[opendtv] Farnsworth

From: Cliff Benham <cbenham@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Date: Sun, 24 Sep 2006 18:57:15 -0400

Farnsworth honored in Philadelphia ------------------------------------------------------------------------ At last, my hero Philo Farnsworth is getting some honors here in Philadelphia.

Last Friday, the Pennsylvania State Historical Commission erected a roadside plaque at the site of Farnsworth's Philadelphia studio at 1260 E. Mermaid Lane in the Wyndmoor section of the city.

These plaques are all around the state to give a little history of something famous that happened at that location. There is one near my house noting the historic mineral springs resort located here in the 1700's.

The Mermaid Lane location was in use during Farnsworth's Philco days for about 5 years in the 30's. The studio and lab is long gone. The tower is gone with replacements in place for local radio and repeaters.

The gentleman who started the Farnsworth plaque effort two years ago is Dave Custis, a local broadcaster. He built a radio station at the same location in the late 50's and knew the history and pushed for the honor. Dave told me that when he built the station, there was still a small wood shack under the newer tower that was original but now gone.

After Farnsworth left, the rebuilt tower was for W3XE/WPTZ-TV (now KYW-TV) until they left for a bigger stick a few miles away.

The local chapter of Broadcast Pioneers, is looking to continue the honors and memory of Farnsworth in our upcoming events. Stay tuned.

Dave A.

[from the AudioKarma Forum]

edited by C. Benham

[opendtv] Farnsworth

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