1

Staff and Entertainers of CKNX ...

In the photos that follow are some but not all the staff of CKNX. Some did their work behind the cameras and were hard to catch on film. Some early staff photos were lost in the 1962 fire. Most of the photographs featured here are from a book called The Story of CKNX & Its People, that Ross and Carol Hamilton have worked long and hard to pull together. Many retired CKNX staff meet up once a year to keep up acquaintances, exchange memories and create more. Ross and Carol, both CKNX employees, tracked down photographs and pulled together a book that saves and preserves much of CKNX's history.

From 1926 until the mid 1970s, CKNX was a showcase of Canadian talent, on a scale rarely seen in the Canadian broadcasting business, considering the size of its operation. Many of the musicians that appeared before CKNX TV cameras or on CKNX radio had larger careers in the Canadian and American music business.

CKNX also provided another important service. It became known in the industry as one of the premiere training centers for young people wishing to become broadcasters. Although this was probably more evident in the TV years that followed the 40 years of radio, many were the people who honed their skills in the challenging atmosphere of this station where you were encouraged to try your hand at anything and everything, to become versatile to become in effect, a marketable personality in great demand in the broadcasting community. Those four letters CKNX on your resume were like magic. (Carbert essay, 1995)

Staff in 1955 - "CKNX is proud of the fact all members of its mechanical and production staff are local people. No imported talent whatever. Eventually Wingham Community players, of which Vin Dittmer, sales manager is president will get the spotlight with one of their dramas. The town's weekly barn dance, it is believed, will attract many viewers." (TS-1, 1955)

When I (Bob Carbert) joined CKNX radio in 1949 I was extremely proud to be able to join a staff that was second to none in the private broadcasting business in Canada. Doc's announcing staff was a group of top flight professionals with deep resonant voices, they were articulate, warm and sounded enthusiastic. Their grammar was excellent and they were all eager to assist we newcomers to polish our trade. People like Tom Rafferty, Vin Dittmer, Ross Hamilton, and Bud Cruickshank, anchored the announcing staff with capable weekend relief with people such as Norm Fry who doubled as an operator, his brother, Doug Fry, who also did some announcing and Bob Ferguson, a local high school teacher. Two others who served as summer and short term announcers were Harry Posliff, a local boy who became a teacher, and Harry Foster who came to Wingham and served on the announce staff for a short period of time. Who can forget Don Hildebrand, a Stratford boy who came to CKNX from Woodstock, just prior to the beginnings of TV. He served in radio, initially, then went to CKCO-TV in Kitchener to learn his trade and came back to CKNX-TV as a producer, announcer and program organizer. He later left to work at a variety of stations in Canada and the US and presently in retirement produces a senior's program at CKTB in St. Catharines. (Carbert essay, 1995) p. 16

Staff Memories - There are many others who come to mind, and there are some who have escaped my travels into the past because their names simply have eluded me. For this I apologize and I hope I shall be forgiven. But who could ever forget the efforts of Lillian Darling and Mary Louise Flach in the accounts department. Mildred Jones and Shirley (Nethery) Boucher in the continuity department, churning out the monumental number of commercial messages used every day. There were others who contributed to this commercial portfolio, Janet (King) Day, Wee Bobby Clark, Earl Heywood, John Cruickshank, Frank Eidt, and yours truly (Carbert) contributed to it, each in our own way. (Carbert essay, 1995) p.17

Up on the "deck", in addition to Scott Reid, Elmer Purdon and Norm Fry, we had Jack Caesar and Doug Fry, all excellent operators who spun the discs and opened and closed microphones on time and provided the Fade-ins and Fade-outs that made for professional programming. Doug Fry was also a better than average announcer, but he interrupted his radio career for a higher calling, entering theological school and going on to a rewarding career in the Presbyterian Church. John Langridge arrived from England about 1950, began as an operator, and eventually became program director of CKNX radio and manager. Bill Harris served for some years until he became a cameraman in CKNX-TV and crew chief. (Carbert essay, 1995) p.17

Music and Entertainment Department in 1942 - "is almost as well-known as the announcers." The artists in music and entertainment department have received mail from all parts of Western Ontario telling of pleasant times spent with their music and songs." Best known is Harold Victor Pym, musical director of the station. Cactus Mac is recognized by thousands of Barn Dance fans. Of equal popularity is Clark Johnston, Mary King, Jean McCool, Jack Reavie, CKNX Ranch Boys, CKNX Harvesters, Frank Kenny, Marie King, Jimmy Benninger, Melodie Mixers, Jean & Irene, Lloyd Shoebottom, Ken Rintoul, Harriston Girls Trio, Sarah, Laura Hayden and Cora Robertson. These are a few of the most prominent figures heard regularly over the station. "CKNX employs more artists than any other station in Canada and that we have several stars of other radio shows on our list. Cactus Mac and Frank Kenny for instance have appeared as feature entertainers over several American stations." (CKNX Almanac-9, 1942)p9

2

Shirley Boucher worked in the continuity department at CKNX.
1940-1960
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

3

Ladies of CKNX ...

