This Radio Scripts Index contains the names of individuals who were mentioned in news programs broadcast by Evansville radio stations WEOA and WGBF from 1941 to 1949 and 1966 to 1974. In addition to the names of individuals (which were at times spelled phonetically to make them easier for the newscaster to pronounce; e.g., “Baynee” for “Boehne”), events, places, and other subjects are also indexed.

Many of the people cited in the scripts were local politicians, accident victims, or criminals, but occasionally “ordinary” citizens were mentioned as well, especially those active in civic or school affairs. After Pearl Harbor was attacked, news about rationing, selling war bonds, housing, entertaining troops, and other war-related issues appeared frequently.

The first group of scripts is from the program “Our Town,” from October 29, 1941, to December 31, 1949. The broadcast was a 15-minute summary of local events, presented in the evenings by well-known reporter Clifton “Cliff” Brooks.

The second group of scripts, dating from January 11, 1966, through December 31, 1974, is from the program “What Goes On Here.” It aired Monday through Saturday mornings and featured J. C. Kerlin, another familiar radio personality.

Bound copies of the index to the Radio Scripts Collection are housed on the second floor of Willard Library. The original scripts are also stored in the library, where visitors may view them upon request.

The Willard Library staff is deeply indebted to long-time volunteer John W. Powell for indexing the thousands of names and subjects that appear in the radio scripts.

For more information, contact Willard Library.