Podcast Summary: Crisco Radio Newspaper (44-02-29)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Crisco Radio Newspaper 44-02-29 xxx Sgt Louis Newbalm
Host(s): Bernardine Flynn & Durward Kirby (as aired on Feb 29, 1944)
Original Air Date: February 29, 1944
Summary Date: January 9, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Crisco Radio Newspaper transports listeners to the midst of World War II with a blend of light-hearted stories, human-interest pieces, and an update on world events. Bernardine Flynn and Durward Kirby anchor the show with warmth and a sense of community, offering insights into homefront challenges, war updates, human resilience, and even a few Crisco-shortening cooking tips. The program combines both the gravity of wartime headlines and the simple joys and struggles of everyday American life in the 1940s.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Charming Start: Sgt. Louis Newbalm’s Early Morning Mishap

[00:24 – 01:22]

• Bernardine Flynn shares a humorous tale about Sergeant Louis Newbalm at Fort Douglas, Utah, who accidentally got up for his morning shave at 1:00 AM due to mistaking late-night barracks noise for reveille.
• Notable Quote:
  • “No wonder he felt as though he hadn't slept enough. It was only one o'clock in the morning. The noise he'd heard was some of the boys just coming in now.” (C, 01:15)

2. World War II News Roundup

[01:22 – 04:55]

• Durward Kirby delivers an overview of major war news from Europe, Russia, and the Pacific theaters:
  • American and British bombers attack Brunswick, Germany, with heavy anti-aircraft fire but little fighter opposition.
  • Russia advances on Pskov; atrocities committed by German forces in Kiev reported.
  • Progress in the Southwest Pacific; American submarines sink more Japanese merchant vessels.
  • Finland and Sweden’s wartime moves; Argentina’s police uncover Nazi espionage activity.
  • A light-hearted moment from Tokyo radio:
    • Quote: “After telling of new American successes, the Jap announcer asked, ‘what shall we do now?...Now is the time that the people of Japan should stand up with resolute determination, glaring at the enemy.’” (B, 03:38)

3. Crisco in the Kitchen: Changing Habits & Tasty Cakes

[04:55 – 06:08]

• Bernardine shares a story from a cooking school about how "dyed in the wool butter users" are switching to Crisco for cake making.
• The discussion covers Crisco’s ability to make cakes lighter and of wonderful texture:
  • Quote: “With Crisco, you can make some of the best tasting cakes you ever put in your mouth. Full of flavor, wonderful texture and light as a feather.” (C, 05:15)

4. Human Interest: Red Cross on the Frontlines of Compassion

[06:08 – 08:53]

• Bernardine recounts a moving story of Red Cross relief for Greek child refugees in Africa. Particularly poignant is the tale of a little girl who saves her new Red Cross dress for her mother back in Greece.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • “Please, my mother had to stay behind in Greece...I want to save my Red Cross dress for her.” (C, 07:13)
• Emotional appeal for listeners to support the Red Cross drive.

5. Homefront Updates & War Bonds

[08:53 – 11:33]

• Durward describes selling $10 million in war bonds in New York and marvels at the sight of so many Allied uniforms on Manhattan’s streets:
  • Quote: “You just know we can't lose.” (B, 09:38)
• Descriptions of cheap public transit, crowded travel conditions, and government calls to limit unnecessary travel.
• Food rationing news: reductions in point values for pork and beef, stable points for dairy.
• Draft quotas falling short; discussions on physical standards and occupational deferments for conscription.
• Economic insight:
  • “One out of every three American families now has an income of more than $3,000 a year.” (C, 11:33)

6. Living with Rationing: Tokens, Recipes, and Frugality

[11:33 – 13:07]

• Explanation of new ration tokens and how they function.
• Bernardine’s “Bologna and Noodle” dinner recipe—an example of creativity in a time of scarcity:
  • “You just fry cubes of bologna, chopped onions and some sliced mushrooms in piping hot Crisco...mix in the cooked noodles and heat thoroughly.” (C, 12:28)
• Reminders of Crisco’s digestibility and its place in ration-sensitive kitchens.

7. Closing Human Touch: Navy Chaplain’s Humor

[13:20 – 13:53]

• Light anecdote about Navy Chaplain Lonnie Meacham who, after having hot soup spilled on him in the chow line, calmly requests, “Would some of you fellas say a few appropriate words, please?”—showing presence of mind and humor even amidst military stress.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sergeant Louis Newbalm’s Early Morning Mistake:
  “No wonder he felt as though he hadn't slept enough. It was only one o'clock in the morning.” (C, 01:15)

• Tokyo Radio’s ‘Glare’:
  “Now is the time that the people of Japan should stand up with resolute determination, glaring at the enemy.” (B, 03:38)

• Red Cross Refugee Story:
  “Please, my mother had to stay behind in Greece. ...I want to save my Red Cross dress for her.” (C, 07:13)

• On Allied Unity:
  “Just to look at their faces, you just know we can't lose.” (B, 09:38)

• Travel & Transit in New York:
  “You really get your money's worth in transportation out of a nickel in New York.” (B, 10:05)

• Navy Chaplain’s Wit:
  “Would some of you fellas say a few appropriate words, please?” (B, 13:28)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:24] – Story of Sgt. Newbalm’s mistaken wake-up
• [01:22] – World WWII news roundup by Durward Kirby
• [04:55] – Cooking chat: Crisco cake-making secrets
• [06:08] – Red Cross story of Greek refugee girl
• [08:53] – Homefront: War bond stories and New York trip
• [10:29] – Rationing updates: meat points and national draft
• [11:33] – American economic insights and ration tokens explained
• [12:26] – Frugal wartime recipe: bologna and noodles
• [13:22] – Navy Chaplain story

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a warm, conversational, and community-oriented tone, blending seriousness (war news, homefront hardships) with humor and optimism (amusing anecdotes, food tips). The hosts deliver the news and their personal stories in a manner that is both informative and comforting—a characteristic style of Golden Age radio.

This summary should provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of the episode, spotlighting its historical context, characters, and unique charm—perfect for listeners seeking an authentic taste of 1940s radio.