The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / Radio Town: The Doc Cruickshank Story CKNX Radio. Blyth Festival Play

**Posted by darcyh** April 4, 2025 9:17 pm

This was mentioned some time ago in a separate post, but tickets were not available at the time. Now they are.
The show runs August 20 - September 20, 2025 at Blyth Festival (Playhouse) 423 Queen St, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

Actually not very far from where 'Doc' started the station. There are some afternoon performances available. I already ordered tickets.

From the Blyth Festival Website:

In 1926 Wingham, Ontario, self-described “tinkerer” Doc Cruickshank managed to build a working radio transmitter in his garage. Eventually blossoming into CKNX, one of Canada’s most influential radio and TV broadcasters, that transmitter ushered in Canada’s answer to the Grand Ole Opry. From The National Farm Radio Forum to the Saturday Night Barndance and The Circle 8 Ranch, Doc’s programming reflected his stubborn belief in the power of radio to unite people and build community.This newly commissioned country musical celebrates CKNX and its beloved founder, and features live performances of the music of Earl Heywood, the Ranch Boys, Ernie King, Cora Robertson and more.

https://blythfestival.com/radio-town-the-doc-cruickshank-story/

**Posted by turkeytop** April 5, 2025 6:15 am

I've always said I'd like to attend one of those Blyth productions. This will be the one.

One thing I've noticed when driving up through that area is the dearth of motels. It's about a two hour drive back to London from there.

**Posted by darcyh** April 5, 2025 10:03 am

turkeytop wrote:
I've always said I'd like to attend one of those Blyth productions. This will be the one.

One thing I've noticed when driving up through that area is the dearth of motels. It's about a two hour drive back to London from there.

If you take Highway 4, a few miles north of Blyth but south of Wingham you will pass the CKNX transmitter site. Four towers and a brick transmitter building.

There is also Cowbell Brewing just south of Blyth. I believe it is where the old tannery was located. They sell craft beer.

**Posted by paterson1** April 5, 2025 10:30 am

I am going to see if I can take in the play as well.

Still say that Wingham should have a bar called "Doc's Place" filled with old CKNX pictures, memorabilia, even equipment. An original CKNX TV studio camera from 1955 is still kicking around along with some old monitors.. They could run a loop of old CKNX productions and commercials in the bar. Everyone drives through Wingham on hwy 4, but Doc's Place would give people a reason to stop, have a snack or a beverage In "Canada's Radio and Television Town."

**Posted by turkeytop** April 5, 2025 2:47 pm

Maybe the whole gang of us could go together.

**Posted by paterson1** April 5, 2025 8:44 pm

This play about Doc Cruickshank is fitting since he started broadcasting his local radio station JOKE in 1926 in Wingham. The station later became CKNX AM, so they are celebrating their 100th anniversary next year. I am sure that's when CKNX will be looking to officially flip to FM.

**Posted by darcyh** April 5, 2025 10:24 pm

paterson1 wrote:
I am going to see if I can take in the play as well.

Still say that Wingham should have a bar called "Doc's Place" filled with old CKNX pictures, memorabilia, even equipment. An original CKNX TV studio camera from 1955 is still kicking around along with some old monitors.. They could run a loop of old CKNX productions and commercials in the bar. Everyone drives through Wingham on hwy 4, but Doc's Place would give people a reason to stop, have a snack or a beverage In "Canada's Radio and Television Town."

What a great idea for radio enthusiasts! I'd take a drive there myself.

Not sure it would have a wide enough appeal to be sustainable after the novelty wears off.

I believe the old CKNX TV studios are still in Wingham. It would be interesting to see if there is anything left of the old TV station.

**Posted by Forward Power** April 5, 2025 10:51 pm

darcyh wrote:
I believe the old CKNX TV studios are still in Wingham. It would be interesting to see if there is anything left of the old TV station.

The last "Insight Newshour" set is still largely intact, and the radio stations use it during their annual Healthcare Heroes radiothons. There's also some old CKNX TV equipment on display at the Carling Terrace studios, including an SVHS camera, a cart machine or two, and a small console.

**Posted by paterson1** April 5, 2025 11:06 pm

A lot of people pass through Wingham in the nice weather, but there isn't a lot of reasons to stop and spend some time. Wingham was the smallest community in North America to have both a radio station and television station.

Likely would be better to convert one of the existing bars or restaurants into "Doc's Place." Anyone in Huron county would find some interest in a place like this. You would still have colour TV's showing baseball or hockey, but the general theme would be CKNX and their radio and TV operation with it's long and interesting history. Any tourist would find it memorable since there is nothing else like it around.

Driving into Wingham the sign says "Canada's Radio and Television Town" but beyond the sign there isn't anything else that promotes the fact. Doc's Place would help correct this, and would give Wingham and area something to promote.

If it wasn't possible to open in Wingham, Hanover would be another town to consider. CKNX Radio and TV was important to the growth of that booming community. But Wingham for obvious reasons would be preferred.

I wonder if Blackburn Media would be interested in something like this. It is significant when Blackburn sold off the company decades ago, the only thing they kept from the original organization was CKNX AM and FM.

Last edited by paterson1 (April 5, 2025 11:17 pm)

**Posted by Dale Patterson** April 6, 2025 1:05 am

For what it's worth, my father Ross Patterson was born in Wingham. He showed me the house he lived in once.