Many popular Radio Serials began streaming into everyone’s homes. There were variety shows, soap operas, mysteries and dramas that captured the attention of the masses who were just beginning to grasp the power of Radio. Movies would soon capture everyone’s attention and Television was just beginning to develop.

This was Radio’s time, and Live Radio Broadcasts from the Ballrooms of Amusement Parks were all the rage. People went there in droves to support their favorite contestants. They would pack a meal and hop on a streetcar, getting there in 15 or 20 minutes.

Promoters began advertising “Dance Marathons” as Walkathons to shake the bad reputation their scamming had gotten for them in the 1920s, all in hopes of attracting new audiences. The crowds flocked to Lotus Isle to see 56 couples who competed in an endurance contest that continued for several months. Walkathon Fever had a very positive impact on profits from Radio Advertising and Walkathon promotions. Teams of two contestants could win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.

A typical Walkathon was in a hall decorated with patriotic bunting to spruce up the image of the event. Every Walkathon had their own rules, sets, music, players, spectators and promoters. Each Walkathon was well staffed with cooks, judges, trainers, doctors, dentists and nurses. Spectators paid 25 cents for admission or more for evenings with special entertainment. A popular band would play in the evening and they would listen to the radio or play popular music on a victrola during the day or while they were on breaks.

In 1931, Al Painter’s Walkathon Organization had live remotes on KEX Radio with Announcer Earl “Gabby” Fagan, a very talented organist who was the Chief Master of Ceremonies. They introduced Vaudeville entertainment to the Walkathon.

Leo Seltzer

Making ends meet was a very big challenge to nearly everyone at this time in history. Twenty-six year old Leo Seltzer, a former film publicist, owned a chain of theaters in Portland. After investigating his rapidly declining business, he determined it was attributed to Walkathon Fever. By 1931, the country had endured a couple years of the Great Depression and people lost interest in the movies. His theaters were empty, so Leo Seltzer set out to ‘Legitimize’ this dance marathon business with a shady past.