# The Enduring Legacy of the Vintage Chief Halftown Philadelphia Police Annual Print For generations of Philadelphians, the familiar greeting "Ees da sa sussaway" ("Let's get started" in the Seneca language) instantly evokes memories of a warm, smiling face in a magnificent feathered headdress. This was the signature welcome of Chief Halftown, a beloved children's television host whose influence extended far beyond the WCAU-TV studio. A rare and fascinating piece of local ephemera, the Vintage Chief Halftown Philadelphia Police Annual Print, serves as a tangible link to this icon's legacy, encapsulating a unique moment in the city's history where local celebrity, community outreach, and law enforcement converged. This collectible is more than just a piece of paper; it is a cultural artifact that tells a story of a cherished personality and a bygone era of community relations in the City of Brotherly Love.

## The Man Behind the Headdress: Who Was Chief Halftown?

To understand the significance of the police print, one must first understand the man himself. Chief Halftown was born Traynor Ora Halftown on the Cattaraugus Reservation in western New York, a member of the Seneca Nation. Before becoming a television star, he lived a varied life that included stints as a professional bowler, a traveling singer, and a consultant for the Breyers Ice Cream Company, where he developed his public persona. In 1950, his journey led him to Philadelphia and WCAU-TV (then a CBS affiliate), where he began hosting his own children's program.

The "Chief Halftown" show was a staple for young viewers in the Delaware Valley for an incredible 49 years, running from 1950 to 1999. It was a gentle, educational program filled with cartoons, songs, life lessons, and the Chief’s signature craft-making segments. He was known for his calm demeanor and his ability to connect directly with his young audience through the television screen. His famous greeting, "Ees da sa sussaway," and his equally memorable sign-off, "O-na-goh" ("See you later"), became part of the local lexicon. He was more than a host; he was a trusted friend, a grandfatherly figure who brought a sense of wonder and safety into the living rooms of countless families.

## A Bridge Between Communities: The Police Partnership

Chief Halftown's influence was not confined to television. He was a dedicated community ambassador who leveraged his celebrity for countless public service initiatives. One of his most enduring and visible partnerships was with the Philadelphia Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies. In an era before the complexities of modern police-community relations were widely debated, figures like Chief Halftown served as crucial bridges, helping to humanize the police force for children and foster a sense of trust and cooperation.

This collaboration gave rise to the annual prints. These were not mass-marketed posters but limited-run commemorative items, often associated with police-sponsored events like the Hero Thrill Show, fundraisers for the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), or Police Athletic League (PAL) programs. The purpose was twofold: to raise funds for police charities and to serve as a positive piece of outreach material. By featuring a beloved and trusted figure like Chief Halftown, the police department could present a friendlier, more approachable image to the city's youth.

According to Dr. Arin Brown, a cultural historian specializing in Philadelphia media, "These prints were a brilliant piece of public relations, but one born from a genuine place. Chief Halftown had authentic respect for law enforcement, and they, in turn, recognized his unique ability to connect with the community. The prints weren't just souvenirs; they were tangible symbols of a partnership aimed at building trust between the police and the city's youth, using a figure everyone loved and respected."

## Anatomy of a Collectible: The Annual Print Examined

While designs varied from year to year, the Vintage Chief Halftown Philadelphia Police Annual Prints shared several common characteristics. They were typically high-quality prints on heavy cardstock, often measuring around 11x14 or 16x20 inches, suitable for framing. The central image was always a dignified portrait of Chief Halftown in his iconic regalia.

Key elements often included:

• A Central Portrait: A professional photograph or artist's rendering of the Chief.
• Police Insignia: The official seal of the Philadelphia Police Department or the FOP lodge sponsoring the print.
• A Message: A short message of safety, community, or support for the police, sometimes with a replica of the Chief's signature.
• The Year: The print was almost always dated, marking it as part of an annual series.
• Sponsor Information: Acknowledgment of the specific police organization or event it was created for.

The rarity of these prints today is a result of their original purpose and distribution. They were never sold in stores. They were given to officers, community partners, or citizens who made a donation to a police charity. As such, the print runs were inherently limited. Over the decades, many were lost, damaged, or simply discarded, making surviving examples, especially those in good condition, highly sought after by a niche group of collectors.

The value of a specific print on the collector's market is determined by several factors:

1. Condition: Prints without tears, fading, water damage, or pinholes are the most valuable.
2. Year of Issue: Earlier prints from the 1950s and 60s are generally rarer and more desirable than those from the 80s or 90s.
3. Authentic Signatures: A print genuinely autographed by Traynor Ora Halftown himself would command a significant premium.
4. Specific Event Association: A print tied to a well-known event like a major anniversary of the Hero Thrill Show might be more sought-after.

## More Than Just Paper: The Print's Cultural Significance

For those who hunt for this specific memorabilia, the appeal goes far beyond its monetary value. The print is a powerful vessel of nostalgia, instantly transporting collectors back to a simpler time. It represents a Philadelphia where local television personalities were major celebrities and the city felt like a smaller, more interconnected community. Holding one of these prints is, for many, like holding a piece of their own childhood.

Furthermore, the item serves as a historical document, offering a glimpse into the methods of community policing from a half-century ago. It represents a strategy built on personal relationships and positive role models, a stark contrast to the often-impersonal and technology-driven methods of today. It is a reminder of a time when the "officer on the beat" was a familiar face, and community engagement was fostered through partnerships with figures like Chief Halftown.

It is also impossible to ignore the context of Native American representation. While the "Chief Halftown" persona was a product of its time and could be viewed through a modern lens as a simplification of a rich culture, it was, for its era, a profoundly positive and respected portrayal. Traynor Halftown was proud of his Seneca heritage and used his platform to educate children about Native American culture in a positive light. The prints, therefore, also document a significant chapter in the history of minority representation in American media.

Today, these prints surface infrequently—at estate sales in the Philadelphia suburbs, in the dusty back corners of antique shops, or in fiercely bid-on online auctions. They are chased by a dedicated group of collectors interested in Philadelphia history, broadcasting nostalgia, and police memorabilia. For them, the hunt is part of the appeal. Finding a well-preserved Chief Halftown police print is like unearthing a hidden gem of local history. It is a testament to the enduring power of a beloved local icon and a unique artifact from a Philadelphia that lives on in the memories of those who grew up with the gentle voice of Chief Halftown as the soundtrack to their childhood.