, dimly lit room at WCCO-TV, just moments before the first broadcast of ‘Axel and His Dog.’ There stands Clellan Card, better known as Axel, gazing into the mirror. His engineer’s cap sits a little askew, the brim sticking straight up, casting a shadow over his eyes. In this solitary moment, the weight of his personal tragedies—the loss of his two beloved sons—lingers heavily in his heart. But as the stage manager counts down, Axel takes a deep breath. He brushes his mustache, adjusts his quirky suspenders, and steps into the bright studio lights. With a heart full of pain yet eyes sparkling with determination, he transforms his sorrow into a beacon of joy. In that moment, Axel isn’t just a man in a costume; he’s a vessel of laughter and escape for countless children who are about to meet their new television friend.

Today, we’re diving into a nostalgic journey, exploring the legacy of a beloved Minnesota television icon, Clellan Card. Known affectionately to many as Axel Torgeson, Card brought joy and laughter to countless viewers through his classic children’s show, ‘Axel and His Dog.’

Hi, I’m Kitty! Even though I’m too young to have watched the Axel show, growing up in Minnesota, my parents, aunts and uncles all loved tuning in. I thought it’d be fun to share this little slice of Minnesota nice with you today.

Clellan Card: The Early Years

Clellan Card was born on June 24, 1903, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Growing up in the Twin Cities, he was a familiar face and voice that resonated with local audiences. His early life took a brief detour to Rutgers College in New Jersey, but by 1926, Card found his way back to Minnesota, setting the stage for a remarkable career in broadcasting.

Card’s journey into the world of broadcasting began modestly. His first gig? Doing voice work for a fishing tackle commercial. Little did he know, this was just the beginning of an influential career that would leave a lasting imprint on Minnesota’s television landscape.

Family Life and Personal Tragedy

Clellan Card’s personal life was both joyous and marked by profound tragedy. He married Marion Satterlee in 1928, and together they welcomed three sons: Clellan Peter in 1929, John Brooke in 1934, and Michael Satterlee in 1939. However, the early 1950s brought unimaginable loss to Card. In 1952, his eldest son, Peter, tragically passed away in an Air Force training crash in Texas. Merely months later, in 1953, another devastating blow struck when his son John died in a car accident in Minneapolis.

Pivoting to Children’s Entertainment

It’s believed by those who knew him that these personal losses deeply impacted Card, influencing his decision to dedicate his broadcast talents to children. This period of his life marks the emergence of the Axel character, a whimsical ‘Scandihoovian’ that he created in the late 1930s on WCCO AM’s ‘Almanac of the Air.’ Axel wasn’t just a character; he was a channel through which Card connected with and brought joy to young audiences.

Despite his personal heartaches, Card’s Axel character became a beacon of happiness and laughter for children. With ‘Axel and His Dog,’ Card created not just a show, but a legacy that would endear him to generations of Minnesotans.

The Birth of a Classic Show

August 5, 1954, marked a significant milestone in Minnesota’s television history. It was the day ‘Axel and His Dog’ first aired, bringing with it a wave of joy and entertainment that would captivate audiences for years to come. The show was a collaborative effort, featuring notable local talents. Donald Stolz, the founder of the Old Log Theater, brought life to Towser, the dog, and later introduced Tallulah the cat. Mary Davies, a local singer and entertainer, played Carmen the Nurse, adding to the show’s charm.

Innovative Broadcasting

October 1954 brought another landmark moment for ‘Axel and His Dog.’ The show became the first local program in the Twin Cities to be broadcast in color. This was done using an experimental system, showcasing WCCO’s commitment to innovation and setting ‘Axel and His Dog’ apart from other shows of its time.

‘Axel and His Dog’ wasn’t just a children’s show; it was a trendsetter in the broadcasting world. The transition to color broadcasting was a significant step in television history, and ‘Axel and His Dog’ was at the forefront of this technological leap in the Twin Cities.

The Creative Process Behind the Show

In the summer of 1954, Clellan Card, along with Donald Stolz and director Harry Jones, brainstormed the concept of ‘Axel and His Dog.’ Understanding the importance of visuals in television, they meticulously crafted the show’s aesthetic. Axel’s costume was a masterpiece of simplicity yet unforgettable. Picture this: a train engineer’s cap, a bushy mustache, a T-shirt with bold black and white stripes, olive-green khakis, and a long rope belt. This ensemble made Axel a character straight out of classic comedy, unforgettable and endearing.

