One day in nineteen-seventy, a man
Came up with an extraordinary plan.
This man was born when Radio was King.
He loved the shows the medium would bring.
But after old-time radio had died,
This man, in his conviction, did decide
That old-time radio should not be gone,
And he determined that it should live on.
He built a large collection of these shows,
Researching all the programs that he chose,
And found a station that would let him play
The shows for loyal fans each Saturday.
From nineteen hundred seventy till now,
Year after year he’s kept his solemn vow.

Today, as we enjoy "Those Were the Days"
Each Saturday, we find the show conveys
Not only what was on the radio,
But how the people lived some time ago.
The Great Depression, devastating time.
Our anthem: "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?"
The Forties: World War Two with all its pain –
Four years of sacrifice, then peace again.
The nineteen-fifties – now the war was cold.
And as we saw our history unfold,
The background were the programs on the air,
Which all of us – those living then – would share.
"The Burns and Allen Show," "Your Hit Parade,"
"Can You Top This?" "Suspense" and "Vic and Sade."

So now, four decades later, as we hear
That entertainment from a long-past year,
We find that, as we listen, we can feel
What books of history cannot reveal.
They give us facts and dates and maps and charts
But do not tell us what was in our hearts.
While radio, these programs on the air,
Reflected all our hope and our despair.
They mirrored what the people in the street
Would talk about when they would chance to meet.
The slang expressions that the people used,
The things they did to keep themselves amused.
The songs the people sang, the jokes they told
While watching global history unfold.

For nearly forty years he plied his trade,
This man who had his resolution made
In nineteen-seventy to ever strive
To keep the classic wireless shows alive.
His fans grew by the thousands, Loyal band,
For not the show was heard throughout the land,
And all around the planet, you can bet,
Disseminated on the Internet.
But now that those exciting years have passed,
He finds it time to move along at last.
And so today he steps aside with grace
To put a new producer/host in place.
And so, from all who know you, Chuck, to you
A hearty thanks, and best of luck to you.

(Music for these sonnets was added by George Littlefield and performed by
him on Chuck's final broadcast, Saturday, June 27, 2009.)

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL– Perfect. P-E-R-F-E-C-T. From the warm, warm-up and Fibber and touching dedication, through Fred Foy and Koni’s Kazoo and the Robert Hall Singers, and the reminiscences, tributes, proclamation, and family moments (your girls and brother are terrific), and, of course, Les’ birthday wishes/messages, through the tower episode (a riot), the Ken-George sonnets, and the 1993 Radio Hall of Fame induction, to the memorable Auld Lang Syne (an unforgettable closing), the whole show was a Four Star, Two Big Thumbs Way Up, SRO Smash Hit. The finest retirement party and celebration I’ve ever been to and been a part of, for which, one more heartfelt thank you. –GARDNER KISSACK

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL– My wife and I would like to send you a fond farewell message as thanks for all the memories you have brought to us. She started listening to your shows in the mid-80s with her teen-age kids. She turned me on to your shows when we met in the fall of ‘92. The "Outer Limit" got me totally hooked and we have been listening every chance we get ever since. Much appreciation for all the old shows we were too young to remember. Good luck and well wishes for a long and happy retirement. –JOHN and JEN WALEK

WHEATON, IL– Wonderful retirement program today. I needed my Kleenex many times. I have listened to your program since my father introduced me to it sometime in the 1970s. I loved sharing the program with him as he sat at the kitchen table and read his newspaper and listened. I loved to listen to his own recollections of the programs and the actors. I happened to be at my father’s home during this last show of yours and even though we didn’t plan it, we sat and listened together like we did when I was a kid, the whole four hours. I could tell Dad kind of choked up a few times during the show and my tears flowed as you interacted with your daughters. It really was a nice afternoon. Chuck, I wish you the best, and your voice will be greatly missed. I wish Steve the best of luck. I will continue to listen as I do my Saturday chores. Thank you for all the memories and providing me with this special time with my own father. –JENNIFER STRONER

CHICAGO– We listened to your gala final Those Were The Days broadcast in its entirety and, yes, we too went through a few Kleenex, and an old Robert Hall hanky or two. But we also applauded the accolades bestowed on you, and admired the way that, in what was certainly your day to shine, you repeatedly turned the spotlight on your associates, friends, and family. It was a truly grand finale. Thank you for making us part of the TWTD family – on both sides of the loudspeaker. And thank you for the hundreds of Saturdays of "radio to wrap Christmas gifts by," "radio to fold laundry by," "radio to wash dishes by," and just plain radio to sit back and be entertained by the old shows and your warm, informed presentation thereof. – CURTIS and SUZI KATZ

NORTHBROOK, IL– Congratulations, Chuck! Never thought you’d get to this day, because I know how much you’ve enjoyed the run. But here it is, with all the memories of you on the radio as well as our listener tours. Wishing you and Ellen an enjoyable retirement. –LUCILLE STERN

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL– I am currently listening to your many years of old time radio and the many fond memories. I first discovered your program while "surfing" the radio dial and found you on the Evanston station and have been a steady listener ever since. I also grew up during those days of the programs you feature and I enjoy reliving those days of yesteryear. Thanks for bringing back the memories of our childhood. –BILL MIRANDA

GRIFFITH, INDIANA– Here I sit enjoying your retirement broadcast thinking of a video tape I helped make back in 1989 when you were at the Museum of Broadcast Communications at River City in Chicago. I was part of a crew from Governor State University preparing a video tape for credit. You were so gracious in allowing us (the crew) to video tape anything we wanted and even consented to be interviewed on camera. Rarely have I missed your Saturday broadcasts, going back to Evanston; I was a graduate of St. George High School, Class of ‘57. I remember you in your curly hair style and was taken back when I saw you recently on the Chicago Tonight show. Thank you ever so much for helping me relive those exciting shows from yesteryear. –TOM CUSHING

CHICAGO– I just finished listening to your final broadcast and wanted to drop you a note of thanks. I happened to come across your show on WNIB in the ‘80s and immediately became a fan of old time radio. Over the years I have gone through periods where I lost track or didn’t have the opportunity to listen on a regular basis, but every time I came back it was a delight to listen to the wonderful shows that your preserved and brought back to life for a new generation of listeners. While I am 55 years old, the golden age of radio was past by the time I was ready to enjoy it, but thanks to you I and generations younger than I have had the opportunity to hear the great writers and performers for the first time. Thank you for all the great hours I’ve enjoyed listening to Jack Benny, the Great Gildersleeve, Suspense and many others that would have been lost to me and others without you. Thank you also for the conversations with Ken Alexander and other guests and celebrities. While I did not originally listen to the radio shows of the ‘50s, they and your conversations about them evoked many happy memories of my childhood. I will continue to listen to TWTD and wish new host Steve Darnall the best, but you will be missed. –JOE SWOJENSKI

