Abbott And Costello Children's Show 1948-01-31 First Song - 'I'll be Home for Christmas'

Summary

Abbott and Costello Children’s Show – 1948-01-31: “I'll Be Home for Christmas”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Original Broadcast Date: January 31, 1948
Episode Released: November 29, 2025

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Overview

This episode transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with an airing of a 1948 episode of the Abbott and Costello Children’s Show. Hearty vaudeville laughs, charming banter, live musical numbers, and wholesome contests are all presented in classic style, creating a joyful and nostalgic experience reminiscent of family evenings gathered around the radio.

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Key Segments and Discussion Points

1. Comedy Banter: Abbott & Costello’s Trademark Wit

Timestamps: 00:44–02:26

• Bud Abbott and Lou Costello exchange their classic rapid-fire jokes and slapstick banter.
  • Costello humorously recounts mishaps with his nephew and uncle (“I got it last night. I was playing piggyback with my little 3 year old nephew, Tony. … I fell off his back.” [00:49])
  • Abbott teases Costello about always getting into trouble.
  • Topics include foggy days in the valley, mistaken identity with his brother, and playing harmless tricks on family (painting a train engine on glasses to make someone wait for the Super Chief train).

Notable Quote:

Costello (joking about his nose being broken in three places): "I'm staying out of those three places." [01:13]

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2. Musical Performances

Timestamps:

• 10-year-old Anna May Slaughter: 02:26–03:53

• Lillian Roth: 05:36–10:47

• Anna May Slaughter, the show’s child singing star, delivers renditions of holiday standards:

  • “I'll Be Home for Christmas” (02:26), with heartfelt innocence.
  • “White Christmas” (03:53), with audience interjections.

• Lillian Roth, a celebrated Broadway performer, is welcomed as guest star. She performs a medley of her hits from stage and screen, including “Ain’t She Sweet,” “I’m in Love with You, Honey,” and “Goody Goody.” [08:50–10:47]

Memorable Moments:

• Abbott and Costello banter with Roth about singing and musical accompaniment, featuring classic wordplay:

  Roth: “Well, I should have some wind instrument. Do you suppose you could get a tuba player for me?”
  Costello: “Oh sure. I'll run over to the drugstore and get you one. … A tuba toothpaste?” [06:13–06:26]

Notable Quote:

Lillian Roth: “Kids, Lou Costella and Bud Abbott are two of the best kid ever had. I know. I've seen the grand work Abbott and Costella are doing to fight juvenile delinquency at the Lou Castella Jr. Youth Foundation. So keep listening to your Uncle Bud and your Uncle Luke, kids, and you won't go wrong.” [10:51]

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3. Children’s Games and Prizes: Bubble or Nothing

Timestamps: 11:31–23:22

• An audience-participation bubble-gum blowing contest where studio kids chew Fleer’s Double Bubble Gum and compete for prizes.
  • The largest bubble wins a radio.
  • Other kids receive prizes like art sets, candy, and toys.
• The hosts delight in interviewing contestants, who share their names, ages, and often cute or funny answers about siblings, boyfriends, drinks (mostly “Coca Cola” [14:14]), and dreams.
• Laughter is abundant as Costello quizzes children like Beverly, Jeffrey, Marilyn, Bobby, Sherry, and Derek, offering gifts for correct answers (“What do you blow with? Bubble gum.”—“Bubble gum. You're right.” [14:24]).

Memorable Child Responses:

Q: “How many boyfriends do you have?”
A (Beverly, age 5): “Two.” [13:51]

Q: "Are you good at figures? If I gave you 10 ice cream cones, Abbott gave you six more..."
A (Bobby): "What would you have? A party!" [18:38]

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4. Community Spirit: Gum Donations

Timestamp: 23:22

• The show donates “a thousand pieces of Fleer’s Double Bubble Gum” to a local orphanage, exemplifying the program’s spirit of giving.

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5. Youth Foundation Award and Dramatic True Story

Timestamps: 23:22–28:48

• Weekly “Lou Costello Jr. Youth Foundation Award” honors a heroic or civic deed.
• This week’s recipient is William Hodges, a 16-year-old from Sylvania, Georgia, who displayed bravery trying to save his family from a farm fire.
  • The retelling features a dramatic radio recreation.
  • The tragedy resulted in the loss of his father and brothers, while his mother survived thanks to his bravery.
  • The hosts use this moment to deliver a heartfelt safety message about fire risks.

