Subject: [removed] Digest V2001 #331
From: "OldRadio Mailing Lists" <[removed]@[removed];
Date: 10/13/2001 9:03 AM

To: <[removed]@[removed];

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

                                The Old-Time Radio Digest!
                                  Volume 2001 : Issue 331
                             A Part of the [removed]!
                                     ISSN: 1533-9289

                                     Today's Topics:

      Grand Central Station                 [ William L Murtough <k2mfi@[removed]; ]
      GRAND CENTRAL                         [ PURKASZ@[removed] ]
      Jack Benny in WSJ Advertising         [ Kubelski@[removed] ]
      Come meet the other Ray Charles       [ "B. J. Watkins" <kinseyfan@hotmail. ]
      Ted Davenport                         [ "Scott Eberbach" <seberbach@earthli ]
      Attend the FOTR!                      [ leemunsick@[removed] ]
      Rush Limbaugh DEAF?                   [ "jstokes" <jstokes@[removed]; ]
      The Tower At Alpine                   [ Udmacon@[removed] ]
      Re deaf people in radio - and other   [ leemunsick@[removed] ]
      Guys at the [removed] all that!      [ "Ted Kneebone" <tkneebone1@[removed] ]
      convention & terrorism - response to  [ khovard@[removed] ]
      Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen           [ "Walden Hughes" <hughes1@[removed]; ]
      Thanks to Michael Biel                [ HERITAGE4@[removed] ]
      The Three Brothers Moriarty           [ GEORGE WAGNER <gwagneroldtimeradio@ ]
      The FOTR Convention                   [ "A. Joseph Ross" <lawyer@attorneyro ]
      Dreft                                 [ "A. Joseph Ross" <lawyer@attorneyro ]
      Re: Joseph Kearns                     [ GEORGE WAGNER <gwagneroldtimeradio@ ]
      Re: Tokyo Rose                        [ GEORGE WAGNER <gwagneroldtimeradio@ ]
      Jack Benny; Johnny Mercer             [ Peter Kinder <pdkinder@[removed]; ]
      Welcome!                              [ hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed]; ]

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:44:33 -0400
    From: William L Murtough <k2mfi@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Grand Central Station

    Recently someone pointed out a "goof" in the opening of "Grand Central
    Station". I was the engineer on that program during it's final years.
    True the New York Central trains, on which I commuted, changed to
    electric at Harmon (Croton) on the main line and Brewster on the Harlem
    division. However the blast that was heard was not steam but air from the
    brake system. Upon arrival at Grand Central, the electric locomotive
    would immediately uncouple and the blast would come from the separation
    of the air houses. Then a small electric locomotive (1-D-1 or 2-D-2)
    would couple onto the rear of the train and pull it back up to the Bronx,
    run it through a "car wash", turn it around on a "wye" and park it in the
    Mott Haven Yards at about 138th Street as a complete unit, waiting for
    it's next run. I have heard that loud "woosh" myself many times, as I
    comuted into Grand Central for many years as did one of the writers on
    the program. I recall that I commented about the discrepancy to Producer
    Martin Horrell about the discrepancy. He said that he was aware of it but
    liked the dramatic quality. So much for "Grand Central Station". Ken
    Roberts was the announcer when I was on the show. Ira Ashley directed. A
    very pleasant assignment!

    Bill Murtough

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:42:55 -0400
    From: PURKASZ@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  GRAND CENTRAL

        Mark Kinsler makes good use of his memory and takes us all on a ride to
    that greatest of all train stations.
        It is a trip I make almost every week or so from my home in Mount Kisco,
    about 26 miles north of Manhattan.
        The inside glory of the building is something everyone should see.
    Representing the best of man's need and desire to be part of a larger thing.
        All the trade unions and master craftsmen, newly arrived from Europe were
    employed in the creation of this early twentieth century masterpiece.
        I watched every day, three years ago as they restored the celestial
    ceiling featuring the stars and galaxy work. The colors came to life as if
    Michaelangelo himself had been involved. The greenish-blue of the evening
    sky, the stars, the constellations, all made daily appearances. It was a very
    exciting time for the great hall.
        One thing came to light as we all got a new look at what had been covered
    with soot and grime from almost 100 years of moving humanity.
        It seems that whoever created the ceiling with it's positioning of the
    great start clusters like the Milky Way and all the astrological signs, had
    constructed it as if whoever looked up would be seeing the sky as it would
    appear if one was looking DOWN at Earth from outer space!!
        In other words, it was painted backwards!!!
        Or was it?
        An alien intelligence at work in 1909?
        More will be revealed.
        Oh, by the way, the folks who live in Harlem would be horrified to learn
    that the train disappeared down a tunnel at 125th Street.
        That is the last stop before the tunnel to be sure, but the train does
    not disappear into the dark until 96th Street.
        Still one of the best rides in America!!
        Come to New York folks, we'd love to see ya!
                         <A HREF="[removed],+Michael+C.">
    Michael C. Gwynne</A>