GRIFFITH, INDIANA– Ever since receiving the current issue of Nostalgia Digest announcing your retirement, I have been meaning to write you. The reason for the delay is not procrastination. It is because even now, as I am listening to your final broadcast live, I still cannot find the words. (I have just published my first novel, so it says a lot when a writer cannot find the right words to express his thoughts.) Your retirement celebration is such a delight and so much fun. It brings back a lot of happy memories for me and it is wonderful to hear bits and clips from Those Were The Days from the days before I became a listener! I am thankful for the marvels of technology which allows me to record this program on my computer. (A long way from the early days when I sat eagerly with my brick of cassette tapes, waiting for one o’clock to roll around on those Saturdays so long ago. I must confess I used to use my lunch money to buy those cassettes when I was a kid!)
    I couldn’t help notice that one of the letters in Nostalgia Digest referred to you as "Uncle Chuck." That truly made me smile, because for almost two decades now, my mother, father, my brother and his family and myself have never said, "I’m listening to Those Were The Days. Instead, when one o’clock on Saturday comes around, we say, "Time to tune in to Uncle Chuck and Uncle Ken." You and Ken are truly an important part of my family, and a part of many other families out here in Radioland. I truly wish I could be at the Civic Center in Morton Grove to celebrate with you Uncle Chuck. I would like to add my voice to the many others who have already thanked you for your work, your dedication, your passion for radio. –NICK DEFFENBAUGH

CHICAGO– Sorry I can’t make it to your last broadcast to shake hands and say thanks... so think of this e-mail as a proxy for both. The redundancy of the following must be overwhelming: but you’re gonna be missed, buddy. –PAT CUNNINGHAM

NAPERVILLE, IL– It is the last show for Chuck and I keep tearing up. We moved to Naperville in 1989 and have been loyal listeners ever since. We will miss Chuck’s wonderful humor and laugh; his knowledge and enthusiasm; and the repartee between Chuck and Ken. Thanks, Chuck, for all you have done for old time radio and making it live again. We will continue to listen. –TOM and ABBIE JANE WILLIAMS

GURNEE, IL– Sorry we can’t be there today. We will keep listening and look forward to your visits on TWTD. Have a fantastic retirement. Your "Honey Do" list is waiting! –TRISH and RON WENDT

BERWYN, IL– Thank you for teaching my son (who is now 32 years old) how to "watch" the radio. He started "watching" your program at the age of seven when he was headed to the Brookfield Zoo with his grandmother and he has been a faithful follower of yours since. He makes me very proud because... he has an appreciation of how things used to be. Jeremy wanted to be there with you today on your final broadcast, but he had to work. Trust me, though, he is listening to your broadcast as I write this. Mom and I are listening as well, and I want to thank you from all of us for giving us so much enjoyment on Saturday afternoons for so many years. Much love and endless thanks. –SUSAN KROEGER

BERWYN, IL– As I listened to your final program, I remembered the first time I heard your show. I was seven years old and with my grandmother at the zoo. We were leaving to go home and she turned on the radio to WNIB, which she loved to listen to in the mornings. Little did we know what we would hear was the Cinnamon Bear. I was so amazed by the story that unfolded before me in my mind that I realized how much more wonderful radio could be instead of watching TV all day in a daze of the crazy, violent stuff they have on. I was hooked on radio after that.
    My best friend and I (his name is Ken and we went to Giles School) would write our own radio shows and tape them on a little tape recorder. We would write scripts and have sound effects, even made up a sponsor. While other kids were playing with prefabricated toys and video games, we were creating new adventures for ourselves. The skit you did with Ken Alexander at the WDCB tower is much like something we would do. Even in high school we took broadcasting classes and created some brilliant things.
    I know my mother wrote you on the day of the broadcast, but I decided to thank you personally for the things you have done for me in my life. So, some 25 years after that December day until now, I have had the best of times listening and I will continue. Old time radio must be kept alive. –JEREMY MITCHELL

CLARENDON HILLS, IL– Thank you for all of the hours of preparation and work that you and your staff devoted to TWTD. You are an excellent radio host, making all of your listeners, even persons not all that familiar with classic and old-time radio, very comfortable in listening along with you to great radio shows.  I wish you the best in your retirement and will continue listening to the program, which will always be a testament to your fine work. –TIM NICKELS

CREST HILL, IL– I can honestly say that I have faithfully been listening to Chuck Schaden for nearly my entire life (I will be 40 this year, 2009). And when my kids started coming along nearly 10 years ago, they were indoctrinated into Old Time radio. My son was named after my favorite comedian, Jack Benny. My 9-year-old daughter’s favorite program is "Our Miss Brooks" and my 4-year-old enjoys it, too. Thank you for all the time you have put into making TWTD such a wonderful show. Enjoy your retirement. I look forward to 39 more years with Steve, and thank you Steve for carrying on. –NOREEN MEYER

BATAVIA, IL– Listening to (and watching) Phil Ponce on "Chicago Tonight" (June 25), I saw and heard about Chuck Schaden’s Those Were The Days for the first time! I certainly plan to tune in on Saturday afternoons from now on, because I consider myself a Radio Junkie. My parents, older sister and I moved to Chicago in 1933 when I was in 4th grade and then lived in Oak Park for 10 more years. I remember listening to "Little Orphan Annie" and "Chandu the Magician" and my favorite, "Let’s Pretend" as a child, as well as all the popular serials and variety shows which we heard as a family. Now, at 85, I live in the Holmstad Retirement Community, across the street from the Campana Building (Campana was "First Nighter’s" sponsor). –ANN ROWLAND

PALATINE, IL– You have been part of our home for over 20 years now. We remember stopping in the original Metro Golden Memories store and the larger, new store and seeing you behind the counter. While we have never met in person, you are considered a friend and neighbor. Hopefully you will stop in and check up on Ken and the crew from time to time. Good luck! –JIM MELICHAREK

