Traynor Ora Halftown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chief Halftown
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Traynor Ora Halftown, c. 1960s
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| Born |
Traynor Ora Halftown
February 24, 1917 |
| Died | July 8, 2003 (aged 86) |
| Occupation | Entertainer |
| Years active | 1950–1999 |
| Title | Honorary chief of Seneca tribe |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret Halftown |
| Children | 3 |
Traynor Ora Halftown (born February 24, 1917 – died July 5, 2003) was an amazing Native American entertainer. Most people knew him as Chief Halftown. He hosted a popular children's TV show in Philadelphia for nearly 50 years!
His show aired on WFIL-TV, which later became WPVI-TV in 1972. It ran from 1950 all the way to 1999. What's really cool is that his show was first planned for only six weeks. But it became the longest-running local children's TV show in the world!
After Chief Halftown passed away in 2003, Dave Davis, who was in charge of WPVI-TV6, said something special. He mentioned how hard it would be to find another TV host who connected with so many kids over different generations. He said Chief Halftown would be missed but also remembered fondly by everyone.
Early Life and Background
Traynor Ora Halftown was born on February 24, 1917. His birthplace was the Cattaraugus Reservation. This reservation is about twenty-five miles south of Buffalo, New York.
Chief Halftown was a member of the Seneca Nation of New York. The Seneca are one of the Native American tribes.
A Champion Bowler
When he was a teenager, Halftown worked at a bowling alley. He was a "pinboy" in Jamestown, New York. He loved bowling and was very good at it.
During World War II, he joined the United States Army. He even competed on the army's bowling team! After the war, he briefly returned to music. He was known as "the Singing Seneca." But soon, he started his career in television.
Even while hosting his TV show, he kept up his love for bowling. He became a professional bowler. He also worked as a spokesperson for the Brunswick Bowling Manufacturing Corporation. He taught many kids how to bowl. He held popular bowling clinics that attracted huge numbers of young people. It's estimated he reached about 300,000 children and teenagers through these clinics!
A Long TV Career
Chief Halftown's children's show was a huge hit. It aired on WFIL-TV (later WPVI-TV) in Philadelphia. The show ran for almost 50 years, from 1950 to 1999.
His special greeting was "ees da sa sussaway." This phrase means "Let's get started" in the Seneca language. His show was originally planned for just six weeks. But it became the longest-running local children's program on television anywhere! In 2004, the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia added Chief Halftown to their Hall of Fame. This honored his amazing career.
Later Years
Around 2001, Chief Halftown and his wife, Margaret, moved. They went to Brigantine, New Jersey. They wanted to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Chief Halftown passed away in Brigantine on July 8, 2003. His wife, Margaret, passed away the next year, on February 17, 2004.