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:44:42 -0400
    From: Kubelski@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Jack Benny in WSJ Advertising

    Jack Benny is featured in an advertisement for The Wall Street Journal Online
    that ran on page B2 of today's Wall Street Journal.  The caption - "He would
    have used both," plays off Mr. Benny's legendary cheapskate character arguing
    that the great value of WSJ online ("at 8 cents a day even the especially
    thrifty will appreciate.") would have appealed to Jack Benny.

    I think it's great that his character is still so well remembered that it can
    be used in advertising 25 years or so after his death.

    It got me thinking of a bit he did on his television show.  The plot had him
    appearing on a talk show with a panel discussion of current events.  Vincent
    Price and another lady were the other two guests.  The joke was that Jack
    couldn't be spontaneous or witty without his writers and kept embarrassing
    himself.  Then the last question has to do with the monetary policy of the
    European central bank. After the other guests argue you'd have to be an
    expert on international banking to answer the question, Jack stands up and
    launches into an extended discourse as the music comes up and the credits
    roll.

    Sean Dougherty
    Kubelski@[removed]

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:48:05 -0400
    From: "B. J. Watkins" <kinseyfan@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Come meet the other Ray Charles

    Ray Charles, songwriter, choral director of the Ray Charles Singers, will be
    the guest speaker at SPERDVAC's meeting this Saturday at noon at the
    Mid-Valley Library, 16244 Nordhoff Street, North Hills (Los Angeles). His
    credits include 35 years with Perry Como, Your Hit Parade and many TV
    specials, PBS musical salutes, worked with stars like Bing Crosby, Bob Hope,
    Julie Andrews, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Jackie Gleason and more.

    The meeting is free and open to the public.

    Barbara

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:49:36 -0400
    From: "Scott Eberbach" <seberbach@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Ted Davenport

    Hi All!
    I would just like to say a few words about Ted Davenport's "Radio Memories".
    I recently ordered some tapes from him and the initial order had some sound
    quality [removed] e-mailed him and he went and redid the order and I am
    sure put a lot of hard work and extra effort to make the order right.  I
    received the re-done order today and could not be happier!!!  The sound
    quality is [removed] problems from the original order are not present
    now!

    For those of you on the list who are looking for a reliable dealer who is
    committed to customer satisfaction or those of you haven't given Radio
    Memories a try I urge you to do so!!!  I know I will in the future!  The
    usual disclaimer [removed] am in no way connected to Ted Davenport and
    Radio [removed] one heck-uv-a satisfied customer!

    Scott

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:50:02 -0400
    From: leemunsick@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Attend the FOTR!

    I agree with Martin Grams that people should not allow the current state of
    events in the world to stop them from attending FOTR the third weekend in
    October.  Unfortunately, I can't be there, but for entirely different
    reasons.  This has been a major portion of my life for 22 or 23 years, and
    I shall miss it dearly.

    The following comment will be understood immediately by all FOTR
    alumni.  For those who are new to this outstanding convention, print out
    this note and you'll agree once you're there:

    Do NOT fear the terrorists.  As was said in 1988 about The Martians
    approaching New York, "Don't [removed]'ll never find the Service
    Road!"  Or Frontage [removed] your pick.

    My hat's off to Jay Hickerson for this shindig, which has passed its 215th
    anniversary and is roaring along.  My best to all!

    Lee Munsick   That Godfrey Guy

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:50:29 -0400
    From: "jstokes" <jstokes@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Rush Limbaugh DEAF?