Notable Quotes:

Abbott: "Kids, please listen. Uncle Lou, be careful of fires. Go through your house right now and make sure that anything and everything that could cause a fire is put in its proper place. And above all, don't play with matches." [26:19]

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Noteworthy Quotes & Comedic Highlights

• Abbott (to Costello): “Costello, I'm the boss around here.”
  Costello: “What am I?”
  Abbott: “You're nothing.”
  Costello: “Boy, you got a lousy job.” [05:51–06:06]
• Costello: "When I get to a high note, my voice sinks." [07:54]
• Lillian Roth (recommending Costello’s singing improvement): “Why don’t you stand back about 50ft from the microphone … That’s the idea!” [08:06–08:16]

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Episode Flow

• 00:44–02:26: Abbott and Costello perform classic comedy routines.
• 02:26–03:53: Anna May Slaughter sings Christmas songs.
• 05:36–10:47: Lillian Roth guests, sings, and banters.
• 11:31–23:22: “Bubble or Nothing” contest; children are delightfully interviewed and awarded prizes.
• 23:22: Fleer's Double Bubble Gum donated to charity.
• 23:22–28:48: Youth Foundation Award dramatization and prizes for heroism; poignant fire safety message.

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Tone and Style

The show exudes a spirit of cheer, warmth, and gentle humor, mixing slapstick with wholesome messages. The improvisational banter captures the vaudevillian roots of Abbott and Costello, while musical moments and audience participation invoke nostalgia for radio’s golden past.

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For New Listeners

This episode is a vivid window into 1948 American radio, blending humor, music, community engagement, and heartfelt real-life stories in a lively, family-friendly package. Whether you’re a fan of old-time comedy, enjoy vintage musical numbers, or appreciate heartwarming tales of real-life heroism, the Abbott and Costello Children’s Show stands as a delightful historical gem.

Transcript

[A]

Do you know what happens when you replace your regular old electric water heater with a new electric heat pump water heater? You boost your savings a lot. In fact, Energy Star estimates that a family of four will save an average of $550 a year on their electric energy bills. And your new heat pump water heater can pay for itself in as little as three years. Level up with a heat pump water heater. Go to levelupmywaterheater.com to learn more.

[B]

We'll tell you how to win a litter in the but now let's have some rest with our stars, Bud Evan and Lou Costello.

[A]

All right. All right. Costello, come on out here. Say, where'd you get that lump on your head? I got it last night. I was playing piggyback with my little 3 year old nephew, Tony. Oh, now wait a minute. How could you get a lump on your head playing piggyback with a little three year old boy? I fell off his back. You're always getting into trouble and getting lump. Oh, that's nothing. I almost had my nose broken in three places. Now what did you do about it? I'm staying out of those three places. Please talk Sands. How's your Uncle Mike getting along? I notice he's going to the doctor every day. What's the matter with him? Well, Uncle Mike is kind of nutty. You know, he used to go around the house thinking he was a St. Bernard dog. Is that so? Yeah, but he's much better now. He is? Yeah. Now he only thinks he's a cocker spaniel. Well, never mind that. You know, I've been looking for you all week. I telephoned to your house Monday night and they told me that you were taking a bath. Monday night? Yes. Well, brother, did you have the wrong number. Well, forget about that. It's bad enough I can find you all week and we're late getting here today. Work. What's your excuse this time? Well, there was a terrible heavy fog in the valley this morning. I got up, washed, dressed and came down here to the studio. And then I had to go home again. Now wait a minute. The fog wasn't that thick. Oh, no. When I got here I wiped the fog off my face and it wasn't me at all. I had washed and dressed my brother. It must have been really foggy. Oh, but we kids in the valley have a lot of fun when the fog gets thick. Yesterday I painted a train engine on my Aunt May's reading glasses. And what happened? She hid in the alley all day waiting for the Super Chief. To go by Costello. How could you be so stupid? The dumber you are, the easier it is.

