House By the Side of the Road 34-09-02 Ep001 House Becomes Theater

Summary

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Podcast Summary: House By the Side of the Road (1934-09-02, Ep001: "House Becomes Theater")

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode: House By the Side of the Road 34-09-02 Ep001 House Becomes Theater
Air Date: January 2, 2026 (original: September 2, 1934)

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Overview

This inaugural episode of "House By the Side of the Road" embodies the cherished spirit of the Golden Age of Radio. Set in the peaceful home of retired Broadway actor John Whitcomb, it tells the story of transforming his home into a local theater, welcoming townspeople for an afternoon of music, warmth, and friendship. The episode blends lighthearted performances, philosophical reflections on community and kindness, and gently comedic moments, encapsulating the wholesome tone of 1930s radio anthems.

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Key Discussion Points & Highlights

1. The Premise: The House Becomes a Theater

• Setting: John Whitcomb, once a Broadway name, has retired to a countryside home with his wife Mary and daughter Glory. Longing for the excitement of the stage, he invites the whole town for a performance on his sloping lawn, which serves as a makeshift auditorium with the veranda as a stage ([01:00]).
• John’s Welcome:

  "Welcome, my friends. Welcome to the house by the side of the road. Now, I suppose you all wondered what John Whitcomb was up to this time when he asked you to come here today...every once in a while I get a little lonesome to the theater...Let's have a theater of our very own and give a show once a week."
  — John Whitcomb ([01:59])

2. Musical Performances and Community Talent

• Opening Medley: Martelli’s orchestra plays a special medley of Broadway hits dear to John ([02:59–07:11]).
• Gina Vanna Sings: The "sunshine from Italy," Gina, sings a sentimental number for the crowd ([07:48–09:45]).
• Ronnie and Van Go Operatic: Well-known village shopkeepers entertain everyone with a comedic harmony performance, even spoofing "Yes, We Have No Bananas" ([10:18–12:20]).
• Camaraderie: The performances highlight the spirit of togetherness and the joy of local, homegrown artistry.

3. Heartfelt Moments Between Characters

• John & Mary’s Affection:

  "And you, Mary, all the years you've traveled with me, I've always known that much of the success I had in the theater was because of your understanding of and love."
  — John, to Mary ([12:47])

• A Daughter’s Excitement: Glory is thrilled by the events, likening it to the opening of a Broadway show ([01:49]).

4. Special Guest Appearance: Emory Darcy

• Emory Darcy, a renowned baritone visiting for the weekend, delivers a stirring ballad to great applause ([13:23–15:39]).

5. John's Reflection on Friendship and the Show’s Theme

• John gives a moving monologue on the value of friendship, reciting Sam Walter Foss’s poem:

  "Friends. What a marvelous word that is. You know, if I were to be given three wishes, I'd say, give me friendship, more friendship and more friendship...Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man."
  — John Whitcomb ([15:51–17:59])

6. Wholesome Advertisement Integration

• Within the story, characters praise Johnson’s Wax for making home care easier, seamlessly tying in the sponsor’s message without breaking the narrative:

  "Mary uses Johnson's Wax on all, almost every inch of her house. A regular wax method of housekeeping, she calls it...cut her housework in half."
  — Townswoman ([18:38])

7. Light Comic Relief: The Constable and Town Politics

• The local constable objects to the unauthorized theater, sparking a comedic exchange about town rules and the Vigilance Committee:

  "There ain't nothing in the statutes of our town that says a man can make a theater out of his front lawn and a monkey out of me."
  — Constable ([22:22])

• John and Mary suggest even the Vigilance Committee would benefit from joining the fun.

8. Personal Moments in the Garden

• Darcy and Glory share a private discussion about life, music, and the beauty of living simply, with hints at budding relationships among house guests ([19:30–21:07]).

9. Supper Announcement and Closing Festivities

• Horace, the gardener, delivers a charmingly fumbled supper announcement:

  "Ladies, Anders and gentlemen. I got an announcement...there is a supper waiting to be at around at the side of the house. Step right over there. Eating to drink and be merry, folks. But tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow it's another day. Boy, wasn't that a dandy?"
  — Horace ([26:17–26:55])

10. Closing Thoughts and Farewell

• A guest demonstrates the effectiveness of Johnson’s Auto Cleaner and Wax on his car before leaving, closing the episode with themes of hospitality and neighborliness ([27:10–28:20]).

