Major Bowes' Amateur Hour 36-09-17 xxx A Salute To The City of Detroit

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Major Bowes' Amateur Hour 36-09-17 – A Salute To The City of Detroit
Date: November 12, 2025
Podcast Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Theme:
A nostalgic broadcast of Major Bowes' Amateur Hour, originally aired in 1936, with a special salute to Detroit. The episode features a showcase of amateur performers from Detroit and beyond, peppered with period charm, humorous anecdotes, live music, and a celebration of the spirit and industry of Detroit – the home of Chrysler Corporation.

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Main Themes & Purpose

• Saluting Detroit: The program highlights Detroit as America’s motor city, its industrial might, cultural vibrancy, and resilience.
• Celebrating Amateur Talent: Ordinary Americans, from various walks of life, showcase their musical and comedic talents, reflecting the diversity and aspirations of 1930s America.
• Community & Opportunity: Major Bowes emphasizes the opportunities for “ordinary folks” to step into the limelight, offering inspiration and encouragement on a national stage.

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Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Voting & Listener Engagement (00:03 – 01:05)

• Voting Mechanisms: Listeners in Detroit can support their favorite acts via phone (Cherry 5111) or at Chrysler dealerships, while New Yorkers call Murray Hill 89933.
• Corporate Tie-In: Prominent mention of Chrysler’s four cars (Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler), blending product promotion with community spirit.

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2. Joe Smith – The Singing Taxi Driver (01:05 – 05:28)

• Performer Introduction: Joe Smith, 46, a Bronx taxi driver, also known for singing and tap dancing.
• Humorous Banter:
  • “I weigh 210 pounds and stand 5 foot 3 in my stocking feet.” – Joe Smith (01:40)
  • Anecdote about a customer choosing his cab just to transport a six-foot tree, invoking laughter.
  • “If I tell you this, it’ll go over big.” – Joe Smith, relaying his wife’s encouragement (02:19)
• Performance: Sings “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie,” earning warm applause.

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3. Salute to Detroit – City Profile (05:28 – 08:10)

• Historical Reflection: Major Bowes delivers a glowing tribute:
  • “Detroit has had an unimpeded rapid rise… her future glowing with expectancy and assurance.” (05:35)
• Industrial Power:
  • 1,093 kinds of industry, home of 75% of American car manufacturing.
• Civic Praise:
  • “A message from Governor Fitzgerald truly states: ‘Your salute to the city of Detroit is also a tribute to the true spirit of America…’” (07:14)

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4. Robert Rowe – Bass Singer (“Singing Bob”) from Detroit (08:10 – 10:12)

• Backstory:
  • Originally from England, now an automobile trimmer.
  • Nickname: “Singing Bob… sometimes they spell it with a double O.”
• Performance:
  • Sings “Bells in the Lighthouse,” with a rich, resonant bass.

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5. Hilda Morse – Young Soprano Amidst Hard Work (10:12 – 14:06)

• Introduction:
  • 17-year-old lyric soprano from the Bronx, helps at parents’ hand laundry and known for her apple meringue pies.
• Aspirations:
  • “I do hope someday to sing at the Metropolitan. So you see, I have much at stake tonight, Major.” – Hilda Morse (11:05)
• Performance:
  • Sings “Un Bel Di Vedremo” from Madame Butterfly.

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6. Recap of Previous Winners & Chicago Teaser (14:06 – 16:08)

• Inspiring Stories:
  • Recap of past amateur hour participants achieving success.
  • Next week’s honor city: Chicago.

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7. Guest Appearance – Frank W. Smith and a Surprise Harmonica Performance (16:08 – 21:08)

• Frank W. Smith:
  • President of Consolidated Edison, longtime friend of Major Bowes.
  • “I was 13 years old when I went to work.” (17:04)
  • “You’re doing a great service for the young people in our country, opening the door of opportunity to them…” (17:26)
• Harmonica Challenge:
  • Major Bowes recalls Smith sabotaging his golf with “Listen to the Mockingbird.”
  • Smith reluctantly plays harmonica on air, to raucous approval.
  • “That’s the first time I played it since I was 14 or 15 years old.” – Frank Smith (19:09)

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8. Listener Greetings & Voting Updates (21:08 – 23:35)

• Floral Gifts:
  • Recognition of contributors and organizations sending congratulatory flowers.
• Voting Results:
  • Joe Smith: 1,175 calls
  • Robert Rowe: 3,475 calls
  • Hilda Morse: 807 calls

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9. George Marshall – From Hard Labor to Hopeful Minister (23:35 – 26:10)

• Background:
  • African-American baritone from Wilkes Barre, PA; former coal miner and farmhand.
• Aspirations:
  • “I want to be a minister and preach the gospel.” (23:57)
• Performance:
  • Sings “Land of Deep Degradation,” evoking the struggles and hopes of his background.

