Charles Koon/Lawrence Welk Show Collection, 1958-1982
Finding aid created by Los Angeles Public Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Los Angeles Public Library
2022
630 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
(213) 228-7355
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http://www.lapl.org/
Title: Charles Koon/Lawrence Welk Show Collection, 1958-1982
Dates: 1958-1982
Collection Number: GPC_b0181 - GPC_b0186
Creator/Collector:
Keck, Don.
Extent: 3 linear feet (6 Hollinger boxes)
Repository:
Los Angeles Public Library
Los Angeles, California 90071
Abstract: The Charles Koon/Lawrence Welk Show Collection consists of approximately 6,034 35mm mounted color slides and 500 3.5” x 5”
color photographic prints, documenting week to week stage production of the television program, The Lawrence Welk Show. Images
were presumably photographed by Don Keck, the official photographer of The Lawrence Welk Show, and maintained by Charles Koon,
the Art Director for the entire run of the Lawrence Welk Show.
Language of Material: English
This collection is stored on-site at the Central Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. It is open for research by appointment
only.
[Identification of item]. Charles Koon/Lawrence Welk Show Collection, 1958-1982. Collection Number: GPC_b0181 - GPC_b0186.
Los Angeles Public Library
Gift of the Charles Koon Estate via Nicholas Koon, son of Charles Koon, November 8, 2021.
Biography/Administrative History
The Lawrence Welk Show was a popular television variety program hosted by big band leader Lawrence Welk. The series aired
locally in Los Angeles for four years, from 1951 to 1955, then nationally for another 16 years on ABC from 1955 to 1971, followed
by 11 years in first-run syndication from 1971 to 1982. The program aired weekly on Saturday evenings.
Charles Koon (1929-2004) was an Art Director who served as the set designer for The Lawrence Welk Show for its entire run.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Charles Koon/Lawrence Welk Show Collection consists of approximately 6,034 35mm mounted color slides and 500 3.5” x 5”
color photographic prints, documenting week to week stage production of the television program, The Lawrence Welk Show. The
collection begins in October 1958, during its run on ABC concludes in April 1982 when the first run episodes of the show stopped
being filmed. Images in the collection are generally shot from a distance, so the entire stage and sets are visible, along
with performers, including the band. Television cameras can frequently be seen in the images.
Air dates are written on the slides or on the verso of the prints, though around 100 prints are undated.
Don Keck was the official photographer of The Lawrence Welk Show and he is therefore believed to be the photographer of the
images in this collection.
Lawrence Welk Show (Television Program)
Conductors (Music)--United States.
Art direction--United States.
Welk, Lawrence, 1903-1992.
Koon, Charles, 1929-2004.
Accordionists--United States--20th century.