Evelyn Scott - She came to CKNX as a secretary in 1937, when Howard Bedford was Doc's commercial manager and short time partner. Evelyn stayed as accountant and secretary until 1975. "Her quiet efficiency helped bring order out of the chaos over the years. (The Story of CKNX and its People, 2008)

Mary Louise Flach - Mary Louise Flach - Although she spent most of her life in Walkerton, Ontario, Mary Louise hails from Kerrobert, Saskatchewan where she resided until the age of 10. She was born on May 31, 1928 and attended Walkerton Sacred Heart High School and was acclaimed one of their outstanding students. It was in July 1944 that Mary Louise joined the CKNX staff as a bookkeeper. Her spare time interests are music, sports, knitting and needlework. (25th Anniversary, 1951)

Mildred Jones - Meet Mildred Jones receptionist … the girl who greets you with a smile as you enter the CKNX studios. Mildred was born near Creemore, but claims Wingham as her home town. After having attended Wingham High School, she joined the staff of CKNX in 1944. As well as a switchboard operator, Mildred lines up the "Kiddies Studio Party". She also writes such well-known programs as "The Entertainment Guide." Among her hobbies, Mildred lists music, amateur photography and leathercraft. (25th Anniversary, 1951)

Margaret Brophy - "an early radio pioneer who stayed on for the excitement of TV. Her daily radio show "At Home with the Ladies" was translated into a daily TV show called M'Lady, with interviews, cooking shows and musical performances. For many of the early days, Marg also served as company treasurer. She resigned her position in 1960 when she got married. (The Story of CKNX and its People, 2008)

Betty Ann Geisler - continued the M'Lady tradition (The Story of CKNX and its People, 2008)

Anna McDonald (later Anna Meyer ) - continued the M'Lady show, but transformed it into the Anna Meyer Show with a format that included interviews with local politicians, businessmen, community members and industrialists. (The Story of CKNX and its People, 2008)

Kaye Grose - one of the favourite cooks to appear on the cooking segments of M'Lady was Kaye Grose, who the radio staff were familiar with from their time located beside Kaye and her husband's Brunswick Hotel when CKNX was located on Josephine Street in Wingham. She was well-loved for her cooking prowess and presentation. (The Story of CKNX and its People, 2008)

Lillian Darling - worked in the traffic and accounting department of CKNX from July 1945 to the mid 1950s. She replaced Julie Preston in accounting and worked with Mary Louise Flach as well as Elaine Walsh.

Lists of Lady Staff & Entertainers from the 1930s - 1950s ...
Mildred Jones, Mary Louise Flach, Marg Brophy (Walters), Betty Ann Geisler, Anna McDonald (Meyer), Jean Tervit, Iona Terry, Lil Gorbutt, Eva Homuth, Evelyn Scott, Lillian Darling, Julie Preston, Elaine Walsh, Mae Williamson, Helen Fleury, Shirley Nethery, Besse Campbell, Cora Robertson, Janet King, Mary Julia Preston,

4

Lilliam McNabb, one of the CKNX staff.
1940-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

5

Eileen "Ike" Templeman served as a CKNX receptionist.
1940-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

6

Iona Terry was the station music librarian as well as an announcer on CKNX radio.
1940-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

7

Helen Lockridge West
1940-1960
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

8

Lillian Stevenson was a valued CKNX employee.
1940-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

9

Lois Hamilton, a CKNX employee
1940-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

10

Mae Williamson, a CKNX employee
1940-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

11

Margaret Bennett, one of the talented CKNX receptionists.
1940-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

12

Mary Louise Hauser, a CKNX employee
1940-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

13

Scott Reid began working at CKNX after school and weekends when he was still in high school.
1939
Original radio station, Josephine Street, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

14

Story about Scott Reid's experiences working at CKNX.
1930-1980
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Wingham Library, Wingham, Ontario

15

Scott Reid's experience working at CKNX
1930-1980
CKNX Television & Radio station, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Wingham Library, Wingham, Ontario

16

Through his fascination with radio & later television, Scott Reid helped CKNX grow technically.
1930-1970
CKNX Television & Radio station, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

17

Howard Bedford was W.T. Cruickshank's first partner and commercial manager.
1926-1947
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

18

Harry J. Boyle worked at 920 CKNX from 1935 to 1941as a news announcer.
1970s
CKNX Television & Radio station, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

19

Johnny Brent broadcasting outside the original radio station on Josephine Street in Wingham.
1935-1960
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

20

Staff List ...

1947 Staff - 27 strong - W.T. Cruickshank-General Manager, F. Nowell Johnson-Commercial Director, Continuity Dept-J. Cruickshank, Fred Russell, Mildred Jones, Shirley Nethery, Programs-Tom Rafferty, Johnny Brent, Iona Terry, Sales-Bert Mathers, Traffic - Jean Tervit, Sports- Tory Gregg, Announcers-Tom Rafferty, Bud Cruickshank, Ross Hamilton, Vin Dittmer, Office-Margaret Brophy, Lillian Gorbutt, Lillian Darling, Mary-Louise Flach, Lois Whitney (Hamilton), Engineers- Glen Schiefele, Scott Reid, Controls- Cliff Bowers, Doug Fry, Jack Caesar, Gordon Walker,

1951 Staff - 37 people - W.T. Cruickshank-General Manager, Bud Cruickshank-Assistant GM, John Cruickshank-Station Manager, Programs - Johnny Brent, Iona Terry, Sports-Mervyn Lloyd "Tory" Gregg, Women's Dept.- Margaret Brophy, Announcers- Tom Rafferty, Norm Fry, Barry Kay, Lance Browne, Controls-Doug Fry, Elmer Purdon, John Langridge, Jack Salter, Sales-Bert Mathers, Ross Hamilton, Traffic-Jean Tervit, Continuity-Bob Clark, Frank Eidt, Shirley Boucher, Musicians-Harold Victor Pym, Earl Heywood, Jack Kingston, Lloyd Bank, Ward Allen, Mel Lavigne, Bill Mankiss, Publicity-Vin Dittmer, Farm Dept-Bob Carbert, News- John Strong, Office- Lillian Gorbutt, Lillian Darling, Mildred Jones, Mary Louise Flach, Engineers-Scott Reid, Glen Scheifele

1971 - Management - Ross Hamilton-General Manager & Marketing Director, George Walling-TV Manager, John Langridge-Radio manager, Scott Reid-Director of Engineering, Alex Walton-News Director.