CHICAGO– I’ve already called my old friend Steve Darnall to wish him lots of luck (which he’ll need) filling your shoes). Steve is a great guy, but there’ll never be another Chuck Schaden. I’ve been listening to TWTD since I moved here to attend Loyola in 1987. I might have been listening to you before that if I’m remembering right and you were hosting a nightly OTR show on one of the local AM stations in the 1980s which I could get if I was still up (an hour later in Holland, Michigan) and the weather was just right. In any case, your show has been a fixture in my life for many years and helped me discover the world of OTR. I spend most of my work days listening to radio shows. It’s just one of the most important things in my life and I have you to thank for much of that. I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for me and so many listeners for so many years. I hope you enjoy your time off, but if you get bored, I hope you’ll do a sequel to your fantastic book, "Speaking of Radio." I’d love to read more interviews. –ANDREW PEPOY

DES PLAINES, IL– I have listened to Those Were The Days for about 25 years. I am a classical music listener and WNIB was my station of choice, so I listened every Saturday and became totally HOOKED. I bought a couple cassette tapes from Metro Golden Memories and I recall your broadcasting from a window studio on Waukegan Road in Morton Grove. I was born in 1955, so I only knew the greats of radio from listening to stories from my grandparents and parents. Thanks to you, my life has been enriched by years of glorious shows. I’ve laughed, cried and have been totally mesmerized in drama and suspense. I often sit in my car to listen to the conclusion of a program if I get to my destination before the story ends.
    I have no favorite programs – every Saturday has been a special gift. I must say, though, that I enjoy Jack Benny Month and my favorite programming was for the anniversary of World War II, from Pearl Harbor to the end. It was amazing! My parents often talked about where they were when Pearl Harbor happened and how they would sit in front of the radio to listen to the president, so I really LOVED that programming, with public service announcements and news updates as they were heard at the time.
    I thank you for sharing your love for radio with us for all of these years. I am grateful that the show will continue and we will have programming to bake cookies and wrap Christmas presents by. Thank you for stepping out of your hall closet to bring the magic of the golden years of radio to my generation and to my children. You will be missed. –KIM DAY

PALATINE, IL– As a member of the generation born after radio’s golden age ended, I appreciate the care you took on each and every show to bring those days alive for new fans and old. How fortunate we were to have all those wonderful programs preserved on transcription discs. Your efforts to build a new generation of fans succeeded, as the program will continue in Steve Darnall’s capable hands. I look forward to enjoying TWTD for many years to come, and I’m sure you will, too. –DONN DENGEL

OAK PARK, IL– Saturdays will certainly be different in the future without that familiar voice and candid articulation. Chuck, you will be greatly missed. We have been fans for many years and the reminiscing has always been special. Thanks for a job well done. –NANCY and LARRY BUNCE

HIGHLAND PARK, IL– I remember the day my mother told me of the start of an old-time radio show by a man named Chuck Schaden. Having been a devotee of the early days of radio (I am now 70), I was immediately hooked, and have tuned in whenever I can over the years. Thank you for bringing so much joy and nostalgia to listeners for the past 39 years. You’ve brought a special genuine quality to the show which has kept it alive and interesting. –JACQUI JARRETT

LENOIR CITY, TENNESSEE– Happy birthday and happy retirement, Chuck. Thanks for putting me onto TWTD when your time at "When Radio Was "came to an end. I don’t know how I had missed it for all those years, but it proved to be a good thing when I found you and TWTD on Saturday afternoons and streaming for the next week. I usually found time to listen sometime during the week and enjoyed the variety and information you have provided. My wife and I will miss you, but will not forget you as we continue to listen to the wonderful old time radio shows and remember the ways you fleshed out much of the background information for us. We retired as missionaries to Japan just a few months ago at age 65 and feel a little guilty when we see you stayed with it for 10 more years. –ED and SHARON SMITH

BENSENVILLE, IL– Nobody could have done it better. Your proud pal, DAN McGUIRE.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL– Sometimes in life we are lucky enough to be touched by someone who can bring joy and happiness to our lives. You have done that for me and countless others. You have been a part of my life for close to 40 years and feel like a member of my family. –WALLY KLEINFELDT

SCHERERVILLE, INDIANA– For almost 14 years you have been a welcome guest in our home every Saturday afternoon. We have enjoyed all the great programs (especially Jack Benny in February), your interviews with so many of the stars of the golden age of radio, and your easy banter with Ken Alexander. By the way, Ken’s staying will help to soften the blow of your leaving. I heard your 75th birthday is June 29th. Many happy returns. You don’t sound a day over 30 on the radio! –NORA DOHERTY

TINLEY PARK, IL– I was very surprised to hear of your impending retirement. I say this not because your not entitled to it, but because of your obvious enjoyment of your radio work. It is also obvious from your fan mail through the years, that you have given many of us new and renewed and golden memories of the golden age of radio. Although I won’t be at your last broadcast celebration, I will be listening and be there in spirit to thank you. –DONALD R. MARTIN

CHICAGO– A belated (in many ways) thank you for sacrificing so many Saturday afternoons (and other days) to warm our hearts with such great memories... and at the same time keeping our smile muscles in top form. We have enjoyed you since the very beginning in 1970. Our lives have certainly been enriched by your gift. –ART and FLORENCE HURTER

CLARENDON HILLS, IL– For the past 39 years I have listened weekly to your wonderful shows and I think that Steve Darnall is a good choice as your replacement. I remember sending my old hair piece and a Lucky Strike Green container to you so they could be displayed in Jack Benny’s vault at the Museum of Broadcast Communications. I have supported you through the years and have done everything in my power to increase your listenership. I feel that you are one of my oldest friends. I’ll be with you in spirit tomorrow and I’ll be listening. –JOHN COOPER

MAYSVILLE, GEORGIA– Since you have been such a tireless fan/enthusiast of Jack Benny, it seems eminently appropriate that you retire after thirty-nine years of broadcasting Those Were The Days. I had the joy of discovering your program in 1979 when I moved to Wheaton, Illinois. I quickly became a Nostalgia Digest subscriber and arranged to do "chores" in the garage every Saturday afternoon so I could listen to your program! Playing old radio programs is certainly a fine "life milestone," but your efforts have gone far beyond that! The "oral history" which you captured and the books you have written are also "stars in your crown." However, it has been the knowledge, remembrances, history, entertainment, and pure joy which you have provided to both old-timers and new "converts" which is the most laudable legacy you leave.  Rest happily upon your hard-earned and well-deserved laurels. We who have had the good fortune of having our Saturday afternoons raised to a "higher plane of existence" salute you and wish you all the very best in your new "life phase." –LINDSAY CLEVELAND

