Old Time Radio Snack Wagon|Rare Historic Radio Programs

Aired: September 20, 1936 (The Magic Key of RCA)

Step back into the world of 1930s baseball with a remarkable live remote broadcast from Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.

As the New York Giants battle the Brooklyn Dodgers and anticipation builds for a possible Giants–Yankees World Series, NBC commentator John B. Kennedy takes listeners behind the scenes of one of America's most famous ballparks.

This segment from The Magic Key of RCA features conversations with future Hall of Fame manager Casey Stengel, veteran umpire Ernest Quigley, longtime Dodgers groundskeeper Daniel Comerford, and the team's young mascot.

Aired: Summer 1949 (Fun Time, WHA Radio, Madison, Wisconsin

)In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh's first appearance in print, we revisit a delightful children's radio adaptation from Fun Time, a program broadcast by Wisconsin radio station WHA in 1949.

Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh gather with Uncle Jim for a story about the time Pooh's appetite for honey got him into an unfortunate predicament. After visiting Rabbit for a little something to eat, Pooh discovers that getting out of Rabbit's house may be considerably more difficult than getting in. With help from Christopher Robin and his friends, t...

The Old Time Radio Snack Wagon serves up its third sampler of vintage commercials, featuring five memorable advertisements from the 1940s through the 1960s. From beloved radio personalities to singing cereal mascots and science-fiction comedy, these commercials offer an entertaining look at how advertisers captured audiences' attention during radio's golden age and beyond.

The collection begins with a 1968 Texaco commercial featuring Jack Benny and Dennis Day, making good use of Benny's legendary reputation for thriftiness. Next comes an unusually apologetic 1945 Wrigley's Spearmint advertisement, reflecting the shortages and manufacturing challenges that continued after World War II.

The...

Long before generations of children knew Paul Frees from his work for Disney and Jay Ward, his extraordinary versatility made him an ideal performer for radio. The Player gave Frees a particularly impressive showcase: a one-man theater in which he portrayed every character.

In “They Do It in Books,” that talent is put to work in an offbeat gangster comedy. sw0138Gang boss Steve Paddy is frustrated with his outfit's lack of success until one of his henchmen discovers an unexpected source of criminal inspiration: classic literature.

Beginning with Hamlet, the gang starts looking to the grea...

Show Notes

Aired: 1937 (The Family Doctor)

In “Glass Houses,” the seventh episode of The Family Doctor, hardware-store owner Jess Rankin comes to Doc Adams with a problem no medicine can cure. Years earlier, Jess served time in prison, but since then he has rebuilt his life, married, established a successful business, and become a respected citizen of Cederton. Now, newspaper editor Amos Day is threatening to reveal Jess's past—not out of concern for the community, but because Jess took some of his advertising business elsewhere. 

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Aired: May 21, 1944 (Philco Radio Hall of Fame)

Before Jackie Gleason became a television icon as Ralph Kramden on The Honeymooners, he was building his reputation in nightclubs, movies, Broadway, and radio. This 1944 appearance on Philco Radio Hall of Fame catches Gleason during his successful run in the Broadway musical Follow the Girls, more than a decade before The Honeymooners reached television.

Asked to introduce himself to listeners who might not know his name, Gleason responds with a comic autobiography that quickly abandons any concern for accuracy. He takes the audience from his supposedly difficult infancy through...

Original Air Date: 1936 or 1937

Long before Eddie Albert became familiar to television audiences through Green Acres, he displayed a very different side of his talents on radio. This episode features two recently surfaced recordings from The Honeymooners, a series of brief romantic musical sketches pairing the young Albert with a female singing partner. In these charming slices of 1930s radio, a young couple tries to enjoy life's simple pleasures on a limited budget.

A picnic in Central Park provides an excuse for songs including “The Best Things in Life Are Free” and “Side by Side,” while another...

