WBAY aired its first live television program in 1953, and it was a weather show with Bob ("Bobby") Nelson.
From the WBAY archives (April 6, 1993):
He was 26 years old, stood 5 feet 6 inches tall, and had a crew cut which he kept for many years. His puckish humor made him a natural for sponsors. He also did the commercials-- from wieners to ring bologna to dairy products. He had a flair for entertaining.
And you loved him. Bobby Nelson was everyone's favorite guy on the magic tube in the 50's, 60's, and 70's. His show was the easiest show to sell in the market.
Remember the WBAY raft contest? Guess when the frozen river would thaw enough for the raft to hit the Main Street Bridge and win a prize. Bobby was involved in that, too.
Bobby Nelson suffered a stroke in 1982. His speech was also affected, and so was his arm and leg.
Bobby Nelson may have been down but he wasn't out. It wasn't long before he was not only walking and talking but driving again.
This past week he visited the newsroom to see our new state-of-the-art facilities, and naturally he gravitated to the weather room where George Graphos holds court.
Bobby Nelson was first on the air and in our hearts. He still is.
