
Earn Your Vacation 1949-03-17 First Contestant Helen Wickerham
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Bob Stevenson
Ladies and gentlemen, in the next 15 minutes someone can win a trip anywhere he wants to go in the whole world.
Harry Mitchell
Passengers for Flight 65 for Paris, Cairo, Shanghai, Sun Valley and Bermuda, please board through gate seven. Your plane is now leaving.
Bob Stevenson
Earn your vacation. An exciting 15 minute opportunity for someone to win a trip with all expenses paid anywhere he wants to go. And here's the man who hands out the tickets, Harry Mitchell.
Harry Mitchell
Thank you, Bob Stevenson. Well, Bob, who's first from our audience to try for a dream vacation this afternoon?
Bob Stevenson
Well, Harry, here is Ms. Helen Wickerham from Toledo, Ohio.
Harry Mitchell
Hello there, Helen.
Helen Wickerham
Hello.
Harry Mitchell
How are you today?
Helen Wickerham
Fine.
Harry Mitchell
Do you mind if I call you Helen?
Helen Wickerham
Not at all.
Harry Mitchell
Good. Are you married?
Helen Wickerham
No.
Harry Mitchell
Did you hear a moment ago that we're going to give you a chance to go anywhere you want to go in the whole world? Are you nervous?
Helen Wickerham
Not yet.
Harry Mitchell
Really? You might be before we're through with you here this evening. Helen, what kind of work do you do?
Helen Wickerham
I'm a nurse.
Harry Mitchell
What type of nursing?
Helen Wickerham
General Junior now.
Harry Mitchell
I see. And are you practicing in nursing now out here? Helen, can you think back and tell us what was the most embarrassing experience you ever had? Yes, tell us about it.
Helen Wickerham
Well, I was working in the emergency room in a hospital home and a traffic accident was brought in and one of the patients was dead on a village and the other was seriously injured. So we put this quartz in another room and took care of the pension person. And when all we finished the first one, I went and get the corpse that wasn't there.
Harry Mitchell
The corpse had dropped. What happened? Where was the corpse?
Helen Wickerham
Well, someone had found the munch lying in the meantime.
Harry Mitchell
I see. Well, thank you very much, Ellen. And now comes the big question. Where do you want to go more than any place in the whole world right now?
Helen Wickerham
I might move at home to Toledo.
Harry Mitchell
Toledo, Ohio? Why?
Helen Wickerham
Well, I have one more semester in college there and I'd like to finish.
Harry Mitchell
I see. Well, now, Helen, this is your chance to earn a round trip vacation to Toledo on a luxurious TWA Constellation airliner with all expenses paid. Now, here's how you do it. I'm going to ask you some questions. If you answer just three questions in a row correctly, you win a $200 wardrobe of traveling clothes immediately and a chance at the end of the show to win that big luxury trip of your dreams with all expenses paid. But if you miss three questions in a row, you're out. Right now you lose that chance to go back to Toledo, Ohio. Alrighty then, Helen. Tighten your safety belt. And here we go. Earn your vacation. And here is your first question, Helen, who slept for 20 years, right? Now, two more and you have a chance to win that wonderful vacation back there to Toledo. Here's the second question. Who was the rail splitter? Right. That's two in a row, correctly. Now you're right on the brink, Helen. One more question. Give me the right answer and you'll have a chance at that all expense vacation. Here it is. What was Woodrow Wilson's first name? What was his first name? Woodrow Wilson. Oh, I'm sorry. It was Thomas. Thomas Woodrow Wilson. All right, that's one wrong. Here we go. Now, don't get two more wrong, Helen. Otherwise you'll be all through with our game of earn your vacation. Here's the question. What is a female deer? Right. Good for you. Back in the win column again. 1 Correct. And here's your second question. Who is Jack Benny's wife? Absolutely right. Two in a row. Good for you. Now here's your chance for that vacation back to Toledo, Ohio. Get this one right. And you'll have a chance at that big question at the end of the show. What is the Mohammedan Bible called?
Helen Wickerham
Oh, she's dancing Corin, Right?
Harry Mitchell
Absolutely correct. Some applause, folks. Good. You answered three questions in a row, Helen, you win a beautiful $200 travel wardrobe by Hart Schaffner and marks of your own selection. Congratulations. And that means you win the chance to answer just one more question at the end of the show. And, Helen, if you get that one right, you'll win that trip to Toledo, Ohio and back again with all expenses paid on a luxurious twa Constellation. So don't go away. You may win that wonderful trip. All right, Bob. Who's next to try for that free, all expense paid trip anywhere in the world?
