Empire Builders: History drama (Circa early 1930's)

Don Ameche

This early, enthralling radio drama is all but lost since its assumed first broadcast in 1931. Sponsored by the Great Northern Railway, and created by the Chicago affiliate of the National Broadcasting System, these few episodes have so far come to light. But here they are, for you to enjoy more than 70 years later! It is amazing to think that before the late 1940's, network old time radio shows were broadcast live only to be heard once and never again! Luckily, we do have many "air checks," or "recorded transcriptions" that were the local radio station's commercial alternative to the flush national networks that shunned the broadcasting of recordings. Some shows on shellac disks were cut and kept by their creators for posterity, or local stations for potential sales. Some shows were archived by sponsors, such as the Johnson Wax Company's treasure, Fibber McGee and Molly. But many fine local shows similar to "Empire Builders" were unrecorded or not archived, and are assumed lost and gone forever.

Empire Builders tells of America and its history. A somewhat mystical character, the "Old Timer," is an American rail worker who sees history in the making. In these episodes, we get a glimpse of the history of railroads in the development and use of the Columbia River.

The World War I show "Armistice Day," is a wonderfully evocative tribute to the American "doughboys" who were sent by Uncle Sam to fight the Huns in the fields and trenches of Europe. The use of sound effects are adventurous, as is the pacing of the show, veering between the boys coming back home in a celebratory mood, but ready to "flash back" to the front as talk and other soldiers reminisce. The sound quality is decent, and what little remains seems to represent a first class show. For its time, the writing and acting are admirable.

Please note this collection contains the seven recordings of this rare series known to be in existence. Some of the rare recordings in this collection may be of inferior sound quality.

For more railroad theme old time radio shows, see also: Grand Central Station, Railroad Hour, Railroad Collection, Green Valley Line, and Mysterious Traveler.