Center: Brace Beemer, an announcer for the program, was
one of several actors to play the masked man on radio; he
took on the role full-time beginning in 1941 and continued through the end of the series’ run. John Todd (left) was
Tonto.

With the stirring notes of the William Tell Overture and a shout of
“Hi-yo, Silver! Away!” The Lone Ranger debuted on Detroit’s WXYZ
radio station.

The creation of station-owner George Trendle and writer Fran
Striker (below), the “masked rider of the plains” became one of
the most popular and enduring western heroes of the 20th century. Joined by his trusty steed, Silver, and Native American scout,
Tonto, the Lone Ranger battled western outlaws and Native
Americans. 

Fran Striker