Bob Stevenson
Harry, say hello to Richard Constance from New York City.
Harry Mitchell
Hello there, Dick.
Israel Fors
Hello.
Harry Mitchell
How are you tonight? Fine. Good, Dan. What are you doing all the way out here from New York, Dick?
Dick Constance
Working.
Harry Mitchell
Working. That's a good thing to be doing. Say, how does it feel to be this close to a free trip to any place in the world you'd like to go?
Dick Constance
Pretty good.
Harry Mitchell
Well, you have this one big chance and it's going to be yours in just a moment. Where else do you work, by the way, Dick?
Dick Constance
Linda. Yeah, probably.
Harry Mitchell
What do you do out there, sir?
Israel Fors
Fail.
Harry Mitchell
Mm. Are you married, Dick? Nope. We asked our young lady who was a nurse here a moment ago, about her most embarrassing experience. And it certainly was rather an embarrassing one, wasn't it? How about you? Have you had one?
Dick Constance
Well, about 10 years ago, yeah. After graduation from high school, train a month and myself went barnstorming across the country in a zalopia. And we stopped in Kansas City.
Harry Mitchell
Gilope. Do you mean a car or a plane? Oh, I see. I thought maybe it was an old TWA Constellation.
Dick Constance
And we stopped at Kansas City, some hotel there and had a few drinks.
Harry Mitchell
Can't mention.
Dick Constance
And, well, I had to be excused. So they had two doors and one of them was marked Heifer and the other steer and I went in.
Harry Mitchell
Hey, that's enough right there. I digress. Here's the question that you want to hear about. Where in the whole world do you want to go?
Dick Constance
New York City.
Harry Mitchell
Why New York, Dick?
Dick Constance
I will take my dad.
Harry Mitchell
See, I'm terribly sorry to hear that. And we hope you win a chance to go back and see her. This is your chance, Dick, to go to New York on a luxurious TWA Constellation airliner. Round trip with all expenses paid. Now, you give me three right answers in a row and you'll earn a chance for that dream trip. Three wrong and you're all done, Dick. All right, here we go. All aboard and earn your vacation. Question number one. Eisenhower is president of what university?
Dick Constance
Columbia.
Harry Mitchell
Right. Two more, my boy, and you'll have a chance at that big vacation back to New York with all expenses paid. Question number two. What do you call an unbranded cat? An unbranded cat. Time is ticking away. In the background should be. Oh, I'm sorry, the answer is a maverick. That's one wrong. You're in the wrong column. Get back in the win column again, Dick. Remember, two more wrong answers and you're all through playing our little game. Here's your question. What state has the smallest population?
Dick Constance
Wyoming.
Harry Mitchell
Oh, I'm sorry. It's Nevada. Be careful now, Dick. You're right on the threshold. That's too wrong. Don't miss this next one. Here's the question. Who are the leathernecks?
Dick Constance
Marines.
Harry Mitchell
Back in the win column. Again with one right. Good for you, Dick. Two more right answers to me now, Dick, and you'll have a chance at that vacation back to New York on that luxurious TWA constellation. Here's the question. Who turned into a pillar of salt? Oh, I'm sorry. It was Lot's wife. Back in the wrong column again, Dick. Come on now. Earn your vacation, my boy. Question coming up. What is the freezing point of water that's degrees in Fahrenheit 32. Right? Absolutely. Back in the wind column once again. All right, Dick, two more now and you get a chance at that vacation. Here we go. Why is Clara Barton famous sign of.
Dick Constance
The nurse Organization of the what?
Harry Mitchell
Of the what, sir?
Helen Wickerham
Nurses.
Harry Mitchell
Well, that would be the American. The what?
Dick Constance
American Red Cross.
Helen Wickerham
Right.
Harry Mitchell
Absolutely. Too correct, Dick. All right, here's your next question. Now, you answer this one correctly for me, sir, and you'll win a chance at all expense paid vacation. And here it is. What is the name of the Boston dentist who rode a horse to Lexington? You have 15 seconds sick. Who rode a horse to Lexington? A Boston dentist. Time is ticking. Oh, I'm sorry. Back into the wrong question. The wrong column again, rather, Dick. All right, that's one wrong. Still have a chance to get back over on the right hand side. Again, here's the question. On what day did Solomon Grundy take ill in the nursery rhyme? Oh, I'm sorry. It was on Thursday. That's too wrong. Be careful now, Dick. One more wrong and you are out. What is composer Tchaikovsky's first name? Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Absolutely correct. Back in the wind columns, Egg. All right, two more correct and you'll get a chance at that big all expense made vacation to any place in the world. And here it is. Eisenhower is president of what university?
