DuMont Television Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Description

This is a classic style t-shirt featuring the iconic logo of the DuMont Television Network. This isn’t just any graphic tee; it’s a tribute to the network that helped shape the very nature of the small screen as we know it.

Before there was Fox, before there was the “Big Three” of ABC, CBS, and NBC dominating the airwaves, there was DuMont. Operating from 1946 to 1956, the DuMont Television Network was a true pioneer and a crucible of creativity during the Golden Age of Television . Founded by television inventor Dr. Allen B. DuMont, the network was an extension of his laboratories, which were responsible for creating the first practical all-electronic television sets for consumers . From its flagship stations WABD in New York and WTTG in Washington, D.C., DuMont brought innovative programming to a nation just discovering the magic of the medium .

This shirt showcases the distinctive logo seen at the end of those live broadcasts. It’s a clean, bold design featuring the network’s name in a strong, blocky font. Note how the central “M” stands taller than the other letters, a unique typographic detail that makes this logo instantly recognizable to television historians and retro design enthusiasts alike .

By wearing this shirt, you’re celebrating the legacy of the so-called “Forgotten Network,” which, despite its short life, left an indelible mark on television history . DuMont was the network that launched Jackie Gleason’s career on Cavalcade of Stars, where his sketches evolved into the classic The Honeymooners . It was home to the very first television sitcom, Mary Kay and Johnny, and the first network soap opera, Faraway Hill . Long before modern cable networks perfected the format, DuMont was the home of Captain Video, one of the first and most beloved sci-fi heroes for kids, as well as hard-hitting detective dramas like The Plainclothesman and the religious phenomenon Life is Worth Living with Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, which competed head-to-head with Milton Berle .

Even the network’s business model was ahead of its time. Instead of giving a single sponsor total control over a program, DuMont sold commercial time to multiple advertisers. This pioneering approach is the foundation of the commercial television model we know today .

This shirt is perfect for:

TV and media historians who appreciate the deep-rooted history of broadcasting.

Fans of classic television, from The Honeymooners to early science fiction.

Graphic design and typography enthusiasts drawn to its clean, mid-century modern aesthetic.

Anyone who appreciates vintage American history and wants to wear a conversation starter.

The network’s archives were tragically dumped into a bay in the 1970s, making much of its groundbreaking content lost forever . Wear this shirt to keep the spirit of innovation and the legacy of the DuMont Television Network alive. It’s a comfortable, high-quality tribute to the scrappy underdog that gave television its start.

• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Dark Heather is 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala

Disclaimer: Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.