Mayor Kate Gallego, Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira and Wallace and Ladmo cast member Pat McMahon gathered to reveal the “Wallace and Ladmo Way” ceremonial street sign on Wednesday, April 16 at the corner of N. 1st Avenue and McKinley Street.
“We are honoring not just a show, but a group of incredible people that created something so special in our community, entertaining and educating children across Arizona for so many years,” Mayor Gallego said.
The Wallace and Ladmo Show, based in Phoenix, was the longest-running live children's television program in the country, airing from April 1, 1954, to December 29, 1989. Entertaining and educating three generations over its decades on air, making it a cherished part of Arizona's childhood memories.
“Today, the Wallace and Ladmo legacy lives on with the naming of this street where it all started back in 1954,” Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira said. “I am pleased to be a part of this."
The ceremonial “Wallace and Ladmo Way” was mounted on the mast arm of the traffic signal pole at the Southwest corner of N. 1st Avenue and McKinley Street, just up the street from the original KPHO studios that was home to the Wallace and Ladmo Show for 35 years.
“When you are privileged enough to work with a couple of guys like Wallace and Ladmo in a community like this that fully embraced us, its the highlight of your career,” cast member Pat McMahon said. “We made them laugh, the kids, parents, grandparents, even at times the crew, it is now the highlight of my life to be here with everyone, to share this incredible moment with the Wallace and Ladmo family.”
The ceremony also included a City Proclamation by Mayor Gallego, officially establishing April 16 as Wallace and Ladmo Way Day.
