Subject: [removed] Digest V2006 #104
From: [removed]@[removed]
Date: 4/13/2006 4:18 PM

To: [removed]@[removed]

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

                                The Old-Time Radio Digest!
                                  Volume 2006 : Issue 104
                             A Part of the [removed]!
                                 [removed]
                                     ISSN: 1533-9289

                                     Today's Topics:

      "Senator" Ford                        [ "Bill Knowlton" <udmacon1@[removed] ]
      OTR reference at TTAC                 [ "Holm, Chris " <[removed]@[removed] ]
      Dancing on Radio                      [ "Frank McGurn" <[removed]@sbcgloba ]
      The Star-Pit - Samuel R. Delany       [ ddunfee@[removed] ]
      Radio Classics                        [ "Donald" <alanladdsr@[removed]; ]
      Contacts for OTR people still alive   [ Duane Whittingham <radiodude@logoni ]
      week end line up on Yesterday USA     [ "Walden Hughes" <hughes1@[removed]; ]
      4-13 births/deaths                    [ Ronald Sayles <bogusotr@[removed] ]
      Jean vander Pyl's character on Fathe  [ rhodavid <rhodavid@[removed]; ]
      ventriloquists on radio               [ James H Arva <wilditralian@[removed] ]
      LOST JOLSON                           [ "David S. Siegel" <otrdsiegel@veriz ]
      Dang, you'll get a bong out of this   [ <otrbuff@[removed]; ]
      Mimes on Radio?                       [ Randylarson999@[removed] ]
      Brothers and Sisters                  [ "kclarke5@[removed]" <kclarke5@juno. ]
      Burt Farber                           [ mmartini@[removed] ]
      Re: WWII songs                        [ "Candy Jens" <candyj@[removed]; ]

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

    Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2006 20:02:56 -0400
    From: "Bill Knowlton" <udmacon1@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  "Senator" Ford

>     How did Mr. Ford become a "senator"? What's the mythos behind this?

    Ed Ford did a vaudeville routine in which he gave comic monologues as a US
    Senator.

    I met the "Senator" in NYC's Lambs back in the 60s. I was able to join under
    its mililtary membership (I was an Air Force captain).

    One day Ford heard me tell a funny story to my table mates.

    "You have a hell of a nerve telling a joke in this place," Ford told me;
    "you don't see me trying to fly an AIRPLANE!"

    Of course that reduced me to a gnome, and I don't think he was kidding!

    Senator Ford did a hilarious monologue at "Lambastes;" the Lambs' equivalant
    to a roast.

    He would always "demand silence at benefits," and ended his turn with a
    deadpan medley if Civil War songs ("hark!...one lies dead at
    [removed]")

    Ford was also an accomplished portrait painter; a great one of fellow Lamb
    Bert Lahr as a circus clown hangs in the Lamb's "Fold" now on West 51st
    Street.

    Ford, Hershfield and Laurie Jr. used to open their mail for "Can You Top
    This" in the office of the old Lambs Club on West 44th St.

    Florient Agni!

    BILL KNOWLTON

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

    Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2006 20:08:28 -0400
    From: "Holm, Chris " <[removed]@[removed];
    To: <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  OTR reference at TTAC

    An un-flattering peek at how other parts of society view us can be found
    in the third paragraph of this article from The Truth About Cars:
    [removed]

    -chris holm
    Std Disclaimer, not associated in anyway.  I'm just a member of the
    auto-industry who often finds laughs at TTAC.

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

    Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2006 20:08:40 -0400
    From: "Frank McGurn" <[removed]@[removed];
    To: "The Old Time Radio Digest" <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  Dancing on Radio
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    How soon we forget. There was dancing on radio every night after the network
    programs were over and the late news headline were finished The remote
    broadcasts from the ballrooms and hotels from around the county with big
    bands playing dance music. The in Chicago as example The music of Harry
    James and His Music makers from Chicago's Argon Ballroom, and the NBC would
    have another remote Glenn Miller & His Orchestra from Frank Daly's Meadow
    Brook, Cedar Grove , New Jersey or them on to The Cafe Rouge of the
    Roosevelt Hotel in New York and the music of Ken Stanton & His Orchestra.
    The bands were call dance bands.

    This was almost a 7 nights a week and people would "DANCE" while the
    orchestra played while on the air. Who said there was no dancing on radio.
    My girlfriend (wife now) and I use to dance at O'Henry's in the south
    suburbs of Chicago, Melody Mill. In Chicago The Beach Walk of the Edgewater
    Beach Hotel , The College Inn of The Sherman Hotel and we danced while the
    band was broadcasting. The remotes were mostly sustaining.

