WNAM-FM Barn Dance
The WNAM-FM Barn Dance that was broadcast at Waverly Beach over WNAM-FM on Saturday nights
was put together by the husband-wife duo of Mack and Sandy Ford. Prior to their arrival
in Neenah, they had held fort at Dubuque, IA with the KDTH Barn Dance.
An April 26 promotional ad seems to indicate the first show was broadcast on Saturday
night, May 1, 1948.
The show's broadcast was sponsored by Northland Engineering and Manufacturing Co.
in Appleton, WI. The show aired over WNAM-FM from 9:00pm to 9:30pm with dancing
from 9:30pm to 1:00am. Music was by Rube's Westerners. In May, Art Rothe and His Fine Band
were providing the music, playing "old and modern tunes."
A June promotional ad provided more details about this show. It was held at the Waverly
Beach Dance Hall. "If you like good, wholesome fun you should try the Barn Dance."
Intermissions included Sandy doing her "rope spinning act." In June, George Gordon's
band provided music for dancing.
The show appears to have had a very short run. By mid-June of 1948, promotional ads
had disappeared for the show. The Waverly Beach venue was hosting dances by various
other bands. The last promotional ad was seen on June 11, 1948.
Credits & Sources
- Waverly Beach - Sat. Nite WNAM Barn Dance; May 21, 1948; The Post-Crescent; Appleton, WI
- Waverly Beach; June 4, 1948; The Post-Crescent; Appleton, WI
- It's The Big ... WNAM-FM Barn Dance; June 11, 1948; The Post-Crescent; Appleton, WI
