
Major Bowes' Amateur Hour 36-09-17 xxx A Salute To The City of Detroit
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Chrysler Announcer
Each Thursday night at this time, Chrysler Corporation's famous four cars, Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto and Chrysler will bring you Major Bowles 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 Church Cherry 5111 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 speaker 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.
Major Bowes
Major thank you, Dan. And 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?
Joe Smith
46 years old. I weigh 210 pounds and stand 5 foot 3 in my stocking feet.
Major Bowes
Well, that's the first important, isn't it? What's your work?
Joe Smith
I'm a taxi driver and I drive one of those.
Major Bowes
Wait, wait a minute.
Joe Smith
Now, as I was, as I was going to say, I drive one of those open air Desota cabs.
Major Bowes
The kind where the roof slides back and it gives you practically an open car.
Joe Smith
Sure, and this will slay you.
Major Bowes
Is that a threat?
Joe Smith
No. My wife told me to tell you if I tell you this, it will go over big.
Major Bowes
Well, all right, go ahead and tell.
Joe Smith
I was answering a call and a lady hails me. So I pulls over and I says, 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. But she says, no, I want your cab.
Major Bowes
Well, naturally she wanted a nice, easy riding cab. Of course.
Joe Smith
Yes, but that ain't all. Listen, I said to her, I says, it's very flattering, but there are other cabs watching. Why won't one of them do?
Major Bowes
Yes, go on now. Why don't you say, come to?
Joe Smith
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.
Major Bowes
All right. What are you going to sing again?
Joe Smith
I'm going to sing as a sin to tell a lie in a flat.
Major Bowes
Well, I ain't it.
Joe Smith
Be sure it's true when you say.
Major Bowes
I love you It's a sin to tell a lie so be sure it's true when you say I love you.
Joe Smith
It's a sin to tell.
Major Bowes
A love Long it. All right, all right. That's Joe Smith of New York, Taxi driver. The road is smooth and wide. I 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 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 leader in Wyeth spring 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 spick 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.
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Major Bowes
For 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 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 and went to her words. I Learned my trade in the old country. An automobile trimmer. You mean upholstering automobile? 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. All right. Bells in the lighthouse. When the bell in the lighthouse rings with this morning loud and alone the sailor will speak of his sweet observable and long for that day he'll come back to you and his love will be told in the. When the bell in the lighthouse rim steam dawn. When the bell in the lighthouse rings. All right. All right. Robert Rowe, automobile trimmer from Detroit. And the telephone of 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?
Hilda Morse
Well, I graduated high school at 15, major. And since I've been out of school I've been helping mother and daddy in a small hand laundry we have in the Bronx. I operate the mangling machine.
Major Bowes
She's a busy girl.
Hilda Morse
Yes, and besides that, I do all the cooking and baking too. The whole neighborhood likes my pies.
Major Bowes
Oh, let's talk about pies. What's your specialty?
Hilda Morse
Well, my apple meringue is famous.
Major Bowes
I'll send you a barrel of apples right after the first frost. What's your ambition? What's your ambition?
Hilda Morse
Well, I do hope someday sing at the Metropolitan. Don't you think I have much at stake tonight, Major?
Major Bowes
Well, you're not Phil, I'm sure. What do you want to sing?
Hilda Morse
I'd like to see sing. Unbelievable.
Major Bowes
One Fine Day from Madame Butterfly. That's almost too much to expect from a 17 year old girl. All righty.
Hilda Morse
Jesus.
Major Bowes
All right. Hilda Moss, little laundry worker in the Bronx. Blonde, slender, lovely demand. 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 Sunday's voting. From Kansas City, Kansas, Gladys Butler, Foster Mother of two children. Lloyd Gelvin. He works for 15 hours a day, 16 really, but still has time for singing. And Elizabeth Gunther's secretary. She sang Sympathy Walls and followed the Byrne 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 Kwan, 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.
Commercial Announcer
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Major Bowes
Whoa. When did I get here?
Shopify Advertiser
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Major Bowes
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Commercial Announcer
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It is the future.
Hilda Morse
It's.
Commercial Announcer
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Chrysler Announcer
It's all good.
Major Bowes
Happens all the time.
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Major Bowes
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. In 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 employees. No 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. Come on. You go over to that. You go over to that microphone that. 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? Yes. All right. I'll make my piece with mail. Don't you worry too much. Oh, boy. You'll go together for this. I'll get it right. Frank, how old were you when you went to work for Consolidated? Well, Major, that's serious. I'll do more sending for you. I even Answer that. I was 13 years old. 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 honest prank. Well now, before I answer that Major, I want to say something very serious to you. First I want to congratulate you on this, your premier 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. And I greatly appreciate what you're doing for us. Well, Frank? Not sir. Thanks a lot for that. But what I must know is have you ever taken music lessons? No. Have you ever answered? I decline to answer on the ground that it might incriminate you. Huh. Well, Frank Smith, you know very well that you're a wonderful harmonica playing and 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. What now come on into the microphone. Don't look at me. I can't stand it. Help it. I help it. How long has it been since you'd played a harmonica? Well, that's the first time I played it since I was 14 or 15 years old. And I want to say the swipe my harmonica right there at night. Yes, I did. Here it is. It's a perfectly good two bit harmonica. Now you can say listen to the mockingbird. Well, that's it all right. Well be it on your own head, Major. Haven't helped the listener. Just get the gun ready. I've got more of a cushion on my head than you have. I can take it. Listen to the mockingbird.
