Voice Of New York 42-06-16 New York War Bond Pledge Campaign

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio Episode: Voice Of New York 42-06-16 New York War Bond Pledge Campaign
Release Date: January 18, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Voice Of New York 42-06-16 New York War Bond Pledge Campaign", host Gabriel Heater takes listeners to the bustling Times Square in front of the Astor Hotel. Broadcasting on WOR Special Features Division in cooperation with the Treasury Department, Heater serves as the inquiring reporter for the New York War Bond Pledge Campaign. The primary goal of the broadcast is to galvanize everyday Americans to contribute to the war effort by purchasing war bonds and pledging a portion of their earnings to support victory.

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Overview of the New York War Bond Pledge Campaign

Gabriel Heater passionately outlines the significance of the war bond pledge campaign, emphasizing its role in funding the United States' military endeavors. He likens participants to soldiers, stating:

"Victory made possible in a campaign in which each and every one of us is a soldier. A soldier who lets his dollars fight when he can."
[00:31]

Heant stresses the importance of collective effort, encouraging listeners to commit 10% of their weekly income throughout the year to the cause.

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Interviews with Campaign Participants

Madge Brown

Heater engages with Madge Brown, a non-New Yorker, to illustrate the widespread support for the campaign:

Gabriel Heater: "Do you know what today's biggest headline was?"
Madge Brown: "Today's biggest headline, I think, was Sevastopol."
[02:31]

Their discussion delves into the financial aspects of the military buildup, including the costs of aircraft carriers and planes. Heater elucidates the necessity of war bonds by detailing the expenses involved in military production:

"Well, it costs somewhere between 50 and 75 million dollars. Do you know what it cost to build a plane?"
[02:28]

Madge shares her personal contribution strategy:

Madge Brown: "I buy 10 cent stamps and 25 cent stamps and 50 cent stamps. When I think I can buy a 10 cent stamp, I buy one."
[03:05]

She affirms her support for the campaign:

Madge Brown: "To the best sponsor in the world."
[03:27]

Marco Stano

Next, Heater interviews Marco Stano, a lifelong New Yorker, shedding light on business community involvement:

Marco Stano: "I think they are even more than enthusiastic. Especially those who can't afford. And those who can't afford are doing the best they can."
[04:36]

He discusses the favorable reactions from his network and underscores the collective responsibility:

Marco Stano: "It should be the duty of every American... to purchase as many bonds and stamps as they possibly can."
[05:25]

Heater further explains the financial requirements for military hardware, reinforcing the urgent need for bond purchases.

Edna Vincent

Edna Vincent, visiting New York for the first time, shares her excitement and commitment:

Edna Vincent: "Oh, it's very wonderful. We do have more than us also."
[06:55]

She emphasizes the personal and communal benefits of investing in war bonds, particularly for future generations:

Edna Vincent: "And I know how important it is for their future."
[12:08]

Her participation highlights the campaign's reach beyond local New Yorkers, resonating with individuals nationwide.

Harry Sid

Harry Sid, a hotel clerk, provides insight into workplace initiatives:

Harry Sid: "They make sure they do."
[09:30]

He praises his manager's efforts in promoting the campaign within the hotel, demonstrating effective grassroots mobilization.

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Key Discussions and Insights

1. Financial Commitment to War Effort:

   • Heater breaks down the costs of military equipment to illustrate the necessity of war bonds.
   • Discussions with participants highlight varying contributions, from purchasing stamps to significant financial pledges.

2. Community and Workplace Involvement:

   • The campaign's success relies heavily on both individual contributions and collective action within communities and workplaces.
   • Marco Stano's involvement underscores the importance of business communities in driving the initiative forward.

3. Personal Responsibility and Patriotism:

   • Participants like Madge Brown and Edna Vincent embody the spirit of patriotism, willingly contributing to ensure victory and secure a prosperous future for their families.

4. Accessibility and Voluntary Participation:

   • Heater reassures listeners that the pledge is a personal commitment without legal bindings, fostering a sense of voluntary and ethical responsibility.

