When Mr. Dressup came to town

Picture this. The school bus wheels screech to a halt. The sound of feet as they stomp down the aisle. The door swings open to set you free from the day’s events.

As you enter your house you grab a nutritious snack, possibly some milk and cookies. Then you settle in, turn on the television for some wholesome entertainment, and visit your friends Casey and Finnegan on the childhood favourite, Mr. Dressup.

Ernie Coombs was originally from Lewiston, Maine, but became an icon here in Canada during his days as Mr. Dressup. As you welcomed Mr. Dressup into your home, it became apparent that it was not about non-stop action, in-your-face graphics, or loud noises to garner attention. Mr. Dressup actively engaged his viewers in activities to inspire them to think, be creative, and grow as people.

Although Mr. Dressup educated and entertained children on the small screen, Ernie Coombs did travelling shows in many locales, including Sault Ste. Marie on a number of occasions.

In May of 1973, the Samuel Kleiman Chapter of Hadassah, organized appearances of the beloved icon at three schools, including Anna McCrea, what was known as St. Bernadette’s, and H.M. Robbins. Of which “Twelve hundred youngsters and parents crowded into the auditoriums of the three schools,” (Sault Star, May 10, 1973).

In his appearances, Mr. Dressup proved to be a versatile performer who “[was] a clown, a pirate, a magician, a pantomimist…in short, tremendously exciting to children” (Sault Star, May 10, 1973), stated one of the organizers. Having received such high praise, it is no wonder why Ernie Coombs and his “repertoire of characters, songs, and stories created from his Tickle Trunk” (Sault Star, April 27, 1973), were invited back to multiple events over the years that followed.

Two of the characters that made an impression on viewers, both of the television program and the live events, were the aforementioned Casey and Finnegan. So much so, that in the spring of 1991 the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) arranged a farewell tour, including a stop at Korah Collegiate on April 7, 1991.

For many, Casey and Finnegan were synonymous with Mr. Dressup, as they were mainstays on the program. As difficult as it was for viewers to see them go, after welcoming them into their lives, Casey and Finnegan made way for a new group of friends, including “Chester the Crow, Truffles, and Annie and Grannie” (March 12, 1991). Despite their popularity, their creator and the voice of Casey, Judith Lawrence, decided to step away from the show and focus on other pursuits.

Between shows at Korah Collegiate, Mr. Coombs, a consummate family man, made a comparison between the retirement of Casey and Finnegan to that of his own children. 

“I went through that with my own kids and now I’m going through it with Casey and Finnegan. You have to untie the knot sometime,” he said. (April 8, 1991, Sault Star).

It was clear that Mr. Dressup looked at these characters and the situation as a rite of passage. Coombs was excited to explore the possibilities with the new crop of personalities, while Casey, Finnegan, and Ms. Lawrence were able to do the same.

Ernie Coombs was as genuine and revelled in his opportunity to entertain children through the years as his alter ego, Mr. Dressup.

“The kids are a beautiful audience. They’ve known me as a friend for a number of years," he said. "When I’m in a strange city, I don’t have to worry about first winning them over” (May 12, 1980).

Mr. Coombs had a wonderful career as Mr. Dressup, entertaining children and parents alike over two decades. Mr. Dressup was versatile, not only in the way he entertained his audience but also in how he adjusted to the audience’s needs as time went on, which made him relevant for so long.

“The audiences have changed over the years, but the same things make them happy,” he said. (May 12, 1980)

This speaks volumes about his character and why so many remember their childhood Mr. Dressup with such fondness.

As it turns out, what truly came out of that magical Tickle Trunk was memories filled with happiness. Thank you Mr. Dressup!