DES PLAINES, IL– I have only recently found Those Were The Days and I look forward to listening in the car every Saturday. I can’t believe you have been on the air SO long and I’ve only just discovered you. Good luck to you and enjoy your retirement. I will keep listening but I will truly miss your voice. –LINDA GOODMAN

WAUCONDA, IL– I guess I’ve been listening for about 17 years now and can never get enough of a good thing! I’ve ALWAYS looked forward to your Saturdays during Christmas and can’t begin to tell you how many years I’ve addressed Christmas cards to your show. What wonderful memories you have provided. I’ve ALWAYS been happy with my purchases from the Audio File shop as well. My favorite has been the "Bands that Played the Blackhawk" as well as your book, Chuck, not to mention Ken Alexander’s recollections. What a pleasure you have brought to many people and I sincerely wish you a wonderful retirement. I hope you will grace the studio from time to time with an occasional visit. All the best to you and Ellen. –MARK ANDRZEJEWSKI

CHICAGO– I visited Metro Golden Memories (for the first of many times) back in 1993 with my mother, looking for a gift for someone. I didn’t know this at the time, but that little trip to the store changed my life. I remember looking through the store and recognizing some current stars that I was familiar with and not too many others. I was just beginning to become a fan of classic movies (thanks, Mom) but I didn’t know anything about old time radio. I looked through the old time radio cassettes available and came across a name I recognized – George Burns! Of course, I only knew him as that funny, old man I had seen on television. The Burns and Allen tape sounded interesting, so I bought it.
    At the register, I picked up a business card for the store and it gave the time for your TWTD program. I tuned in that weekend and I was hooked! The show that really got me that day was Jack Benny. It was the year you were playing his show every week (all the episodes from his 1943-44 season), so I got to know Jack pretty well. I was a faithful listener on Saturdays from 1-5, sometimes even planning my day around that time slot so that I press "record" on my tape recorder. I also found your Old Time Radio Classics on WBBM, which I had to record and listen to in the morning as I got ready for school.
As the years have gone by, I have become a bit busier on Saturdays, so I usually listen to the show on the Nostalgia Digest website. In the 16 years, I have gone through high school, college, started my job as a teacher and, most recently, gotten married. You and old time radio have been with me through it all.
    I get such a good feeling when I listen to these old shows and I smile as I look back. My favorites being Jack Benny Month, the Christmas shows, you and Ken doing commercials for the MGM Shop, and all of the wonderful events you have put together for the fans over the years (most recently, seeing Eddie Carroll at the Portage Theater – like seeing Jack Benny himself). I know my family and I will miss hearing your voice coming over the radio. I am glad that Steve will be continuing with the show. I got to meet him at the Portage and he couldn’t have been nicer. He seems like you in that respect. It will be nice to hear Ken’s voice every week, as well. Thank you for opening up a whole new world for me as a teenager. –JENNIFER PIGONI

PLAINFIELD, IL– I will miss Chuck every Saturday afternoon. He has the talent to make friends with people simply by being himself on the radio. I believe Steve Darnall is an excellent choice to carry on. I have one suggestion. Perhaps we can have a "Best of Chuck" show once a year. It would be a fitting tribute to the man who gave us so many great memories and who preserved the history of old time radio. I have been a listener since the late 1980s and have never regretted it. Those shows have been my companion while doing many of my Saturday chores. My wife is also a big fan. Good luck, Chuck, and God bless you. Thanks for all the great Saturdays you gave to everyone smart enough to listen. –JOE GIUNTA

RADNOR, PENNSYLVANIA– I have been a listener since the early 1970s when I lived in Chicago. I’ve continued to listen via the web-rebroadcast system since moving out to the Philadelphia area in 2001. You’ve provided a great service to those of us who remember old time radio. I’ve enjoyed every minute! –TED LAWS

BURNHAM, IL– Sure glad Those Were The Days is going to continue, but it will not be the same without you. Thanks for all the years you have put into your program. We have enjoyed them immensely. Thanks for the memories. SHARON SANTELLI

WESTMONT, IL– For about 10 years, not a Saturday has passed without at least one of our customers coming into the Framemakers and asking us if we are listening to Chuck. And then, of course, they hear your friendly voice with the ability to make all of us forget our problems and ills for four hours a week. The Framemakers have had customers come from Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana, only because of your recommendation. We are very grateful for your help and support, and we owe a lot of our success to you. It will always remain our pleasure to say with pride that we were associated with you and Those Were The Days.
    Thanks for stepping out of your Hall Closet with Jack, Fibber, Charlie, Gildy, the Shadow and, of course Ken, to bring us memories, laughter, a few tears, and the Robert Hall jingle. We thank you and Ellen for your friendship, and we hope you’ll think of us every time we get a storm that’s a real rainmaker. –BARBARA LATZEL

WHEATON, IL– Chuck, you and I have another thing in common. I was with Gala Travel Service from when I started it until 39 years later when 9/11 closed it. So we’ve been with the same companies we started for 39 years. I still remember our first meeting in my office at 100 N. LaSalle. You had heard that I had some old Shadow shows and you offered to trade for one or two of them. I still remember listening to your first program on the scratchy Evanston station and also your movie nights at North West Federal, when I brought some of my radio premiums to display for the night. Well, pal, enjoy your retirement. –MIKE CAMPO

CHICAGO– One gloomy day, just before Christmas, 1972, by accident I stumbled upon your program. The sun was setting and you were fading fast. I was listening in the garage on a vintage radio without a dial. I really couldn’t understand why I was hearing Fred Allen. It took some doing, but I finally located you on a radio with a dial. I have been listening ever since. I am seven years older than you and also a graduate of Steinmetz High school.
    You have given me almost 37 years of listening enjoyment. Through the years I have spoken to you on several occasions on the phone and in your stores and on Saturday nights at North West Federal. I was always surprised that you always remembered me no matter the interval between events. It is difficult to comprehend that so many years have gone by. I have sensed your family joys and your sadness at very normal, nevertheless tragic, moments in everyone’s life.
    I will, as will many thousands, miss your familiar voice. I wish you many years of tranquil retirement. I will continue to listen as "The Kid" endeavors to fill your shoes. From the little I have heard from him, and being a pretty good judge of people, I’m sure he will make you proud as we listen on Saturday afternoons. I’m sure you will miss being the host, especially during the Christmas season. For 39 years, those really were the days. –FRANK A. BONELLI

