NBC Cavalcade of America 1936-12-09 -The Story Of Christmas Seals

Summary

---

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.

Transcript

[Odoo Advertiser]

Running a business is hard enough. Don't make it harder with a dozen apps that don't talk to each other. One for sales, another for inventory, a separate one for accounting. That's software overload. Odoo is the all in one platform that replaces them all. CRM, accounting, inventory, E commerce, hr. Fully integrated, easy to use, and built to grow with your business. Thousands have already made the switch. Why not you try Odoo for [e-mail] that's odoo.com.

[Narrator/Host]

Cavalcade of America presented by Dupont. The story that will be dramatized this evening on the Cavalcade of America, presented by Dupont, is the story of the Christmas Seal. In our audience here at our radio theater is the woman who started the Christmas Seal on its way in America 30 years ago, Ms. Emily Bissell. We are happy to have her with us, and we would like to have you meet her at the end of our program. As our story is told this evening, we believe you will not only gain a better understanding of the work made possible by Christmas Seals, but will make doubly sure that every Christmas card or letter or package you send carries at least one of these stamps. As our overture, Don Voorhees and the Dupont Cavalcade Orchestra bring us a selection of Cole Porter's music from the new motion picture Born to Dance.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

This evening, the Cavalcade of America brings you the story of a devoted Red Cross worker, her idea for Christmas seals, and the growth of a magnificent campaign for the better health of this country. We take you back to the winter of 1907 in the city of Wilmington, Delaware. Ms. Emily Bissell, Secretary of the local Red Cross, calls on a young Widow.

[Emily Bissell]

Good morning, Mrs. Lang. Oh, Ms. Bissell, come right in. I was hoping you'd get here. I got your note and I came just as soon as I could. I'm on my way to a Red Cross meeting. I know you're busy, Mrs. Why, what is it, Mrs. Lang? Not bad news about Carrie? No, it isn't that. The baby's fine. All she needed was to get to the country, have fresh air and better food than I could afford to give her. Oh, I'm so glad she's doing well, Mrs. Lang. You know, I think that three or four months in our pavilion will send her back to you greatly improved in health. I hope so, Ms. Bissell. The thing we're afraid of has happened. The doctor said yesterday that Johnny has one lung affected, too. Oh, Mrs. Lang, I'm so sorry. Poor, brave little Johnny. All day yesterday, I tried to realize it this little. Since my husband died two years ago, my little girl got sick. Now, my boy, it doesn't seem fair. Now, you mustn't despair like this. After all, we were afraid of it. He didn't get Carrie away from this house here soon enough. But he was always so strong. I never thought. We'll get Johnny out to the Pavilion right away today if I can manage it. Well, that's the trouble. Johnny can't go. Why not? The doctor said he couldn't. There's no more room, not a single bed. Oh, why that's ridiculous. Why, there may be some temporary mix up out there, but there'll be a place for Johnny. I'll see to that. Oh, thanks goodness, Ms. Bissell. I was sure you'd help me. Why, that pavilion was started just to help poor people with lung trouble, Mrs. Lang. And it's going to cure Johnny. I know. Now I'll go right down and see Dr. Wales.

[Johnny Lang]

Mom.

[Emily Bissell]

Hey, Mom. There he is now. Oh, Johnny. Oh, hello, Ms. Bissell.

[Johnny Lang]

I didn't know you were here.

[Emily Bissell]

Come here to me a minute, Johnny. He shouldn't be up. It's so hard to keep him put.

[Johnny Lang]

Ms. Bissell, do you know what the doctor told me? He said I'm sick in my chest like sister was.

[Emily Bissell]

Yes, I know, dear. And you'll have to learn to be quiet for a while. That's hard for little boy, isn't it?

[Johnny Lang]

Well, it'd be easier if I could.

[Emily Bissell]

Go out where my sister is. And that's just where you're going. Well, I'd better get started for Dr. Wales office right now. Goodbye, Johnny. You get back into bed now.

[Johnny Lang]

I will. I'll be waiting for you, Miss Thistle.

[Emily Bissell]

All right. Goodbye, Mrs. Lang. I'll hurry back. Goodbye, Miss Bissell. Thank you so much.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Determined to see that Johnny is not denied the opportunity of entering the pavilion, young Miss Bissell hurries to Dr. Wales office. Good morning, Emily.