[B]

And now the singing star of the Abbott and Costello a kid show 10 year old Anna May Slaughter. Anna many. Who'd you like to sing for us today, Johnny? I'd like to sing two beautiful band ballad I'll be home for Christmas. Well go ahead and sing them Johnny. Go ahead honey, You can plan on me.

[A]

Please.

[B]

Trees have snow and mistletoe and presumably Christmas Eve will find me where the love light gleams I.

[A]

Dream.

[B]

I Dreaming of a w. Christmas Just like those ones I used to know where the tree tops listen and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow Tingling, tingling I'm dreaming of a white Christmas with every Christmas card I rise May your days be merry and bright. And may all your Christmases be wise. And now we present our guest star. Our guest today is a real headliner. She's had her name in lights on Broadway many times. She's a real trooper and one of the finest singers in show business. It's Ms. Lillian Ross. Thanks Johnny. Hi kids. Hello Mr. Abbott.

[A]

Hello Lillian. Welcome to our kids show. How do you like our swell bunch.

[B]

Of K as well as right. But that kid over there looks like he swelled up a little too much. Think I'll stick a pin in him and let the air out.

[A]

Now just a second, Ms. Roth. Before you stick any pins in me, you better find out who's boss around here. Costello. I'm the boss around here. What am I? You're nothing. Boy, you got a lousy job. What do you mean you're boss over nothing? Yes.

[B]

Now, now boy, don't fight. I came here to sing for the kids. What kind of music have you got to accompany Lillian?

[A]

Now we've only got an organ.

[B]

Well, I should have some wind instrument. Do you suppose you could get a tuba player for me?

[A]

A what?

[B]

A tuba. Could you get me a tuba?

[A]

Oh sure. I'll run over to the drugstore and get you one. Oh wait a minute. What kind of a tuba could you get in the drugstore? A tuba? Toothpaste? I pay no attention to him, Lillian. If you like, I'll sing with you. Would you like to hear my voice?

[B]

Yes, Mr. Albert. Let's hear you.

[A]

Blow out a tube here in a joint.

[B]

Costello. Does he always sing like that?

[A]

He's been singing like that for 10 years and he ain't late in eight yet. How would you like to hear me sing, William?

[B]

Okay. What do you sing?

[A]

I'll sing a little song I sang when I went to school. It's called A Pineapple for the Teacher.

[B]

You mean an apple for the teacher.

[A]

I mean A pineapple for the teacher. I went to reform school, you know. Liam, I wish my wife was here. She could sing with you. My wife is a meso soprano. I knew she was a meso something. Lillian, I could really sing and I practiced up to sing with you. I was singing in your dressing room before you came in this morning.

[B]

Is that what that noise was in my room?

[A]

Uh huh. Mm.

[B]

Well, I wish you'd have told me sooner. I spent 15 minutes oiling the door.

[A]

Costello, why don't you just run the scales for the Lean now and maybe she'll let you sing with her. Okay, here I go. Do re mi FA sola do Costella.

[B]

That Do re mi FA sola ti do. You left out the tea.

[A]

I can't help it. When I get to a high note, my voice sinks.

[B]

You left out the tea again.

[A]

Lillian. Lillian, what can Costello do to improve his voice?

[B]

Well, I have an idea. Costella, why don't you stand back about 50ft from the microphone when you sing?

[A]

Mm, If I do that, nobody will hear me.

[B]

That's the idea, Mr. Abbott. Let's hear you sing again.

[A]

Oh, thanks. I knew you'd appreciate that. Hey, Peter. You know, by the way, I had my voice cultivated. You should have had it plowed.

[B]

Do you?

[A]

Well, as a rule, I only sing while I'm shaving. Abby, you should grow a beard. Well, enough of this nonsense, Costello. Lillian, what about you singing a song for the kids right now?

[B]

Okay, you know kids. I was only a kid myself when I started in show business. Five to be exact. I'll do a little medley of songs I introduced in the past for my first big Broadway production at the tender age of sweet 16. Ain't she sweet? See you coming down the street I ask you very confidentially. And then for my first motion picture short, I'm in love with you, honey. Loved you from the stars. Everything could be so stunning, honey. And then for the first time on the poor white woman radio show, you met someone who sets you back on your heels. Goody, goody, you met someone and now you know how it feels. You gave her your heart too Just like I gave mine to you. And she broke it in little pieces now do you do? So you lie awake just singing the blues all night. Goody, goody. And you think that loves a barrel on a side of mine. Hooray and hallelujah your heart and come.