  "You'll find the latchspring always hanging out at the house by the side of the road...the time shall be filled with music and the cares that infest the day shall hold their tents like the Arabs and as silently steal away and so goodbye all is well all is well."
  — John Whitcomb ([28:22])

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Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• On the impromptu theater ([01:59]):

  "Let's have a theater of our very own and give a show once a week."
  — John Whitcomb

• On friendship ([15:51–17:59]):

  "...if I were to be given three wishes, I'd say, give me friendship, more friendship and more friendship. Because it is the most glowing emotion in life..."

• Constable’s protest ([22:22]):

  "There ain't nothing in the statues of our town that says a man can make a theater out of his front lawn and a monkey out of me."

• John on hospitality ([28:22]):

  "You'll find the latchspring always hanging out at the house by the side of the road..."

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Memorable/Standout Moments

• The entire town gathering for a homemade theatrical event, breaking everyday routines.
• The gentle satire of small-town politics as the Vigilance Committee is rendered powerless by the lure of entertainment.
• John’s heartfelt invocation of poetry and plea for friendship as life’s greatest asset.

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Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | Description | |-----------|------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:00 | Opening Scene | Setting established; John's motivation for the home theater revealed | | 02:59 | Opening Medley | Martelli’s orchestra plays Broadway favorites | | 07:48 | Gina Vanna’s Song | Gina, the “little lark,” enchants the crowd | | 10:18 | Ronnie & Van’s Comedy Song | Village harmonizers spoof “Yes, We Have No Bananas” | | 13:23 | Emory Darcy sings | Guest baritone delights the audience | | 15:51 | John’s Reflection on Friendship | Emotional monologue/poem “Let me live in a house by the side of the road...” | | 18:38 | Johnson’s Wax Endorsement | Townswomen extol housekeeping made easy by the sponsor’s product | | 21:38 | Constable's Interruption | Local authority objects to homegrown theater, comic opposition | | 26:17 | Horace announces supper | Whimsical, homespun announcement brings everyone together | | 27:10 | Farewells and Auto Wax Segment | Sentimental goodbyes, final product endorsement woven into personal interaction | | 28:22 | Final Words from John | Invitation to future gatherings, poetic closing, graces of hospitality echoed |

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Tone and Style

“House By the Side of the Road” radiates warmth, good humor, and old-fashioned values. The narrative is gentle, sometimes poetic, and always inclusive. The dialogue is interspersed with nostalgic songs and wholesome jokes, genuinely welcoming the radio audience into its fictional world as part of the community.

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For listeners and newcomers alike, this premiere episode sets the stage for a series built on friendship, community, and entertainment—delightful reminders of a bygone era when the family radio was the heart of the home.

Transcript

[A]

The makers of Johnson's Wax present the House by the side of the Road, featuring Martelli's orchestra and vocal ensemble. And starring Tony Wan, beloved philosopher and friend to millions of radio listeners.

[B]

Are you listening? I'll build a house by the side of the road and be a friend. Ton.

[A]

Here we are, friends, at the house by the side of the road. It is the home of John Whitcomb and his wife Mary. John's name is still remembered on Broadway, but advancing years and the love of home have caused him to retire to this enchanted cottage for which he has paged all his life. This afternoon he has invited the townspeople to visit him, and the broad lawn is filled with camp chairs which are fast being taken. As the guests arrive, John and Mary and their daughter Glory are standing on the steps watching the crowd assemble. And believe me, it looks as if the whole town is turning out this afternoon.

[C]

Well.

[B]

Well, it seems as if our first party is going to be a big success, Mary.

[D]

Oh, everything you ever do is a big success, John, dear.

[E]

Oh, Daddy, I'm sor excited. It's just like the first night of a regular play.

[B]

It certainly is, Glory.

[E]

Oh, but, Daddy, dear, don't you think you ought to say a word of greeting and tell the audience what it's all about?

