"Old Time Radio" (OTR) or the "Golden Age" of radio generally refers to the radio programs of the 30's, 40's, and 50's. For those of us who are old enough to remember some or all of the decades, there is a certain nostalgia when the word "radio" is mentioned. Perhaps it is because OTR takes us back to a much simpler time in life. Family members sat around the radio listening to their favourite characters - each person using their imagination to visualize the scenery and the people. You felt as if you knew the characters personally and would eagerly await the next episode to see what your friends were doing. Remember listening to Amos and Andy, Fibber McGee and Molly, Arthur Godfrey just to name a few.
One of my favourite OTR shows was Fibber McGee and
Molly - this show had the distinction of being one of the
longest running radio shows. 
The comedy show ran from 1935 until
1959. Fibber and Molly were played by real-life husband and wife:
Jim and Marian Jordan. There were numerous characters popping in
to visit the McGee's at 79 Wistful Vista. One of my favourites
was "Teeny".
As a
child, I remember thinking: "Gosh, that little girl is really
good." It was only recently that I realized her part was played
by Marian Jordan. I heard an old interview done with Jim Jordan
in which he stated many people did not realize that Marion was
playing the part. Anyone who remembers the show will no doubt
remember the hall closet gag. Whenever Fibber would open the
closet, all sorts of things would come falling out which left
Fibber muttering: 'Gotta clean this closet out one of these
days." In 1983, a star bearing the names of the "Jordan's" and
the "McGee's" was unveiled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Al Girard has done a wonderful web site: Unofficial Fibber McGee and Molly Home Page There is an abundance of information here about the show; you can also download entire shows and listen to them (mp3 format). The shows are changed every Sunday. There is "Fibber McGee's Scrapbook" which was written by Charles Stumpf and Ben Ohmart in 2001. You can read a little about this book by checking out the "LINKS" on Al's site.
Note: As I write this in August of 2008, it seems Al's page is being revamped - I look forward to viewing his new site. If it is at all like the old site - it will be worth the wait.
This selection of Fibber McGee and Molly is taken from one of the early shows. It is dated April 20, 1936. The show is titled: 'Streetcar Motorman, McGee'. (mp3 file)
Another show that was successful was The Great Gildersleeve. This show was actually a spin-off from the Fibber McGee and Molly show. Mike Wheeler has a very nice web site with lots of information, photos from The Great Gildersleeve: The Gildersleeve Project The same gentlemen who wrote Fibber McGee's Scrapbook also wrote "The Great Gildersleeve" There is a link to the author on Mike's site with details on how to purchase the book.
This selection of The Great Gildersleeve is titled 'Arrival in Summerfield' and is the very first episode of this show. It aired August 31, 1941. (mp3 file)
There are many OTR web sites - both the sites listed above have links to other sites. Here are a few more to get you started:
The Nostalgia Pages
Old Time Radio
The Vintage Radio Place
Radio Days - Comedy
Ted Kneebone's Old Time Radio Page
Nostalgic Rumblings
Old Time Radio Gazette
Old Time Radio Shows
The Original OTR WWW Pages
I hope that you have enjoyed having a look at some of the web sites; perhaps I have kindled an interest in OTR for some of you.