
Listen To Grandma 4x-xx-xx Guest - Gary Cooper
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Cliff Arquette
It's time to listen to Grandma.
Grandma Smith
Lavender, Lavender green. If I were king Dilly dilly, you'd be my queen.
Cliff Arquette
Yes, listen to Grandma. Here ready with wit and wisdom are four real life grandmothers. Our board of genuine experts in the art of living. And here is our master of ceremonies, your longtime radio favorite, our own Cliff Arquette.
Grandma Paige
Thank you, thank you and thank you, Arch Presbyterian. Are we all ready, Grandmas? Let's hear em. Ah, the rattle of the teacups. Rattle of the teacups. That's a signal to listen to Grandma. When they get out of line. I sock this beat up old coffee pot. And they do get out of line too. Now I want you to meet the real stars of tonight's show. First, Grandma Smith from Wayne Bar, Pennsylvania. Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. Yeah. And next we have Grandma Paige from Indianapolis, Indiana. Oh, good.
Grandma Morgan
A lot of Hoosiers here tonight.
Grandma Paige
A lot of Hoosiers here tonight. And then we have Grandma Morgan from Hollywood, California. Well, and our special guest Grandma tonight, Grandma Cooper from Helena, Montana. Helena, Montana. Now, I'm going to ask Arch to explain just what we mean when we invite you to listen to Grandma.
Cliff Arquette
Each one of these charming, honored and respected women is a grandmother in real life. That means that their discussion of the question sent in by you, the listener, will be based not on theory, but on experience. That's all there is to it. Just write in your question and then listen to Grandma.
Grandma Paige
There's a specially designed Grandma's tea service. Four beautiful pieces in sterling Silver for each listener whose question is used on the air.
Cliff Arquette
Yes. In fact, the first sterling tea service is already on its way. To Mrs. Ruth Ingram, 118 Pine Street, Seattle, Washington. Who sent in this letter.
Grandma Paige
She says, dear Grandmas, I'm a grandmother, too. A young grandmother who feels as young as she did 15 years ago. But suddenly my daughter is insisting that I stop dressing so young. She knows my husband approves of my clothes. She agrees they're not cheap or flashy. But she says I should start dressing my age no matter how I feel. Who's right in this case, or aren't there any rules? All right, girls, start banging away on the teacups.
Grandma Morgan
Mrs. Cooper.
Grandma Paige
Well, I believe Mrs. Grandma Cooper there.
Grandma Cooper
Well, I think that this grandmother's daughter has a little peeve coming. She probably isn't keeping up herself as she should. Maybe she has some little children to take care of. But she looks down at her dress and thinks, well, I'm not quite so smart. And I don't want Mother to get the best of me. So I'm just going to put a bug in her ear and tell her not to dress quite so smart. You see, she says she's not flashy. She has good clothes. Now, what is the cause? I think its daughter, Aristotle. Now, of course, we're not supposed to talk about ourselves, I guess. But I'm a grandmother and a great grandmother. Does anybody think I am too flashy?
Grandma Paige
Well, no.
Grandma Cooper
You see, I have buttons and I have bows, see? So I don't think for an old, old great grandmother that I am. That I'm dressed too flashy. I have my new spring hat on so you can all see it. And my dress, of course, it's my old winter dress, but I love it. I think that the buttons and the bows on it. Make me look at least 10 or 15 years younger. But I'm rather proud to say I'm going on 76.
Grandma Paige
76.
Grandma Cooper
Going back to this dear grandmother. Don't you worry, Grandmother. You just dress in your buttons and bows and your frizzy hair. And go and have a nice permanent once in a. Get you a nice spring hat and let daughter take care of her own clothes.
Grandma Paige
Very good advice. How about you other grandmas? You want to elaborate on that a little bit?
Grandma Morgan
Well, you couldn't. You couldn't make it any better.
Grandma Paige
What do you mean, you couldn't make it any better?
Grandma Morgan
Hit every point you could not.
Grandma Paige
That's true. Well, now, what about slacks? Do you think that.
Grandma Smith
Oh, no slack.
Grandma Paige
You all agree?
Grandma Power
No slacks. No slacks.