[B]

All right, honey. You see, you'd make a good seat manager, you would. Welcome, my friends. Welcome to the house by the side of the road. Now, I suppose you all wondered what John Whitcomb was up to this time when he asked you to come here today. Well, you know, my friends, every once in a while I get a little lonesome to the theater. As I said to Mary, Mary, I said, let's have a theater of our very own and give a show once a week. Now, I don't know if you've noticed, but our lawn here slopes down to meet the step leading up to the veranda. Just the way a regular theater auditorium slopes down to meet the steps. Our broad veranda makes a mighty fine stage, don't you think? And when you're going to give a show, it's a good idea to think about talent right here in our own town. I've come across some really fine artists then, too. We usually have weekend visitors from the theater. So here we have the talent and the place, and you've been good enough to come and supply the audience. You know, I've never faced an audience in my whole life that I love as much as I love you all. Now, I want you to listen to some great music, my good friend. Marcelli, in honor of this first show of ours, has made a special medley arrangement of some of my favorite songs. A few of them date back to the time when I myself was playing on Broadway. I love those tunes. For the memories they awaken in me. Let us hear them now. Martell.

[C]

Sam.

[A]

When you're down and up Lift up your head and shout there's going to be a great day Angels in the.

[B]

Skies Promises by and by there's going.

[C]

To be a great day maybe I will want you I'm early morning it's sa.

[B]

I knew you'd like that. I knew you'd like that. And now we're going to hear from a little lady who is like one of our family. You all know Gina Vanna, our own little Larry. She came to us not so many years ago from her sunny home in Italy. And in her voice, she brings us all the sunshine from her country. All right, Vanna, come and shine for us.

[E]

Let us walk on a drought A rule of blue and lo that the.

[C]

Year on high.

[E]

Will see the.

[B]

That was beautiful, V. Oh, that was fine. You know, you sounded like that threshew nest in our roof tree over there. But now, where's Ronnie and Van?

[D]

Right there, John on the side. Ready to go?

[B]

Oh, sure enough.

[C]

Hello, boy. Here we come.

[B]

Come on. Come on, boy. Your name? Well, my friend, we have two young fellows champing at the Village just raring to go. I suppose you'll all recognize Ronnie and Van from the general store in the Village. But for tonight, they're two of the best harmonizers in the world. Just listen to them go operatic.

[C]

Banana. Yes, we have no banana Banana to be banana but now without fruit from a tree yes, we have no banana. We got lots of banana I sing at each marketplace how they race to the show, the show I'm such a popular guy how they try when I go, I go Look, I sell penis or they're jealous because I'm selling more Banana. Banana. A song of love I don't compone Depend upon each tree that grows Banana We've got lots of bananas Full pie sing me neat kind of sun in my tongue Full by, full by I the best man want money the 10 cents, just 10 cents of our romance Fills the air When I start singing my song Goodbye, I dance all keep stopping bringing the 1010 to buy my banana Banana.

[B]

Hello, Mary darling. I thought I'd find you here in the living room.

[D]

I just came in to get my breath. Oh, it's going so well. You're giving this town the time of its life, John.

[B]

It's like old times. Bringing the theater right up to our front door like this. And all those happy faces on the lawn. Family make me feel mighty good.

[D]

You always did know what people need.

[B]

In this world, John.

[D]

You're just Chuck, full of love and understanding.

[B]

And you, Mary, all the years you've traveled with me, I've always known that much of the success I had in the theater was because of your understanding of and love.

[E]

Well, I must have learned it from.

[D]

You, John, because that's the only way.

[A]

You know you're a John.

[B]

Oh, but goodness. Here I am making love to you when I should get out there and keep the show going. Come on, Mother.

[D]

All right, dear. You know, I'm enjoying this whole thing as much as anybody here.

[B]

Now, my friends. Now, my friends, I want to tell you about the big treat of the afternoon. Emory Darcy, famous young baritone, is spending the weekend with us, and he's going to sing for you. Come on, Darcy. You never had a more appreciative audience in your life.

[C]

Only a song dying away Only a smile could keep in memory until we meet One other day. Only arose. I'll bring along a smile for anyone. Only a Roy.

[B]

That was great, Emily. That was fine. I hope you'll come often and sing for us.

[A]

Thank you. I hope you'll let me come. I'd love it. I would say, Mr. Whitcomb, I just know the audience is waiting to hear something from you.

[B]

Aren't you, folks? Hello. Well, that's mighty nice of you, my friend. Thank you very much. Friends. What a marvelous word that is. You know, if I were to be given three wishes, I'd say, give me friendship, more friendship and more friendship. Because it is the most glowing emotion in life. It spreads itself like a cozy fire, giving comfort to all who come within its radiance. You know, I'm sorry for those poor souls who have never learned the meaning of true friendship. As the poet Sam Walter Foss once.

[C]

Said.