SCHERERVILLE, INDIANA– Thank you for all the hours of OTR shows through the years. I don’t remember when I started listening to you, but once I found you I never let you go. One year, for my birthday, my son Bernie gave me an old fashioned radio and he also gave me an autographed message of good wishes from you. I was so excited, 17 or 18 years ago, when I was able to join the TWTD Radio Players. I met a bunch of great people who became like family. Fortunately most of our people have remained with the group and we ARE family. This is all due to you. You have touched many people in many different ways. I was amazed at the interview that Steve did when he was so young. It is fate that brought the two of you together. Fate that Steve had taken over the Nostalgia Digest and is now taking over Those Were The Days. –MARY TAFOYA

SCHAUMBURG, IL– As the old clock on the wall winds down to the grand finale, I want to put in writing my thanks to you for letting me be part of the volunteer crew since October, 2005. On Saturday afternoons I was able to slip back into a world that I’d also enjoyed 35 years before. –JIM WEYRICK

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL– Sometimes in life we are lucky to be touched by someone who can bring joy and happiness to our lives. You have done that for me and countless others. You have been a part of my life for close to 40 years and feel like a member of my family. A special thanks to your lovely wife and children for allowing us the many hours you’ve shared with us. Please keep the web site going to stay in touch. –WALLY KLEINFELDT

SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE– Thank you for all those decades of OTR joy! An old boyfriend introduced me to your show in 1973 and I listened faithfully (without the boyfriend) until our move to Maine in 1987. I tracked you down via the Internet and have been listening through that medium for about five years. I had some misgivings over Steve D. taking your place until I heard his interview with you he conducted at age 12. He asked better questions and paid better attention than people three times his age! He created a second bond for me when he mentioned Avery Coonley school (which I attended before moving to Glenview). So I feel secure in the fact that Steve and Ken can "hold the fort." –MARY LANCY

SOUTH PORTLAND, MAINE– Thanks for reading my e-mail on the air yesterday. I teared up too. Steve, I apologize for docking a year off your interview age. Far be it from me to ignore the virtues of a gentleman of 13. Still a good interview! Chuck, you mentioned how listeners liked to share their side of listening to your show. Shortly after I got married (not to that old boy friend) I was tuck pointing the joints between the back wall of bricks in our fireplace. Your show was on and "Donovan’s Brain" was playing. My husband Rod crept up behind me and kissed the back of my neck. I almost performed a reverse-Santa up the chimney. Haven’t been comfortable listening to those brain-waves ever since. Thank you again, gentlemen. –MARY LANCY

PARK RIDGE, IL– As a 35-year listener, I would like to thank you for so many Saturdays of great entertainment. I first heard your show in 1974 as a freshman at Northwestern University. I only listened to you sporadically back then (football games and other college activities took precedence), but I’ve listened to you practically every Saturday for the last 25 years or so. Actually, I was taping you. Every Saturday at 1:00 I’d hit the "record" button on my tape recorder and at 3:00 I’d rush home from Walgreens or wherever I was to change the tape. I must have recorded over the same two-hour cassette tapes hundreds of times.
    It occurs to me that the golden age of radio didn’t last any longer than 39 years, from the mid-20s until 1962, so perhaps it’s fitting that you retire now. For me and so many other grateful listeners, it has been wonderful to hear you enthusiastically recreate that era. Thank you so much for sharing Jack Benny and Suspense and so many other programs with us. As for Steve Darnall, all he has to do is play lots of Jack Benny and Suspense and he can’t miss. In fact, I think Steve should play a Jack Benny show every week, in chronological order. That way you can really appreciate the running jokes. That’s how I’d do it, anyway. Maybe I’ll get my chance 39 years from now if I take over for Steve! –ROB CARSON

ST. CHARLES, MISSOURI– Although I was born about the time the golden age of radio went away, I discovered this wonderful world while I was in high school. I first became a Chuck Schaden fan while you were on WBBM some years later and after you left, I was delighted to discover Those Were The Days on-line about a year ago. Doing a show like TWTD is not an easy task, I know. You see, when I was in college, I helped put a 10-watt FM station (WBCE, Belleville, Illinois) on the air and one of my contributions was a show called "Golden Radio Show." I did about 20 shows, spotlighting the likes of Burns and Allen, the Shadow, Lux Radio Theatre, etc. Unfortunately, when WBCE went dark in 1979, I went to the station to pick up the show tapes only to find they had disappeared! It’s my hope that somewhere somebody’s enjoying them. –RAY BRAMMER

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL– It will be with a tear in my eye that I listen to your last broadcast. I have been listening to you for about 30 of your 39 years and have loved every minute of it. In fact, when I first met my husband eight years ago, one of the first things I told him was that I HAD to listen to the radio from 1 to 5 pm every Saturday, so we could be together, but that I would always have the radio on – and he still chose to date (and marry) me! I will bid you farewell with the hope that you will have a long and happy retirement. –ROBIN S. HARRIS

NILES, IL– I am going to miss that familiar Schaden voice on Saturdays. You have been a regular part of my Saturdays since we moved to Niles in 1970. I wasn’t there at the beginning, but first heard you sometime in that fall. I was tooling around the dial when I heard Fibber McGee and Molly. I was amazed. Here on WLTD was this guy playing old radio shows. These were full shows, not pieces like I had on the Longines LPs, but full shows with commercials. What a delightful find. Well, there ya go.   Chuck Schaden and TWTD have been a part of life for the Nichols of Niles for 39 years! I’m glad I had the chance to meet you a couple of times. I have also become friends with Koni Shaughnessey and had the pleasure of talking with Ken Alexander. He and I came from similar parts of West Side Chicago. All the best to you, Chuck, and your family. You will be missed, my friend. –BUD NICHOLS

LOMBARD, IL– It’s been absolutely wonderful listening to you and your show throughout most of my adult life since 1970. I was only 28 back then when I started listening. It has also been a dream come true for me to be a part of the TWTD staff over the past four-and-a-half years. I almost clicked my heels with joy when you first invited me to become part of the show, and I still feel exactly the same way about it today. Also, it was a real pleasure and honor to be the voice for Ken Alexander’s great Pledge Drive Parodies. And to play "The Cockleburr Cowboys" during the Cinnamon Bear’s run on the show last winter, as well as performing my other songs. I never dreamed that one day I would hear my own voice and guitar lead-off an actual TWTD broadcast, but that has come to pass, and more than once at that. Thank you so much for giving me this wonderful creative musical opportunity. My best to you always. –GEORGE LITTLEFIELD

BUFFALO GROVE, IL– I just heard your retirement announcement. I couldn’t believe it. I have been listening to you for over 30 years and will miss you tremendously. Thanks for the memories and good luck to you. –NEIL HOLMAN

