Sell the Mine

Originally Aired: August 29, 1935

In Lum & Abner #184, "Sell the Mine," Lum becomes enthusiastic about expanding their silver mining operation into a full-scale manufacturing business. He envisions building a factory right in Pine Ridge to produce silverware, jewelry, and other goods, which would bring jobs and prosperity to the entire town. The only problem is finding the money to make his grand vision a reality. As Lum excitedly plans for new buildings, a railroad, and skyrocketing property values, Abner struggles to keep up with his partner's ambitious schemes.

The two partners wrestle with various solutions to their financial dilemma, including selling more stock or making deals with Squire Skimp. When they recall that Mr. Worthington previously offered them a million dollars for the mine, Lum hatches a plan to sell him a partial interest to raise capital for the factory. However, their logic becomes increasingly tangled as they try to work out whether they can sell the mine and still have something to process in their proposed factory. Lum decides to contact Worthington in Arizona, but their planning session is interrupted just as he gets the address from Squire.