    If you used your immigration you see the couples dancing Cheek to Cheek.

     The remotes went by the of network radio show when TV became king.  If you
    were born in the fifties you probably never heard a remote because the ball
    rooms were closed and the big bands became a thing of the past.

    But dancing did happen on radio. Remember "Major Bowes' Original  Amateur
    Hour",  from 3/124/35 until 6/13/46 well every now and then a tap dance was
    a contestant, and you just hear the Taps.

    Frank McGurn

    [server removed an attachment of type text/x-vcard which had a name of Frank
    [removed]]

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    Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2006 20:09:26 -0400
    From: ddunfee@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  The Star-Pit - Samuel R. Delany

    Ntr science fiction:
    "                                 THE STAR-PIT

    by Samuel R. Delany.

                    The 1967 radio production in four MP3 files:"

    [removed]

                                   XB
                                    IC|XC

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

    Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2006 20:09:50 -0400
    From: "Donald" <alanladdsr@[removed];
    To: <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  Radio Classics

    Radio Spirits (Classics) was, indeed, quite a help and support in dealing
    with my initial problems. Essentially, once I moved from Firefox to Internet
    Explorer, I was able to get with their program. I didn't know, and still
    don't, why one worked and the other did not but my
    helpmate, "Barry" at Radio Spirits Customer Service, made the suggestion and
    he was correct. I have since cancelled my membership in the 30 day trial (it
    was easy, no hassle from them) but not without downloading
    some excellent sounding Whistler and Tales of the Texas
    Rangers, other things, at no cost. After initial frustrations, it worked for
    me.
    Also, a number of our group have contacted me off line with names of
    numerous otr free download sites. Many thanks to all of you! Don, Lawrence,
    Kansas

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

    Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2006 20:53:09 -0400
    From: Duane Whittingham <radiodude@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Contacts for OTR people still alive

    I am in radio and do shows.
    Does anyone have some sort of list
    of who is still alive and how to contact them
    to see if they want to do an interview.

    Actors, Announcers, Sound Effects people, etc.

    Thanks.

    Duane Whittingham
    WTND-LP [removed] FM

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

    Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2006 09:04:00 -0400
    From: "Walden Hughes" <hughes1@[removed];
    To: <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  week end line up on Yesterday USA

    Hi Everybody,

    the week end line up on Yesterday USA [removed] starting at 7-30
    PM and goes to 1 AM or 2 AM west coast time follows,

    Friday 4-15-06

    A.  Frank Bresee interview live Jim Hawthorn and feature many of Jim past
    broadcast both local and national.

    Saturday 4-16-06

    A.  Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran Golden Age   Radio interview with Gale
    Storm, and Barbara Briton

    B.  Martin Grams monthly appearance talking about First Nighter and feature
    the show of 12-22-45

    C.  Easter special from the week end  of April 1960, shows are Couple Next
    Door on Friday 4-15-60, and two hours on Sunday 4-17-60 on CBS, and Meet
    the Press on NBC

    D.  more OTR like Fibber, Phil Harris and Alice Faye, Information Please,
    ect

    Sunday 4-17-06

    A.  Laura Leff present Jack Benny of 4-14-46

    B.  Mike Biel

    C.  Bryan Haigood  of REPS with our Easter special

    D.  Same Time Same Station of part two of Jay Joston of Mr. District
    Attorney

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

    Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2006 09:04:12 -0400
    From: Ronald Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
    To: Olde Tyme Radio Digest Digest <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  4-13 births/deaths

    April 13th births

    04-13-1886 - Willie Howard - Paramus, NY - d. 1-14-1949
    comedian: (Howard Brothers) "Folies De Paris"; "The Royal Vagabonds"
    04-13-1887 - Christian Rub - Austria - d. 4-14-1956
    actor: (Voice of Pinnochio) "Lux Radio Theatre"
    04-13-1889 - Herbert Yardley - Washington, IN - d. 8-7-1958
    writer: "Stories of the Black Chambers"
    04-13-1899 - Larry Keating - [removed], MN - d. 8-26-1963
    actor, emcee: "Murder Will Out"; "Scramby Amby"; "This Is Your FBI"
    04-13-1905 - Eddie Dooley - Brooklyn, NY - d. 1-xx-1982
    sports commentary: "Dooley's Football Forecast"
    04-13-1906 - Bud Freeman - Chicago, IL - d. 3-15-1991
    tenor sax player: "Camel Caravan"; "Fats Waller Jam School"; "Doctor
    Jazz"
    04-13-1906 - Samuel Beckett - Dublin, Ireland - d. 12-22-1989
    writer: "All That Fall"
    04-13-1907 - Harold E. Stassen - West St. Paul, MN - d. 3-4-2001
    presidential candidate: "Meet the Press"; "The People's Platform"
    04-13-1912  - Roy Winsor - Chicago, IL - d. 5-31-1987
    director, writer: "Vic and Sade"; "CBS Radio Mystery Theatre"
    04-13-1919 - Howard Keel - Gillespie, IL - d. 11-7-2004
    actor: "Lux Radio Theatre"
    04-13-1923 - Don Adams - NYC - d. 9-25-2005
    comedian: "Kraft Music Hall"; "A Salute to Humble Howard"

