Christmas time is here and Mariah Carey and Andy Williams are taking up residence in everyone's ears for the time being. With my wife feeling a lot better and I finally having more free time in my busy schedule, I can't help but finally feel a sense of relief for the first time since spring. Of course, I've been watching reruns of Wheel of Fortune, don't you worry! And winter? Well that's the prime time for tea, yes?
Oh yes, the search...
So I neglected to mention one night. I spent an evening looking through my basement. Television Carnival/Circus had filled me guilt and I couldn't resist seeing what hidden knowledge my Grandfather may have had. What I did not find was anything pertaining to the show directly. What I did find was a lovely photograph of him and my great grandma, as well of a photo of him and my Grandma together. Awww! I'll definitely scan those at some point.
He was a good man, stubborn and opinionated, but he loved us, loved his wife, and always encouraged me to write. I dreamed of being an author as a child. He wrote many short stories that I know I have somewhere in a binder from when I cleaned out his house. He always had a dry wit, which reflected often in his writing. He used to sit with me and brainstorm story ideas that I'd scribble up in my chicken scratch writing into a notebook I carried around with me. I would often wanna write about firetrucks, to which he'd respond, "Martin, please, we can't keep writing about firetrucks.". I eventually obliged. I couldn't find that binder in my basement. It's probably in my closet or in the attic somewhere...
So I couldn't find much in the way of the mysterious proto-TV show, but I did find a collection of short stories, one containing my personal favorite "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, so I've been reading that sometimes before bed.
I've also searched around online through sites like archive.org and old GeoCities sites. They have been indispensable for learning about old televisions and allowing me to pinpoint when this demonstration could've taken place. It's nice to feel like I have a direction and not just stumbling around in the dark looking for answers. I've been combing through old radio magazines from 1938. I think I did find a mention of a Harriet Preston who worked at RCA at the time. I am not sure if she's the Preston who allegedly made this show but I'll look into any records I can find. I also saw a mention in one magazine of two other people with this last name. I guess it was common. There was Ida Preston and Lena Preston. Ida was mentioned twice in passing and Lena was mentioned once when discussing how televisions work. I'll look into the records of all three to see if anything matches up, though I think Harriet is the most likely candidate.
I'd like to thank a reader for sending me an email. I read it after a night out with my wife. The fact that people are following this search makes me so happy. Together we can find this show!
If you find anything or have any questions, please email me at m.preston.archive@gmail.com.
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