Chief Halftown (TV program)
A six-week series that ran for 49 years.
Chief Halftown was a children's television program that aired on WFIL-TV (later WPVI-TV) in Philadelphia from 1950 to 1999. Hosted by Traynor Ora Halftown, a Native American entertainer known as Chief Halftown, the show was originally intended for a six-week series but became the world's longest running local TV children's show.
Quick Facts
- Years active
- 1950–1999
- Occupation
- Entertainer
- Birth name
- Traynor Ora Halftown
- Born
- 24 February 1917
- Birthplace
- Cattaraugus Reservation
- Died
- 8 July 2003
- Place of death
- Brigantine, New Jersey, U.S.
- Spouse
- Margaret Halftown
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- Halftown's signature greeting was "ees da sa sussaway," which is Seneca for "Let's get started."
- His widow Margaret died in Brigantine on February 17, 2004.
Bowling career and military service
During his teenage years, Halftown worked as a pinboy at a local bowling alley in Jamestown, New York. He served in the United States Army during World War II and competed with the army's bowling team. After his honorable discharge, he briefly resumed his musical career as "the Singing Seneca" before entering television. While hosting his children's program, he worked as a professional bowler and spokesman for the Brunswick Bowling Manufacturing Corporation.
More in 1950s American Children's Television Series
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced