The Kate Smith Show 40-08-26 Summering in the Adirondacks

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Kate Smith Show – “Summering in the Adirondacks”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: Originally aired August 26, 1940
Host: Kate Smith (with announcer Ted Collins)
Summary Date: November 2, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this nostalgic episode, Kate Smith broadcasts from her summer retreat in the Adirondacks during a cool August in 1940. Blending personal anecdotes from the mountains with reflections on current events and social progress, the show offers listeners warmth, down-to-earth life advice, and encouragement amid a turbulent time in history. The anniversary of women's suffrage, the latest news abroad and at home, and stories from the heart of New York City blend together in a comforting half-hour by the radio.

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Key Discussion Points

1. “Summering” in the Adirondacks

(00:48–02:43)

• Kate describes the unusually chilly summer weather in the Adirondacks, noting, “Yesterday morning the thermometer on my front porch was down to 32 degrees. And believe me, that’s chilly for August or for any other month as far as that goes.” (00:56)
• She shares the beauty of the mountain forests and recounts attending a local lawn party, imparting a practical tip:
  • Tablecloth Hack: “In each corner of the tablecloth there were four good sized pockets and each held a small fieldstone to hold the cloth so that even a strong breeze wouldn't blow it about... I think this little pocket idea is really a very useful hint for those who like to eat out in the open.” (01:32)
• Reads a cheerful letter from a boy at scout camp, who expresses his enthusiasm for Grape Nuts cereal.

2. World War II News Update

(03:34–08:14)

• Ted Collins provides a “What’s New?” segment, capturing the drama in Europe:
  • “Last night and in the dark hours this morning, London and Berlin traded stunning aerial blows. Press association dispatches from both capitals today indicate that the German attack on Great Britain was one of the heaviest nights of sky warfare...” (03:39)
• Key points include:
  • Intense bombing raids between Germany and Britain, with both sides claiming high enemy losses.
  • London and Berlin’s accounts of destruction and civilian hardship.
  • The United States’ legislative action: conscription/bill passage updates and the national registration of aliens.
    • “The United States begins registering an estimated 3,600,000 aliens. Tomorrow all post offices are reported ready for the job of fingerprinting and questions.” (06:44)
• House investigations into foreign propaganda by Germany, Italy, and Russia in the US.

3. Anniversary of Women's Suffrage

(08:14–09:59)

• Kate marks August 26 as the 20th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment:
  • “It is a red letter day for every woman in the United States because it’s the anniversary of the right of women to vote.” (08:15)
• Reflection on the increasing influence of women in politics and Kate’s passionate encouragement for women to register and vote:
  • “...no American woman should shirk the responsibility of voting and making it her business to learn enough about the workings of our government... so that she can cast her vote intelligently for the common good.” (09:13)

4. Conversation About Recipes and Grape Nuts

(09:59–11:19)

• Lighthearted banter between Ted Collins and Kate Smith about “reading” the recipes on Grape Nuts cereal boxes:
  • “There’s nothing like plenty of good books when you’re on vacation, you know.” (10:01 – Kate)
  • Ted steers the conversation to cereal recipes, with Kate agreeing these “tempting treats” are a joy to try and serve.
• Highlighting the importance of bringing joy and variety to home life.

5. The Rooftop Campfire — Stories from New York City

(11:19–14:36)

