To make your stay really feel like a trip back in time,
we have set up an AM radio broadcasting station inside Olde
Surber Station that recreates the golden age of radio. This
low-power AM radio station broadcasts historic music, comedy,
mysteries and dramas from the 1930's, 40's and 50's.
We have two vintage AM radios receivers, one in the parlor
and one in the kitchen, that you can tune to receive our
AM station. Even better, you can choose from a wide variety
of programs to listen to throughout your stay. We have over
2400 hours of great programs.
Here are just a few listening suggestions:
The War of the Worlds
On Halloween night, Sunday October 30, 1938 from 8:00 to
9:00 pm, the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) broadcast
the Mercury Theatre's presentation of H.G. Wells "The
War of the Worlds." The narrator and director was Orson
Wells and his incredibly suspenseful version of the story
was so realistic it caused widespread panic on the east
coast of the US. You can tune in and listen to the original
broadcast (if you dare). Then stay tuned and listen to "H.G.
Wells meets Orson Wells" a live broadcast of the meeting
beween the writer of "The War of the Worlds."
This is followed by "Theater of the Imagination"
a commentary about the genius of Orson Wells. Listening
time: 1 hr 46 mins.
Just how shocking was it? Listen to those who experienced it.
September 21, 1939 WJVS Washington, D. C.
Turn on the radio exactly at 6:00 am in the morning and
listen to the entire broadcast day of this typical radio
station, in real time. (Or wait until a more reasonable
time and be a couple hours off - it's still fun!) You'll
listen to Arthur Godfrey, numerous soap operas, dramas,
comedies, music, news, and President Roosevelt's Address
to Congress. It's a typical day in the month that Hitler
invaded Poland and started World War II. Listening time:
19 hrs. (6:00 am to 1:00 am) Click
here for the programming schedule.
Spend June 6, 1944 (D-Day ) at home glued to the radio You may have seen the movies
"Saving Private Ryan" and the "The Longest
Day" which depict the allied invasion of Hitler's "Fortress
Europe" on June 6, 1944 from the soldiers' points of
view, but did you ever think what it was like for your grandparents
as they sat at home glued to the radio praying that our
boys would make it through that fateful day? Well here's
your chance. You can listen to the entire broadcast on the
day that changed the world. Listening time: 23 hrs 45 mins.
The following day, visit the National
D-Day Memorial in nearby Bedford, VA. Then come "home"
and listen that night to the songs of World War II on our
vintage AM radios.
Lucky Strike presents "Your Hit Parade"
This top-10 musical variety show started in 1935 and lasted
for twenty years (the last five as a television program).
It was arguably the most listened to radio show ever. It
featured many famous singers. During and after World War
II, Frank Sinatra was a singing host of the show and Doris
Day was also a regular. We have many episodes of this wonderful
musical broadcast which we're sure you will love.
Bluegrass and
Old Time Music Radio Show
Our own Jack Lewis hosts a radio show that features the
music of unsigned bluegrass, old time and gospel music bands.
Jack discusses their style of playing and lets you know
where to go to hear these bands live. His show has received
rave reviews for its educational and entertainment value.
There are 26 one-hour episodes for your listening enjoyment.
Orson Wells broadcasting "The War of the Worlds"
by H. G. Wells, October 30th 1938.
Arthur Godfrey
D-Day June 6, 1944
Lucky Strike presents "Your Hit Parade
Jack's "Bluegrass and Old Time Music Radio Show"
has received rave reviews.
