Munson Tales: Why Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman Moved to Late Night

Ruth Elizabeth Wood

Ruth Wood Pflager (1917-2008) (Clan Obadiah) lived in several locations throughout the U.S. as her
husband Miller “Dan” Pflager built his career. Dan and Ruth married in 1940. They had four children that Ruth was charged with raising: Sandy, Charlene, Bill, and Jessica. She took her charge seriously. Television was just becoming common during those early parenting days. She believed that not all shows should be seen by children as they were incredibly violent or had inappropriate content. She started the Radio-Television Council of Greater Cleveland and served as its president. She spent time working with parents and children and broadcasters to educate all parties in responsible viewing. Parents were encouraged to watch TV with their child, monitor viewing, and limit viewing time. They were also encouraged to write to broadcasters with a critique of shows via a postcard program. 

The organization’s most well-known success was having the 1970s controversial TV show “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” moved from the 7:30 timeslot to the 10:30 timeslot. Mrs. Pflager was, however, against censorship. “Broadcasters say they give people what they want, so, if you disagree, turn off the set, tell them you have, and why. Citizens have a right and the responsiblity in the law. Many don’t realize it,” Mrs. Pflager said. 

She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Waynesboro, where she served as Chair of the Church and Society Committee. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women, Parent Teachers Associations, Church Women United, Daughters of the American Revolution, Radio/TV Council of Greater Cleveland, United Methodist Women, National Telemedia Council, Cultural Environment Movement, Lamda Delta MU, and she was founder and chairperson of the “TV Tune-In, USA.” Mrs. Pflager received numerous awards from Radio/TV Council, and Church Women United. In 1991, she received the Public Education Partners and Promoters Award from WAEA.