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Chapter 3 Old Time Radio Programs |
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THE REEFER MADNESS ERA:
BROADCAST SPEECHES:
REEFER MADNESS ERA BROADCAST SPEECHES
Political speeches have been around for a long, long time; -- certainly long before the beginnings of the Reefer Madness campaign; what was new was the fact that the medium of radio allowed for such speeches to be heard, not by thousands, but by hundreds of thousands. Which in turn, for the first time in history, allowed for a charismatic voice to literally mesmerize, not just a meeting hall, but a whole nation. Thus the importance of studying these "voices.” What words did they use? How did they deliver their messages, etc?
Unfortunately, very few [text] transcripts, and even fewer audio recordings from the Reefer Madness campaign have survived the years. Despite our best efforts, this museum has been able to identify no more than a couple of dozen, of the thousands of probable broadcast speeches given. The reasons why are numerous; First, most of these speeches were given over local small radio stations (a local chief of police would be invited for 15 minutes to speak on the evils of marihuana etc.), where the idea of recording live speeches was unknown. Why record something that everyone in the whole town had already heard? Next, even if they wanted to as mentioned elsewhere, the technology to do so was quite expensive at the time, making recordings of such broadcasts ALL BUT IMPOSSIBLE. The following serves as a good example:
“The Evening Courier Feb 18, 1938 p7:Thus it is no accident that the only broadcast speeches we’ve been able to locate, ALL come from nation-wide broadcasts out of New York or Chicago etc. And this is due mostly to the fact that some of them had been entered into the Congressional Digest, or somehow found there way into a major governmental library archive.
“Marijuana will be subject of Talk by Dr. Devine Monday”
--- Further plans have been made for the Marijuana meeting to be held at the Champaign high school auditorium under the auspices of the Champaign Woman’s club and the Champaign Parent-Teachers’ association, with Dr. Robert Devine of Lansing, Mich., as speaker. There will be no admission charge. Marijuana, which is the seed of the Indian hemp plant and easily grown, was introduced into Michigan by the Mexicans, and Dr. Devine a pastor of Lansing church, had ample opportunity to study the effects of the weed when used as a drug. Since there is no federal jurisdiction to govern the use of marijuana, the General Federation of Women’s clubs has for several years been agitating the necessity for a flaw to govern its use. . . . . . In addition to the radio addresses to be made by Dr. Devine during his stay in the community, another has been planned for Feb 23 from 10:45 to 11 o’clock over station WDZ, Tuscola
But maybe that is for the best, for the most part the reader will find these voices to be out and out boring. Just remember that this was a time when people had a lot of trust in their government back then. In the voices of authority.
[Last update Feb 2010]
NOTE: Almost all students of dis-information seem to agree on one point, that in terms of propaganda techniques the Reefer Madness conspirators created NOTHING new. Instead, they seem to be relying on the old ‘tried and true’ methods used by the anti (alcohol) prohibitionist movement that led successfully to the repeal of those laws. Just keep in mind, that people (back in the 1930’s) had an almost child like faith in their government. AND, would our governmental Officials ever lie to us? - [last update Feb 2010]
THE WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION:
The Union Signal -(National woman's Christian temperance union):
Oct. 29, 1938 pp(656) 16. “National W.C.T.U. on the Air” [ARTICLE]
[Library of Congress has as copy]
Date Broadcast : 09/28/1939 - Time 8:00 p.m.
Shelf no. RWA 4948 A4
Medium Radio broadcast - Source NBC Blue network Recording Note Duplicated from an NBC Blue network radio program broadcast of Sept. 28, 1939; 8:00 p.m.-8:15 p.m.
Summary The hundredth anniversary of the Women's Christian Temperance Union is celebrated.
Subject Women's Christian Temperance Union
Physical Item RWA 4948 A4. 1 sound reel : 7.5ips, double-track ; 10-inch, 1/4-inch (polyester). Recording Laboratory 1983. Duration: 001500.
