Old Time Radio Snack Wagon|Rare Historic Radio Programs

Old Time Radio Snack Wagon|Rare Historic Radio Programs

Get ready for the first-ever snackable Old Time Radio podcast, featuring mostly obscure treasures from radio's golden age. Each week listen for a bite-sized sample of the Golden Age of Radio and journey back to the twentieth century. Gain keen insights into life in the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s through short-form old-time radio programs including comedic moments, full-cast short audio dramas, stories from the greatest storytellers of the past, powerful dramatic readings, and even memorable old time radio ads. Unearth legends and rediscover those who have long been forgotten, all while gaining keen insights into life in a world that was. Each episode brings you self-contained short programs or excerpts from longer programs, skillfully introduced by Adam, who provides brief commentary and historical background. For history enthusiasts seeking a tantalizing trip through time, the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon awaits you. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-radio-snack-wagon-rare-historic-radio-programs--5919985/support.

Episodes

September 8, 2025 20 mins
On this episode of Old Time Radio Snack Wagon, we feature an installment of Behind the Story narrated by Marvin Miller: The Crypt of Civilization. This fascinating program, originally broadcast by the Armed Forces Radio Service, explores one of the most ambitious time capsule projects in history.

Conceived in 1936 by Dr. Thornwell Jacobs, president of Oglethorpe University, the “Crypt of Civilization” was designed to preserve a reco...
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On this special episode of The Old Time Radio Snack Wagon, we're ringing in Public Domain Day (and New Year's too) and for once we're not bringing you old time radio. We've got our virtual record play out and are ready to ring in the New Year with some tracks from '23 (1923 that is) that've entered the public domaikn.

Among the '78 RPM recordings you'll hear:

Paul Whiteman's Orchestra brings us., "March of the Wooden Soldiers."

Then, ...
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This week, we take a look at soldiers far from home and how the Armed Forces Radio Services brought them a taste of home with the help of local radio stations.

While the popular World War I refrain, "How are you going to keep them back on the farm when they've seen Paree." While there was truth in this song, American servicemen and servicewomen often longed for home. Wayback Home was a daily fifteen minute series that featured liste...
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Today, we feature a segment from The Big Show on November 12, 1950.

Groucho Marx hosts a version of his classic game show You Bet Your Life with some unusual couples. First up is Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice) and Daddy (Hanley Stafford), then Tallulah Bankhead and Meredith Willson.

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This episode we feature a story from he greatest radio storyteller of the 20th Century.

John Nesbitt tells the story of La Libre Belgique, a Belgian underground newspaper that published the truth about the German occupation during World War I at a stunningly high cost and how the paper is printing again in opposition to Nazi Germany.

The story was told on the July 21, 1942 episode of the Johnson Wax Summer program.

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What would you do if a stranger showed up at your house saying some friends of yours had told her to look you up for a place to stay? And if you were inclined to show her a bit of hospitality, what would you do when she called her giant husband to come inside.

This was the basis of a stunt on a post-war episode of People Are Funny. And we'll find out in today's excerpt from that program hosted by Art Linkletter.

This comes from an A...
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look at the early days of the comedy feud between legendary comedian, actor, and juggler W.C. Fields and the up-and-coming young ventriloquist's dummy, Charlie McCarthy (attached to Edgar Bergen.)

We start out with the first verbal barbs between Fields and McCarthy on May 1, 1937 and then on June 27, 1937, Fields has to talk his way out of a $12 million defamation lawsuit by Charlie McCarthy in response to Fields' barbs in the previ...
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In this episode of Voice of the Army, Jimmy Stewart narrates the story of an ill-fated plane in the Pacific Theater during World War II...and a legend that goes along with it.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 1, 1949

Originated from Hollywood

Also featured: Jeff Chandler and Sam Edwards

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Join us as we dig into the world of Archie Andrews in this special episode sponsored by YMCA as Archie decides whether to go on vacation with his family or the YMCA Summer Camp and finds a way to get into trouble either way!

