Televison Back in the 1950’s …
Yes, kiddies this TV back in dark ages … And Yes, all we had back in the 50’s was three (3) channels. No, we did not have cable back then and no, this color has not been taken out of these images. That is my little toy sitting on top of the TV, not some futuristic antennae. That is Bob Hope on the screen, but I do not have a clue who the lady with him is or what show this is, either. Below is another screen shot …
I do know that this is Bing Crosby and Bob Hope on some type of variety show. This had to be around 1956-59 and I am sure this was the first TV that my parents had ever purchased. I have another photo of me sitting in front of this TV and I will find it and post it. At this time we were living in a garage apartment on Cervantes between 13th and 14th Avenues. In fact, the apartment is still there and I pass by it all the time. Some day I might just have to stop by and see if they will let me stick my head in the door for old times sake. Thanks for looking … Frank
Frank Hardy Made My Photographs Two 
Yes and I had the first color TV in my town — it was a plastic cover you put over the screen and used the crayons provided to color. If I recall properly it was a show called “Winky Dink and Me” — or close to that name. My how fast time changes!
LikeLike
Jack C
December 7, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Jack … I can vaguely remember seeing something that being advertised back in the late 1950’s now that you mention it. I do not ever seeing one, but I can remember some type of ” film ” that you placed on top of your tv screen that was supposed to simulate colors, making your tv a ” color tv “. Thanks for the comment and please check back … Frank
LikeLike
Frank Hardy
December 8, 2012 at 9:39 am
Three stations…you were lucky. We only got two: channels 3 and 5. We could not receive channel 10 because we only had rabbit ears. My father did not want to ever have to take down an outdoor antenna when a hurricane was in the Gulf of Mexico.
LikeLike
Mark Reed
November 28, 2012 at 7:59 pm