Collection/Donor name: NBC Radio Collection. [WANTED-UNKNOWN MATTER]
====== NewsPaper Radio Announcements =========
W.C.T.U. (Women’s Christian Temperance Union) Radio Speech(s):
NEW YORK TIMES
Clearfield Progress - Clearfield, Pennsylvania
Frederick Post - Frederick, Maryland
Zanesville Signal
Reno Evening Gazette - Reno Nevada
Nevada State Journal - Reno Nevada
San Francisco Examiner
GENERAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS
“We Battle with a Beast” - Jan 24, 1935 (national broadcast) By Grace Morrison Poole, president of the “General Federation of Women’s Clubs.” Text of speech was taken from the Congressional Record (Senate) as entered March 26, 1935 [page 4424]. The speech is mostly about narcotics in general with Marihuana mentioned in only one paragraph as follows:
“It Is bad enough when the addict is an adult, but we have very good reason to know that at the present time in our colleges, and even in our high schools, drug peddlers are getting a lucrative living through selling a type of cigarette made from the marihuana (mar-i-wa-na) weed, which is known in the parlance of the peddlers as the " killer drug." It comes from a weed that grows in many of the States of the Union, and the student of narcotics tells us that the number of users of this particular drug is growing most rapidly in this country. The users, we are also told, are frequently turned into cruel monsters who commit the most atrocious crimes.” [TEXT]
THE WORLD NARCOTIC DEFENSE ASSOCIATION
Documentation of fifth annual Conference of Committees of the World Narcotic Defense Association and International Narcotic Education Association: resolutions adopted, minutes, addresses delivered, messages and papers read Author: Conference of Committees of the World Conference on Narcotic Education and International Narcotic Education Association
DC GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIV DGW
NY NEW YORK PUB LIBR RES LIBR NYP
Conf Author(s): Conference of Committees of the World Conference on Narcotic Education and International Narcotic Education Association (5th : 1932 : New York); World Conference on Narcotic Education. Publication: [S.l. : s.n., Year: 1932 Description: 1 v. : 28 cm. Note(s): Cover title./ Various pagings./ Reproduced from typewritten copy. Class Descriptors: LC: HV5800 - OCLC: 14917859 [WANTED]
- Narcotics defense program [copy @ Library of Congress] Date Broadcast : 02/24/1937 - Time 7:45 p.m. - Medium Radio broadcast - Source NBC Blue network - Performer(s) Charles H. Tuttle; Admiral Richmond P. Hobson. Recording Note Duplicated from an NBC Blue network radio program broadcast of Feb. 24, 1937; 7:45 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Summary The World Narcotics Defense Association sponsors this program describing the dangers and horrors of drug addiction. - Physical Item LWO 15778 80B3. 1 sound reel : 7.5ips, double-track ; 10-inch, 1/4-inch (polyester). Recording Laboratory 1980. Duration: 001500. Collection/Donor name: NBC Radio Collection. [WANTED]
WORLD GROUP TO PUSH FIGHT ON MARIJUANA====== NewsPaper Radio Announcements =========
(Illicit Drug to be Chief Target of Week's Narcotic Fight Opening Today) With special emphasis on the increasing use of marijuana in the United States, the World Narcotic Defense Association all this week will observe the eleventh annual Narcotic Educational Week, appealing to the public through the press and radio as well as through religio fraternal and educational institutions. ---- The association will campaign for the enactment of the Uniform State Narcotic Drug Act in the District of Columbia and fifteen States, for efficient narcotic law enforcement and prompt and effective action against violators by the courts and for more thorough instruction in schools concerning dangerous narcotic drugs. The campaign will be on a national scale. --- Last year the police in New York City uprooted and destroyed 37,000 pounds of marijuana plants. The State Supervisor of Narcotic Control estimated that in 1935 almost 200 tons of the plant were destroyed in New York State. --- Members of the association who will speak over the radio are Admiral Richmond P. Hobson, president; Dr. Perry M. Lichtenstein, Representative Hamilton Fish, Charles H. Tuttle and Major J. G. Phelps-Stokes. -- New York Times - Feb 21, 1937
NEW YORK TIMES:
Narcotic Defense Association Richmond P. Hobson
ALSO - World Narcotic Defense Association
New York times of Feb. 18, 1932 pp29
New York times of Feb. 27, 1932 pp20
New York times of Nov. 25, 1934 ppX12
New York times of Feb. 26, 1936 pp15
New York Times of Feb 27, 1936 pp17.
WE THE PEOPLE
A RADIO SYMPOSIUM ON MARIHUANA, THE KILLER DRUG
LITERARY DIGEST (Funk & Wagnalls): (Magazine)
HAMILTON FISH
====== NewsPaper Radio Announcements =========
Hamilton Fish
New York Times of May 27, 1931 p40
Attorney General Orland S. Loomis: [Radio Broadcast Speech] - Meet Marijuana Evil Promptly, Urges Loomis - Madison (ap) - Attorney General Orland S. Loomis warned in a radio speech last night that the marijuana evil must be met with promptly. While indications are that the marijuana problem in Wisconsin is not at present a major one, close scrutiny is advisable to prevent it from becoming a serious menace. Through the cooperation of law enforcing agencies, the necessary legislation, and assistance of public-spirited citizens, we should be able to meet this problem,” Loomis declared. -- Oshkosh Northwestern Oct 1, 1938 Saturday [TEXT]
====== NewsPaper Radio Announcements =========
Radio Speech given by Attorney General (Wisconsin) Orland S. Loomis on the evils of Marihuana:
Oshkosh Northwestern - Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Sheboygan Press - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Frank L. Igoe, (Head of New York Federal Narcotic Bureau)
ISABELLE AHERN O'NEILL - RADIO ADDRESS:
[Museum has only selected Parts of the text - Full text can be found at Pen-State Univsitiy]
HARRY ANSLINGER:
THE NEED FOR NARCOTIC EDUCATION - Feb 24, 1933
"Another urgent reason for the early enactment of the Uniform State Narcotic Act is to be found in the fact that it is the only uniform legislation yet devised to effectively deal with Marihuana"
"There is no Federal law against the prohibition and use of Marihuana in this country. The legal fight against its abuse is largely a problem of state and municipal legislation and law enforcement.