FM102 - Management-John Langridge, Gary Moon & Ray Baynton, Announcers-Sandy Thompson, Derek Botten, Mike Inglis, Phil Main, Brian Emslie, John Dale, McDaniel Phillips, Derek Botten, Bill Thompson, Earl Heywood, Newscasters-Ric Rathburn, John Strong, Scott Pettigrew, Sales-Wayne Brown, Bill Stephenson

1982 Staff - 104 people - Don Alexander-news, Bryan Allen-news editor, Judith Alton-maintenance, Steven Anger-TV production, Karen Badtke-radio copy, Ray Baynton-news director, Andy Beesley-announcer, Gerry Belanger-engineering, Roy Bennett-public relations, Wayne Brown-radio sales, Judy Burrell-radio copy, Donald Busby-engineering, Jack Caesar-TV sales, Colin Campbell-TV production, Neil Carleton-TV production, Carl Casemore-TV production, Chris Catcher-radio sales, Stan Cepukas-TV production, John Chippa-news editor, Mike Chippa-news department, Jerry Chomyn-TV sales, Keith Cranston-maintenance, Glen Creamer-news editor, Dave Curzon-announcer, Margaret Darmanin-maintenance, Jane Day-TV copy, John Day-TV production, Ken Dishman-TV production, Erika During-TV copy, Peter Durrant-news editor, Brian Emslie-announcer, Val Errington-radio traffic, Janet Evans-receptionist, Drew Ferguson-news editor, Dennis Firby-TV production, Christa Fraser-radio sales, Donald Fraser-promotion department, Jack Gillepsie-radio sales manager, Nancy Gillepsie-radio programming, Lori Goodall-receptionist, Ross Hamilton-general manager, Geoff Hamilton-TV production, Bill Harris-TV crew chief, Joan Harris-radio programming, Donna Hazeldon-radio copy, Janet Henderson-TV traffic, Earl Heywood-radio programming, Verna Hodgins-radio sales, Steve Hodgins-radio sales, Peter Hollinger-TV production, Mike Inglis-announcer, Jim Knight-TV production, Earl Knox-TV production, Manford Koenig-engineering, Graham Krug-TV production, Allen Ladner-TV production, John Langridge-AM/FM manager, Helen Lee-maintenance, Sharon Montgomery-accounting, Gary Moon-FM programming, Jim Moore-announcer, Joe Moore-engineering, Fran McCormick-news, Brian McKague-TV copy, Shawn McKague-TV production, Bill McQuiggin-radio production, Brian Nuttall-announcer, Jack Ohm-TV production, McDaniel Phillips-announcer, Ross Poll-announcer, Pamela Purdy-station secretary, Ric Rathburn-news editor, Scott Reid-engineering director, Cliff Robb-farm editor, Ward Robertson-photography, Gary Ryan-announcer, Siglinde Ryan-accounting, John Schedler-film editor, Glenn Scheifele-engineering, Erik Schistad-TV production, Sandra Schistad-TV production, Stan Schneider-engineering, Dick Schwichentenberg-engineering, Michael Shields-news editor, Sheila Shobbrook-receptionist, Greg Simpell-TV production, Al Skelton-TV station manager, Dan Sloane-TV production, Janet Sloane-radio copy, Steve Stapleton-TV production, Lil Stephenson-radio traffic, Bill Stephenson-radio sales, John Strong-news editor, Eileen Templeman-receptionist, Pam Templeman-receptionist, Barb Tervit-accounting, Peg Tervit-TV traffic, Iona Terry-librarian, Bill Thomson-community programs, Jean Thynne-TV traffic, Barb Underwood-radio traffic, Don Vair-artist, Sharon Werth-accounting

21

CKNX staff - David Scott
1950-1970
CKNX Television & Radio station, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

22

CKNX Staff - Doug McGowan & Colin Campbell
1950-1970
CKNX Television & Radio station, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

23

Bob VanDyne worked at CKNX.
1960s
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

24

Johnny Brent began as the Barn Dance manager and MC and became part of many CKNX-TV programs.
1940s-1970s
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

25

Bruce MacLean - CKNX staffer
1940-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

26

Dan Grummet - CKNX staff
1940-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

27

Hap Swatridge began at CKNX as an accordianist for Golden Prairie Cowboys.
1940-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

28

Greg Stewart was the afternoon announcer from 1967 to 1971.
1967-1971
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

29

Jack Alexander worked as a cameraman at CKNX in the 1960s.
1960s
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

30

John Krug, employee of CKNX
1950-1970
CKNX Television & Radio station, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

31

Jack Mitchell, employee of CKNX
1950-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

32

Les Reynolds was half of the comedy team, Cousin Elmer & Jed who played on Barn Dance & TV in 1950s.
1950s
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

33

Larry Kent was an announcer at CKNX in 1962.
1962
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

34

Ed Blake was a sportscaster on 920 CKNX who made the switch to TV in 1955.
1940-1960
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

35

John Langridge joined CKNX as a control room operator in 1949. He became program director mid 60s.
1949-1960s
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

36

Reg Bitton at work in the telecine room.
1950s
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

37

CKNX Staff - Marg (Brophy) Walters & Betty Ann McGowan (women's programs) & Bruce St. George
1950-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

38

CKNX staff - Clint Godwin, Johnny Brent, Margaret Brophy, Brian Nordlund and Warner Newton
1950-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

39

l-r Karl Krug, John Strong, John Langridge, Johnny Brent and Margaret Brophy - TV program staff
1950-1970
CKNX Television & Radio station, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

40

Don Hildebrand, Vin Dittmer and Reg Bitton in the TV studio
1955
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

41

Don Vair wore two hats at CKNX - one as as designer and one as comedy performer.
1971-1992
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

42

John Cruickshank, brother of W.T. Cruickshank became manager of the radio station in 1955.
1955
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

43

A. Lockridge worked with W.T. Cruickshank to form and run the Western Ontario Athletic Association.
1942-now
Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

44

CKNX Television Artists ...

