Rewind

Nov 16th, 2007

Former KFXD program director Greg Roberts posted a comment on our 18-month-old KFXD wall thread. I’m still looking for pictures of the KFXD “wall” in the old days before it was painted over. If you’ve got them send them my way so we can share!

Posted in: Radio.
Tagged: KFXD

33 Comments on “Rewind”

#1 Buster Bronco
on Nov 16th, 2007 at 11:49 pm

Around 1995 KFXD broadcast a talk show in the late afternoon (3 or 4 to 6 pm). If memory serves correctly, it was hosted by Bob Lee. Does anyone remember the talk show or Mr. Lee? What is he doing now?
#2 RadioActive
on Nov 17th, 2007 at 12:02 am

Seems to me it was when the station was something like “The Patriot” and featured local and national news talk formats with an emphasis on Chuck Harder’s People’s Radio Network” and other programming emphasising Constitutional and individuals rights, etc. I think it was short lived and died when the station was sold from Double D/B (whichever) to the current owner? Lee had a local call in program. I believe this was after The X was sold/lost from his ownership…. Anyone out there know more…its been a few years. After that he kind of disappeared off the radar screen.
#3 BoardOp
on Nov 17th, 2007 at 5:52 pm

Last I heard, there was a warrant out for his arrest, and he is probably hiding in Mexico.
#4 RDS
on Nov 18th, 2007 at 10:06 am

Bob’s infamous talk show was dumped for lack of sponsors some time before the station was sold, and was replaced by Don & Mike. Bob was dumped at the same time for many reasons I won’t go into on a public forum. And, if you do find Bob, let me know. He owes me money.
#5 Buster Bronco
on Nov 18th, 2007 at 10:42 am

1995 was a time before seemingly every radio station in the Boise market was carrying a political talk show in the afternoon drive and evening time slots. I was working swing shift as a security guard at the time Bob was doing his talk show. I remember turning on his show and listening to a personality who I remember being a paranoid “republitarian”. By this I mean he was very much paranoid and reactive to such events as the Oklahoma City bombing, the acquittal of O.J. Simpson, and the actions of the Unabomber. He distrusted government and was on the initial wave of those who believed the government had played a role in the Oklahoma City bombing. I’m sure he was paranoid for other reasons as well.
He was a “republitarian” because he supported limited government and regulation saying the people should take responsibility for their government and if they did so there would be less distrust of the government. He was libertarian because he believed that the use of force against the people was wrong. Therefore, supporting his belief regarding the Oklahoma City bombing and, perhaps, the Unabomber.
His paranoid “republitarian” views made for interesting radio. I would listen to him and then listen to Barry Farber and get a more reasoned, albeit still conservative viewpoint of world events. After listening to Lee’s rampages, Barry brought a common sense to my listening evening that help me to realize I listened to Lee for entertainment and a laugh and then switched over to Barry for his wisdom and insight.
I miss Barry Farber in this market. I wish he were on KBOI instead of Michael Savage. I can’t say I miss Bob Lee at all. I can understand why his show was never supported. It was a bad experiment into talk radio by KFXD.
#6 DonsDad
on Nov 19th, 2007 at 6:27 pm

Didn’t Max(Chris) have a righ wing talker on KFXD am at about the same time for a while?

And yes, Bob owes me also!
#7 Buster Bronco
on Nov 19th, 2007 at 10:47 pm

What is this? Vegas? How much does this dude owe? Is their a bookie in the house?
#8 Muck Raker
on Nov 21st, 2007 at 9:26 am

All those NOT owed money by Bad Bob, please raise your hands.

My last memories of him are twofold: 1 - Him jumping out of his black Firebird (while it was still rolling) at the northeast corner of Cole & Fairview to duke it out with an unidentified opponent (I never found out who won) and, 2 - Him gazing reverently into an obscure print consisting mostly of orange and yellow flowers in the hallway of the old KBCI studios downtown and uttering an occasional “Wow.” Those who knew Bob and his recreational proclivities will understand.
#9 RDS
on Nov 21st, 2007 at 10:33 am

In response to DonsDad, I joined the KFXD AM & FM group in August of ‘95, and while evidence of Max (Chris) was still lingering in the place, he had been gone awhile. Exactly how long, I don’t know and I didn’t really care. So, yes, he had a show, but sometime prior to Aug ‘95 was gone. If memory serves me correctly, Mike Responts was part of that whole cluster as well.
#10 Buster Bronco
on Nov 21st, 2007 at 12:57 pm

