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Lum & Abner: Classic Small-Town Comedy artwork

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Lum & Abner: Classic Small-Town Comedy

Presented by lumabner

Step back into the heartwarming world of Pine Ridge, Arkansas, where Lum Edwards and Abner Peabody run their general store—and get into all kinds of hilarious misadventures along the way! Lum & Abner: Classic Small-Town Comedy brings you the best restored episodes of this beloved Old Time Radio show, featuring the quick wit, charming banter, and homespun humor that entertained generations.

Join Lum and Abner as they navigate small-town life, dream up ambitious schemes, and share the kind of laughter that never goes out of style. With crystal-clear remastered audio, accurate episode details, and cast information, this is the ultimate collection for Old Time Radio enthusiasts and new fans alike.

Subscribe now and experience a piece of radio history—one episode at a time!

246 episodes

  1. Advertising Free Matinee for Children: Sneak Previews and Squire’s Rival Showdown

    Nov 6, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: June 12, 1935 In Lum & Abner #128, “Advertising Free Matinee for Children,” Lum and Abner prepare for the grand opening of their new Pine Ridge Planetarium theater, but their excitement is quickly dampened when Squire Skimp undercuts them—again—by opening his show a day earlier. As Abner becomes obsessed with watching The Texas Kid repeatedly (even hollering directions to the screen), Dick Huddleston suggests a clever workaround: host a secret preview matinee for children on Friday afternoon, just ahead of Squire’s premiere. The plan? Let the kids in free, build buzz, and outmaneuver their rival without tipping him off. Packed with projector malfunctions, synchronized sound struggles, and plot recaps shouted from the booth, this episode is a perfect blend of small-town scheming and comedic charm. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Dick Huddleston and Squire Skimp Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, projectorbooth, freepreview, TexasKid, BuckJones, theaterantics, classicradio, vaudeville, sneakpreview, kiddiematinee, LumAndAbnerTheater

  2. Dick to Help Lum & Abner: A Race to Open the Pine Ridge Picture Show

    Nov 1, 2025 · 15 min

    In Lum & Abner #127, “Dick to Help Lum & Abner,” the rivalry between Lum and Abner’s Pine Ridge Planetarium and Squire Skimp’s Skimp Hippodrome intensifies. After securing 250 rented chairs for the theater, Dick Huddleston joins the effort to help Lum and Abner beat Squire to the grand opening. As the trio prepares for a Saturday launch, Squire counters with a surprise: opening his theater the night before. Despite the race against time, community support and some comical schemes (like secretly using Sister Simpson to spread news "nobody's supposed to hear") keep spirits high. But a last-minute twist—delivered via Cedric—reveals Squire’s underhanded tactics once again. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Dick Huddleston, Cedric, and Squire Skimp

  3. Lum & Abner Lose to Squire: Betrayals, Offers, and a Theater Standoff

    Oct 27, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally Aired: June 10, 1935 In Lum & Abner #126, “Lum & Abner Lose to Squire,” the dream of opening Pine Ridge’s own movie theater, the Planetarium, takes a serious hit. Squire Skimp successfully poaches the entire crew—from carpenters to the projectionist—leaving Lum and Abner scrambling to build and run the theater themselves. As the dust settles, Squire offers a backhanded olive branch: shut down their theater, rename it “Skimp’s Hippodrome,” and let him manage it—all while they foot the bill. But Lum isn’t buying it. With a fiery refusal and a showdown of principles, the partners vow to open their doors first, even if it means working around the clock. It's a tale of sabotage, grit, and standing up to a slick-talking schemer in this episode packed with small-town drama and classic comedy. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Dick Huddleston and Squire Skimp Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, theaterrivalry, Horlicks, smalltownfeud, classicradio, vaudeville, movietheater, showbizschemes, SkimpsHippodrome, projectionistproblems, GoffAndLauck

