Rusty Nails' Cartoons

Rusty Nails' Cartoons
?-July 31, 1967 - September 1, 1972

Jim Allen, better known to Northwest children as "Rusty Nails," had a long television career in Portland, beginning in 1957.

He first appeared on KOIN(6) as "Rusty the Clown," but within a year had a weekend show on KPTV (see Rusty's Hour). After that program ran its course, Rusty showed up as host for The Three Stooges show, which ran weekday afternoons on KPTV. In 1962, the clown show moved over to cross-town rival KATU(2), where it enjoyed a five-year run as Rusty Nails' Cartoonival.

In the summer of 1967, Rusty returned to KPTV, with this noontime entry, featuring the clown humor, jokes and children in the audience that Rusty had used to establish himself as a TV fixture.

The show ended in 1972, outlasted only by Ramblin' Rod in the race for longest running Portland cartoon show. Rusty Nails went on to host KPTV's Kids' Comedy Theater on Saturday mornings.

Not just a clown, Rusty could sing and play the piano, too!

Not every circus clown has the personality to host a daily TV
show, but Rusty's charms proved irresistible to children of all
ages.

Gentle and unassuming, Rusty's rapport with young children
was obvious, just by the expressions on their faces.

Two views of Rusty, in his element in any situation from music to mallets.

Rusty and friend make the pitch for loyal sponsor Alpenrose
Dairy. Rusty could often be seen live, performing at the local
dairy.

An early 1970s handbill advertising Rusty's
very popular program.

In 1989, Rusty made a special appearance at Ramblin' Rod's
25th Anniversary Party at Oak's Park.

Rusty Nails' Cartoons BROADCAST HISTORY

JUL 1967 - SEP 1968: MON-FRI 12:00PM-1:00PM
OCT 1970 - : MON-FRI 9:00AM-10:00AM
JUL 1971 - : MON-FRI 9:00AM-10:00AM
DEC 1971 - : MON-FRI 9:00AM-10:00AM
DEC 1971 - : SAT 8:30AM-9:00AM
- SEP 1972: MON-FRI 9:00AM-10:00AM

This page last updated on August 24, 2025

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