"All public-spirited citizens should enlist in the campaign to demand and to get adequate state laws and efficient state enforcement on Marihuana". - [WANTED]
THE NARCOTIC EVIL - Dec 13, 1934
MARIHUANA CIGARETTE MENACE - Feb 24, 1936
“[In 1936, Harry Anslinger gave a radio address on "The Need for Narcotic Education," in which he complained of the "appalling indifference" shown by most people to the "already widespread use of marijuana." The following year he noted that the "sweeping march" of marijuana addiction had been so insidious that it was thriving unmolested, "largely because of official ignorance of its effects." -- "The Struggle Of Mankind Against Its Deadliest Foe": Journal of Social History, Spring, 2001 by Susan L. Speaker [Wording of Speech is supposed to be found at -- Harry Anslinger, "The Need for Narcotic Education," transcript of NBC radio address, Feb. 24, 1936. Anslinger Papers, Box 1, File 7]
BROADCAST SPEECH - April 13, 1936
MARIHUANA AND CRIME - Oct 22, 1937
MARIHUANA - Oct 25, 1937
NEW YORK HERALD TRIBUNE (Newspaper) Forum 1938:
-
"The Tribune Forums were gathering where all sorts of establishment celebrities would be brought together to give 5 minute speeches to each other and broader body of “responsible types”. Each year there would be 1 or 2 central themes.
In 1938 the general theme was “America’s Facing Tomorrow’s World” and the first of 5 sessions was titled “Keeping the Mind of the Nation Young.” 3 of the 13 talks were about “Through Protection From A New Menace--Marijuana.” There had been no previous talk in the 7 earlier forums on marijuana or drugs in general, and it is interesting that this widespread interest occurs AFTER all the laws are passed." --- Harry Anslinger Archives -Pen State
2. - Ellen Eva King Freshman at Sarah Lawrence College "Tell Us the Truth!"
3. - Mrs. William Dick Sporborg - President of the Citizens’ Council to Abolish Marihuana - “How Can Women Fight Marijuana?” [TEXT]
ROBERT JAMES DIVINE:
Rev. Robert James Divine (author of “Marihuana - Assassin of Youth”) will be giving a lecture and one or more radio talks:
Evening Courier - Urbana Ill.
“The Evening Courier Feb 18, 1938 p7:[TEXT OF PROGRAM WANTED, But Probably NO RECORDING was ever made.]
“Marijuana will be subject of Talk by Dr. Devine Monday”
--- Further plans have been made for the Marijuana meeting to be held at the Champaign high school auditorium under the auspices of the Champaign Woman’s club and the Champaign Parent-Teachers’ association, with Dr. Robert Devine of Lansing, Mich., as speaker. There will be no admission charge. Marijuana, which is the seed of the Indian hemp plant and easily grown, was introduced into Michigan by the Mexicans, and Dr. Devine a pastor of Lansing church, had ample opportunity to study the effects of the weed when used as a drug. Since there is no federal jurisdiction to govern the use of marijuana, the General Federation of Women’s clubs has for several years been agitating the necessity for a flaw to govern its use. --- The Parent-Teachers’ association of Champaign with Mrs #. H. Spears as president, has been cooperating with the Woman’s club in arranging for the speaker. Mrs. S.W. Shurtz health and social welfare chairman of the club has been general chairman for the affair, assisted by Mrs. Frank Brya, district chairman of public health, and child hygiene, and Mrs. Spears. Mrs. Brya has interested many clubs in the 19th district in having similar meetings in their own counties, following that of Champaign. She will introduce Dr. Devine from the platform Monday night. The Triads a group of about forty girls of the senor high school under Mendel Riley, will sing three numbers. -- Mrs. P.G. Maginus of the club is serving as chairmen of ushers for the evening and has announced her committee made up of both organizations. They are Mrs. W. #, Truman, Mrs Mort Bradley Mrs H.J. Smith, Mrs. A.R. Wilson, Mrs. H.S. Woolers and Mrs Floyd Collins. --- In addition to the radio addresses to be made by Dr. Devine during his stay in the community, another has been planned for Feb 23 from 10:45 to 11 o’clock over station WDZ, Tuscola
WANT TO KNOW MORE:
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Due to space / download time considerations, only selected materials are displayed. If you would like to obtain more information, feel free to contact the museum. All our material is available (at cost) on CD-Rom format. Please contact: antique_andy@catholic.org
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