Comments on: Yukon King, Dog Star of “Sgt. Preston of the Yukon”

By: Kate Kelly

Kate Kelly — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 15:59:36 +0000

I love what you’ve written. You are so right. When people had to imagine radio characters or people in books, it was a plus for our minds. Even today, when I’ve read a book, I often don’t want to see the movie because it would change how I envision it.
Good luck with your book…it sounds very interesting!

By: Rob Taylor

Rob Taylor — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 03:19:54 +0000

I was born in Aug of 1957 at Camp Irwin Ca. but when dad was discharged him mom went back home to Detroit.
I was fortunate to grow up in a home that when I went to bed at night (and the Tigers and the Redwings were not on) I would have my record player play this show, the Lone Ranger and the Green Hornet there was an episode on each and if I was lucky, I would be able to sneak out of bed flip the record over and enjoy another adventure.
I think a problem that people have (especially with TV) is that these radio adventures as also books help with the imagination of as you create what thigs look like not what the director presents.
I am currently working on a book of the golden age of Detroit radio, from the Big Bands and Serials to am rock and roll stations and PBS radio and one of my favorites Captain Jay Roberts an overnight DJ playing easy listening as he took Night Flight 760 to some far away location

By: Kate Kelly

Kate Kelly — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:07:42 +0000

In reply to Karen Furnweger.

This is a fabulous memory of how a TV show inspired play. It would have been fun. And yes,

I was so excited to find the trainer. His wife was still living at the time I wrote the article. I printed it out and mailed it to her. I hope she enjoyed it. She was in her 90s, and I feared a call might be a jolt…

By: Karen Furnweger

Karen Furnweger — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 23:48:41 +0000

I laughed out loud about using “thirteen” for “action” or the dog team would take off like a rocket! Every time I hear Emil Nikolaus von Reznicek’s “Donna Diana Overture” on WFMT, Chicago’s classical music station, I think of Sgt. Preston and the fabulous King. Also inspired by the Sunday-night series, “The Alaskans,” with my then-favorite actress, Dorothy Provine, my girlfriend and I, and our dolls, would play Yukon on my back porch, using a beach chaise–bright red canvas!–as our dog sled. It got increasingly realistic in fall in the enclosed but unheated space. Thanks for this well-researched and thoughtful account of one of my childhood favorite TV series. The backstory about the trainers and training is invaluable. And Dick Simmons was handsome, but King was handsomer still!

By: Kate Kelly

Kate Kelly — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 20:54:45 +0000

In reply to Debbie Pole. It was a great show! Thanks for commenting. Kate

By: Debbie Pole

Debbie Pole — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 13:54:01 +0000

I loved Yukon King!!

By: Kate Kelly

Kate Kelly — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:50:14 +0000

In reply to Jack M Baskin. It's wonderful that you were a radio fan before the TV show. I loved uncovering this story! Thanks for posting.

By: Jack M Baskin

Jack M Baskin — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 02:00:36 +0000

Used to listen to Sgt Preston of the Yukon before it went on TV, then watched it on TV when we finally got a reflector set up in the area so folks could see 3 channels out of Spokane. Really enjoyed both the radio program and the TV show. “On King, Mush you Huskies”.

By: Kate Kelly

Kate Kelly — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 20:53:55 +0000

In reply to Jon Balch.

That sounds like such a fun find. In doing a quick Internet search, I see that there are Yukon King collectibles for sale on Etsy as well as eBay. If you or a friend ever sells online, it looks as if some things go for good prices. But if that sounds like a hassle, then maybe choose one of dealers and approach them to represent you?

Was the estate in Colorado? I’m just curious since it was unusual to have filming take place there. Did any of the photos show the dog trainer, Beverly Allen? I would be very interested in having a photo like that to add to my article.

Thanks for being in touch…it’s always fun to hear about these things! Good luck.

By: Jon Balch

Jon Balch — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 20:42:35 +0000

Hi there, my name is Jon Balch and I have recently acquired a collection of Dick Simmons/Sergeant Preston. There are authenticated signed prints. I have the dog cards and a set of 36 of the other cards. There are actual photographs of the film crew,actors and dog sleds on site. They are dated 1957. I acquired this collection while cleaning out an Estate. I am wondering if there are any collectors out there that would be interested in this collection. Honestly I am not sure if this is the right place. But I thought you could help.

Thank You.
Jon Balch