[A]

To you Goody goody for her.

[B]

Goody goody father. And I hope you're satisfied, you brass for you. I hope you're satisfied. You proud.

[A]

Thanks a lot, Lillian Roth, for coming over today to entertain our kiddie audience.

[B]

It's been a pleasure, Mr. Abbott, and I'd like to say a few words of my own to your kid listeners. Kid, Lou Costella and Bud Abbott are two of the best kid ever had. I know. I've seen the grand work Abbott and Costella are doing to fight juvenile delinquency at the Lou Castella Jr. Youth Foundation. So keep listening to your Uncle Bud and your Uncle Luke, kids, and you won't go wrong. So long. I'll be meeting you.

[A]

Thanks for those kind words, Willy in law. And good luck to you because you're a swell.

[B]

And now for our quiz game, Bubble or nothing. Each kid in the audience gets a piece of Fleer's Double Bubble gum. And we have 10 kids on the stage chosen from the studio audience. They're all chewing Fleer's double Bubble Gum. The kid who blows the biggest bubble in 10 seconds gets a special prize. Every kid who blows a bubble gets to be a contestant. Those who don't blow bubbles get nothing. So let's go with Bubble or Nothing.

[A]

Well, the contestants are chewing their Fleer's Double Bubble Gum. On the count of three, the gong will ring and they will start blowing. Are you ready, kids? One, two, three. Now, go ahead, blow out a big bubble. Blow out a big bubble. Win a big prize. Go ahead. Hey, hey, look at that.

[B]

Look at that.

[A]

Look at that bubble. Well, that is it. That is it. Well, I want to tell you, that's the biggest bubble we've had on this show in many, many a time. Whoa. Give me that little boy and girl over here. Give me that boy first. Give me that boy over here. Brother, that is the biggest bubble I ever seen blowing on this here show. What's your name?

[B]

Bill Mountner.

[A]

How old are you, Bill?

[B]

10.

[A]

10 years old. Well, you know what you get for blowing that bubble? You get a gorgeous radio for Mr. Latham from the Radio Burbank Appliance Company in Burbank, California. That's a good for you. And over here we have a little girl over here. Sweetheart. You know what you get over here for blow? You blew a wonderful bubble, too. What's your name? Who?

[B]

Lil Joy Hefner.

[A]

Lil Joy Hefner. Okay, Lil Joy, you get. From Joanie of Hollywood, we have for you this beautiful artist apron with a complete set of watercolors. Crayons modeling clay and everything to make you a real artist. And here is also a whole case of delicious vacuum tin circus peanuts. And after the show, each kid in the audience will get a big bag of circus peanuts, a gift from you to them. And here we go. We got some more. We have here a full box of Yippee polka dot suckers for you and also a sucker for each kid in the audience. That means a lollipop for everybody.

[B]

What a party.

[A]

What a party we are having today. Now we have the first contestant over here. Very pretty little girl. Come right over here, sweetheart. I'm going to ask you your name right away. What's your name? Beverly.

[B]

Beverly Hope Gorlin.

[A]

Did you take the bubble gum out of your mouth yet? Oh, you got it out. And your name is? Beverly Hope Gordon Gorlin. Oh, Gorland, that's a very pretty name. How old are you, Beverly?

[B]

Five.

[A]

You're five years old and you talk like a great big grown up girl. Come on closer tokalovs. I want to see your beautiful eyes. Have you got any boyfriends?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

How many?

[B]

Two.

[A]

You got two and you're only five? Did you go to Macombo at any time with those boys? That's a nightclub. You don't go. What do you drink when you go? Nothing at all. You stay sober, don't you? This your boyfriend's drink?

[B]

Hmm?

[A]

Yeah. What do they drink? Hmm.

[B]

Coca Cola.

[A]

Do they mix it? They really have a Wing ding, don't they? Well, Beverly, here's your question. What do you blow with? Bubble gum.

