G. Bennett Larson papers
Collection
Identifier: MS 0444
Scope and Contents
The George Bennett Larson papers (1929-1987) primarily span the radio years 1930-1940. The collection is divided into three sections: the first section contains Larson's personal materials, the second section contains materials documenting the Time acquisition, and the third section contains twenty-six boxes of radio scripts that Larson either produced or directed. The first two sections of the collection document the personal side of G. Bennett Larson. In section one, topics are arranged alphabetically. It contains materials that characterize Larson in terms of his different jobs and affiliations through news clippings and articles, specific biographical information on the early portions of Larson's career, personal materials that are less biographical in nature but deal specifically with Larson.
Section II documents the acquisition of Intermountain Broadcasting and Television Corporation by Time Magazine, Inc. Included are correspondence pertaining to the acquisition process and a bound volume of the papers documenting the stock purchase agreement, proceedings before the Federal Communications Commission, the organization of TLF Broadcasting Corporation, loan agreements, corporate proceedings prior to closing, the closing, corporate proceedings after the closing, liquidation and dissolution of "old Intermountain," opinions of counsel, and the adjustment date settlement.
The majority of the collection is in section III. Section III contains radio scripts from the early 1930s and 1940s, and is heavily concentrated in the early to middle 1930s. It contains scripts arranged alphabetically in major groupings, including the "Al Jolson" show, "Chase and Sanborn Coffee/Tea Hour," "Ed Wynn and the Fire Chief Band," " Fleischmann's Yeast Hour," "Gillette Original Community Sing, "Joe Penner," and the "Quaker Party," as well as other scripts.
Section II documents the acquisition of Intermountain Broadcasting and Television Corporation by Time Magazine, Inc. Included are correspondence pertaining to the acquisition process and a bound volume of the papers documenting the stock purchase agreement, proceedings before the Federal Communications Commission, the organization of TLF Broadcasting Corporation, loan agreements, corporate proceedings prior to closing, the closing, corporate proceedings after the closing, liquidation and dissolution of "old Intermountain," opinions of counsel, and the adjustment date settlement.
The majority of the collection is in section III. Section III contains radio scripts from the early 1930s and 1940s, and is heavily concentrated in the early to middle 1930s. It contains scripts arranged alphabetically in major groupings, including the "Al Jolson" show, "Chase and Sanborn Coffee/Tea Hour," "Ed Wynn and the Fire Chief Band," " Fleischmann's Yeast Hour," "Gillette Original Community Sing, "Joe Penner," and the "Quaker Party," as well as other scripts.
Dates
- 1929-1987
Creator
- Larson, G. Bennett, 1910- (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.
The original item from box 1, folder 1 have been removed and placed in Reserve. This folder contains photocopied versions for access purposes. Access to the originals must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the items if being used.
The original item from box 1, folder 1 have been removed and placed in Reserve. This folder contains photocopied versions for access purposes. Access to the originals must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the items if being used.
Conditions Governing Use
Radio scriptsmay not be reproduced.
The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.
The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.
Biographical Sketch
George Bennett Larson (1910-1989) was born on 15 March 1910 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to George Edward Larson and the former Ardella Brown. G. Bennett Larson began as a fledgling radio star with KDYL in Utah and went on to become a successful radio and television entrepreneur. Larson began his radio career at KDYL in Salt Lake City at the young age of 16. Within three years, Larson instigated the "Uncle Ben" children's show and the "Kangaroo Club" which ultimately reached a membership of 20,000 children.
From Salt Lake City, Larson moved on to New York City and the National Broadcasting Corporation, as a producer and director. Between the years 1929-1934, he worked on the "Chase and Sanborn Coffee/Tea Hour, "Ed Wynn and the Fire Chief" show and the "Fleischmann's Yeast Hour." Between 1934-1942 Larson was affiliated with the Joseph Katz Company, Ruthrauff and Ryan, and Young and Rubicam agencies as a radio executive.
In 1942 Larson's career took a new direction as he became involved with specific radio and television stations. Starting in Washington, D. C., Larson joined forces with WWDC as general manager and part owner. From 1945-1947, he was manager of WPEN in Philadelphia, and from 1947-1950 he was vice president of television for WCAU-TV. In 1950 Larson was general manager of WPIX in New York.
Larson returned to Salt Lake and his radio "alma mater," KDYL, as part of the acquisition process of Intermountain Broadcasting and Television Corporation by Time Magazine, Inc., and received the mantle of authority at KDYL-KTVT as its president. The sixteen-year-old radio genius had come a long way from the 20,000 member "Kangaroo Club."
Larson died of pneumonia, at age 79, in March 1989.
From Salt Lake City, Larson moved on to New York City and the National Broadcasting Corporation, as a producer and director. Between the years 1929-1934, he worked on the "Chase and Sanborn Coffee/Tea Hour, "Ed Wynn and the Fire Chief" show and the "Fleischmann's Yeast Hour." Between 1934-1942 Larson was affiliated with the Joseph Katz Company, Ruthrauff and Ryan, and Young and Rubicam agencies as a radio executive.
In 1942 Larson's career took a new direction as he became involved with specific radio and television stations. Starting in Washington, D. C., Larson joined forces with WWDC as general manager and part owner. From 1945-1947, he was manager of WPEN in Philadelphia, and from 1947-1950 he was vice president of television for WCAU-TV. In 1950 Larson was general manager of WPIX in New York.
Larson returned to Salt Lake and his radio "alma mater," KDYL, as part of the acquisition process of Intermountain Broadcasting and Television Corporation by Time Magazine, Inc., and received the mantle of authority at KDYL-KTVT as its president. The sixteen-year-old radio genius had come a long way from the 20,000 member "Kangaroo Club."
Larson died of pneumonia, at age 79, in March 1989.
Extent
14.5 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The G. Bennett Larson papers (1929-1987) primarily span the radio years 1930-1940. The collection is divided into three sections: the first section contains Larson's personal materials, the second section contains materials documenting the Time acquisition, and the third section contains twenty-six boxes of radio scripts that Larson either produced or directed. George Bennett Larson (1910-1989) began as a fledgling radio star with KDYL in Utah and went on to become a successful radio and television entrepreneur.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of G. Bennett Larson.
Separated Materials
Photographs from this collection were transfered to the Multimedia Division of Special Collections (P0048).
Processing Information
Processed by Julie Reiser in 1988.
- Articles
- Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
- Correspondence
- Journalism
- KDYL (Radio station : Salt Lake City, Utah)
- Larson, G. Bennett, 1910- -- Archives
- Media and Communication
- Radio broadcasting -- Utah -- History -- Sources
- Radio scripts
- Speeches (documents)
- Television broadcasting -- Utah -- History -- Sources
Creator
- Larson, G. Bennett, 1910- (Person)
- Title
- Inventory of the G. Bennett Larson papers
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Julie Reiser.
- Date
- 1988 (last modified: 2019)
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Repository Details
Part of the J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections Repository
Contact:
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863
special@library.utah.edu
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863
special@library.utah.edu