(Left to right) Jimmy Hirschfeld, Jane "Pixanne" Norman, Paul Big Bear & Gene London
The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Luncheon
Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Wednesday, October 17th at 12 noon was a GREAT AFTERNOON as we had a reunion between Broadcast Pioneers member Gene London and his WCAU-TV family. Gene told stories, sang his theme song, drew a picture and relived what it was like to be one of the greatest kids show hosts of all-time. Gene is one of the newest members of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia.

And introducing Gene was the producer/executive producer for "Captain Kangaroo," Broadcast Pioneers member Jimmy Hirschfeld (a former Channel 10 director) who came here all the way from the Big Apple. Jimmy worked on "Action in the Afternoon," and directed Roland's "Shock Theater" plus Gene London, Pixanne and the legendary John Facenda.

Listen to Jimmy introduce Gene

Listen to Gene London's Complete Remarks!

Also, Joe Earley and his wife, Kathy (who did air work at Channel 3) were there and Joe say a few words. They are both members of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia. Joe is probably best known as "Mr. Rivets" but also worked with Gene on the Flashback series from the 70s (certain episodes recently ran on NBC10) and played the mailman on "Cartoon Corners."

As Gene said in his show opening, "We'll have licorice, gumdrops and sourballs" for you to win in our WCAU-TV trivia game (really, we did). Winners received a package of licorice, gumdrops or sourballs (just like Gene had in his General Store). Our quiz master was a favorite of everyone, Channel 10 alum and member of the Broadcast Pioneers, Herb Clarke!

Gene London and his drawing of "Cinderella"
The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Luncheon
Wednesday, October 17, 2007

For those who remember the General Store, after Gene finished singing the theme, a box of confetti always fell on his head. Why? Because there was a confetti factory next door. Did a box of confetti greet Gene's head? (Absolutely). And Gene's former AD Tony Williams (a member of the Broadcast Pioneers), now a staff director at NBC10 did the confetti honors just like he did when London was on the air.

Watch Gene London sing his theme song!

And if that wasn't enough, there was plenty more! We honored WHYY-TV, Channel 12 for their half century of Public Broadcasting to the Delaware Valley. Accepting our plaque on behalf of the station was WHYY's COO & CFO Bruce Flamm, a member of the Broadcast Pioneers.

Listen to John Roberts read the plaque!

Hear Bruce Flamm's Complete Remarks!

Bruce was introduced by Broadcast Pioneers member John Roberts, one of the founders of WHYY and a former president of our organization. Our MC for the entire afternoon was Broadcast Pioneers member Ed Cunningham, a producer at WHYY-TV. Ed is responsible for "Philly's Favorite TV Kids Show Hosts" program.

(Left to right) Gerry Wilkinson, Bruce Flamm, John roberts & Ed Cunningham
The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Luncheon
Wednesday, October 17, 2007

It all told place on Wednesday, October 17th at the Bala Golf Club , 2200 Belmont Avenue (across the street from the State Police) in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia. It's only minutes away from Channels 6 & 10 and the radio stations in Bala Cynwyd.

From the official archives of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
Gene London Photos originally donated by Broadcast Pioneers member Gerry Wilkinson
WHYY Plaque Photo originally donated by Bob McCone
© 2007, Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
All Rights Reserved

The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com