Golden Memories of Radio (02 of 10)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Golden Memories of Radio (02 of 10)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 11, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode is a heartfelt and nostalgic journey through the Golden Age of Radio, focusing on the era before television when families would gather around the radio to listen to beloved programs. The host walks listeners through the origins and evolution of several classic formats — particularly the soap opera, the daytime serial, the interview show, and the early influence of sponsors and commercials. The episode features authentic snippets from iconic shows like "Lorenzo Jones," "The Romance of Helen Trent," "Just Plain Bill," "Mary Noble, Backstage Wife," "Ma Perkins," and classic commercials, along with a charming interview featuring Vice President Alben Barkley and his wife.

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Key Discussion Points & Notable Segments

The Rise of the Daytime Serial – The “Soap Opera”

[01:05 – 03:56]

• Genesis of Soap Operas:
  The narrator highlights how daytime serials, written for women at home, became wildly popular for depicting real-life issues in a serialized, ongoing format.
• Listener Involvement:
  Listeners became invested as if the characters were friends, sending advice, gifts, and cards.
• Sound Clip: “Lorenzo Jones”:
  • About Lorenzo hawking “sulfur water” at a chicken stand, blending comedy and pathos.
  • Memorable quote:

    “A permit to help people regain their vim, vigor, vitality. Well, who ever heard of the good Samaritan with a druggist license, huh?” — Lorenzo Jones [03:45]

• Transition:
  Explains how such shows earned the “soap opera” nickname due to their frequent soap manufacturer sponsors.

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Showcases of Iconic Soap Operas

[03:56 – 09:13]

• “The Romance of Helen Trent”
  [03:59 – 05:10]
  Aimed to inspire women over 35, challenging the idea that romance ends at a certain age.

  • Quote:

    “That because a woman is 35 or more, romance in life need not be over. That romance can begin at 35.” — Narrator [04:01]

• “Just Plain Bill”
  [05:10 – 06:05]
  Explores family and community drama, with a focus on adversity and trust.

• “Mary Noble, Backstage Wife”
  [06:21 – 08:20]
  Complex plots—rings stolen, blackmail, media attention—show the breadth and depth of radio drama.

  • Quote:

    “But unless we can be perfectly sure of presenting the facts believably, the public will turn against you.” — Mary [08:05]

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The Sentiment and Legacy of "Ma Perkins"

[08:20 – 11:18]

• Nostalgia and Farewell:
  The host reflects on the emotional resonance of Ma Perkins, whose longevity (since 1933) made her a surrogate matriarch for generations of listeners.
  • Quote:

    “Thank you for all being so loyal to us these 27 years… Ma Perkins has always been played by me, Virginia Payne.” — Virginia Payne (“Ma Perkins”) [09:35]

• Cast Recognition:
  A rare behind-the-scenes moment, as the cast and writer are acknowledged on air.

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Daytime Interview Programs

[11:18 – 14:58]

• Influence of Interview Shows:
  The segment highlights groundbreaking hosts like Mary Margaret McBride, whose longevity and range of guests made her a staple.
• Interview with Vice President Alben Barkley and Mrs. Barkley:
  • Anecdotes about energy, never tiring, and the philosophy of not worrying.
  • Light humor and warmth between interviewer and guests.
  • Memorable exchange:

    Interviewer: “That means he’s never afraid either.”
    Mrs. Barkley: “He hasn’t a nerve any faulty, not one.” [14:48]

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Evolution of Radio Sponsorship and Commercials

[14:58 – 17:27]

• Impact of Sponsors:
  Narrator muses on how sponsors fueled radio’s growth, and how their presence was woven into the culture (with a quip attributed to Red Skelton).
  • Quote:

    “The longest word in the English language is the one that follows, ‘And now a word from our sponsor.’” — Red Skelton (via Narrator) [15:24]

• Classic Commercials Medley:
  Features vintage radio adverts for Interwoven Socks (famed for being the first singing commercial), as well as catchy jingles for Pepsi-Cola, Crisco, and Longines Watches, providing a lively montage that evokes the era's advertising style.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Lorenzo Jones (on licensing his health tonic):

