September 19
JUST PLAIN BILL DAY
It was just an average day this day in 1932, when Just Plain Bill was first heard on CBS radio. It was “The real life story of people just like people we all know.” The 15-minute show (Monday through Friday at 7:15 p.m.) was all about (just plain) Bill Davidson and his daughter, Nancy, who lived in (just plain) Hartville. Since Bill was the town barber, everybody came to him with their problems -- and Bill helped them straighten things out.
Instead of playing the usual organ, as a first, Hal Brown played harmonica and whistled the Just Plain Bill introduction music (Darling Nellie Gray). Hal also handled the closing theme (Polly Wolly Doodle) in the same manner.
The show, created by Frank and Anne Hummert, who also came up with Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons, Little Orphan Annie, Amanda of Honeymoon Hill, Front Page Farrell, John’s Other Wife, Mr. Chameleon, Our Gal Sunday and many other radio dramas, later moved to NBC radio. Just Plain Bill chalked up a total of 20 years on the air. A few of the Just Plain Bill sponsors over the years were Kolynos toothpaste, Clapp’s baby food, BiSoDol shaving cream and Anacin pain relief pills.
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
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