A hundred years ago this month, these young patients were having the cheer of the outside world brought to their weary bedsides thanks to a radio. The July 1924 issue of Electrical Retailing reminded readers that hospital committees, “well-to-do patronesses” and individual families were buying radio for sick rooms and wards. The magazine noted that headphones were best if other patients needed sleep, but that sets with speakers could give joy wholesale to the children’s ward.

A great market–and a great humane service–awaited every dealer who sold radio.