Chicago has burned, rebuilt, laughed, frightened, entertained, and occasionally argued with the rest of Illinois. Along the way, it helped shape American history—and the golden age of radio.
On today’s Daybreak, we’re taking a trip to the Windy City, where Abraham Lincoln walks onto the stage, the Great Chicago Fire changes a nation’s architectural future, Dracula stalks the airwaves, and Jack Benny catches a train.
We’ll also visit the legendary Chicago hotels where Don McNeill’s Breakfast Club helped millions of Americans begin their mornings.
On today’s program:
Abe Lincoln in Illinois — Raymond Massey, Fay Bainter, and Otto Kruger bring Lincoln’s story to life in a Lux Radio Theatre production.
The Great Chicago Fire — The Will to Rebuild and In Old Chicago tell the story of catastrophe, resilience, and reinvention.
Dracula in Chicago — The National Radio Theater of Chicago demonstrates why some of the most frightening pictures are the ones radio creates in your imagination.
Jack Benny Goes to Chicago — A train ride into the wit and comedy of classic American broadcasting.
Breakfast with Don McNeill — From the Hotel Sherman to the Hotel Allerton, we revisit The Breakfast Club, its remarkable 35-year run, and its final farewell.
The State That Wants to Split — Why do parts of Illinois want to separate from Chicago’s political influence? We revisit Chesterton Radio’s examination of a state divided by geography, culture, and politics.
It’s a journey through a city that helped invent modern America—and a reminder of a time when radio could bring an entire country together around the breakfast table.
Independent Radio. Made Possible by Listeners.
Today’s Daybreak is sponsored by Chesterton Radio subscribers. Their support makes it possible to share classic radio, original programs, literature, history, and thoughtful conversation with listeners around the world.
If you enjoy discovering forgotten broadcasts and stories worth remembering, please consider joining them.
Become a subscriber: https://www.ChestertonRadio.com/Subscribe
The Open Door — Always On, Always Welcome
The conversation doesn’t end with Daybreak. Visit The Open Door, Chesterton Radio’s free, 24-hour live stream, featuring classic radio, drama, music, literature, and more.
Listen live:
https://Live.ChestertonRadio.com
From The Little Station on Commercial Street, good morning—and welcome to Chicago.
Chesterton Radio | Good stories never grow old.
Abe Lincoln in Illinois - Raymond Massey - Fay Bainter - Otto Kruger - Lux Radio Theater
🎧 Dracula – The National Radio Theater of Chicago
The Will to Rebuild - Great Chicago Fire - Cavalcade of America
In Old Chicago - Dorothy Lamour - Robert Young - John Hodiak - Lux Radio Theater
Leaving for Chicago On The Train - Jack Benny Show
Breakfast Club - Last Show After 35 Years - Allerton Hotel Chicago
The Breakfast Club - Don McNeill - Hotel Allerton - Chicago
The Breakfast Club - Don McNeill - From the Hotel Sherman in Chicago - 25th Year
