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Image of Brakeman Bill, circa 1960
2003.66.26
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Poster

Brakeman Bill, circa 1960

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Brakeman Bill, featuring ex-DJ and sports announcer Bill McLain, was a popular weekday children’s show on KTNT-TV (later KSTW-TV) in the Pacific Northwest market from 1955 to 1975. The television show was performed live and un-scripted; McLain dressed as a railroad brakeman, and drew pictures, ran elaborate model trains, showed cartoons, and interacted with puppet side-kick the Crazy Donkey, whose attempted practical tricks on Brakeman usually backfired.

This poster, showing a photo of McLain in his brakeman costume, advertises a personal appearance by Brakeman Bill.

Caption information source: "Brakeman Bill" at Royal City Music Project website, https://rcmusicproject.com/index.phpnews_action=display&news_id=1611
ID Number: 2003.66.26
Date: Circa 1960
Physical Description: 1 poster : color ; 45 x 14 in.
Credit: MOHAI, William McLain Collection on Brakeman Bill, 2003.66.26
Copyright: All Rights Reserved
Subjects: Performing Arts and Music, Railroads

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