Grandma Paige
Well, you know, I've seen slacks on some elderly women and I wonder why they call them slacks.
Grandma Morgan
I agree with you.
Grandma Paige
I agree with you. Thank you, Grandma Smith, for agreeing with me. You know, one of the cutest things. I go along with Grandma Cooper. I think one of the cutest things is right in my own neighborhood. There's a grandmother, a daughter and a little girl. And ofttimes, I see them come out and they dress in identical dresses with little pinafores. And it really looks very cute.
Grandma Cooper
I think they're very pretty.
Grandma Paige
I wish I could wear a pinafore.
Grandma Morgan
You'd look different, at any rate.
Grandma Paige
Thank you, Grandma Smith. Grandma Smith always comes through. Well, I think that that sort of takes care of our letter from Mrs. Ruth Ingram. I think that the grandmothers here all agree in summing this thing up, that the daughter is the one who's out of line. How about our second question, Arch?
Cliff Arquette
And now for our second question, Cliff. Incidentally, you members of our studio audience are going to get your chance later in the program when we come to our Fast and Furious Tell the Truth session.
Grandma Paige
Yes, Grandmas. And I've had a peek at some of the questions they're going to ask you in. Oh, murder. Brace yourself, because they're not pulling their punches out in the audience. But now for the second question.
Cliff Arquette
This One is from Mrs. Barbara Baker, 1582 78th Avenue, Oakland, California, who receives a sterling silver tea service for writing.
Grandma Paige
And she writes. Dear Grandma, our two daughters are at the age where they're seriously thinking of romance and marriage. What role should my husband and I play in this? We want them to live their own lives, of course, but we want those lives to be right. Should we keep out of it always, even though it seems they're making a mistake? Or should we try to help them by things we've learned in our own lives? Let me hear the teacups, Grandmas. I think Grandma Paige was first this time.
Grandma Morgan
Thank you. I don't believe that children profit by their parents experience. And I think this grandmother has an idea that she knows more or the mother rather than the children, but she really doesn't. The youngsters of today are more advanced, they're more modern, and they have very good little think tanks. I don't think mother has to worry about them one bit. Besides, no one ever did profit by someone else's experience.
Grandma Paige
That's very true, because no one's life pattern is the same. Then you think the parents would keep their big fat noses out of it?
Grandma Morgan
I certainly do. Everybody'd Be happier.
Grandma Paige
How about you, Grandma Smith? I see you're all puckered up to say something.
Grandma Morgan
I agree with her there. I agree with her. After all, they have to have their experiences. They have to have their. And they have their ideas. They won't listen to you at any rate. You know, they don't.
Grandma Paige
Well, you know, I think the trouble with the young people today is that they have everything the adults have. Except experience.
Grandma Morgan
That's right.
Grandma Paige
And experience is like the measles. You don't know what it is till you've had it.
Grandma Morgan
That's right.
Grandma Paige
I haven't had it yet.
Grandma Morgan
No, you haven't had experience. Oh, is that a laugh?
Grandma Paige
Well, I can dream, can I? Well, listen, don't you think. Now I have a couple of teenage kids and it won't be too long, but they'll be getting on that romantic side. But you think it's a good plan for the parents to encourage the children to have their parties at home and not out in dance halls and places?
Grandma Morgan
Absolutely. We always have.
Grandma Power
Absolutely.
Grandma Morgan
We always have.
Grandma Paige
How about that, Grandma Morgan? You kind of came up.
Grandma Power
Oh, yes, I think. Absolutely. At home. And you play with them too, you know, because they. But disappear when they want you to disappear.
Grandma Morgan
You always know when, too.
Grandma Paige
Oh, yeah. Grandma Smith, take it easy, will you?
Grandma Morgan
You have to tell you the truth.
Grandma Paige
Well, I think that kind of sums up our question. We're all agreed that, I believe. Is there any anybody that doesn't agree on that?
Grandma Power
I think we all agree on that regard.
Grandma Paige
That the parents should keep out of the young folks life?
Grandma Power
Oh, absolutely.
Grandma Paige
You think maybe they can?
Grandma Morgan
Not too much.
Grandma Paige
Not too much.
Grandma Morgan
No.
Grandma Paige
No.
