The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia

(Left to right) Mr. & Mrs. Morton Lawrence, Officer Bernard McGonigle and Alan Scott
The WCAU Building
1622 Chestnut Street
Center City Philadelphia
Wednesday, February 22, 1939

At 7:07 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 1939, Alan Scott said over WCAU Radio:

You have my word, whoever the mother is, that your baby will be restored to you and there will be no police action. You may be alone, when you made the mistake of abandoning your baby, but you are not alone now. We will be your friend; get in touch with me. You can be assured the boy did not suffer from the cold. He is in good hands and gaining weight.

Alan Scott was talking about a 5 week old baby boy that was found on a doorstep by Mr. and Mrs. Morton Lawrence who lived (in 1939) on the 2100 block of Spruce Street in Philadelphia. They found the child bundled in several blankets in a dark foyer on 21st Street near Walnut. The Lawrence couple had been married for a year and a half.

Mrs. Lawrence said:

It was so cold. We heard a cry. I thought it was a kitten at first, but we investigated.

Mr. Lawrence added:

Yes, we checked the weather. It was 20 degrees.

Police Officer Bernard McGonigle stated:

We got a call there was a baby abandoned. We went to the address and found the baby and took it to Pennsylvania Hospital and got it some food. All the police department wants is to find the mother and return her baby to her.

Presently, we do not know the outcome of this event. If anyone knows, please e-mail us.

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