Radio Memories Spark Nostalgia for Columnist

Columnist reflects on the importance of radios in his family's past

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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In a nostalgic column, a writer reminisces about the role of radios in his family's history, from his great-grandparents' large floor model radio that they used to listen to Roosevelt and Truman, to the countertop radios his grandparents used to tune into baseball games, including a memorable triple play by the Braves.

Why it matters

The column highlights how radios were once an integral part of daily life and family bonding, serving as a portal to the outside world before the widespread adoption of television and digital media. It reflects on the changing nature of technology and how it has impacted personal and cultural experiences over time.

The details

The columnist describes how radios were a central fixture in his family's home, from the large floor model used by his great-grandparents to the countertop models his grandparents listened to baseball games on. He recalls specific memories, like hearing a triple play by the Braves on the radio, that illustrate the role these devices played in shaping his childhood experiences.

  • The columnist's great-grandparents listened to Roosevelt and Truman on their large floor radio when he was young.
  • The columnist's grandparents had countertop radios that he listened to many ballgames on, including a triple play made by the Braves.

The players

Wally Blackman

The columnist who is reminiscing about the role of radios in his family's past.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

The 32nd President of the United States, whose broadcasts the columnist's great-grandparents listened to on their radio.

Harry S. Truman

The 33rd President of the United States, whose broadcasts the columnist's great-grandparents listened to on their radio.

The Braves

The baseball team whose triple play the columnist's grandparents heard on their countertop radio.

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The takeaway

This nostalgic column serves as a reminder of how technology and media have evolved over time, and how the experiences and memories associated with those changes can shape our personal and cultural identities. It highlights the enduring power of radio as a medium that once brought families together and connected them to the world beyond their immediate surroundings.