Automatic Washing Machine and Abner’s Limo Adventure

Originally Aired: June 28, 1939 Lum #182, "Automatic Washing Machine and Abner's Limo Adventure," Abner returns to Pine Ridge having sold his automatic washing machine patent for twenty-five hundred dollars plus royalties, and the sudden wealth has gone straight to his head. Sporting a tuxedo and wielding a walking cane, he hires a chauffeur to teach him how to drive his new red automobile. After dismissing the chauffeur, Abner takes to the streets himself, creating havoc throughout town by chasing citizens onto sidewalks and forcing Uncle Henry Lonsford's horse and buggy into a ditch. Grandpappy Spears and Squire Skimp demand that Lum, as mayor, do something about the menace Abner has become. However, Lum finds himself in a bind since Abner also serves as chief of police and won't arrest himself. Squire threatens to circulate a petition to remove both Lum and Abner from office, while Lum insists his partner will calm down once the excitement of his newfound wealth wears off. The situation reaches a crisis point when Abner comes barreling up to the store, forcing everyone to scatter.