WGHP - Oct.15,1963

Each weekday afternoon when my brothers and I got off the school bus,I would run in the house,turn on the tv and start turning the old VHF knob on our black and white set.I always hoped that one day there would be a new channel added.This was the day.It was 5:00 p.m.when the knob landed on channel 8,and there was Johnny Weissmuller starring as Tarzan in Tarzan and the Mermaids.I don't believe I have ever seen a crisper,sharper print of this movie than the one WGHP presented that day on "Adventure Theatre".In those early years of WGHP,they also aired The Little Rascals/Our Gang on "Kartoon Karnival " which aired on Saturday mornings. Amos'N Andy aired weekday evenings at 6:30.I have a soft spot for channel 8 because I got to see it when it first came on the air.Those were the days. I enjoy thinking about the history of tv in the Triad or as it was called back then,"the Piedmont Golden Triangle".

Sam & Ella Seal

When I was growing up in the 1960's,I was fortunate enough to spend a good deal of time working in tobacco with Sam and Ella.They are two of my favorite people ever.I learned a lot being around them. The mule that you see Sam plowing with was named "Kate". Please click on the photo to see it in a larger format.

Charlie Harville 1964

Charlie Harville and Art Bradley in November 1964.

Vintage Cigar Bands

Recently while carefully removing an antique photo from it's frame,I found these on the board between the photo and the back of the frame.I was pleasantly surprised.Please click on the photo to enlarge it so you can get a better look.Also if anyone can put a year on any of these,it would be greatly appreciated.

Daniel Boone

The ad is from 1966. In North Carolina, the show currently airs daily on the Retro Television Network.The channels are digital sub-channels of WHKY in Hickory,WRAZ in Raleigh and WWAY Wilmington. I purchased an outdoor antenna from a local distributor for $36,which allows me to receive the Hickory channel, and that surprised me as I am only a few miles from the VA,NC border. I have thoroughly enjoyed the channel since WHKY added it this past Christmas.Check out RTV here: http://www.myretrotv.com/index2.html

Thunder Road

These ads are from June 1958.Robert Mitchum,Keely Smith and Gene Barry were the stars.The late Don Davis who ran the Bright Leaf Drive-In in Mount Airy, brought it back many times over the years.Sadly the drive-in closed in last month.The property is being sold.It was the last drive-in theatre in our area.I will miss it.

Special Days With The Old Rebel & Pecos Pete

These ads are from March 1964.