In order of tenure at CKNX - Gerard Van Dyne, Rudi Heinz, Wilf Mink, Duane Fenwick, Guenther Heim, Ken Crawford and Don Vair

45

Guenther Heim worked at CKNX in the commercial design department from 1964 to 1971.
1964-1971
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

46

Gerald "Bud" Cruickshank, son of W.T. Cruickshank worked in both radio and television at CKNX.
1940-1980
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

47

CKNX staff, broadcasting from F.E. Madill 's auditorium, helped raise rebuilding funds.
1962
Auditorium at F.E. Madill Secondary School, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

48

Staff gathered during the fire to brainstorm their next move - John Cruickshank, 3rd from left
8 March 1962
old Wingham High School, John Street, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

49

Cast from a Scottish-themed M'Lady show at CKNX, hosted by Margaret Brophy.
1960-1970
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

50

Staff from the 1940s & 50s ...

Frank Eidt - Here is a man who, by his own admission, "puts words into the announcer's mouth. Frank is Continuity Editor at CKNX and is a native of Walkerton. He attended Walkerton public and high schools, and acquired a B.A. at the University of Western Ontario. Frank, like many young men, traded the B.A. for A/B in the RCNVR. In the fall of 1947, he started a course in radio announcing and production at the Training and Re-establishment Institute in Toronto. Frank was married in 1948, and after DVA School and four days of married life left for his first radio job at CFNB in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Frank returned to Ontario in May of 1949 to join the continuity department of CKNX. This man of many travels and talents is a proud father of two children, Annis and Scott. (25th Anniversary, 1951)

Bob Carbert - Bob Carbert - Farm Editor - Bob was born on a farm in Fullarton Township in Perth County in 1921. He helped his father farm until 1942, when he enlisted in the Canadian Army. He returned to the farm after being discharged, but ill health forced him to give up farmwork. He turned to radio with CKNX, following a hidden desire to write. He is married with one child - Helen Anne. He is an active secretary of the Wingham Kinsmen Club. He does public speaking to farm groups and his hobby is woodworking. (25th Anniversary, 1951) He came to CKNX in 1949 to join the Station's staff, a "Johnny come lately" by more than 20 years, but my memories of CKNX go back over those years when as a farm boy I listened to the "Barn Dance" and other programs on the battery-operated set in our kitchen." (Carbert essay, 1995)p.1 Bob Carbert went to Venezuela in May 1957 as an attendant, with a shipment of 87 head of Holstein cattle which were being exported to farms in that South American Republic. In the course of his trip, Bob shot over 1,000 feet of movie film, which has been used on CKNX-TV and the CBC's Country Calendar; 175 coloured slides, which are the basis of much of the lecturing and illustrated talks given in the area;also a wide variety of other pictures that have been seen on TV and in several farm and daily papers. (CT, 1957)While in Venezuela, Bob toured the city and spent several days in the interior visiting government projects and inspecting agricultural conditions there. He went to Washington D.C. to the Spring meeting of the National Association of Radio and Television Farm Directors, of which he was the Canadian chairman in 1957. He did reports from Washington, the Beltsville research station in Maryland and other American points have been given via tape and film. (CT, 1957)

Although the CKNX Farm Department came into being per se after my appointment as farm director in the spring of 1949, CKNX has been providing many farm services for years prior to that. Well before my arrival at the Station, CKNX had been providing free time each week for the "agricultural representative reports", with the agricultural reps from Huron and Bruce participating on a rotational basis. Indeed when I (Bob Carbert) first came to CKNX, Gordon Bennett, then the Huron County agricultural representative assisted me in preparing my first radio broadcast script. Gordon remained a close friend over the years and our trails crossed on many occasions especially when I joined the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture in 1968 and Gordon was the Assistant Deputy Minister and eventually the Deputy Minister. George Gear in the Bruce County office was a long time contributer to these programs as were his assistants and the Agriculture Engineer Hank Bellman, Gerry Montgomery, Doug Miles, and their successors in Huron made excellent use of this free time offered by the station. Shortly after I became farm director these free time services were expanded to include the fieldmen for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and we benefited greatly from the contributions of such leaders as Jim Powers of Bruce , Bill Oswald of Bruce, Jim Boynton from Grey, Gordon Greig and Carl Hemingway of Huron and Bert Daynard of Perth County. (Carbert essay, 1995) p. 11[Bob Carbert worked at CKNX for 10 years] I (Bob) left CKNX in the fall of 1958 to move to Ottawa to become Director of Information at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. (Carbert essay, 1995) p. 11

Bobby Clarke - "Wee" Bobby Clarke - his brand of slapstick comedy on the Barn Dance. One night the Barn Dance played in Hanover, and Bobby set a pail and dipper on stage. Every once in a while during his comedy routine, he would life the dipper out of the pail and drink some water and spill some on his clothes while trying to gulp it down. Bobby would drop the dipper on the floor and proceeded to walk to the front of the stage with the pail pretending he was going to throw the pail at the audience. Once he had the people in stitches, he tossed the contents of the pail on the first two or three rows of the audience. People would scream and try to jump out of their seats, so as not to get soaked, but they soon realized the joke was on them. Nobody got wet! Bobby had thrown a pail of rice, all in good fun. Many times he would use the confetti instead. We all had a good laugh except the janitor of the dance hall. Cleaning up the mess just didn't seem that funny to him. (BD-4,2003) Wee Bobby Clark - he was another favourite, a great hulking form of a man, with an infectious humour and a keen sense of vaudeville timing. His on stage antics amused the crowd, although they may have escaped the radio audience. However his impersonalities of his alter ego, Lily-Belle, and his falsetto songs and shameless flirting with Johnny Brent went over well with both those in the hall and those in the radio audience. (Carbert essay, 1995)p.4

Tom Rafferty - Tom Rafferty - Tom was born in Waterloo, Ontario in 1922. He received his early education at St. Louis School Waterloo, and his secondary education at St. Jerome's College in Kitchener, Ontario. He entered radio at CKCR, Kitchener, went to CFCH North Bay and CJKL Kirkland Lake. Tom came to Wingham in 1945, and transferred to CKCW Moncton New Brunswick. He returned to CKNX in 1948. While on the east coast, Tom was heard on the Joan Marshall Show each day on the Dominion Eastern Network. On returning to CKNX, he wrote the script and narrated the sound track for the film "The Books Drive On" a documentary motion picture for the Huron County Library Association. Tom is married and the proud father of a new son, Timothy Russell born in September 1950. Fishing is his hobby with bass and pike predominating. (25th Anniversary, 1951)

Bill Harris - Bill Harris served for some years until he became a cameraman in CKNX-TV and crew chief. (Carbert essay, 1995) p.17

Lloyd Bank - Lloyd Banks - electric steel guitar - for the Golden Prairie Cowboys. (Carbert essay, 1995)p.4

51

Early staff of CKNX radio standing outside the original station, Josephine Street, Wingham, Ontario.
1940s
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

52

List of Staff & Entertainers from the 1930s-50s ...

