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Leave it to Beaver Trivia

This week, we sadly say goodbye to Tony Dow. For those of us of a certain age, Tony is a familiar name. However, younger readers may not know that Tony Dow portrayed Wally Cleaver, the elder brother, on the classic black and white TV series Leave it to Beaver.

I typically don't write about every celebrity's passing, but this case is an exception worth noting. Leave it to Beaver ran from 1957 until 1963. I was born in 1965 and caught every episode during its reruns multiple times. The show revolved around a family with two boys, featuring Tony Dow as the older sibling, Wally. Being the oldest of three brothers myself, I found common ground with Wally. I like to think I embody the qualities of a caring older brother, much like Wally serves as a role model for that behavior. While Beaver could be a handful at times, Wally remained calm and supportive, always ready to offer guidance and stand up for Beaver. He truly epitomized the role of an ideal older brother.

Tony Dow passed away on July 27 due to cancer at the age of 77 in Topanga, California.

In honor of Tony, I would like to present a special trivia quiz focused on Leave it to Beaver.

imdb
Image source: IMDB

Questions

  1. 1. True or false – Did young Alice Cooper ever portray Eddie Haskell?
  2. 2. The series debuted on October 4, 1957. Can you recall another significant event that occurred on that same date?
  3. 3. What is the name of the fictional town where the series takes place?
  4. 4. What state was said town in?
  5. 5. Which two-word expression was frequently used in the series to positively describe characters or situations?
  6. 6. What was arguably the most iconic catchphrase delivered by June Cleaver?
  7. 7. Can you name Beaver’s frequently mentioned classmate who never actually appeared on screen?
  8. 8. What was the Beaver’s first name?
  9. 9. What was Wally’s full name (hint: it’s not Wally)?
  10. 10. After his career as a child actor, what profession did actor Ken Osmond, who played Eddie Haskell, pursue?
  11. 11. Who was the classmate of Beaver’s known for being a tattletale and causing him trouble?
  12. 12. The second episode entitled 'Captain Jack' marked a significant moment in television history by showing what for the first time?
  13. 13. What was the name of Wally’s girlfriend, whom he ultimately marries?
  14. 14. What was the name of Beaver’s school?
  15. 15. What was the name of Beaver’s crush, his second-grade teacher?
  16. 16. What was June’s maiden name?
  17. 17. How did Beaver get that nickname?
  18. 18. What was the name of the fireman?
  19. 19. What was the name of the 1983 reunion show?
  20. 20. What major change took place between the second and third seasons?
variety
Image source: Variety

Answers

  1. 1. False. This tale seems to originate from a quote by Alice Cooper, where he mentioned embodying Eddie Haskell's traits as a child, meaning he identified with his personality.
  2. 2. The Soviet launch of Sputnik.
  3. 3. Mayfield.
  4. 4. Although the show never clarified, I’d wager California is the setting based on the frequent mentions of surfboards and beach outings. Others have suggested locations like Wisconsin and Ohio, but I believe the majority of clues point to California.
  5. 5. “Real neat.”
  6. 6. “Ward, I’m worried about the Beaver.”
  7. 7. Angela Valentine
  8. 8. Theodore
  9. 9. Wallace
  10. 10. He transitioned into a role as a police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department.
  11. 11. Judy Hensler
  12. 12. A toilet
  13. 13. Mary Ellen Rogers
  14. 14. Grant Avenue Grammar School
  15. 15. Miss Canfield
  16. 16. Bronson
  17. 17. Wally, I would speculate, struggled to say Theodore when Beaver was a baby.
  18. 18. Gus
  19. 19. Still the Beaver
  20. 20. The Cleavers got a new home.

Sources:

Wikipedia entry on Tony Down

IMDB's entry featuring Leave it to Beaver trivia

MeTV Leave it to Beaver quiz