Join Adam Graham in a special edition of The Old Time Radio Snack Wagon, where we take a nostalgic journey back to 1924. As records from this year enter the public domain, Adam shares some of the era's most iconic tunes, starting with Al Jolson's lively "California Here I Come." Experience the rich baritone of John Charles Thomas with "Smilin' Through," and enjoy the soulful voice of Marion Harris on "It Had to Be You." Delve into the gospel roots with Homer Rodeheaver's "Carry Your Cross with a Smile," co-written by the prolific Charles Hutchinson Gabriel. Finally, savor the timeless classic...

In this 1936 episode of Unsolved Mysteries,  listen in on the discovery of a real-life locked room mystery where a prominent bridge whist expert is found murdered under unusual circumstances.

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Dive into the lore of Davy Crockett, Tennessee's beloved son, shortly before the Disney-fueled Crockett craze hit the airwaves. In this June 15, 1954 broadcast, explore the lesser-known tale of young Davy's romantic pursuits and his human struggles, a narrative that paints a vivid picture of the man behind the legend.  

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This January 4, 1947, excerpt from the Police Athletic League program features none other than the legendary Joe DiMaggio. Listen in as young PAL baseball players interview the Yankee Clipper, uncovering his thoughts on the game, training tips, and memorable moments from his illustrious career. 

DiMaggio's insights and down-to-earth advice shine through in this captivating segment. Experience the charm and wisdom of one of baseball's greatest icons in this nostalgic journey. 

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We take a listen to an episode of Lassie where a dog named Jumpy, who a Fatherless boy owns, gets taken to the pound when a misunderstanding erupts over his attempt to protect a baby from a feral one-eyed cat.

Original AIr Date: January 14, 1948

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This unique episode of The Old Time Radio Snack Wagon serves up a delightful assortment of ads from the 1940s and 50s, offering a fascinating glimpse into the cultural artifacts of the era. From Pepsi's youthful exuberance to Bird's Eye's frosty freshness, Standard of California's scientific rigor, Dupont's prophetic pronouncments of plastics, and Philco's playful product placements, each ad provides a window into the past and the minds of the advertisers. Don't miss this special collection that showcases the creativity and charm of old-time radio commercials.

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This episode of Old Time Radio Snack Wagon revisits a charming story from the 1930s inspired by Māui, the legendary Polynesian demigod whose adventures appear in the oral traditions of New Zealand, Hawaiʻi, Samoa, Tonga, and other Pacific cultures.

Adapted from the travel series Ports of Call, the broadcast tells one of Māui’s best-known exploits: the tale of how the North Island of New Zealand was pulled from the sea. Blending folklore with the travelogue style popular during radio’s early years, the program introduces listeners to Māori tradition through a lively dramatization of Māui’...

Aired: 1945 (Voice of the Army)

This Independence Day episode of Voice of the Army reflects on the enduring meaning of the Declaration of Independence by connecting the American Revolution with the sacrifices of those serving during World War II. Framed as a conversation between a wounded veteran and his young son, the program weaves together scenes from 1776 with memories of a more recent conflict, exploring how each generation has been called upon to preserve the ideals of liberty. Through dramatizations of the signing of the Declaration, the campaigns of George Washington, and the struggles of the Continental Army...

Show Notes Aired: March 21, 1953 (The American Trail)

This episode of The American Trail, “The Magic Wire,” tells the story of Samuel F. B. Morse and his long struggle to prove that messages could be sent instantly across great distances. Facing years of skepticism, financial hardship, and repeated setbacks, Morse perseveres in developing the telegraph—an invention that would forever change the way people communicate.

 Beginning in the halls of Congress and culminating with the historic first public telegraph transmission between Washington and Baltimore, the dramatization captures the determination, ingenuity, and persistence behind one of the most transfo...

Aired: Mid-20th Century (Adventures in Research)

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this episode looks beyond the famous midnight ride to explore the remarkable life of Paul Revere. In “The Goldsmith Who Went to War,” Adventures in Research traces Revere’s many contributions to the Revolutionary cause—not only as a patriot and messenger, but as a craftsman, inventor, engraver, manufacturer, and problem-solver.