  4. Squire’s Plans for a Rival Theatre Threaten the Picture Show Dream

    Oct 21, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally Aired: June 7, 1935 In Lum & Abner #125, “Squire’s Plans for a Rival Theatre Threaten the Picture Show Dream,” Lum and Abner face a crushing setback in their new movie theater venture. After securing chairs and space at the lodge hall, they discover Squire Skimp has outmaneuvered them—renting the hall, poaching their seats, and even luring away their piano player, Grandpappy Spears. As if that weren’t enough, Cedric returns from projector training only to reveal he’s also been hired away by Squire. With every piece of their operation slipping away, Lum and Abner refuse to give up, determined to beat Squire at his own game. This episode delivers a potent mix of small-town rivalry, betrayal, and resilience—all wrapped in comedic frustration. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Squire Skimp, Grandpappy Spears, and Cedric Wehunt Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, ruraldrama, pictureShowWar, Horlicks, smalltownfeud, vaudeville, CedricWehunt, GrandpappySpears, contracttricks, betrayedBySquire

  5. Worrying About Squire Starting Rival Theater

    Oct 20, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: June 6, 1935 In Lum & Abner #124, “Worrying About Squire Starting Rival Theater,” the fallout continues after Squire Skimp’s failed bid to become a partner in the Pine Ridge Planetarium. As the dust settles, Abner remains steadfast in his refusal to include Squire, while Lum frets over the threat of a competing picture show. Squire’s threat sends Lum into a spiral of confusion—complete with talk of “hands being tied” and “axes over their heads”—leaving Abner to conclude that his partner’s mental state might be slipping. But when word comes that Squire has rented the lodge hall and secured chairs for his own theater, it becomes clear: the competition is real, and the first shots in Pine Ridge’s cinema war have been fired. A hilarious and frantic episode of worry, metaphors gone wild, and rising stakes. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Dick Huddleston and Squire Skimp Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, rivaltheater, Horlicks, PlanetariumPlot, vaudeville, classicradio, pictureShow, stubbornAbner, theaterwar, metaphormixup, lodgehall, cinemaShowdown

  6. Squire Wants to Be a Third Partner in the New Theatre

    Oct 20, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: June 5, 1935 In Lum & Abner #123, “Squire Wants to Be a Third Partner in the New Theatre,” excitement buzzes through Pine Ridge as Lum and Abner’s picture show, the Pine Ridge Planetarium, nears completion. With plans underway and a film salesman on the way, the old fellows discuss big ideas—including securing a Charlie Chaplin or even a Mickey Mouse feature for their grand opening. But just as everything seems to be running smoothly, Squire Skimp reappears, proposing to buy his way into the business as a third partner. While Lum is tempted by Squire’s “showmanship,” Abner flatly refuses, recalling too well Squire’s past schemes. Sparks fly in this sharply comedic episode, as Abner stands firm, and Squire threatens competition. A delightful clash of ambition, nostalgia, and small-town determination. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Squire Skimp Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, smalltownrivalry, Horlicks, PlanetariumPlot, pictureShow, MickeyMouseMention, vaudeville, classicradio, silentfilmcomedy, CharlieChaplin, theaterbusiness, stubbornAbner

  7. New Picture Show Costing a Lot of Money

    Oct 16, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally Aired: June 4, 1935 In Lum & Abner #122, “New Picture Show Costing a Lot of Money,” Lum and Abner find themselves overwhelmed by the ballooning costs of transforming the old cotton warehouse into the Pine Ridge Planetarium. From chairs that need nailing down to elaborate scenery, curtains, and even an exaggerated “Main Street” painted ad curtain, Lum's grand vision threatens to outstrip their $3,700 budget. Meanwhile, Grandpappy Spears is excited about his role as piano player and his new music records, while Abner questions the practicality of Lum's sky-high storefront artwork. The episode ends on a humorous note as they realize they’ve forgotten the most important element for their movie theater’s grand opening: the actual film to show. A charming snapshot of rural ambition and entrepreneurial chaos. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voice of Grandpappy Spears Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, vintagebroadcast, Horlicks, radiohumor, PlanetariumPlans, ruraltheater, smalltownbusiness, advertisementcurtain, grandopeningdrama, GrandpappySpears, vaudevillecomedy, classicradio, overspending, BirthOfANation, forgottenfilms

