Bobby pins.

(WNYC Archive Collections)

In April 1943, at the height of rationing and scrap metal drives during World War II, WNYC was suddenly overwhelmed with bobby pins. Envelopes with pins poured into the station after a ballerina mentioned to the interviewer she was having difficulty getting ahold of them. Nights at the Ballet host Ted Cott suggested that listeners help out Met Opera Ballet dancer Nora Kaye by sending her one or two of the then scarce hair clips. The ballerina promised extra pins would be given to the salvage drive. The final pin count was reportedly 1,079. It just shows you that even in tough times, WNYC listeners want their dancers to look good. 

Nora Kaye (1920-1987) was born in New York City, where she studied with Michel Fokine and, under her family name, Nora Koreff, was an original member of the American Ballet in 1935-1937. She also appeared with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. Kay was a versatile dancer, had a reliable technique and great emotional power. With her portrayal of Hagar in Pillar of Fire, she assumed the place of a top-ranking dancer. Kaye was seen in the 1952 production of Two's Company, a revue starring Bette Davis. She also worked as an assistant on the musicals I Can Get It for You Wholesale and Tovarich in 1962 and 1963 respectively, as well as an On a Clear Day You Can See Forever in 1965.