This week, the third of nine known, surviving episodes of the 1930-31 classic "Empire Builders," the earliest recorded dramatic series from network radio. This one is from December 29, 1930, and it stars a very young Don Ameche. Plus, a look at that great train sound effect that starts each episode. And: The first episode of the amusing, somewhat corny "hick" serial "The Misadventures of Si and Elmer," from 1931 or 1933, and the third installment of "Friendly Five Footnotes," with its delightful early '30s pop. They simply don't make radio like this anymore, so come along... on another Radio Journey.

This week: The second surviving episode of Empire Builders, plus more Anson Weeks and the Friendly Five Footnotes, all from 1930-31.

This week, the first of nine episodes of "Empire Builders," the earliest surviving network drama series, from November 1930 (original newspaper ad, at right). Plus, great dance music from Anson Weeks and the Friendly Five Footnotes, circa 1931.

We begin this week solemnly, with an appeal and a moment of silence for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and for our entire nation. Then, in our regular programming, we offer a brief profile of broadcast announcing pioneer Graham McNamee (photo at right), followed by the second episode of "Coca-Cola Top Notchers," from March 26, 1930, which McNamee hosted. Then, some good times with "Cliff and Lolly, the Nuts of Harmony," also from 1930.