The Wallace and Ladmo Show: A Phoenix Icon

For 35 years, Phoenix residents were treated to a local gem that captured the hearts of all who watched – The Wallace and Ladmo Show. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the beloved sketch comedy and musical show, and to honor its place in Phoenix history, the Sunnyslope Historical Society has set up a special exhibit.

Julia Taggart, who organized the exhibit, may be too young to remember the show, but she understands the impact it had on the community. “The impact is crazy. It’s like a cultural phenomenon,” she said. People from all walks of life spend hours reminiscing about the show when visiting the exhibit.

Back in the 1950s, when more TV shows were locally produced, Bill Thompson, as Wallace, Ladimir Kwiatkowski as Ladmo, and Pat McMahon as Gerald, entertained audiences with their humor and charm. One of the show’s highlights was the coveted Ladmo Bag, filled with candy and prizes, eagerly sought after by kids in the audience.

Even celebrities couldn’t resist the allure of Wallace and Ladmo, with pictures on the wall showcasing visits from the likes of Liberace, Barry Goldwater, and even rock star Alice Cooper, who proudly received his very own Ladmo Bag.

Since the show went off the air in 1989, collectors have preserved memorabilia, ensuring that the legacy of Wallace and Ladmo lives on. The exhibit showcases the evolution of the Ladmo Bags, from handmade to printed designs, and features a guest book where visitors can share their fond memories of the show.

Whether you grew up watching Wallace and Ladmo or are discovering it for the first time, the exhibit is a must-see. Join the Sunnyslope Historical Society for the grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m., at 737 E. Hatcher Road in Phoenix.

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