Grandma Morgan
Goodness, no.
Grandma Paige
What do you mean, Grandma Smith?
Grandma Morgan
Well, just sit in the sidelines and see what's going on.
Grandma Paige
What do you call the sidelines?
Grandma Morgan
Well, just wherever you happen to be.
Grandma Power
You won't sit there very long. They'll come to you. Just wait. They'll come.
Grandma Paige
Somebody will pull the drape back and there you. Oh, I know what these kids are talking about. I would like to have a little talk with our guest grandma tonight. Mrs. Cooper, you say you're from Montana?
Grandma Cooper
Yes, out in the Montana.
Grandma Paige
Mm. And how long ago did you leave Montana?
Grandma Cooper
25 years ago.
Grandma Paige
How was the transportation 25 years ago?
Grandma Cooper
Oh, it wasn't quite as elegant as it is now. But tell the truth, I haven't been on a train in 20 years. I have an old automobile and I go back and forth to Montana and everywhere in my automobile.
Grandma Paige
You do really? Do you drive it yourself?
Grandma Cooper
Drive it myself?
Grandma Paige
You're how old?
Grandma Cooper
Going on 76.
Grandma Paige
How about that? And drive your own car. I'll remember that when I'm out driving the next time.
Grandma Cooper
You need to keep out of my way, don't you?
Grandma Paige
Keep out of your way. I need to worry.
Grandma Cooper
I go and have an examination every once in a while.
Grandma Paige
A while.
Grandma Cooper
And they tell me the gears don't matter. It's your ability to drive.
Grandma Paige
I believe that. I was only kidding, Grandma Cooper. But you're a wonderful driver, really. What's that, Grandma?
Grandma Morgan
She was putting you in your place. That was all. I love you like that, don't you?
Grandma Paige
And you came out to California and you've been a. This is your home.
Grandma Cooper
This is my home now. Yes, I came out. My husband was a lawyer, and he's on the bench as Supreme Court. And they had some legal business out here, and we liked it. And he retired from the court, and we've been here ever since.
Grandma Paige
Isn't that wonderful?
Grandma Cooper
And that's.
Grandma Paige
Tell me, how many children do you have?
Grandma Cooper
I have two sons, two granddaughters. Two granddaughters, one grandson and two great granddaughters.
Grandma Paige
Oh, isn't that wonderful? You have a house full, don't you?
Grandma Cooper
They're not all in my house.
Grandma Morgan
Thanks.
Grandma Paige
You have two sons?
Grandma Morgan
Two sons.
Grandma Paige
What are their names?
Grandma Cooper
Arthur. He's in business in the Valley. And Gary Cooper.
Grandma Paige
Gary Cooper.
Grandma Cooper
That was really why we stayed here, because he came out to visit us from college. He was in Grinnell, Iowa. He came out to visit us and got a little job riding cowboy types, you know. And he thought he liked it and thought he would like to stick to that instead of going back to school. So his father gave him a year to make good.
Grandma Paige
And in the.
Grandma Cooper
In a year, he had his name in bright lights. So that's where he made good.
Grandma Paige
Isn't that wonderful? All you have to do out here is learn to ride a horse. How about it, Arch?
Cliff Arquette
Our next question comes from Ms. Catherine Davis of 54 Morningside Drive, New York City, who receives a grandma's tea service in sterling silver for writing Dear Grandmas.
Grandma Paige
I recently read an article in which experts claim that in four out of every 10 modern marriages, it was the woman, not the man, who actually brought the proposal about. Wait a minute, kid. Don't clap till I get to the end of the joke, please. She goes on to say, maybe not knowing that is what has kept me single. But I wonder what you think. Is it ever right for a woman to sort of take charge? I never heard of anyone doing it in your day. Or were they just more subtle about it. Let's hear from you, Grandma.
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Grandma Paige
Think we'll give Grandma Morgan a chance at this one.
Grandma Power
Well, I think times have changed. Of course, I'm sure these ladies will agree with me that when we were girls, we were wooed.
Grandma Paige
Well, our times haven't changed too much. The girls are woo wooed. Now, wait. Wait a minute, girl.
Grandma Power
I must say, I thought it was very lovely because I think innately every woman loves the courtesy that a man chose a woman.
