Introduction

Introduction

While I was born in 1951, sometimes I feel like I was born in 1914. My father told me so many stories about growing up in Philadelphia, and occasionally even about his family, that I feel some sense of at least one person's life in those years before I was born. While my mother, of course, wanted a child, I'm not sure that my father did. I think there was a part of it all that scared him, so they waited quite a while to have me. I hope I was "a relief" to my father, and I think I worked hard to be a good son. Looking back, especially at those few older pictures I have of my father, I think the very best part of his life was the first half - back when things were simple, he had good friends, and the burdens of adulthood were not yet upon him. Looking back, I feel like the best part of my life was the first half, largely due to my parents. It was a time when life was simple, controllable, and when I was actually organized! I'm sure my father found many good things in his entire life, as do I, but I believe we had this in common - that there is nothing better than growing up in Philadelphia. So, do not find the title of my new blog in any way depressing, my friends, its just a perspective that I've found interesting to investigate.

I'll start by writing about my family. I realize we are nothing special, but as we've learned from millions of pages of memoirs written and published, there can be much to be learned from those who came before us.

As I get past some family stories, this blog may be of interest to anyone who grew up in the Delaware Valley/Philadelphia/Delaware County in the 1950's and 60's, or to anyone married/partnered to one (if you are, there is much you need to understand before the two of you can communicate!).

Please check out my book, Saturday Night at Sarah Joy's. All proceeds go to the Hurricane Sandy NJ Relief Fund. Information is available at: saturdaynightatsarahjoys.blogspot.com.

Thank you!

Monday, July 23, 2012

My Indian Friend

As a child in the 50's and 60's I had no idea that there was both local programming and national shows on the television; we assumed that the people who were hosts on all of my favorite kids shows were being seen by kids everywhere.  Not so.  In Philadelphia we had a superb collection of characters who would host cartoon shows on daytime TV - Sally Starr (the beautiful blonde cowgirl/lady) Pixanne (who lived in a magic forest and flew), Bertie the Bunyip (who defies description), Captain Noah (who had an ark), and my favorite, Chief Halftown.  He was an amazing presence. He was gentle and warm and seemed to be able to calm kids down.  Traynor Ora Halftown was a real Seneca Indian, born in 1917.  He taught us all to speak Seneca! "Ees da sa sussaway" was how he started every show.  It probably meant, "let's get going!"

Chief Halftown was on Channel 6, WFIL-TV, later on WPVI, from 1950 until 1999, making his show the longest running local TV children's show in history, anywhere.

On his show, he always dressed in character, including a big feather headdress.  There was considerable interest in Indian cultures at the time, so he would often teach us, his "tribal members", a phrase or a chant or show us how to make something.  He always had a live studio audience of kids.

I wrote to him, probably with the help of my mother, in 1957 (I was 5), and included a picture of me in one of my Indian outfits I'd gotten for Christmas.  Of course, I got a prompt reply.  It was so great to see his face in the mail, and it was a post card to me!  It said, "Dear tribal member, I really enjoyed seeing your picture.  Thanks for sending it to me.  I sincerely hope you have a happy holiday and keep watching my shows - both week-days and also my new Sunday Pow-Wow.  Chief Halftown" 

So Nya-wey (thanks!), Chief Halftown.  Thanks for being my friend and letting me be part of your tribe.  His smile still makes me grin.  He was a true gentleman.




© 2012 John Allison
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)