100 years ago today, on Monday, February 20, 1911 children’s TV host Paul Tripp was born in New York City.
Of course, Tripp was much more than simply a “children’s TV host.” He was also an actor, author, musician, and educator.
A cherished possession I have saved for 45 years; an “autographed” photo of Paul Tripp from “Birthday House.”
It was Paul Tripp’s work with children that got him and his wife, Ruth Enders Tripp, noticed by TV producers. That eventually landed Tripp a job as “Mr. I Magination” on CBS, Sunday nights from 1949 until 1952.
Tripp and his wife Ruth then hosted a CBS morning show for kids called, “On The Carousel” from 1954 to 1959. During that time Paul Tripp also hosted a summer series for CBS on Sunday nights in 1955 called, “It’s Magic.”
But I best remember Paul Tripp as the host of “Birthday House” on WNBC in New York, from 1963 to 1967. It was a kid’s show, broadcast each morning that was really just one big birthday party.
For others Tripp may be best remembered as the author and creator of “Tubby the Tuba,” a children’s song from the 1940s.
Paul Tripp died in his native New York City on August 29, 2002 at the age of 91. Today I honor the 100th anniversary of his birth simply because he gave me joy when I was a child, and I’m certain he made millions of other children happy as well.
Interestingly, while watching a clip of “Birthday House” this week it made me think of my late mother.
Thank you Paul… and Happy Birthday.
Raised by TV 
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