First appearing in 1896, Frank Merriwell was a hero and role model for the youth of his time. As described by his creator, Gilbert Patton, “the name was symbolic of the chief characteristics I desired my hero to have: Frank for frankness, merry for a happy disposition, well for health and abounding vitality.”

Merriwell was an athlete, a sports star, and an excellent student, popular with his peers for his positive outlook and good sportsmanship. In 1946, the character was reborn for radio in “The Adventures of Frank Merriwell,” featuring Lawson Zerbe as Frank, Hal Studer as his pal Bart Hodge, and Elaine Rost as his girlfriend Inza Burridge in a series of fast-paced mini-mysteries in which Frank, Bart, and Enza investigate mysterious happenings, robberies, and underhanded dealings.

Gilbert Patten