Lum & Abner: Classic Small-Town Comedy

Squire Skimp’s Scheme: The Truth Behind Southwest Oil

Originally Aired: January 7, 1935
Squire Skimp’s Scheme: The Truth Behind Southwest Oil
Just when Lum and Abner thought they had made the deal of a lifetime, they uncover the shocking truth—Squire Skimp is the real mastermind behind the Southwest Oil Company! After selling their oil well for $3,000 cash and a royalty of 10 cents per barrel, they realize they’ve once again fallen victim to Squire’s slick business dealings.
As the new owner, Squire wastes no time taking control, and Lum and Abner grow suspicious about whether they’ll ever see a dime of their promised royalties. With no way to undo the deal, they scramble to figure out how to keep Squire honest, debating everything from counting every barrel themselves to hiring an auditor (though Abner hilariously mistakes this for a train conductor!). Meanwhile, Grandpappy Spears joins the discussion as they attempt to divide up their money—only to realize that after expenses, they actually owe money instead of making a profit!
With Squire at the helm, will Lum and Abner ever get the fortune they dreamed of? Or will they once again be left empty-handed?
Keywords:
"Lum and Abner Squire Skimp scheme," "Pine Ridge oil company sale," "Old Time Radio financial scams," "Classic radio comedy 1935," "Small-town humor vintage radio," "Southwest Oil Company deception," "Pine Ridge business mishaps"
Cast:
Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), Grandpappy Spears, Dick Huddleston, Squire Skimp

Selling the Oil Well: A Deal Too Good to Be True

Excitement fills the air in Pine Ridge as Lum and Abner strike what seems like the deal of a lifetime! A representative from the Southwest Oil Company, Mr. Carter, arrives in town eager to purchase their newly drilled oil well, and after much negotiation, the duo agrees to sell their stake for $3,000 cash—plus a royalty of 10 cents per barrel on every drop of oil pumped from the land.
The deal sounds too good to be true, and Lum and Abner begin dreaming of a life of luxury, swearing off work for good. They imagine themselves as wealthy men, dining at Sister Simpson’s boarding house, indulging in cigars, and even planning vacations. But when it’s time to finalize the agreement, a shocking revelation threatens to unravel their good fortune—the true owner of the Southwest Oil Company is none other than Squire Skimp!
Will Lum and Abner really cash in, or have they once again fallen into one of Squire’s elaborate schemes?
Keywords:
"Lum and Abner oil well sale," "Pine Ridge oil business," "Squire Skimp swindle," "Classic radio comedy 1935," "Old Time Radio financial schemes," "Vintage radio sitcom," "Classic small-town humor"
Cast:
Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), Dick Huddleston, Mr. Carter, Squire Skimp

Hunting the Lion: A Wild Chase in Pine Ridge

Originally Aired: January 2, 1933
Hunting the Lion: A Wild Chase in Pine Ridge
There’s chaos in Pine Ridge after an escaped lion—set free when an elephant tore the door off the jailhouse—sends the town into a frenzy! Determined to restore peace, Lum and Abner embark on a daring lion hunt, though their approach may be a little... unconventional.
As Abner prepares for the big chase, he insists on using an elephant instead of dogs, inspired by a book on African big-game hunting. Lum, skeptical as ever, questions the plan, but Abner is determined—especially after working out a plan with Cedric to rig up an old car body as a seat atop the elephant. Meanwhile, the whole town is terrified, refusing to venture out at night, despite Lum’s assurance that the lion is harmless and completely toothless!
Adding to the excitement, Lum and Abner announce a contest to name the elephant, offering a brand-new Ford radio as a prize. With the town in an uproar, a lion on the loose, and a very confused elephant, this is one wild adventure you won’t want to miss!
Keywords:
"Lum and Abner lion hunt episode," "1933 Pine Ridge radio comedy," "Old Time Radio hunting stories," "Cedric and the elephant hunt," "Vintage radio sitcom," "Classic radio comedy adventures," "1930s small-town humor"
Cast:
Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), Cedric Wehunt, Dick Huddleston

Friday Night Sociable: A Crowd Gathers in Pine Ridge

Originally Aired: January 1, 1933
Friday Night Sociable: A Crowd Gathers in Pine Ridge
The town of Pine Ridge is buzzing with excitement as Lum Edwards and Abner Peabody host their Friday Night Sociable at the schoolhouse. The event is a big success, drawing a packed crowd eager for music, laughter, and a bit of small-town charm.
Lum, ever the showman, makes announcements over the party line, inviting everyone to join in the festivities. The Pine Ridge Spring Band provides lively tunes, while a series of special guests entertain the crowd. Larry Adler, a renowned harmonica player, delivers a stunning performance, followed by George Hartrick, who sings the classic western ballad "Home on the Range."
The biggest surprise of the night? Frances Langford, a rising Hollywood star, takes the stage, delighting the audience with her smooth vocals. As the night unfolds, the town’s quirky humor and warm camaraderie shine through, making this sociable one to remember.
With its remastered audio and historical accuracy, this episode brings a slice of 1930s small-town life to modern listeners.
Keywords:
"Lum and Abner 1933 radio," "Friday Night Sociable episode," "Pine Ridge comedy radio," "Larry Adler harmonica performance," "Frances Langford 1930s music," "Old Time Radio small town humor," "Classic radio variety shows"
Cast:
Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody), Larry Adler, George Hartrick, Frances Langford, The Pine Ridge Spring Band