Radio and television announcer, reporter, commentator, and host, Grauer began his career as a child actor on the Broadway stage and in silent movies. After graduating from college in 1930, he was hired by the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) and became one of its most famous "voices." The collection includes correspondence, manuscripts, diaries, radio, television, and "Film" scripts, notes, subject files, documents, financial records, photographs, memorabilia, clippings, and printed materials. The manuscripts consist of early writings; radio, television, "Film", and sound recording scripts with related notes and correspondence. The majority of the Scripts File are for NBC productions, but also included are scripts for the Voice of America, commercials, "Film"s, and records. Among Grauer's many "firsts" in broadcasting are the first live report of Count Folke Bernadotte's assasination, the first radio show to present cash prizes ("Pot 'o Gold"), and NBC television's first live news event, the opening of the 1939 New York World's Fair. Also included is one audio tape recording of "Salute to Ben Grauer," Nov. 15, 1950, an off the air recording.
Dates:
1915/1977
Repository/Collector:
Rare Book and Manuscript Collections, Butler Library
Repository/Collector Type:
College or university
City:
New York
State:
New York
Country:
United States
Extent:
80 linear ft. (171 boxes, 1 audio tape)
Formats:
Open reel tape (unknown material)
Access statement:
You will need to request this material from the Rare Book and Manuscript Library at least two business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.
Supporting documentation:
The Activities File document not only Grauer's ubiquitous presence in broadcasting but also in other fields such as book collecting, printing and the graphic arts, travel, including the promotion of the Pan American Highway, and his membership in countless organizations.
Historical relevance:
See recording contents description
Notes:
There are more than 3,000 photographs documenting his career from his years as a child actor through the more than 40 years he was associated with NBC. He was photographed with the famous men and women of his generation whose activities he covered on the air. The Publicity File contains newspaper and periodical clipping on his career.