Guide to the Dream Weaver Vinyl Record Collection 1938-1948
- Repository
- Heinz History Center
- Title
- Dream Weaver Vinyl Record Collection
- Creator
- Gaussa, William
- Collection Number
- MSS 0812
- Extent
- 1 linear feet (2 boxes)
- Date
- 1938-1948
- Abstract
- Dream Weaver was a radio program on Pittsburgh, Pa., station KDKA that aired from 1938 until the late 1940s. Dream Weaver combined live readings of poetry and music in an attempt to counter the increasing headlines of turmoil and war emanating from Europe. All of the poetry was written by Marjorie Thoma, a local Pittsburgh writer and poet. The Dream Weaver Vinyl Record Collection consist of over 50 vinyl records containing episodes of The Dream Weaver as well as several poem booklets and sales advertisements from 1948.
- Language
- The material in this collection is in English.
- Sponsor
- This collection has been made accessible as part of an NHPRC-funded Basic Processing grant.
- Publisher
- Heinz History Center
- Address
- 1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org
URL: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org
History
Dream Weaver was a poetry and music radio show that aired Monday through Fridays on Pittsburgh, Pa., radio station KDKA from 1939 until the late 1940s. KDKA producers sought a program that would divert their listener's thoughts from the headlines of turmoil and war that were becoming increasingly common. Almost immediately after the initial broadcast, listeners displayed great interest in the show by sending the station letters and request for the poetry that was being read, all of which was written by Marjorie Thoma Michaux. After contacting publishing houses for copyright clearances caused early delays in production, Thoma decided to supply the all the poetry for the show herself. Other major contributors to Dream Weaver included William G. Beal, who the produced the show, organist Bernie Armstrong, and the voice behind the readings, Paul Shannon.
Scope and Content Notes
The Dream Weaver Vinyl Record Collection is housed in two boxes and consists of over 50 vinyl records containing episodes of The Dream Weaver program, as well as several poem booklets and sales advertisements from 1948.
Conditions Governing Access
None.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift from Gaussa William in 2007.
Archives accession # 2007.0037
Preferred Citation
Dream Weaver Vinyl Record Collection, 1938-1948, MSS 0812, Thomas and Katherine Detre Library and Archives, Senator John Heinz History Center
Processing Information
Preliminary processing by Alex J. Toner on 06/29/12. A preliminary inventory was written by a Library and Archives volunteer in 2007.
Conditions Governing Use
Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Thomas and Katherine Detre Library and Archives of the Senator John Heinz History Center.
Separated Materials
3 vinyl records from Duquesne University's School of Music performing the school's victory song, as well 2 similar recordings from the Carnegie Tech's glee club have been separated to the Library.
Subjects
- KDKA (Radio Station : Pittsburgh, Pa.)
- Thoma Michaux, Marjorie.
- Shannon, Paul.
- Pittsburgh (Pa.)
- Records.
- Poetry.