Axel’s Magic Spyglass

A key element of Axel’s charm was his magic spyglass. To a child’s eye, it was just two cardboard tubes, but in Axel’s world, it was a powerful telescope. He played up its ‘modern technology,’ humorously increasing its ‘candlepower’ to see farther, even claiming to see around the world. This spyglass wasn’t just a prop; it was a gateway to new adventures, leading viewers into cartoons, short films, or commercials.

The Unseen Towser the Dog

The show’s innovative approach extended to Towser, Axel’s loyal dog, who remained unseen except for a giant mottled brown paw. Director Jones believed in the power of imagination, so Towser, voiced by Don Stolz, became a vivid, integral character, communicating through an array of expressive sounds. This creative choice made Towser an endearing and mysterious presence on the show.

Axel’s Treehouse: A Refuge of Imagination

Director Jones envisioned Axel’s antics unfolding in a ramshackle treehouse, an ideal blend of reality and fantasy. This setting was a perfect refuge for children, a clubhouse where everyone with a TV could join. Axel’s Treehouse, far from the grown-up world, was the epitome of childhood dreams.

A Show Without a Studio Audience

Unique to ‘Axel and His Dog’ was its lack of a studio audience. The creators believed that seeing the show in person would break the magical illusion. This choice preserved the show’s enchantment and mystery, especially keeping Towser’s true identity hidden.

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The Live Broadcast: Memorable Moments and Mischief

The show’s first broadcast on August 5, 1954, was an adventure in itself. Without a proper script and relying on ad-libbing, Axel read viewer-submitted jokes live. This spontaneous format led to unexpected, often humorous situations, contributing to the show’s authentic charm.

From hungover puppets to mischievous advice, Axel’s show had its share of memorable and sometimes controversial moments. These instances reflected the show’s live, unpredictable nature, endearing Axel and his companions to viewers even more.

Surpassing the Competition

By January 1959, ‘Axel and His Dog’ had achieved an extraordinary feat. Its ratings were nearly triple those of its nearest competitor, the nationally popular ‘American Bandstand.’ This staggering success showcased the deep connection Axel had forged with his audience in Minnesota and beyond.

A testament to the show’s immense popularity was a live event at Excelsior Amusement Park on Lake Minnetonka in 1958. An astounding 12,000 fans gathered, celebrating the joy and community spirit that ‘Axel and His Dog’ inspired. This event was more than just a gathering; it was a vivid illustration of the show’s impact on its viewers.

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Honoring a Broadcasting Legend

In 1966, Minnesota lost a beloved icon when Clellan Card passed away. The news of his death was delivered on-air by Mary Davies, who played Carmen the Nurse. This moment was not only a tribute to Card’s legacy but also a shared moment of grief and reflection for the countless viewers who had welcomed him into their homes.

In the wake of Card’s passing, a memorial fund was established, raising $5,600 in just two months. Remarkably, about half of this amount came from children, in small donations of coins. This outpouring of love from the youngest fans was a poignant reminder of the special place Axel held in their hearts.

Clellan Card’s contributions to Minnesota broadcasting were formally recognized in 2002 when he was inducted into the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting‘s hall of fame for Minnesota broadcasters. This honor solidified his status as a pioneer and beloved figure in Minnesota’s broadcasting history.

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Closing Thoughts

As we wrap up our journey through the whimsical world of ‘Axel and His Dog,’ we’re reminded of the timeless magic that Clellan Card and his team created. Card’s story is a testament to the power of laughter and imagination. He turned a bushy mustache and a cardboard spyglass into a treasure trove of memories for countless children. And let’s not forget Towser, the unseen yet unforgettable dog who proved that sometimes what we can’t see is just as important as what we can.

So, in the spirit of Axel and his delightful shenanigans, let’s hold onto our own spyglasses—those lenses of joy and wonder—and keep looking for the extraordinary in the everyday. Who knows, maybe if we look hard enough, we can see all the way to Lake Minnetonka and catch a glimpse of that magical treehouse!

✅ Don’t miss out! Listen to today’s podcast episode, Clellan Card’s Beloved Kids Show: “Axel and his Dog” – where we go even deeper into this story. Remember, we release new episodes of Travel with Jack and Kitty every day! Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. 🎙️❤️

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