[Emily Bissell]

Good morning, Joe.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Well, I see by your face that you've heard the bad news.

[Emily Bissell]

Well, what is it? What's the matter, Joe?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Oh, the Pavilion is closing in two months.

[Emily Bissell]

Closing? But it can't. What's happened?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

No, there's no use blaming me, Emily, nor any of the three doctors working with me.

[Emily Bissell]

Oh, well, I'm not blaming you, Joe, but there must be something you could do.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

I barely support my own family like more of my time than I can afford to. Charity. I can't follow that with all the money I have.

[Emily Bissell]

No, of course not. But. Oh, you've worked so hard to start the pavilion. It was such a generous thing to do. You've taught this city how to care for its sick. Now, if it's simply for the lack of a few hundred dollars.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Oh, the lack goes deeper than that. When money is missing for a charity like this, it's only because the public lacks knowledge of the need. So many people consider tuberculos hereditary and incurable and think nothing can be done about it anyway. So the worst pestilence in the world goes on unchecked.

[Emily Bissell]

Pestilence? Yes, it is a pestilence, Joe. I never thought of it just that way. I should have, though, because the Red Cross was organized to help in war, pestilence and famine. Maybe they can do something.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Well, you're the secretary of the Delaware Red Cross. It's up to you to start something.

[Emily Bissell]

But, Joe. You mean you want me to go out and find money for you to manage everything?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Yes. I've selected you to get this money, and I feel sure I'm right. It's only possible to stamp out a disease when people in general, not just doctors alone, join a health crusade to destroy it.

[Emily Bissell]

I wish there was some way to end tuberculosis completely.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Well, since tuberculosis is preventable, there are ways teach people how to safeguard their health. That's a matter of public education, Emily. So perhaps when you finish the local campaign, you could start a national one.

[Emily Bissell]

You're outlining a rather large program for me, Joe. And all this talk of prevention is too late to help people like little Johnny Lang.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Yes. The thing we have to worry about right now is our local problem. How to care for Johnny Lang and the others. So it's still up to you, Emily.

[Emily Bissell]

I can't think how to start going about getting money.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

You must have some ideas.

[Emily Bissell]

Oh, dozens, but none any good. I thought of fancy dress parties or a raffle or tag day, but the trouble is that people are so busy getting ready for Christmas that they haven't time to think of anything else. They're all buying presents and getting off their letters and their cards. Now, there's an idea.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

You thought of something?

[Emily Bissell]

Did you happen to see an article in the Outlook recently by Jacob Reese of New York?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

No, I don't think I did.

[Emily Bissell]

Well, it's told about a plan used in Denmark for raising funds for charity. They issued government stamps, rather like postage stamps. And people buy them and put them on letters to help a children's sanatorium. You see, it supports the sanatorium's needs and it spreads the message.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Stamps? Well, might be something in it.

[Emily Bissell]

Of course. The government doesn't run charities here. And besides, we need education more than money in this. Now, let me think. Let me put things together. Pestilence, the Red Cross, education, Christmas. Joe, I'm getting an idea. A big one.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Well, you decide about it, Emily. You're a sensible, energetic young woman. Any town that hasn't got a few women like you in it might as well go back to grab.

[Emily Bissell]

But you ought to help me decide what. Excuse me, Dr. Wales. Sam's been waiting 10 minutes to drive you over to that tonsillitis case.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Oh, all right.

[Narrator/Host]

Ruth.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Emily, I have to rush off. Since this cold wave. You won't find a doctor in town who will have time to help you. But good luck.

[Emily Bissell]

Well, I. I don't know where I'd get money to print the stamp.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Borrow it from somebody.

[Emily Bissell]

And I suppose you have to design a stamp before you print it.

[Narrator/Host]

Do it yourself.