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10. Closing Salutes & Chrysler Features (26:10 – 28:55)

• Affirmation:
  • “My greatest satisfaction perhaps lies in the fact that every person whom I might persuade… will do so to his or her decided benefit.” – Major Bowes (26:57)
• Chrysler Highlights:
  • Safety, comfort, and value across all four famous cars, with specific price points and features expounded.

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11. Show Close (28:55 – 30:00)

• Farewell:
  • “Our brief hour has fled, briefer it seems than any hour I remember. But Thursday of next week approaches to bring us together again…” – Major Bowes (28:55)
• Appreciation:
  • Thanks extended to contestants, Chrysler Corporation, the city of Detroit, and listeners everywhere.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Joe Smith’s humor and everyday storytelling:
  • “There are other cabs. Why won’t one of them do?” (02:51)
  • “If I take your taxicab, I can put it on my lap and let it stick out of the top.” (03:06)
• Major Bowes’ poetic tribute to Detroit:
  • “Detroit headlines as world's leader in yspin production… during the season, a steamship glides by every three minutes from this port.” (05:28)
• Frank W. Smith’s candidness:
  • “I decline to answer. On the ground that it might incriminate you.” (18:16)
• George Marshall’s heartfelt ambition:
  • “I want to be a minister and preach the gospel.” (23:57)

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Useful Timestamps

• Detroit Voting & Introduction: 00:03 – 01:05
• Joe Smith (Singing Taxi Driver): 01:05 – 05:28
• Salute to Detroit: 05:28 – 08:10
• Robert Rowe (“Singing Bob”): 08:10 – 10:12
• Hilda Morse (Young Soprano): 10:12 – 14:06
• Frank W. Smith (Harmonica): 16:08 – 21:08
• Voting Results & Greetings: 21:08 – 23:35
• George Marshall (Baritone): 23:35 – 26:10
• Chrysler Product Features: 26:10 – 28:55
• Closing Remarks: 28:55 – 30:00

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Tone & Style

• Warm, encouraging, and upbeat, with period-appropriate humor and gentle camaraderie among participants.
• Celebratory of everyday Americans, their stories, and ambitions.
• Nostalgic for the golden age of radio, blending entertainment and community spirit.

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Ideal for listeners seeking:

• A slice of Americana and radio history
• Heartwarming success stories
• Musical variety and vintage performances
• Community, tradition, and the spirit of ordinary achievement

Transcript

[A]

Each Thursday night at this time, Chrysler Corporation's famous four cars, Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto and Chrysler will bring you Major Bowes and his original amateur hour. For this initial program, the honor city is Detroit, home of Chrysler Corporation. If you live in or near Detroit, you can vote for your favorite amateur by telephoning cherry5111. In New York City and vicinity. You can vote, as always, by phoning Murray Hill 89933. Elsewhere, send a letter or postcard to Chrysler Corporation in care of your own station. And here's a new way you can vote. Go into any one of the 12,000 Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto or Chrysler showrooms, listen to the program and vote on the special ballot you will find there. Whether you drop in to listen and vote or to look over the famous four cars, you will always find a warm welcome. And here is Major Bowes and his original amateur hour.

[B]

Major, thanks again.

[C]

All right.

[B]

Thank you, Dan. Good evening, friends. A new setting, a different hour, another night. But here is the same wheel of fortune Starting off on a merry spin around, around she goes and where she stops, nobody knows. Now, first we have Joe Smith. Joe Smith, singer and tap dancer from the Bronx. You're coughing very well this evening, Joe. And how old are you?

[D]

I'm 46 years old. I weigh 210 pounds and stand 5 foot 3 in my stocking feet.

[B]

Well, that's a perfect portrait, isn't it? Quite your work.

[D]

I'm a taxi driver and I drive one of those.

[B]

Wait, wait a minute.

[C]

Now.

[D]

As I was going to say, I drive one of those open air desota kids.

[B]

The kind where the roof slides back and it gives you practically an open car.

[D]

Sure, and this will slay you.

