Lum Receives a Chain Letter

Originally Aired: May 7, 1935 In Lum & Abner #102, “Lum Receives Chain Letter from Denver,” the Jot-Em-Down Store is buzzing with plans for remodeling—new counters, show windows, even a fancy basket system to rival the big-city department stores. But dreams cost money, and business is slow. Abner suggests letting Grandpappy Spears go, though neither he nor Lum has the heart to fire him. Just then, Dick Huddleston delivers the mail—including a curious letter from Denver. Lum, thinking it might be from his long-lost Uncle Lige, opens it to find not a fortune in silver, but a chain letter promising riches if he’ll only send out copies (and dimes). Meanwhile, word spreads that Squire Skimp is furious over the “diamond” he bought back for $300—only to learn it’s worthless glass. To Lum and Abner’s delight, Grandpappy’s quick thinking duped the Squire, earning him a permanent spot in the store. With chain letters, fake jewels, and backwoods schemes, this episode is a perfect slice of Pine Ridge mischief. Cast: Chester Lauck (Lum Edwards), Norris Goff (Abner Peabody); supporting voices including Squire Skimp, Grandpappy Spears, Dick Huddleston Tags: LumAndAbner, oldtimeradio, 1930scomedy, JotEmDownStore, chainletter, SquireSkimp, GrandpappySpears, PineRidge, radiohumor, vintagebroadcast, Horlicks, fakedi amond, storemakeover, smalltownschemes, basketdeliverysystem, AbnerfiringGrandpappy