Harry S. Truman

Harry S. Truman was elected the 33rd President of the United States of America in 1945.

A leader of the Democratic Party, he served two terms, from 1945 through 1953, previously serving as the 34th vice president from January to April 1945 under Franklin Roosevelt, and as a United States senator from Missouri from 1935 to January 1945.

Only the very important people of the country are invited to the President's inaugural - and since it was held right in the middle of the golden age of radio, can you guess which of our stars received one of the coveted invitations? (there's a clue in the picture to the right...) --->>>

Truman's Inaugural
When Phil Harris and his band were invited to perform at president Harry S. Truman's inaugural in January 1949, the Harris-Faye writers scripted a show in which Phil's character steamed over a lack of invitation to the Inaugural Ball - and he certainly wasn't thrilled to hear his wife warbling a Truman-friendly version of I'm Just Wild About Harry, either!

However, at the show's end, he spoke humbly about how honored he was to have received the actual invitation, inviting the show's full cast and crew to join him for the festivities. I wonder if his ever loving wife, Alice, had to do her usual, and rescue our favorite vain buffoon from himself and his undoubted wisecracks! 

Phil Harris and Alice Faye

You can hear what happened when the Harris family went to Washington to attend the President's inaugural ball, after they returned to California, and discussed what a wonderful trip it was in the episode, Fire Chief.

Truman's Inaugural in Washington DC 
Lum and Abner have also received a letter from President Truman inviting them to Washington for the inauguration. Ben Withers gives them a lift to the station and they just arrive at the station in time for the train. Sister Simpson arrives at the station with a chicken that she wants Lum to give to President Truman in the White House. They spend so much time trying to accomplish that, that they miss the actual inauguration!

Lum & Abner

During his nearly eight years in office, Harry S. Truman confronted enormous challenges in both foreign and domestic affairs, and advanced the cause of African-American civil rights, with historians now ranking Truman among the nation's best Presidents.

Happy listening my friends,