When we began documenting and collecting Jimmy Stewart radio shows, we knew that there was going to be information missed and shows that were not going to be available. We learned to live with that and occasionally found some of these missing gems to add to the collection.
What is harder to take are those items that we know exist, but for one reason or another cannot track down. One of these has been the 4-H Club public service announcement which Stewart recorded in 1968. We first came across the listing on The National Archives website (Link). We followed their procedures for obtaining a copy of the recording, but heard nothing in return. Several more attempts also failed. As a result, we could do little more than list the record in our book.
Eventually, we found the wesbite for the National 4-H History Preservation Program (Link), which led to more information on Stewart’s involvement, including the text of his announcement. But, we still have no audio or record label scans. If you can help us in our search, please let us know!
In the meantime, here is what Mr. Stewart had to say for the 1968 National 4-H Week:
My name is Jimmy Stewart, and I live in Hollywood, California, and I like 4-H Clubs. I admire 4-H’ers more every time I see these alert young people applying head, heart, hands and health to better living for themselves and others. Now days when we are all disturbed about the rise in juvenile delinquency, we see the need for more boys and girls to share wholesome character and citizenship building activities. Here 4-H has a special contribution to make. Through 4-H, young people wherever they live learn by doing. They do things – make things – and grow things. They grow themselves. So let’s help more young people in town, country, city and suburbia develop through their 4-H learning for living program. Ask your county extension agent how you can join 4-H or be a 4-H leader.