  “Who ever heard of the good Samaritan with a druggist license, huh?” [03:45]

• Narrator (on soap operas):

  “The characters became family friends. Listeners wrote with advice, sent anniversary gifts, holiday cards and remembered birthdays.” [01:25]

• Virginia Payne (“Ma Perkins”):

  “I first came here on December 4, 1933. Thank you for all being so loyal to us these 27 years.” [09:35]

• Vice President Barkley (on never getting tired):

  “I’ve never had a feeling of fatigue or exhaustion in my life. I just keep on. That’s my answer, and that’s truth.” [12:23]

• Mrs. Barkley (revealing her husband’s campaign stamina):

  “He hasn’t a nerve any faulty, not one.” [14:48]

• Red Skelton Joke (via Narrator):

  “The longest word in the English language is the one that follows, ‘And now a word from our sponsor.’” [15:24]

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Segment Timestamps

| Segment/Show Title | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------|--------------| | Intro to Soap Operas & Daytime Serials | 01:05–01:46 | | “Lorenzo Jones” Excerpt | 01:46–03:56 | | “The Romance of Helen Trent” Opener | 03:59–05:10 | | “Just Plain Bill” Excerpt | 05:10–06:05 | | “Mary Noble, Backstage Wife” Excerpt | 06:21–08:20 | | Farewell Segment from “Ma Perkins” | 08:43–11:18 | | Mary Margaret McBride/Vice President Barkley | 11:18–14:58 | | Classic Radio Advertisements Montage | 15:53–17:27 |

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode strikes an affectionate and warm tone, laced with gentle humor, admiration, and nostalgia. The host’s narration and the selected broadcast segments are presented in their original style, providing a true sense of the era’s charm, simplicity, and societal values.

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Summary

This episode immerses listeners in the textures, sounds, and stories of classic radio, skillfully blending period-appropriate commentary, entertainment, and authentic period audio. The journey from early soap operas to iconic commercials to intimate interviews paints a rich portrait of what made old-time radio a cultural touchstone—one treasured by generations, and lovingly recounted here.

Transcript

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

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[Narrator]

Radio was responsible for many great inventions the ladies in particular took to their hearts. One such development, the daytime serial. Now, this kind of drama was unique and owed its success, I imagine, to the fact that it dwelt on real kinds of problems and that were solved five days a week. The characters became family friends. Listeners wrote with advice, sent anniversary gifts, holiday cards and remembered birthdays. It didn't take long for the daytime serial to be known affectionately as the soap opera named after the sponsors. Let's listen in.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Oh, Lorenzo Jones. The rocky road that winds through Joyland Amusement Park. The Jones latest venture is paved with good intentions, the chief of which is Lorenzo's plan to sell his newly discovered sulfur water as a cure all. He's persuaded Bell to let him try it out, using their chicken barbecue stand as a base for operations. Lorenzo's nephew Henry Whitcomb thinks, as always, that his uncle Lorenzo has something there. Henry's wife Nellie, suddenly stage struck, is interested in a screen test ever since a moving picture director working with a group of actors in Townville has casually asked Nelly to come over and watch them work. Today, Lorenzo, Bell and Henry are at the barbecue stand preparing for the first customers to try out Lorenzo's sulfur water. Let's listen.

[Lorenzo Jones]

All right, Henry, now if you'll grab hold of the other end of this barrel of self water, we'll set it right here on the counter of the barbecue stand.

[Bell]

Now, Lorenzo, you and Henry be careful. Don't knock over those glasses and dishes I've stacked up.

[Mr. Willoughby]

All right, we'll be careful.

[Bell]

Asbel.

[Lorenzo Jones]

Easy, Henry. Henry, turn this side with a figure facing us.

[Nancy]

Yeah, that's right there. Yeah.

[Lorenzo Jones]

Now I'm a good wife. We're ready for the crowd that'll come here today to try out my sofa water.

[Bell]

Well, dear, I only hope your new health drink won't interfere with the sale of my barbecue chicken.

