Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Major Bowes' Amateur Hour 36-09-17: A Salute To The City of Detroit
Date: August 26, 2025

Episode Overview

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.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Saluting Detroit — The Motor City

[05:18–08:35]

• Major Bowes offers a historical and industrial salute to Detroit, detailing its rapid growth, diverse industries, and status as a global automotive capital.
• Noted for:
  • Hosting 1,093 kinds of industries, led by auto manufacturing.
  • Producing 75% of U.S. autos and 94% within a 75-mile radius.
  • Social amenities: clubs, theaters, parks, and well-kept avenues.
• Major Bowes frames Detroit's rise as symbolic of American resilience and optimism.

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]

2. Amateur Performers & Their Stories

Joe Smith, Taxi Driver from the Bronx

[02:05–05:18]

• Profile: 46 years old, 210 pounds, 5'3", drives an open-air DeSoto cab in NYC.
• Shares a humorous story about a passenger transporting a tree in his cab.
• Sings "It's a Sin to Tell a Lie" with equal parts earnestness and playfulness.

Quote:

"My wife told me to tell you if I tell you this, it will go over big."
– Joe Smith [03:18]

Robert Rowe ("Singing Bob"), Auto Trimmer from Detroit

[10:06–13:01]

• English heritage, learned singing from his father, who sang in a cathedral choir for 40+ years.
• Known as "Singing Bob" at the automotive upholstery shop.
• Performs "Bells in the Lighthouse," representing Detroit’s working class.

Quote:

"The boys at the shop, they call me Singing Bob. But sometimes they spell it with a double O."
– Robert Rowe [10:20]

Hilda Morse, Young Soprano from the Bronx

[13:01–16:34]

• 17, graduated high school at 15; helps in family hand laundry, operates a mangle machine, bakes local-famous apple meringue pies.
• Aspires to sing at the Metropolitan Opera.
• Performs “One Fine Day” from Madame Butterfly, impressing with talent and ambition.

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]

Frank W. Smith, President of Consolidated Edison

[18:45–24:20]

• Major Bowes surprises him for a live interview and harmonica performance.
• Smith reflects on starting work at age 13 and commends Bowes for offering opportunities to young people on the show.
• Plays “Listen to the Mockingbird” on harmonica, revealing a lighter side of a corporate leader.

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]

George Marshall, Baritone from Wilkes-Barre, PA

[27:38–30:27]

• African-American laborer, worked in coal mines, construction, and fields.
• Aspires to be a minister, using song as a path to upliftment.
• Performs "Land of Degradation," paralleling the story of Clyde Barry, who found success after appearing on the program.

Quote:

"I want to be a minister and be the gospel. Fine singing voice to your great advantage."
– George Marshall [29:10]

3. Voting & Audience Participation

[02:05, 10:06, 24:20]

• Listeners could vote by phone (Cherry 5111 in Detroit, Murray Hill 89933 in NYC), by postcard, or at Chrysler dealerships.
• Live updates:
  • Joe Smith: 1,175 calls
  • Robert Rowe: 3,475 calls
  • Hilda Morse: 807 calls

4. Chrysler’s Engineering and Economic Strength

[30:27–32:23]

• Closing segment promoting Chrysler motor cars, emphasizing safety, innovation, and affordability.
• All models feature safety steel bodies, hydraulic brakes, floating power engines, and advanced weight distribution.
• Pricing:
  • Plymouth starts at $510
  • Dodge at $640
  • DeSoto at $695
  • Chrysler at $760
• Easy payment plans available.

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]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• 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]

Segment Timestamps

• [02:05] – Show opens with Joe Smith (Taxi Driver)
• [05:18] – Major Bowes’ tribute to Detroit
• [10:06] – Robert Rowe (Auto trimmer, Singer)
• [13:01] – Hilda Morse (Young soprano)
• [16:34] – Encouragement to amateur talent, voting update
• [18:45] – Major Bowes interviews Frank W. Smith (Consolidated Edison)
• [24:20] – Civic congratulations for Detroit
• [27:38] – George Marshall (Baritone, Wilkes-Barre, PA)
• [30:27] – Chrysler car features and closing remarks
• [32:23] – Program close

Final Thoughts

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.