    It may have been a prank statement, but one of the announcers on local
    KSTP-AM in Minneapolis/St. Paul last night said that Rush Limbaugh was
    nearly deaf.   KSTP-AM carries the RL show, by the way.

    Since people started a thread here of deaf announcers, this is the time to
    confirm or deny whether the venerabl RL is nearly deaf.   If this is the
    case, it's still possible to pump massive amounts of audio into his
    earphones, so he could hear the callers.

    So is it true or not?  Anybody know?

    Jim Stokes,
    who, by the way, has a moderate hearing loss from playing the monitor way
    too loud in his radio days!

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:53:34 -0400
    From: Udmacon@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  The Tower At Alpine

    I see by the papers (as Phil Cook would sing) that Maj. Armstrong's landmark
    FM tower in Alpine NJ is now being used by some of New York City's TV
    stations since the sabotage of the World Trade Center and its TV tower.

    Armstrong's tower (that aired his KE2XCC) is easily seen from the Amtrak line
    that goes up and down the eastern shore of the Hudson.

    I always have to stop myself from pointing out to a fellow passenger and
    explaining its history.

    Except that early TV stifled Major Armstrong's dream for FM, I'd say he'd be
    proud of his tower's emergency assistance today.

    Bill Knowlton, "BLUEGRASS RAMBLE," WCNY-FM: Syracuse, Utica, Watertown NY
    (since Jan. 1973). Sundays, 9 pm est: [removed]

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:54:10 -0400
    From: leemunsick@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Re deaf people in radio - and other handicaps

    There were--and are--people in radio, as in many other endeavors, who have
    overcome various handicaps.  I suspect there are probably many who suffer
    partial or complete deafness.

    Today there are a number of blind persons in radio, just as there are many
    who attend the various OTR conventions.  I shall not name them, to protect
    their privacy.

    I am Executive Vice President of The Arthur Godfrey Memorial Foundation,
    Inc. , which salutes people of all ages who have overcome so-called
    handicaps, and encourages young people especially to do the same.

    Some of these--beside Mr. Godfrey, who had trouble walking, due to smashed
    hips from a terrible 1931 head-on highway collision--include Franklin
    Roosevelt, Helen Keller, Lance Armstrong, Bob Dole, Lionel Barrymore,
    Herbert Marshall, Martyn Greene,  Edison, Steinmetz, Paul Harvey,
    [removed], Rush Limbaugh.

    We should rejoice in their determination to overcome.  Just as we of the
    Allies shall, over the evil,  despicable, medieval forces in the world
    today.  The light shall illuminate and force away the darkness.

    Remember the Maine
    Remember Pearl Harbor
    Remember 911 WTC
    God Bless America

    Lee Munsick

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:54:39 -0400
    From: "Ted Kneebone" <tkneebone1@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Guys at the [removed] all that!

    Craig, Thanks for your comments about old and new time radio.  I agree that
    in some modern radio/audio drama, there is something missing.  For one
    thing, some of the actors do not know how to act.  Their delivery sounds
    like they are making fun of radio drama.  My advice to them is to do what we
    do:  listen to old time radio recordings.  Listen and learn how to act.
    Just reading the lines or overemoting won't do.  Just having slick sfx or
    high powered synthetic music won't do.  Just having stereo sound won't do.
        A lot depends on people who love the medium and love acting enough to
    learn from the experts.  Some of them are living and some have died.  But
    their best efforts have been preserved in recordings for all to hear -- and
    learn from.

    Ted Kneebone
    1528 S. Grant St., Aberdeen, SD 57401 / 605-226-3344
    OTR:  [removed]
    [removed]:  [removed]~stmarkch
    Kids radio:  [removed]

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:55:02 -0400
    From: khovard@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  convention  & terrorism - response to Martin
     Grams-

    Up to a point I support Martin Grams' appeal to people to damn the
    torpedos and come on to the FOTR convention in Newark. I have every
    intention of crossing the Triboro and George Washington Bridges and
    driving to Newark from  my home on Long Island.

     But I regret Martin's comment  that "The FOTR is NOT being held in New
    York City, not even in  the state of New York. . . .  There is no
    possible threat of terrorism from where the hotel is located. "

    On the one hand he seems to endorse the idea  that one should avoid going
    to New York City---- and on the other he assures us that we will be
    perfectly safe going to the convention. I believe that we have to
    individually decided for ourselves what is safe and what is not. Is it
    safe for me to cross those two bridges? I don't know? What say Martin?