Tory Gregg, Frank Eidt, Bob Carbert, Scott Reid, Wee Bobby Clark, Tom Rafferty, Bill Galbraith, Johnny Brent, Cliff Bowers, Doug Manning, Vin Dittmer, Bill Harris, Lloyd Bank, Norm Fry, Jack Kingston, Maurice Beauleau, Earl Heywood, Dave Crompton, Harold Victor Pym, Ross Hamilton, Fred Russell, James Maxwell, Howard Bedford, Harry J. Boyle, Bert Mathers, Clarke Johnston (Clark Johnson), Ross Mann, Cactus Mac, Joe McGill, Charles Procter, Clarence Adlum, Elmer Purdon, Ross Perry, Werner Bartman, Rodger Schwauss, Jack Mitchell, John Roxborough, Red Simmons, Don Hildebrand, Warner Newton (Almanac Editor), Jack McLaughlin, Verne Walker, Hugh Gage, Glen Scheifele, Jack Caesar, Rupert Bedford, Doug Fry, Norm Fry, Frank Johnson, Sparky Weiler (Carling Rep), Johnny Crewson, Hap Swatridge, Barry Kay,

53

Mel Lavigne, one of Canada's best-known fiddlers, began with the Barn Dance in 1950.
1950s
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

54

Ross Mann was a popular Barn Dance entertainer who also appeared on Channel 8 programs.
1937-1963
CKNX Television & Radio station, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

55

Lucky Ambeault was a versatile musician who played with the station band - Golden Prairie Cowboys
1940-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

56

Ward Allen's fiddle tune "Maple Sugar" is a classic among old tyme fiddlers.
1937-1963
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

57

Lloyd Bank began playing his steel guitar with the CKNX Barn Dance in 1949.
1949-1963
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

58

Jack Kingston played with the Barn Dance and the Golden Prairie Cowboys.
1944-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

59

George Jordan was a popular square dance caller for the Saturday Night Barn Dance.
1937-1963
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

60

Ernie King won the audience's hearts with his fine voice and gentle personality.
1937-1963
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

61

Elmer Purden, wizard of remote broadcasting, ensured Barn Dance shows were on the air every Sat.
1937-1963
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

62

Reg Bitten was a performer by night and a CKNX employee by day.
1937-1963
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

63

Bill Mankiss played regularly on the Barn Dance and with the Golden Prairie Cowboys
1950s
CKNX Television & Radio station, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

64

Archie Mann learned to play the fiddle by ear.
1937-1963
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

65

Don Robertson was a pioneeering member of the Ranch Boys on CKNX.
1937-1963
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

66

Clark's "Something's Always Sure To Tickle Me" always brought down the house in laughter.
1940s
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

67

Cactus Mac was one of the most popular entertainers on the CKNX Barn Dance program
circa 1930s
10 BP station, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario

68

Ernie King, Johnny Brent and a fellow Barn Dance performer talk it up at a Barn Dance performance
1950s
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

69

Early Radio Staff & Performers ...

10BP Jesters - one of the earliest known group of musicians known to broadcast regularly on 10BP - Cec Merkley, Earl Wylds, Bob Hall, Norm Blatchford, and Wilfred Riehl. There is a picture of this group at the Barn Dance Museum & North Huron Museum in Wingham and in Ross & Carol Hamilton's book - The Story of CKNX and its People. (The Story of CKNX and its People, 2008)

Eva Homuth - One of the earliest staff of CKNX - she worked as receptionist from 1937 to 1939. She married Howard Bedford, early partner of W.T. Cruickshank. (The Story of CKNX and its People, 2008)

Harold Victor Pym - was fondly remembered by the Wingham community. He was an organist at the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church for 28 years. He began in 1939 and retired in 1967. He had a 25 year long radio program on sacred music on CKNX called Hymn Time. He had over 50-60 pupils taking piano lessons from him at one time, which over 28 years covers a lot of young musicians. (100 yrs, 224)

Harold Victor Pym - Harold Victor Pym has taken on an additional job with his debut as space salesman for the Almanac. Harold has long and capably filled the position of Musical Director of CKNX and many fans have written letters praising his skill on the keyboard. (CKNX Almanac-5, 1942,p.4)

Harold Victor Pym - He was born in St. Mary's and attend school there. He studied music in Toronto and established a reputation as a pianist and teacher at an early age. "the old days of the movies when an orchestra in the pit played to suit the picture. That was the first public to listen to Harold as a professional musician. The scene was the old Loews theatre in Toronto and he played heart-rending ballads to the accompaniment of such tear-jerkers as "Intolerance" and "Hearts of the World" on the organ. He joined the prominent orchestra conducted by Luigi Romanelli and was with them three years as Piano Player and dabbled in orchestrations. The two jobs kept him busy back then and in 1942 he looked back on many experiences during his years in the mood department of the old "Movies." Once the theatre caught on fire during a performance and the musicians on stage played on in order to keep the people calm. Everything went along great until someone came up behind him and hit him with a heavy article. When he came to, he was at home in bed and the fire over. The fire, in case you remember it, was at the Globe Theatre and the year was 1920. With the advent of talkies, the theatre jobs were pretty well washed up except for the road shows and Harold attached himself to several of these companies. With them he toured the entire province of Ontario. "(CKNX-Almanac-7,1942, p.5)