[Emily Bissell]

All right, I will. A holly wreath. The Red Cross. Merry Christmas. That's easy enough. Well, everyone in town will laugh and say I've got some silly notion that won't work. But I don't care what they think. I'll be too much haunted by what a failure will mean to Johnny Lang and the others. Maybe that fear will help me make it a success.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

With the financial backing of two kindly friends, which amounted to only $40 and was never called on, Ms. Emily Bissell designed a stamp and found a printer who would wait for his money. She wrote to Washington and got permission to use the insignia of the National Red Cross for her venture. On December 7, the day the sale in Wilmington is to start, she pays an early morning call.

[Emily Bissell]

Johnny? Johnny, are you in here? Oh, Ms. Bistro.

[Johnny Lang]

Sure, I'm here, Monk. What?

[Emily Bissell]

Oh, maybe I woke you up. If I did, I'm sorry.

[Johnny Lang]

No, ma', am, you didn't. I was just lying here thinking, gee, all the packages look like Santa Claus.

[Emily Bissell]

No, Johnny, these aren't Christmas packages. I'm on my way down to the post office. I've got some signs to put up, some boxes. Look. Look here. Can you read this sign?

[Johnny Lang]

Christmas stamps. One penny a piece. Issued by the Delaware Red Cross. To stamp out the white plate.

[Emily Bissell]

That's right.

[Johnny Lang]

What's this underneath?

[Emily Bissell]

A poem.

[Johnny Lang]

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]

Well, that isn't much of a poem, Johnny, but it was the best we could do in a hurry. And anyway, we won't Be able to judge this poem until we see what it does for you.

[Johnny Lang]

Is it going to do something for me?

[Emily Bissell]

That's what I hope. You know, we saw the Postmaster General in Washington and they're letting us sell these stamps. See, with the Red Cross and Merry Christmas on them. I can sell them right in the post office. Not at a stamp window, but at a booth in the corridor. All trimmed for Christmas. Yeah, but what for? To get money so that you can go out to the pavilion and so the others can stay there.

[Johnny Lang]

Just a little stamp.

[Emily Bissell]

Oh dear. I'm afraid you feel about my plan like everyone else does, Johnny. You think poor Ms. Bissell's got a bee in her bonnet?

[Johnny Lang]

No, I don't think anything's wrong with you.

[Emily Bissell]

Fine, that makes me feel better.

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

Forget everything you had planned for this weekend because you are sitting on your couch and winning from the comfort of your own home. I'm here with Spinquest where you can play hundreds of slot games, all the table games you love, and you could even win real cash Prizes. New users. $30 coin packs are on sale for [e-mail] SpinQuest is a free to play.

[Emily Bissell]

Social casino void where prohibited.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Odoo Advertiser]

Running a business is hard enough, so why make it harder? With a dozen different apps that don't talk to each other. One for sales, another for inventory, a separate one for accounting. Before you know it, you are drowning in software. Instead of growing your business, this is where Odoo comes in. Odoo is the only business software you'll ever need. It's an all in one fully integrated platform that handles everything, CRM, accounting, inventory, E commerce, HR and more. No more app overload, no more juggling logins. Just one seamless system that makes work easier. And the best part, Odoo replaces multiple expensive platforms for a fraction of the cost. It's built to grow with your business, whether you are just starting out or already scaling up. Plus, it's easy to use, customizable and designed to streamline every process so you can focus on what really matters running your business. Thousands of businesses have made the switch, so why not you try Odoo for [e-mail] that's o d o o dot com.

[Emily Bissell]

I think I'm just playing. Well, never mind. I've got to go now, Johnny, so I'll just wrap up this sign again.

[Johnny Lang]

I'm very glad you came to see me.

[Emily Bissell]

I just had an idea for some reason that. Well, that it would bring me luck if I stopped in here and all day long. No matter how many people walk by these stamps with their heads in the air and don't buy any, I'll think about you and keep on trying.

[Johnny Lang]

Mama says you'll do your best.

[Emily Bissell]

Johnny, would you like to help me too? Take one of these stamps, will you? Sure.

[Johnny Lang]

Should I tear it off?

[Emily Bissell]

That's right. You keep it by your john. You might say a little prayer.

[Johnny Lang]

Pretty looking. Merry Christmas.