CHICAGO– I just wanted to say how much I’m going to miss you. Thanks for all the wonderful Saturday afternoons. I’ve been listening off and on for 30-plus years and feel like you and Ken Alexander are part of my family. –ROBERT KOSTICAK

MANIFEE, CALIFORNIA– Congratulations on your 2,000th program. I have been listening since the very beginning. Your contributions to maintaining radio history and keeping old time radio alive are endless. You’ve done a great job over these many years. Here’s wishing you the very best. –LOU GRISKEY

OAK FOREST, IL– I’m happy that you will have extra time to spend with your family when you retire, but the show won’t be the same without you. You will be missed, but not forgotten. –RICHARD PENN

CHICAGO– My son Scott and I were sad, but happy for you to learn of your retirement at the young age of 75! Scott and I are so grateful that you pursued your dream and created Those Were The Days. We look forward to listening every Saturday and never make any other plans for that day. For me, listening to your program brings back a flood of memories of the days when I was a little girl listening to the radio. I have always been an avid and devoted fan of radio programs and old movies, and your program means a great deal to me and my son. I am so happy Scott discovered your program back in 1979 through a high school teacher at Taft. One of the best times of Scott’s life was helping out at your studio in Morton Grove. We both certainly will miss your laughter and great sense of humor on the radio and your banter with Ken Alexander. We are glad the show will continue with Steve Darnall and Ken, as we do not want another treasure in our life to be taken away. We wish you and Ellen many years of good health and happiness. Good luck to Steve and Ken in continuing the program, and we hope you’ll return occasionally for your fans and friends. –ELVIRA and SCOTT CASTILLO

PINE, ARIZONA– I just read your big announcement in Nostalgia Digest today and I want to say, along with the thousands of other responders you will hear from: Good for you! And thanks a lot for all you have done for OTR and, in my case, good Internet listening. All the best to you and Ellen. I am now particularly grateful for having spent the afternoon two years ago in the Scotttsdale broadcast museum while you did your show. –ANDY OOMS

WOODRIDGE, IL– I’ve been listening to your broadcasts for many years and never took the time to write until now. I enjoy them and look forward to the show every week. When I started out on my first full-time job I had to work Saturdays, so I would try to get as much done as I could before 1 p.m. and then listen to the broadcast. Now, due to cutbacks at work, I am again working Saturdays and have returned to that routine. It’s such a graceful show, and you have spoken in the past how, when you turned on the radio, you were inviting actors into your home and that they respected that, not like most radio today. I always feel that you are a guest in that way and you haven’t let me down. I met you once at the Illinois Railway Museum and you signed a picture from that day. I also enjoy the newspaper breaks with Mr. Alexander. He has such a wonderful voice and I have played his radio recollections CD several times. I want to thank you for the many years of fun you have provided and wish you a happy retirement. –JOHN ZDENEK

WILMETTE, IL– How sad to hear you’re leaving. My Saturdays will never be the same. I wish you happiness and health. Good luck and thank you for all the smiles you gave me. I can remember so many dark times in my life that were made lighter just by listening to your show. Thank you and farewell. –RICO VAZQUEZ

CHICAGO– I’m sorry to see you go. I’ve listened to you for many years. My mother grew up at the same time you grew up and loved re-listening to the shows she loved. Every Saturday you and all those radio stars were in our/her home. We were very close. After she passed, I kept listening. Losing you, so to speak, reminds me of my mother again. Thanks to all who keep it going. –KAREN VOLANTE

CHICAGO– My thoughts are on your announcement that you are leaving Those Were The Days after 39 years. I suppose the choice of "39" was a good one. After all, it served Jack Benny very well through the years. At any rate, I would like to convey my congratulations on a great job well done. Over the years you were so gracious to Al Fang, myself and the Skylark Girls. My first recollection was singing in your Metro Golden Memories store around Christmastime. Then you invited us to a Saturday tribute to Irving Berlin-- live! Another memorable time was when you invited Al and me to sing at the 60th anniversary of the Breakfast Club at the Allerton Hotel. Finally, to be a part of your 35th anniversary broadcast was such an honor. In my book, you are a "Maker of Memories." So it will be with those memories that I will fondly remember you. –JACK HOGAN, The Skylarks.

BATAVIA, OHIO– When you were at WLTD in Evanston we were living in Palatine and found you by mistake when I was working in my yard raking leaves in the fall and dropped the radio. When I picked it up, I thought I was raising the volume but changed the frequency to the top of the dial. You were playing a Fibber McGee and Molly show. I had not remembered that show in years. I was so impressed with the show and the quality that I went in the house and called the station requesting where I could send Fibber and Molly a thank you note. I was shocked when you told me the show was from the ‘40s and most of the actors were no longer with us. You had me hooked on OTR from that point on.
    Over the years I have followed you around the dial. I had you on the office radio, I believe on WXFM in the mornings and various stations at various times during the evening. In the early ‘90s we moved to the Cincinnati area. I lost track of TWTD on our move back to the Chicago area until again by accident I was listening to WNIB while eating lunch one fine Saturday when a familiar voice came on and said the time is 1 p.m. and time for TWTD. Since then you have been a staple in our home.
    When the antenna fell at WDCB, I purchased an attic antenna and was able to be a loyal listener. Last spring we moved back to the Cincinnati area to be close to family and thanks to the Internet, TWTD is a click away. I feel fortunate that you and OTR have brought so much joy to our family. –PAUL and JUDY CARLSON

PLAINFIELD, IL– You will certainly be missed. I have enjoyed listening to you and Ken for so many years. Hopefully, you will find time to drop in occasionally. Good luck to you and your wife as you embark on retirement. –FRANK STUDNICK

INDIANA– Congratulations on 39+ great years on the air! You’ve not only preserved the art form, but you have successfully introduced the Golden Age of radio to new generations. I appreciated learning so much about the medium I love when we worked together at WXFM. Thanks. JIM WALSH

CHICAGO– Sorry to hear you’re retiring, but glad you can do so on your own terms. –RON GLEASON, Director of News and Programming, WBBM.

