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

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.

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)

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)

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

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.

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.