[Emily Bissell]

If people will only buy them, that's what we'll have, A Merry Christmas.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Emily Bissell quickly found that she was trying to sell stamps to a public unprepared to understand them. But the newspapers were her best helpers. All the Delaware papers played up the stamps. Soon after the sale starts, she goes to Philadelphia and talks there to the Sunday editor of a paper that has interested itself in health campaigns. I'm sorry I can't use your story. The stamps in our Sunday section, Ms. Bissell. But this isn't exactly the season of the year that people want to be depressed. There's no connection between a terrible disease like tuberculosis and a great holiday like Christmas.

[Emily Bissell]

Oh, but there is. There is a real connection. Well, when people are filled with goodwill, they want to pass it on. I'm certain I'm right about that.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Well, even if you are, this stamp idea is a little unusual.

[Emily Bissell]

You don't have to explain. You think it's silly.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Well, perhaps it'll work. I don't want to criticize.

[Emily Bissell]

It won't work. And we have plenty of newspaper space. One of my business friends loaned me two men to prepare news material. Both of them say we must get more publicity if we can, or we can't sell enough stamps.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

And I don't think our interest in ending disease is quite the same. Ms. Bissell, you're working for a local charity. We're interested in the national campaign.

[Emily Bissell]

Yes, but these stamps could be used anywhere. Don't you see?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

I'm afraid I don't.

[Emily Bissell]

Well, then I. I haven't explained it clearly. I'm not discouraged, though. You see, we're selling stamps at home, but the stamp is bigger than that. Perhaps the lives of so many people, some of them little children, depend on this. The stamp is a symbol, the banner of a great battle against death.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

I wish I could do something. I'm sorry.

[Emily Bissell]

Well, I know you're anxious to get back to your work. Thank you for seeing me anyway.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Thank you for coming in. Goodbye.

[Emily Bissell]

Good day. Can I do something for you, lady? Oh, that office door says Mr. Hodges. Isn't he the one who Writes the Optimist.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Sure.

[Emily Bissell]

It's a good column too. Yes, I always read it.

[Johnny Lang]

I'm.

[Emily Bissell]

I'm an optimist myself. I. I'd like to talk to Mr. Hodges. Oh, that's easy. Mr. Hodges likes to meet people. I'll read his column. Just a minute, please. Hey, Mr. Hodges.

[Narrator/Host]

Hello, Danny.

[Emily Bissell]

Lady out here in the hall to see ya.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Why keep her in the hall.

[Emily Bissell]

All right. Come right in, ma'.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Am.

[Emily Bissell]

Mr. Hodges ain't busy. Well, I. Oh, dear, I suppose I may as well. How. How do you do, Mr. Hodges?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Well, please come in, Miss Danny didn't give me your name.

[Emily Bissell]

I'm Emily Bissell of Wilmington. But I won't take up your time. I happened to mention to the office boy that I liked your column so much and I. I wanted to meet you.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Well, don't go away. Sit down. Any writer likes to. To talk with his readers. You know.

[Emily Bissell]

I'm a rather low spirited public right now. I've just been asking a favor of your Sunday editor.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Oh, and didn't he give it to you?

[Emily Bissell]

No.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Perhaps I could help you some way, Ms. Bissell.

[Emily Bissell]

Mr. Hodges, did you ever have an idea that was certain was perfectly wonderful and then find out that most people couldn't see it?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Maybe you haven't taken your idea around to enough people yet. Is it something you're writing?

[Emily Bissell]

Oh, no, no. It's a selling plan for a charity campaign. Would you like to read the outline I've written up about it?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Why, thank you.

[Emily Bissell]

I was afraid I'd get tongue tied with the Sunday editor. So I put my chief arguments on paper, but I used them all and still.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

A campaign against tuberculosis, huh? This paper's very much interested in that.

[Emily Bissell]

I know. That's why I made the trip up here to Philadelphia. You see, the campaign in Delaware is going well. Club women and the schools and the press are helping. But I thought that an influential paper was already interested in the subject. We could go far. Isn't my ideas bigger than Delaware or Philadelphia? It's the new tuberculosis Christmas seal stamp.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Stamp? Could I see the stamp you've designed?

[Emily Bissell]

Yes, I've got some in my purse. There.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Thanks.

[Emily Bissell]

I'm trying to place it in the Philadelphia stores, but they're not enthusiastic. If I could just find one person who would agree with me on the possibilities of selling seals, I'd feel better.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

You want to find just one person who believes in Christmas stamps? Well, you found him. Pardon me a second, Danny.

