Women’s Assoc. Formed

Originally Aired: February 14, 1940 Lum #257, "Women's Assoc. Formed," Lum eagerly receives what he believes is a Valentine from Maudy Brooks, the woman he has been trying to court since she moved to town. Despite Abner's skepticism about Maudy's interest—pointing out how she scooted away from Lum at a recent meeting—Lum remains convinced that her Valentine is proof of her affection. He proudly anticipates opening the lace-adorned card, planning to display it prominently in his home as a token of her feelings. However, when Lum finally opens the envelope, his romantic hopes are crushed. Instead of a sweet declaration of love, Maudy has sent him a comic Valentine filled with insulting verse mocking his appearance, particularly his handlebar mustache. The cruel poem compares his face to "a plate of hash" and flatly states she wants no part of him. A humiliated and furious Lum tears up the card, threatens Abner to keep quiet about the embarrassment, and declares he's ready to join the Men's Protective Association—though he quickly learns membership requires being married.