Well, “recreational proclivities” certainly explains the disconnectedness of Bob Lee’s thoughts on his radio show, his jumping out of his car in the midst of one of Idaho’s busiest intersections, and the gazing of psychedelic art at KBCI (where no “normal’ red blooded American male would be staring at psychedelic art today because they would be staring at Natalie Hurst).
Mike Responts was part of that cluster. I remember the name very well. A brief moment of research revealed the following website: http://foxsportsradio1460.com/skin/graphic.php?sectionId=176&contentId=93190

The website indicated that Responts (a.ka.a. “Sports Pig”):
“…is a regular host from 5-7p on FoxSportsRadio1460. He is also a jack of all trades at Lotus Broadcasting. He’s the fill-in on ESPNRadio920 as well.
The Pig did national sports-talk for SportsFan Radio Network where he hosted his own show, The Pig Pen, from 1997-2001. Pig just finished a long run as the host of the Wise Guys. Noon-2 on FoxSportsRadio1460. That made it six years together with Steve Cofield all the way back to their days as a team on SFRN from 1999-2001.
Pig’s shows were heard in major cities like Seattle, Boston, Miami, Atlanta, New York, Dallas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Tampa, Minneapolis, Detroit, Denver, San Francisco, Cleveland, St. Louis and Pittsburgh.
Piggie also served a stint doing FM radio as the host of the No. 1 morning show in Boise. He brings a unique combo of sports knowledge and a penchant for the wild and wacky. Who wins in an argument with the Pig? The entire listening audience!!!”
#11 boise engineer
on Nov 21st, 2007 at 5:31 pm

Bob quote “Got some beer?”
#12 RadioActive
on Nov 21st, 2007 at 6:27 pm

Who can ever forget the birthday he spent in the original Ontario studios (RIP)…. in his birthday suit while doing his on-air shift… I can but won’t relate a few other stories as well…But out of respect to Don, I wont here!
#13 Buster Bronco
on Nov 21st, 2007 at 9:56 pm

You mean I might have been listening to Idaho’s answer to Homer Simpson?
According to Wikipedia, “Homer embodies several American working class stereotypes: he is crude, overweight, incompetent, intolerant, clumsy, thoughtless and a borderline alcoholic. Despite the suburban blue-collar routine of his life, he has had a number of remarkable experiences. Although gluttonous, lazy, accident-prone and extraordinarily stupid, he has occasionally displayed flashes of brilliance and an integrity reflecting his own values, including a fierce devotion to and protectiveness of his family. “
#14 RDS
on Nov 22nd, 2007 at 2:40 pm

Bob Lee = Homer Simpson ?? Interesting comparison. There are only a couple reasons that might not be. Bob was not overweight, and probably was not a borderline alcholic but one all the way. Other than that, it seems to fit. Had I only known at the time I was working with an American Icon! Wow. Doh!
#15 Buster Bronco
on Nov 22nd, 2007 at 10:14 pm

The Homer Simpson analogy wasn’t bad for someone who never met Bob. I just heard him ramble on the air for a couple of hours a day. I recall Bob’s “republitarian” rantings and how his thoughts were so disjointed. The only reason I tuned in is because I was a lonely security guard working the swing shift and in need of something more insightful and thought provoking than three maintenance men who told dirty stories, drank, and hooked air hoses to potato guns to see how far they could launch a potato. Well, on second thought maybe the maintenance men were more insightful.
I was glad to have Barry Farber in the evening to bring some common sense to my shift. I’d sure like to get Barry back on in this market. Any chance we can ditch Savage and get Barry?
#16 RDS
on Nov 23rd, 2007 at 9:21 am

A quote from the Sports Pig … “Piggie also served a stint doing FM radio as the host of the No. 1 morning show in Boise. ” Hmmmmm….. If he is referring to his stint on J105, he was not the host, but the side-kick. Even co-host would have been a stretch, but a little closer to reality. He was there. That part is true.
#17 Buster Bronco
on Nov 23rd, 2007 at 10:14 am