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Conclusions and Final Remarks

Gabriel Heater concludes the broadcast by reiterating the importance of the war bond pledge campaign:

"The whole purpose of this broadcast is merely acquaint you with the machinery, the details. To urge you in your companies, in your factories, in your offices, on your blocks, in your homes, to group together and give Uncle Sam this pledge for victory."
[12:45]

He commends the participants for their willingness to support the nation’s war efforts and encourages the broader American public to join in this vital initiative. Heater emphasizes that the campaign is a testament to American patriotism and collective strength, essential for achieving victory.

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Notable Quotes

• Gabriel Heater:
  "Victory made possible in a campaign in which each and every one of us is a soldier. A soldier who lets his dollars fight when he can."
  [00:31]

• Madge Brown:
  "I buy 10 cent stamps and 25 cent stamps and 50 cent stamps. When I think I can buy a 10 cent stamp, I buy one."
  [03:05]

• Marco Stano:
  "It should be the duty of every American... to purchase as many bonds and stamps as they possibly can."
  [05:25]

• Gabriel Heater:
  "The whole purpose of this broadcast is merely acquaint you with the machinery, the details. To urge you... to group together and give Uncle Sam this pledge for victory."
  [12:45]

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Final Thoughts

This episode effectively captures the fervor and dedication of New Yorkers in supporting the war bond pledge campaign. Through engaging interviews and informative discussions, Gabriel Heater mobilizes listeners to contribute to the national effort, emphasizing the collective power of individual actions in securing victory and safeguarding liberty for future generations.

Transcript

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[Gabriel Heater]

From the sidewalk in front of the Astor Hotel in Times Square, New York City wor Special Features Division in cooperation with the Treasury Department presents the Voice of New York with Gabriel Heater, the well known news commentator as the inquiring reporter for the New York War Bond Pledge campaign. And now here is Gabriel Heater. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is a very proud assignment for me. It's probably the most important assignment I've had in all my life. Where I'm being sponsored tonight by the United States of America. The United States of America at war. We're speaking to you from outside the Hotel Astor where several hundred people are gathered here. And the purpose of our broadcast is to let you listen in as I talk to some everyday typical New Yorkers and people from elsewhere. We're all here and we're going to talk about New York's great war bond pledge campaign. We're going to talk about Minutemen, the modern Paul Revere. We're going to talk about liberty and fighting to preserve it for you and your children. We're going to talk about victory. Victory made possible in a campaign in which each and every one of us is a soldier. A soldier who lets his dollars fight when he can. That's our big purpose here tonight. And I'm going to begin in just half a second now and talk to a few people here. They're like yourselves, just everyday folk who are determined, I'm sure, to help us win. Now, I wonder if a very charming young lady whom frankly I picked half a minute ago because I was very anxious to hear what she had to say. Will you come over? And it's customary on things like this to tell your name.

[Madge Brown]

Madge Brown.

[Gabriel Heater]

Madge Brown. Are you a New Yorker, Ms. Brown?

[Madge Brown]

No, I'm not.

[Gabriel Heater]

You're not? Well, look, do you know what today's biggest headline was?

[Madge Brown]

Today's biggest headline, I think, was Sevastopol.

[Gabriel Heater]

The biggest headline of all was eight and a half billion dollars voted by Congressional committee to build aircraft carriers.

[Madge Brown]

That is the finest years in the world.

[Gabriel Heater]

All right, now, do you know how much it costs to build an aircraft.

[Madge Brown]

Carrier I'm afraid I don't.

[Gabriel Heater]

Well, it costs somewhere between 50 and 75 million dollars. Do you know what it cost to build a plane?

[Madge Brown]

Well, around 350,000. I.

[Gabriel Heater]

Those are the big ones?

[Madge Brown]

Yes.

[Gabriel Heater]

They run anywhere from 75 to $350,000. In fact, a great big Navy patrol bomber may come as high as $750,000. Now, you know what we need those planes for?

