Magic of “Billie the Brownie” predates ‘Elf on the Shelf’

Who tuned in to listen to the “Billie the Brownie” Christmastime radio shows that were broadcast by WTMJ Radio in Milwaukee, Wis., between and 1931-55?

 

There must have been tons of kids who followed the adventures of Billie, because the number of letters to Santa that were delivered to the radio station often topped 100,000 during a single season.

 

We know that Doris Alaimo-Melillo faithfully sat next to “the big brown radio on four legs,” so she could listen to Billie the Brownie’s show when she was growing up in Milwaukee during the late 1940s and early 1950s. 

As an adult, she wrote a children’s book, “Dori Mae and Her Friend Billie,” in 2006, reciting her memories about Billie and preserving the aura and mystique for future generations.

 

There’s no telling how far WTMJ’s AM radio signal reached out in those days, but Paula DeWit in Canada also heard the Billie the Brownie programs as a child. 

She is now a successful symphony orchestra conductor, musician and arranger living in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, about 60 miles east of Vancouver.

 

As the creator of the blog titled “Musings: Life, the universe, and everything,” she is known online as conductorwoman. Her posts have covered a wide variety of personal and artistic reflections, including book logs, thoughts on classical or choral music, cooking and everyday observations.

In December 2021, she mused about “Christmas stuff” and the invisible brownies who were “the 1950s equivalent of ‘The Elf on the Shelf,’ sans an actual elf.” (The “Shelf Elf” character was introduced in 2005.)

“I don’t recall hearing any other children talking about the ‘Peeker Brownies,’” DeWit said. “They seemed to show up at our house just after Thanksgiving, and only our parents could see them. They kept us kids on our toes, I have to confess.”

“Forget to do a chore? Oh my, there’s a brownie peeking in the window. Didn’t you see him? Oops. You missed him,” DeWit wrote.

“Peeker Brownies didn’t just sit around on a shelf in the house.” Rather, they traveled about, spying on children wherever they roamed. 

Their role was “to keep Santa apprised of who was naughty and who was nice. Mom and Dad always managed to spot the brownies before I did, no matter how hard I tried,” DeWit said.

“Speaking of brownies, it brings to mind the local radio program about Billie the Brownie,” she reflected. Billie came on the radio every day with Santa and Captain Larry, who moderated the 15-minute radio show.

“We would run home from school…and sit near the radio to listen to the cast read letters from children to Santa and remind all of us to be good little boys and girls. Together, they helped us count down to Christmas,” DeWit said. “I remember listening to every word that came over the airwaves. “I recall that there was much discussion about the reindeer. How can they fly?”

DeWit lamented that “the customs around the holiday season have changed over time as children grow up and move on.”

She continued: “On one hand, it gives me that sense of nostalgia to write about Christmas past; on the other, the memory pushes me to understand that the only thing we can count on is change. We never celebrate the same Christmas twice.”

Doris Alaimo-Melillo senses a bond of sisterhood, shall we say, with Paula DeWit – one that the fictional Billie the Brownie has forged.

 

DeWit’s “Peeker Brownies” are most likely the same characters as the “Peeping Brownies,” who visited Dori Mae’s house in the storybook and originated on Billie’s radio program…95 years ago.

 

Alaimo-Melillo is working on a new book, “A Biographical Fiction of My Friend Billie the Brownie,” which she is dedicating to Billie fans…wherever they may be.

 

“We will NEVER forget the warm holiday feelings Billie brought to us or his place in our hearts,” she said.

There is a limited supply of “Dori Mae and Her Friend Billie” hardcover storybooks signed by the author available for purchase. 

If interested, contact Doris Alaimo-Melillo directly for pricing information and delivery. Inquire at dorisalaimomelillo@gmail.com or call 1 (805) 985-5601.

Additionally, books may be obtained through the Milwaukee County Historical Society, 910 N. Old World 3rd St., Milwaukee, WI 53203. Contact programs@milwaukeehistory.net or call 1 (414) 273-8288. Ask to speak to Rick or Kathy at the front desk.

 

This beautifully illustrated children’s book would make an ideal Christmas gift for any Billie fan and younger readers.