Take the Radio Train: The Way It Was, 7 February

1915---The first known train-to-station radio message is transmitted to Binghamton, New York. And if anyone Out There knows precisely what that message said, I'd still appreciate your sharing it greatly---since, a year after learning of it, I'm having only slightly less luck still finding that message, than I'd have catching and taking the A train on schedule and with room to squeeze into the morning rush hour crowd without having to leave a foot between the doors when they close.

CHANNEL SURFING

1935: LUM SAYS ABNER'S ARMS AREN'T BROKEN---He has to, just about, since Abner's (Norris Goff, who also plays Dick Huddleston) wife was fool enough to call the insurance company to put in a claim, and since Abner blames Lum (Chester Lauck) for starting the events that led to the ruse in the first place, on today's edition of Lum & Abner. (Mutual.)

Writers: Chester Lauck, Norris Goff.

1937: JACK'S VIOLIN IS STOLEN---"They have nominated the thief for the Nobel Peace Prize," is what Fred Allen might say about it, after hearing of the theft---which Jack himself discovers after proclaiming he'll play "The Bee" this very night to show him and everyone else---on tonight's edition of The Jell-O Program with Jack Benny. (NBC.)

Additional cast: Mary Livingstone, Kenny Baker, Phil Harris, Don Wilson. Music: Phil Harris Orchestra. Writers: George Balzer, Milt Josefsberg, William Morrow, Sam Perrin, John Tackaberry.

1954: BEN'S FATHER COMES FOR A THREE-WEEK VISIT---Retired and presumed overactive, Father Marriott (Edwin Jerome) impresses the children (Denise Alexander, David Pepper) but wanting to be "no trouble at all" proves troubling to Ben (Hume Cronyn) and Liz (Jessica Tandy), on tonight's edition of The Marriage. (NBC.)

Writer: Ernest Kinoy.

1954: FOREIGN TEACHERS---They're visiting Madison High, and their rude criticisms prompt reactions that may cost Connie (Eve Arden), Boynton (Jeff Chandler), and Conklin (Gale Gordon) their jobs, prompting the trio to a desperate gesture when a major national education figure follows up, on tonight's edition of Our Miss Brooks. (CBS.)

Walter: Richard Crenna. Harriet: Gloria McMillan. Additional cast: Unknown. Writer: Possibly Al Lewis.

1956: VARIATIONS ON A THEME---The best laid plans go to waste even for someone such as a man (Parley Baer) who thinks planning equals the perfect murder, on tonight's edition of Suspense. (CBS.)

Additional cast: Paula Winslowe, Sam Edwards, Barbara Fuller, George Walsh, Peter Lee. Writer: Anthony Ellis.

PREMIERING TODAY . . .

1915---Eddie Bracken (comedian/actor: The Aldrich Family; The Eddie Bracken Show), Astoria, New York.
1923---Keefe Brasselle (actor: Stars in the Air, Suspense), Elyria, Ohio.
1924---Hattie Jacques (actress: It's That Man Again, Educating Archie), Sandgate, Kent, U.K.