  8. Trying to Name New Theater

    Oct 14, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally Aired: June 3, 1935 In Lum & Abner #121, “Trying to Name New Theater”, the Pine Ridge duo debates the perfect name for their newly refurbished picture show. Cedric is off to learn how to operate the projector, free passes are multiplying at an alarming rate, and Abner's patience with Lum’s generosity is wearing thin. As they wrestle with names like "Lum's Lyric," "Pine Ridge Picture Show," and even the baffling "Orpheum," a chance comment about a "planetarium" sparks the winning idea. In true backwoods fashion, they dub their venue the Pine Ridge Planetarium—mistaking it for a place to watch movie stars, not celestial bodies. A hilarious mix of miscommunication, homespun marketing, and classic small-town logic. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), supporting voice of Dick Huddleston Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, ruralcomedy, classicradio, Horlicks, namingtheater, planetarium, freepasses, backwoodslogic, vaudeville, CedricWehunt, smalltowncinema

  9. Lum & Abner Hire Grandpap

    Oct 13, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally Aired: May 31, 1935 In Lum & Abner #120, “Lum & Abner Hire Grandpap”, the picture show project takes center stage as the duo tries to secure music for their new theater. With no budget for a player piano, Lum hatches a plan to use psychology on Grandpap Spears—hoping to rent his piano and hire him to play it. What starts as a simple negotiation quickly spirals into a full-blown family affair, with Grandpap angling for free passes for himself, his wife, their ride, and potentially half of Pine Ridge. This episode features sharp-witted back-and-forth, humorous manipulations, and classic small-town antics as Lum and Abner learn just how expensive “free” can be. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), with voice of Grandpappy Spears Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, GrandpapSpears, playerpiano, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, ruralcomedy, classicradio, Horlicks, smalltownnegotiation, backwoodsbargain, theaterlaunch, vaudeville

  10. Cotton Warehouse for Theatre: Slanted Floors and Picture Show Plans

    Oct 13, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally Aired: May 30, 1935 In Lum & Abner #119, “Cotton Warehouse for Theatre,” the entrepreneurial duo dives headfirst into the world of cinema by converting an old cotton warehouse into Pine Ridge’s first picture show. While Lum focuses on formality—renting folding chairs and searching for a proper projector—Abner takes a more “inventive” approach, raising one end of the building to save on remodeling costs. Their hilarious misunderstanding of theater logistics, including the great debate over front versus back and a misadventure involving player pianos and candy-bucket benches, highlights the pair’s classic backwoods ingenuity. It's a charming glimpse into their small-town dreams of showbiz success. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Grandpappy Spears and Dick Huddleston Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, cottonwarehouse, picturehouse, playerpiano, projectorhunt, smalltownventures, theatrecomedy, Horlicks, classicradio, vaudeville, slapstickrenovation, ruralinnovation

  11. How to Operate a Picture Show: Slanted Floors, Shadow Puppets, and Ticket Trouble

    Oct 11, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: May 29, 1935 In Lum & Abner #118, “How to Operate a Picture Show,” Lum returns to Pine Ridge with a bold new idea: open the town’s very first moving picture house. As he ropes Abner into the scheme, the two wrestle with the logistics of running a cinema—from slanted floors and high ceilings to shadow puppet distractions and ticket-taking confusion. Abner wants front-row seats for him and his family, but Lum insists he’s on ticket duty. The episode builds with classic misunderstandings, hilarious logic twists, and a last-minute offer to rent Dick Huddleston’s cotton warehouse as their venue. Will Pine Ridge finally get its nightlife? Or will Abner let everyone in for free? Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Dick Huddleston Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, picturehouse, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, slantedfloors, Horlicks, ticketboothantics, ruralcomedy, classicradio, vaudeville, smalltowncinema, freeadmissionfiasco, GoffAndLauck

