Subject: [removed] Digest V2003 #268
From: "OldRadio Mailing Lists" <[removed]@[removed];
Date: 7/9/2003 10:40 AM
To: <[removed]@[removed];

------------------------------


                            The Old-Time Radio Digest!
                              Volume 2003 : Issue 268
                         A Part of the [removed]!
                                 ISSN: 1533-9289


                                 Today's Topics:

  I Want "Candy"                        [ Derek Tague <derek@[removed]; ]
  Re: Today in radio history            [ "Michael Hayde" <mmeajv@[removed]; ]
  Jack's generosity vs. someone else's  [ JackBenny@[removed] ]
  Regarding Casey                       [ "Tim Lones" <timl2002@[removed] ]
  Kennedy Assassination                 [ Jim Widner <jwidner@[removed]; ]
  Media Inquiry - Great American Produ  [ Sean Dougherty <seandd@[removed] ]
  KNX radio site                        [ "William Schell" <bschell@[removed] ]
  Vivian Smolen                         [ "Mary M. Kirby" <kirby@librarymedia ]
  Part 15 Radio Exists                  [ SeptSev@[removed] ]
  Old cathedral radios                  [ "A. Joseph Ross" <lawyer@attorneyro ]
  #OldRadio IRC Chat this Thursday Nig  [ lois@[removed] ]
  Anybody know?                         [ Jim Widner <jwidner@[removed]; ]
  Who Goes There?                       [ "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@ ]
  "Our Secret Home" series              [ "Mark L" <resimark@[removed]; ]
  Re:The Lone Ranger                    [ "Don Hunt" <JHunt39@[removed]; ]
  Memories Are Just That                [ Herb Harrison <herbop@[removed] ]

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2003 22:48:09 -0400
From: Derek Tague <derek@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  I Want "Candy"

NEVER FEAR, GANG:

      This is NOT another discourse on the art of giving research librarians
chocolate. Instead it's about Jack French's latest girlfriend  "Candy
Matson."
      I'm glad Jack has located some "CM" scripts in California. However, a
coupla months ago when I decided to take the proverbial stab at the subject
matter at my second home, the "Billy Rose" Collection/NYPL Lib. f/t Performing
Arts, my search proved fruitless
      (This is what I meant a few posts ago  when I imparted tips on how to
get the most out of "Billy Rose" & advised the would-be researcher  that I'd
hate to see someone coming all the way here to this Babylon-on-the-Hudson only
to find that there's no file on "Candy Matson.")
      When I delved into the low-tech card catalogue drawers, I was taken
aback when I saw that the original "Honey West" was not represented. Not
giving up so easily, I decided to look under the name of that crazy phone
number subtitle. I remembered the  "YUkon" part but could not remember the
digits. Not to worry, I'll check the OTR reference books upon the accessible
shelves.
      However, the first book I reached for was the updated red library- bound
edition of Buxton/Owen's "The Big Broadcast," only to find out that Candy
wasn't there either. Fortunately, the good news is that Dunning's "On the Air"
provided me w/ Candy's phone number; the bad news [removed], like I originally
said, "I'd hate to see somebody traipse across [removed]"
      Maybe hoping for info on such a West Coast phenomenon like Miss Maston
is wishful thinking here on the East Coast, but I was more disappointed in the
shortcomings of B/O.
      I know this may sound like sacrilege, especially since Jim Cox et. al.
have been compiling  and posting the essential OTR bibliography here on the
Digest, but sometimes "The [removed]" leaves me wanting. I still refer to it with
great regularity & even keep  a paperbound copy of it at-hand at work, but,
IMHO, I feel it better suited the needs of the OTR hobby in 1972 than it does
today. A whole hobby virtually sprang up around the efforts of Messrs. Buxton
& Owen, not to mention Hickerson, Schaden, Bresee, Siegel, and many others. If
"Candy Matson" was "re-discovered" after the first yellow edition, it should
have been included in the Scarecrow second edition of the mid-1990s.
      The other thing that bothers me about B&O is its ample instances of
vagueness.  One will find in both editions nebulous entries like "This serial
ran for about two years in the mid-Forties on Mutual." Again, that may have
been extensive in the  early [removed]
      As OTR fans, we are all indebted to the pioneering efforts of Frank &
Bill, but I am also grateful to the works by Dunning, Hickerson, Grams, Cox,
and, yes, even Terrace sometimes that the Messrs. Buxton & Owen inspired.

Yours in the ether,

Derek Vague, er, Tague

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2003 22:50:02 -0400
From: "Michael Hayde" <mmeajv@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Re: Today in radio history

 From Those Were The Days -- (July 7)

1949 - Dragnet was first heard on NBC.