Well, I’m glad to know Hillary Rodham Clinton isn’t the only one taking credit for something they didn’t do. Sports Pig had to make things sound good so he could get a job. At least he admits to being physically present at J 105. Yes, there are some in society for whom power and prestige are important words. Isn’t that right, Hillary?
#18 commanderlumpy
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 1:45 am

Here is the history of KF 95 and KFXD as I remember it from 1993 to 1998. KF 95 changed to The Legend in January of 1993. Around that same time Chris Brewer did a talk show called The Uncle Max show. In August of 1995 he was fired for reasons I don’t know. Other then some radio people told me he wasn’t a team player. I also understand he would say things on KFXD that the General Manager told him not to say. Again, I don’t know the whole story. But in 1994 here is the old weekday schedule. 7:00 to 10:00 Uncle Max. 10:00 to 1:00 Pat Buchanan and Company. 1:00 to 4:00 Chuck Harder. 4:00 to 7:00 the sports show. I can’t remember the name of it. 7:00 to 10:00 PM Michael Reagan. In August or September of 1994 Chuck Harder was no longer on the 1:00 to 4:00 slot. It was The Black Avenger with Kin Hamblin. But they still had Chuck Harder from 10:00 until 1:00 in the morning. I think it was also late 1994, and I know it was during the bulk of 1995, from 10:00 to 11:00 at night on weekdays Bob Lee did a 1 hour talk show. Then from 4:00 to 7:00 he hosted Boise on Line. That began in August of 1995. Shortly after Chris Brewer got fired at KFXD he went to KKIC and did The Uncle Max show from 9:00 to 12:00 on Weekdays. After what I have heard about Steve Sumner, I don’t know why Chris would work for him. But he did. Remember at that same time he did work the 7:00 to Midnight shift on KIZN 92. Interesting Combination. Chris Brewer also worked the Afternoon shift on Mix 95 FM for a while in 1994 to 1995. During the summer of 1995 he did work the 7:00 to Midnight shift before Tobin Jefferies took over that shift during the fall of 1995. I remember all these details very clearly because back then all I ever did was go to school and come and listen to the radio the rest of the day and do homework I think I covered everything about KFXD AM and FM I can remember and then some. I hope this helps.
#19 Buster Bronco
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 7:42 am

I remember hearing Bob Lee on KFXD during the late afternoon on weekdays. As I recall, the show was only an hour or two each day. After Bob, I listened to Barry Farber, but also remember Michael Reagan. I don’t recall my listening habits then. I was too concerned with trying to protect a multi-million dollar meat plant as a security guard and trying to get along with he senile old lady who they company had appointed “God in Charge”.
An interview with Bob would be interesting for sure.
#20 Buster Bronco
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 5:27 pm

Larry Gebert, Bob Anthony, Bob Peters, and Bill Bailey would be good interviews as well. They have a lot of Boise radio and television history to share. Dick Eardley, Paul J., Larry chase, and Marty Holtman may be good as well.
#21 RadioActive
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 8:03 pm

Yes, it would be good to hear from the likes of Dick Eardley. I can still remember him on KBOI TV 2 doing the news, I was just a child. Better make it a point to contact these older folks soon before they pass on and take with them so many memories and perspectives.
#22 Buster Bronco
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 10:17 pm

I agree, Radioactive. Bill Gratton is already gone. I just hope someone captured his experiences and insights before he passed.
I wish I were still at BSU. I would love to do papers on the history of MASH units in American military history and the development of television and television and radio news in Idaho.
#23 RadioActive
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 11:02 pm

You know Buster you sound like a really good guy…I can relate to a lot of what you post here on IRN. Too bad we couldn’t have got you to go to Idaho instead…just kidding. But hey you can always go get a Master’s degree and base your research on media history etc, That would allow you to follow your interests. I was not aware of Gratton’s passing. I think I kind of remember him as well. Did he work for KIVI? He lacked the charm of the talking heads today but what he and Eardley lacked in looks they more than made up for with respectablity.They were some of the last “old school” local journalists we had. Its sad that in todays “news marketing” ratings are based more on the looks and charisma of your anchor team than they are on they quality of news content…Perhaps why that is why the English are honest and call their talking heads…News Readers…oh, well.
#24 Buster Bronco
on Dec 8th, 2007 at 12:14 pm

