September 25, 1933: The Premiere of The Tom Mix Ralston Straight Shooters

September 25, 1933: The Tom Mix Ralson Straight Shooters went on air for the first time on NBC and remained on the air waves until the mid-1950's.

Thomas Hezikiah Mix, otherwise known as Thomas Edwin ""Tom"" Mix, was an early American western movie actor. He was featured in 336 films between 1910 and 1935, nine of those being silent features. He was the first of Hollywood’s great Western actors.

In 1933, Tom Mix made his radio debut. He was granted by Ralston-Purina to produce his own radio series. The series was titled Tom Mix Ralston Straight Shooters. The series was popular throughout most of the 1930's through the early 1950's. Tom himself never performed on the series. His character was played by several different radio actors: Artells Dickson (early 1930's), Jack Holden (1937), Russell Thorsen (early 1940's) and Joe ""Curley"" Bradley (1944). Supporting cast included George Gobel, Harold Peary, and Willard Waterman. As a reward to its loyal listeners, The Ralston company announced that they would give a series of 12 special Ralston-Tom Mix comic books to anyone who mailed a letter to the Ralston Company.

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1946 Great Crepitation Fart Contest

Not for the faint of heart, here is the remarkable 1946 Crepitation (Fart) Contest (part of the 1946 News Broadcasts Collection ). You'll enjoy the fart-off between champion Englishman Lord Windsmear, and challenger, Australian Paul Boomer who had stowed aboard a cabbage freighter. The hilarious comedy recording was apparently created a spoof by two Canadian radio sportscasters in 1946, but this 15 minute recording definitely has some gems in it. Apparently they made several copies, but it was not for distribution. The recording was copied again and again on disc and reel to reel tape. It was distributed underground and played in dark rooms and back alleys around the world. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element This recording is available with many other delightful treats on Random Rarities #7 available on MP3 CD , Audio CD , and instant download .

April 27, 1932: The First Performance of Ed Wynn on Texaco Fire Chief Show

April 27, 1932: Ed Wynn , the Texaco fire chief, graced the airwaves for the first time on Texaco Star Theater. Wynn, who enjoyed popularity as a vaudeville performer, gave as a condition to his switch to radio, that a live audience react to his humor.His condition was granted by the network and so began Wynn's career as the first true superstar of radio. Ed Wynn was hosted a popular radio show on Tuesday nights for most of the 1930s. The radio show was heard in North America and sponsored by Texaco gasoline. On the show Wynn played as the " Texaco Fire Chief ". He was often seen wearing a fireman's helmet. For this show, Wynn would turned down the offer form The Wizard in MGM's adaptation of The Wizard of Oz , to play a role on that show.

January 27, 1948: Wire Recording introduced the 'Wireway'

January 27, 1948: The first magnetic tape recorder was introduced by Wire Recording Corporation of America. ‘Wire Way,’ as it was called, had an integrated oscillator and was sold for $149.50 at the time.

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