Folk singer Lafayette Parker “Pick” Temple, Jr., once called “The First Washington TV Superstar,” was a D.C. area celebrity during the advent of television in the 1950s. After performing on radio briefly in the late 1940s, he transitioned to television, and for much of the 1950s appeared onscreen seven days a week on local television stations WTTG, WTOP, and WMAL.

Temple was best known for his children’s show, Pick Temple’s Giant Ranch, which was one of the top-rated programs in the D.C. area during its run from 1952 to 1961. Children - and plenty of adults - loved his stories and songs, his dog, Lady, and his pony, Piccolo. For fans, many of whom joined his “Pick Temple Giant Rangers Club,” Temple’s show remains a cherished childhood memory.

The exhibit, made possible by a generous donation of memorabilia from Pick Temple’s family, tells the story of this beloved, local television star. Visitors can view artifacts from Temple’s career, including his cowboy clothing and personalized guitar, and watch clips of his show on a vintage television set.