Beginning in the 1930s, millions of children turned to the radio (see entry under 1920s—TV and Radio in volume 2) to listen to The Lone Ranger, featuring one of popular culture's most enduring Western (see entry under 1930s—Film and Theater in volume 2) heroes. Each episode of the radio show began with the stirring phrase "A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty Hi-Yo Silver!," which introduced the masked rider of the plains astride Silver, his white stallion. Joined by Tonto, his faithful Indian companion, the Lone Ranger dedicated his life to fighting evildoers and bringing justice to the western United States.

George W. Trendle (1884–1972), an owner of Detroit's WXYZ Radio, created the character. The series quickly spread across the nation and served as the cornerstone of the new Mutual Radio Network. Trendle conceived his character as...