RUSC MAILING

Written by Ned Norris

As an old-time radio aficionado, I wanted to take a moment to share something that truly moved my heart. On August 1, 1956, on NBC’s Recollections At 30, audiences were given the rare opportunity to revisit a moment etched in the annals of history—the haunting coverage of the Hindenburg disaster.

Now, picture this: it’s the night of May 6, 1937, a grand German dirigible in the sky, all set to mark a milestone. But, alas, what was meant to be a routine landing turned into chaos as flames engulfed the majestic airship. It was a tragedy that echoed through the ages, captured by Herbert Morrison, a fine WLS Chicago announcer on the scene in Lakehurst, New Jersey.

His voice transformed from calm reporter to an overwhelmed witness, capturing the horror in real-time. That unforgettable phrase, “Oh, the humanity!” resonates even today. It wasn’t just news—it was a shared human experience that tugged at the very strings of our hearts. As listeners, we were there with him, feeling the weight of that moment, the shared grief and fear.

During the special episode of Recollections at 30, host Ed Herlihy guided us through this solemn chapter of history. The intertwining of Morrison’s emotional report with insightful commentary reminds us of radio's unique power to connect us—to keep the memory of significant events alive.

As we reflect on this poignant moment, I invite you to take a step back in time with me. Let’s listen to the echoes of that fateful night, remembering not just the mechanical failures of the grand airship, but the immense fragility of life itself. The Hindenburg disaster teaches us about the irreplaceable value of human connection, especially in moments of crisis.

Tune in to RUSC today and let yourself be transported back to that intense night to experience the legacy of Morrison's report and the spirit of broadcasting that captures life's most significant moments.

Warmest wishes,

RUSC Old Time Radio
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