[Lorenzo Jones]

Well, you see, the. The healthier they get imbibing my super sulfur potion, the more portions of chicken will Sell?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

That's right, Uncle Lorenzo.

[Lorenzo Jones]

The healthier I feel, the more I want to eat.

[Unidentified Customer/Voice]

Gee, do you think we have a

[Lorenzo Jones]

big crowd out here today? Big crowd. Anyway. Here comes the first auto of the cavalcade. Now you'll find people coming out in droves, thanks to the power of American advertising genius. Another $50 worth of handbills judiciously distributed, and we'll have everybody in the world calling for sulfur water.

[Bell]

Well, dear, maybe you're right. But aren't we supposed to have a permit or a license to sell a health drink?

[Lorenzo Jones]

What a. A. A permit to help people regain their vim, vigor, vitality. Well, who. Who ever heard of the good Samaritan with a druggist license, huh?

[Bell]

I suppose I'm wrong, but things are always happening to us.

[Announcer]

And the following program will be interrupted for any important war bull. And now, the Romance of Helen Trent. The Romance of Helen Trent. The real life drama of Helen Trent, who when life mocks her, breaks her hopes, dashes her against the rocks of despair, fights back bravely, successfully, to prove what so many women long to prove in their own lives. That because a woman is 35 or more, romance in life need not be over. That romance can begin at 35.

[Narrator]

Now for our story of just plain Bill. Danger threatens Bill Davidson and Nancy, his beloved daughter, and Kelly Donovan, her husband, because of the mysterious, sinister actions of Ira Brewster, who beat Carrie for district attorney by lying about Nancy's supposed parentage.

[Mr. Willoughby]

Why, it's you, Mr. Willoughby. Hello, Bill. Well, I didn't expect to see you way down here in Hartville again tonight. Why, you look all in. I am rather tired, Bill. It's been a long, confusing day for me. Here, Mr. Willoughby, sit down. Let me call Nancy. She's back in the kitchen. I'll have her bring in some hot coffee. Maybe you'd like something to eat. Oh, no, Bill, thanks. Don't bother, Nancy. Oh, Nancy will want to hear whatever you've got to tell me.

[Larry]

Oh, Nancy.

[Nancy]

Yes, Daddy, what is it?

[Mr. Willoughby]

Mr. Willoughby's here. You better come in. Oh, and bring some coffee, will you?

[Nancy]

Oh, yes, Daddy. I'll be in in a minute.

[Narrator]

Life was never simple and easy for the real life Characters in our soap operas. Marriage, separation, illness, even death, played a part. The heroines came from all walks of life, even from the theater itself.

And now, Mary Noble, backstage wife. Mary has been the victim of a false friend, Armand Dalyback, who took her diamond engagement ring with the promise of having it repaired. But instead, Armand pawned the ring and tried to blackmail Mary and Larry. And when Marsha Mannering tried to make it appear that Mary was in love with Armand and had given the ring to him, she turned Larry violently against her. And thereupon Marsha conspires with Armand to get even with Mary and Larry. When Mary and Larry later discover that the ring has disappeared from the shop, Mary is heartbroken. And Larry resolves at last to notify the police.

[Larry]

Well, Mary, here's our story in all the afternoon papers.

[Nancy]

Yes, Larry, I've seen it.

[Larry]

Famous actor Reports theft of Wife's Jewels to Police. A very concise and accurate statement of facts, I'd say. And you certainly can't feel that this is very damaging publicity.

[Mary]

You got around it very nicely, Larry.

[Larry]

Well, the police have cooperated, too, in not revealing anything to the press except what's printed right here.

[Mary]

But I still have the sinking feeling

[Nancy]

that something bad's about to happen. Larry, that doom's hanging over our heads.

[Larry]

Well, I've managed so far to keep those reporters from getting a hold of me. They've been banging at the door all morning, clamoring for more details. But if I can just continue to deduct them, I don't think that any more will leak out.

[Nancy]

It's not only the reporters I'm afraid of.

