Product ID: MPSO
Control Number: 7513447
Ma Perkins 201 Episodes
Ma Perkins was one of the most beloved and enduring soap operas of the golden age of radio, often referred to as “America’s mother of the air.” The show centered around Ma Perkins, a kind, wise, and plainspoken widow who ran a lumber yard in the small town of Rushville Center. Acting as a surrogate mother to her family and community, Ma dispensed homespun wisdom and moral guidance while dealing with everyday struggles, triumphs, and tragedies.
With its gentle storytelling and heartfelt tone, Ma Perkins became one of the longest-running daytime dramas in radio history and a comforting presence for millions of listeners.
The Stars
The title role of Ma Perkins was played for the entire run by Virginia Payne, who began the role at age 23 and continued it for nearly three decades. Her warm, sincere voice embodied Ma’s compassion and resilience, making the character one of radio’s most enduring icons.
Supporting characters included her children Fay, Evey, and John, as well as townspeople and co-workers at the lumber yard. The ensemble cast created an intimate world that listeners felt part of, week after week.
Key Dates
• Ma Perkins debuted on WLW in Cincinnati in 1933, before moving to the NBC Red Network later that year.
• It was sponsored by Oxydol detergent for most of its run, leading to its nickname as one of the original “soap operas.”
• The series continued for an astounding 27 years, concluding on November 25, 1960, with more than 7,000 episodes broadcast.
Other Information
The program was created by Frank and Anne Hummert, the legendary husband-and-wife team behind many of radio’s most successful soap operas. Their formula of serialized drama, strong central characters, and moral storytelling was perfected in Ma Perkins.
Unlike some other soap operas of its time, the series emphasized realism and everyday life over melodrama. The conflicts were often rooted in financial struggles, family disagreements, or moral choices, giving the show a relatable and deeply human tone.
Ma Perkins became a cultural touchstone, symbolizing stability and tradition during decades of economic depression, world war, and social change. For many listeners, Ma represented the voice of wisdom and comfort in uncertain times.
Today, Ma Perkins is remembered as one of radio’s most iconic soap operas. Its legacy lives on as a pioneer of serialized storytelling and as a program that brought warmth, empathy, and moral reflection into homes across America for nearly three decades.
Suggested Retail Price: $27.49
Mice Price: $21.19
Width: 201
Weight: 0.0500 pounds
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