Kay Radio and TV

   I.J. Kay operated a radio service shop between the Liberty Theater and Plemmons Drug.  His son Robert took over operations around 1942 and after World War II operated in the old Blue and White Cafe building before moving to a building adjacent to the Kay home in southwest De Leon (photo on left).  Robert was a graduate of the National Radio Institution.

    When television began to take over in the early 50’s Kay moved his business back downtown in the building immediately south of the Ayers Building.  Like most early television retailers, a television would be left on each night in the front window for people to view.  Cars would pull up to view I Love Lucy and the Milton Berle show on a regular basis and on Saturday nights numerous people would stand in front of the store while waiting for other family members to return from shopping.

“If your radio plays tell others.  If it doesn’t tell us”  advised this 1948 Calendar