[Madge Brown]

Well, I don't think you have to ask that.

[Gabriel Heater]

But you do know.

[Madge Brown]

I certainly do know.

[Gabriel Heater]

All right. Now tell me, what are you doing to give Uncle Sam the claims he needs?

[Madge Brown]

Well, I'm buying as many stamps as I can.

[Gabriel Heater]

Sam.

[Madge Brown]

Yes.

[Gabriel Heater]

Tell me how you do it.

[Madge Brown]

I buy 10 cent stamps and 25 cent stamps and 50 cent stamps. When I think I can buy a 10 cent stamp, I buy one. When I feel I can buy 25 cent stamps, I buy one of those. Fine.

[Gabriel Heater]

Now, you know what our campaign is. We want everybody, everybody to make it his or her business to put aside 10% every week right through the year and give that to our victory.

[Madge Brown]

To the best sponsor in the world.

[Gabriel Heater]

Are you coming in?

[Madge Brown]

He said it.

[Gabriel Heater]

Good for you. Now then, thank you very, very much.

[Madge Brown]

Thank you.

[Gabriel Heater]

And I hope you're going to get the real feel of this as you go along and join with us all. Well, ladies and gentlemen, there you have it. The enthusiasm, the excitement, the eagerness of a typical everyday American woman eager to do her share and happy to know that we are doing it. Now, this gentleman. I'm very glad to meet you, sir. Let's get here. Mr. Heater.

[Marco Stano]

I look forward to the opportunity.

[Gabriel Heater]

Great pleasure. May I know your name, sir?

[Marco Stano]

Marco. Stano Marco.

[Gabriel Heater]

Mr. Marco?

[Marco Stano]

That's right.

[Gabriel Heater]

Are you in New York or Mr. Marco?

[Marco Stano]

All my life.

[Gabriel Heater]

Good for you. It's a great place to come from. Can you tell me something about this great campaign we're talking about here? How do you find people reacting to it?

[Marco Stano]

Well, I think they're reacting to it very favorably. Numerous friends that I have are very much encouraged over the sales that they've been realizing over the stamps and bonds so far. I personally have made a bit of an investment in it and I intend to continue it.

[Gabriel Heater]

Do you find people reacting favorably, enthusiastically to all this?

[Marco Stano]

Yes, I think I. I think they are even more than enthusiastic. Especially those who can't afford. And those who can't afford are doing the best they can.

[Gabriel Heater]

Well, now, I don't know what your business is, but I'm going to talk money to you for just a second. How much Would you say it costs to build a submarine?

[Marco Stano]

Well, that's difficult for me to say. I'm. I'm in a profession I'm not in.

[Gabriel Heater]

No, let me tell you so that you know how much we need. $7 million to build a submarine. The kind that think Japanese transport.

[Marco Stano]

Well, let's add a couple of Germans with us.

[Gabriel Heater]

Good. Now then, what would you say a destroyer cost?

[Marco Stano]

Again, I repeat, I haven't, but I know that must be.

[Gabriel Heater]

Let me give you some figures. I have here a destroyer cost anywhere between 8 and $12 million. A large cruiser, $76 million. A heavy cruiser, $41 million and a light cruiser, $34 million. Now you can see why we need all this money.

[Marco Stano]

I most certainly do. I think it should be the duty of every American, every alien, anyone who lives in this country who has the privilege of living here to do their utmost in purchasing as many bonds and stamps as they possibly can.

[Gabriel Heater]

Yes, indeed. And as I look around here over our audience and I see men in uniform, men who are giving not money, but giving their lives, their work, their sacrifice, I'm beginning to realize what a tremendous thing it is to be able to do one's part in the purchase of bonds. You know, one thing we're trying very hard to get over is to get every company to sign up. Every man in this employee. In these pledges, do you find any excitement along those lines?

[Marco Stano]

Well, yes, amongst friends of mine who are in business, but I'm personally being in a profession I don't have any such.

