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In mid- December 2006, I got an email from
Mr. David Erskine from Fort Worth. Here is
what the email said:
"Hello Paul, David Erskine here in Fort
Worth. I've done ventriloquism more than 50
years and was in middle school when Channel
11 signed on. "Hey, Bud, what are ya'
looking at?" While I was in high school your
dad was doing Hoover Hound and I loved to
watch them around noon time. Your dad spoke
to our Arlington Heights drama group, like
at a Christmas banquet, at the KEY on
Montgomery Street. I asked him about Hoover
and he said the station had Hoover built by
a company in Chicago, to his measurements,
and he said his arm was short and that was
job insurance for doing the character.
While I was in college, at TWC, I appeared
on Channel 11 several times when they had a
morning show that Joy Garrett hosted. And
other shows. The one I liked most being on
was Slam Bang Theater. One day at a break I
asked your dad about Hoover and how was he
doing. When we finished the show he said to
come with him. He took me to the back of the
studio where props and sets were kept in a
chicken wire enclosure. He went in and
brought out Hoover and said he would like
for me to have him, but to not use him in
this local market.
I've provided Hoover a good home and always
enjoy looking at him, but never used him as
I thought I would when I was talking with
your dad.
Will you be in the Fort Worth area soon? I
would like for you to have Hoover because
I'm sure he would love to travel with you
when you talk about the good old days."
Well, I called him the next day.
We had a great conversation about his
memories of Dad and his influence on him. He sent me
Hoover a few days later. Hoover now has a
new home next to Dad's hat, wig and coat! I am grateful to
Mr. Erskine for taking such good care of
this valuable artifact from the early KTVT
era. This is the only item that has surfaced
from the early Slam Bang Theater/KTVT era.
Thank you so much, David!!!!
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Hoover in 1958 |
Hoover today |
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