24TH ANNIVERSARY BROADCAST
“THANKS FOR LISTENING”

Originally broadcast on WNIB
Saturday, April 30, 1994

As we complete 24 years of Those Were The Days programs we mark the occasion by presenting a broadcast of the party to celebrate the “61st Anniversary of Jack Benny’s 39th Birthday,” held by the Radio Hall of Fame at the Museum of Broadcast Communications on Sunday, February 13, 1994.

A capacity crowd packed the Preston Bradley Hall in the Chicago Cultural Center to honor the great comedian (1894-1994) on his Centennial birthday.

Ken Alexander wrote an original radio script, based upon characters and situations created during the twenty-three year run of one of the most successful programs in the history of radio.

Our Those Were The Days Radio Players brought Ken’s script to life, with characterizations of Phil Harris, Rochester, Don Wilson, Frank Nelson, the Train Announcer, the Trout, Sy, Mr. Kitzel, Gertrude and Mable, Ed, the Quartet and others.

John Sebert, winner of our Jack Benny Sound-Alike contest, played Jack.  Special guest Joan Benny, Jack’s daughter, portrayed Mary Livingstone in the re-enactment.  Channel 2 weatherman Harry Volkman appeared as Dennis Day and Ken Alexander was Professor LeBlanc.  A special scene was written into the script for Bobby Blumofe, Jack’s grandson who surprised us by flying in for the occasion.

We’ll broadcast the entire re-enactment plus other elements of the Centennial Salute to Jack Benny, including fond memories of Jack by his daughter and grandson.

Don’t miss it if you can!