Harold Victor Pym - He began his radio career in Stratford when the station was known as 10AK. The piano was his specialty and he doubled with his orchestra H.V. Pym and His Melody Boys, an aggregation which lasted more than six years. In addition, he carried on with his teaching and added substantially to his reputation. Gradually he branched out into church work and was organist and choirmaster at Newmarket for 4 years, then moved to St. Marys, to Listowel and lastly to Wingham about two years ago (1940). In Wingham he is organist and choir master at the Presbyterian Church and well known in his district. (CKNX-Almanac-7,1942, p.5)

Harold Victor Pym - His series of programs over CKNX have increased almost weekly and his 'Organ Moods' each Mon, Wed, and Fri afternoon at 5:30 pm is well attended. Another mail-bringer is 'Hymn Time', presented Tues, Thurs and Sat of each week at 8:45 pm. In addition to these regular programs, Harold accompanies many of the station's vocalists and artists and assists in orchestrations for bands and choral groups. Pym has tried his hand at turning a song or two and during the last war had several published the most popular of which was "When the Doughboy Returns to Broadway" published in 1919 with words by Fred Stone. No new songs have been penned since then but the interest is still there. Immediately prior to joining the CKNX staff, Harold was organizer-pianist-conductor of a group known as the Excelsior Male Quartet, which toured the province between the years 1934 and 1939. Incidently he is the proud father of three very fine children, Bill in the RCAF overseas, Jack who works in Wingham with the Dominion Stores and a daughter, Marion, who was recently married to Robert Rae of Wingham, also in the armed forces with the Canadian Fuseliers. (CKNX-Almanac-7,1942, p.5)

70

"From Coast to Coast, people like old time music most," was the phrase that opened each Barn Dance.
1940s
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario

71

Mel Lavigne, one of Canada's best-known fiddlers, began with the Barn Dance in 1950.
1950s
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

72

Jack Gorbutt was the Public Relations man for the Barn Dance program as well as other CKNX programs.
1937-1963
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
Barn Dance Museum, Wingham, Ontario
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

73

Jack Caesar in audio with John Krug in the control room of CKNX
1950s
CKNX Radio and Television building, Carling Terrace, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

74

W.T. Cruickshank, K.G. Gilchrist, RCA rep, G.W. Cruickshank, & Scott Reid plan for new TV station
1954
920 CKNX, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

75

Reg Bitton in the telecine room at the CKNX-TV studios.
1955
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

76

Marilyn Lockridge and Hap Swatridge working in the CKNX film department
1950-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

77

Reg Bitton and Hap Swatridge film editors by day, musicians by night
1955-1970
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

78

Marilyn Timm in the film library of CKNX
1955-1970
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

79

CKNX-TV control panel room
1955-1970
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

80

Roy Bennett, cameraman covering a community event for CKNX-TV.
1950s
Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

81

CKNX Entertainers ...

Wingham Jesters - they were among the early entertainers on 10 BP and later CKNX. They existed in the 1930-1935 era when the studio was situated in the back of W.T. Cruickshank's radio store in the Field Building on Josephine Street in Wingham. By 1966, that building section was the Welfare office. Members of the Jesters were Cecil Merkley, Earl Wild, Wilf Riehl, Ab Nichols and Norm Blatchford. Original photo in the Merkley (Merkley) scrapbook - (SC-Merkley)p.23

The Early Birds/Ranch Boys - stars of the morning show, old favorites with CKNX listeners - Bob Hall does not appear with the Early Birds, but he is replaced by Pauline Swanson who "has sung her way into the hearts of numerous members of our audiences." (CKNX Almanac-2, 1942) The boys first got together with Cora Robertson and the instruments in August 1941. Previously they had been rivals on the air under the program "The Ranch Boys" with Clarence Adlum, Ross Middleton, and Ed Miles and the "Hillbillies" with Bob Hall, Cec Merkley and Cora Robertson. (CKNX Almanac-2,1942)

Early Birds - includes "Shorty" Merkley, Clarence Adlum, Pauline Swanson and Cora Robertson. Ivadel Sparks has now taken over the place of Pauline as the "baby star". (CKNX Almanac-11, 1943)p.4

Bert Worth's Dance Band - Bert Worth, Gus Armitage, Bill Sims, Gordie Webster
Bert Worth & CKNX Ambassadors - Bert Worth, Peter Cole, Neil McCauley, Bill Sims, Don Ferguson, Gus Armitage, Gil Green, Gord Webster, Don Rosenhagen

Ranch Boys (original) - Clary Adlum, Ross Middleton and Ed Miles.
Ranch Boys Group - Archie Mann, Reg Bitton, Don Robertson, George Jordan, Ross Mann, Ernie King
CKNX Ranch Boys - Cora Robertson, Don Robertson, Ross Mann, Wayne Riehl, Hugh Elder, Ron Coulthard

Original Barn Dance - Don Robertson, Cora Robertson, Fred Templeman, Archie Mann, Ross Mann, George Jordan
Barn Dance Gang Group - Lloyd Bank, Ward Allen, Jack Kingston, Earl Heywood, Mel Lavigne, Bill Mankiss
Barn Dance Regulars - Lucky Ambeault, Clarke Johnston, Cactus Mac

CKNX Hillbillies - an older bunch than the Ranch Boys, having been on the air since 1939 -Cec Merkley, better known now as "Shorty" of the Early Birds, Bill (Ernie Karges) and Pete (Bob Hall). Bob is with the present Ranch Boys while Ernie has left to take up a position in Kitchener.