• Kate shares a moving story of the Madison Square Boys Club’s rooftop campfire for underprivileged boys:
  • “This evening at the stroke of nine, a campfire will blaze against the Manhattan sky from a rooftop on East 29th Street... The boys around the fire will be neighborhood boys of poor families. Boys who couldn't get away to the regular summer camps.” (11:20)
  • Details evoke the magic and escapism provided by the program, complete with stories by Swift Eagle, an Indian Scout, and simple joys like potatoes and marshmallows roasted over an urban rooftop fire.
  • “It doesn't take much money or much time or thought to bring happiness to the hearts of small boys. And I think something of the glow from that rooftop campfire and the glow in their little faces must be reflected in a very bright and shining light in the hearts of those who give what they can to fine organizations...” (13:50)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Adirondacks:
  “If you have never seen tall trees in the forest starting to change color, by all means try to see this beautiful sight. You will never forget it.” (01:04 – Kate Smith)
• On Women’s Suffrage:
  “This privilege of casting a vote is one that should be exercised by every woman in our land, because those who are elected... are responsible for the laws that affect homes, women, and their children.” (08:46 – Kate Smith)
• On Bringing Joy:
  “It doesn't take much money or much time or thought to bring happiness to the hearts of small boys.” (13:50 – Kate Smith)
• On War News:
  “Berlin last night felt war from the sky. But intense as was the defensive fire... London today claimed to have shot down 55 German planes yesterday.” (05:36 – Ted Collins)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:48–02:43: Adirondack summer, lawn party story, reader letter
• 03:34–08:14: World War II update & US news
• 08:14–09:59: 20th anniversary of women’s suffrage
• 09:59–11:19: Grape Nuts recipe banter
• 11:19–14:36: Rooftop campfire for city boys

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Tone & Style

Kate Smith’s voice is warm, friendly, and practical. She treats her listeners as friends by sharing personal experiences and advice, yet brings a serious and patriotic tone when addressing national and world events. The conversation is grounded in daily life, with a consistent emphasis on community, kindness, and civic responsibility, all delivered in the unhurried, sincere atmosphere characteristic of old-time radio.

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Conclusion

This episode of The Kate Smith Show offers a comforting blend of homespun wisdom, topical reporting, gentle encouragement, and nostalgia—all while reminding listeners of the lasting importance of civic engagement and the small joys to be found amid uncertain times.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[A]

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[C]

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[D]

Liberty.

[C]

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[B]

It's high noon in New York and time for Kate Smith, brought to you every day except Saturday and Sunday by the makers of Grape Nuts, the cereal which makes even a light breakfast the right breakfast. Here she is. Kate Smith.

[D]

Hello, everybody. Several times during the last eight weeks I've passed the remark that I am summering in the Adirondacks. I was thinking this morning that I have been making very much of an overstatement when I say summering. For honestly, I never remember a summer being quite like this one. Yesterday morning the thermometer on my front porch was down to 32 degrees. And believe me, that's chilly for August or for any other month as far as that goes. But who cares? It's really gorgeous here in the mountains. And if you have never seen tall trees in the forest starting to change color, by all means try to see this beautiful sight. You will never forget it. Yesterday I went to what they call a lawn party up here in the mountains, one of those lovely affairs where a table is set out under the trees and everybody sits down to a real feast. But I'm not going to talk about the menu. I want to pass along to you an idea I picked up there which seems to me to be very original. In each corner of the tablecloth there were four good sized pockets and each held a small fieldstone to hold the cloth so that even a strong breeze wouldn't blow it about. I've often been to picnics and seen just what usually happens when the wind does blow up the corners of the tablecloth and tosses them into the dishes. And I think this little pocket idea is really a very useful hint for those who like to eat out in the open. So don't say that I didn't tell you about it. Here's a letter I received from a young fellow who's been on KP duty for the last week or so at a scout camp, and he says it's not exactly my favorite job, but there are a few good things about it. Whenever I hear the chef planning breakfast, I get him to put in Grape Nuts. Boy, oh boy, how I go for that Swell Grape Nuts flavor.

[B]

Well, that's what I like to hear, Kate. And folks, that's exactly what we are hearing from more and more people every day. Yes, millions of Americans enjoy that distinctive malty rich Grape Nuts goodness every morning. And once you've tried Grape Nuts and discovered that tempting sweet as a nut flavor, I know you'll be a grape Nuts booster too. You see, Grape Nuts are blended from two delicious sun ripened wheat and malted barley, first baked and then toasted to bring out all the grand zest of each. And Grape Nuts flakes are every bit as inviting and luscious as Grape nuts because they give you that same blended flavor in crisp toasty brown flakes. So you ask your grocer today for Grape Nuts and Grape Nuts flakes.

[D]

And now, Ted, what's new?

