Today in Wheeling History: September 30--Kay Bullard, WTRF-TV's pioneering "Romper Room" teacher and early television personality, was born in Wheeling (1938).
Katharine "Kay" Virginia Bullard was born September 30, 1938, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Luther Todd Bullard (1891-1982) and Virginia Nutting Bullard (1898-1993). The family, with roots dating to the American Revolution, lived at 114 Wheeling Avenue in Elm Grove. A brilliant straight-A student, Kay graduated from Triadelphia High School before attending West Liberty State College, majoring in English, Speech, and Education and graduating summa cum laude in 1960. At West Liberty, she distinguished herself through membership in Student Council, Hilltop Players, and honor societies Alpha Phi Sigma and Alpha Psi Omega. She edited the college annual "The Winding Road" and served as associate editor of "The Trumpet" newspaper. Kay performed with Wheeling's Little Theatre, playing the leading role in "Speaking of Murder."
On May 2, 1960, Kay made television history as WTRF-TV Channel 7's "Romper Room" teacher. The weekday program focused on early childhood development. She later hosted an afternoon interview program. In 1961, Kay met Maurice "Mac" McCaffrey, marrying him June 30, 1962. The couple eventually settled in Hudson, Ohio, where Kay opened The Hudson Nursery School, the town's first educational preschool, dedicating over 20 years to early childhood education. She remained active in the Daughters of the American Revolution and local elections. After retiring to Amelia Island, Florida in 2001, Kay passed away February 26, 2022, at age 83.
To learn more: Akron Beacon Journal (https://tinyurl.com/4kre3nub), Wheeling News-Register (https://tinyurl.com/55ene46h)
Photo credits: Akron Beacon Journal, Wheeling News-Register
Katharine "Kay" Virginia Bullard was born September 30, 1938, in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Luther Todd Bullard (1891-1982) and Virginia Nutting Bullard (1898-1993). The family, with roots dating to the American Revolution, lived at 114 Wheeling Avenue in Elm Grove. A brilliant straight-A student, Kay graduated from Triadelphia High School before attending West Liberty State College, majoring in English, Speech, and Education and graduating summa cum laude in 1960. At West Liberty, she distinguished herself through membership in Student Council, Hilltop Players, and honor societies Alpha Phi Sigma and Alpha Psi Omega. She edited the college annual "The Winding Road" and served as associate editor of "The Trumpet" newspaper. Kay performed with Wheeling's Little Theatre, playing the leading role in "Speaking of Murder."
On May 2, 1960, Kay made television history as WTRF-TV Channel 7's "Romper Room" teacher. The weekday program focused on early childhood development. She later hosted an afternoon interview program. In 1961, Kay met Maurice "Mac" McCaffrey, marrying him June 30, 1962. The couple eventually settled in Hudson, Ohio, where Kay opened The Hudson Nursery School, the town's first educational preschool, dedicating over 20 years to early childhood education. She remained active in the Daughters of the American Revolution and local elections. After retiring to Amelia Island, Florida in 2001, Kay passed away February 26, 2022, at age 83.
To learn more: Akron Beacon Journal (https://tinyurl.com/4kre3nub), Wheeling News-Register (https://tinyurl.com/55ene46h)
Photo credits: Akron Beacon Journal, Wheeling News-Register
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