[Emily Bissell]

What is it, Mr. Hodges?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Go tell the editor. I've got to see him. Right away.

[Narrator/Host]

What? Shall I.

[Emily Bissell]

Well, I saw the editor.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Mr. Hodges saw the Sunday editor. Now you'll see the managing editor. You see, Ms. Bissell, we've been hunting for months for a way to dramatize the fight against tuberculosis. And we knew that when we found it, it would be some perfectly simple thing that we'd wonder, why didn't we think of that a year ago? Well, you found it. How many stamps have you got with you?

[Emily Bissell]

Why, about 10.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Well, we'll want 50,000 for Philadelphia.

[Emily Bissell]

50,000? But that's all we had printed.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Then you'll have to print some more. Hurry back to Wilmington. Telephone me tonight.

[Emily Bissell]

Oh, I will. Why, oh, what grand news this is going to be for the people back home. And for Johnny Lang and the others. It's all the Christmas presents they'll need. Mr. Hodges, the boss, says. What's it all about? He's kind of busy.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Tell him to put everything aside. We found a way to help stand out Tuberculosis. The faith of a handful of people launched the Christmas Seals to end tuberculosis. The first year, sales totaled $3,000. The next year leaped to 135,000. The sale of Christmas seals over the 29 years the campaign has been going on has amounted to $83 million. And the educational results. Tuberculosis has dropped from the first cause of death in this country to the seventh. In every city, there are scores of men and women who have Christmas Seals to thank for their present happiness this year on a street in Wilmington.

[Narrator/Host]

Just a minute, driver. I think I see someone I know going down the street. I better get in the cab right now, mister.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Haven't much time to catch your train. Why, it is she.

[Narrator/Host]

You wait here just a minute. Okay. Hey, ma', am, I thank you. Pardon. Aren't you Mr. Bissell?

[Emily Bissell]

Why, yes. Yes, I. I am. Perhaps I ought to know you.

[Narrator/Host]

Oh, just look hard for a minute. Of course, I put on about three feet and over a hundred pounds.

[Emily Bissell]

But why, Johnny Lang? Why, it must be 30 years since I seen you. Ah. You don't look any more like little Johnny Lang.

[Narrator/Host]

I should think not. I'm as fit as a fiddle.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Say, meeting you is great luck.

[Narrator/Host]

I'm only in Wilmington for a day.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Came east on a business trip.

[Emily Bissell]

Well, tell me, how did your family make out in California?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

We've been fine.

[Narrator/Host]

Mother's pretty well along now. You know, Carrie's teaching school up in Seattle and fine.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Me, I've got a wife and three kids.

[Narrator/Host]

Just an old married man.

[Emily Bissell]

Oh, John, I'm so glad to hear it.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Remember the day you came in to see me on the way to your first Christmas seal sale.

[Emily Bissell]

Oh, do I remember? I was never so thrilled in all my life.

[Narrator/Host]

And you gave me the first seal for luck.

[Emily Bissell]

And if you ask me, John, it was lucky.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

It was lucky for me, all right.

[Narrator/Host]

Every time I see a Christmas seal sale, I remember that it's going to be lucky for some other fellow. I'll bet you're on your way now to the nearest stand to ask how the sales are coming on.

[Emily Bissell]

Well, as a matter of fact, John, I am. We hope for a good year. You know, John Lang, you ought to buy some seals.

[Narrator/Host]

You know, you can't catch me there. I. I got him in my pocket someplace.

[Emily Bissell]

Ah, that's fine.

[Narrator/Host]

Honestly, Ms. Bissell, I don't know how to express the thanks I owe you personally. And the other people who helped me.

[Emily Bissell]

The people you're indebted to were the people who bought fields that first year, John. And we'll never know who they were.

[Narrator/Host]

Well, to them and to you and to everyone who helped.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Thanks. I better hurry, sir.

[Narrator/Host]

Better hurry. There's my taxi driver reminding me I have to catch a train if I want to spend Christmas with my family.

[Emily Bissell]

Well, you run on, John. Don't let me keep you. And give my love to your family and Merry Christmas.

