Lum Forgot to Buy Fire Insurance: A Blaze, a Blunder, and a New Job at the Jot 'Em Down Store

Originally Aired: July 16, 1935 In Lum & Abner #152, “Lum Forgot to Buy Fire Insurance,” disaster strikes Pine Ridge as Lum discovers his movie house, the Pine Ridge Planetarium, was destroyed by fire—and worse, he forgot to buy fire insurance. The oversight, triggered by a distraction during a court case with Squire Skimp, leaves Lum penniless and jobless. As he searches for work—from dishwashing to logging—he’s too proud to ask for help. Meanwhile, Abner secretly hopes Lum will join him at the Jot 'Em Down Store. After much hesitation, Lum humbly accepts a job from his old partner. The episode blends heartfelt humility with the duo’s trademark comedic warmth as Lum’s fortunes take a twist—from big-time showman to small-town clerk. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Dick Huddleston and Luke Spears Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, fireinsurance, Horlicks, ruraldrama, vintagebroadcast, comedyduo, radiohumor, PlanetariumFire, LumLosesAll, smalltownlife, backwoodsbusiness, classicradio, vaudeville, LumClerkAgain