Old Time Radio

At Records of History, we encourage folks to explore recorded programming from the Golden Age of Radio (1930s-1950s). In addition to the vast number of hours of programming from many genres to be enjoyed, one can also discover connections to other areas of interest.

As a fan of the television series, “The Andy Griffith Show,” I learned of a handful of interesting connections with old time radio.

The long-running TV series “Gunsmoke” was preceded by a radio version of the series. Initialing airing in 1952, radio’s “Gunsmoke” featured William Conrad as Matt Dillon. Also starring as regular cast members were two actors who would later be regulars on “The Andy Griffith Show.” The role of Chester Proudfoot was played by Parley Baer, known as Mayor Stoner in Mayberry. Playing the part of radio’s Doc Adams was Howard McNear, known in Mayberry as Floyd the barber!

Many Mayberry fans may not know that Don Knotts worked in radio early in his career. Like many listeners of radio’s “Bobby Benson and His B-Bar-B Riders,” Andy Griffith first became familiar with Knotts as the memorable character, Windy. If you hear Knotts in character on this series, you will easily recognize some characteristics that would later be part of Knotts’ role as Mayberry’s Barney Fife!

In a memorable “Andy Griffith Show” episode featuring Aunt Bee, guest star John Dehner played a visiting medicine man wearing western apparel. Of course, to old time radio afficionados he is remembered as the actor who voiced Paladin in radio’s “Have Gun Will Travel” (1958-1960).

Mary Lansing stayed very busy playing supporting roles in many popular shows during the era of old time radio. In Mayberry, after appearing as several one-off characters, she landed the recurring role of Martha Clark, wife of Mayberry’s late series’ fix-it man, Emmett Clark. It was a role that continued for her in nine episodes of “Mayberry R.F.D.”

Though he only appeared in one episode, Norris Goff deserves a mention in any Mayberry-Old Time Radio discussion. As Abner of radio’s long-running “Lum and Abner,” Goff’s voice was distinct and easy to recognize. Viewers of the “Andy Griffith Show: Opie’s Job” episode would have quickly identified the local grocer as none other than Abner Peabody of radio’s “Jot ‘Em down Store” fame!

If you have never had the opportunity to listen to any shows from the Golden Age of Radio, you can find recordings of thousands of episodes on the internet. Some younger listeners have described it as “it’s like you are listening to an expensively-produced audio book.” With a bit of exploring, I am sure you will be able to find something you enjoy!