    April 13th deaths

    04-02-1884 - Charles M. Courboin - Antwerp, Belgium - d. 4-13-1973
    organ virtuoso: weekly half hour concert broadcast on NBC Red in 1940
    04-11-1904 - Paul McGrath - Chicago, IL - d. 4-13-1978
    actor, host: Host "Inner Sanctum Mysteries"; Robert Allison "My Son
    Jeep"
    05-24-1909 - Howard Snyder - d. 4-13-1963
    writer: "Jack Benny Program"; "Lum and Abner"; "That's My Pop"
    07-10-1921 - Jeff Donnell - South Windham, ME - d. 4-13-1988
    actor: "Lux Radio Theatre"
    07-12-1917 - William Griffis - Hollywood, CA - d. 4-13-1998
    actor: "Cavalcade of America"; "Roger Kilgore, Public Defender"
    07-20-1869 - Howard Thurston - d. 4-13-1936
    conjuror: "Thurston, the Magician"
    07-20-1881 - Hugh Sothern - Anderson County, KS - d. 4-13-1947
    actor: John Marshall "Those We Love"
    07-20-1890 - Theda Bara - Cincinnati, OH - d. 4-13-1955
    actor: "Lux Radio Theatre"
    07-21-1926 - Josephine Premice - Brooklyn, NY - d. 4-13-2001
    actor: "CBS Radio Mystery Theatre"
    11-03-1910 - Richard Hurndall - Darlington, Durham, England - d.
    4-13-1984
    actor: Sherlock Holmes "BBC Light Programme"
    12-13-1914 - Larry Parks - Olathe, KS - d. 4-13-1975
    actor: "Kraft Music Hall"; "Faith for Tomorrow"; "Guest Star"
    xx-xx-1934 - Mary Linn Beller - d. 4-13-2000
    actor: Barbara (Babby) "The Brighter Day"

    Ron Sayles
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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

    Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2006 09:05:16 -0400
    From: rhodavid <rhodavid@[removed];
    To: <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  Jean vander Pyl's character on Father Knows
     Best
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    I would like to suggest a change in the information listed for Jean vander
    Pyl under the notice of deaths for 4/10/1999.
    I am David Van Meter husband of Rhoda Williams (Van Meter) for 54 years.
    Rhoda played Betty Anderson the oldest daughter on the majority of "Father
    Knows Best" radio shows for the 5 years FKB was on radio, and was a good
    friend of Jean vander Pyl for many years. The mother's character name was
    Margaret not Kathy.
    Kathy was the name of the Youngest daughter played by Norma Jean Nilsson.
    Bud was the brother played by Ted Donaldson

    This is your present listing in the V2006#102 issue:
    10-11-1919 - Jean Vander Pyl - d. 4-10-1999
    actor: Kathy Anderson "Father Knows Best"

    I am curious as to what information you need for Rhoda's listing, email me
    if you need more information rhodavid@nu-world,com
    Rhoda Williams born Denver, Colorado July 19, 1930. Died Eugene, Oregon,
    March 8, 2006, Worked in Radio from age 6, "I Want A Divorce", "Uncle Bob's
    Fun Gang", "Father Knows Best", etc.
    Thank you, David Van Meter

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    Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2006 09:06:11 -0400
    From: James H Arva <wilditralian@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  ventriloquists on radio

    04-13-06

    	My wife and another couple were having dinner an an Italian restaurant
    in York, PA.  The other woman grew to maturity in england, and knew
    nothing of real radio.  The other man was an avid fan.  The discussion
    turned to how strange it was that Edgar Bergen made it big on radio with
    a talent that requires you to *not* see something, but not in the
    absence-of-video sense.
    	The man of the lone couple at a neighboring table excused himself for
    intruding, but said that his father worked as - among other duties - a
    talent scout for the old Rudy Vallee Show.  He was the one who brought
    Edgar Bergen to Rudy's attention.  He said that after Mr. Bergen
    auditioned for Rudy, Rudy turned to the man's father and sais, "He's
    good.  Hire him ... but he could only make it in radio -- his lips move."