VILLA PARK, IL– I’ve been a listener of yours since December 1983 when you were on WCFL weeknights. I was a teenager and had no TV in my room and I used to listen to your show while doing homework. Twenty-six years sure goes by fast. 39 years doing the same show in radio is truly a remarkable feat considering how radio has changed since 1970. It is truly a testament to the hard work and love you’ve put into your show over the years. I guess I’m basically writing you to say thank you for all the joy you have brought us. Good luck in your retirement. –HENRY TCHOP

ELMWOOD PARK, IL– I have been an avid listener for around 29 years. I am 42 so it has been the better part of my life. I wanted to thank you for sharing your love for old time radio,. My Saturdays do not seem complete unless I spend from 1 to 5 listening to Those Were The Days. I had to write because I would be mad at myself if I did not get the chance to thank you for all your years of service. I hope you will drop into the studio every now and then to say hello. Maybe you could still fill in from time to time. I am sure that you are looking forward to having Saturdays off, but rest assured your passion for the old time radio shows will continue for generations to come, thanks to the show that you made so beloved. –KEN KNACK

NORTHBROOK, IL– My family has listened to your program throughout the years and, as a Jack Benny fan, I have especially enjoyed your programs. Although I have celebrated my 39th birthday exactly 20 times, I am "too young" to have experienced Jack’s radio programs when they were first broadcast. Your program has brought so much into my life. We will miss you in retirement but we are thrilled that Those Were The Days will live on. You may recall my two older children, Ben and Jamie. They performed for your program to help celebrate the opening of the Benny Vault at the Chicago Cultural Center (with Joan Benny in attendance). Around that same time, Ben and Jamie also helped celebrate Jack’s "100th birthday" at the Benny School in Waukegan. Jamie currently is a third-year PhD student in cancer research at MIT and Ben is an Account Executive in Chicago. They still talk about the fun experience they had on your program. Congratulations on 39 years of bringing joy to so many. –DAVID SPANGLER

SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– I’ve been a steady listener since 1974 and am very sorry to see Chuck retire. He’s become such a fixture in our home on Saturday afternoons, but I also know that he deserves the break. I was 27 when I started to listen to TWTD and now I am 62, so I’m getting to a point where I know how Chuck feels. The time really flies when you’re having fun. Best to Chuck and his family in the years to come. I will continue to listen to TWTD until I at least make it to my "39" years of listening, and then some. –MARK EIKER

GRIFFITH, INDIANA– I started listening in Evanston many years ago. In the ‘90s we listened in while traveling to and from grandparent visits. Reception over the Internet fixed poor reception on Saturdays. –TOM CUSHING

SCHAUMBURG, IL– Happy Anniversary and good luck on your retirement. I have admired the professional manner in which you have conducted your shows all these years. I hope you will do guest appearances on future shows once in a while. As someone who has been retired, I can appreciate your decision. Thanks for all the great shows! –FRANK FREDRIKSEN

NAPERVILLE, IL– My congratulations to Chuck Schaden on his retirement from TWTD. I’m sure that we will, on occasion, hear from him on the radio. I’ve listened to Chuck beginning about 1972 on WLTD while living in Libertyville and have always enjoyed his broadcasts. Seems as though we share a couple of things besides the interest in old time radio. We were both raised in Northwest Chicago; I in Northcenter (Lincoln, Irving and Damen) and Chuck a little west and north of there. But we also share a birthdate, June 29; Chuck’s in 1934 and mine in 1939. Best wishes and happy retirement! –CARL LANTZ

SCHAUMBURG, IL– Thank you for all the enjoyable memories you have given me. I am 73, out of the army in ‘59, growing up on the farm in Central Illinois, milking two cows with one ear on the radio, an old Zenith. Those poor cows, what a slow milker I was while listening to all the shows. My dad could never figure out what took me so long. Those were the days, my friend. We thought they would never end. –WALT JOHNSON

SCHERERVILLE, INDIANA– I am sad to hear that Mr. Schaden is leaving the show he started when I was one year old (born 6-26-69). I’m even more sorry I started listening on WNIB only around 1984 with my dad and brothers, when Wieboldt’s sponsored The Cinnamon Bear. Now WNIB is gone, Wieboldt’s is gone, my dad is gone and Mr. Schaden is gone. That’s life, I guess. Thanks for 25 years of great memories. –MARTY KOPIL

MIDLOTHIAN, IL– Have a wonderful retirement! Thank you for such an enjoyable Sunday with Eddie Carroll as Jack Benny. In a matter of minutes Eddie took on the persona of Jack and became Jack. How talented! –JOHN and CAROL SEGVICH

SCHAUMBURG, IL– I’m sad to hear about Chuck retiring. I met him when he did a book signing for the book about WBBM Radio at Marshall Field’s in downtown Chicago. I and my family love old time radio and have been listening for years and we are glad to hear it will continue with a new host. I hope Chuck shows up from time to time and writes more great books on radio in Chicago. I hope he has a great retirement and gets to enjoy his free time. Radio has been great with him and I’m sure his knowledge will be tapped for more great radio. –MELANIE SILVER

ELK GROVE, IL– I don’t write letters very often, but due to your retirement I wanted to let you know how much your shows have meant to me over the years. The first time I heard your show I was in my car during my lunch break. I believe that you were broadcasting from the Evanston radio station. I have been hooked ever since. I’m about three years younger than you and grew up in Des Plaines, but it seemed as if we grew up together. My friends and I went to Riverview and the Times Theater. You have made reference to both of them in your shows. I remember the empty lots where we played ball and did all kinds of interesting things that I don’t tell my kids about.
    My wife no longer asks where I’m going when I disappear at one o’clock on Saturday afternoons. If someone asks where I’m at, she says he’s visiting his old friend Chuck and his radio friends. I have so many good memories of our Saturday afternoons. I will be listening to your retirement show with a box of Kleenex from our summer home in Wisconsin via my computer. I retired seven years ago. Retirement is great, especially when you like to spend time with your spouse and have an old time radio show collection. In closing, I’ll quote our old friend Roy: "Happy Trails to you," Chuck. –RICHARD J. STEININGER

EVANSTON, IL– I’m sure you know that many, many people all over now will miss you and all that you have done for old time radio and related entertainment. Your dedicated efforts and enthusiasm have been greatly appreciated. I’ve been with you nearly the entire time. We’ve been Evanston residents since 1968. One Saturday we were doing errands and while I was station-surfing on the car radio, I came across a Judy Garland program. It was on Those Were The Days and I was hooked. One of my three severe sunburns occurred the afternoon I spent four hours lying in my backyard listening to the Saturday morning kids’ shows we grew up with. I remember going to movies at North West Federal Savings. Also, I led the "Save WNIB" campaign. My calendars have the Saturday afternoons in February blocked out as I agree with you that the Jack Benny Program was the best of all on the air. It has been a pleasure to talk with you over the years and to have met you and Ellen. May you have many more 39th birthdays and years of good health ahead to do all that you look forward to. –EVELYN SIEGAL