[Gabriel Heater]

In your profession, I hope you'll find it possible to spread the gospel along in a good way.

[Marco Stano]

Doing the best I can.

[Gabriel Heater]

Thank you for coming up, sir. Thank you. Now, let's see. Let me have another lady. Fine. Sir, you introduce yourself.

[Madge Brown]

My name is Edna Vincent.

[Gabriel Heater]

How do you feel in front of this audience?

[Madge Brown]

Well, I'm very excited. This is my first time in New York, you see.

[Gabriel Heater]

First time in New York this evening. Well, this is an event and broadcasting right in front of a hotel. Ansen.

[Madge Brown]

Yes.

[Gabriel Heater]

Well, Ms. Vincent, where are you from?

[Madge Brown]

Los Angeles.

[Gabriel Heater]

A good place indeed. Have you been. What do you think about this great cabin campaign to raise money for?

[Madge Brown]

Oh, it's very wonderful. We do have more than us also.

[Gabriel Heater]

Yes, I'm sure we're going to do it all over America. This is America's war. You. You understand. By the way, are you married?

[Madge Brown]

No, I have a sister. Missile, divorce.

[Gabriel Heater]

Well, thank you.

[Madge Brown]

For a husband.

[Gabriel Heater]

For a husband. You couldn't come to a better place here. All these men now, now, I'm not sure what I can get you. A husband, but I don't order. I can get you liberty. Not the liberty you just got with the bull. I mean liberty that counts. And you can get that by doing your share of precious demand. Do you understand what we mean by the war pledge?

[Madge Brown]

Yes, I pledge so much out of my Sally every week, ever since we started. I have three or four bars now.

[Gabriel Heater]

Good. Now, do you do that through a company or do you do that yourself? Who got the idea off, the employees or the company? I think the company and everybody came along the course.

[Madge Brown]

Yes, but one or two. I'll get them when I get back.

[Gabriel Heater]

Well, good for you. And you can see how much it means to be able to tell all these people and those who are let me in how we can do it. And there's one thing I know that I'd like you to say to the radio audience, if you will. When a minute man rings your doorbell, what do you do?

[Madge Brown]

I'll open the door and let him.

[Gabriel Heater]

In and make him welcome. Yes, because he comes on important business. And if we all only take a minute to sign up, do everything we have to do, there'll be minutes and hours and days and years of glory for us all, won't there?

[Madge Brown]

Yes, there will.

[Gabriel Heater]

But I'm certainly much obliged to you for coming over, and I do hope you'll enjoy your stay in New York and you'll find a husband. I'm sure she's most charming. I know she'll find a husband. Now, how do you do, sir? How do you do, sir? How do you do, sir? Very glad to know you, sir. You look like a typical New Yorker. Are you? Well, that's what they call me. Good for you. And do you want to tell us your name? Oh, yes. My name is Harry. Sid. Harry Sid. Yes, sir. You're a businessman? Well, I happen to be working as a clerk at the Hotel Woodrow on 64th Street. Oh, yes, that's just a little way up here. Well, you meet a lot of people in your work? Very many. Do you find people talking about the New York war bond campaign? Yes, sir, very much so. Everybody's excited about it? Oh, yes, most all people are. How do they handle these matters for people at a hotel? Well, it so happens in the particular hotel I'm in, our manager, Mr. Amigo, happens to be the main man over there. And he, of course, is a very likable and very fine gentleman. And I don't think there's anyone gets in the entire hotel who Isn't most obligated not only to him, but also to the country. And in buying world buys them all, most feature every single one. What does he do? Ring doorbell? Stop them before they go upstairs? Before? Go upstairs? Before they have a chance to get in the hotel. They have to sign their pledge. And he makes sure they do. Well, it's an easy thing to sell, isn't it? Oh, yes. And everybody's more than glad to. And more than that to pledge all they possibly can. I'm sure of it. And if you've got any suggestions to give me in this few minutes that remains. Would you think I can tell people that I am overwhelming? I wish you would. The only thing I would say is this, that due to the fact that America must realize that must everybody in this. In this United States must do. They say everybody's not only be obligated and buy all the funds you possibly can, but make all their friends and all their relatives and everybody to know buy them. That should be the word. Buy War bond. Good for you. That's an excellent. Congratulate you, sir, and thank you very, very much. I want to add to what this gentleman has just said. If any of you listening in will take this Number. Murray Hill 32581. Murray Hill, 32581. If I'm overlooking anything at all, I'll. Muriel Q 2581. Muriel Q 2581. If I'm overlooking any details of misinformation, Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you would call that number. You'll find somebody very happy to fill out anything you want to know. Now, another lady, please. How do you do, miss?

