Abner and Grandpap Unhappy

Originally Aired: February 19, 1940 In Lum #259, "Abner and Grandpap Unhappy," the battle between the sexes in Pine Ridge escalates as the Women's Protective Association locks their husbands out of their own homes. Abner finds himself crammed into a tourist camp cabin with Caleb Weehunt and three other men, suffering through sleepless nights filled with snoring and card games. While Lum remains unaffected and profits from the increased business at his tourist camp, Abner grows increasingly miserable, longing for home-cooked meals and his own bed. The situation takes a turn when Lum mentions the women holding the men's "feet to the fire," which sends Abner into a panic about literal foot burning, recalling a traumatic hot foot incident at the barber shop. Despite Lum's exasperated attempts to explain he's speaking figuratively, Abner cannot get past his fear of having his tender feet burned. The stubbornness of both the Men's and Women's Protective Associations shows no signs of breaking, even as Squire Skimp insists the women will eventually beg their husbands to return home. As Grandpap Spears arrives at the Jot 'Em Down store, the standoff continues with no resolution in sight.