[Larry]

What do you mean? You're taking this thing awfully hard, Mary.

[Nancy]

Oh, Larry, what's going to happen when or if the police do catch I'm under whoever it is that has my ring.

[Larry]

Well, we'll just get the ring back and prosecute the scoundrel, that's all.

[Nancy]

But don't you see? You'll still have to go through all that mess of a criminal trial.

[Larry]

All right, baby, so what?

[Nancy]

But unless we can be perfectly sure of presenting the facts believably, the public will turn against you. They might think on the face of it that you're prosecuting an innocent man.

[Larry]

Mary, I wish you wouldn't be arguing against me in this thing. I've done what I think best in order to get back your engagement ring.

[Nancy]

I know you have, Larry dear, and I love you for it.

[Narrator]

As radio changed its role, old favorites faded from the scene. For example, I know that many people shed a quiet tear with Ma Perkins. I suppose our youngsters would say cornball or square.

[Ma Perkins Announcer]

And now cbs radio brings you ma perkins. Well, what could be more appropriate today than to turn the clock back to join Ma and the folks at Thanksgiving dinner? Ma and the family have so much to give thanks for. Let's join them all. They haven't yet sat down in the kitchen, we find Fay and Evie and Ma.

[Vice President Barkley]

Listen,

[Mrs. Barkley]

Shuffle and Willie are so hungry. Come on, honey, let's get the cranberries. Look at the turkey.

[Ma Perkins Announcer]

And now here's Ma again.

[Mrs. Barkley]

Thank you, Dan. This is our broadcast number 7065. I first came here on December 4, 1933. Thank you for all being so loyal to us these 27 years. The part of Willie has been played right from the beginning by Murray Forbes. Shuffle was played for 25 years by Charles Eggleston. And for the last two years by Edwin Wolf, who was also our director. The fae you have been hearing these past few years has been Margaret Draper. And the part was played for many years by rita Ascot. For 15 years, our Evvy has been Kay Campbell. Helen Lewis plays Gladys. And Tom Wells has been played by both John Larkin and Casey Allen. I Our announcer is Dan Donaldson. Our writer for more than 20 years has been Oren Tovroth. Ma Perkins has always been played by me, Virginia Payne. If you care to write to me, Ma Perkins, I'll try to answer you. Goodbye, and may God bless you.

[Narrator]

Another kind of daytime radio program was the Interview Show. Perhaps you remember two of the most famous as the Noontime Kate Smith show and Mary Margaret McBride. Now, Mary Margaret McBride is still on radio in many cities. Certainly she must own a record, for her first broadcast went on the air in New York May 3, 1934. Her guests have ranged from the great political figures to folks in the news.

[Interviewer]

I don't know whether this is really a respectful way to speak about a vice president, but one of your. One of the boys who do some work around your office, Mr. Vice President Barkley, said to me, doesn't that guy ever get tired?

[Nancy]

And I said, well, how would I know?

[Interviewer]

He said, well, I didn't mean you to answer the question. It was just one of those rhetorical questions. He just said that you tire them all out.

[Vice President Barkley]

Somebody at the Meet the Press yesterday, out in the audience, asked me that question, if I never got tired.

[Interviewer]

And what'd you say?

[Vice President Barkley]

I said, I. I've never had a feeling of fatigue or exhaustion in my life. I've always worked hard. But it may be a bad thing because if I got tired, I might go off and lie down, rest now and then. But never getting tired. I just keep on. That's my answer, and that's truth. I never do have a sense of fatigue or exhaustion.

[Interviewer]

Never in your whole life. I bet you that means you don't worry.

[Vice President Barkley]

No, I don't, really. I don't mean That I don't think things over seriously. But I I I've got a philosophical view that worrying doesn't solve anything. And they tell me it creates ulcers in the stomach.

[Interviewer]

Yes, I've known them to get it. Now, Mrs. Barkley, you can tell us whether he really lives by this. Or whether this is one of those things men say now and then.

