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Augsburg Now: "Hour Melodious" radio show
Fall 1997, Vol. 60, No. 1
The 'Hour Melodious' -- remembering Augsburg on the radio
By Julie Hogan
Staff Writer
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"In the majestic quietness of eventide, after sun bids earth sweet rest,
there comes a pause for song and memory, 'tis the hour melodious..."
So began the script that Orville Hognander wrote for the "Hour
Melodious," a musical program on WCCO radio featuring the Augsburg
Choir, beginning on January 6, 1935.
At that time TV was still a myth. Radio ruled the nights for many people
across America and the Augsburg Choir, due to the efforts of Orville
Hognander (who died May 6), secured a spot during prime
time, Sunday, 10:30 p.m., right after the news. In today's TV world,
this would constitute a must-see spot, somewhere between "Seinfeld" and
"ER."
The "Hour Melodious" was Hognander's brainchild. He created, produced,
and became the announcer and manager for it. He also talked to WCCO
producers about the cost, convincing them to donate the time. For any
other show it would have been $300. Today that doesn't seem like much
when advertisers spend $2 million on a 60-second commercial, but
consider this: tuition at Augsburg College was only $75 a year.
"It was a lot of fun." said former choir member and now Tuesday
Volunteer Hannah (Mehus) Stensvaag ('38). "He (Hognander) was
enthusiastic. He made it a really exciting adventure for all of us."
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It had to be an "exciting adventure" because the 50 members that showed
up every Sunday night during winter didn't have the luxury of driving
and parking next to the studio. Most walked downtown or took a cab.
"We'd get all our nickels and pennies together and six or seven of us
would just pile into a cab, splitting the fare.
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| The "Hour Melodious" choir smiles for the camera. This
postcard was sent to Lutheran congregations to promote the show.
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"Sometimes we walked. It was during the winter and very cold. We were
determined to do it," said Margaret (Sateren) Trautwein ('37), also a
Tuesday Volunteer. |
WCCO was broadcast over an open channel at that time, meaning that
anyone in the U.S. could tune into the show; alumni of Augsburg from
Montana to New York could hear the voices of students at their alma
mater. But alumni weren't the only listeners. Before the choir became a
regular program on WCCO, they were featured on both NBC and CBS for a
half hour each.
Hundreds of people from across the country wrote fan letters to Professor Henry
Opseth, director of the show, about the series:
Montana: "We cannot
write adequately -- only it is grand."
New York: "Seldom have we heard a
broadcast with such inspiration inherent."
Canada: "On Sunday evening a
group of us sat around the radio and heard your inspiring and beautiful
singing come over the air."
After 18 weeks the 50 members of the "Hour Melodious" ended their
program. Orville Hognander delivered the last dialogue for this bit of
Augsburg History.
"With the close of the program, ladies and gentlemen, the Augsburg
College music department likewise brings to an end the Sunday evening
"Hour Melodious" series. We hope that the memories of this series will
prove to be pleasant ones that will mean joy and inspiration in the days
to come."
For additional information on historical radio shows, visit Radio Days, a web site dedicated to radio
history.
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