Newspaper Reports on Abner: Big Promises, Bigger Trouble

Originally Aired: February 20, 1935

Newspaper Reports on Abner: Big Promises, Bigger Trouble

With Squire Skimp running Abner’s campaign, the election stunts escalate—culminating in a newspaper headline announcing Abner’s $180 donation to the public library, a contribution he never actually made. As Lum and Dick Huddleston puzzle over the news, they uncover a trail of exaggerated promises and shady maneuvers, including Abner jumping from a belfry into a fire net to impress child voters. When Lum realizes Abner gave Squire the insurance check to cash—and the donation matches that amount exactly—he races to confront Squire, fearing the worst.

Keywords: “Lum and Abner newspaper donation,” “Squire Skimp misuses insurance check,” “February 1935 radio episode,” “Jot ’Em Down Store election,” “Horlicks flashlight campaign,” “Abner jumps in safety net,” “Pine Ridge political schemes”

Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum), Norris Goff (Abner), Clarence Hartzell (Dick Huddleston), Earle Ross (Squire Skimp), Carlton Brickert (Announcer)