[Mary]

No, it really is true. I can't possibly keep up with him. And I can tell you a cute little story about him. Someone told on him when he was campaigning in 1948, either in 48 or 50. And he was during very, very terrifically heavy schedule over Kentucky. In a very small plane which was piloted by a good friend of his. And a couple of the young men that were helping him, my husband out were along also. And he'd been hopping all over Kentucky for weeks. And speaking here, there and everywhere. Making five and six speeches a day. And he had all the men absolutely beat down. He, of course, feeling perfectly fine, they got in the plane to take off to go on to their next engagement. And the pilot, who's an old friend of my husband's. Said that he just absolutely was so worn out from this terrific campaign. And from trying to keep up with him with not nearly enough rest for an ordinary, normal person to go on. That he was in the had the at the controls, of course. And to his utter horror, he suddenly came to and realized that he had dozed. And found the vice president very calmly just flying the plane. He knows nothing about it whatsoever at all. Absolutely nothing. And the pilot was so frightened for just a minute. He didn't quite know what to do. It gave him an awful shock. And he said, oh. Oh, my. Mr. Vice President, he said, for goodness sake. And my husband said, well, that's all right, Charlie. He said, you look like you were kind of tired and needed a little nap. Of course, it was one of those little bitty planes. I must explain it. Almost Slide himself. Yes, it was Charlie Gar last year. He said, you just whipped him down. Absolutely.

[Interviewer]

Oh, I don't know how you do this thing, but I certainly would have been a little bit. That means he's never afraid either.

[Mary]

He hasn't a nerve any faulty, not one.

[Narrator]

Now, back around 1926, radio invented something else. Sponsors. Sponsors have provided comedians with more jokes than the Los Angeles smog. Red Skelton made his first radio appearance in 1937 on the Rudy Valley Show. And soon after, he was credited with this comment. The longest word in the English language is the one that follows. And now a word from our sponsor. But one of the reasons both radio and television were able to provide free entertainment of the highest caliber was the advertisers who paid the bills. I'm sure you'll find a chuckle or two in these famous radio commercials. The first you hear is from Interwoven Socks, reputed to be the first singing commercial. The singers are the famed Billy Jones and Ernie Hare, who were known as the Happiness Boys.

[Unidentified Customer/Voice]

How do you do, everybody? How do you do? It's great to say hello. Hello to all of you. I'm Billy Jones. I'm Ernie here with the Interwoven Bear. How do you do?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The brushless shaving cream supreme leaves your

[Narrator]

face so smooth and clean Pepsi Cola hits the spot. 12 full ounces, that's a lot.

[Larry]

Twice as much for a nickel too Pepsi Cola is the drink for you

[Mrs. Barkley]

Rinsel white and Rinsel bright L A

[Narrator/Storyteller]

V A L A V A this

[Larry]

is Sandy Becker saying keep cooking with Crisco.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

It's all vegetable, it's digestible.

[Larry]

Long Jean is not likely called the world's most honored watch for Longines watches have won 10 World's Fair grand prizes and 28 gold medals. Longines watches have also won more honors for accuracy than any other kind. Long Jean, the world's most honored watch, is a product of the Long Jean Whitnall Watch Company.

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

Save on family essentials at Safeway and Albertsons this week at Safeway and Albertsons, fresh cut cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple or melon medley bowls, 24 ounces are $5 each and wild caught lobster tails are $4.99 each. Limit eight member price plus selected sizes and varieties of Doritos, Lays, Cheetos, sun chips and Kettle cooked chips are 199 each limit for member price. Hurry in. These deals won't last. Visit safewayoralbertsons.com for more deals and ways to save. Get that Amex gold cart ready. I'm way too tired to cook tonight.

[American Express Announcer]

You read my mind. With the gold cart, we can get up to 120 a year in statement credit. Are you feeling the Cheesecake Factory? Five guys. Either of those sound good?

[Mr. Willoughby]

Yes.

[American Express Announcer]

Which one? Both pay with the gold card to receive up to $10 a month in statement credits at participating partners. Uncover more ways to reward [e-mail] Explore Gold enrollment required terms apply.