Dick Constance
Columbia.
Harry Mitchell
Columbia. Good for you. That's too right. Now, here it is. Here's your chance again. You got your feet wet up here before. Now let's try and get over the hurdle. Oh, I asked that question. Here, let's see. What heavenly body causes ocean tides?
Dick Constance
Dick? The moon.
Harry Mitchell
The winner. Good for you, my boy. Well, Dick, you have answered three questions in a row. And you're Going to win a beautiful $200 travel wardrobe by Hart Schaffner. And marks of your own selection. Congratulations. And that means you win a chance to answer just one more question at the end of the show. And if you get it right, you win that trip to New York City and back again with all expenses paid on a luxurious TWA Constellation. Dick, don't go away. You may win that vulnerable trip. Good boy. Now, who's coming up here next, Bob?
Bob Stevenson
Mr. Israel fors up next, and he's.
Harry Mitchell
From New York City. Harry. Mr. Forres. From New York City, is that right?
Israel Fors
No, I'm from Chicago. I hope to take the trip to New York City. Oh, I see.
Harry Mitchell
Well, what are you doing out here from Chicago, Mr. Forres?
Israel Fors
Taking a vacation. Between schools?
Harry Mitchell
Well, I. Between schools. Tell me a little bit more about that.
Israel Fors
Well, I graduated Roosevelt College in June, 1947, and I thought. I've been traveling since.
Harry Mitchell
I see. And what do you intend to do, sir, when you get settled down?
Israel Fors
Find a job.
Harry Mitchell
Good for you. That's a good thing to be looking for. Well, I wonder if you learned that dream trip, Mr. Forbes, of anywhere in the world. We'll know in just a moment. First of all, would you tell me, are you married, sir?
Israel Fors
No, I'm single.
Harry Mitchell
Mr. Fors, we asked each one of our contestants a moment ago about their most embarrassing experience. I wonder if you'd have one that you might relate for us.
Israel Fors
Well, this was in the year 1932. I just seen the picture all quiet in the Western Front with Louis Walheim. The sound of bullets clings tightly to the ground and is very emotional about it. And then I was going to college at that time night. And I walked down very lonely streets. And one night I was walking down these lonely streets, and all of a sudden an automobile started to come past me. And I heard the sound of shots. And I cling tightly to the ground. And then it went past. Then it was merely the exhaust pipe going off.
Shopify Representative
Great.
Harry Mitchell
Thanks very much for telling us about the story. What's your first name, sir?
Israel Fors
Israel.
Harry Mitchell
What do people call you through? You have a nickname?
Israel Fors
Oh, usually Slim.
Harry Mitchell
Slim. All right, Slim. Where is the one place in the whole world you'd most like to go on a TWA constellation?
Israel Fors
New York City.
Harry Mitchell
Why New York, Slim?
Israel Fors
Well, I didn't get a job after I graduated in Chicago. I didn't get one in Hollywood. I figured if I don't get a job, might as well not get a job in New York.
Harry Mitchell
You might as well have it. Not have it back. There, eh? All right, Slim, this is your chance to take that trip to New York. Now, you answer three questions in a row correctly, and you win the $200 travel wardrobe immediately, plus a chance at your all expense paid trip to New York. Round trip. Get three wrong in a row and poof, it's all over, Slim. Ready?
Israel Fors
Ready.
Harry Mitchell
Okay, then. Earn your vacation. Here we go. What was it that Jack Spratt could not eat?
Israel Fors
Slim could eat no fat.
Harry Mitchell
Right one correct. You're in the win column, my boy. All right, two more and you'll get a chance at that big question for that trip to New York. And here it is. Who was the Greek goddess of wisdom? Think hard now. The Greek goddess of wisdom. Oh, I'm sorry. The correct answer is Minerva. All right, back in the lose column here. Or I should say in the lose column for the first time. Don't get the next two wrong now, Slim. And here we go. Where would you find the Golden Gate? Why, you know it. Absolutely. Good for you. Back in the win column again. Two more and you get a chance for that big vacation in New York City. And here it is. If you poured all the colors of the rainbow in a pot, what color would you get? All the colors of the rainbow in a pot, Slim. What color would you get?
