Developing rapidly from its early pre-1900's beginnings, radio quickly became our world's first mass medium. The "wireless" evolved to the popular term "radio" and became the means of disseminating information instantly from one to many. Radio was a technology that influenced our growth as a nation and planet.
Just for the Fun of It
It was fun, not only for those who grew up in radio's heyday, but also for those of us who came later. My dad is a big aficionado of old time radio. He has an extensive cassette tape collection of the good old days of radio. Actually my husband also loves many of these great old classics, so I have spent a good portion of my life listening to The Shadow, The Bickerson's, and Abbott and Costello.
The men in my life are not the only ones dedicated to keeping radio alive. Interest in the good old days of broadcasting is high right now. It is ironic that the Internet, the instrument of high-tech development that leaves radio in a cloud of smoke as a means of communication, is the very tool that is now helping to perpetuate old time radio.
The effects of the resurgence of interest in Old Time Radio can easily be seen by the number of Web sites that are dedicated to the legendary radio celebrities and shows. This growing interest has been credited to the genuine quality of production and entertainment value of the old shows. This new Internet exposure gives both youngsters and veteran radio listeners a chance to develop and communicate their interest in the hobby of Old Time Radio.
Listen to OTR on the Internet
The sparkling bedazzled entertainment industry is credited with giving us the most memorable moments of the golden days of radio. Many of the radios shows have become classics and are worth revisiting, whether to enjoy ourselves or to share with the younger generations.
If you are a product of the era when the family gathered around the old, big box radio to listen to dramatic radio stories that conjured up fantastic visual images, you won't want to miss Yesterday USA, an online radio station from Dallas, Texas, which plays broadcasts of actual radio shows from the 1920's – 1950's. This station belts out old time radio shows and vintage music twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, free of charge. Yesterday USA publishes their program schedule online so that you can be tuned into your favorite programs. On Sunday nights you can enjoy excerpts from the book, "Raised on Radio," by Gerald Nachman.
Another source for ongoing classic radio information and broadcasts is Radio Spirits. Enjoy the wealth of information at this site, and then click on their Listen Now tab to hear broadcasts. The selection is excellent including everything from the Lone Ranger to Burns and Allen.
Nostalgia
One of my husband's favorite routines is Who's on First by Abbott and Costello. As a matter of fact, he's played it so much that I'm sure all of my children can recite the script word for word. If you don't have a house full of Lou and Bud fans, you can get the entire script for Who's on First at the Abbott and Costello Home Page. This is also the home base for Abbott and Costello and a great place for fun facts and information about this dynamic duo.
Past Times is a Nostalgia Entertainment Newsletter, which celebrates vintage entertainment of the 20's – early 50's with a great section on Old Time Radio. One of the best things about this site is its wonderful list of links to radio related topics, including such gems as Will Rogers on the Web and The Library of American Broadcasting/Broadcast Pioneers. Past Time provides you with a program log for "When Radio Was" which is a nationally syndicated show devoted to the great old programs.
OTR as a Hobby
For teenagers wondering what was it about the radio that attracted the old folks or for seasoned citizens recalling their youth, the hobby of collecting, preserving, and enjoying old time radio shows is a winner.
Those of you who are serious Old Time Radio buffs should not miss the Old-Time Radio Site. This site has extensive information about the radio as a hobby, a list of shareware and freeware sites for listeners and collectors, and a calendar of events. Expect to spend some time at this site. Just browsing around, I found interesting information regarding copying old tapes, copyright laws, sound quality, how to find and eliminate Radio Frequency Interference, and much more.
On a lighter side, I also enjoyed Old-Time Radio's lists of best and worst. It brought to mind many shows that I had completely forgotten like the Great Gildersleeve, the Lone Ranger, and Captain Midnight. You can see the other shows, series, and entertainers that others consider the best, and you can also vote for your all-time favorites.
Scan through Radio TimeLines and read the background on famous radio programs that catch your interest. This chronology is comprehensive and even includes sound bites for many of the shows.
The Radios
Radio leaves a lot to the imagination. As you listen, you create your own visual images. And you can't talk about Old Time Radio without envisioning the radios themselves. They range from small square boxes to curvaceous wooden floor models. If you are lucky enough to own one of these beauties, don't miss the Nostalgia Air. Web site. This site gives Vintage Radio references including schematics and online manuals for hundreds of old brands including Philco, RCA, and Crosley, to name just a few. What a surprise to find out how international and extensive is the love of the radio as a machine. You will be impressed with information on tubes, transistors, dial lamps, RMA codes, etc. If you have any questions about old radios or radio repair, you can join in on the Nostalgia Air forums and chats.
Radio's Impact on Your Life
Events, inventions, notable moments, and excellent programming made radio what it is today. It is fun to look back at the decades of radio development. The pre-1900 period is known as theory and first experiments. The 1920's bring the beginning of broadcasting with the Golden Age in the 30's and the War Years for the decade of the 40's. The 50's saw the Coming of Age for the radio. Technology was the key word for the 60's. Microprocessors marched in during the 70's, and the 80's introduced computerized radio with the 1990's bringing us digital broadcasting and radio over the Internet. Radio's history runs a close parallel to our country's history. How does radio play in your history? What do you remember as the most dynamic broadcast you heard on the radio?
Thanks to the many folks who are interested in collecting, saving, and enjoying old time radio shows, the wonderful world of the radio will be preserved and available for future generations to enjoy.