[B]

There are hermit souls that live withdrawn in the place of their self content. There are souls like the stars that dwell apart in a fellowless firmament. There are pioneer souls that blaze their paths where highways never ran. But let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man. I see from my house by the side of the road by the side of the highway of life the men who press with the ardor of hope and the men who are clean with a strife But I turn not away from their smiles nor the tears Both parts Of an easy plan Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man Let me live in my house by the side of the road where the race of men go by they are good, they are bad they are weak they are strong, wise, foolish so am I Then why should I sit in the corner seat or hurl the cynic band? Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend to man.

[D]

I wish I'd had a chance to hear John Whitcomb in the old days when he was on the day. So do I. I think John and Mary are about the finest folks in the world. Mary hasn't grown a day older looking since she's moved here. She certainly knows how to manage this big house. Never seems to work hard at it, either. I wish I could keep my floors and furniture polished the way hers are. Everything in her house is always bright and shining. Yet most of her things date back a good many years. You know the secret, don't you? Why, no. What is it? Well, Mary uses Johnson's Wax on all, almost every inch of her house. A regular wax method of housekeeping, she calls it. She says it's cut her housework in half. She never has to scrub her floors, she just dusts them off. And she says she never has to worry about her furniture and woodwork getting dull and smudgy looking since she started waxing it. Well, if Mary Whitcomb uses Johnson's Wax in her house, I'm certainly going to get some of it tomorrow and begin waxing my own floors and furniture. Mary always knows the most economical and satisfactory way of doing things.

[A]

Pardon me, Mrs. Watson. Maybe I'm speaking out of turn, but even a mere man like myself can appreciate the difference between floors and furniture that are polished with Johnson's Wax and those that are not wax polished. If I were a married man, believe me, my ambition would be to live in a house that was as cheerful and shining as this house is. Oh, but say, look there go Darcy and Glory strolling toward the garden.

[E]

I'm so glad you could come today, Mr. Darcy.

[A]

And so am I. I wish I never had to go back. This is real. Living in peace and contentment.

[E]

How I wish you could stay. Then we'd have beautiful music all the time with you and Bonnet.

[A]

What a voice she has. And what a lovely girl.

[E]

Yes, indeed. I've grown to love her like a. She's lived with us ever since her father died, you know.

[F]

Excuse me, Ms. Laurie, but you want.

[A]

To Know if you'll go in the.

[F]

Kitchen and help her with us.

[E]

Oh, Horace, Horace. Right away.

[F]

By the way, have you heard the news? Ms. Laurie, Mr. Whitcomb is going to let me announce a supper.

[E]

Oh, that's fine, Horace.

[F]

Sure it's. Well, I'm going to make a speech.

[C]

Oh, no.

[E]

Horace just announced supper.

[F]

Sure, I might get to being a great big actor sometimes, you know, I get a. I got talent. And believe me, I'm not gonna hide my bushel under. I'm not gonna hide what I gotta know.

[E]

Oh, Horace, you'll be great.

[F]

Yes, ma'.

[G]

Am.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[F]

She says if I says I have to talk on the stage, folks will.

[C]

Be there all night.

[F]

Well, it's a twinkle, twinkle.

[E]

Oh, don't worry. I'll be there right away. Horace, he's a gardener. And just between you and me and his stuff, I think he's in love with the video.

[A]

I guess you can't keep love out of an atmosphere like this. How old is Nana?

[E]

Speaking of love. Well, to answer a plain question plainly, she's just 20. And to add a little embroidery, she isn't in love with anybody.

[C]

Thanks.

[A]

What a wise little lady you are.

[E]

Well, let's wander back and forth, looking to the shelves.

[B]

This hill.

[C]

Stop.

[G]

This hill. My goodness, what's going on here? Mr. Wickham, you can't do nothing like this in this town.

[B]

Nothing like what, Constable? There's no law against having a good time.

[D]

Is there too?

[G]

Now you step in the house with me.

[B]

All right, Constable. Always glad to have a friendly chat. Go on, boys, with the music.

[D]

Constable, that was no way to do interrupting the show.

[G]

Now, now, my good woman. This is men folks business.

[B]

It's all right, Mary. Now what's so wrong about giving a show, Constable?

[G]

Well, tain't constitutional.

[C]

It ain't.

[B]

What?

[G]

There ain't nothing in the statues of our town that says a man can make a theater out of his front lawn and a monkey out of me.

