WKTA Radio Brings Back Memories at Winter Banquet
By Teri Stein
In a special presentation of WKTA (Kent-Tusc Archives) radio brought back musical memories to those in attendance at the annual Tuscarawas County Historical Societys (TCHS) winter banquet on Tuesday December 7.
Gary Petricola served as the announcer for the script, A Live Recollection of Radio Past which supposedly aired on December 7, 1953, and was written by Fred Miller President of the TCHS. Miller also served as technical engineer spinning the records at Petricolas direction. Petricola added to the script with the style hes developed over the years at WJER radio.
The event was held at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center and even featured a 1950s menu which included Swiss steak, baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and pie.
Even the centerpieces were musical. Ive got that album, exclaimed Becky Lorenz of Dover when she saw the Merry Christmas album by Johnny Mathis which decorated her table. Lorenz, who is not a member of the TCHS, said she thought the program sounded interesting and decided to attend when she learned the event was open to the public.
You might hear a scratch or two, Miller warned the crowd noting that original vinyl recordings were used. The program featured music from the 1920s and later.
Theres an Anna Debevec out there tonight and she really likes this polka, said Petricola as he introduced the Clarinet Polka recorded by the Art Mooney Big Band.
A crowd favorite, Hello Mary Lou by Ricky Nelson, inspired some singing and a twin spin of another Nelson song, Travelin Man.
Other songs featured included Ill See You in My Dreams recorded by the Guy Lombardo Orchestra, Wish You Were Here recorded by Eddie Fisher, and Mr. K Rocks the Blues, a song recorded by a local group.
The program even included a news break which reported that Raymond C. Rice, a local attorney, was installed as Worshipful Master at the New Philadelphia Lodge 177 Free and Accepted Masons by Philip A. Garver of Strasburg, District Grand Deputy of the 21st Mason of Ohio.
Also in the news was a report of Tuscarawas Countys 27th traffic fatality, George Powell, 75, of West Virginia died from injuries suffered last Friday evening in a car crash just north of Strasburg, read Petricola.
In the sports report, Leo Benjamin, one of the stars of the 1940 New Philadelphia High School State Championship team, recorded his first win as Head Coach at his alma mater. Members of Leos team included Ralph Huff, Nick Scalambrino, Ray Reese, Bill Slabaugh, Buster Metcalf, Norm Leggett, Brian Lewis, Dale Wolfe, Linn Reese, Jim Shaffer, and Larry Gray. The team for New Philadelphia defeated the Cambridge Bobcats 52 to 45.
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941and the service of those who answered the call of President Roosevelt between the years of 1941 and 1946 was remembered. We have to go back and remember those ideals to defend democracy and prevent tyranny, said Miller.
Retiring TCHS trustee Ken Garman of Dover received a standing ovation from the crowd for his work for the society over the past twenty years.
Whatever the project, Garman was always there to lend a hand. Kenneth has been a kingpin with our organization, said Miller. He has worked tirelessly with the calendar and book program and our displays at various festivals. Garman had also served as vice-president of the organization at one time in addition to trustee.
Miller introduced Jack Fox, a longtime member of the TCHS, who will fill the trustee position vacated by Garman.
At the end of the evening, everyone agreed the musically themed program had hit all the right notes.
