November 2, 1931: Debut of Myrt and Merge

November 2, 1931: On this date, CBS aired the radio show Myrt and Marge for the first time. The program revolved around the competition of two chorus girls for the same parts and the same men. Myrtle Vail, who created the series and wrote the script as well (with help from Cliff Thomas), also played the part of Myrt. Vail's daughter, Donna Damerel, was the original Marge. Unfortunately, Donna died giving birth and three other performers took her place during its run. The program went on for 11 years.

Vail based the story idea off of her experiences during her stay in Chicago where she worked as a vaudeville actor play along with her husband, George Damerel . Almost all the stories she wrote were based on their experiences. She presented the idea to the chewing gum manufacturer Wrigley, which was then not yet a sponsor for his show. Manufacturer Wrigley liked Vail's idea an Wrigley finally agreed to sponsor the show. Myrt & Merge debuted as a prime time program in the evening. The show turned out to be more popular with women, so the show was moved to the afternoon program slot.

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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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