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Hi! My name is Jerry Haendiges. I became re-interested in old radio programs in the late 1960's after listening to an "Inner Sanctum Mysteries" program included as part of a new program talking about sound effects during the golden days of radio. This brought up instant visions and memories of days gone by when as a young boy I was under my covers at 10:15 pm (way past my bedtime) listening to broadcasts of "I Love a Mystery" aired on radio station KHJ in Los Angeles. I had rigged up a table radio with an old telephone receiver and had put masking tape around all of the openings in the radio, so that the light emanating from the tubes could not be seen by my parents. There I was ... immediately immersed in adventure with Jack, Doc and Reggie again. Boy! What Memories!

I began checking out the local radio stations to see if they might, per chance, have any of these programs left...they did. Therefore, my collection began. I got ahold of an old Thorens 16" turntable and started recording on an old Revere recorder my dad bought in 1948. As a side-note, I just recently discovered some of the old tapes I had recorded back in 1950 while going through my dad's things shortly after his death. It did not take long to realize this was going to be more than just a passing fancy and so I went out and purchased some high-quality recording equipment. The highest sound quality I could obtain became a priority and obsession.

After I had built up a collection of several hundred programs, I felt everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy these shows as much as I was. I approached some local radio stations with an Old-Radio format in mind. Much to my surprise, they were very much interested in the idea.

In the early 1970's, I began programming for several local stations including KPFK, KCRW, KCSN and KPBS. At first, I worked strictly behind the scenes doing the programming and engineering. Later I was asked to step in as the host, announcer and narrator. I found I had a strong bond with my radio audience. I continued for about 10 years, syndicating the program around the country, until the business pressures of my company forced me to stop.

In 1973, I was approached by a wonderful gentleman Jim Coontz about starting an organization dedicated to preserving old radio forever. Jim, Kevin Stern (who was announcing one of my shows at the time), and I formed an organization called SPERDVAC (The Society to Preserve and Encourage Radio Drama Variety). Many of you are members of this organization. It has grown way beyond the visions of its three founders.

Jerry is too modest to mention that he is one of the nicest people I've met during my lifetime. I am glad to call him my friend... J. David Goldin