Golden Prairie Cowboys - Earl Heywood, the twin fiddlers, Mel Lavigne and Ward Allen, Lucky Amebeault, Slim Boucher, Bill Mankiss, Lloyd Bank, Danny Grummett and sometimes Maurice Bolyer, Jack Kingston and 'Red' Burns. (BD-23, 2006)

Serenade Ranch Gang - Wee Bobby Clark, Jack Kingston, Earl Heywood, Ward Allen, Mel Lavigne, Bill Mankiss

Gulley Jumpers - Orton Grain, Alex Robertson, Clark Johnston, Freda Jordan

Pauline Swanson - the young lady known as 'the little sweetheart of the Barn Dance' Pauline Swanson.(Focus-1, 1991, p.6) "who can forget Pauline Swanson, of Wingham, the "Sweetheart of the Barn Dance", still in public school, she had to be lifted up on a chair to reach the microphone in those early years. She sang with the CKNX Early Birds.

Cora Robertson - Cora (Phair) Robertson, was one of the very first CKNX's artists, joining Doc in the 1930s to present musical programs, and organize a children's program when the CKNX studios were upstairs in the old Brunswick Hotel. (Carbert essay, 1995)p.3 The Ranch Boys first got together with Cora Robertson and their instruments in August 1941. Previously they had been rivals on the air under the program "The Ranch Boys" with Clarence Adlum, Ross Middleton, and Ed Miles and the "Hillbillies" with Bob Hall, Cec Merkley and Cora Robertson. (CKNX Almanac-2,1942)

Ranch Boys been on air for two years and the Hillbillies have been broadcasting their brand of music for nearly four years. Last summer it was decided to amalgamate the two shows into CKNX Ranch Boys and this was later extended to include the Early Birds with the addition of Pauline Swanson. (CKNX Almanac-2,1942) A new addition to the newly amalgamated Ranch Boys is Cora Robertson, a star in her own right. Cora has been appearing on the station for over 14 years and has handled every type of assignment in that time time from accompanying singers to kiddies. Better known to most listeners as Cora Phair, she conducted the Saturday Morning Kiddies Studio Party for four years. (CKNX Almanac-12, 1943) p.5 Cora passed away in Wingham in June 2001. She was "that magical piano player of the "Ranch Boys," who appeared for years on the ever popular CKNX show, Circle 8 Ranch. It was Barn Dance emcee, the late Johnny Brent, who coined the phrase for Cora, 'First Lady of the Barn Dance.' Cora and her husband ran a successful creamery business in Bluevale for many years. Their home in Bluevale, in the early days, was also home to fiddler Ross Mann and singer/guitarist Ernie King. Cora was also church organist in Wingham for many years. Her 'dancing hand-style' of piano playing will never be forgotten. (BD-1, 2001)p.2

Sarah Cruickshank-Songs by Sarah - "long a familiar program to thousands of listeners will no longer be a regular presentation over CKNX. Sarah Cruickshank, now Mrs. Richard Stephenson, leaves this month to assume the role of house-wife and feels that for the time being at least, she will have to forego her weekly Monday evening serenade in order to devote her time to a new career." Sarah has been a headline over the station for 4 ½ years. (CKNX Almanac - May1942)

Ernie Karges - he played the fiddle as one of the early fiddlers for the Ranch Boys, in the days when Barn Dance was broadcast from the studios of CKNX. To support his family he pulled up stakes and relocated to Kitcherner for a career with B.F. Goodrich. He and his wife, Mame, raised 5 kids - June, Marie, Louise, Bobby and Billy. Ernie was born and raised in Listowel. He took to fiddle at an early age. After he left Wingham, he played for house parties and small church dances. His daughters, June and Marie sang in harmony and became part of the Pine River Troubadours (1951). They went on to sing with the Westernaires. After Barn Dance played in the Waterloo arena in 1952, the Karges girls were booked as regulars on the Barn Dance. The girls act broke up later that year when they got married. Marie passed away in 1985. (BD-28, 2007)

82

A sampling of TV programs produced at CKNX-TV
1935-1960s
CKNX Radio and Television, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

83

Ross Hamilton, as weatherman for Channel 8 News.
1955
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

84

At Channel 8, the news and programs were televised, not taped.
1956
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

85

Set of the nightly Insight News program that came on around 6pm.
1955-1970
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

86

News Staff ...

Early Radio News - Harry J. Boyle, Hugh Gage, Goldie Buckingham, John Strong,

News Correspondents - Cueball McConnell, Lobby Lobsinger, Maud Heddon, Muriel Trott, Cy Bamford, Elgin Fraser

TV News staff - Bill Connell, Roger West, John Strong,

Later TV/Radio News staff - Brian Allen, Bob Bowland, Jim Tully, Jim Caldwell, Fred Burton, Bill Romahn, Don Courtney, Crawford Douglas, Vic Nerenberg, Dave Curzon, Dave Coles (news reporter),

Insight News cast - John Strong, Johnny Brent, Cliff Robb & Roger West

1970s - Alex Walton (News Director)

87

This group of news and agricultural announcers represent CKNX's strong news heritage.
1955
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

88

News anchors of CKNX-TV
1970s
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

89

Farm Departments & Sports ...

Farm Department - Warner Newton, Bob Carbert, Vaughan Douglas, Colin Campbell, Cliff Robb (farm editor), Rodger Schwauss (farm editor), Murray Gaunt

Sports Department - Doc Cruickshank, John Cruickshank, Tory Gregg, Ed Blake (sports editor),

Murray Gaunt - When Murray Gaunt retired from politics, he became full-time farm director and remains there today (1995), one of the finest farm broadcasters, Canada has ever produced. He is, in fact one of only a few remaining from a fairly large assemblage of men and women who served agriculture from coast to coast. At one time in my tenure at CKNX I served as Canadian Director for the National Association of Radio and Television Farm Directors and at that time there were at least 12 farm directors in radio stations in Ontario, a host of others across Canada from coast to coast, as well as the CBC's Farm and Fisheries Department that had a bureau in each of the regions and carried a large staff of farm broadcasters and support staff. Today, farm broadcasters are an endangered species and even the CBC has abandoned its service, with only one man, Sandy Cushon now doing "Country Canada." A very sad conclusion to a most important period of farm services. (Carbert essay, 1995) p.12

