Local Legends presents

For ten years, between 1966 to 1976, Miss Mary Ann was the pre-school teacher of choice for many Los Angeles children. Running KCOP-TV's "Romper Room", Miss Mary Ann engaged children with imaginative games, stories and songs, along with positive life lessons.

Miss Mary Ann explained safety lessons by having her young viewers turn on their pretend sirens and answer emergency calls in their "safety chief cars". Children who appeared on the show were guest students and along with the at home viewers, learned of many places and things by galloping around on their stick horses. But probably the two most cherished things (besides Miss Mary Ann!) that a "graduate" of Romper Room would remember would be her "magic mirror" and "Do Bee". Were you a "Do Bee" or a "Don't Bee"? I'm sure if you watched Miss Mary Ann you are all "Do Bees" having learned manners and conduct.

Whether you were a "Do Bee" or a "Don't Bee", by the end of each show you would have a chance for Miss Mary Ann to see you, as she would peer through her magic mirror, and into the homes of her viewers, calling you by name. Romper Room was a syndicated show, with major cities having their own personal teacher. To qualify to be a Romper room teacher you had to attend a six-week training course in Philadelphia.

Mary Ann King, who still resides in California, has never stopped teaching and being an influence to young people as a teacher/administrator for an Occupational Program. Among the many things she now teaches you can include, Retail Sales and Fashion Modeling Instructor, Site Supervision, and Public Relations Director and a School to Career Facilitator.

In person, Ms. King is even more delightful than she was on television. An astute woman, I found her to be very charming and generous. She is a positive influence wherever she goes and with so many students in her class, she'll always be welcome.

We not only have a great teacher in Miss Mary Ann King but a friend too.

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