    And if going to the FOTR convention will, as Martin suggests, show  that
    we are supporting our troops  overseas, who
     will soon be risking their necks for your freedom to attend such
    conventions --- does the same not apply to those debating whether they
    should go to see Broadway shows in New York?

    Hward Blue (who  wishes he had all the answers, but is in as much a
    quandry as everyone else)

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:56:43 -0400
    From: "Walden Hughes" <hughes1@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen

    Does any one have any radio show with either Fess Parker, or Buddy Ebsen in
    there collection?  Please let me know privately.  I am putting together some
    note on those two guy for my interview with them on YUSA this Sunday.  Thank
    you for any help.

    Walden Hughes

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:57:15 -0400
    From: HERITAGE4@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Thanks to Michael Biel

    Thanks to Michael for alerting us to the DISCOVERY episode concerning the
    Hindenburg disaster, and the disks in the LOC.
    It has only infrequently been mentioned that the disks were recorded on a
    portable (??PRESTO)  machine that was running slightly slow (not uncommon) so
    the resulting disks played back slightly fast on a standard machine at WLS.
    The speed difference is pretty evident when one listens to the modified
    version, or compares other recordings of the announcer, Herb Morrison.  I will
    be interested to hear how the playback is handled on the DISCOVERY programs.
    Tom Heathwood - Heritage Radio Classics   [removed]   -
    Boston,  MA

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:57:39 -0400
    From: GEORGE WAGNER <gwagneroldtimeradio@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  The Three Brothers Moriarty

         There were three Moriarty Brothers: Professor
    James Moriarty, Colonel James Moriarty plus _____
    Moriarty, who if memory serves was a ticket agent at
    some obscure British train station.
         It is likely that the unnamed third brother ALSO
    shared the first name James.
         Two brothers named James and a third named Harry
    or Fred is merely stupid.
         But THREE brothers named James is obviously some
    sort of sinister conspiracy.

         George Wagner
         GWAGNEROLDTIMERADIO@[removed]

    Make a great connection at Yahoo! Personals.
    [removed]

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:58:15 -0400
    From: "A. Joseph Ross" <lawyer@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  The FOTR Convention

>     Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001 19:40:20 -0400
>     From: "Martin Grams, Jr." <mmargrajr@[removed];

>     Showing up at the FOTR will not only show your support for old-time
>     radio, but your support for our troops overseas, who will soon be
>     risking their necks for your freedom to attend such conventions.

    Somehow this brings to mind a promo from the Korean War, which appears on a
    record issued in
    the 1970s, in which Howdy Doody tells the kids that our soldiers need
    blood, so please ask
    Mommy and Daddy if they've given blood yet, and if they haven't, please
    tell them to get down to
    the Red Cross right away.  It's always seemed to me to be the ultimate
    "Tell Mommy to buy" ad.

    BTW, it's possible that many people are staying away from the FOTR
    convention because of
    economic uncertainty, some of which was around before 9/11.

     A. Joseph Ross, [removed]                                         [removed]
      15 Court Square, Suite 210                      lawyer@[removed]
     Boston, MA 02108-2503           	         [removed]

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:58:40 -0400
    From: "A. Joseph Ross" <lawyer@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Dreft

>     Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2001 22:59:19 -0400
>     From: Joe Mackey <joemackey5@[removed];

>     In 1933, Dreft, the first synthetic laundry detergent, went on sale.
>     Ten yearslater, it was the sponsored product of "The Dreft Star
>     Playhouse."

    I remember Dreft from the 1950s.  Does anyone know when Dreft was
    discontinued?  For that
    matter, does anyone know where that name came from?

     A. Joseph Ross, [removed]                                         [removed]
      15 Court Square, Suite 210                      lawyer@[removed]
     Boston, MA 02108-2503           	         [removed]

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:59:03 -0400
    From: GEORGE WAGNER <gwagneroldtimeradio@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Re: Joseph Kearns

         Was it Joseph Kearns who built his home AROUND a
    pipe organ? I sure I once saw a photospread on this in
    a 1950s magazine.
         Kearns had been a theatrical (and early OTR?)
    pipe organist before becoming a radio actor.

