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Half sheet rare promotional
radio premium map for the old-time radio serial Speed Gibson of the International Secret Police, which aired between 1937 and 1940.
During the "Golden Age of Radio," shows for younger audiences often used these maps to keep listeners engaged. As the story unfolded, listeners would follow Speed's journey across the globe and use the "Secret Code" at the top to decode "hidden" messages broadcast during the program.
Key Features of the Map
The Plot: The show followed the adventures of 15-year-old Speed Gibson, a junior pilot who worked alongside his uncle, Clint Barlow, for the International Secret Police. Their primary mission on this map was hunting down the villainous organization known as "The Octopus" throughout the Orient (Mongolia, Tibet, and China).
Interactive Design: The numbered boxes (1–8) were intended for listeners to paste stamps or stickers that were sent out as part of the radio club membership. Each sticker would represent a specific mission or location reached in the story.
The Secret Code: Located at the top right, this is a simple substitution cipher. Listeners would write down the scrambled letters mentioned on air and use the key to reveal secret instructions or plot twists.
Local Branding: At the bottom, the map is customized for Radio Station WSAU (based in Wausau, Wisconsin), noting its airtime as Monday through Friday at 5:30 p.m.
Historical Context
Maps like this were highly effective marketing tools. By offering a physical object that "interacted" with the audio broadcast, sponsors could ensure children would beg their parents to buy the products (often cereal or bread) that provided the coupons needed to mail away for the map and stickers. |
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