[Narrator/Host]

Merry Christmas. And good luck to your Christmas seal.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Millions have been brought back to health. Millions have avoided the tragedy of illness, but the work has by no means ended. Tuberculosis still takes more lives between the ages of 15 and 40 than any other disease. The national and local tuberculosis associations throughout the country continue their work untiringly, confident that the American public, which has brought them so far on the road to success, will continue in its faith and generosity.

[Narrator/Host]

And now it gives me great pleasure to introduce the lady that made all these things possible, the organizer of Christmas Fields as an increasing force for combating tuberculosis in America, Ms. Emily Bissell.

[Emily Bissell]

I am delighted to be present this evening to hear this story of 30 years ago. I assure you that it is accurate. I have known many young Johnnies and Carys once ill, who are now leading healthy, normal lives. 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. It is cutting down the death rate between the ages of 15 and 25. For this year, for the first time, no one under 19 has died of tuberculosis in Delaware. I want to thank personally every one of you who have helped us carry our campaign forward through this interesting dramatic sketch.

[Narrator/Host]

Thank you, Ms. Bissell. This evening we salute those marchers in the Cavalcade of America whose work makes life healthier and thus happier for all. Any effort to save lives and guard the public health concerns everyone. Let us therefore review the advances that have been made. A baby boy born in 1850 could expect live on the average about 38 years. Today's child can look forward to a lifespan of six 60 years or more. How has this been done? One of the factors in lengthening our average span of life has been the remarkable forward strides of medical and surgical science. Another has been the achievements of chemical research in producing new and better medicines and other products that serve the medical profession. Doctors say that tuberculosis, for instance, can be cured in virtually every case if treated early. One reason the death rate from tuberculosis used to be so high was that doctors with the methods of diagnosis then known had difficulty in detecting its presence in time. The discovery of X ray gave the medical profession an important new tool to aid in diagnosing tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases. By taking X ray pictures of the lungs, doctors can detect the presence of of tuberculosis in its various stages. DuPont research has contributed to this forward step by perfecting X ray films that enables doctors to get clearer pictures of the human anatomy than ever before. Another important aid to physicians in diagnosing trouble is the group of products known as bio is the group of products known as bio is the group of products known as bio is the group of products known as bio is the group of products known as biological stains. These chlorine compounds, when applied to samples of body tissue and the like, make it possible to see by means of the microscope, tiny organisms such as streptococci that otherwise would not be visible. These stains thus enable doctors to diagnose a variety of diseases in time to check further ravages. Once we were dependent upon Europe for almost all the biological stains we needed. And when this supply was cut off during the war, our physicians and hospitals faced a grave situation. Today, dupont supplies a variety of dyes for these important diagnostic aids. The DuPont company also makes chemical ingredients for many of these products that aid in the conquest of disease. Its contributions to the protection of human health give deep and lasting meaning to the DuPont phrase better things for better living through chemistry. The man who had two careers. The interesting story of Samuel F.B. morse, artist and inventor, will be the subject of our broadcast when next week at this same time, dupont again presents the Cavalcade of America. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

Forget everything you had planned for this weekend because you are sitting on your couch and winning from the comfort of your own home. I'm here with spinquest where you can play hundreds of slot games, all the table games you love, and you could even win real cash prizes. New users $30 coin packs are on sale for [e-mail] SpinQuest is a free.

[Emily Bissell]

To play social casino void where prohibited.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Guardian Bikes Advertiser]

Attention parents and grandparents. If you're looking for a gift that's more than just a toy, give them something that inspires confidence and adventure all year long. Give them a Guardian bike, the easiest, safest and number one kids bike on the market. With USA Made Kids Specific frames and patented safety technology, kids are learning to ride in just one day. No training wheels needed. It's why Guardian is America's favorite kids bike and the New York Times and Wirecutter's top pick three years in a row. This holiday season, Guardian is offering their biggest deal of the year, up to 40% in savings on all bikes plus $100 in free accessories. Guardian bikes have become the most sought after gifts of the season and inventory is going fast, so don't wait. Join over half a million happy families who've discovered the magic of Guardian. Shop [e-mail] that's guardianbikes.com.