Grandma Paige
Well, tell me, Grandma Morgan, you. They didn't use any tricks then.
Grandma Power
They may have, but they've. Oh, they were subtle about it. If they did.
Grandma Paige
Oh, now, wait a minute. I. I don't agree with that subtle part of it, Grandma Morgan. It seems to me I remember they used to do a lot of fainting. They get the guy. No, they get the guy on a horsehair sofa and then they fall down on their head. Now, was that a trick or a tight courage? Both. Both. Both.
Grandma Power
Mrs. Cooper and I agree that that was before our time.
Grandma Morgan
Oh, well, that was before your time was before mine. How'd that happen?
Grandma Paige
Grandma Paige is getting in there, too. I think that kind of sums Things up that. That the. They did use tricks in a kind of a subtle way. But I think they've been using tricks ever since Eve gave that old app applesauce to Adam. I don't know what app. App. Applesauce is.
Grandma Power
I still think the girl modestly waited to receive a proposal.
Grandma Paige
I think so too.
Grandma Morgan
Yes, well, I admire the new girl with her direct approach.
Grandma Paige
I do too. What am I saying? You know, one thing I've noticed. You grandmothers are really modern. Why, most of you were young women. Not back in the 80s or 90s, but right up in the 1900s. I'll bet you were all dancing like mad around 1910 to such newfangled steps as the grizzly bear and the bunny hug and the turkey trot. How about that? You remember those dances? Here's another thing. I bet you've forgotten the prices in those days. I did a little research, and here's what I came up with. In 1910, a good family restaurant was serving a full meal, including rib steak, mashed potatoes, salad, hot rolls, coffee and dessert for the outrageous price of 25 cents. How about that? Hamburger was three pounds for a quarter. And the butcher. The butcher give you all the liver you could carry home for free. Of course, we got it for the cat. I shouldn't call my father a cat. And you remember some of the songs of that year. Meet me tonight in dreamland. Very big. I want a girl just like the girl that married dear old dad. That was a smash. Or put your arms around me, honey, hold me tight. Then there were the songs that my father loved. One was make a noise like a hoop and roll away. Ah. And that was number one on the gramophone parade. Another one filled with sweet sentiment was I'll lend you everything but my wife and I'll make you a present of. Oh, yeah. I tell you, that was wonderful music. Probably the top tune of that year was Joe Howard's I wonder who's Kissing her Now. Not only for that year, it came back in 1947 as a big hit when they used it for the title of a movie. Let's go back to 1910 for a musical memory. Twilight's falling along a quiet elm shaded street There's a boy and a girl in the porch swing holding hands Lamps are being lighted in the parlor and through the soft summer evening we hear the sweet harmony of the village quartet. They're singing I wonder who's kissing her.
Grandma Smith
Now I wonder who's kissing her now Wonder who's teaching her how Wonder who's looking into her eyes Breathing, sighs Telling light I wonder who's buying the wine or lips that I used to combine Wonder if she'll ever tell him more of me I wonder who's kissing her now.
Grandma Paige
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. That was the four grandsons. Ah, that was wonderful. Now, I noticed you girls there were bouncing around a little bit on that number. Especially you, Grandma Smith. You still.
Grandma Morgan
I had it in my home all my life.
Grandma Paige
In your home?
Grandma Morgan
Yes, with my boys and girls.
Grandma Paige
Where was your home again, Grandma?
Grandma Morgan
Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.
Grandma Paige
How many boys did you have?
Grandma Morgan
I had four.
Grandma Paige
Four boys?
Grandma Morgan
Yes.
Grandma Paige
Huh.
Grandma Morgan
And I have three now.
Grandma Paige
And how many girls?
Grandma Morgan
Two girls.
Grandma Paige
Two girls and two girls. You care to give us a name of your sons?
Grandma Morgan
Well, there's Frank Landis, Mark Carl and Tom Bran.
Grandma Paige
I guess we fooled him, didn't we, Grandma Smith?
Grandma Morgan
No, we didn't. We didn't fool them at all.
Grandma Paige
I guess not. I guess they saw you in that picture, huh?
Grandma Morgan
I don't know.