[B]

Bubble gum. You're right.

[A]

That's right. Bubble gum. Now, Beverly Walker, he has a wonderful gift for you. Oh. A whole box of famous chocolate milkshake bars made by the Hollywood Candy Company. And every month for the next year, we will send you another box of these swell bars. And wait a minute. After the show, each kid in the audience will get us a chocolate milkshake bar. We've got a double up this time, Lou. We also have for you one of the sensational new BB ballpoint pens, the world's largest selling pen. Now here we have Confessor number two over here. In fact, he's so small, he has his brother with him as guide or a guardian.

[B]

What's your name? Dan.

[A]

Jeffrey. And your last name? Jeffrey.

[B]

Uh huh.

[A]

What's your last name? Jeffrey.

[B]

Jeffrey Ray.

[A]

Oh. How old are you?

[B]

Three.

[A]

You're three years old? Well, if you ain't the cutest little color boy I've seen in a long time. I'll bet you ain't you. I think you are. Well, Jeffrey, I'm gonna ask you a question. Where do you live?

[B]

Down the second street.

[A]

On Second Street. And who was here at the show today with you?

[B]

Show the day. Down there?

[A]

Yeah. And today at the show, who is with you besides your brother? Mama. You don't want her to hear that, huh? What's your mama's name?

[B]

I want a puppy. No.

[A]

You want a puppy? No. Oh, he has a puppy?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Oh, now wait. I'm gonna talk to you. We'd like to talk to your bodyguard, your brother. Wait a minute. How old are you?

[B]

I'm nine.

[A]

And he has a puppy, huh? Y so he wouldn't want another one, would he?

[B]

No.

[A]

So we'll let some other little boy or girl that don't have a puppy, we'll let them win it, huh? Yeah. Well, Jeffrey, we're gonna give you a nice prize anyway. Now, here's your question. Now I'm gonna ask you something. Where do you wear an earring? Where do you wear an earring? Say, in my ear.

[B]

In my ear.

[A]

That's right, Jeff. That's right. You walk right over to Mr. Rambert's nephew and he's gonna give you a nice big prize. You win two pairs of Ranch Champ blue jeans and a Ranch Champ cowboy from the Howard Orange Supply Company of Los Angeles. Hey on, son, take him home with you. Little Jeffrey walks off. Well, there's the next. She says over here. Nice little girl, too. What's your name?

[B]

Marilyn Gilmore.

[A]

Marilyn Gilmore. Well, Marilyn, how old are you?

[B]

8.

[A]

8. What direction does the north wind come from? That's a hard one, but I know you can get it. What direction does the north wind come? South.

[B]

North.

[A]

North is right.

[B]

The right.

[A]

And you win this pedigreed ideal cocker spaniel puppy and a six month supply of Olson's ideal dog food. Ideal. Feed your dog in seven ways. And here is your ideal puppy. Well, here's an extra person over here. Another little cowboy. What's your name?

[B]

Bobby Smith.

[A]

Bobby Smith. How old are you, Bobby?

[B]

Seven.

[A]

Seven years old. Where do you live?

[B]

132 North Kenmore.

[A]

That's good. Have you any boyfriends on the block?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Anybody you want to say hello to?

[B]

No.

[A]

You don't talk to them?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Maybe you got a girlfriend on the block you'd like to say hello to?

[B]

There aren't very many.

[A]

There are not very many girls. You mean you haven't got very many or there are not very many on the block?

[B]

There are not very many on the block.

[A]

How come? With a handsome guy like you? I don't. Girls would like to live around you. Haven't you got any girlfriends?

[B]

No.

[A]

None at all. Do you have any brothers and sisters?

[B]

One sister.

[A]

One sister. How old is she? Sixteen. Sixteen. How old are you?

[B]

Seven.

[A]

Seven? She's sixteen. Mm. Quite a weight, wasn't it? Yeah. Where's Mother? She with her?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Where's she sitting?

[B]

Hmm. Out there.

[A]

She's sitting out there. She'd have to be sitting out there, wouldn't she? How's Daddy? Is he working?

[B]

No.

