Friday, May 14, 2010

Ken Stockinger, Parley E. Baer Award

I have previously written, in this space, about the Internet radio station “Radio Once More,” which went on the air at the start of 2010—and have written in particular about the station's “Live Show,” which airs Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday nights. The show is part talk show, and part entertainment program:  it features conversation, as well as radio broadcasts from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s.  Its hosts are Neal Ellis and Ken Stockinger. (see: http://www.radiooncemore.com/)

Last week, at the 24th gathering of the Cincinnati Old Time Radio and Nostalgia Convention, Ken Stockinger was awarded the convention’s Parley E. Baer Award, named for the noted radio and television actor.

Parley Baer appeared on such radio shows as Gunsmoke, Lux Radio Theatre, and Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, and on television programs such as The Andy Griffith Show, The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet, and The Addams Family.  He passed away in 2002, at 88.

The award was created by Terry Salomonson, the OTR researcher and author, and was first presented in 1997. Past recipients include Ken Stockinger’s on-air partner on the "Live Show," Neal Ellis; author Martin Grams, Jr.; and Bob Burchett. Burchett founded (and runs) the Cincinnati Old Time Radio and Nostalgia Convention. He also edits Old Radio Times, the publication of the Old Time Radio Researchers group.

The citation accompanying Ken Stockinger’s award reads: “In Recognition of His Continuing Exemplary Efforts in Supporting the Preservation And Enjoyment of Radio History.”