Your Story Parade

Your Story Parade was a children’s radio program that aired as part of the Texas School of the Air educational radio network in the 1940s. The series featured adaptations of classic children’s stories, presented in a lively and engaging manner for young listeners.

The Stars

The program was hosted by John Allen, who provided the narration and voiced many of the characters.

Helen Kelly, known as “Your Story Parade Lady,” also played a key role, bringing the stories to life with her warm and expressive delivery.

Together, Allen and Kelly guided the audience through the enchanting tales, accompanied by a talented sound effects team and a lively organ score.

Key Dates

Your Story Parade was part of the Texas School of the Air’s weekday programming, which ran for 28 weeks from the first week of October 1944. The series aired on Mondays, presenting stories for preschool and primary-aged children. Other subjects were featured on the remaining weekdays, catering to older students as well as adult learners.

Other Information

The Texas School of the Air was established in 1939 by a coalition of parent-teacher groups, teacher education institutions, and the state’s Department of Education. Initially without state funding, the initiative quickly gained traction and by 1944, it was reaching an estimated 70% of schools across Texas.

The Your Story Parade scripts were written by Wesley Davis, who adapted a wide range of classic children’s stories for the radio format. The series featured tales such as “The Valiant Little Tailor,” “King Midas,” “The Gingerbread Man,” “Thumbelina,” “Hansel and Gretel,” and “Little Black Sambo.” While these stories were well-known, the adaptations were tailored to the young audience, ensuring a happy ending and avoiding any overly dark or disturbing elements.

The Texas School of the Air’s educational programming, including Your Story Parade, was praised for its ability to bring the power of radio to the classroom. Educator John W. Gunstream wrote in 1944 that “radio today is a great instrument of education” and that the medium’s “vast array of drama, music, forums, interviews, world-wide news reports and commentaries” made it as important a tool for learning as the school itself.

Through the engaging performances of John Allen and Helen Kelly, and the carefully crafted scripts of Wesley Davis, Your Story Parade brought the magic of classic children’s literature to life for young listeners across Texas. The series served as a valuable educational resource, while also providing entertainment and enrichment for the state’s students.