Only by those who weren't listening on 6/3, 6/10, 6/17 and 6/24/49.  Episode
5 aired on 7/7/49, which was a new day & time for the show.  Sure wish I
knew how this mistake (which isn't exclusive to "Those Were The Days") got
started, considering Jerry Haendiges' log has had the correct info since
before I began research for 'My Name's Friday.'

Michael

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2003 22:51:03 -0400
From: JackBenny@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Jack's generosity vs. someone else's
 stinginess
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Keith Houdeshell asked:

I have a question, several of the people he interviewed mentioned that Jack
would let one of the regulars or a guest star get the big laughs, but there
was another radio comedian that insisted he get all the big laughs and if
someone got a big laugh during rehearsal the script would have to be
rewritten so the star got it.  I'm curious who was that star they were
talking about?

Well, this could have been a NUMBER of other radio stars.  Comedians were a
famous lot for using everyone around them as a foil while they spouted humor.
This wasn't always a malicious [removed] Fred Allen who could make
off-the cuff drollery on any subject, and could leave whole sections of his
show
unscripted.  (But, of course, the Allen's Alley characters often got their own
laughs.)

However, when I interviewed Frank Nelson, he mentioned this same fact and
noted doing readings in rehearsal and coming back for airtime to find his
lines
given to the star.  The specific name he mentioned was Eddie Cantor.

--Laura Leff
President, IJBFC
[removed]

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Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2003 22:52:14 -0400
From: "Tim Lones" <timl2002@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Regarding Casey

I think the more accurate title of the "Casey" series was Casey, Crime
Photographer, rather than reporter though It may have been known by the
Casey Crime Reporter name for a [removed] interesting sidelight here is that
the announcer on Casey for a time in the late 1940's was none other than a
fairly young Bill Cullen in one of his first national announcing [removed]
became much more famous for TV game shows of [removed] are a few audio
clips of Bill in action, including doing an "integrated commercial" for Toni
Home permanent with the rest of the "Casey" cast.

[removed]

This is the Ultimate Bill Cullen site with lots of info regarding his radio
work as well as just about everything else he has done.

Tim Lones
Canton, Ohio

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2003 22:55:24 -0400
From: Jim Widner <jwidner@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Kennedy Assassination

Chris Chandler wondered:

to all this material has made me wonder: how much confusion did this
premature announcement create out there in the country? Did people madly
flip the dial around, as they do today, going from station to station?

First of all, it is funny to me that you bring this up. I was just
re-watching the NBC TV tape of their coverage of the assassination. I was
thinking about how primitive the whole reporting seemed given the advances
that had been made with radio reporting. It just seemed that television
just wasn't yet ready for such immediate, tragic reporting, which is why I
always have felt this was to television what the Pearl Harbor incident was
to radio in terms of coming of age.

To your question, I was in high school actually in class and so cannot
readily answer to any needless confusion. I just recall that we all were
hearing various reports wondering which was true and not wanting to believe
that he had in fact been killed.

On your Rather comments, he was talking at the time to a radio editor when
he told him that he got a report that Kennedy was dead. Rather claimed he
thought he was talking to the other CBS reporter, Ed Barker, who also got a
report from a friend who was a doctor at the hospital.  According to Ed
Bliss, it was Robert Skedgell, who was in charge of the radio newsroom, who
came on the phone and asked Rather if he was sure. When Rather said he was
(this is where the controversy begins - did he or did he not?), Skedgell
handed Allan Jackson a piece of paper that said "JFK Dead" and Jackson
reported it on the radio.

On TV it was a different matter, Barker broke that news but the TV
reporters kept making the claim that it was not officially substantiated
(it was Cronkite who did this reminding viewers these were rumors).

Back on your question and watching the NBC coverage I could not be struck
but to how confusing the reports were that it was any wonder that people
were nervously confused by conflicting information. What I noticed watching
Chet Huntley as Frank McGee is speaking out Robert McNeil's report is not
that he was getting upset with the voice amplifier that McGee was trying to
operate as much as the increasingly disturbing realization that it was
possible Kennedy was in fact dead.

Jim Widner
jwidner@[removed]

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2003 22:56:10 -0400
From: Sean Dougherty <seandd@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Media Inquiry - Great American Products No
 Longer Available

All, an independent producer working with the Travel Channel is preparing a
series of segments on nostalgic products that no longer exist.  I've
suggested she do a segment on "great radio commercials for products that no
longer exist," as part of the series and she is very excited about the idea.