Grandma Paige
You were real cute in the picture. Grandma Cooper was in the picture, too, wasn't she? Sure.
Grandma Morgan
We were pals.
Grandma Paige
Were you in the picture too, Grandma Paige?
Grandma Morgan
I just missed it. I foolishly went to Arrowhead and they couldn't find me.
Grandma Paige
Oh, I thought maybe you didn't pay up your dues.
Grandma Morgan
Well, I didn't do that, too.
Grandma Paige
Who's that?
Grandma Cooper
Mrs. Joan Crawford's mother.
Grandma Paige
Oh, that's right. Is she a grandmother?
Grandma Morgan
No. I think she was in our roof.
Grandma Paige
What's up? Is she her grandmother?
Grandma Morgan
I think she is. That was your fault.
Grandma Paige
Wasn't ours. Keep out of it. I'll keep out of it. Where are we, Art?
Cliff Arquette
Well, before our next question, I'd like to explain how you could submit your question. Just address it to listen to grandma. Hollywood, 28, California. If it is used on our broadcast, you will receive a specially designed Grandma's Tea Service. Four beautiful pieces in sterling silver. And now here's A letter from Mrs. Edith Cameron. 4208 Sycamore Road, Miami, Florida.
Grandma Paige
Who writes, dear Grandmas, everyone has heard of the bride who winds up a spat with her husband by slamming the door and going home to Mother. I'd like to know what's the mother's duty in a case like this. What would you do if your daughter came running home to you? Grandma Smith is in there pitching.
Grandma Morgan
Send her right back where she belongs. They could make it rain. They could settle up. Don't come to me with their troubles.
Grandma Paige
Don't come to you? No, not at all.
Grandma Morgan
They want it that way and they could come to an understanding. They should have understanding and tolerance and pray hard and they'll get through.
Grandma Paige
You don't think it'd help them if they just slugged it out in their own house?
Grandma Morgan
No, I don't. And wouldn't they just keep it going? I don't think so. Never can tell.
Grandma Paige
Now, I think it's time to go down in the audience for our Tell Me the Truth session. Just before we went on the air. Why, we asked the studio audience to give us some questions. And from these we chose several of the most interesting ones which are studio guests will ask the grandmas in person. Now, let's see. Let's start here first with a Mrs. Burt Schwartz.
Grandma Morgan
Let's put her glasses on. Were there any wolves on Grandma's day?
Grandma Paige
And how did she handle them? Were there any wolves in Grandma's day? And how did she handle them?
Grandma Morgan
I suppose there were, Grandma Smith. I suppose there were.
Grandma Paige
What do you mean you suppose there were?
Grandma Morgan
Well, only I never met up with them. But there must have been.
Grandma Paige
Well, now, wait a minute. It seems to me I remember these guys with these handlebar mustaches and a hat on one side.
Grandma Morgan
Well, I went by on the other side of the street when I met Bunny like that.
Grandma Paige
You did?
Grandma Morgan
Yeah.
Grandma Paige
Did you have wide streets and.
Grandma Morgan
Yes, rather wide.
Grandma Paige
You still couldn't hear the whistle, huh?
Grandma Morgan
Well, they never whistled in my day. Maybe they hadn't learned that then. I don't know.
Grandma Paige
How about you, Grandma? Oh, there's Grandma Morgan.
Grandma Power
Oh, yes, they used to ogle, you know, from across the street.
Grandma Paige
Did they?
Grandma Power
Yes, indeed they did.
Grandma Paige
They hang around the cigar store and.
Grandma Power
The girls were just in those days, you know, with a long skirt, a little twist in the back and raise the skirt just a bit and patter along.
Grandma Paige
Now, here's a kid that said they didn't use any tricks in those days.
Grandma Power
I think this was the wolf, not the man who proposed to you, the man you were in love with.
Grandma Paige
Oh, I love quite different. Love you, Grandma Martin.
Grandma Morgan
Well, there was another type that used to have some kind of a little song or hum some way that make you keep step to him.
Grandma Paige
Oh, I remember.
Grandma Morgan
Remember that. And the poor girl would be so embarrassed trying to get out of it.
