THE VAULT
THE JOURNAL OF THE ARCHIVE OF AMERICAN TELEVSION

Karen L. Herman
Editor

Sunny Parich
Contributing Editor

Beth Eras, Jenny Kaufman, Brian Tessier
Journal Contributing Writers

Richard Bleiweiss
Art Director

The Vault © 1998 by ATAS Archive of American Television.

Editorial Office (818) 509-2267

A project of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation, a non-profit organization.

5220 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601-3109
Toll-free Archive information line
(888) 282-7272

Thomas W. Sarnoff
President,
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation

Dr. James L. Loper
Executive Director,
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation

Grant A. Tinker
Honorary Co-Chair,
Archive of American
Television

David L. Wolper
Honorary Co-Chair,
Archive of American
Television

Dean Valentine
Chairman,
Archive of American
Television

Michael Rosen
Executive Producer,
Archive of American
Television

A Letter from the Editor
Welcome to the second issue of The Vault, the journal of The Archive of American Television. Putting this issue together was a challenge. With over 74 extensive interviews completed, there's no question that each one deserves its own publication. We continue, however, to provide Archive supporters with a taste of the television history we are committed to preserving.

In this issue, we're proud to feature interviews with ABC founder Leonard Goldenson, writer Tad Mosel, and actress Betty White. Each one has played a significant role in the evolution of television, and interestingly, they all share 1953 as a watershed year for their careers.

That year, Tad Mosel sold his first original television play, "The Haven" to "Philco Playhouse"; Betty White filmed "Life With Elizabeth," a syndicated sitcom that was her first starring vehicle; and Leonard Goldenson had just been named president of the newly formed ABC network.

1953 was also a significant year for television history in general. CBS opened Television City; the FCC approved the RCA color system launched by NBC; Eisenhower's presidential inauguration was the first to be televised; and Lucille Ball's Lucy Ricardo gave birth to Little Ricky on "I Love Lucy" -- mesmerizing 40 million viewers.

In future issues, we will bring you more excerpts from Archive interviews, as well as updates on the project's growth and future plans.ú We hope we can count on your continued support.


Karen L. Herman
Editor

About the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation's
Archive of American Television
T he Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation is committed to ensuring that the stories, visions and insights of those who have made television what it is today and those who continue to contribute to its development, are made available for future generations. Working under the auspices of the Academy Foundation, this tax-exempt, industry-financed program will contain hundreds of interviews with actors, writers, producers, directors, crafts, executives, and others. With the help of industry volunteers and television students, the Archive's ultimate goal is to be the most comprehensive repository of videotaped interviews on the history of American television.

Anyone wishing to make a financial donation or contribute services to the Archive can write to:
Development Office
Archive of American Television
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation
5220 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601

or call the Archive information line (888) 282-7272.

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