Broadcast Programming - The Early Years

Bartell Broadcasting Group - Playtime for Children

During 1945 to 1954, Jerry Bartell developed and refined the radio programs that became the syndicated series "Playtime for Children". An entire generation grew up captivated by "Mister Jerry's" engaging storytelling and "Miss Rosa's" beautiful voice. Stories ranged from the fanciful ("Airplane Dreams") to the wistful ("The Lost Bird"). The collective imagination of our nation's teachers, parents and children were molded and fired by these creative programs.

Episode production was a family affair. Jerry narrated scripts written by his wife Joyce, while Rosa Bartell Evans arranged and sang the soprano roles. Melvin Bartell's booming baritone was accompanied by his wife Dorothy at the piano. Ralph Evans attended to technical matters.

Many of these programs are lost in time. Some of the most poingent are available from the Evans Company Store. Please note that copyrights are still in effect with respect to all episodes. To briefly re-live the glory years of radio, click on the link to the musical program introduction sung by Jerry Bartell at the beginning of each episode (MP3):

Gather Round and Sing a Song

For more information please contact:

Evans Associates
216 Green Bay Rd. Suite 205
Thiensville, Wisconsin 53092
(262)242-6000

http://www.evansassoc.com

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