Grandma Paige
Giving myself away. We have time for another question here from the audience. And this is from Grace Woodrum, I believe it is. And she's from Pasadena, California. And she wants to know when a wife works, should she have to use her money for the household expenses or should she spend it on herself? This is providing I guess the husband works, too. All right. Do you want to ask the. Oh, I already asked the question. That's great, isn't it? You want to add anything to that?
Grandma Morgan
Mrs. Woodruff, I believe you've said enough.
Grandma Paige
I said enough. How about it, Grandma?
Grandma Morgan
Well, I. I think they should have an understanding. Have an understanding and divide up the expenses.
Grandma Paige
You mean he stays home all day? She works. But she should split with him?
Grandma Morgan
No, he's not staying home all day. I didn't understand it that way.
Grandma Paige
Where is he?
Grandma Morgan
Did she earn the living and he stayed home?
Grandma Paige
Is that right? Is the wife the only one working?
Grandma Morgan
No, he works, too. That's the difference. I thought she said they both work. They should have an understanding.
Grandma Paige
Grandma Paige, move into the mic. Then tell us what you think.
Grandma Morgan
Well, I think that if a woman wants to work, then she should put her money in the family pot. If she doesn't want to work, she can stay home and use her husband's money.
Grandma Paige
If she puts it in the sugar bowl, she's cooked, you know? Well, I'm afraid that's about all the time we have for our Tell Me the Truth session. Now, I want to thank our board of genuine experts, Grandma Cooper, Grandma Morgan, Grandma Paige, and Grandma Smith. It was really wonderful for you to come here tonight, and we want to thank you a lot. Don't you think they did a swell job?
Grandma Morgan
We all had a good time.
Grandma Smith
Lavender blue, Dilly Dilly, lavender green if I were King Dilly Dilly, you'd be my queen.
Cliff Arquette
Be sure to listen next week when our panel will include Grandma Power, the mother of Tyrone Power, plus a surprise guest, a truly unusual grandmother whom we found in a lion's den. Remember, we'll be looking for your questions. Address them to listen to grandma. Hollywood, 28 California.
Grandma Paige
This is Cliff Arquette inviting you to join us again next week at the same time. And once again, we'll all listen to Grandma.
Grandma Smith
Lavender. Then I'll be King Billy Dilly and you'll be my queen.
Grandma Morgan
With blue Cash.
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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Listen To Grandma 4x-xx-xx Guest - Gary Cooper"
Episode Information
In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, host Cliff Arquette welcomes listeners to a heartfelt and humorous session titled "Listen To Grandma." The episode features a panel of four real-life grandmothers—Smith, Paige, Morgan, and Power—alongside special guest Grandma Cooper from Helena, Montana. Together, they share their insights and experiences in addressing questions submitted by listeners, providing a blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary perspectives.
Listener Question: Mrs. Ruth Ingram from Seattle, Washington, writes about feeling pressured by her daughter to dress more age-appropriately, despite her own desire to maintain a youthful wardrobe.
Discussion: Grandma Cooper takes the lead, suggesting that the daughter's concerns may stem from her own insecurities: “Maybe she has some little children to take care of. … She has good clothes. Now, what is the cause? I think it's daughter, Aristotle.” (03:53)
The panel collectively advises Mrs. Ingram to stay true to her personal style, emphasizing confidence and self-expression over conforming to others' expectations. Grandma Cooper showcases pride in her vibrant attire as she mentions her “new spring hat” and her age, “going on 76” (04:44), encouraging Mrs. Ingram to embrace her individuality.
Notable Quote: Grandma Cooper: “I don't think for an old, old great grandmother that I am dressed too flashy.” (04:44)
Listener Question: Mrs. Barbara Baker from Oakland, California, inquires about the appropriate level of parental involvement when their teenage daughters are considering romance and marriage.
Discussion: The grandmothers express a consensus that parents should adopt a hands-off approach, allowing their children to navigate their romantic lives independently. Grandma Morgan asserts, “I don't believe that children profit by their parents' experience... They have very good little think tanks. I don't think mother has to worry about them one bit.” (07:44)
Grandma Power and others agree, advocating for understanding and tolerance while avoiding overbearing interference. They highlight the importance of trust and personal growth for young adults.
