I haven't decided whether I should prefix this posting with an LOL or just keep quiet about the whole thing. When I was a kid TVs were rare and a novelty. I remember one in which the CRT was so large it was mounted vertically. The picture reflected to the viewer off a hinged mirror. Screens were commonly circular. All transmissions were in black and white. I Love Lucy was still in the future.
My family did not own one. We had a large console in the living room that contained our radio (AM and shortwave) and our record changer (78 rpm). Later we add an FM converter. I too listened to the farm reports--on WLS, the Prairie Farmer Station--which also introduced me to the Sons of the Pioneers. Morning brought the Breakfast Club with Don McNeil, aimed at housewives and featuring a march around the breakfast table. For variety, I'd listen to the Polish Language station. My favorite kids' show was Straight Arrow, about a rancher, who in time of trouble would enter a secret cave to become the Indian, Straight Arrow. Together with his sidekick, Packy, he fought injustice.
I remember at least one New Year's, we listened to the celebration in London on the BBC, so us children could join in and still get to bed on time.
As I grew I listened to baseball games (all afternoon games) with the announcer, Bert Wilson. I pictured him broadcasting away games by sitting in the empty home stadium, reading and adding color to the teletype reports.
Nostalgically,
S
