Florence Hanford facts for kids
Florence P. Hanford (born Peirce) was a famous home economist and one of the first people to have her own cooking show on television! She was born on June 23, 1909, and lived until July 1, 2008. She is best known for her TV cooking show called Television Kitchen. This show was very popular and aired for many years, from 1949 to 1969. In total, there were 1006 episodes!
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A Pioneer of TV Cooking
Florence Hanford's show, Television Kitchen, was a big deal because it was one of the very first cooking shows ever on TV. It was broadcast live every Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 PM. The show was first seen on Channel 3 in Philadelphia, and later on Channel 6. A company called the Philadelphia Electric Company sponsored the show. This means they helped pay for it. Florence even published books with recipes from her TV show in 1964 and 1969.
Her Early Life and Education
Florence grew up in a town called Bristol, Pennsylvania. She went to Temple University to study home economics. This field teaches you about managing a home, including cooking, nutrition, and family life. She earned her bachelor's degree in education in June 1931. That same month, she married Harry B. Hanford. Before becoming a TV star, she worked as a substitute teacher. She also taught cooking to nursing students at Temple University.
How She Became a TV Star
In 1947, Florence got a chance to audition for a cooking show. The person who was supposed to host it before her couldn't actually cook! So, Florence stepped in. The show was first called Television Matinee. Later, it changed its name to the famous Television Kitchen.
Life Beyond the Kitchen
Florence and her husband built a farmhouse in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, in 1947. She lived there for most of her life. They even raised race horses at their farm! Besides cooking, Florence was also very good at needlepoint and won awards for her work. Her husband, Harry, passed away in 1978. They did not have any children.
Honored for Her Work
After her death, Florence P. Hanford was honored for her important work in television. In 2009, the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia inducted her into their Hall of Fame. This means they recognized her as a very important person in the history of broadcasting.