Notable Quote: Grandma Paige: “The youngsters of today are more advanced, they're more modern, and they have very good little think tanks.” (07:44)
Listener Question: Ms. Catherine Davis from New York City discusses the shift in proposal dynamics, where women are now more likely to initiate marriage proposals, a contrast to traditional norms.
Discussion: The panel delves into the evolution of courtship rituals. Grandma Power recalls the traditional courting methods, highlighting the courtesy and respect inherent in older practices. However, Grandma Morgan appreciates the modern approach, stating, “I admire the new girl with her direct approach.” (17:12)
Grandma Paige nostalgically reminisces about early 20th-century courtship dances and the playful tactics women used to attract suitors, blending humor with historical insight.
Notable Quote: Grandma Paige: “They used to do a lot of fainting. They get the guy on a horsehair sofa and then they fall down on their head.” (16:15)
Listener Prompt: The grandmothers share memories and cultural references from the early 1900s, painting a vivid picture of life in 1910.
Discussion: Grandma Paige narrates the affordability and simplicity of life back then: “In 1910, a good family restaurant was serving a full meal... for the outrageous price of 25 cents.” (18:00)
She also reminisces about popular dances like the grizzly bear and the turkey trot, as well as timeless songs such as “I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her,” which spurred lively participation from the grandmothers.
Notable Quote: Grandma Paige: “Twilight's falling along a quiet elm shaded street... They're singing I wonder who's kissing her.” (19:08)
Listener Question: Grace Woodrum from Pasadena, California, asks whether a working wife should contribute her earnings to household expenses or spend independently if both partners are employed.
Discussion: The grandmothers debate the balance between shared finances and individual autonomy. Grandma Morgan suggests that if both partners are working, finances should be mutually understood and expenses divided: “They should have an understanding and divide up the expenses.” (26:08)
However, Grandma Paige adds a humorous twist, implying traditional roles with a modern context: “If she puts it in the sugar bowl, she's cooked.” (26:34)
A significant portion of the episode centers around Grandma Cooper, who shares personal anecdotes about her family, particularly her son Gary Cooper. She recounts how Gary chose a life of adventure over academia, eventually gaining fame for his cowboy roles: “He came out to visit us from college. He was in Grinnell, Iowa… he had his name in bright lights.” (12:36)
Notable Quote: Grandma Cooper: “What am I saying? You know, one thing I've noticed. You grandmothers are really modern.” (16:02)
Towards the end of the episode, listeners present more candid questions in the "Tell Me the Truth" segment, where the grandmothers provide unfiltered and often humorous responses.
Listener Question: Mrs. Edith Cameron from Miami, Florida, asks about a mother's role when her daughter slams doors during spats with her husband, seeking advice on handling such conflicts.
Discussion: Grandma Morgan advises firmness, suggesting that daughters should resolve their issues independently: “Send her right back where she belongs. They could settle up. Don't come to me with their troubles.” (22:52)
Grandma Paige humorously contends that confronting issues directly at home might escalate tensions, highlighting the complexity of marital disputes.
Notable Quote: Grandma Morgan: “They want it that way and they could come to an understanding and tolerance and pray hard and they'll get through.” (23:07)
Listener Question: Grace Woodrum from Pasadena, California, questions financial management within a dual-income household, leading to a discussion on mutual understanding and financial cooperation.
Discussion: The grandmothers emphasize the importance of communication and shared financial goals, though opinions vary on how finances should be managed between partners.
As the episode wraps up, Cliff Arquette thanks the panel of grandmothers for their invaluable contributions, underscoring the blend of timeless wisdom and modern relevance they provide. The host hints at future episodes featuring additional guests, including Grandma Power, the mother of Tyrone Power, and a surprise grandmother with an intriguing background.
Notable Quote: Grandma Morgan: “We all had a good time.” (27:12)
"Listen To Grandma" offers a heartwarming exploration of generational perspectives on family, relationships, and societal changes. Through engaging dialogues and personal stories, the grandmothers provide listeners with relatable advice and a sense of nostalgia, bridging the past with the present.
Notable Quotes Summary
This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio encapsulates the enduring relevance of grandparental wisdom, offering listeners both laughter and lessons from an experienced and cherished generation.