“You know Buster you sound like a really good guy…I can relate to a lot of what you post here on IRN.”
WOW!!! That was scary. I was waiting for the infamous transitional words of but or however and the bullet that would accompany it. I am honored you enjoy most of my postings. Most of what I say just comes from memory and the heart.
In regards to the U of I, I respect the historians there and their body of work. Dr. Carlos Schwantes did excellent work in Idaho History and I have noted a large amount of material regarding teaching methodologies for History that of high quality. Despite these superlatives, I have bled blue and orange since 1979 and would find in treasonous, not to mention deadly, to pursue a masters in Vandal country.
Now, to the main point of this discussion, Bill Gratton passed away a few years ago. Paul J., Larry Chase, and Marty Holtman would likely remember the exact date. I was unable to find it in research. Your memory has served you correctly. Bill Gratton did work for KIVI in his later career. I found an Idaho State Historical Society Reference Series paper regarding the history of Idaho commercial television in my research. I am including the text pertinent to Mr. Gratton found in the paper:

“HISTORY OF IDAHO COMMERCIAL TELEVISION
Number 673 1989

BILL GRATTON JOINS ‘6′
Viewers tuning in Channel 6’s evening newscasts these days may be a little surprised to see Bill Gratton’s face adorning the anchor desk.
Gratton has been in the electronic news business for more than three decades, and most of that time has been spent at Channel 2.
Gratton’s move to the Nampa ABC affiliate comes at an appropriate time: Channel 6 has moved its early evening news block to the more realistic 6 p.m. time slot when more viewers are at home to tune in the local newscast.
The station experimented with a 6 p.m. newscast when it first went on the air, but because of poor ratings, coupled with economic difficulties, KIVI was forced to move the news back a half hour to compete with channels 2 and 7.
Gratton’s unpretentious, easy going on-air style represents a major plus for the Channel 6 news operation which has lacked a viewer identification and ratings points over the past two years.
The now white-haired Gratton was responsible for establishing credibility in reporting at Channel 2. That expertise is now a viable part of KIVI’s newsroom.
Gratton’s journalism career goes back to 1942 when he worked the sign-on shift at KIDO Radio. He joined KDSH Radio in 1947. The station’s call letters were changed to KBOI 10 years later.
In 1951, Gratton accepted a position with WOC-TV, Davenport, Iowa. He returned to Idaho in 1953 just before Channel 2 television became a reality.”
Now, since the current KIVI-TV signed on the air on February 1, 1974 as KITC-TV with Gratton as the main anchor and Dick Eardly became Mayor of Boise in January, 1974 (1974-1986, who became the main anchor at 2? Paul J. was beginning to switch his focus from TV to radio in 1974 (the same year Boise Junior College became Boise State University), Marty Hill was a field reporter, Marty Holtman did weather. Could the new anchor have been Larry Chase? The website http://www.zoominfo.com/Search/PersonDetail.aspx?PersonID=437387856
states: Larry “…joined Disaster Kleenup in March of 1997 as Director of Marketing…{he} was in Radio and Television for 29 years. His last position was General Manager of KIVI Channel 6 in Nampa. He was there for 15 years.” Utilizing simple math, Larry would have been working in radio and TV from 1968 to 1997. Therefore, it is possible he replaced Eardly or Gratton? My memory of KBOI/KBCI Tv begins to fade at that point in favor of Carolyn Holly & Dick Pompa at KTVB.
“…what he {Gratton} and Eardley lacked in looks they more than made up for with respectability. They were some of the last “old school” local journalists we had.” In researching this morning, I discovered this statement from the Ridenbaugh press, “here aren’t a lot of veterans any more in most Idaho newsrooms; much more common, especially in the Boise area, is a rapid-fire churning. A reporter or editor who reports to work in one of those newsrooms will soon become aware of where most of those who have preceded him or her has gone: Usually, into a communications job (meaning here, “public information,” “press secretary” or something similar) in state or local government, or a comparable job in one of the large business entities in the area…it’s just the fact that there’s so many of them that ought to be troubling…Partly because it’s a reflection on some bad things…A lot of these people would not have left journalism if they had a real choice, but in many cases, they didn’t, or at least no good ones. Relatively few Idaho journalism jobs pay well, and many pay below what most people would consider a barely living wage. (Most of those Boise TV reporters who look like prosperous upper-middle-class professionals are pulling wages that would shock most of their viewers.) The people who run the media conglomerates evidently understand that experienced journalists usually are more expensive journalists; they have little incentive to encourage people to stay around for long.Atop that, many newsrooms have become increasingly horrible places to work; and atop that, the number of journalism jobs has been decreasing in recent years. We’ve seen several of them struggle, for months and years, to try to stay in the business while getting out of an untenable work situation, and ending up taking a paycheck where they could. This relates to an extent to who owns these news companies. You’ll see relatively few names, for example, from the home-owned Lewiston Tribune and Idaho Falls Post Register; turnover in those places has tended to be low. There are others; but they are the exceptions. When these journalists do leave, they discover that their pay is increased, their work hours diminished and they tend to be treated a lot better in their new offices. It’s just that now, they’re someone’s spokesman. And there are a whole lot more of them. A great many of the jobs to which these journalists have gone, didn’t exist very many years ago; a number of the people on this list were the first occupants of their post-news jobs. Are there now in Idaho considerably more people paid to work with (and influence) reporters, than there are reporters? Probably.” (http://www.ridenbaugh.com/index.php/straight-outta-idaho-journalism/
So, is it any wonder “…ratings are based more on the looks and charisma of your anchor team than they are on they quality of news content”? Ya gotta give it to the British. They were right again in calling them news readers. That’s what they are. Good looking story tellers.
#25 Buster Bronco
on Dec 8th, 2007 at 3:41 pm

