W. Carter Merbreier facts for kids

W. Carter Merbreier (born August 2, 1926 – died August 9, 2016) was an American television star. He was also a Lutheran minister and a police chaplain for the Philadelphia Police Department. He is best known for creating and hosting the popular children's TV show, Captain Noah and His Magical Ark. The show first aired in 1967 and continued until 1994.

Who Was Captain Noah?

Carter Merbreier created Captain Noah and His Magical Ark with his wife, Patricia Merbreier. He played the character Captain Noah. Patricia Merbreier played Mrs. Noah and was also the show's puppeteer. She joined the show a few weeks after it started.

The Magical Ark Show

The show began as a religious program on Sunday mornings. But in 1970, it changed to a children's show. The Philadelphia Council of Churches helped produce the show. It was filmed at the studios of WPVI (Channel 6) in Philadelphia.

A Popular Show

At its most popular in the early 1970s, Captain Noah and His Magical Ark was shown on many TV stations. It was syndicated to twenty-two stations across the United States. In Philadelphia, more people watched Captain Noah than both Captain Kangaroo and Sesame Street combined!

Life After Captain Noah

Carter and Patricia Merbreier decided to stop the show in 1994. They had hosted about 3,600 episodes since 1967. After retiring, they lived in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania.

In 2001, the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia honored them. They were named "Persons of the Year." Carter and Patricia asked to be listed as Captain Noah and Mrs. Noah for the award. Carter Merbreier also served on the board of directors for the Broadcast Pioneers. Patricia Merbreier passed away on June 23, 2011, at age 86. Carter Merbreier died on August 9, 2016, at age 90. He was survived by his daughter and two grandchildren.