On this day in either 1976 (per Jo Anne Darcy’s photos) or 1977 (per band member Marty Prue), the small town of Acton made Southern California history by going to “war” with a radio host.

The conflict began after DJ “Sweet” Dick Whittington, broadcasting on KGIL AM-1260 and later KFI, repeatedly joked about the small community and popularized the phrase: “Where the hell is Acton?”

Acton residents answered back, sparking weeks of playful banter between locals and Whittington’s listeners. The feud escalated into a planned mock battle, complete with battle cries, satire, and civic pride.

More than 200 listeners traveled with Whittington to Acton to “invade” the town — and he broadcast live on the scene as if reporting from a battlefield. Local reports and the Los Angeles Times peg the turnout even higher, with as many as 2,000 costumed participants filling the streets in mock military garb.

Acton responded in kind. Roughly 400 townspeople gathered in costume, armed with props and even a makeshift cannon, according to SCV History.

Local band Santa Fe, featuring Marty Prue, Gerry Walker, and Jim Fernald, set up on a flatbed truck in fatigues and performed their song “Acton (Is My Hometown)”. Prue rewrote the lyrics for the occasion, turning it into the “Acton National Anthem” to lampshade Whittington’s “invasion,” according to SCV History.

ACTON is My Hometown –  Original Lyrics by Joe Riley

If your feeling nervous, shaky or low, there’s one place I know you should go! Down to Acton and forever remain, down in Acton, where everyone is Insane!!

In Acton, that’s my hometown,

In Acton, I know my way around!

Well, I was driven down to Acton, in my Oldsmobile, My foot on the floor and she started to Squeal, I side swiped a cow and she gave me a lurch, Ya should had heard them sinners scream, When I crashed through the church….

In Acton, that’s my hometown,

In Acton, I know my way around!

Little later I was cruising down to Acton on my Indian Twin, Had the throttle goosed wide open, that sucker started to spin, Fifty miles an hour, down by the downtown country store, Down to Yvonne’s house, she’s the one WE ALL adore

In Acton, that’s my hometown,

In Acton, I know my way around!

Now of all those in Acton, of home should be sung, why it’s none other, than the big bad Eddie Young, Eddie drives a bulldozer, he’s got 5 Pet Rattlesnakes, Eddie gets his thrills from driven down hills, without an-y brakes!!

Oh yes In Acton, that’s my hometown,

In Acton, I know my way around!

The zany showdown aired live on both KUTY in the Antelope Valley and KFI in Los Angeles.

The satirical event continued throughout the day. Whittington’s “maneuvering misfits” jokingly blamed Acton for everything from fleas on cats to snow in the Great Salt Lake.

Meanwhile, future Santa Clarita Mayor Jo Anne Darcy, then-president of the Acton Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Acton ‘49er Saloon, delivered the town’s “victory demands,” including: Returning the missing letter “I” in Acton (a running joke about state road signs), creating an “emerald lane” on the freeway solely for Acton tractors, and creating federal subsidy to restart local mining, or begin a mushroom-growing industry.

The “war” ended in a draw, sealed with comedic diplomacy. Darcy presented Whittington with gold-plated horse droppings, and he offered Acton a peace pipe in return.

Both symbols were reportedly buried beside the Acton ’49er  and, legend has it, still lie there today.

To read yesterday’s Today in History, click here.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.