[B]

Is that a threat?

[E]

No.

[D]

My wife told me to tell you if I tell you this, it will go over big.

[B]

Well, all right, go ahead and tell.

[D]

I was answering a call and a lady hails me. So I pulls over and I said, lady, I am answering a call. And she said, I don't care. I want your cab. So then I said to her, well, it's very mighty nice of you, lady, but there are other cabs. Which she says, no, I want your cab.

[B]

Well, naturally, she wanted a nice, easy riding cab. Of course.

[D]

Yes, but that ain't all. Listen, I said to her, I says, it's very flattering, but there are other cabs. Why won't one of them do?

[B]

Yes, go on. Now, what did she say? Come to.

[D]

And she said to me, well, I am moving and I think I have a tree that Is six foot tall and if I take your taxicab I can put it on my lap and let it stick out of the top.

[B]

All right, what are you going to sing?

[D]

And then I'm going to sing. Is a sin to tell a lie in a flat.

[B]

Well earned it.

[C]

Be sure it's true when you say I love you It's a sin to tell a lie so be sure it's true, true when you say I love you It's a sin to tell a lie it's.

[B]

All right all right that's Joe Smith of New York, Taxi driver. The road is smooth and wide. Our motor is quiet and sure. We pull our Chrysler to the curb and gently press the brake. We are in Detroit, where America's motorcade begins. Detroit has had an unimpeded rapid rise. Its early history is vibrant with adventure, its future glowing with expectancy and assurance. And why not? Three flags have flown over this city. French, English and American. 4,000 population in 1832. A century later, nearly a million and three quarters. The principal gateway to our friendly northern neighbor, Canada. Detroit has 1093 different kinds of industries. Leading, of course, is automobile manufacturing. 75% of the cars in America are made here. And 94% are built within a radius of 60, 75 miles. Appurtenances for motor vehicles, printing, publishing, meat packing. More riverborne traffic passes this city than any other in the world. During the season, a steamship glides by every three minutes from this port. Motor cars are carried to all parts of the globe so that a universe may ride in comfort, speed and safety. Detroit headlines as world's leader in yspin production. Vacuum cleaners, marine engines, hydraulic hoists, air conditioning machines, stove manufacturing. But all week work and no play would make Detroit a dull place. So she's provided her people with clubs and schools, with theaters and parks. She has built her tree lined avenues wide and she keeps them thick and span. I've made many visits to Detroit and I know the hospitality and graciousness of her people. A message from Governor Fitzgerald truly states. Your salute to the city of Detroit is also a tribute to the true spirit of America. In her infancy, Detroit rose from the ashes to become America's far city. In her maturity, she led that nation in the fight to overcome depression. We need not fear for the future so long as such courage asserts itself in the solution of our national problems. And for Chrysler Corporation, I say amen to that in our gesture of admiration for Detroit tonight. And from Detroit, Robert Rowe, bass singer, Bells in the Lighthouse. From Detroit, have you Studied voice, Robert?

[F]

I have majored on and off about four or five years. My father was the bass singer in our cathedral choir in Cornwall, England for over 40 years.

[B]

And what's your word?

[F]

I learned my trade in the old country. An automobile trimmer.

[B]

You mean upholstering automobile?

[F]

Yes, Major. And the boys at the shop, they call me Singing Bob. But sometimes they call me they. Sometimes they spell it with a double O.

[C]

All right.

[B]

Bells in the lighthouse.

[C]

When the bell in the lighthouse rings Sing song when it sang with its morning loud and sallow the sailor will speak of his street observable and long for that day he'll come back to you and his love will be calling the bell's brave song when the bell in the lighthouse rings Dim dawn, dim dawn when the bell in the lighthouse rim go. All right, all right.

[B]

Robert Rowe, automobile trimmer from Detroit. And the telephone to Detroit is Cherry 5111. As in New York, it's Murray Hill 89933. Hilda Morse is next. Hilda Morse, 17 years of age, lyric soprano, New York City. You go to school, Hilda?

[G]

Well, I graduated high school at 15, major. And since I've been out of school school, I've been helping mother and daddy in a small hand laundry we have in the Bronx. I operate the mangling machine.

[B]

You're a busy girl.

[C]

Yes.

[G]

And besides that, I do all the cooking and baking too. The whole neighborhood likes my pies.

[B]

Oh, let's talk about pies. What's your specialty?

[G]

Well, my apple meringue is famous.

