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Beginning their 16th year in radio, the show celebrates its 15th anniversary by remembering times gone by.
Title: 16th Year on Radio.
Topics of discussion include: Rise and fall of Hitler, of women’s skirts, a change of presidents from Hoover to Roosevelt, and more. How has the show affected people from all walks of life, from criminals to soldiers overseas?
Paul rededicates the mission of the show to the family home. Clifford recites what was said 15 years ago in 1934 about the principle of the American family. Mother recites the feeling on marriage in 1936, and the importance of mother love on the children. What impact does that have on civilization? Claudia recites what the show said about family life in 1937. A shelter from the harshness of the world, and a place of wholesomeness and ideals. In 1940, the show stated its position on the circle of life the family is responsible for providing. The home is the greatest of man’s creations.
Mickey reads from 1941 about the strife and disorder the world is engaged in, a show of military might, and change. New uncertainties, but only one place to feel safe, the American family. All is not lost. Coming to the present of 1947, some of the early speculations of 1941 are becoming realities. Even leaders in Washington have become concerned about the family. What can be done about improving and strengthening it? Are the years of slowly building a strong family worth it? Will the country be swallowed up by the first world power to come along, if the family continues to weaken?
An article from Life magazine on the social sickness, and morality of the family is read in part. It claims that if nothing is done, the family will dissolve and cease to be, by the end of the century. Divorce will run rampant, a population loss could occur, behavioral problems among children will expand, and a lack of personal character will characterize the nation.
PS: With all these statements, contributions, and concerns from the days of old-time radio, does the family still hold up? Have we sunk to an all-time low, worse than these folks from the first half of the 20th century could have expected?
