Podcast Summary: "You Are There 1947-12-14 Assassination Of Abraham Lincoln"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio. The time before television when families gathered around the radio to listen to popular shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: You Are There 1947-12-14 Assassination Of Abraham Lincoln
• Release Date: June 26, 2025

Introduction

The episode, "You Are There 1947-12-14 Assassination Of Abraham Lincoln", transports listeners back to a pivotal moment in American history—the tragic assassination of President Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865. Through immersive storytelling and authentic dialogues, the podcast recreates the events leading up to and following the assassination, offering a vivid portrayal of that fateful night.

Setting the Scene

The episode begins with a robust portrayal of the environment surrounding Ford's Theatre on the evening of April 14, 1865. The narrator, John Daly, sets the stage:

“The damp and misty weather in Washington tonight has not dampened the ardor of the crowds who for far long days now have been wildly celebrating the surrender of General Lee to General Grant.” [01:58]

Listeners are immersed in the bustling atmosphere outside the theatre, capturing the excitement and anticipation as President Lincoln, alongside his party, prepares to attend a performance of Our American Cousin.

Key Characters and Audience Dynamics

Several characters are introduced, including members of President Lincoln’s entourage and theatre personnel:

• John Dyett and Mrs. Helen Muzzy: Cast members present at the theatre.
• Miss Jane Gowdy: A young actress in the play.
• John Wilkes Booth: The charismatic actor who would forever alter history with his actions that night.

The interaction between CBS reporters and theatre manager Mr. Harry Ford provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse:

“Tonight is a charity benefit. ... The orchestra is $1, the Breath Circle and the parquet, and the family circle is 25 cents.” [03:15]

This exchange highlights the significance of Lincoln’s attendance, marking it as a special occasion.

The Assassination Unfolds

As the performance progresses, the tension builds. John Daly narrates the arrival of President Lincoln and his party, capturing the subtle clues that hint at the impending tragedy:

“Mr. Lincoln has asked the Union band to play the Confederate song, and they've responded with a will. ... It's his policy of forgiveness and reconciliation with the south, of harmony for the nations.” [07:32]

During the play, an unexpected and violent interruption occurs:

“Major Rathbone is struggling with a man in Mr. Lincoln's body. A man who is stabbing wildly at him with a knife.” [11:45]

Chaos erupts as Booth makes his move. Daly describes the frantic scene:

“Someone has shot Mr. Lincoln. It was Booth. ... President Lincoln is being carried out of the theater.” [13:53]

Immediate Aftermath and Public Reaction

The episode meticulously details the immediate response to the assassination. Soldiers and medical personnel rush to President Lincoln's aid amidst a panicked crowd:

“President Lincoln has not regained consciousness since Booth sent a single bullet, fired at close.” [20:11]

The narrative captures the collective grief and confusion as news spreads rapidly:

“Washington’s in a state of panic. This terrible night of April 14, 1865.” [17:16]

National and International Reactions

The podcast extends beyond the theatre, portraying the national mourning and international shock that followed Lincoln's assassination. Statements from key figures and citizens reflect the magnitude of the event:

• Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Wells, expresses sorrow and disbelief:

  “Assassination is not an American tradition. It never stuck in this country until tonight.” [21:22]

• International Perspectives: Messages from Queen Victoria, a French student, and Russian author Leo Tolstoy underscore Lincoln’s global impact:

  “In far places, over the earth, on every continent, the name of Lincoln will be worshiped.” [26:46]

  “The greatness of Napoleon, Caesar or Washington is moonlight by the sun of Lincoln. His example is universal and will last thousands of years. Lincoln is humanity.” [27:04]

Final Moments and Legacy

As the morning of April 15, 1865, unfolds, the somber reality of Lincoln's death sinks in. The narration poignantly describes the nation's mourning:

“The President has made his last farewell and is seated in a back parlor. ... President Lincoln is dead. The victim of Booth disappear.” [30:02]

The episode concludes by reflecting on Lincoln’s enduring legacy and the unification he championed:

“For Abraham Lincoln will live on. In the Union he has saved. In the freedom he has given. In the dreams he has dreamed.” [29:50]

Notable Quotes

• John Daly on the Crowd’s Enthusiasm:

  “The people here are in high spirits gathered around Ford's theater...” [01:58]

• John Wilkes Booth’s Assassination Attempt:

  “Someone has shot Mr. Lincoln. It was Booth.” [13:53]

• Secretary Gideon Wells on the Act:

  “Assassination is not an American tradition. It never stuck in this country until tonight.” [21:22]

• Leo Tolstoy on Lincoln’s Legacy:

  “The greatness of Napoleon, Caesar or Washington is moonlight by the sun of Lincoln...” [27:04]

Conclusion

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully reconstructs the events surrounding Abraham Lincoln's assassination with historical accuracy and compelling storytelling. Through detailed narration, authentic dialogues, and poignant reflections, listeners gain a profound understanding of the night that reshaped American history. The inclusion of notable quotes and precise timestamps enriches the narrative, making the tragedy both personal and universally significant for audiences uncovering this critical moment in time.