  12. Lum Returns: A Disappearing Act and a Silver-Screen Dream

    Oct 11, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: May 28, 1935 In Lum & Abner #117, “Lum Returns,” panic grips Pine Ridge after Lum vanishes without a trace following the failed unveiling of his self-funded statue. Fearing the worst, the townsfolk drag the mill pond and spread sightings from every direction. Just as hope fades, a call reveals the truth—Lum’s back! He reappears with surprising cheer, explaining his spontaneous trip to Kansas City as a soul-searching retreat. Reinvigorated, he announces a bold new plan to open a picture show in Pine Ridge, aiming to bring modern entertainment to the countryside. This episode is a heartwarming turn from despair to ambition, rich with humor, friendship, and small-town dreams. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), supporting voices including Grandpappy Spears, Cedric, and Dick Huddleston Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, Horlicks, statueceremony, missingLum, picturebusiness, smalltowncomedy, vaudeville, classicradio, KansasCitytrip, ruraladventure, GrandpappySpears, Cedric, millpondsearch

  13. Lum Missing: Abner and Grandpap Fear the Worst

    Oct 10, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: May 27, 1935 In Lum & Abner #116, “Lum Missing: Abner and Grandpap Fear the Worst,” the residents of Pine Ridge are gripped with worry after Lum vanishes following the failed unveiling of a statue he had commissioned of himself. When no one showed up for the event—thanks to a prank by Moe’s Moose and the barbershop gang—Lum left in disappointment and hasn’t been seen for three days. Abner, Grandpap, and Dick Huddleston fear something terrible has happened as they recount Lum’s recent heartbreak and eccentric plans, including filling Pine Ridge with statues of himself and Abner. A phone call from Evelina, who Lum stood up for a date, only deepens their concerns. The episode is a heartfelt and humorous look at friendship, pride, and small-town drama. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Dick Huddleston and Grandpap Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, missingperson, Horlicks, statueunveiling, Moe’sMoose, prankgonewrong, smalltownmystery, vaudeville, classicradio, ruraldrama, GoffAndLauck, Evelina, Grandpap

  14. Things Go Wrong at Unveiling Ceremony

    Oct 9, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: May 24, 1935 In Lum & Abner #115, “Things Go Wrong at Unveiling Ceremony,” Lum’s dreams of immortalizing himself in Pine Ridge history take a comedic nosedive. The town is all set for the grand unveiling of a statue honoring Lum Edwards—King of the Hogs—with a dramatic oration and ceremonial flair. Dressed in elaborate lodge regalia and mounted on a white horse, Lum prepares to dazzle the crowd. But there’s just one problem: the crowd never shows up. Despite the speech, the costumes, and the barbecue, only three attendees appear—Dick Huddleston, Squire Skimp, and Cedric. Crestfallen, Lum quietly retreats, leaving his ambitions and his monument in silence. This episode captures the bittersweet hilarity of small-town pride meeting small-town reality. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Grandpappy Spears, Dick Huddleston, and Squire Skimp Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, KingOfTheHogs, PineRidge, statueunveiling, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, classicradio, Horlicks, ruralcomedy, vaudeville, smalltownfailure, lodgecostumes, monumentmishap, noonecame

  15. Discussing Story of King Midas

    Oct 8, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: May 23, 1935 In Lum & Abner #114, “Discussing Story of King Midas,” the partners tally up recent profits—$2,300 from the hog deal (after Squire Skimp’s expenses and commission) and more than $1,400 already in the bank from their circus—giving them about $3,700 to dream on. That sparks Abner’s fanciful riff on King Midas: turning houses, mountains, even his teeth to gold, while Lum patiently points out the comic catastrophes that would follow (you can’t eat if every biscuit turns to bullion!). Around town, handbills go out for the unveiling of Lum’s statue with free barbecue, and the Horlicks photo giveaway hits its Sunday-midnight deadline—an episode that blends tall talk, small-town promotion, and a gentle lesson about easy riches.  Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Cedric Wehunt and Squire Skimp Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, KingMidas, goldtouchgag, statueunveiling, freebarbecue, photographpromo, Horlicks, smalltownschemes, ruralcomedy, classicradio, moneytalk, hogdeal, circusprofits

