Paul Harvey News was broadcast on 1,200 radio stations, 400 American Forces Network stations, and 300 newspapers between 1951 and 2008. He became one of the most adored broadcasters ever thanks to his legendary storytelling and flawless radio voice.
In this episode of “The Rest of the Story,” Paul Harvey tells a soap opera story. The audience learns how a well-known soap opera got its name. Paul starts off by describing the daydreamer Harley Proctor.
He daydreamed a lot, especially in church. When Harley began to doze off one Sunday, his wife prodded him in the ribs. He was looking for the ideal name for a soap that the factory he worked in had unintentionally produced.
Harley knew effective advertising was essential. He couldn’t get the perfect name, even with suggestions from everyone. He frowned at the list of names and decided to choose the best ones and write them down.
This process didn’t help, and names distracted him during the daytime as he struggled to find the perfect one. While he was in church, inspiration struck. Harley remained standing after the hymn singing concluded. Harvey was still on his feet, drawing chuckles from the congregation. His wife tugged at his coat in embarrassment.
The minister opened his Bible and read the text for the day from Psalms. As he read it, Harley’s eyes grew wide, and he leaped to his feet. The name of the new soap had been revealed.
The unique soap was created accidentally because of a mixing vat that had remained running too long. Air bubbles were trapped inside, causing it to float. Harley Proctor heard the Pastor read about the palaces of ivory in the book of Psalms, and he knew the perfect name for the soap was ‘Ivory.’
