NBC Transmitter (Jan-Dec 1939)

JUNE, 1939 13 WBZ BOSTON AND WBZA SPRINGFIELD by Bob Evans j V i Ju i w Imported at great expense were these lovelies. Left to right are the “Misses” Keyes Perrin, Ken Strong, Fred Cole, Jim Collins, Bob Evans, Colton Morris, Jack Manning and Horace Rolfs. Scene: The “expected” axing when “J. A.” took over. Left to right: Gordon Swan as John A. Holman, Harry Goodwin, Cy Young, Babe Norris, Herb Masse, Johnny McNamara and George Harder. May 19 is a date that will long be remembered by everyone connected with WBZ and WBZA. On that day, John A. Holman’s fifth anniversary as general manager, the stations’ entire staffs paid Mr. Holman the most hearty and spectacular tribute ever staged in the history of the twin stations. Mr. Holman was entirely unaware of the plans, although staff members had worked nights for a month. Entering the studios, Mr. and Mrs. Holman and their daughter, Mrs. Benjamin Herrick of Albany, were greeted by George Harder, general chairman, and members of the Executive Committee. They were welcomed in the office concourse by the entire staff and many distinguished guests, including Clay Morgan, assistant to President Lohr, and Mrs. Morgan. After dinner, Mr. Holman was ushered into Studio C, where a large neon sign flashed the word “Holmania,” keyword of the gridiron show. The program started with greetings delivered by Dwight A. Myer on behalf of the Westinghouse Company. Program Manager John F. McNamara, as emcee, then read a sheaf of telegrams from public officials, NBC executives in New York, and M&S managers in other cities. The program then took a turn to the light side. That started with greetings from the city in “double talk” by Samuel L. Goodwin, superintendent of Boston markets. Next came a transcribed greeting from some of John Holman’s old friends at WEAF, and included Graham McNamee, Phillips Carlin, and Mark Woods in a little script show that will never go commercial. Sam Ross emceed. Came next another transcription from New York featuring the familiar voice of William S. Hedges, who was identified as vice president of “odds and ends.” This was followed by the vocalizing by Announcer Keyes Perrin of tin ee of Mr. Holman’s favorite songs. Then the staff opened the curtains proudly on its extravaganza, “Holmania.” a musical satire in three acts. The beauty of the opening chorus (see cut) left everyone breathless. And from then on there were two hours of steady laughs. The entire show illustrated, with excessive dramatic license, the history of WBZ from the time that “J. A.” stepped over the threshold. Songs were rendered by Johnny McNamara. Babe Norris, and Herb Masse. Gordon Swan and the Collegians highlighted the show. A Girls Chorus (Kay Leatherbee. Ruth Higgins, Kay Schmidt, Dot Miller. Joe Tierney, and Peggy McGarrahan) sang “Our Hearts Belong To Daddv,” directing their efforts and eyes to Mr. Holman. After a short speech, Cy Young gave Mr. Holman a beautiful gladstone bag as a token of the staff’s devotion. Little wonder that Mr. Holman was left speechless with the whole proceedings. It was a great evening and. most of all, a sincere tribute to Mr. Holman. "Holmania” credits for words, music, and direction go to Bob White, John M c N a m a r a , Bob Evans, George Harder, Jack Wright, Avner Rakov, and Bob Duffield. These men deserve credit for a polished job. But they declare that no producers ever had such an industrious, able, and inspired group of co-workers. Members of the staff look on as “J. A.” cuts the festive cake. Seated at his left is his wife and at his right his daughter, Mrs. Benjamin Herrick.