Cassettes and Compact Discs, 1926 - 1993

The materials donated by Aaron Mintz contain audio cassette tapes and compact discs featuring both rare and popular radio programs, most of which were originally broadcast between the 1930s and 1960s. While some material extends beyond this date range, the mid-20th century was known as the "Golden Age of Radio," when the medium became the dominant medium for news and entertainment in the United States. While some shows began as adaptations of well-known motion pictures or vaudeville routines between beloved comic duos, the era ushered in a wave of new formats for popular entertainment. Programs on the Aaron Mintz tapes and CDs span an array of genres, including comedy, drama, detective, mystery, wartime news broadcasts, quiz shows, science fiction, variety hours, and western. Although television eventually eclipsed radio in the homes of 1950s Americans, original radio series such as Dragnet and Gunsmoke bridged the transition and also enjoyed many years of success on the small screen.