I know I've come to the right place to ask for favorite commercials for
defunct products.  Also, if you're Mike Henry or some other professional
archivist/memorabilia collector who might have access to visuals as well as
audio to support your suggestion - make extra sure to write.  I may be able
to get you on television.

The full text of the reporter's inquiry follows.

Thanks for any help,

Sean Dougherty
Publicity Coordinator
Friends of Old Time Radio Convention
201-739-2541
SeanDD@[removed]

**18. PRODUCTS: GREAT AMERICAN PRODUCTS NO LONGER AVAILABLE - TERMITE ART
PRODUCTIONS (US)
Termite Art Productions is producing a show for the Travel Channel titled,
"Made in America."  We want to feature segments on "lost products," great,
nostalgic products that aren't manufactured anymore. We are searching for an
expert who might be able to help us with this topic, along with suggestions
for segment ideas.

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2003 23:00:20 -0400
From: "William Schell" <bschell@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  KNX radio site

I hear that the building on the  KNX transmitter site is a BMW [removed]
Figures, it's Southern California.
Bill Schell

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2003 23:04:16 -0400
From: "Mary M. Kirby" <kirby@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Vivian Smolen
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Dear Old Time Radio Folks,

Lucky, I've found your news group/listserve.  I talk to Vivian Klein
(Vivian Smolen) about every week.  Her darling husband, Harold Klein was my
boss years ago when I worked at Plitt Theatres in Chicago.  We've kept in
touch for several years but sadly, Harold died leaving Vivian at their home
near Palm Beach, Florida.

I know Vivian would like to talk with people about he old time radio shows
such as Stella Dallas and Our Gal Sunday.  She is elderly and has some
serious memory problems and her recall of recent events is limited (but
then again so is my 56 year memory).  However, her memory of the more
distant past seems to be fairly sharp to me but I confess, I don't know a
great deal about her shows.  I think she' is a darling lady who must have
fascinating oral history stories waiting to be told.

If anyone is interested in talking with her, or writing her, please let me
know.  She did ask me if I could talk with people first to help her out.  I
hope this is agreeable.  You can email me off list or reply on list, that
is if that is agreeable with your list's etiquette.

Thank you.

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2003 00:56:14 -0400
From: SeptSev@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Part 15 Radio Exists
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Sigh.  I think every kid who could solder in the 1950's and '60's tried
this
at least once.  I did, with little success.  The FCC's 'general radiation'
or whatever it's called will maybe get you next door, but intermittently at
that.

 Things have changed a bit since you had the soldering iron out. <G>.    I'm
working on putting together a community radio station in my 1/2 sq. mile
neighborhood that will use OTR as its programming.    In a low height test of
my
Part 15 FCC compliant transmitter I got the full 1/2 mile radius on the car
radio (it was pleasing to hear X Minus one on my car a half mile away and know
that it was coming from my bedroom computer!)    I still have a way to go, and
it
will be several months before I tune the antenna properly, get it as high on
the roof as I can, decide on 1690 or 1700 AM, get the ground and lightning
arrestor set up, and run proper in ground radials from my grounding rod, and
then
start playing with compression and eq'ing the sound.    But I'm on my way.
And trust me on this; Part 15 AM radio can be done and is being done, with
success.    And many folks are using OTR programming on their stations.
Indeed,
I know first hand of some Part 15 stations that are commercial enterprises,
and others that just are fun hobbies for the neighborhood.

Yes, you have to be a good neighbor and not bother the commercial station's
frequencies.   That's why many Part 15 stations use 1670-1700.   In most
cities
these are pretty empty.

For more info you can try the boards on [removed]

Thom

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2003 02:02:02 -0400
From: "A. Joseph Ross" <lawyer@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Old cathedral radios

Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2003 15:12:42 -0400
From: JackBenny@[removed]

We looked at each other in a mix of shock and confusion.  Everyone's brows
furrowed, and my mother made a comment of, "Gee, I guess some of the old
waves were still stuck in it."  Seems that a Boston station was replaying
the show, and stranger still, that seemed to be the only station we could
pull in that [removed] even local Grand Rapids AM stations.
 
This reminds me of a story I once read in Galaxy Science Fiction magazine, about a man in 
the late 1950s who decides, for some reason, to turn on his old radio for the first time in 
many years, and he hears Jack Benny.  As he listens, he discovers that he's picking up a 
lot of old-time radio shows and even hearing old callsigns like WEAF that were no longer 
around.  Then he hears the Third Avenue El go by outside his apartment, goes outside, and 
finds himself back in the 1930s.  He meets a young lady who is time-traveling and needs to 
come up to his apartment, where she turns on the television and brings him back to the 
1950s.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2003 04:52:05 -0400
From: lois@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  #OldRadio IRC Chat this Thursday Night!

