Wallace and Ladmo Way sign approved for downtown Phoenix intersection

PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council on Wednesday enthusiastically approved a street sign recognizing “The Wallace and Ladmo Show,” the iconic TV program that captured the imaginations of Valley kids for over three decades.

A ceremonial sign designating Wallace and Ladmo Way will be mounted on the southwest corner of First Avenue and McKinley Street, near the downtown studio where the show got its start.

The former KPHO building, now home to First Studio, is adorned with a large mural featuring the show’s Wallace, Ladmo and Gerald.

Ladimir “Ladmo” Kwiatkowski died in 1994 and Bill “Wallace” Thompson died in 2014.

Pat McMahon shares thoughts about Wallace and Ladmo Way

Valley broadcasting icon Pat McMahon portrayed a host of colorful characters on the show, including Gerald, Aunt Maud and Captain Super. He spoke before the vote at Wednesday’s council meeting.

“Wallace’s son David [and] Ladmo’s son Robin could not be here, well, because they have jobs,” McMahon said, drawing laughs. “And they just wanted to acknowledge the fact that this is one of the most special kinds of recognition that the show has ever gotten.”

“The Wallace and Ladmo Show” ran from 1954 to 1989, becoming the longest-running live children’s program in the country.

The program was known for its irreverent sketches, classic cartoons, special guests and, of course, Ladmo Bags – goodie-filled paper sacks that were given away during TV shows and live events around the Valley.

Another council meeting speaker was Julia Taggart of the Sunnyslope Historical Society Museum, which hosted a Wallace and Ladmo exhibit last year.

“The show has such a significance to Arizona. People love the show; it’s their childhood. My dad loved the show. He’s still upset he never got a Ladmo Bag,” Taggart said.

The show’s legacy is already celebrated through a Phoenix Zoo sculpture and a display at the Musical Instrument Museum.

The Wallace and Ladmo Way sign will be unveiled at a date to be determined.

“I will share with you all that we will have Ladmo Bags available at the event,” Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira said.

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