    Regards,

    Jim Arva

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

    Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2006 11:23:20 -0400
    From: "David S. Siegel" <otrdsiegel@[removed];
    To: OTR DIGEST <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  LOST JOLSON

        I recently acquired a copy of an AL JOLSON radio appearance whose
    existence had been previously unknown to me, While it is, no doubt, an
    obscure item I can't help but think that in this day and age it increases
    Jolson's negative reputation for his black face performances.

         The program in question is an 8/10/41 performance of "Uncle Tom's
    Cabin" as broadcast on the STAR SPANGLED THEATER series. The only African
    Americans heard were the talented SOUTHERN AIRES. Jolson's rendition of
    Uncle Tom as well as  the general dialogue, by any modern standards would
    and should prove offensive and fairness suggests that it should have
    offended back in 1941 as well.

    DAVE

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

    Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2006 13:49:47 -0400
    From: <otrbuff@[removed];
    To: <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  Dang, you'll get a bong out of this

    I downloaded Southwest Airlines' "Ding" service that
    notifies you when a series of special fares is available for
    a limited time, customarily twice a day.  I keep my computer
    speakers turned fairly high and when new fares come through
    the bong signal resonates throughout the house.  You know,
    of course, where this is leading:  it replicates the CBS
    bong on the hour close enough in my memory -- a resonance
    missing in my geographic territory for years --  that it is
    a pleasant reminder of good times past.  I find myself
    listening for it whether I'm near the computer or not.  Now
    if the chirps could be added, I could probably be persuaded
    to travel more often!  Anybody work for Southwest?

    Jim Cox

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

    Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2006 13:50:04 -0400
    From: Randylarson999@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Mimes on Radio?

    Ventroliquists (with "figures"; not "dummies") and dancers on radio I can see
    (pun intended, Derek), but how about mimes?  Don't laugh, the alleged
    composer, John Cage, once "wrote" a piano piece with nothing in the score but
    blank pages.  The "pianist" would sit at the piano and a confederate would
    sit nearby, turning the "music" every few minutes!

    Randy Larson

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

    Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2006 13:50:12 -0400
    From: "kclarke5@[removed]" <kclarke5@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Brothers and Sisters
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           Someone recently reminded me of the Ames Brothers, the Mills Brothers,
    the DeMarco Sisters, and the Clooney Sisters.  Could there be any more?

    Another OTR Fan,

    Kenneth Clarke

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    Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2006 15:33:03 -0400
    From: mmartini@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Burt Farber

    Hey all,

    This one is for Ron Sayles and anyone else who might be [removed]

    I've just learned of the death of Burt Farber; bandleader, composer,
    arranger, pianist.  Burt came to WLW in 1934 right out of William and Mary as
    part of the Henry Theis Orchestera.  While at WLW, he performed on numerous
    programs and had a standing gig at Cincinnati's Netherland Plaza Hotel.  He
    also would commute to Chicago to direct the band on a network show.
    In 1953, Burt left Cincinnati for New York where he accompanied Jane Froman,
    was a "society pianist" and appeared on several network and local shows.  He
    also eventually enjoyed a stint as Arthur Godfrey's music director.
    Burt spent the latter years of his life alone in Florida, with only a
    solitary distant relative in another state to count on for personal matters.
    His hearing failed and he cancelled his phone service.  I know his final
    years were less than happy.  His obit was not even listed in his local paper.
    Burt or "Burton" (sometimes listed as "Bert" if you do a google search) died
    on August 27, 2005.  (I just found out from his lawyer.)  He was a great
    fellow to be around, loved a nip of scotch now and then and told funny
    stories from his career (with his distinctive Brooklyn accent).  His friends
    in Cincinnati greatly miss him.
    Incidentally, there are some sources (like IMDB) which incorrectly list his
    birthdate as January 1918.  Ron, as usual, has it correct:  June 2, 1913.

    M. Martini

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

    Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2006 17:39:05 -0400
    From: "Candy Jens" <candyj@[removed];
    To: <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  Re: WWII songs

    I can't recall the title, but there was a WWII-era song that went "There'll
    be bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover, tomorrow, just you wait and see
    . . ."  and how about "Don't sit under the apple tree . . ."?  There's a
    version of Comin' in on a wing and a prayer" with Kate Smith and the Juanita
    Hall Singers (same Juanita Hall who played Bloody Mary in South Pacific?).

    Going from the serious to the slapstick, I must also mention "Der Fuhrer's
    Face" by Spike Jones <g>.

    It seems folllowing conflicts didn't result in many memorable songs - all I
    can think of right away is "Ballad of the Green Berets."  Any others come to
    mind?

    Candy

    --------------------------------
    End of [removed] Digest V2006 Issue #104
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