  16. Squire Returns from Chicago with the Check: A Monumental Celebration in Pine Ridge

    Oct 7, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: May 22, 1935 In Lum & Abner #113, “Squire Returns from Chicago with the Check,” excitement runs high in Pine Ridge as Squire Skimp returns from the big city with payment for the hogs—just in time for Lum’s latest vanity project. Convinced his fortune has turned, Lum finalizes plans for his grand statue unveiling, already engraved with “Lum Edwards, King of the Hogs.” He books barbecue for 400 people, announces the ceremony over the party line in disguise as “Mr. Smith,” and organizes speeches, banners, and music to mark his self-dedicated monument. Meanwhile, Abner frets over the check and half expects trouble from the slick-talking Squire. When Squire finally arrives, all smiles and success, it seems Lum’s ambitions—and his appetite for grandeur—have never been higher. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), with supporting voices including Squire Skimp and Dick Huddleston Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, SquireSkimp, Horlicks, monumentcomedy, selfpromotion, ruralcomedy, smalltowncelebration, barbecue, classicradio, vanityproject, KingOfTheHogs, GoffAndLauck

  17. Lum Orders Statue of Himself: The Hog King Immortalized

    Oct 7, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: May 21, 1935 In Lum & Abner #112, “Lum Orders Statue of Himself,” Lum decides it’s time Pine Ridge recognized his greatness—by putting up a statue of him in the town square. With the hog proceeds finally in, Lum flips through a monument catalog to pick his pose, debating whether to appear like Lincoln, Grant, or “The Thinker.” Abner, less enthusiastic (and following Elizabeth’s opinion that one Lum around the house is plenty), reluctantly helps circulate a petition. When local barber Mose Moots agrees to “donate” a quarter’s worth of barber work, Lum takes it as overwhelming public support and calls the monument company to place his order. He proudly dictates the inscription: “Lum Edwards—Justice of the Peace, President of the Jot ’Em Down Store, President of the School Board, and King of the Hog.” It’s small-town vanity, big dreams, and perfect Pine Ridge humor. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), with voices of supporting characters including Squire Skimp and Mose Moots Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, Horlicks, SquireSkimp, monumentcomedy, smalltownpride, ruralcomedy, classicradio, vanityproject, statueofLum, hogking, GoffAndLauck

  18. Catalogue from Monument Company

    Oct 7, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally Aired: May 20, 1935 In Lum & Abner #111, “Catalogue from Monument Company,” Lum has a new plan for their self-funded town statue: skip the blacksmith and order a ready-made figure from a monument catalog—then just swap the faces and inscription. Abner flips through the pages, mistaking Venus de Milo for a “secondhand” bargain and Julius Caesar for a dress-wearing “sissy,” while Lum eyes the “Spirit of ’76” and tries to cast Abner as the piccolo player. Their grand design keeps running into one small problem: no hogs in the scene. Just as they scheme to replace a drummer with a concrete porker, Squire Skimp calls from Chicago—the hog market is flooded, feed and storage are piling up, and that long-distance call alone costs $18.36. With the statue dreams wobbling and the hog proceeds in doubt, the fellas decide to hold off… at least until the next brainstorm. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Dick Huddleston and Squire Skimp Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, SquireSkimp, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, monumentcatalog, SpiritOf76, JuliusCaesar, VenusDeMilo, hogmarket, longdistancecall, Horlicks, smalltownschemes, ruralcomedy, classicradio, statuecapers, GoffAndLauck

