Walter L. Brine Jr. (1918–2004),[1] invariably known as "Salty", was a well-known broadcaster in Rhode Island.
At age 10, he lost one of his legs, attempting to jump onto a freight train near his home in Arlington, Massachusetts. In later life, he would visit hospitals to encourage other children who had lost limbs.[1]
From 1955 to 1968, he hosted "Salty's Shack" on WPRI-TV, a live evening children's program.[2] Its closing words, "Brush your teeth and say your prayers," remained his signature line through the rest of his life.[3]
He hosted the morning show on WPRO (AM) from 1942 until April 28, 1993.[4] In 1977, his 35th anniversary, the WPRO studios on the Wampanoag Trail in East Providence, Rhode Island were renamed the "Brine Broadcasting Center".
In 1979, he was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.[5]
In 1990, the Galilee State Beach was renamed the Salty Brine State Beach.[6]
In 2008, Salty Brine was posthumously inducted into the Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame.[7]