[A]

What's he doing? Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ask you that. Well, anyway. Here. Here. That. That's. Well, we'll all see. Anyway, for Daddy, huh? Okay, now here's your question. Are you good at figures?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay, now listen closely. If I gave you 10 ice cream cones and Abbott gave you six more ice cream cones, and then I gave you 20 Cokes and Abbott then gave you four more ice cream cones, what would you have a party? How can you go wrong with that? He's right. He would have. Wait a minute. You want to get one of those rings for hitting a question like that? I gotta give. I gotta give this boy. I gotta get one of those sterling silver rings. Bobby, wasn't it, Bobby? Well, Bobby, I got a sterling silver ring here from the house of Schragers. From Norman Schrager. From Mr. Schrager to you. And it's a sterling silver ring. And we're gonna have your name, Bobby, put on it so and fit you. And. And that's for you. Okay? Well, wait. We got something else. Now turn right around right about his. Right over here, Bobby. Come on.

[B]

Right face. Right face. Right face.

[A]

It is his right face. Forget about it. Aren't you a boy scout? Okay, when I say right face, you make a right turn. Now let's go.

[B]

Right face.

[A]

That was roundabout face. Forward. Forward, march. Forward. Over the head. Forward. From Cabot's Shoe Stores in Beverly Hills and Englewood, we have for you this beautiful pair of Edward's shoes. That's yours. You know, we have a very sweet little girl over here. And what's your name, dear? Sherry. Sherry. And your last name?

[B]

Nagawa.

[A]

Sherry Nagawa. What's your nationality, Sherry?

[B]

What?

[A]

What's your nationality? Are you a Japanee? Say, yes, I'm a Japanese.

[B]

Yes, I'm Japanese.

[A]

Well, that's good. And we're very proud to have you. Now, look, Sherry. I got it. Certainly we are. Let's show her we're very pro. Nice. When Everybody loves you like that, Sherry. You'll bet your life it is. Now look, Sherry, here's your question. If you belong to a sewing circle, what would you be doing most of the time? If you belong to the sewing circle, what would you be doing most of the time? The sewing. This is from. From Joni of Hollywood. We have for you this beautiful artist apron with a complete set of watercolors, crayons, modeling clay and everything to make you a real artist. There you are. Take it home. Well, here's our next contestant over here in a very cute little blonde. How old are you? Eight years old. What's your name?

[B]

Eric Newton.

[A]

Who? Eric Newton. Eric Newton. No. What?

[B]

Derek.

[A]

Derek. Derek. What are you laughing at? Isn't that your name?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Derek Newton. What are you laughing at?

[B]

You make me laugh.

[A]

I make you laugh? Look, Derek, did you ever see that in Castello in pictures? How old are you? Eight. Eight years old. You hear us on the radio? Yes. Do you laugh when you hear us? No. I'll show you right off the stage in a minute. Now, look, Derek. I'll get a Derek to do it. That's what I'll do. Derek, when you go to a moving picture and you see a very funny picture, how do you laugh?

[B]

Same as I just finished did.

[A]

When you see something real funny, how do you laugh?

[B]

I don't know. No.

[A]

Let me hear you laugh. Go ahead. When you see something that's not too funny, how do you laugh?

[B]

I don't laugh.

[A]

You just don't. You like that a little bit?

[B]

No.

[A]

All right, Derek. Here you are, pal. Hey, by the way, if you get a chance, you go see App and Costello in Frankenstein. I think you'll like. I think you like it. I'd like to have you see that as the first picture of Rabbit and Costello that you ever saw. So will you go see it? Huh? Okay. And if that scares you, go see Mexican Hayright. That's coming out next. Now look what kind of an animal is used to make fried chicken?

[B]

Chicken.

[A]

Dragon is right. This play School Hammer Nail Kids Kit. A complete home construction kit with a hammer, bench seat and all of the place for America's favorite toy. Kids.