Beginning in colonial Boston, the program follows Revere through pivotal moments in American history, from growing resistance to British rule to the struggle for independence itself. Along the way, listeners discover how his skil...

This episode of The Hour of Charm celebrates Flag Day with a patriotic musical program performed by Phil Spitalny’s All-Girl Orchestra, one of the most popular musical ensembles on American radio. Rebroadcast for servicemen during World War II, the program pays tribute to the ideals represented by the Stars and Stripes through a selection of music reflecting loyalty, courage, sacrifice, and hope.

Featured performances include a rare vocal rendition of “The Stars and Stripes Forever” along with other selections dedicated to the men and women serving under the American flag and the loved ones awaiting their return. Blendi...

Aired: July 4, 1954 (Anthology)

As part of a Fourth of July broadcast, Anthology presented “The Ballad of the Leatherneck Corps,” a stirring tribute to the history and traditions of the United States Marine Corps.

Written by acclaimed novelist Herman Wouk and performed by Tyrone Power, the poem traces the Marines’ service across generations, linking contemporary service members with those who answered the nation’s call in earlier conflicts. Moving from the shores of Tripoli to China and onward to Iceland on the eve of America’s entry into World War II, the ballad celebrates the Corps’ reputation for readines...

Aired: 1942 (Pennsylvania: Keystone of Democracy) As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this episode looks back to one of the most enduring symbols of the nation's founding: the Liberty Bell. Produced during World War II as part of the historical series Pennsylvania: Keystone of Democracy, the program traces the story of the famous bell from its troubled casting to its place in the birth of a new nation.

The dramatization follows the bell's early history in colonial Philadelphia and places it against the backdrop of the debates surrounding American independence. Through scenes drawn from the Continental Congress and the...

Aired: October 6, 1949

This episode of House Party features an early edition of “Kids Say the Darndest Things,” the beloved segment hosted by Art Linkletter that would later become one of the most enduring concepts in television history. Long before it became a TV staple, Linkletter was already charming radio audiences with candid conversations featuring schoolchildren and their wonderfully unpredictable answers.

In this broadcast, a group of Los Angeles schoolchildren share their ambitions, opinions, and observations about life—from movie-star impressions and business ventures to future dreams of acting, marriage, and radio. Linkletter’s gentle humor and quick re...

This episode of The Unexpected stars acclaimed radio actress Virginia Gregg in “Heard but Not Seen,” a tense psychological thriller set on a stormy night near a state asylum. Alone in a remote house, an elderly blind woman becomes increasingly frightened after hearing reports that a homicidal escapee is roaming the surrounding woods.

As the storm intensifies and isolation closes in, ordinary sounds begin to take on terrifying meaning. A dead telephone line, rattling doors, and uncertain voices create an atmosphere of mounting dread where appearances—and even trust itself—become uncertain. Known for delivering compact suspense stories with sha...

Aired: World War II Era (Yarns for Yanks)

This episode of Yarns for Yanks features acclaimed actor Ronald ColEman reading H.G. Wells’ imaginative fantasy tale “The Man Who Could Work Miracles.”

Unlike Wells’ darker works of science fiction, this story takes a lighter and more whimsical approach, following an ordinary clerk who suddenly discovers he has the power to bend reality simply by willing things to happen. What begins with small experiments and harmless tricks soon grows into a series of increasingly extraordinary events, as the bewildered miracle worker struggles to understand the consequences of unlimite...

Aired: 1935 (Ports of Call series) This episode of Ports of Call takes listeners on a journey to New Zealand, blending travelogue, history, and storytelling to bring a distant land vividly to life. Through a series of dramatized vignettes, the program explores both the natural wonders and cultural legends of the islands.

The journey begins along the coastal waters, where sailors encounter the famous dolphin Pelorus Jack, long said to guide ships safely through treacherous passages.