CKNX Sports Teams
1957 Hockey Team - Bob Secord, Johnny Brent, Ernie King, Jack Gorbutt, Slim Boucher, Colin Campbell, John Krug, Rod MacDonald, Johnny Crewson, Jack Mitchell, Murray Gaunt, Bill Stephenson, Barry Fryfogle, Ian McLaurin, Hap Swatridge, Terry Nethery, John Strong

90

Dave Curzon interviewing George Dear for Channel 8 news.
1960s
Countryside around Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

91

Jack Alexander shooting a live program - early shows were not taped, few shows were.
1955-1970
CKNX Television & Radio station, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

92

Production planning meeting
1955-1980
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

93

Margaret Brophy and Johnny Brent hosting a children's party - some were children of CKNX staff
1955-1970
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

94

Romper Room's Miss Eva and guest Doug McGowan (one of the show's producers)
1960-1980
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

95

Romper Room was one of the first televised children's programs available to people in the CKNX area.
1960-1980
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

96

Cartoon House was a popular children's program shown at noon on CKNX-TV
1960-1970
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

97

Set of M'Lady with Johnny Brent, popular cooking guest Kaye Grose and host Anna MacDonald
1955-1970
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

98

Studio staff often enjoyed the cooking creations of Kaye Grose after the show was finished.
1955-1960
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

99

Anne Meyer interviewed entertainers and community members, both famous and local.
1960-1980
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

100

Jack Day, producer, Anna Meyer, Kaye Grose and Johnny Brent on the set of the Anna Meyer Show.
1955-1970
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

101

Engineers from Ontario Hydro showing Anna Meyer how the new Bruce Nuclear Power Station worked.
1960s
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

102

Many commercials were shot on-site to support the programming of CKNX-TV
1955-1970
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

103

Announcer Monty Snider prepares a TV travel commercial with Betty Ann McGowan.
1950s
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

104

Betty Ann Giesler promoting a sponsor's product during a CKNX commercial break.
1960-1970
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

105

Filming one of the many locally produced musical shows for CKNX-TV
1955-1970
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

106

Al Cherny and his fiddle and Gordie Tapp's comedy entertained many CKNX viewers.
1960-1970
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario

107

CKNX's entertainment programs were produced using local talent.
1960-1970
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

108

The music shows often featured comedy skits using production staff (Earl Knox as native) as actors.
1960-1970
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

109

Earl Heywood's Serenade Ranch program was a popular locally-produced musical program on CKNX.
1955-1980
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

110

Practical jokes reigned supreme on set, as lyric cards were set on fire during a performance.
1960-1970
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

111

Ray & Larry Mercey went from CKNX to commercial musical success, complete with awards & gold records
1960-1980
CKNX Television & Radio station, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

112

1960 CKNX hockey team. CKNX iced teams for fundraisers in their listeners' communities.
1960
Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

113

Supperhour News was one of the first programs to be produced in colour.
1974
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

114

CKNX covered various community fundraising events, like this bowl-a-thon in Walkerton.
1970s
CKNX-TV studios, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

115

CKNX televised fundraisers like the Arthritis Telethon featured musical legends like Oscar Peterson
1955-1980
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

116

Cast of Goodtime Country program - a CKNX produced program
1960-1980
Channel 8, CKNX-TV, Wingham, Ontario


Credits:
North Huron Museum, Wingham, Ontario

117

1960-80s Staff ...

Staff - Brad Williams, Marg Forrest, Scott Buchan, Barry Smith, Gerry Chomin, Dave Curzon, Bill Kendrick, Jim Moore, Bill Stephenson, Brian Emslie, Monty Snyder, Roger West, McDaniel Phillips, Roly Kaufman (Comptroller), Don Fraser (announcer), Jack Caesar (TV sales), Bert Mathers (radio sales), Pat Renwick (continuity), Anita During (photography), Sharon Thompson (secretary), Erik Schistad (producer), Fred Steinmetz, Karl Krug (Singtime), Murray Brown, Dean Balser, Don Hickling, Mike Walker, Dede McQuiggen, Arn Spivey, Tim Tuck, Sandra Sloan, Jeff Norgate, Bob Montgomery, Stan Cepukas, Dave Yull, Verna Hodgins, Nancy Burton, Fred Burton, Sharon Montgomery, Wayne Ellis, Murray Gaunt, John Day, Roy Bennett,

Engineering Staff - Glen Scheifele, Scott Reid, Dave Burgess, Roy Major, Barry Skidmore, Dick Schwichenberg, Ken Post, Gerry Belanger, Manford Koenig, Rob Enders, Barry Skidmore,

Sales - Adam Taylor, Wayne Brown, Jim Kirkland, Rick Zacharewicz, Kevin Brown, Garry Ballagh, Bill Brown, Steve Hodgins, Chris Catcher, Christa Fraser, Verna Hodgins, Jack Gillepsie, Murray Armstrong, Wayne Ellis, Jack Caesar, Jerry Chomyn, Paul Mercey, Lloyd Mercey, John Crewson, McDaniel Phillips, Cathy Walters, Helen West, Jean Thynne, Janet Henderson,

Announcers - Derek Botten, Jeff Norgate, Lisa Brandt, Don Fraser, Dave Curzon, John Chippa,

TV Traffic - Peg Tervit

TV Control - Earl Knox

TV Productions - Lissa Biskupski (Fraser)

Receptionists - Peg Cameron, Adora McKague, Verna Hodgins, Verna Norgate, Joan Moore, Jane Day, Dilys Chapman, Diane Kerr, Marion McIntyre, Sylvia Sutherland, Lisa Hamilton, Joan Black, Dorothy Marks, Pam Templeman, Lori Goodall,

TV Program Manager - Clarence Wiema