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Then and Now
Popular Television Shows
Many who grew up in Athens in the 1950s saw television for the first time through a window in Parker Brothers Store. Curiosity and interest was accelerated when WDBJ-TV, Channel 7 in Roanoke Virginia, signed on the air in 1955. With a strong signal in Athens, Fred and Frank Parker tuned a set they had for sale to the station for passersby to see in the evening. It was quite the attraction! Many of the first sets in Athens were sold by the Parkers and E. H. Jennings. Blaine Jennings started repairing sets and made home visits with his tube tester and various replacement parts.
Position | Title | Network |
|---|---|---|
15 | Hazel | NBC |
15 | Pabst Blue Ribbon Bouts | CBS |
15 | Our Miss Brooks | CBS |
15 | Wagon Train (tie) | NBC |
15 | The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour | CBS |
15 | The Jackie Gleason Show | CBS |
15 | The CBS Friday Night Movie (tie) | CBS |
15 | Father Knows Best (tie) | CBS |
15 | Sugarfoot (tie) | ABC |
15 | Green Acres (tie) | CBS |
15 | My Three Sons (tie) | CBS |
15 | Petticoat Junction (tie) | CBS |
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