Original Broadcast Date: May 7, 1946

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In this sketch from February 17, 1946 episode of Request Performance, a world-class violinist (David Niven) gets a tip that his missing Stradivarius is in the room of a poor musician (Eddie Cantor) who got his break.

Subscribe to the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon at https://www.snackwagon.net

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-radio-snack-wagon-rare-historic-radio-programs--5919985/support.
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Join us for a delightful journey back in time as we explore the enchanting world of Phil Spitalny's All Girl Orchestra in this episode of The Old Time Radio Snack Wagon.

Host Adam Graham takes us through the captivating history of The Hour of Charm, a groundbreaking radio program that showcased the immense talent of female musicians during an era dominated by male orchestras. In this nostalgic segment, we feature a special presentat...
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In this post-War episode of C.P. McGregor's New National Guard show, A thief (William Bendix) is hired to steal a painting of an angel and gets the surprise of his life when the angel comes out of the painting.


Subscribe to the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon at https://www.snackwagon.net

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-radio-snack-wagon-rare-historic-radio-programs--5919985/support.
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Step aboard the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon for a captivating episode that delves into the timeless works of Robert Louis Stevenson. In this edition, host Adam Graham presents a fascinating segment from Orson Welles' Radio Almanac, where Welles delivers a powerful reading of Stevenson's lesser-known letter defending Father Damien against the scathing remarks of Reverend Dr. C.M. Hyde. This impassioned response, penned in 1890, highl...
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We're serving up a delightful portion of nostalgia with an exciting installment of Bill Stern's Sports Newsreel from August 19, 1949. This episode features the legendary baseball pitcher Dizzy Dean, whose larger-than-life personality and unforgettable stories will captivate you. Listen in as Bill Stern recounts the incredible tale of a double knockout in boxing history between Ad Wolgast and Joe Rivers, a fight so extraordinary it ...
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Dive into the past with our latest episode as we explore two segments from John Nesbitt's Passing Parade in 1944. Discover the heartfelt tales of the 'hired girl' in the early 20th century and the profound changes brought by World War II that left some people eager to return to "Old  Town." This episode is a beautiful reflection on childhood, domestic life, and the evolution of society. Don't miss this chance to connect with histor...
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Join us for a gripping episode of "Heroes of the Merchant Marine," where we spotlight the extraordinary bravery of Captain Gus Warren Darnell during World War II. This episode recounts Darnell's harrowing experience aboard the SS Cardonia, as he faces a relentless enemy submarine determined to sink his unarmed cargo ship. With skillful maneuvers and unwavering leadership, Captain Darnell guides his crew through a life-and-death str...
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Join us as we dive into the story of "Jack the Giant Killer," a tale that highlights character development, resilience, and unexpected friendships. Marvin Miller's masterful narration brings this classic story to life, reminding us of the power of storytelling. Don't miss out on this engaging episode that blends adventure and profound insights. 

 Subscribe to the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon at https://www.snackwagon.net


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In this episode, we dive into the enlightening series "Hi Neighbor," hosted by the talented Eddie Albert, best known for his role in "Green Acres." Our focus is on the first episode, "The Bobby Soxers Rebellion," which explores the challenges and triumphs of adolescence as a group of teenagers takes a stand against strict school regulations.

Listeners will be captivated by the story of Patty Russell and her friends as they navigate ...
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Listeners will be treated to a captivating dramatization from the January 11, 1937 episode of "Captains of Industry," where we witness young George Westinghouse's relentless pursuit to create a safer train system. Experience the tension as he faces skepticism from railroad officials and the thrill of his successful demonstration that changed the course of transportation history.

We’ll also explore Westinghouse’s later achievements, ...
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April 28, 2025 14 mins
Join Adam Graham for a whimsical final episode focused on the mischievous world of fake children in Old Time Radio, featuring the unforgettable character of Junior, the mean widdle kid, brought to life by the legendary Red Skelton. In this delightful outing, we explore how Skelton's unique approach to character creation set him apart from his contemporaries, as each character he portrayed had its own distinct personality and quirks...
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