Puttnam's Prairie Emporium

If you're Canadian, you probably know far too well our country's dismal performance at making TV shows, and understandably ignore whatever comes by. Had I heard of this show at the time it was originally released, I would have ignored it, more so because it was a "kids show". I only happened to come across it years later as an adult, as I was flipping channels. For some reason I paused my channel flipping when I got to YTV (Canada's version of Nickelodeon) and I started watching this show.

Within seconds, I discovered this was no ordinary Canadian show - in fact, it was no ordinary kids show. Though the show was ostensibly aimed at the younger set (child characters, a theme in every episode that was educational or a "life lesson"), it was written in a way that adults would enjoy as well. And the writing was often extremely twisted and bizarre (in a good way). For example, one episode involving the cat (a puppet) created the situation where the puppeteer had to go away for some reason. So the cat explained to the human characters that the puppeteer had propped him up inside with a pole, explaining why he'd have to spend the rest of the episode upright, stiff, and somehow talking without moving his mouth!

It was an extremely funny show, but also warm and touching at times, with characters (human and puppets) that you really cared about, and who cared about each other. It's a real shame that the show ran so quietly for two seasons (I think) before ending. Unfortunately, given the show's short run (meaning a limited number of episodes) and its age, there's a strong likelihood that the show will never be broadcast again. Though if it somehow reaches the air again - tape it!

This was a really cool show... one of the best of my childhood. to this day i still hum the theme song and visualize the opening credits. Canadian television had some great stuff in the eighties. the sure don't make the shows like they used to. this show had great lessons and was entertaining. it was relatively simple - not special effects, devoid of graphics. Just a general store type setting, junk in the back ground and the actors. Hope it will one day be available on video. this show was well written and a good length - 30 minutes any longer and children may become restless. the show dealt with Canadian content which is much better than the American stuff that we are feeding our children today.

fond memories, I have been desperately trying to find this show, maybe trying to recapture my youth, I was luck enough to live in the states and managed to see this show. I used to look forward to the new episode every week. The cat was so funny. The lab in the closet I think it was the moose head on the wall.

The funny things I cannot remember a single episode. Al I can remember is loving this show. I used to see it right after You Can't do that on Television if I am remembering right. Is it weird to be 24 and want to watch a kids show again? If any one has videos of this show or a place i can download them please e-mail me Rob1781@aol.com. i am willing to pay

Although i don't much about it, it was a wonderful show, that i loved to watch every Saturday morning on CTV. I loved the setting of the old antique store that Grandpa Puttnam owned that all the strange adventures took place. I only wish it was still on because i'd love to see it again.

I was recently discussing memories of my youth with my sister, and I kept thinking of this show, but didn't remember the name, or any of the characters apart from a young boy and a grandfather, like someone before me said, I don't know anything about the show, just that I loved it. I now live in the UK and Puttnam's Prairie Emporium is one of the happy memories of the short time in spent in Canada. Of what I do remember is that the show was very educational and even more entertaining. I think the show was one of those programmes everyone watched but never talked about and unfortunately I don't think it was on air for very long.