Hilda Morse
Sam.
Major Bowes
I'm going to keep the harmonica. Well, Brett. Well, Frank, I compliment you. A game. 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 Diolas 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 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 the Chrysler Corporation from Saginaw to 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 sadly is just. Here it is. I just hold out my hand and everything, automobiles and everything drop 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 famous cars. Thanks to Rex. 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? I do. I've done 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 fields. And what's your ambition, John? I want to be a minister and be the gospel fine singing voice to your great advantage. What's the song? Land of Degradation. All night in a land of a degradation Lo the. All right, all right. George Marshall. George Marshall from Wilkes Barrow. About a year ago Clyde Barry, another negro boy, appeared on this program without friends and without funds 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. And that's a night for me. My first program for the Chrysler Corporation. My greatest satisfaction perhaps lies in 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.
Chrysler Announcer
Major, may I present a few quick facts?
Major Bowes
Go right along, darling.
Chrysler Announcer
There are certain things you get in any one of the famous four cars. Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler. All four have safety steel bodies. You ride surrounded by steel. Yes, even the floors are steel. All four have genuine equalized pressure hydraulic brakes. 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. Simplymouth 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.
Major Bowes
Fleet are our motor cars and 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 amateurs and yours sincerely. Good evening, friends. IT this is the Columbia Broadcasting System.
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Episode: Major Bowes' Amateur Hour 36-09-17: A Salute To The City of Detroit
Date: August 26, 2025
This episode of Major Bowes' Amateur Hour pays tribute to Detroit, the home of Chrysler Corporation. True to the spirit of the radio's "Golden Age," the program combines musical performances and personal stories from amateur performers with heartfelt commentary on Detroit's industrial might, civic pride, and American opportunity. The episode is a nostalgic journey, highlighting both the dreams of ordinary Americans and the city that symbolized American industry in the 1930s.
[05:18–08:35]
Quote:
"Detroit has had an unimpeded rapid rise. Its early history is vibrant with adventure, its future glowing with expectancy and assurance. And why not?"
– Major Bowes [05:20]
Notable Moment:
Bowes references Governor Fitzgerald’s message:
"Your salute to the City of Detroit is also a tribute to the true spirit of America."
– Major Bowes relaying Governor Fitzgerald [08:20]
[02:05–05:18]
Quote:
"My wife told me to tell you if I tell you this, it will go over big."
– Joe Smith [03:18]
[10:06–13:01]
Quote:
"The boys at the shop, they call me Singing Bob. But sometimes they spell it with a double O."
– Robert Rowe [10:20]
[13:01–16:34]
Quote:
"Well, I do hope someday sing at the Metropolitan. Don't you think I have much at stake tonight, Major?"
– Hilda Morse [13:36]
Notable Moment:
Bowes praises her courage and encourages timid talent to try:
"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."
– Major Bowes [16:34]
[18:45–24:20]
Quote:
"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. And I greatly appreciate what you're doing for us."
– Frank W. Smith [20:35]
[27:38–30:27]
Quote:
"I want to be a minister and be the gospel. Fine singing voice to your great advantage."
– George Marshall [29:10]
[02:05, 10:06, 24:20]
[30:27–32:23]
Quote:
"All four have safety steel bodies. You ride surrounded by steel. Yes, even the floors are steel...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."
– Chrysler Announcer [30:31]
Major Bowes opening the show:
"A new setting, a different hour, another night. But here is the same wheel of fortune." [02:05]
Joe Smith’s punchline about open-air cab:
"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." [04:06]
Hilda Morse’s tender ambition:
"My apple meringue is famous." — when discussing pies and aspirations. [13:26]
Frank W. Smith's harmonica performance:
"Well, that's the first time I played it since I was 14 or 15 years old...Here it is. It's a perfectly good two bit harmonica." [22:30]
On Detroit as a model for America:
"Detroit rose from the ashes to become America." [08:35]
Civic congratulations to Detroit:
"From the sister cities of Detroit come congratulatory messages. Mayor Campbell of Ann Arbor...Mayor Burrell of Ypsilanti..." [24:20]
Voting update excitement:
"I just hold out my hand and everything, automobiles and everything drop 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." [24:41]
This episode is a vibrant example of vintage American radio, blending music, aspiration, heartfelt appreciation for Detroit, and community spirit. Major Bowes charms the audience with warmth and encouragement, while Chrysler’s sponsorship provides a backdrop of American can-do optimism. The stories of the amateurs—be they cab driver, laundry worker, or factory hand—remind listeners of the value of dreams and shared national progress.