My last entry was a novel, so I will try to keep this short.
The article regarding Bill Gratton stated, “Gratton’s journalism career goes back to 1942 when he worked the sign-on shift at KIDO Radio. He joined KDSH Radio in 1947. The station’s call letters were changed to KBOI 10 years later.”
I told Dad we were discussing the personalities of local radio and TV from yesteryear. He shared with me that my Great Grandmother, Jennie Lanfear, was a friend of Gratton. Jennie was viewed as an accomplished amateur poet in the 1940’s until her death in 1969. She often submitted poetry to Gratton when he was working radio. He would make a special effort to note the poem he was about to read on air came from his “old friend Jennie Lanfear” and read the poem. Dad recalls visiting the Western Idaho fair when the fairgrounds was located in the Fairview Avenue and Orchard area (near where KTVB is now. He said he recalls one time they were walking the carnival and spotted Gratton coming their direction. Jennie saw him, gave him a hug, which Gratton returned, and exchanged pleasant, but short, conversation.
Just kind of interesting to me.
#26 RadioActive
on Dec 9th, 2007 at 2:39 am

Buster- Small world indeed, Carlos was my History teacher in a Senior level class and inspried me to write an exceedingly long piece called “The History of Idaho Radio and TV” which I must admit was probably the only paper I ever wrote in college that I actually enjoyed creating! I still have it somewhere. Carlos asked if he could use some of the information and graphics I had researched. What could I say? I never did read his book that he was working on at the time…about 1988-1989. I will have to find it and see what info he did utilize. Thanks for sharing the historical information.
#27 Buster Bronco
on Dec 9th, 2007 at 10:32 am

RadioActive,
In what book of Carlos’s did he include your research? I would love to read it. Perhaps you could find your paper and send me a copy???
I remember Carlos visiting our Idaho History class at BSU. He had incredible presence in the class. There was only twice I wished the speaker were instructor as opposed to the person we had as an instructor. That was one of those days. Later on in the semester our instructor and I debated about the confluence of the Boise & Snake Rivers. Having grown up in the Old Boise Valley (Notus), I knew the confluence was north of Parma at the Old Fort Boise site. She tried to tell me the confluence was in Weiser. To this day, I think she still believes she is right. I am content to allow her to continue her studies of feminism and women’s history in Idaho and the west knowing I was right.
I am glad you enjoyed the historical information. Until I find out differently, I would have to believe the station Gratton was working for when Jennie was sending the poetry to him was and is the current KBOI, the station my family continues to listen to on a daily basis.
#28 Buster Bronco
on Dec 9th, 2007 at 1:22 pm

