Chicago, February 13, 1994
The 61st Anniversary of Jack Benny’s 39th Birthday

A full-house filled Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center as Those Were The Days observed the Centennial of Jack Benny’s birth. This photo shows Chuck Schaden in conversation with special guests Joan Benny and Bobby Blumofe, Jack’;s daughter and grandson.

In a performance of a special script by Ken Alexander, based on the Jack Benny program, John Sebert portrayed Jack and Joan Benny played Mary Livingstone.

Paul Witbrod took the role of announcer Don Wilson; Chicago weatherman Harry Volkman played Dennis Day; and Jed Skillman was Phil Harris.

A specially decorated cake, provided for the occasion by Jarosch Bakery of Elk Grove Village, is admired by Chuck Schaden, Joan Benny and Bobby Blumofe. The cake was later served to the audience, the cast and special guests.

Recording of the event was handled by technician Rick Garofalo, sound effects man Mike Wiersma and broadcast engineer Jim Zarembski.

Harry Volkman gives an autograph to sound effects man Len Kunka.

Joan Benny obliges with a signature for autograph seekers.

This is the official cast photo of the Those Were The Days Radio Players who performed the script by Ken Alexander, “A Surprise for Jack.” Camera shy Ken is hidden in the third row, just behind and between John Sebert and Harry Volkman. Director Jim Sobczak is at the far right in the photo. Photos by Margaret Warren.