[B]

Well, last night and in the dark hours this morning, London and Berlin traded stunning aerial blows. Press association dispatches from both capitals today indicate that the German attack on Great Britain was one of the heaviest nights of sky warfare since Adolf Hitler began throwing waves of bombers at the British Isles. The German High command today asserts that their raids caused great destruction to aircraft and arms factories in the Birmingham, Kingston and Coventry areas of England. London admits many civilian casualties and substantial property damage too, including some damage to two industrial establishments in the Midlands. London had two night alarms. But while the Nazis were dealing out sledgehammer blows from the air over England, Britain's Royal Air Force bombers were winging their devastating cargoes into Germany. Waves of British planes attacked important objectives in northwest Germany, the heavily industrialized Ruhr, and in the hours after midnight zoomed over Berlin itself. In London, the Air Ministry said that the Berlin attack was directed against the great munitions plants which feed the Nazi war machine. Official Berlin claims that an incendiary bomb which dropped on a flower nursery was the only one which fell on the capital. Nevertheless, veterans of bomb attacks on other European capitals said that they heard thunderous explosions amid the crash of anti aircraft shells. And to them the explosions sounded as if they might have been caused by high explosive bombs. But whatever the damage caused by the Berlin attack, it brought the sound and feel of warfare to the capital of the Reich more vividly than ever before. British planes droned over the center of the city over the new Chancellery, the Foreign Ministry, the Propaganda Ministry and other government buildings. The citizens of Berlin huddled in air raid shelters for three hours and one minute while the din of what seemed to be every last anti aircraft gun in the city brought into action against the British invaders from the center of the capital to its suburbs where several bombs fell. Berlin last night felt war from the sky. But intense as was the defensive fire. Only one British airman is claimed to have been bagged. London today claimed to have shot down 55 German planes yesterday. 34 of them are said to have been downed when a flight of 130 Germans tried to raid the Dorset coast against fierce Royal Air Force opposition. Britain admits the loss of 13 planes, but says that three of the pilots landed safely. Berlin counters by claiming that 72 British planes were felled with a loss of only 14 of their own. Here at home, the important news still continues to center on defense. A Washington dispatch reports the claim by Senate supporters of the Burke Wadsworth or conscription bill to 51 votes now. This would of course be two more votes than are needed for the bill's passage. And this was taken to indicate that the passing vote very likely will come this week. The United States begins registering an estimated 3,600,000 aliens. Tomorrow all post offices are reported ready for the job of fingerprinting and questions. As high an average as 36,000 persons a day can be taken care of. It is said the deadline fixed by Congress for the completion of the survey is December 26th. Now each alien is compelled to give a full personal history on a blank containing 15 questions. Aliens under 14 must be registered by their parents or guardians. All must state the names of the organizations in which they hold membership, the full record of military service and whether they have been engaged in behalf of a foreign government within the last five years. However, Earl G. Harrison, the registration director, says in a statement today it is not the intention of Congress to start a witch hunt or a program of persecution of peaceful and law abiding aliens. And he warned those who are required to register against registration. Racketeers who fraudulently offer to make registration unnecessary for a fee. And here's a late news dispatch in New York City, Representative dies, Chairman of the House committee investigating UN American activity said today that he had positive evidence that Germany, Italy and Russia are flooding this country with propaganda. The propaganda, according to Dyes, is designed to disrupt our national defense and prevent American aid to Great Britain. And that at the moment is what.

[D]

What's new today isn't a holiday that's marked in any special way on our calendars. But it is a red letter day for every woman in the United States because it is the anniversary of the right of women to vote. It was just 20 years ago, on August 26, 1920, that the 19th Amendment to the Constitution granting suffrage to women was proclaimed to be ineffective. Of course, in several states in the Union there were women voters before 1920, but it wasn't until that time that the right of women to vote was nationally approved. Since then, the part played by women in politics has become increasingly important. And while there are those who still contend that a woman's place is in the home, still this privilege of casting a vote is one that should be exercised by every woman in our land, because those who are elected to office are responsible for the laws that affect homes, women, and their children. While I've never been described as an ardent feminist and have no desire whatever to engage actively in politics, still I do earnestly believe that it is important to the welfare of our nation that no American woman should shirk the responsibility of voting and making it her business to learn enough about the workings of our government and the records of candidates for election to public office so that she can cast her vote intelligently for the common good. So today's date is a little reminder to all of us women that registration days will soon be here and that in order to vote in November, we must register at whatever time is set aside in our particular community for this purpose.