  19. Discussion of the Statue

    Sep 29, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: May 17, 1935 In Lum & Abner #110, “Discussion of the Statue,” Pine Ridge is abuzz with plans for honoring its new “hog kings.” While Lum dreams of unveiling a grand concrete statue of himself and Abner—with a hog between them—he enlists Caleb Wehunt to craft it, even suggesting a plaster cast mold be taken of their bodies. Abner, ever skeptical, worries about breathing tubes and the hog holding still for the process. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Peabody is furious over the hog damage to her garden, Evelina grows irritated with Lum’s inflated ego, and the Squire’s honesty looms large as the men realize they handed over thousands of hogs without a single receipt. Between romantic blunders, small-town gossip, and highfalutin’ statuary ambitions, the comedy mixes vanity with the ever-present fear that Squire Skimp has swindled them again. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Caleb Wehunt, Elizabeth Peabody, and Evelina Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, hogchainletter, Lumstatue, Abnerworries, SquireSkimp, ElizabethPeabody, Evelina, CalebWehunt, radiohumor, Horlicks, ruralcomedy, classicradio, plastercast, vanitycomedy, smalltownschemes

  20. Lum Wants Statue Made in His Honor

    Sep 27, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: May 16, 1935 In Lum & Abner #109, “Lum Wants Statue Made in His Honor,” the hog chain letter finally pays off—literally—after Squire Skimp hauls thousands of Pine Ridge hogs to market on a 10% commission. With visions of newfound wealth, Lum gets carried away with grand plans for immortality, proposing a “statuary” of himself and Abner (with a hog between them) to be erected by the watering trough. Abner, more practical, suggests a town clock instead. But before dreams turn into granite or ticking towers, a harsh reality sets in: nobody bothered to get a receipt from Squire for the hogs. With thousands of animals shipped off and no proof of how many were theirs, Lum and Abner may be at the mercy of Pine Ridge’s most notorious schemer. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Cedric Wehunt and Grandpappy Spears Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, hogchainletter, SquireSkimp, farmrelief, Lumstatue, townclock, radiohumor, Horlicks, CedricWehunt, GrandpappySpears, ruralcomedy, classicradio, chainletterfallout, hogmarket, smalltownschemes

  21. Squire to Take Hogs to Chicago

    Sep 26, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: May 15, 1935 In Lum & Abner #108, “Squire to Take Hogs to Chicago,” the Jot ’Em Down Store gang finds themselves knee-deep in hogs—literally thousands of them—from their infamous chain letter scheme. While Grandpappy Spears and Abner bicker over a game of checkers, Lum tallies hogs by the thousands at Abner’s place. Enter Squire Skimp, smelling opportunity as always: he proposes to gather the surplus hogs from Pine Ridge and haul them off to Kansas City, Chicago, and other markets, all for a 10% commission. Though he dresses the plan as a favor to old friends, everyone knows Squire’s in it for profit. The episode balances farmyard chaos with comic misunderstandings—Abner suspects card tricks and rabbits up sleeves—before settling into Squire’s latest money-making scheme. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Grandpappy Spears and Squire Skimp Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, hogchainletter, farmrelief, SquireSkimp, GrandpappySpears, hogsurplus, radiohumor, Horlicks, stockyards, ruralcomedy, classicradio, chainletterfallout, KansasCity, Chicago, checkerboardcomedy

