Our first television was delivered to our house when I was about ten years old. We were one of the first families to get one and immediately my popularity in the neighborhood moved up a couple of notches. The brand was Dumont and it was mounted in a cabinet that was the size of small ice box. By the very nature of it’s size and considering its popularity, the living room was rearranged to accommodate it as the focal point. All chairs faced the screen so that when it offered its programming we were readily available to watch.
In the beginning, I only remember three channels being available. Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), National Broadcasting System (NBC) and American Broadcasting System (ABC). Sporadic programming on alternate channels was the norm. There was some morning programing available in 15 or 30 minute increments. In between availability, the screen displayed a constant showing of the television test pattern.
The one I remember the most was a drawing of an Indian Chief with a full headdress. The idea behind this was to be able to focus your antenna for clarity. The antenna was a goofy looking device with two extendable arms that rotated in a base and were capable of moving in different directions to capture the TV signals in the air. Because the device constantly stood on top of the TV stand and its arms extended straight up parallel to each other, we were all soon calling it “rabbit ears”. And because television signals came from different towers located in different directions, the rabbit ears were constantly being moved about to focus the screen. This is why the test pattern first came into being, it was to help in clearing up the reception on the screen. It didn’t take long for someone to realize that if a receiving device were to be mounted on the roof better reception could be achieved. Thus the aluminum rooftop television antenna was born. Originally, because everyone had a chimney, the antenna was strapped to it’s base. It was a simple device on an aluminum pole the had horizontal slats, not unlike miniature wings, attached to it. In the beginning it significantly improved the reception and focus. By connecting a specially coated wire to it’s frame it could be directed down the side of the house and into the closest window to be connected to the TV. The problem with its location was that it was not easy to get to for adjusting and it was subject to frequent wind gusts or rain storms. Soon the idea was hatched to put the receiving antenna on a pole attached to the side of the house so that if it needed to be adjusted, a quick twist of the pole was all that was needed. Shortly after that, someone improved the whole thing by inventing a motor for the receiver that had a control inside, next to the television. Now it was not necessary to have half the family involved to adjust the antenna. Before the installation of the motor, someone had to be stationed at the TV to yell to someone at the window to yell to someone adjusting the pole. This exercise went on every night all over America for years. It was as common a practice as dumping the dishwater out the back door. The biggest issue that arose in this process was the inherent danger in the adjusting during bad weather. More than one individual was severely shocked when lightening found the pole as it’s conduit.
However the method of receiving the signal waves, Saturday nights at our house were what we called neighbor night. Folding chairs were assembled in rows in front of the television. Before everyone got their own television, it was expected that you had the responsibility to share your good fortune with the neighbors. Popcorn was popped and soda was on ice as everyone settled in to watch whatever was available that particular evening. In the beginning the signal ceased to broadcast at 9:00 at night so after the TV was turned off the kids went outside to chase lighting bugs and the adults fell into discussions of the day.
It was a unique time in American History. Neighbors shared what they had and kids were not afraid to be out after dark. It was a wonderfully simple existence. The Television did not come on before 9:00 am and did not broadcast after 9:00 at night. News was still delivered to our living rooms by newspaper and radio. Television was for entertainment and not yet the vehicle to dictate our lifestyles. Sunday was the day that TV was least watched and in some homes was never turned on during that day. It was an exciting time for a kid, to be in the middle of such rapidly changing technology. My grandfather used to say that we would soon see a time when television would be on all night and we would stop communicating as a family. If only his prophecy had not come true.
