Whitehall Manor held a remembrance of cartoon characters and actors from the 1950s and ’60s during a program July 12. A portable screen was set up for the presentation at the senior facility, 1177 Sixth St.

The first actor presented was a native of Brigantine, N.J., named Tryanor Ora Halftown, otherwise known as Chief Halftown. He was born in 1917 and died in 2003 at the age of 86.

All in attendance recognized him. He hosted a show from 1950 to 1999 on a Philadelphia television station.

His signature greeting was “ees da sa sussaway,” which is Seneca Native American for “let’s get started.” Chief Halftown was an honorary Seneca member and Native American.

When Halftown died in 2003, the president of the Philadelphia TV station said, “It would be difficult to find another local television host who connected so many generations of children. Chief Halftown will be missed, but more importantly, he will be fondly remembered by us all.”

The residents and others at the gathering seemed touched with fond memories to hear Chief Halftown’s name and see his image.

Another big hit for the attendees was Alleen Mae Beller, who was born in 1923 and died in 2013. Her stage name was Sally Starr. When her name and image was on the screen, attendees responded audibly with joy.

Starr’s cowgirl persona appealed to local TV audiences for several generations of children. Starr was considered part of many families as they referred to her as Aunt Sally or our gal Sal.

“She was someone who was pure,” disc jockey Jerry Blavat said about Starr after she died in 2013. “Her persona was always Sally Starr. She understood the importance of being a personality on and off the air. She was always in costume. She represented the true style of what it was to be a personality.”

When she had a heart attack New Year’s Eve in 1992, Starr reportedly received hundreds of get-well cards, artwork and gifts. She was a beloved entertainer.

It was an afternoon of reminiscing and fellowship among the folks who live at Whitehall Manor. This shared history helped validate their experiences and their human connectedness.