HikeArizona.COM

I'm kinda surprised there isn't a thread already, but for those of you who don't know, Wallace passed away this week.

If you asked "Wallace who?" you are not from Arizona, or moved here after 1989. Wallace was from the classic TV morning show "Wallace and Ladmo".

I moved here in 1984 -- to Yuma, then Flagstaff -- so I remember them a bit. Seems like every city had one of those beloved kids morning shows. I miss those days. Alas, I was too old when I moved here to win a Ladmo Bag. That would have rocked. But it would have been pretty wierd if a 25-year old was spotted in the stands.

Only one left now is Gerald ...

I grew up watching their show. I got my one and only Ladmo bag at a live show at Peter Piper Pizza at Metro center. Wallace handed it to me himself.... Good times ;)

I was 10 years old when Mom moved us out to Phoenix in 1958 from Wisconsin. The show was already popular on KPHO and I took to it immediately. Truly a classic that kept on evolving over time. It was twisted, which was one of its charms. What a following and longevity it had! I loved Wallace doing Mr. Grudgemire, as well of course Pat McMahon as Gerald. My Mom worked at the Branding Iron Bar (later the Mason Jar) at 23rd Street & Indian School Road in the 60's, and later at Giovanni's down the street, and Ladmo was a regular customer. Lots of good memories from those early Phoenix days for me. The Valley lost a local giant in his passing.

@Bradshaws :worthy:

I never got to see the show as a kid but I worked with him and Pat McMahon a few times for events at the bookstore. He was a really nice guy and it was always fun to see how his now grown up fans still adored him. The look in peoples' eyes when they talk about Ladmo bags is something you don't often see in adults.

@Tough_Boots It's funny how much receiving a Ladmo bag sticks with you
Out of everything in that bag, the can of pineapple Shasta is the one thing I will never forget

I like wearing this shirt when I go to a large events. It's a quick way to ID another Phoenician or at least a long time valley resident

@Bradshaws
That is sweet!

rwstorm wrote: My Mom worked at the Branding Iron Bar (later the Mason Jar) at 23rd Street & Indian School Road

I used loved the Mason Jar when I lived in Phoenix. There aren't many metal bars around these days.