Posted By
Patrick on April 28, 2010
The golden age of radio was an unprecedented era that was the dawn of broadcast news and entertainment. In its preserved form, “old time radio” presents history through they eyes of time. Not all history presented may be completely accurate, but it is a snapshot of how history was viewed at that time.
Understanding history through this medium presents a glimpse into the past and its interpretation. Enjoy this episode of Uncommon History’s series, History Through Radio.
Here is a list of the current History Through Radio entries:
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Posted By
Patrick on April 13, 2010
The golden age of radio was an unprecedented era that was the dawn of broadcast news and entertainment. In its preserved form, “old time radio” presents history through they eyes of time. Not all history presented may be completely accurate, but it is a snapshot of how history was viewed at that time.
Understanding history through this medium presents a glimpse into the past and its interpretation. Enjoy this episode of Uncommon History’s series, History Through Radio.
Series Name: Cavalcade of America
Episode, Date: The Declaration Of Independence / January 1, 1936
Uncommon History Rating: ***
Review: It seemed appropriate to start off this series with the birth of the United States. This program was the thirteenth episode for Cavalcade of America and was aired on New Years Day, 1936. One of the interesting aspects of the earlier episodes of Cavalcade was the amount of time spent on broadcasting popular classical music of the time. To my knowledge, there are no commercially broadcast shows that dedicate such a vast amount of time to simple and pure entertainment.
When you consider when this program was produced, towards the end of the Great Depression, it can be imagined just how many people gathered around their small radio sets to get any bit of entertainment or news. Patriotism was an important aspect to be nurtured and this program was one means with which to promote such positive attitudes. When unemployment ranged between 15-20%, people needed to remember their heroes and their past in order to maintain hope for the future.
The producers of Cavalcade created an entertaining backdrop with which to educate their listeners rather than to simply provide a lecture. Bringing history to life over the airwaves in such quality was a bold and noteworthy effort. The series itself was sponsored by Dupont, but the only mention of the company in this episode came at the very beginning and the end of the program. The message was not diluted with a multitude of commercials or product placements. However, you will notice the social value placed upon the American “housewife” and the history of cellophane, a substance invented by the program sponsor, Dupont.
Take 30 minutes from your busy day to enjoy the listening environment of Cavalcade of America’s “The Declaration of Independence.”
The Declaration of Independence
