The man who gave us “All in the Family” and other groundbreaking TV shows recently celebrated his 100th birthday and clearly has not lost his upbeat fighting spirit.
Randall- Enjoyed your column about Norman Lear! I was unaware of his New Haven ties until I saw his New Haven Notable banner on Howe St a few years ago (and being an amateur shutterbug I took a picture). An interesting tidbit is that I was an All in the Family fan. I lived in Omaha NE, where my Mom was originally from, very briefly fall/winter ‘77/‘78. Anyway, I looked forward to watching the show to help ease my adjustment to my NE. Only to learn that All in the Family was not televised because it was deemed controversial (for Midwestern sensibilities). Needless to say the great Midwestern experiment was short lived! And I arrived back in CT a few days ahead of the Blizzard of ‘78.
I looked for the Howe Street banner this week -- it's gone! I wrote the copy for it and was upset to see it has vanished; who knows why? Would you be able to send me your photo of it? If this helps and you want to go old school, my mailing address is 49 Autumn St., New Haven 06511. Many thanks -- Randy
Great article. I knew he was from New Haven but didn't know what you mentioned about his parents. That's sad. His grandparents did a good job raising him. Didn't he go to Hillhouse? Do you know where he lived when he was here? I wonder if he ever came back to visit or for a reunion. Thanks. Bill O'Brien.
Hi Bill -- He lived on York Street. His street was destroyed by Mayor Lee. He moved around and went to a high school in Hartford. Many years ago I heard him speak at a Yale event. -- Randy
Randall- Enjoyed your column about Norman Lear! I was unaware of his New Haven ties until I saw his New Haven Notable banner on Howe St a few years ago (and being an amateur shutterbug I took a picture). An interesting tidbit is that I was an All in the Family fan. I lived in Omaha NE, where my Mom was originally from, very briefly fall/winter ‘77/‘78. Anyway, I looked forward to watching the show to help ease my adjustment to my NE. Only to learn that All in the Family was not televised because it was deemed controversial (for Midwestern sensibilities). Needless to say the great Midwestern experiment was short lived! And I arrived back in CT a few days ahead of the Blizzard of ‘78.
Deb
Hi Deb,
I looked for the Howe Street banner this week -- it's gone! I wrote the copy for it and was upset to see it has vanished; who knows why? Would you be able to send me your photo of it? If this helps and you want to go old school, my mailing address is 49 Autumn St., New Haven 06511. Many thanks -- Randy
Great article. I knew he was from New Haven but didn't know what you mentioned about his parents. That's sad. His grandparents did a good job raising him. Didn't he go to Hillhouse? Do you know where he lived when he was here? I wonder if he ever came back to visit or for a reunion. Thanks. Bill O'Brien.
Hi Bill -- He lived on York Street. His street was destroyed by Mayor Lee. He moved around and went to a high school in Hartford. Many years ago I heard him speak at a Yale event. -- Randy
Thanks Randy. And thanks for writing about him. What an amazing career.
Bill