WESTCLIFFE, COLORADO– Just came across your retirement announcement and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed listening to many years of your broadcasts. You and recently retired jazz DJ Dick Buckley are my favorite radio people. I don’t know where your retirement travels will take you, but you may want to check out the beautiful Wet Mountain Valley in southern Colorado where we retired. Lotsa horses, hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, fly fishing and more. Anyway, best wishes and thanks for those memories. –JACK RIVERS

GENEVA, IL– My daughter Sue and I thoroughly enjoyed our Sunday afternoon with Jack Benny. The devotion and love of this man’s life that Eddie Carroll put into his performance was astounding along with appearing and sounding so much like the old Jack Benny as we all remembered him. It was remarkable. I just marveled at his talent. Speaking of talent, you, my friend have spent 39 wonderful years bringing us so much happiness through the airways in your very popular creation, Those Were The Days. It’s nostalgia that so many people crave and love. Just look at how that theater was packed on May 3rd. My congratulations go out to you, Chuck. We are all so relieved that Those Were The Days will continue. I wish you much happiness in a new direction in your life which leads to new discoveries. –JEAN GOULD O’CONNELL

HIGHLAND PARK, IL– If I have one regret about being out of the [Sun-Times] now, it’s that I can’t add my public voice to those singing your praises. You deserve every accolade that can be bestowed. This must be a very strange and bittersweet time for you. On one hand, you’ve done an amazing job, you’ve had an incredible run, and you’re stepping down in the time and manner of your choosing. On the other hand, I know how much you loved every minute of every show you did. Saturdays won’t be the same for any of us. –ROBERT FEDER

SCHAUMBURG, IL– Thank you so much for all the wonderful years. We were customers at North West Federal Savings in the ‘60s. It was the most customer-friendly bank I have ever been a part of and you hosted weekly older movies there that my family and I loved. My kids loved the comedies. Me, too. I will be 71 on June 29. Happy birthday to you and me. Hope we have many more. I loved your radio shows and confess to taping more than a few. Some years ago my son found my tapes and enjoyed them and he still does. Now his teenaged daughter enjoys them. They listen to Those Were The Days. Think of the generations you and good radio have reached. I will miss you on Saturdays, but I am glad the show will go on. –LARRY PAHL

NEW RICHMOND, WISCONSIN– Congrats to you, Chuck! Sorry to hear that you are leaving, but happy for your retirement. I was an avid listener of your shows and still am via Internet. I’m a Chicago native and Steinmetz High grad (June, 1960), having moved up here in 1987 in a job-related transfer. That’s when I missed Those Were The Days ‘til I bought a computer two years ago and rediscovered your program. However, when I traveled back to Chicago several times a year over the last 22 years, I tried never to miss your shows, as I did grow up listening to those programs. You’ll be missed. –GENE AICHELE

RIVERSIDE, IL– I can’t tell you how grateful we are to you for pursuing your OTR passion and developing it into such an amazing archival work so that so many of us could enjoy reliving our young growing-up years. I can so easily slip into those relatively carefree evenings of 60 or 70 years ago when my favorite shows were all on the air. Kids of today will never have a clue as to what they’ve missed. Those were indeed the days. Yes, we have TVs (several of them), a cell phone and a computer, but as for the rest, you can keep all your ipods, blackberries, texting, twittering, blogs, facebooks, etc., etc. I’d rather read a book and/or listen to a good OTR program any day. Thanks over and over again, Chuck. You’ve made a mark in this world. –ELLIE BABKA

CHESTER, NEW JERSEY– Add me to the long list of folks wishing you and your family all the best in retirement. I have been a fan since your first shows, when I was a young married man in Evanston, then Glenview. I remember listening to your broadcasts of kids’ shows and marveling that those programs still existed! When my kids were young, I took them to your movie nights at North West Federal savings and I still have a great shot of my daughter, in her Superman T-shirt, with Kirk Allyn. Thank goodness for the Internet and the ability to keep up with you and Ken here in New jersey. God bless you for all the joy you have given so many people. –DAVE SULLIVAN

ITASCA, IL– Happy 39th anniversary wishes from one of your first production assistants... who took care of the "Vintage Victrola," put together and read the first "Yesterday’s News Today" segments, helped cue up tapes and answer phones from loyal listeners who were eager to get their hands on their very own "Invisible Facsimile." For me it was a labor of love, much the same way the show has been for you. Being a part of the show for its first four years on WNMP-WLTD, Evanston, was a part of the beginning of my broadcasting career as well as yours and full of wonderful memories I’ll always cherish. It was an honor, privilege and a blessing for me to have been a part of radio history. –MARK FRIEDMAN

BERWYN, IL– A lot of memories come flooding back from 39 years of Those Were The Days, and your other broadcasts as well. I remember living in Waukegan in the late 1970s (before WNIB acquired what became WNIZ), trying so hard to get the show on Saturdays and the frustration of the drifting signal. I remember business meetings on Saturday mornings when I worked in the Loop in the 1980s and breaking my neck to get home by one o’clock because it was Jack Benny Month!
    We remember the special place that Metro Golden Memories was (how could we forget?) and the days when the store was open late on Saturday evenings as a kind of overture to the "memory movie" at North West Federal Savings. We remember some of the shows you did from that little studio at the Metro store in Morton Grove. Later, we remember the Museum of Broadcast Communications and the thrill I had of portraying Jack Benny on the occasion of Jack’s 100th birthday.
    We remember all your interviews with the people who made radio, and we remember your always remembering to thank them for the many years of entertainmemnt that they had given to us. Well, now it’s only right that we return the favor and say: "Thank you, Chuck Schaden, for all the entertainment you have shared with us over the years. Here’s wishing the best to you and Ellen on your retirement. We’ll miss you. –JOHN and MARGE SEBERT

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO– I grew up in Mount Prospect, in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and was going to high school and community college in the 1970s. As a teenager, I became an avid listener of old time radio and all of your shows -- your daily morning show in addition to TWTD on Saturdays and some syndicated work you did around that time. But it wasn’t just the old time radio programs that I got to enjoy – it was you, too; your thoughtful, intelligent, caring and fun personality came through on all of your shows. You weren’t just the host who brought us these shows, you were a great friend. Now I’m 52. I still enjoy old time radio on occasion and When Radio Was is carried on a Denver station; I listened to it when you were hosting a few years ago and it was great to hear you again. Please know that you brought so much joy and happiness into thousands of lives. –RICH LADEN