[Madge Brown]

How do you do?

[Gabriel Heater]

Your Name?

[Madge Brown]

Katrina Kirkbrod.

[Gabriel Heater]

Ms. Kirkbride. Mrs. Mrs. Cutrod. Well, it's good to have you come over here and help us spread the gospel of the war bond.

[Madge Brown]

Well, I'm more delighted than you get a do anything I can.

[Gabriel Heater]

I'm sure you are. You're from New York.

[Madge Brown]

I should say I am.

[Gabriel Heater]

Tell me, you meet a good many housewives.

[Madge Brown]

Yes, I do.

[Gabriel Heater]

Do you find that housewives tense? Just what we are after in this campaign?

[Madge Brown]

I think they are now, yes.

[Gabriel Heater]

Everybody.

[Madge Brown]

I don't think anybody can do enough. And the more they do, the better.

[Gabriel Heater]

But are the minute men being made welcome?

[Madge Brown]

They certainly are. It's amazing. I see how everybody receives them.

[Gabriel Heater]

I wondered if you knew that in this pledge that there's no legal contract about this pledge. But Uncle Sam merely leaves it to you and your conscience and says, invest 10% of your earnings in liberty do it every week, do it all year round. And from that point on, it stops. I mean, no investigation, no legal contract, no attempt to hold you to anything. It's a matter between you and your conscience. Does that you find most people realize that?

[Madge Brown]

I think so. Definitely.

[Gabriel Heater]

Well, now, before you go, tell me, this wonderful audience that you see here, do you. I hear a baby right in this crowd. Do you hear one?

[Madge Brown]

I say yes.

[Gabriel Heater]

Well, now, that baby is the one we're selling buns for.

[Madge Brown]

I have two, but I bought some for myself.

[Gabriel Heater]

Good, you're about to.

[Madge Brown]

And I know how important it is for their future.

[Gabriel Heater]

Fine. And one that I hope to be a grandfather of one day before I learn that baby. The point is, we're selling bonds to make sure that people can walk on these sidewalks just as they walk here now. To go where they please and come where they please. And they only interfere in the traffic light from their own safety. No one to salute. No one to fear people who are free. That's what we're after in this campaign. Now you tell us that we're on the right track.

[Madge Brown]

I certainly will.

[Gabriel Heater]

I do want to thank you very much. And I want to thank all of you who've been kind enough to come up here. And those of you who so patiently are giving us, the living audience for this program. And to you, the radio audience. Let me please say in signing off. I know I don't have to tell the people of America to buy bonds. It would be insulting to the American people's patriotism to tell them they have to buy. They buy willingly enough. The whole purpose of this broadcast is merely acquaint you with the machinery, the details. To urge you in your companies, in your factories, in your offices, on your blocks, in your homes, to group together and give Uncle Sam this pledge for victory. Now, this is Gabriel Heater signing off in what he considers to be the most important broadcast in nine years. Thank you very much. From the sidewalk in front of the an hotel, Times Square, New York City WOR Special Feature Division, in cooperation with.

[Marco Stano]

The Treasury Department, has presented the Voice.

[Gabriel Heater]

Of New York with Gabriel Heater, the well known news commentator, as the inquiring reporter for the New York War Bond Pledge Campaign.

[Marco Stano]

This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.