This is what Houston TV looked like in 1959

Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Yes, this is the earliest known recording of an ABC13 show in 1959
Highlights of "Soundtrack" show, the earliest known recording of a KTRK show which aired in 1959.

HOUSTON, Texas -- ABC13 recently discovered what is believed to be the oldest recording of a live broadcast from the station.



While ABC13 has thousands of rolls and reels of films from stories that were shot, there are no recordings of actual newscasts or shows from the 1960's.



The show was called "Soundtrack" and was scheduled from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. The episode is from January 14, 1959.



The recording is just the first 30 minutes of the show, which was hosted by Howard Finch.



Here is the full clip of the show


Comedian Jonathan Winters sits on the set of KTRK's Soundtrack show with Howard Finch on Jan. 14, 1959.


The show included news, weather, and musical entertainment and guests.



The guest on this show was legendary comedian Jonathan Winters.



Here are some more clips recently digitized from film:



ABC13 archive: Girl scouts hold a craft fair in front of Joske's department store on March 17, 1962.

Air Force pilot donates snake to the zoo on March 9, 1962.

The recently restored film clip from Feb. 17, 1960, shows dead livestock and damage to houses.


ABC13 Archive: Report on astronaut houses being built. April 3, 1962.

ABC13 archive: Jacinto City firefighters battle a tank fire on April 25th, 1962.

ABC13 archive: Colt Stadium, home of the Colt .45s baseball team, on April 1, 1962.

ABC13 archive: Residents protest the widening of Ella Boulevard on March 28, 1962.

ABC13 archive: A Boeing 707 lands at Hobby Airport for the first time, on Feb. 19, 1960.