Israel Fors
I'd say white.
Harry Mitchell
I'm sorry. The correct answer is black, Slim. All right, you're in the wrong column here. Now, take it very easy. If you want to get these next two ones wrong. Here it is. What is the capital of Albania, Slim? The capital of Albania.
Israel Fors
Oh, you have me again.
Harry Mitchell
Oh, I'm sorry. It is Tirana that's too wrong. Now, be very careful, Slim. You answer this next one wrong, and you're all through playing our game of earn your vacation. Here is the question. Who is arlington spangler? Bro b r o u g h? Perhaps it's bro brew. Thank you, uncle john. Mr. Brew ar. You got it.
Israel Fors
Well, I've heard of him. I'd say he was an artist.
Harry Mitchell
Oh, I'm sorry. It's actor Robert Taylor. Now, let's see here. We should have one pager, a card here somewhere. That tells me a little bit about this. Yeah. All right. Don't go away now, Slim. Too bad that you did get three wrong in a row. So you did lose your chance for that dream vacation. But we do want you to win something. So put your hand right in that overnight bag there and pull out a slip of paper, if you will, please, Slim. He's reaching in there. Gets it out. Now, will you open it up and read it on the microphone. What does it say?
Israel Fors
Niesman folding camera with an f2 lens. That'll take pictures anytime, anywhere.
Harry Mitchell
It's all yours. Thank you for trying. And good luck, Slim.
Israel Fors
Oh, thank you very much.
Harry Mitchell
Okay, now our contestants are coming up here. That means that we have Helen Wickerham. That's correct, isn't it? Helen who wanted to go to Toledo, Ohio. And we have Dick Constance who wants to go to New York City. We have two people here trying for our big, all expense round trip to any place in the world by TWA Constellation airliner. And here we are. Now, which one of you is going to win this sensational trip? I'm going to ask you one more question. The first one who hollers out good and loud the correct answer gets the trip. Now remember, you get only one guess each. So shout out your answer as quickly as you can. Are you ready, Mr. Constant and Ms. Wickerham? All right, here's the question. Who is the Secretary of State in Truman's cabinets? Think good and hard now. You have 15 seconds. First one to holler out with that correct answer wins that trip. Secretary of State in Truman's cabinet is. Take a guess. Oh, I'm terribly sorry. We had no correct answers tonight. The correct answer is Dean Atchison. Sneak it. Yeah, sneak something. Where do we go now, huh? Last page. Oh, I thought we had no winners tonight. That's all I'll let. Our boy comes in.
Bob Stevenson
TWA Constellation now leaving for Rome, Switzerland, Vienna and Alaska. Please board gate seven.
Harry Mitchell
Well, there goes another dream. Trip to any place in the world, all expenses paid. I see. Our time's up for now. We'll be back again tomorrow at this same time with another opportunity for someone to win the trip of his dream. See you then, eh?
Bob Stevenson
Tune in again tomorrow, same time, same station for Harry Mitchell and earn your vacation. Produced and transcribed from Hollywood by CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.
Podcast Information:
The episode "Earn Your Vacation" is a classic radio contest show where contestants compete for the grand prize of an all-expenses-paid vacation to any destination of their choice. The host, Harry Mitchell, alongside co-host Bob Stevenson, engages the audience with excitement and anticipation, setting the stage for an engaging and competitive environment.
Timestamp: [01:43] – [03:01]
The first contestant, Helen Wickerham from Toledo, Ohio, is introduced by Bob Stevenson and welcomed by Harry Mitchell. Helen is unveiled as a general junior nurse, currently practicing in Toledo with aspirations to complete her final semester in college.
Timestamp: [02:03] – [02:45]
Harry initiates a rapport-building segment by asking Helen about her most embarrassing experience.
Harry Mitchell: "Helen, can you think back and tell us what was the most embarrassing experience you ever had?"
Helen Wickerham: "Well, I was working in the emergency room... a traffic accident was brought in, and one of the patients was dead on arrival... When we finished with the first one, I went to get the corpse, but it wasn't there because someone had found it in the meantime."
Insight: Helen's recounting illustrates the high-pressure and sometimes unpredictable nature of her nursing profession, highlighting her composure in handling difficult situations.