[B]

Say, Kate, do you do much reading these days?

[D]

Oh, I sure do, Ted. There's nothing like plenty of good books when you're on vacation, you know.

[B]

Well, I'm not thinking about books right now. It's something else. Something every woman would enjoy reading and then doing something about.

[D]

But what's that?

[B]

Those delicious recipes printed on every package of Grape Nuts. Now, honestly, wouldn't they set your mouth to watering just to read them?

[D]

You're right about that, Ted. But believe me, the real joy comes when you serve some of those tempting treats. Ladies, what's your favorite? A platter of muffins, a creamy pudding, a fruit bread, or a tray of ice cream? Well, whatever it is, you'll really perk up your recipes when you add that luscious, multi rich Grape Nuts flavor.

[B]

Yes, indeed. And there are a variety of exciting recipes on every Grape Nuts package, and I think you'll want to try them. Grape Nuts Muffins, Fragrant Grape Nuts, fruit breads, Velvety smooth Grape Nuts ice cream, and creamy baked bananas. That distinctive Grape Nuts flavor makes new combinations a big success and old favorites even better than ever. So you ask your grocer today for a package of Grape Nuts. And then don't fail to try some of those recipes real soon.

[D]

This evening at the stroke of nine, a campfire will blaze against the Manhattan sky from a rooftop on East 29th Street. And in the fire lit circle a group of youngsters will listen to wonderful stories of western plains as only an old Indian Scout himself could tell them. That campfire will be blazing on the roof of the Madison Square Boys Club. And the boys around the fire will be neighborhood boys of poor families. Boys who couldn't get away to the regular summer camps. This year the Indian Scout will be Swift Eagle of the Toyhua tribes of New Mexico. On the street below the roof, tenements crowd close to each other and old men sit on the steps in slippered feet. But on the roof there are stars and stories. Potatoes baking in the fire and marshmallows toasting over the embers. A boy, if he closed his eyes to the shadowy outlines of skyscrapers all about him, could well imagine himself in a clearing somewhere in the forest. A real camper in a real camp. When the story hour is over, the boys will snuggle into cots inside tents pitched right there on the roof. And the wind will blow the tent flaps just as it would in any wilderness retreat far from the city. Then it's good night. With the 2nd Avenue elevated trains rattling through the dark lulling the boys to sleep with the clickety clack of their wheels sharply. At 6:30 tomorrow morning a rousing bugle call will bring the campers to their feet. They'll raise the American flag into the morning haze and pledge their allegiance annual to it. They'll cook their own breakfast, then fall to it a dozen different sports until 10 o'. Clock. The roof is then open to other club boys and camp is over until the next campfire is lighted and a different group of youngsters gathers around. This little camp high above the busy streets in the heart of the city grew out of the boys fondness for building fires and roasting potatoes. The director of the Boys club realized the yearning that fills all boys hearts. To sleep now and then under the stars. To stare into the glow of the firelight and find pictures in the dancing flames. And so the rooftop camp became a reality, a haven to take poor boys off the city street. And while it may be just a drab rooftop to some it's a small patch of wonderland to a lot of youngsters. When night spreads a veil over the dust and heat of a great metropolis and Swift Eagles weaves his stories, stories of the Old West. It doesn't take much money or much time or thought to bring happiness to the hearts of small boys. And I think something of the glow from that rooftop campfire and the glow in their little faces must be reflected in a very bright and shining light in the hearts of those who give what they can to fine organizations like like the Madison Square Boys Club. And now I see it's time for me to be on my way. But I'll be back with you all again tomorrow at the same time. So until then, thanks for listening and goodbye, folks.

[B]

You have been listening to Kate Smith who comes to you Monday through Friday at this same time with a quarter hour of news, comments and stories. Until tomorrow, this is Ted Collins saying for a breakfast that's nutritious and delicious, eat Grape Nuts. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[A]

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[B]

Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

[A]

Cut the camera. They see us.

[C]

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[E]

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