[B]

I'll send you a barrel of apples right after the first cross. What's your a.m. what's your ambition?

[G]

Well, I do hope someday sing at the Metropolitan. So you see, I have much at stake tonight, Major.

[B]

Well, you're not Phil, I'm sure. What do you want to sing?

[G]

I'd like to see sing Unbeliev One.

[B]

Fine Day from Madame Butterfly. That's almost too much to expect from a 17 year old girl. All right.

[C]

Sam. It, Sam. All right.

[B]

Hilda Moss, a laundry worker in the Bronx. Blonde, slender, lovely to look at. Charming personality. It'll be interesting now to see what happens in her career. There are many who have talent but who are too timid to try for this program. But be not afraid, you'll be most welcome. Just write a letter from New York or its vicinity giving full particulars. And here's a report of last summer Sundays voting. From Kansas City, Kansas, Gladys Butler, Foster Mother of two children, Lloyd Gelvin. He works 15 hours a day. 16 really, but still has time for singing and Elizabeth Gunther, secretary. She sang Sympathy Walls and followed the Burns sisters singing and dancing team. Rita Crook, 19 year old impersonator. Walter Heape, member of the harmonica band that slung out harmonica. Harry Yi Xuan Kuan, Chinese soprano prima donna Don Kane, Yodela. Paul Cable, Youthful Cornetis and Robert Hines. His dad was a traveling salesman. And next Thursday night the honor city will be Chicago, Illinois. In recent years, I knew there was a man from Chicago in the house somewhere. In recent years. I like Chicago too. The accord between employee and employer in great corporations has continuously grown. And our audience tonight is the president of the largest public utility corporation in the world. A man of vast ability and a heart overflowing with the milk of human kindness. A man who is always deeply concerned with the welfare of his army of employers. No deep detail in the life of the humblest one is outside the ken of his deep interest. He's a close friend of mine. So close indeed that I dare to take him unawares as I'm now doing. He's the president of the Consolidated Edison Company of New York. His name is Frank W. Smith. Stand up here, Frank. Get up. Stand up.

[C]

Come on.

[B]

You go over to that. You go over to that microphone there. Frank, I don't. I know how old you are, so I won't have to ask you that. But are you married? Are you nervous or just sad about it?

[C]

Yes.

[B]

It's all right. I'll make my pieces now. Don't you worry too much.

[E]

Oh, boy, you're going to get it for this. I'll get it.

[B]

Right. Frank, how old were you when you went to work for Consolidated?

[E]

Well, Major, that's serious. I'll do more sending for you.

[B]

I leave Eden antoinette.

[E]

I was 13 years old.

[B]

13 years old when he went to work. And that's an object lesson to the youngsters of the land and Horatio Alger story if ever there was one. Have you studied music? No. You're on this prank.

[E]

Well, now, before I answer that, Major, I want to say something very first. I want to congratulate you on this, your premiere broadcast. I want to wish you all the great success in the world which you really deserve. And finally, I want to say. Finally, I want to say that you're doing a great service for the young people in our country. Opening the door of opportunity to them that they may never have had open before.

[B]

And I greatly appreciate. Appreciate what you're doing for us. Well, Frank, thanks a lot for that. But what I must know is, have you ever taken music Lessons? No. Have you ever answered?

[E]

I decline to answer.

[B]

On the ground that it might incriminate you. Well, Frank Smith, you know very well that you're a wonderful harmonica player.

[E]

And.

[B]

Last week. No, this is the truth. It's got to come out sometime. Last week when I had a chance for a birdie on your own golf course, you pulled out a harmonica and played Listen to the Mockingbird and I miss it. And I missed a three foot putt. Now, come on into the microphone. Don't look at me. I can't stand it. How long has it been since you'd played a harmonica?

[E]

Well, that's the first time I prayed.

[B]

It since I was 14 or 15 years old.

[E]

And I want to say the swipe.

[B]

My harmonica right there. There that. Yes, I did. Here it is. It's a. It's a perfectly good two bit harmonica. Now you can say listen to the mockingbird.

[E]

Well, that's it. All right. Well, be it on your own head, Major. Heaven help the listeners to get the gun ready.

[B]

I've got more of a cushion on my head than you have. I can take it. Listen to the mockingbird.

[C]

It.

[E]

I'm gonna keep the harmonica.

[B]

Well, Bre. Frank, I compliment you.

[E]

A game.

