[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 120 (Thursday, September 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO CHIEF TRAYNOR HALFTOWN--BROADCAST PIONEER OF PHILADELPHIA

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                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 3, 2003

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
memory of the legendary Chief Traynor Halftown, the children's 
entertainer who passed away on July 5, 2003. His passing was broadly 
covered in the media and accepted as a personal loss for millions in 
the Philadelphia region who felt they knew him as a friend.
  Chief Halftown was a true original and an entertainer at heart. Chief 
Halftown delighted the children of Delaware Valley for 49 years with 
his stories, cartoons and live talent acts. He offered a different view 
of Native Americans than was seen in most TV westerns. The Chief 
Halftown Show was one of Philadelphia's most popular programs. It was 
the longest running children's TV show in history, from 1951 to 1999--
48 years on WFIL-TV Channel 6--Philadelphia. He had a live audience 
with selected children visiting his set each week. Some little known 
facts about the ``Chief'' include the fact that he had a fabulous 
voice. Prior to his children's TV career, he was a successful nightclub 
singer and had a much in demand lounge act. He was also quite a 
sportsman, including the fact that he was an ``Ace'' bowler.
  Beginning from the early 1950's, Chief Halftown was an outstanding 
presence at community activities, business openings, sports events and 
holiday parades in countless towns. His scheduled appearances filled 
the calendar and drew adoring crowds at personal appearances until just 
recently.
  A veteran of World War II, he served his country honorably and after 
discharge from the Army moved into Springfield, PA with his wife, 
Margaret. Unable to have children, this remarkable couple opened their 
home to three children from reservation families who then attended 
Delaware County, PA schools. Two boys and one girl, all now enjoy 
success in business and have families of their own.

  Because of early exposure to substance abuse on his Seneca 
reservation, upper New York State, and due to a short period of 
personal dependency, he became known as a ``sponsor helper'' for others 
having such problems. He aided thousands of Pennsylvanians through his 
example and guidance for nearly 60 years. His passing is a tragic loss 
to many professionals who dedicated their own lives to this specific 
health care field.
  In his eighties, he continued to produce children's ``amateur 
contests'' and made visits to nursing homes and assisted living 
facilities. For those elder citizens he wrote and presented a series of 
programs on the culture of Native Americans. The visits became popular 
events for confined and ailing seniors.
  Mr. Speaker, our region has lost not only a legend in the broadcast 
industry, but a dear friend. I wish Margaret Halftown, his widow, my 
heartfelt condolences and may she find comfort in knowing that the many 
children and adults the Chief impacted deeply value his dedication and 
generosity of spirit and the example of his life and work. Chief 
Traynor Halftown exemplified the spirit of service that has made this 
country great. It is proper to remember and honor a man of such worth 
and character with great respect for what he accomplished and stood 
for.

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