For many years Betty Feezor was the queen of the midday airwaves. It seemed the entire domestic world (within WBTV's range) stopped and tuned in for her recipes, interviews, helpful hints, and her show-and-tell sessions like the one in the picture.

Her kitchen set was over to her right, and this small area of Studio 1 was used for her non-cooking segments. Betty would arrive around 10:00am and meet with the director and crew, disclosing what she had planned for the day. Whatever was needed for the show was then gathered, positioned and lit—her sewing machine; a sit-down area for an interview, with comfortable chairs, a lamp and perhaps a potted palm; a piano for former President Nixon to play. Meanwhile, in WBTV's larger Studio 2, another contingent of the crew was getting ready for the noon news or some other live production later that afternoon. Doug McDaniel is manning that sleek RCA tri-lens monochrome camera on its patented pedestal. No color yet.

Secrets revealed: If you ever watched the show, did you ever wonder how they got those overhead close ups—looking straight down—of Betty mixing cake batter, or preparing a turkey for roasting? There was no camera attached to the ceiling; cameras in those days were much too large and heavy. Suspended over her work area was a big rectangular mirror reflecting every move she made. One of the floor cameras would be pointed upward into the mirror, capturing close ups of her hands and utensils. Now you know.

Photo courtesy Doug McDaniel

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