In response to discussions above, in surfing the internet I have found a programming schedule for KBOI and KTVB TV for August 24, 1972. The schedules were published by the Idaho Statesman. They may help answer a few questions we have been wondering about as well as generate more. The schedules are:
KBOI 2-CBS/ABC
7:00 Captain Kangaroo
8:00 CBS News (John Hart)
8:30 Beverly Hillbillies
9:00 Jack LaLanne
9:30 Love of Life
10:00 Where the Heart Is
10:25 CBS News (Douglas Edwards)
10:30 Search for Tomorrow
11:00 Love is a Many-Splendored Thing
11:30 As the World Turns
Noon Eyewitness News (Jim Bates)
12:30 Guiding Light
1:00 General Hospital
1:30 Edge of Night
2:00 My Three Sons
2:30 Password
3:00 Western Theatre
4:00 Flintstones
4:30 Petticoat Junction
4:55 Theater Billboard
5:00 CBS News (Walter Cronkite)
5:30 Eyewitness News (Bill Gratton)
5:50 Sports (Dick Eardley)
5:55 Weather (Larry Chase)
6:00 Truth or Consequences/Dialing for Dollars
6:30 The Drug Dilemma
7:00 Movie “Apache Uprising”
9:00 Mannix
10:00 Eyewitness News (Bill Gratton)
10:25 Sports (Paul J. Schneider)
10:30 Weather (Larry Chase)
10:35 Movie “Village of the Damned”
Conclusions: 1) Note the noon newscast. KBCI has recently brought back a noon newscast after not having one for years.
2) Note that Dick Eardley was doing the sports for the 5 pm news and Paul J. at 10 pm. Did Bill Gratton replace Eardley in the news anchor chair or was Eardley a sports guy?
KTVB 7-NBC/ABC
7:00 Today (Frank McGee/Barbara Walters)
7:25 Analysis 7 Morning News (Clint Bellows)
7:30 Today
8:25 Analysis 7 Morning News (Clint again)
8:30 Today(?)
9:00 Sale of the Century
9:30 Hollywood Squares
10:00 Jeopardy!
10:30 Who, What or Where Game
10:55 NBC News (Floyd Kalber)
11:00 Concentration
11:30 Three on a Match
Noon Newlywed Game
12:30 Today in Idaho (Clint Bellows/Mary Alsager/Gerry Dunn)
1:00 Another World
1:30 Return to Peyton Place
2:00 Somerset
2:30 Dinah’s Place
3:00 Love, American Style
3:30 Bewitched
4:00 Daniel Boone
4:55 Fish & Game Report (Bill Cunningham)
5:00 NBC News (John Chancellor)
5:30 Analysis 7 News (Dan Smede)
5:50 Weather (Susan Eby)
5:55 Sports (Dan Peters)
6:00 Hee Haw
7:00 Julie (series preview)
8:00 Bobby Darin
9:00 Adventure Theatre “The Loving Cup”
10:00 Analysis 7 News (Dan Smede)
10:20 Weather (Susan Eby)
10:25 Sports (Dan Peters)
10:30 Tonight Show
Conclusions: 1) Notice KTVB was an affiliate of both NBC & ABC prior to February 1, 1974 when KITC-TV (now KIVI) debuted.
2) Who are Clint Bellows, Mary Alsager, and Gerry Dunn?
3) Note the 5:30 and 10 pm anchors were Dan Smede, Susan Eby, and Dan Peters.
4) I know Dan Smede retired after several years at KIVI. Dad believes Susan Eby left the news business to work in communications and/or public relations for one of the Boise hospitals. I am confused between Dan Peters and Bob Peters.
#29 RadioActive
on Dec 9th, 2007 at 1:48 pm

Memories fade… but I believe Carlos was working on his latest book for the 1890-1990 Idaho State Centennial at that time. That should narrow in down a little. I wish I would have paid more attention. I do remember the first day of History class- we talked about Hitherlands and the cultural and social meaning of waterways and tributaries and their affect on population growth and their development…does that ring a bell? He was big on rivers etc, If he is still around, give him a call and talk with him- He was very receptive to calls from students and former students. I remember applying for a job at the former MK and needed some help answering a question for a sample speech I had to submit for a job as Public Information Officer. He was more than glad to assist! Through the years I wish that I had explored and expanded my research and gone ahead and written a book on the subject of Radio TV but just found myself in some very menial jobs like the current one I tolerate. (Currently sucking the life and creative force from my soul). I don’t know where the paper is. I have too much “stuff” to even put my finger on it. It’s probably in with my college teaching materials when I was at a small college years ago involved with Audio Video. If I find it, I will find a way to share what I have. I have some really neat materials stashed away…oh, the joys of being a packrat. Keep up the updates!
#30 Buster Bronco
on Dec 9th, 2007 at 2:30 pm

