In June 1945, the war in the Pacific was still raging, American industry was still on a wartime footing, and the War Production Board still prohibited the manufacture of radios and phonographs. But the end was in sight, and radio manufacturers were engaged in intense advertising. These ads often highlighted the company’s contributions to the war effort, and they were also advertising their future products in anticipation of serving the pent up demand as Americans would cash in their war bonds and buy a new set at the final conclusion of hostilities.

The Crosley Corporation was no exception, as it carried this heartwarming story 70 years ago today, in the June 11, 1945, issue of Life Magazine. It tells the story of “Jerry and Barbara.” Jerry is a serviceman, apparently home on leave, and he is shown dancing to the Crosley radio-phono console with his betrothed, Barbara.

Barbara recounts their very first dance at the prom. She wore a red dress and the moment she danced with Jerry, she confesses “that’s when everything began for me.” Jerry quickly interjects, “for us. The minute I danced with you I knew, “This is IT.“

The war intervened, and Jerry apparently had to go do his part to deal with the Nazis. Now, he is home on leave before he goes to finish the job in the Pacific. They are dancing again, this time to the Crosley, and Barbara closes her eyes and tells him that it’s a wonderful record.

Jerry quickly adds, “It’s a wonderful phonograph.” He points out that he and his father bought it for his mother right before the war, that it plays records a new way. He adds that the secret of the Crosley’s wonderful tone is in the needle, and that it was “the kind for us when I come home for keeps.”

There is a pause in the story as the ad explains that secret, namely Crosley’s patented “Floating Jewel Tone System.” The story concludes in the not-too-distant future, as we see Jerry and Barbara, with their Crosley radio-phono console, which appears identical in every respect to his mother’s.

To Jerry and Barbara–and to all the Jerrys and Barbaras–Crosley wishes that all their dreams come true. They point out that they are currently producing fighting materials to help win the war, but are looking ahead to being able to once again produce Jerry and Barbara’s console, and other radios, radio-phonos, and other home appliances.

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