A weekly [removed]

For the best in OTR Chat, join IRC (Internet Relay Chat), StarLink-IRC
Network, the channel name is #OldRadio.  We meet Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern
and go on, and on! The oldest OTR Chat Channel, it has been in existence
over six years, same time, same channel!

Our numerous "regulars" include one of the busiest "golden years" actors in
Hollywood; a sound man from the same era who worked many of the top
Hollywood shows; a New York actor famed for his roles in "Let's Pretend" and
"Archie Andrews;" owners of some of the best OTR sites on the Web;
maintainer of the best-known OTR Digest (we all know who he is)..........

and Me

Lois Culver
KWLK Longview Washington (Mutual) 1941-1944)
KFI Los Angeles (NBC) 1944 - 1950
and widow of actor Howard Culver

(For more info, contact lois@[removed])

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2003 12:15:04 -0400
From: Jim Widner <jwidner@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Anybody know?

Received this query today. If anybody knows the answer, please contact the
sender directly:

"From: BOB <taureanbme@[removed];

i remember a old comedy sketch about a drunk ordering booze over the
[removed] as i recall about 5 5ths of bourbon, 5 5ths of [removed]
any idea who, what,where and when?
i would love to get ahold of a recording of the show if posssible!
thanks! bob"

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2003 12:17:12 -0400
From: "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Who Goes There?

Paul Barringer, speaking of The Lone Ranger, notes,

Also, did you know that HI-Yo, Silver was used during World War Two as
a countersign and password in England?

Well, my father, who was an Army officer stationed in the UK before
D-Day, told me that the challenge was, "Hi-Yo Silver," and the counter
was "Away!"

Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2003 12:18:57 -0400
From: "Mark L" <resimark@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  "Our Secret Home" series

   Hello all,

    I received a telephone call today from a man who said his mother played
one of the leading roles in a series called "Our Secret Home". It aired on
Mutual, WOR in NYC from 1942-1943. He asked if I could get copies or attain
more information on the show, and I'd really like to see this series come to
life again for Manfred (his name) and on the WRVO Playhouse show that I'm
involved with. The premise of the show was a woman back in the states having
conversations with her husband in the service overseas while they both
looked at the moon, audible letters to one another if you will. Manfred
Stanley played the part of a French orphan the couple had adopted while
seperated by the war. He was about 9 or 10 at the time. If anyone has any
information or could point me in the right direction it'd be *greatly*
appreciated. Thank you for your help, I really enjoy the value of this
mailing list.

  - Mark Lavonier

ps. A very special thanks to Don Frey for sending me the Cathy Lewis info!

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2003 12:20:14 -0400
From: "Don Hunt" <JHunt39@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Re:The Lone Ranger

Paul Barringer inquired as to whether the recorded voice of Earle Greaser
was used  calling "Hi Yo Silver Away" during the
Brace Beemer Run of the radio series.
The answer is no.
During the series of transitional broadcasts while Trendle, Striker, and
company were no doubt searching for a replcement
for The Ranger and later how to work Beemer into the format, Tonto took
center stage. Greaser's voice was Not Heard.
When Brace Began Speaking-after the Ranger's recovery-His voice Was heard
during the intro and closing of every
broadcast until the live shows ended in 1954.
The same was true of All repeats in which Beemer plays the lead.
Regarding the TV version, as far as I can recall, Both Clayton Moore and
John Hart did their own "Hi Yo Silver(s)...."

Paul also calls our attention to the using of "Hi Yo Silver" as contersign
and password in WW2 England.
I never served in the military but i do have a tape of a Bill Stern "Colgate
Sports Newsreel" broadcast in the 1950's
in which Brace Beemer comments on this. However, i do not recall his exact
words.
I'm sure someone will come to my rescue.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2003 12:21:36 -0400
From: Herb Harrison <herbop@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Memories Are Just That

Stephen A Kallis, Jr." wrote

In the re-television days, many families went
to the movies just to get some
visual entertainment, no matter how lame.

I might add that many people went to theaters in the summer to cool off. A
big drawing-card was that they were "air-cooled", or "air-conditioned" when
most residences didn't have artificial cooling systems. They were less
concerned with the artistic quality of the movie than they were with the
interior temperature of the [removed] and enjoying a double- or
triple-feature of 'B' movies prolonged the luxury!
(Aside: I wonder if other readers might remember some other terms for
theaters' cooling systems?)

Herb Harrison

--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2003 Issue #268
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