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!
I have information regarding former KTVB weather caster Susan Eby (a.k.a. “Susie Snowflake”).
According to http://www.missmichigan.org/2006/judges.htm,
” {As of 2006,} Susan’s involvement with the Miss America organization has covered all aspects: being a contestant, emcee, judge, Traveling Companion for Miss Idaho at the Miss America Pageant, and Executive Producer of the Miss Idaho Pageant for seven years. She has judged over 55 national and state pageants in the Miss America system and was on the Panel of Judges in Atlantic City who selected Miss America, 1993, Leanza Cornett. A former Channel 7 television broadcaster in Boise, Susan joined the health care field after receiving a Masters of Public Administration from Boise State University. Her health care experience began at St. Luke’s Hospital and she has managed hospital accounts in Los Angeles, California, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Susan is now in Missouri, where she is a director at Tenet-Saint Louis University Hospital. She is active in the Rebuilding St. Louis program, a humanitarian effort in the city.”
#31 Buster Bronco
on Dec 9th, 2007 at 5:40 pm

Earlier I asked about the identity of Mary Alsager of KTVB. I noted Ms. Alsager appeared on the 12:30 pm news in 1972. KTVB began broadcasting in 1953. Ms. Alsager must have been an employee for a long time. The website, http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2002/may/kidstv/
discusses the history of local children’s programming. The site includes a photo of Ms. Alsager working on KTVB’s version of “Romper Room” in the 1960’s. The site reports, “were nationally franchised, with local talent performing in the lead role. But many other TV markets had their own personalities, often played by local news anchors, weathermen and other station personnel. They ranged from Flippy the Clown in New Haven, Conn., to Mary Jane’s Magic Castle in Houston.”
Website http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_local_children%27s_television_series_%28United_States%29
supports this information.
#32 Buster Bronco
on Dec 9th, 2007 at 9:51 pm

RadioActive,
As I am sure you know, Dr. Schwantes has published many books. His curriculum vitae lists the following works:
Vision and Enterprise: Exploring the History of Phelps Dodge Corporation (Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 2000).
Columbia River: Gateway to the West (Moscow: University of Idaho Press and Columbia River Maritime Museum, 2000).
Long Day’s Journey: The Steamboat and Stagecoach Era in the Northern West (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1999).
Hard Traveling: A Portrait of Work Life in the New Northwest (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1994).
Railroad Signatures Across the Pacific Northwest (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1993).
The Pacific Northwest: An Interpretive History (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1989). [Reprinted in a second edition (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1996).]
Coxey’s Army: An American Odyssey (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1985). [Reprinted in a second edition (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1994).
Radical Heritage: Labor, Socialism, and Reform in Washington and British Columbia, 1885-1917 (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1979).

The fact you recall “…Carlos was working on his latest book for the 1890-1990 Idaho State Centennial at that time…we talked about Hitherlands and the cultural and social meaning of waterways and tributaries and their affect on population growth and their development…” coupled with my vivid recollection of similar discussions
lead me to believe the book you are referring to is
The Pacific Northwest: An Interpretive History (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1989). [Reprinted in a second edition (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1996).] Pacific Northwest was our text back in the spring of 1995.
However, the book he may have included your information in could have been anything written since the publication of Pacific Northwest in 1989.
#33 Buster Bronco
on Dec 9th, 2007 at 9:57 pm

According to http://www.umsl.edu/~cts/people/schwantes.html, Carlos A. Schwantes is now a St. Louis Mercantile Library Endowed Professor of Transportation Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He can be contacted at the following address and email:
One University Blvd.
154 University Center
University of Missouri-St. Louis
St. Louis, MO 63121-4499
email:cschwantes@sbcglobal.net
He has written or edited fifteen books to date.
Current projects include: “On the Move: Transportation Shapes the Twentieth Century West,” a book under contract with Indiana University Press “Workers on the Anvil of Adversity: American Labor and the Phelps Dodge Copper Strike of 1983,” a book under contract with The University Press of Kansas.