Timestamp: [03:01] – [04:39]
Helen is presented with the rules of the contest. She must answer a series of questions correctly to earn a $200 travel wardrobe and a chance to win the grand prize—a luxurious round-trip vacation to Toledo, Ohio, aboard a TWA Constellation airliner.
d. Question and Answer Segment Timestamp: [04:39] – [15:45]
Helen begins her challenge, successfully answering her first two questions:
Question: "Who slept for 20 years?"
Correct Answer: [Not provided in transcript]
Question: "Who was the rail splitter?"
Correct Answer: [Not provided in transcript]
However, she stumbles on her third question:
Despite the incorrect answer, Helen remains poised, continuing to participate and engage with the host and audience.
Timestamp: [05:21] – [06:17]
Next up is Richard Constance, affectionately referred to as "Dick," hailing from New York City. Dick is introduced as a hardworking individual, presenting himself as a strong contender for the grand prize.
Timestamp: [05:55] – [06:28]
Dick shares a humorous yet embarrassing anecdote from his past.
Harry Mitchell: "Hey, that's enough right there."
Insight: The light-hearted nature of Dick's story adds levity to the competition, showcasing the contestants' personalities and ability to handle unexpected situations with humor.
Timestamp: [06:35] – [09:37]
Dick faces his series of questions with determination. He answers some correctly but also faces a few setbacks:
Question: "Eisenhower is president of what university?"
Dick Constance: "Columbia."
Harry Mitchell: "Right."
Question: "What do you call an unbranded cat?"
Correct Answer: "Maverick."
Dick Constance: "Fail."
Question: "What state has the smallest population?"
Correct Answer: "Nevada."
Dick Constance: "Wyoming."
Despite incorrect answers, Dick demonstrates resilience, striving to stay in the competition.
Timestamp: [10:08] – [10:17]
The final contestant is Israel Fors, nicknamed "Slim," from Chicago. Slim is introduced as a recent graduate seeking employment, adding a layer of relatability and earnestness to his participation.
Timestamp: [10:49] – [11:25]
Slim shares a tense yet ultimately harmless embarrassing moment from his past.
Insight: Slim's story underscores the uncertainties of life and the importance of maintaining composure in unexpected situations.
Timestamp: [12:05] – [14:07]
Slim embarks on his question round, answering some correctly while facing challenges with others:
Question: "What was it that Jack Spratt could not eat?"
Slim: "No fat."
Harry Mitchell: "Right."
Question: "Who was the Greek goddess of wisdom?"
Slim: Incorrect answer.
Harry Mitchell: "Correct answer is Minerva."
Question: "Where would you find the Golden Gate?"
Slim: "Absolutely." (Assuming correct confirmation)
Despite some missteps, Slim maintains a positive attitude, reflecting his determination and good sportsmanship.
Timestamp: [15:34] – [15:45]
As the contest progresses, both Helen Wickerham and Dick Constance reach the final stage, where they compete head-to-head for the grand prize. The tension peaks as they vie to answer the ultimate question:
Both contestants are eager to shout out the correct answer, but unfortunately, neither responds correctly within the given time.
Conclusion:
While Helen and Dick did not secure the grand prize this time, their participation and spirited competition exemplify the engaging and dynamic nature of radio contests during the Golden Age of Radio. The episode concludes with a hopeful note, encouraging listeners to tune in for future opportunities to win their dream vacations.
Harry Mitchell: "Earn your vacation."
Timestamp: [02:03]
Setting the primary objective of the contest.
Helen Wickerham: "I might move at home to Toledo."
Timestamp: [02:53]
Expressing her desire to complete her education.
Dick Constance: "Pretty good."
Timestamp: [05:35]
Responding to feelings about the contest.
Israel "Slim" Fors: "I'd say white."
Timestamp: [12:58]
Answering a tricky question about colors.
Harry Mitchell: "Who is the Secretary of State in Truman's cabinets?"
Timestamp: [15:20]
The pivotal question determining the grand prize winner.
"Earn Your Vacation" masterfully captures the essence of 1940s radio entertainment, blending competition with personal storytelling. The interactions between host Harry Mitchell and the contestants create a warm, engaging atmosphere, reminiscent of family gatherings around the radio. Despite the absence of a grand prize winner in this episode, the show successfully entertains while providing listeners with a sense of hope and anticipation for future contests.
The episode also highlights societal norms and values of the time, such as the importance of education, employment, and personal resilience. Contestants like Helen, Dick, and Slim embody the American spirit of striving for better opportunities and handling life's challenges with grace and humor.
Overall, this episode stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of radio shows that combine competition, storytelling, and community engagement, offering both entertainment and inspiration to their audience.