[B]

We are happy to announce that each week we're sending a thousand pieces of Fleer's Double Bubble Gum to keep to some orphanage your home. This week the Fleer's Double Bubble Gum goes to the California Junior Republic at Chino, California. Well, kids, how did you like bubble or nothing? And now we present the Lou Costello Jr. Youth Foundation Award. This award is Given each week to a boy or girl for a civic good deed. You, the listeners, select this winner by writing a letter to Abbott in Costello, Hollywood, California. Telling of a good deed or active heroism done by some boy or girl. The letters are judged by our board of directors and the winner receives many valuable prizes. The winner of this Week's award is 16 year old William Hyde of Sylvania, Georgia.

[A]

Well, kids, this is truly a story of great bravery on the part of a 60 year old boy in the face of a terrible tragedy. A few weeks ago, on a farm near Sylvania, Georgia, farmer Leroy Hodges was about to start a fire in his fireplace. Edward. Edward, come here.

[B]

Sure I am, dad. Would you.

[A]

I can't get this fire going. Get me that cannon.

[B]

There she is, Dan.

[A]

Now I'll just pour a little of this over the wood and I'll have this thing going in a minute. Five gallon can of kerosene exploded, scattering fire all over the room. The entire house was soon blazing. Mr. Hodges was knocked unconscious by the explosion. He, Edward, his 13 year old son and Harry, his three year old son, as well as his wife, Mrs. Hodges, were all trapped in a blazing house.

[B]

Katie, the house is on fire. Dad.

[A]

Mom.

[B]

Come on, we gotta get out of here. The house is on fire.

[A]

Where is everybody?

[B]

Where are the kids? Please, somebody say something. Where are you? In here, William. In here. I'm coming in and get you.

[A]

William Hodges managed to drag his two brothers from the burning building. Then he went back to his mother and brought her out. By that time the fire had reached such proportions that he was unable to get his dad out. His father lost his life. William's two younger brothers passed away a few days later in a hospital. But his mother is still alive. That's. That's a terrible tragedy, Lou. Terrible fires are always a tragedy. Especially when they happen on a farm. Fires are bad things anywhere. Kids, please listen. Uncle Lou, be careful of fires. Go through your house right now and make sure that anything and everything that could cause a fire is put in its proper place. And above all, don't play with matches. Don't start bonfires unless you're absolutely sure that you've got a way of putting them out if they do get out of control. I sincerely hope that this story of William Hodges will remain in your memory as an example of what a fire can do. And William Hodges, I know you're listening in. And I want you to know that you have the Sincerest sympathy of Mr. Abbott and myself and of the kids all over the world who have Heard of your great tragedy. And for your great bravery, we are truly, truly proud of you. You. How do you kids feel about William Hodges? Don't you think he's about the bravest kid in the world? Okay, Johnny. Make the award.

[B]

To William Hodges goes this week's Lou Costello Jr. Youth Foundation Award. And here are your prizes. First, a beautiful Gruin wristwatch. This is a solid gold 17 jewel gruin engraved.

[A]

From.

[B]

Next, a beautiful alligator leather personal radio from David's Industrial Gloves of Springfield, Ohio. Now you can have your radio with you wherever you go. From the K Jewelry Stores of America. A solid gold signet ring with your initials on it. And a super streamlined airflow Monarch bicycle. This is a Monarch Super Deluxe. America's most beautiful bicycle. And a complete set of medals of all the presidents of the United States. In a beautiful leatherette presented by one of America's leading coin concerns. The Numismatic Gallery of Beverly Hills. The Moto Day. We have for your mother. A complete Moto day. Monday through Friday. Wardrobe. Five lovely Moto Day frocks. One for each day in the week. Another gift from you to your mother. A sensational new Kirby. The nearest thing to push button house ladies. And another gift for your mother. A complete service for aid of Franciscan wear made by Gladdy McBean and company. I know all kids help their mothers with the dishes. And to make the job easier for you, we're sending you a Her Majesty dishwasher. This Her Majesty dishwasher will wash your dishes in two minutes. And it dries them too.

[A]

I know you'd like to start a foundation of your own right around your farm place. If you have any children there. We're sending you a complete, oh loads of play school toys for you to give out to any child that you want to give them to. And William Hodges this week go the foundation. The Junior Youth foundation trophy for good citizenship. And this is a beautifully engraved gold trophy made by Dodge Incorporated, largest manufacturer of trophies in the world. And william hodges, our good friend, Mr. J.b. fuqua of radio station wg.