[B]

I don't think I could have gone through it. But you did. I'm sure you'll forgive me, and so will Nell too for the gorgeous flowers that so lavishly decorate this radio theater. I'm deeply indebted. The display of gladiolus beggars description. I've never seen so such beautiful ones and so many of them. My thanks to the grower Carson Stewart of Sharon, Pennsylvania, who brought them here. He's a loyal listener. Among them are 2,000 of the prize winning major blows galliolas named for me last year. The basket of dahlias up on the piano comes from the American Dahlia Society of Michigan whose national show opens tomorrow in the convention hall. Detroit Mayor Frank Cousins sends his greetings and we reciprocate with congratulations to him for his fine work as honorary president of the Boys Club in Detroit. And greetings and thanks to the Detroit Times and to the news and the free press. From the sister cities of Detroit come congratulatory messages. Mayor Campbell of Ann Arbor, Mayor Harvey of Point Huron, where there's a branch plant of the Chrysler Corporation. From Saginaw Dearborn and from Mayor Burrell of Ypsilanti. And from Mount Clemens, the home of Selfridge Field, a part of our national defense. A month from today, the great Mitchell Trophy race and Air Corps maneuvers will Be held at Selfridge Field. And also one from Lansing, Michigan's capital. Now the first telephone bulletin is due but apparently is just. Here it is. I just hold out my hand and everything out on the. And everything dropped right into it. Joe Smith, the taxi dancer has received 1175 telephone calls already. Robert Howe from Detroit. Oh, Detroit's very Busy on the telephone 3475. And Hilda Morse, the little 17 year old girl, 807. We'll hear more a little bit later. And I have a telephone telegram here. Business is picking up. Telegram from Rex Cole ordering three Plymouth cars. Thanks to Rick. Anybody, anybody else interested? I shall be at home to messenger boys all evening. George Marshall. George Marshall, Negro boy baritone from Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. And George, what is your word?

[C]

I do.

[H]

I've done most most hard labor, Major. I worked in the anthracite coal mines in Pennsylvania. And I was also water boy for a construction company. And while in Rocky Mount, North Carolina I worked in the cotton fields and the tobacco field.

[B]

And what's your ambition, John?

[H]

I want to be a minister and.

[B]

Preach the gospel Science. Your great advantage. What's the song?

[H]

Land of Big Redation.

[C]

All right. The Lord of the Lord. Lord is a living soul before.

[B]

They.

[C]

Bury me yonder In a land of a degradation Lord, the leading of. Oh, all right, all right.

[B]

George Marshall. George Marshall from Wilkes Barrow. About a year ago, Clyde Barry, another nearby negro boy, appeared on this program without friends and without puns and he sang that very same song. Today Clyde Barry is an important sustaining artist on the Columbia network very network. This is a memorable and inspiring night. An effort making night for me. My first program for the Chrysler Corporation. My greatest satisfaction perhaps lies in the the fact that as a result of an intensive study, I feel that every person whom I might persuade to investigate any one of our famous four cars will do so to his or her decided benefit.

[A]

Major, may I present a few quick facts.

[B]

Go right along. Damn.

[A]

There are certain things you get in any one of the famous four cars. Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler. All four have safety steel body. You ride surrounded by steel. Yes. Even the floors are steel. All four have genuine equalized pressure hydraulic rates. So when you say stop, she stops. These two things alone mean safety for the American family. All four have floating power. The engine is so balanced and cushioned that you have to step on the accelerator before you're sure it's running. All four have new scientific distribution of weight. An amazing advance in riding comfort pioneered by Chrysler Corporation. And remember, only in the famous four cars. Plymouth, Dodge, Desoto, and Chrysler. Do you get all these engineering features that make for safety, comfort and economy? Plymouth starts at $510 list price in Detroit and it is the biggest, roomiest car in the lowest price range. The dependable money saving Dodge starts at $640. The beautiful Smart DeSoto is priced as low as $695 and you can even get a luxurious Chrysler for as little as $760. Finally, remember that you can own any of these cars on easy time payments through commercial credit company time payment service.

[C]

SAM Fleet are our motor cars and.

[B]

Fleet of the wings of time. Our brief hour has fled briefer it seems than any hour I remember. But Thursday of next week approaches to bring us together again. I hope to our old friends and to the new ones our thanks and our pledge of the best efforts of the Chrysler Corporation, our amateur and yours sincerely. Good evening friends.

[C]

This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. It.