Most families did not own a television until the late 1940’s or early 1950’s. Without a television (or computer or cell phone), our parents, grandparents or great-grandparents often entertained themselves by listening to radio programs.
In the 1930’s, almost every household had a radio. The 1930’s was a time known as the”Great Depression” and life was financially challenging for many. For entertainment, families often spent evenings huddled around the radio listening to a favorite show. Shown at left is a photo of a pre-television 1930-40 vintage radio.
Radio Program Content: Live musical performances dominated the airwaves in the early years. Dramas, comedy acts, talk and educational programs soon followed. The radio was used to listen to war time news, sports, weather, music and scripted radio programs before television.
Popular 1930s radio shows from the ‘Golden Age of Radio’:
Abbott & Costello – Father Knows Best -The Roy Rogers Show
Example of Radio show