Podcast Summary: "The Town Crier Twenty Years Ago"
Episode Title: The Town Crier Twenty Years Ago
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: March 8, 2025
Introduction
In this evocative episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, host Mark Warnold takes listeners on a nostalgic voyage back to October 1913. Titled "The Town Crier Twenty Years Ago", the episode masterfully blends historical narration with engaging storytelling, capturing the essence of a bygone era through the lens of a fictional town crier. This summary delves into the key discussions, insights, and poignant reflections presented throughout the episode.
Mark Warnold's Invitation to the Past
The episode opens with Mark Warnold introducing himself as the town crier, setting the stage for a unique journey through time.
"Tonight your old town FR has something on his mind, such as it is... I want to make a little journey in opposition to that mysterious and relentless factor we call time."
[00:15]
Warnold draws a parallel to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, suggesting a similar venture into memories and history.
"Why don't we go on such a journey tonight? Come on. Are you ready?"
[03:45]
He invites listeners to traverse the years, moving backward from 1933 to 1913, emphasizing a desire to explore the "shape of things past."
Journey Back to October 1913
The Daily Life of Alexander Wolkett
At the heart of this temporal expedition is Alexander Wolkett, a 26-year-old reporter for the New York Times. Warnold paints a vivid picture of Wolkett's life, highlighting his innocence and the vast changes he would unknowingly witness in the ensuing two decades.
"He doesn't know much... Think of the things he knows nothing about... Why, he's never heard of Calvin Coolidge. He's never heard of midget golf... He has a lot to learn, the poor Schlemihl."
[10:30]
Political and Social Climate
The episode delves into significant political events of 1913, including the impeachment of the Governor of New York and the dynamics within the U.S. Congress concerning the Owen Glass Bill.
"A mild measure called the Owen Glass Bill is on the carpet in Congress. These banker chaps will denounce it as confiscatory. They'll call it downright socialism."
[12:15]
Sports and International Affairs
Warnold captures the excitement of the first game of the 1913 World Series, detailing the Athletics' victory over the Giants, and touches upon international tensions, particularly referencing events in Russia and England.
"Up at the polo grounds, the first game of the 1913 World Series has just been played. It's the Athletics against the Giants this Afternoon. The Athletics won the first game, 4 2, thanks to Frank Baker..."
[14:00]
He ominously references the Lusitania, foreshadowing future tragedies:
"She is like some great golden galleon. On her hull is painted the word Lusitania. Someday she will head for this same port and never reach it."
[16:45]
Notable Figures and Future Legacies
The narrative introduces future luminaries, hinting at their eventual prominence:
-
Herbert Hoover: An American mining engineer settling in England, unaware of his future presidency.
"His name is Herbert Hoover. In Berlin, the Kaiser sits on his throne... he'll live to see the incompetent rulers of the world..."
[15:30] -
Al Capone: Introduced through his earlier persona as Alons Brown, a young Italian newsboy.
"You'll hear from him yet. You'll know him as Al Capone in one of the temples of Keith vaudeville."
[17:10] -
Charlie Lindbergh: A young boy in Washington with a budding interest in aviation.
"His name is Charlie Lindbergh... A rangy fair haired kid... he saw for the first time in his life an airplane."
[17:50]
These character sketches not only enrich the historical context but also create a sense of destiny and transformation.
Reflection and Return to 1933
As the journey concludes, Warnold reflects on the transient nature of time and history's relentless progression.
"Well, we're back in the present and times have changed... We must go back to the present."
[17:55]
He underscores the cyclical nature of events, moving from war and peace back to economic strains, encapsulating the era of the Great Depression.
Book Recommendation and Musical Interlude
Transitioning smoothly, Warnold introduces a book recommendation segment, likening his role to that of a medieval taster, prudently sampling cultural offerings before presenting them to the public.
"I hereby report that I have just enjoyed without deleterious After Effects the new book from England called Brazilian Adventure by Peter Fleming."
[20:09]
Following this, the episode features a musical performance by Mary Eastman, singing "Santa Lucia," a song chosen by renowned author Newton Booth Tarkington.
"His name is Newton Booth Tarkington... The song he chose for tonight is Santa Lucia."
[18:19]
Eastman's rendition adds an emotional layer, bridging the past with personal memories and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The episode gracefully winds down with farewells from thecast members, including Mary Eastman and Alexander Walcott, reinforcing the communal and intimate atmosphere characteristic of old-time radio shows.
"This is Mark Warnold bidding you good night... This is Alexander Walcott... This is Don Ball, also saying good night."
[22:21]
Through meticulous narration and rich audio elements, "The Town Crier Twenty Years Ago" offers listeners a profound exploration of 1913 from a 1933 perspective, encapsulating the hopes, fears, and everyday lives of individuals who unknowingly shaped the future.
Notable Quotes
-
Mark Warnold at invitation to journey:
"I want to make a little journey in opposition to that mysterious and relentless factor we call time."
[00:15] -
Reflection on Alexander Wolkett:
"He has a lot to learn, the poor Schlemihl."
[10:30] -
On the Lusitania:
"Someday she will head for this same port and never reach it."
[16:45] -
Book recommendation analogy:
"I am a little like the tasters employed by the Doges in medieval Venice... If the taster survived, the doge began dunking with a relish."
[20:09] -
Final farewell:
"This is Mark Warnold bidding you good night."
[22:21]
Final Thoughts
Harold's Old Time Radio delivers a captivating episode that not only entertains but also educates its audience about the intricate tapestry of history. By personifying historical figures and intertwining real events with fictional narratives, Mark Warnold creates an immersive experience that resonates deeply with both history enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.