From there, the program shifts inland to the rolling hills of Otago, where the discovery of gold sparks excitement, ambition, and...

This episode of Front Page Drama presents “A Child is Born,” a gripping dramatization drawn from real-life accounts of the fight against narcotics trafficking.

The story follows Julia Kaye, once a celebrated Broadway figure, whose life has been upended by morphine addiction. When she discovers she is expecting a child, she turns to a determined physician who offers a slim but urgent hope: saving the baby from the same fate.

As Julia undergoes a difficult and closely guarded treatment, forces beyond her control begin to close in—threatening both her recovery and the fragile future of her ch...

Aired: 1956 (Series Release)

This episode features “Granny’s All-Time Baseball Team,” drawn from The Tumult and the Shouting, the autobiography of legendary sportswriter Grantland Rice. Narrated by Jimmy Powers, the program brings Rice’s firsthand reflections on baseball’s greatest players to life, blending storytelling with commentary shaped by decades of observation.

Looking back across the early decades of professional baseball, Rice assembles his ideal lineup—drawing from icons of the Deadball Era through the rise of power hitting in the 1920s and beyond. Along the way, he offers insight into how the game evolved, from speed and st...

This episode presents a special Guest Star adaptation of the long-running quiz show Truth or Consequences, hosted by Ralph Edwards. Originally created as a fast-paced blend of trivia, comedy, and audience participation, the program challenged contestants to answer simple questions—or face humorous and often unpredictable consequences.

In this condensed version, listeners experience the show’s signature mix of playful deception, audience interaction, and offbeat stunts. From a tongue-in-cheek “mind-reading” experiment to a lighthearted comedy test involving an unsuspecting participant, the episode captures the spirit that made Truth or Consequences one of the most enduring entertainment programs of its era...

Aired: April 6, 1948

In this festive episode of The Old Time Radio Snack Wagon, host Adam Graham celebrates Tartan Day by serving up a delightful portion of Scottish heritage through the enchanting sounds of the Glasgow Police Pipe Band. Broadcasting originally over the BBC, this installment of *Pipes of Scotland* showcases the band’s vibrant performances, clad in their striking Royal Stuart tartan, as they march with pride and precision.

Listeners will be treated to a medley of traditional tunes, including the spirited “Captain R. Ewing” and the evocative “Old Air at the Battle of Killiecranky.” With a legacy d...

Aired: 1942 (Treasury Star Parade)

This episode of Treasury Star Parade presents “The Bishop of Münster,” a powerful Easter-season dramatization performed by Henry Hull and adapted from a work by H. S. Kraft. Set in a German cathedral during the rise of Nazi rule, the story centers on a bishop who faces mounting pressure from authorities to remain silent in the face of injustice.

As the congregation gathers for Easter services, the bishop delivers a message that departs from tradition—one shaped by conscience, faith, and the realities unfolding beyond the church walls. What follows is a momen...

Aired: Circa 1949

This episode of The Driver’s Playhouse tells the story of a man known as “Lucky,” a small-time gambler who learns that chance isn’t as random as it seems. After repeated losses, he encounters a mysterious figure who teaches him to think in terms of odds, probability, and risk—lessons that begin at the card table but soon extend far beyond it.

 As Lucky’s fortunes improve, his confidence grows—until he’s forced to confront a different kind of gamble on the open road. What begins as a lesson in games of chance evolves in...

Show Notes Aired: March 11, 1940

This St. Patrick’s Day–themed episode comes from the early Hollywood radio program Little Old Hollywood, hosted by actor and announcer Ben Alexander. Broadcasting several days before the holiday, the program celebrates Irish heritage in the film industry with music, humor, and conversation.

Guest Priscilla Lane joins the festivities, playfully embracing her Irish roots while sharing stories about the many actors, musicians, and filmmakers of Irish descent working in Hollywood at the time. The broadcast also features appearances by longtime Hollywood restaurateur Al Levy, along with musical performances of beloved Irish song...