  22. Dick Says Hog Chain Letter Should Be OK

    Sep 25, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally Aired: May 14, 1935 In Lum & Abner #107, “Dick Says Hog Chain Letter Should Be OK,” Pine Ridge is overrun with hogs—and bushels of corn—thanks to the fellas’ ill-fated chain-letter scheme. While Lum hurries to the county seat to pay steep express charges to ship hogs back to their senders, Dick Huddleston drops by the Jot ’Em Down Store with a crucial clarification: it’s the starting of chain letters that breaks the law, not accepting the hogs or corn. Abner, who wisely refused to turn the hogs loose (that’d be illegal stock running), shares the good news when Lum returns—leading the partners to keep what’s arrived and even ring up folks who tried returning their pigs to bring them back. Between legal hair-splitting, ethical backpedaling, and an 8x10 autographed-photo pitch from Horlicks, the “farm relief” problem seems solved… at least for Lum and Abner. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), voices of supporting characters including Dick Huddleston, Grandpappy Spears, and Cedric Wehunt Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, chainletter, hogchainletter, corn, radiohumor, Horlicks, autographedphoto, postalFraud, ruralcomedy, classicradio, farmrelief, GrandpappySpears, DickHuddleston, CedricWehunt

  23. The “Un-Chain” Letter: Hog Returns, Corn Floods, and Penitentiary Fears

    Sep 20, 2025 · 14 min

    Originally Aired: May 13, 1935 In Lum & Abner #106, “Lum Wants to Start an Un-Chain Letter,” the boys scramble to undo their hog-chain disaster after learning it’s against the law. Their plan? An “un-chain letter” to send hogs back to their original owners. But Pine Ridge folks aren’t eager to reclaim their pigs—leaving Abner’s place trampled and Elizabeth fit to run him out. As Cedric struggles to corral the swine, new shipments arrive from as far as Nebraska and California, and the corn-chain letter kicks in, burying them under bushels. Lum muses about letting the hogs “find their own way home,” while Abner worries the penitentiary may be closer than ever. It’s small-town logic, legal trouble, and hog-chaos at its funniest.  Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), supporting characters including Cedric Wehunt, Elizabeth Peabody Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, chainletter, hogbusiness, cornchain, unchainletter, ruralcomedy, classicradio, Cedric, ElizabethPeabody, penitentiaryfears, Horlicks

  24. Chain-Letter Hog Boom Meets the Law: Dick Sounds the Alarm

    Sep 19, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally Aired: May 10, 1935 In Lum & Abner #105, “Dick Tells Lum & Abner Chain Letters Illegal,” the hog-chain craze sweeps Pine Ridge to hilarious extremes. With wagons and buggies unloading squealing donations at Abner’s place, Elizabeth’s garden and even the house itself are overrun. Lum and Abner scheme to sell surplus hogs to neighbors desperate to get in on the chain—while launching a corn-letter scheme to feed the swine. But their pork-barrel dreams hit a snag when Dick Huddleston arrives with sobering news: Washington has branded chain letters as fraudulent, and the authorities are investigating. The boys may have started something too big to stop, and now the law is closing in.  Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), supporting characters including Cedric Wehunt, Elizabeth Peabody, Dick Huddleston Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, chainletter, hogbusiness, cornchain, ruralcomedy, classicradio, Cedric, ElizabethPeabody, DickHuddleston, postalregulations, fraudwarning, Horlicks

  25. Hog-Chain Fever Hits Pine Ridge: Land Grabs, Fences, and a Feed Panic

    Sep 18, 2025 · 15 min

    Originally Aired: May 9, 1935 In Lum & Abner #104, “Finding a Place to Keep Hogs,” the boys ignite a “farm relief” chain letter that tells folks to mail… a hog. Convinced they’ll net 15,625 porkers, they scramble to buy 80 acres of bottomland from Uncle Henry, haggle the price to $300, and start planning fences—only to realize, too late, that thousands of hogs also need thousands of bushels of feed. As Grandpappy Spears gets buried in donations and Cedric drops a squealing delivery at the Jot ‘Em Down Store, Lum hatches a fix just as wild: a brand-new chain letter for corn. It’s classic Pine Ridge optimism colliding with small-town math, with every oink and brainstorm funnier than the last.  Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), supporting characters including Grandpappy Spears, Cedric Wehunt, Uncle Henry Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, chainletter, hogbusiness, farmrelief, cornchain, fencebuilding, landdeal, Horlicks, ruralcomedy, classicradio, Cedric, GrandpappySpears