Harry Volkman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Volkman
|
|
|---|---|
Harry Volkman giving a weather broadcast on WGN-TV
|
|
| Born | April 18, 1926 |
| Died | August 20, 2015 (aged 89) |
| Occupation | Weatherman at WGN-TV |
| Known for | First weatherman to issue a televised tornado warning |
Harry Volkman (born April 18, 1926 – died August 20, 2015) was an American meteorologist. A meteorologist is a scientist who studies the Earth's atmosphere and weather. Harry Volkman made history as the first weatherman to give a tornado warning on television. This helped keep many people safe during dangerous storms.
Contents
Growing Up and Learning About Weather
Harry Volkman was born in Medford, Massachusetts. From a young age, he loved radio. He and his brother even built their own small radio station at home in Boston. They worked hard on their shows, even if only their family could hear them!
His interest in radio continued when he joined the Army. After the Army, he studied physics at Tufts University. But soon, weather became his main passion. This led him to study meteorology at the University of Tulsa.
A Career in Weather Forecasting
Harry Volkman began his career as a weatherman in January 1950 at KOTV in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He did many jobs there, including being an announcer, a salesman, and even a switchboard operator. He once said he wasn't paid for his first three months, and his starting pay was only $25.
The First Televised Tornado Warning
A big moment in Harry's career happened when he moved to WKY-TV in Oklahoma City. His boss asked him to warn viewers about a possible tornado. At that time, the government didn't allow tornado warnings on TV. They worried it would cause panic.
Harry was unsure at first, but his station's management promised to take responsibility. He gave the warning, and WKY-TV stayed on air until 1 a.m. Because of his alert, people in towns like Woodward and Alva went to their storm cellars for safety.
Later, a colleague told Harry about another tornado heading for Meeker, Oklahoma. Harry quickly warned everyone. The tornado destroyed the town, but no one was hurt! One person told the Associated Press, "God bless Harry Volkman." This amazing success helped convince the government to lift its ban on tornado warnings. Harry Volkman's actions truly saved lives.
Music and Books
Harry was also a good singer and sang in his church choir. Sometimes, he would even add a little music to his weather forecasts! Later in his life, he wrote a book about his experiences as a TV weatherman. It was called Whatever The Weather: My Life & Times As A TV Weatherman.
Harry's Life Outside of Work
Harry Volkman had three sons and one daughter. His son, Ed, became a famous radio host in Chicago. Harry's long career in Chicago television was honored in 1998 when he joined the local Emmys Silver Circle. He also won local Emmy awards for his weather forecasts in 1961, 1964, and 1967. Harry retired in 2004, after working in television for 54 years!
Harry Volkman passed away in Des Plaines, Illinois, at the age of 89.
Where Harry Volkman Worked
- 1950–1952: KOTV – Tulsa
- 1952–1955: WKY-TV (later KTVY-TV, now KFOR-TV) – Oklahoma City
- 1955–1959: KWTV-DT – Oklahoma City
- 1959–1967, 1970–1974: WMAQ-TV – Chicago
- 1967–1970, 1974–1978: WGN-TV – Chicago
- 1978–1996: WBBM-TV – Chicago
- 1996–2004: WFLD – Chicago
