Podcast Summary: NBC Cavalcade of America – "The Story of Christmas Seals"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: December 1, 2025 (original airdate December 9, 1936)
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Special Guest: Ms. Emily Bissell (Originator of the American Christmas Seal)

Overview

This episode of the Cavalcade of America, originally aired in 1936, dramatizes the inspiring true story of Emily Bissell and the origins of the Christmas Seal campaign in the United States. In an era when tuberculosis was one of the leading causes of death, Bissell's ingenuity and perseverance created a movement that would transform public health fundraising, education, and the lives of countless families. Listeners are invited to reflect on the enduring importance of Christmas Seals and the ongoing battle against disease.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Tuberculosis Crisis (05:17–10:12)

• Setting: Wilmington, Delaware, winter 1907.
• Key Characters:
  • Emily Bissell, local Red Cross Secretary
  • Mrs. Lang, a struggling mother of two sick children
  • Dr. Wales, physician at the local tuberculosis pavilion
• Challenge: The story opens with Mrs. Lang’s fears for her son Johnny, who, like his sister, has contracted tuberculosis. When Emily attempts to secure care for Johnny, she learns that the local pavilion is closing, not due to lack of willingness but due to lack of funds and public awareness.
• Quote:
  • “The worst pestilence in the world goes on unchecked.” – Dr. Wales (09:15)
  • “It’s only possible to stamp out a disease when people in general, not just doctors alone, join a health crusade to destroy it.” – Dr. Wales (10:01)

2. The Birth of an Idea (10:12–12:33)

• As public charity efforts stall, Emily Bissell recalls an article about fundraising stamps in Denmark and conceives of a Christmas charity stamp campaign in the U.S.
• She recognizes the importance of linking public education and support with fundraising.
• Quote:
  • “The trouble is that people are so busy getting ready for Christmas... there’s an idea.” – Emily Bissell (10:50)
  • “A holly wreath. The Red Cross. Merry Christmas…” – Emily Bissell designing the first stamp (12:33)

3. Overcoming Skepticism & Launching the Campaign (13:10–17:37)

• With a modest $40 backing and self-designed stamps, Emily launches the campaign with little more than hope and the help of a few friends.
• She successfully gets permission to use the Red Cross insignia and local post office support.
• Emotional moments with Johnny Lang, giving him the first Christmas Seal as a token of hope.
• Quote:
  • “Put this stamp with message bright on every Christmas letter. Help the tuberculosis fight and make the New Year better. These stamps do not carry any kind of mail, but any kind of mail will carry them.” – Emily Bissell, reading campaign poem (14:14)
  • “If people will only buy them, that’s what we’ll have, a Merry Christmas.” – Emily Bissell (17:37)

4. Spreading the Message & Gaining Momentum (17:59–22:55)

• Emily faces indifference and skepticism, particularly as the stamps are seen as out-of-place amid holiday cheer.
• Her persistent efforts finally pay off when a journalist, Mr. Hodges, sees the potential and commits to publicize the campaign, requesting 50,000 stamps for Philadelphia.
• The campaign garners powerful press support, turning a local effort into a national movement.
• Quote:
  • “The stamp is a symbol, the banner of a great battle against death.” – Emily Bissell (19:22)
  • “You want to find just one person who believes in Christmas stamps? Well, you found him.” – Mr. Hodges (22:24)

5. Remarkable Impact & Legacy (23:05–27:20)

• First-year sales reach $3,000; the second year leaps to $135,000; by the 1930s, $83 million has been raised.
• Tuberculosis drops from the first leading cause of death to seventh, demonstrating the profound impact of awareness and prevention.
• Decades later, a grown Johnny Lang meets Emily, bringing the campaign’s human consequences full circle.
• Quote:
  • “The faith of a handful of people launched the Christmas Seals to end tuberculosis.” – Narrator (23:17)
  • “Every time I see a Christmas seal sale, I remember that it’s going to be lucky for some other fellow.” – Johnny Lang (25:28)

6. Acknowledgment from Emily Bissell (27:20–28:18)

• Emily Bissell appears, confirming the story’s accuracy, and celebrates the educational and public health victories of Christmas Seals.
• She notes the dramatic reduction in childhood tuberculosis deaths in Delaware, owing to decades of prevention and public support.
• Quote:
  • “Children of today are much less likely to be infected because of the educational work of the Christmas seal. It is the great symbol of prevention and cure.” – Emily Bissell (27:34)

7. Reflection on Medical Progress (28:18–31:50)

• The episode closes with discussion of how medical, chemical, and technological advances (notably X-rays and diagnostic dyes) have reduced mortality and improved diagnosis—alongside community-driven efforts like Christmas Seals.
• Quote:
  • “Better things for better living through chemistry.” – Narrator (28:18)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “It’s only possible to stamp out a disease when people in general... join a health crusade.” – Dr. Wales (10:01)
• “The stamp is a symbol, the banner of a great battle against death.” – Emily Bissell (19:22)
• "You want to find just one person who believes in Christmas stamps? Well, you found him." – Mr. Hodges (22:24)
• "The faith of a handful of people launched the Christmas Seals to end tuberculosis." – Narrator (23:17)
• "Children of today are much less likely to be infected because of the educational work of the Christmas seal." – Emily Bissell (27:34)

Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Details | |------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:17 | Tuberculosis crisis and the struggle for resources | | 10:12 | Emily Bissell conceives the Christmas seal idea | | 13:10 | Launch of the first local Christmas Seal campaign | | 14:14 | The campaign poem and first stamps sold | | 17:59 | Facing skepticism—pitching the campaign to newspapers | | 22:24 | Breakthrough support from Philadelphia and Mr. Hodges | | 23:17 | National impact and results of the first Christmas Seal campaigns | | 24:13 | Reconnecting with Johnny Lang, a former child patient, three decades later | | 27:20 | Emily Bissell’s real-life acknowledgment and the enduring legacy | | 28:18 | Reflection on advancements in medicine and the ongoing public health battle |

Tone and Style

The episode maintains a tone of sincere earnestness and inspirational optimism, highlighting the power of ordinary citizens to effect widespread change through charity, innovation, and perseverance—even amid skepticism and hardship. Characters speak in heartfelt, period-appropriate language, emphasizing community, compassion, and duty.

Summary

This dramatized account of Emily Bissell's Christmas Seal campaign is a moving tribute to grassroots action against deadly disease. It recounts the redemptive power of public engagement, persistence in the face of doubt, and the lasting benefits wrought by a simple holiday stamp. The program closes by honoring both the medical advances and the ordinary supporters whose pennies, stamps, and goodwill made a healthier future possible.