'For Teenagers Only,' Portland, ca. 1960
Item 55530 info
Maine Historical Society
The Dave Astor Show was immensely popular during the second half of the 20th century. Astor, a Jew from Portland, served as the variety show’s only host, bringing entertainment to Maine televisions from 1956 to 1971.
Dave Astor's show was important to many Mainers, Jewish and gentile alike, as a view into American popular culture.
Ruth Conner Bastarache recalls, "The Dave Astor Show was our local 'American Bandstand.' It taught us how to dance, dress and act by example."
Ruth and her siblings remember watching the show every Saturday afternoon without fail. Astor’s show was also well known for its weekly For Teenagers Only segment.
The television station invited local teens to come to the recordings of the show for a chance to display their own talents for the camera.
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