[B]

Now, really, Constant, don't you think?

[G]

No, I don't. The ladies Vigilance Commentary was to hold a meeting today at the town hall. And poor Mrs. Rattler, the president is sitting up there billowing all over the platform. But there can't be no meetings cause all the folks is here.

[B]

Well, now, why don't you go down and ask Mrs. Rattler to come along up and join us and have some fun?

[C]

Fun? Sure.

[G]

You don't know Mrs. Rattler.

[B]

And this town doesn't need a vigilance committee construction. Say, listen, if you give People some healthy entertainment once in a while. They aren't likely to get into trouble.

[G]

Well, now, what kind of a crazy place are you running here?

[D]

What do you mean crazy kind of place?

[B]

Now, now, Mary, don't get your feathers up.

[G]

Well, tell ya for one thing, that sign you got outside there says Aunt Mary's cookie jar take one. Well, that's crazy, ain't it?

[B]

Why, there isn't any harm in Aunt Mary's cookies. The children know about them for miles around.

[G]

And now you've stripped the craziest idea yet. Giving a show right on your front porch. I'm going to call a meeting tomorrow morning. I guess I gotta leave now. I ain't had my supper yet with all this Tom foolishness.

[D]

Better take a handful of cookies on the way out, Constable.

[A]

Yes, better.

[D]

It'll sorta keep you going till you get your supper.

[G]

Well, I might as well take one. I guess are here.

[B]

I never heard of such darn poetry in all my life.

[C]

What you call your neighbor and you will find your name a great deal easier. Life will be crazier if your love you're never.

[E]

Daddy gets to announce copper now.

[F]

Okay, ladies, Anders and gentlemen. I got an announcement. Announcement I got to announce. That is, I got something to tell you inside of a. Well, it's a.

[E]

Okay.

[F]

A friend of Rome is a concussion. The next time we come like me to provoke a claim that is, he says needed to tell you that there is a supper waiting to be at around at the side of the house. Step right over there. Eating to drink and be merry, folks. But tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow it's another day. Boy, wasn't that a dandy?

[B]

Well, say, that's a very fine speech, Horace. And thank you. All right, friends, come right along and help yourselves.

[A]

I only wish I could stay, Mr. Whitcomb, but I have a long drive ahead of me and I'm afraid I'll have to be on my way.

[B]

Oh, I'm sorry, Harlow. I'll walk to the gate with you.

[A]

Fine. I want to show you my car.

[B]

New one?

[A]

No, same old car. But it sure looks like new. See that wax polish? Did it myself.

[B]

Hey, that's it. Beautiful polish. Was it hard to do?

[A]

No, easy. First I cleaned the car with Johnson's Auto Cleaner. The best cleaner I ever used. A liquid, you know, dries to a white part in a few minutes time and you just wipe it off and all the film and dirt wipe right off too. And it doesn't hurt the finish in any way.

[B]

Sounds easy.

[A]

Why, it's a cinch Then you go over the car with Johnson's Auto Wax to protect the surface and keep it shining. Why, that wax barely sheds dust and keeps the finish looking like new. Well, you can see for yourself.

[B]

I'll have to try some Johnson's Auto Wax on my own car. You know, Hilo Mary has been picking on me lately for letting the car get so dull and shabby looking. Women are fussy about their cars. Just as fussy as they are about keeping their houses clean and bright. You know, and they write about it too. Well, Harlow, be sure to come to our entertainment next Sunday, will you?

[A]

Oh, I'll be here. All right.

[C]

Fine.

[B]

We're going to have a great show. Van and Darcy have promised to be here again. And Bonnie and Van are already rehearsing A New sun for next Sunday. Everybody is welcome. You'll find the latchspring Always hanging out at the house by the side of the road. Come along for the time shall be filled with music and the cares that infest the day shall hold their tents like the Arabs and as silently steal away and so goodbye all is well all is well.

[A]

Heard on our show this afternoon were the numbers Hallelujah from Hit the Deck, Gianni Na Mia from Firefly. Love Thy Neighbor from We're Not Dressing, Great Day from the show of the same name. And two numbers from Naughty Marietta, I'm Falling in Love With Someone. And Tramp, tramp, tramp. The House by the side of the Road is presented by the makers of Johnson's Wax, Harlow Wilcox speaking. This is the National Broadcasting Company.

[B]

The.

[A]

Chicago daily news station, wmaq.