“Welcome to adventures in the world of make-believe,” said Larry Youngberg, a member of the Those Were the Days radio players. “Relax and use your imagination as you listen to our stories.”
Youngberg and his fellow performers helped take audience members back to a simpler place in time during a recent performance at the Hammond Public Library.
Two stories were presented during the show — Inter Sanctum: The Undead and Grand Marquee: Haunt Me a House.
“I remember my grandfather talking about his parents listening to the radio for entertainment,” said James Wickland of Hammond, as he and his family found seats in the library’s Community Room. “I’ve always been fascinated about how people could get so much enjoyment out of something with no pictures.”
More than 30 audience members found the answer to that.
As the program unfolded, they were instructed to close their eyes and use their creativity as they heard the narrator, actors and sponsor’s advertisements. Similar to the radio show format offered in past years when television wasn’t available, on-air commercials for those who subsidized the programs were woven in.
“When your looking for a way to relax, Lipton Soup and Lipton Tea are great choices,” a woman said, adding short scenarios that would prompt the listeners to go out and buy the products.
Then the program began, with the radio players changing their voices as they portrayed characters both scary and naive. Music and props, some of which were household items, were utilized.
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“During the radio program of the old days, the players got creative, using items found around the house,” said radio player Wayne Puchkors. “We’re doing the same.”
The first of the two-story show, Inter Sanctum: The Undead found a young woman who found out her husband was a vampire. Her actions after that discovery were the gist of the storyline.
Sound effects included a creaking floor, howling wind, slamming doors and other sounds associated with a scary movie.
When it was over, another commercial came on, followed by the narrator presenting the second story of the evening, Grand Marquee: Haunt Me a House.
In this scenario, a couple selling real estate were in dire financial straights and needed a big sale.
They came across the perfect house that looked like a normal home, but their endeavors to sell it are more than they bargained for.
“The radio players were right when they said people could use their imaginations when they listen to the radio stories,” said Pat Youngman of Highland. “I did close my eyes, and I did get into the stories they were telling. It was fun.”
Radio player Maggie Walters joined the group just months ago, but she believes they are spreading a needed message to the community about entertainment in past years.
“It’s important to let people know about this wonderful piece of our history,” she added. “There was a lot involved in putting on those radio shows for the listeners.”
For more information about programs at the Hammond Public Library, call (219) 931-5100.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.