Aired: September 17, 1944

 This episode of Soldiers of the Press presents “The Return of the Soldier,” a powerful dramatization inspired by reporting from United Press correspondent Joan Younger. Rather than focusing on battlefield exploits, the story turns to a different kind of struggle—the moment when wounded servicemen must confront their greatest challenge: returning home and facing the people who love them.

Set at a military hospital at Mitchell Field in New York, the program follows a reporter’s visit among recovering soldiers as they wrestle with fear, pride, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Through quiet conversat...

This episode features a rare and powerful recording from John Nesbitt’s Passing Parade—a special defense-themed program created in the tense months before America’s entry into World War II. 

Unlike his regular sponsored broadcasts, this installment was produced as a voluntary contribution, intended to stir public awareness and engagement in national defense. Through three vivid true stories—a Hollywood prop man’s unexpected military innovation, a Chicago laborer’s quiet patriotism, and a haunting image from Dunkirk—Nesbitt builds a layered argument about preparedness, responsibility, and the human cost of delay.

The final segment shifts...

Aired: 1937

This episode of The Family Doctor, titled “Cupid Without Wings,” returns listeners to the small town of Cedarton, where Dr. Grant Adams finds himself entangled in matters of the heart rather than matters of health. When a church sociable brings together old friends, new faces, and unspoken feelings, a well-intentioned effort to help one troubled young woman sets off a chain of unexpected consequences.

As romantic tensions simmer beneath Cedarton’s polite surface, misunderstandings grow and emotions spill over, reminding listeners that even in a close-knit town, good intentions don’t always lead to simple solution...

Aired: May 22, 1947

 This episode of Old Time Radio Snack Wagon features a lively installment of Guest Star showcasing the unlikely but memorable comedy pairing of Jimmy Durante and Gary Moore.

Brought together by circumstance rather than long partnership, the two performers blend contrasting styles—Durante’s gravel-voiced exuberance and Moore’s quick, urbane wit—into a warm, fast-moving half hour of radio comedy.

 Originally produced as a U.S. Savings Bonds public service program, Guest Star often placed top talent in playful sketches that folded advertising into the humor itself. In this episode, Durante and Moore...

Aired: April 1–2, 1960

This episode of Old Time Radio Snack Wagon features a rare and engaging interview from Hollywood Profile, a syndicated series connected with General Electric Theater. In this special edition, the usual interviewer, Ronald Reagan, finds himself on the other side of the microphone, questioned by Nancy Reagan in a wide-ranging and remarkably candid conversation.

Recorded in 1960, the interview captures Reagan at a transitional moment in his public life, known nationally as an actor, television host, and corporate spokesman, but years before his entrance into elected office. Over the course of several short segments, Reagan re...

Journey back to the 1940s and listen to an episode of Wings Over Jordan, a top-rated network radio program originating from Cleveland.

The series featured a performance by all-Black Choir based in Cleveland, Ohio. We talk about the group's history and then listen to one of their network radio programs.


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Join Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart as they navigate the humorous and sometimes frustrating intricacies of international travel from New York to Europe. With witty banter and relatable travel mishaps, this episode is sure to bring a smile to your face. 

Starts Gene and Kathleen Lockhart

Originally Aired in 1930

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In this episode, we delve into 'Pat O'Brien's Inside Hollywood' and experience a story of a rider on a dark night that has galloped through American history. 

Originally Aired in 1949

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Today, the fascinating tale of Abbott and Costello's rise to stardom—a journey sprinkled with hot dogs, mustard, and a dash of destiny. We feature "Show Stoppers," a 15-minute radio program that highlighted the pivotal moments when stars were born.

Dive into the duo's candid interview as they reminisce about their early days, from the struggle for their next gig to their big break on Kate Smith's radio show. But it's their legendary mustard routine that truly transformed their careers, turning a simple hot dog stand banter into a show-stopping act that catapulted them to fame on Broadway an...