Radio doings (Dec 1930-Jun1932)

Door of a Sew Life [Continued from Page 25] are maintained by the Indoor Sports fund, from voluntary contributions. Recently the Indoor Sports orchestra was organized under the direction of Gene Steele, who is a pianist and totally blind. The other members of this unique musical organization are: Reuben Luse. violinist — crippled ; Frank Whitaker, guitarist — blind; Dick King, harmonica player— partially paralyzed; Del Vincent, also a harmonica player, and also paralyzed; Mrs. Francis Blood, mandolinist — confined to a wheelchair ; and "Dee" Marshall, who plays the banjo while lying paralyzed on his ambulance bed. This unusual orchestra rehearses one night each week at the home of some "Good Sport," who serves supper afterwards and after a friendly hour or two of chatting, each shut-in is trundled off to his own home by his family or attendant. There has been an average of four parties every week in honor of individual Indoor Sports, or groups. The largest party ever given took place last August, at G. Allison's "Radio Home." when 145 Indoor Sports heard Harold Roberts' famous "Elks 99" band and the Chanters. Dinner was served that night to 650 persons, including Indoor Sports, their attendants, and members of die bands and their families. An audience estimated at nearly 35,000 came to hear the band. Special parties have been given for the blind and for the children who are members of the club. There have been beach parties, lawn parties, church parties, card parties, and luncheon and theater parties given by "Good Sports." The club received a hard blow last April when Claude Wheeler, charter member and business manager, passed away. His wife, Eva Wheeler, took up the reins and carried on. Through the generosity of a prominent business man, 60 sets of G. Allison's three books, "Radiance," "Inspiration," and "Mental Prosperity," have been given to as many Indoor Sports. G. Allison has given 125 free subscriptions to his magazine, "Inspiration" to members, while 35 subscriptions have been given by other Good Sports. Recently the Indoor Sports Club was given two unimproved lots by a kind lady, and these will be kept until they can be put to some constructive use for the benefit of the club. The Indoor Sports Club has a membership now of 681 members, 88 of whom are blind. Through the business office of the club, during the past 12 months, 62 wheel chairs, 13 bedside tables, 75 canaries and cages, 47 radios, five musical instruments, 11 typewriters and one hospital bed have been loaned or given to members of the Indoor Sports Club. Every Indoor Sport listens faithfully to G. Allison during his daily radio hour at 1:00 p.m. over KFVD. He is the central key of the club; through him the Indoor Sports keep in touch with club activities and announcements. In his cheery, youthful voice, G. Allison reads bits of pleasant philosophy, and poems chosen for their cheerfulness and optimism. Letters, invitations and news of other members of the club, all in a merry, informal vein, are read over the air, with generous sprinklings of G. Allison's hearty laugh. Has radio made these people happier? If one of your able-bodied perpetual grouches could spend a few minutes among these cheerful unfortunates, he'd go out laughing to himself. G. Allison himself is young, goodlooking and full of energy and optimism. In addition to his radio and club work, he is kept busy in the role of husband and father. A likeable chap, and as one of his acquaintances — not a member of the club — said : "I honestly believe G. Allison is the biggest hearted human being I've ever known." The most unusual orchestra in tfie world! Composed entirely of invalids, some of ivhom have to lie paralyzed on a cot while playing their instruments, this organization turns out some excellent music. Page Twenty-six RADIO DOINGS