KYW Flashback: KYW Sets Up Shop In Philadelphia, Mike Douglas Sets Up National Show In Basement

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- There was a lot of hammering a half-century ago at 1619 Walnut Street.

KYW radio and television had come to town from Cleveland and were setting up shop. Our basement became a studio to host the nationally broadcast variety show starring Mike Douglas.

The free tickets were the hottest in town. Douglas passed away 9 years ago this month at the age of 86. But he left a broadcast legacy that touched many of the stars who arrived in Philadelphia to perform with him.

Autograph seekers would crowd Walnut Street, and later Fifth and Market in search of celebrities. When KYW moved to new Independence Mall quarters, the gleaming studios became known as, "the house that Douglas built."