In the 1950s, domesticity dominated the lives of most rural Iowa women. Somewhat isolated on the farm, many turned on the radio to hear a friendly voice – someone to share their sometimes-lonely lives. Radio homemakers were a popular radio program choice. They served as “neighbors on the air” and helped women with everything from menu planning to child rearing.

In this heartwarming documentary, Evelyn Birkby, famed radio homemaker, shares her knowledge about Shenandoah, Iowa’s radio homemakers and offers personal and engaging stories about rural life in the 1950s. “The Iowa Boy” Chuck Offenburger along with Iowa historian Tom Morain also give perspective on a simpler time when the American family ideal was foremost on Iowans’ minds.

On the Web site, read interview transcripts, watch preview videos and join in the discussion.

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Iowa Pathways

Explore Iowa's history in a whole new way

From the first farmers to pioneer settlers; new immigrants to Iowa innovators, discover how the experiences of the past tell the story of who we are as Iowans. Produced in partnership with the State Historical Society of Iowa, IPTV's Iowa Pathways brings together vast resources into an online destination examining the people, places, events and ideas of Iowa.

• Over 300 articles about Iowa history topics
• Nearly 1,000 images, videos, and interactive maps
• Interactive timeline of over 500 historical events
• Over 1,000 links, activities and classroom resources

Visit Iowa Pathways at www.iptv.org/iowapathways.