         George Wagner
         GWAGNEROLDTIMERADIO@[removed]

    Make a great connection at Yahoo! Personals.
    [removed]

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:59:26 -0400
    From: GEORGE WAGNER <gwagneroldtimeradio@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Re: Tokyo Rose

         Iva Toguri, California born and raised, was sent
    by her family to Japan to visit a dying relative. She
    was still there on December 7, 1941.
         She immediately prepared to return to the United
    States. However she was informed by the American
    Consulate in Tokyo, in spite of her passport and other
    documentation, that she was a Japanese national who'd
    never even been in the United States, let alone a
    citizen.
         Unable to return to her country, since she was
    "Japanese," and unable to even work in Japan, because
    she was an American, Miss Toguri would up living - and
    starving - on the streets.
         She was eventually offered a job as an
    English-language typist at Radio Domei.
         Some months later Radio Domei asked her if she'd
    be willing to host English-language broadcasts. She
    said she would, but only if she would not be required
    to say anything against her country, the United States
    of America.
         Listening to her broadcasts, I've never been able
    to find anything treasonous, not even defeatist. She
    used the radio pseudonym "Orphan Annie." The closest
    to sedition she ever got was suggesting that BOTH she
    and the American troops were "orphans" - unable to
    return to the United States until the War was over.
         She also organized variety shows and dramatic
    playlets utilizing American prisoners of war. In
    return, she made certain that her countrymen prisoners
    received  extra blankets, food and medical supplies.
    She saw herself as an omsbudswoman between the
    prisoners and the Japanese government.

         After the War, when it was announced that Miss
    Toguri would be tried for treason, scores of these
    ex-prisoners of war contacted her and assured her they
    would appear as DEFENSE witness. However, these
    ex-prisoners were then informed by the United States
    government that if they did this they would ALSO be
    charged with treason, sentenced to lengthy prison
    terms or even executed.

         Even more importantly, there was need for Iva
    Toguri to even stand trial! By marriage, she could now
    claim PORTUGUESE citizenship!
         "No problem," said the Lisbon government. "Just
    move over here to your NEW country!"
         Iva Toguri refused. She was an AMERICAN, she
    insisted, NOT Portuguese. She CHOSE (do you HEAR me? -
    she C-H-O-S-E!!) to be tried in the United States, in
    her NATIVE LAND, before an American judge and an
    American jury.

         Lord Haw-Haw, Axis Sally, Robert Best, "Paul
    Revere," even Ezra Pound - hang 'em all!
         But "Tokyo Rose" was a true American patriot.
    Unless, of course, you believe that all patriots have
    to have faces the exact color as your own.
         Sorry for the grumpy mood - but this one always
    gets me ticked off.

         George Wagner
         GWAGNEROLDTIMERADIO@[removed]

    Make a great connection at Yahoo! Personals.
    [removed]

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:59:55 -0400
    From: Peter Kinder <pdkinder@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Jack Benny; Johnny Mercer

    	A nice 40s photo of a perplexed Jack Benny ran yesterday in an ad
    for "The Wall Street Journal Online".  Page B2 of the US WSJ.

    	Over the last couple of years, I've gotten very interested in Johnny
    Mercer.  So far as the Lords of Amazon are concerned, the pickings are slim
    on bios.  Anyone have any ideas on where I can get good biographical
    information on him?  From some recordings that have fallen into my hands, I
    know he did occasional guest shots on radio.  Did he have his own show?  If
    so, are there any recordings in circulation?

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

    Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 10:01:52 -0400
    From: hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Welcome!

    on 10/11/01 2:08 PM, OldRadio Mailing Lists at
    [removed]@[removed] wrote:

    Ron, the "newbie" wrote.

>     Hello to all you lovers of Old Time Radio.  Thank you for allowing me to
>     "join up".  The handle is Ron, born in Boston in '38 and have enjoyed the
>     old favorites on radio from my earliest youth.

    Glad you've joined the group. Let me be among the first to welcome you.

    By the way, if your interested in some real time OTR discussions, check out
    Lois Culver's OTR Chat Room on Thursday Evenings.

    Regards,

    Hal(Harlan)Stone
    "Jughead"

    --------------------------------
    End of [removed] Digest V2001 Issue #331
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