5941. Post Riders (15:05)

Date:
1958
Summary:
Bash’s story begins when the only way letters were delivered was in a sack of mail throw on the corner table of a coffee house, to be picked up, perhaps, by the owner or his friend. Early envelopes, quill pens, sealing wax are shown, and then the first rides of the Post Riders, through difficult forest paths are described. The developments in various of the colonies add stories of letters passing from plantation to plantation, and of sheriffs empowered to commandeer horses and riders to deliver official papers. Then came the first paid postmaster, whose job it was to receive mail and see that it got to the proper addresses. Stagecoach delivery of mail ends the program, with a model of the famous Wells Fargo coach, and mention of the Pony Express. Songs include “Green & Yellow Basket,” “Cotton Eye’d Joe” and “Yankee Doodle.”

5942. Pressures on Congress (30:20)

Date:
1958
Summary:
Discusses the effects of general pressure on Congressmen from a state, national, and world-wide basis. Examines the problems of lobbying. Features Dr. John T Dempsey, Professor of Political Science, University of Detroit, and members of Congress. (WYES-TV)

5943. Prison idleness (29:32)

Date:
1958
Summary:
In this program, criminologist Joseph D. Lohman outlines the extent of inmate unemployment and describes the work opportunities needed. Filmed scenes illustrate some of this work and a prison inmate describes his employment experiences. Alexander and Lohman indicate ways in which lack of work and “make work,” active idleness contribute to the maladjustment of inmates. They discuss the results of an increase in constructive prison employment.

5944. Prison Inmates Code (29:30)

Date:
1958
Summary:
In this program, the clandestine system of communication and standards operating in many penal institutions is examined, and illustrated with film clips of inmates passing information to each other without the administration’s knowledge. One inmate describes how the prisoners’ credo is established and maintained. Lohman and Gagnon discuss the “Grapevine,” the verbal contact of prisoners, and explain “kangaroo court,” used by the prisoners to maintain “law and order,” as they see it. Lohman points out that these things must be recognized as existing if administrators are to operate efficiently.

5945. Public Myths about Prisons (29:39)

Date:
1958
Summary:
In this program, criminologist Joseph D. Lohman contrasts the public’s attitude and desires for penal institutions with the current knowledge of the social sciences. With Kenyon Scudder, he explains the facts which would disprove existing myths, such as “The way to deal with prisoners is to treat them rough” and “Anybody can run a prison.” Film clips illustrate the unreasonable penal practices that are a product of these myths. An Interviewed prisoner brings out his experiences under such systems.

5946. Pure Science and Applied Science (29:28)

Date:
1958
Summary:
Explains how an understanding of pure science can lead to applied science. Demonstrates this relationship by reviewing a theory of heath and how it led to a number of inventions: smokeless fireplaces, new types of stoves, pressure cookers, and drip-style coffee pots. Features Dr. Sanborn C. Brown, Professor of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (WGBH-TV) Kinescope.

5947. Puss and boots (15:14)

Date:
1958
Summary:
Marionettes are used to tell the delightful age-old story of the cat who wore boots when he visited the King for his Master. Puss told the King that his Master was the Marquis and presented him with his favorite good rabbit. The King invites the Marquis to visit him. Puss tells a servant at the Ogre’s castle to tell the King that all the land around the castle belongs to the Marquis. The Ogre is tricked into changing himself into a mouse which Puss quickly eats. The Marquis goes to the castle, meets the King and the Princess. The Princess and the Marquis fall in love and are married and live happily ever after.

5948. Quiz program--summary (29:33)

Date:
1958
Summary:
Dr. Joel Hildebrand reviews the important concepts of the preceding programs through questions and answers. Touches briefly on such concepts as the "law of survival," "law of averages," intelligence, and the criteria of scientific judgement. (KQED) Film.

5949. Radioactivity (27:21)

Date:
1958
Summary:
The causes of radioactivity, how it is detected, measured and controlled are noted by Dr. Warren F. Witzig and guest Edward Sanford. They also demonstrate the instability of energy and discuss the different types of radiation. Sanford explains the meaning of alpha, beta and gamma rays and explores the uses and dangers of radioactivity.

5950. Railroads (14:36)

Date:
1958
Summary:
After looking at the first railroad engine, the Tom Thumb, and the De Witt Clinton, and seeing an engine in a race with a horse, wherein the horse won, Bash climbs aboard a real engine of the early days, and has a ride. She shows how the engine worked, and even mounts to the cab to throw wood in the firebox, and handle the throttle. The engine is the “Genoa, #12,” of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, which hauled millions of dollars’ worth of gold from the Comstock Lode in Nevada. Songs include “Puffer Belly,” “Casey Jones,” and “Little Red Caboose.”