The Untold Story Of Frazier Thomas And Garfield Goose: 7 Secrets Of Chicago's Longest-Running Puppet Show

Few television personalities hold a place in Chicago's cultural memory quite like William Frazier Thomas, the kind-hearted "Prime Minister" to the mischievous Garfield Goose. For over two decades, the daily ritual of tuning into WGN-TV for Garfield Goose and Friends was a cornerstone of childhood, a gentle, educational, and often hilarious break from the school day. This iconic children's show, which began in the early 1950s, became one of the longest-running puppet programs in television history, setting a standard for local programming that remains unmatched even today, over 40 years after its final broadcast.

As of , the legacy of Frazier Thomas and his royal goose is being rediscovered by a new generation of nostalgia enthusiasts and historians. The show’s unique blend of sophisticated humor and simple puppet interaction, all centered on a goose who believed he was the rightful King of the United States, cemented its place in television lore. Beyond the castle set and the famous "Grand March," there are deeper stories about the man, the puppets, and the show's enduring impact on the city of Chicago.

Frazier Thomas: Biography of the Prime Minister

William Frazier Thomas was more than just a children’s show host; he was a respected broadcaster, writer, and a fixture of Chicago media for decades. His gentle demeanor and eloquent storytelling made him a trusted figure in millions of homes.

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• Full Name: William Frazier Thomas
• Born: June 13, 1918, in Pierceville, Indiana
• Early Career: Thomas began his career in radio and worked as a magician before transitioning to television. He created the Garfield Goose character in the late 1940s while working in Cincinnati.
• Chicago Television Debut: He brought Garfield Goose and Friends to Chicago in 1951, initially on WBKB and WBBM-TV, before moving to WGN-TV in 1955, where the show found its permanent home.
• Other Notable Roles: Besides his daily duties with Garfield Goose, Thomas was the beloved host of WGN’s long-running Sunday evening movie series, Family Classics, which he hosted for 23 years.
• Death: Frazier Thomas suffered a cerebral hemorrhage at the WGN studio on April 1, 1985, and passed away two days later on April 3, 1985, at the age of 66.

The Royal Court: A Deep Dive into Garfield's Puppet Friends

The success of the show rested entirely on Frazier Thomas's ability to converse with a cast of puppets who never spoke back, instead communicating through gestures, bill-clacking, and the occasional written note. This unique format required Thomas to do all the talking, voicing both his character and interpreting the puppets’ silent actions. The masterful puppetry was handled by Roy Brown, who also worked on Bozo's Circus.

Garfield Goose (King of the United States)

Garfield Goose, known affectionately as "Gar," was the star of the show and the self-proclaimed King of the United States. His character was defined by a perpetually mischievous and often grumpy temperament, frequently expressed by the clacking of his bill. He resided in a small castle on the set, surrounded by a court of other memorable characters.

Romberg Rabbit

Romberg Rabbit was one of the most popular characters, often portrayed as a fast-talking, energetic foil to Garfield's royalty. He was known for his long ears and his constant, silent attempts to one-up the King. He even had a girlfriend, a rabbit named Mrs. Romberg Rabbit.

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Beauregard Burnside III

Beauregard Burnside III, or "Beau," was the sleepy bloodhound of the court. His main characteristic was his constant state of slumber, often seen nodding off during the on-screen action. His presence added a layer of gentle, slow-paced humor to the fast-moving segments.

Mackintosh Mouse and Chris Goose

The royal court was rounded out by Mackintosh Mouse, a small, often overlooked character, and Chris Goose, Garfield's nephew. Chris Goose was introduced as the heir apparent to the kingdom, adding a youthful dynamic to the set. Other minor entities included Mama Goose and Ally Gator, demonstrating the show's deep roster of characters.

The Enduring Legacy and the Current Status of the Puppets

The original run of Garfield Goose and Friends ended in 1976, though the puppet segments continued to appear as part of Bozo’s Circus until 1981. The show’s impact on Chicago’s media landscape and the collective memory of the "Baby Boomer" generation is immense. It was a wholesome, educational, and imaginative alternative to the increasingly commercialized children's programming of the era.

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The Castle and the Grand March

The entire show was famously filmed on a single set: the front of Garfield’s “castle.” This simple backdrop served as the stage for all the action, where Frazier Thomas would sit and interact with the puppets. Each episode concluded with the "Grand March," a segment where children in the studio audience would file out to the tune of a festive march, a beloved ritual for every young Chicagoan.

Where are Garfield Goose and Friends Today? (The Latest Update)

For those who grew up watching the show, the most frequent question is what became of the beloved King and his court. This is where the story gets its modern update. The original, iconic puppets—including Garfield Goose, Romberg Rabbit, and Beauregard Burnside III—are not lost to history. Instead, they are carefully preserved and displayed for the public.

The original Garfield Goose and Friends puppets are currently encased and on permanent display at the Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC) in Chicago. This exhibit allows fans to see the actual props that brought the fantasy to life, offering a tangible connection to the golden age of Chicago children's television. The display is a tribute not only to the characters but also to the genius of Frazier Thomas and the puppetry of Roy Brown.

The Family Classics Connection

It is impossible to discuss Frazier Thomas without mentioning Family Classics. Thomas's dual role—hosting a daily children's puppet show and a sophisticated Sunday night movie series—showcased his versatility. He would introduce classic films like The Wizard of Oz or The Ten Commandments with a gentle, scholarly reverence, often providing historical context and moral lessons. This program, which celebrated its 60th anniversary recently, solidified Thomas's reputation as a thoughtful and ethical broadcaster, a "prime minister" of good taste for the entire family.

The legacy of Frazier Thomas and Garfield Goose is a powerful reminder of a time when local television was deeply personal and anchored by charismatic, trustworthy hosts. The King and his Prime Minister may be off the air, but their castle, their friends, and their gentle humor remain a treasured part of American broadcast history, now preserved for all to see in the heart of Chicago.