What was the name and words to poem that tv stations used sign off air back in 50s?

You're likely thinking of the poem "Good Night, Irene". While it wasn't explicitly used as a sign-off poem by every television station in the 1950s, it was very common and became associated with the era.

Here are the first few verses:

Good night, Irene, good night, Irene

I’ll see you in my dreams

Good night, Irene, good night, Irene

I’ll see you in my dreams

The stars are shining bright above

I’m so happy, Irene, I’m in love

I’ll see you in my dreams

Good night, Irene, good night, Irene

I’ll see you in my dreams

The song itself dates back to the 1930s, but it gained popularity in the 1950s through various recordings, including one by Huddie Ledbetter (known as Lead Belly). Its gentle and nostalgic tone made it a fitting end to a day of television programming.

It's worth noting that different stations used different sign-off music and poems. So while "Good Night, Irene" was popular, there were others as well.