early years

The Early Years
(NETSCAPE USERS CAN SEE LARGER IMAGES BY 'RIGHT CLICKING' ON PHOTO AND SELECTING 'VIEW IMAGE')

This 1956 view of the studio's building at 1113 Memorial Hwy (later renamed Grand Central and finally Kennedy Blvd.) shows the familiar curved driveway leading up to the main entrance. Originally a Greek restaurant, this building served WTVT until its demolition in 1989. It's possible that WTVT's neon sign covered the restaurant's marquee.
	Gaylord's purchase of WTVT in 1956 brought immediate improvements such as a fleet of radio-equipped news wagons. Note original mobile unit at left, and single mast microwave tower at upper right. A 'twin tower' would replace it later and also support Roy Leep's radar.

An early cooking show features Mary Anne Brown.

Note TK 11A cameras.

Cam. 1 has four lenses on a turret, and rests on a Houston Fearless pedestal. Cam. 2 has a Zoomar lens, and is mounted on a tripod.

Here's a shot from Channel 13's newsroom, circa 1958. At left is Ed Herbert, and Al Moffat center, with Carolyn Day at the teletype. WTVT had the first hour-long news block in November of 1958.

Channel 13's first staff meteorologist was Charles Stump. Using his revolving weather map, Stump keeps viewers informed in 1956. Roy Leep would arrive in 1957 and serve WTVT for 40 years.

The 1955 Production Staff of WTVT. (Left to Right)
Larry Renault, Don Walker, Bill Rennie, Bob Sadler, Mike Andrews, Mal Snyder, Earl Prebor, Pete Martinez, Ronald Stimpson, Walter Rhoads, Jeri Bunt, Monte Gurwit