Intro song by: Gail Nobles ©️2023
Story and Art by: Gail Nobles

Today’s topic is Cool Ghoul.

Hi I’m Gail Nobles. I remember seeing the Cool Ghoul on television in the 80’s everyday at 4:00 PM showing cartoons like Tom & Jerry.

The Cool Ghoul was a popular radio and TV character and horror movie host in Cincinnati, Ohio created and portrayed by Dick Van Hoene. The Cool Ghoul was an icon of Cincinnati television radio and local pop culture for over decades.

The Cool Ghoul’s origins date back to 1961, when Von Hoene worked on a WGPO (now WDBZ) radio show called “Bob Smith’s Monster Mash.” By 1969, Von Hoene had moved into television working at the fledging TV station WXIX-TV in Cincinnati.

During the early 1970s, The Cool Ghoul hosted his own Saturday night horror movie show, Scream-In.

In the early 1980s, Von Hoene took the Cool Ghoul to WCTI - TV in New Bern, NC earning a new generation of fans in the process. He sure did. I remember him well. and all the crazy sounds he made. Bl-bl-bl-bl-bl-bl-bl-bl-bl-bl.. BLEAAAHHH BLEAAAHHH

Cool Ghoul made his own records. He had his own rock band known as the Grave Diggers. He was very successful with his talents.

The Ghoul was loved. I remember him performing the Monster Mash.
“ … And Suddenly to my surprise He did the Mash He did the Monster Mash The Monster Mash…”

And I remember him playing a little tune in the background when he would talk showing cartoons. .. I guess I loved him too because I remember some of the things he did growing up. I never forgot him.

Von Hoene passed away at age 63 on Feb. 4, 2004. He was buried at Spring Grove Cemetery Cincinnati. I’ll always remember him. He had some good affect on my childhood.
I’m Gail Nobles. Tune in again next time for more.