Abbott and Costello Junior Youth Foundation 47-05-03 Dedicated to Lou Costello jr

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio Episode: Abbott and Costello Junior Youth Foundation 47-05-03 Dedicated to Lou Costello Jr
Release Date: June 5, 2025

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1. Introduction to the Dedication Ceremony

The episode opens with Arch Presby setting the stage for the monumental dedication of The Lou Costello Jr. Youth Foundation in East Los Angeles. Presby emphasizes the foundation's purpose, highlighting its role as a sanctuary for thousands of young boys and girls in the community. He notes, "This elaborately equipped playground stretches over three acres of ground and took three years to complete" (00:33).

2. Opening Prayer

Father Carter leads the congregation in a heartfelt prayer, invoking divine blessings upon the foundation. He articulates the mission of the center, focusing on the development of good citizens through Christian virtues. A notable quote from Father Carter at 01:38 encapsulates the essence of the foundation:

"By imitating the virtues in the life of Christ, this program will give opportunity to the poor and less fortunate."

3. Speeches by Dignitaries

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello's Opening Remarks

Bud Abbott expresses profound gratitude and excitement about the dedication, saying at 04:00:

"This is a day that Bud and I have waited for for three years. It's here. We're very, very happy."

Lou Costello extends his congratulations and highlights the foundation's significance for future generations:

"This great institution will stand as a monument to your generosity, to your true friendliness, and to your great Americanism." (04:28)

Lieutenant Governor Goodwin Knight

The Lieutenant Governor praises the foundation, emphasizing its impact on Los Angeles County and its youth. He remarks:

"May I say that California has men that match its mountains." (06:04)

Attorney General Fred Hauser

Fred Hauser reflects on the challenges overcome to realize the foundation, acknowledging Bud and Lou's vision:

"You have demonstrated it. And in the words that are inscribed in white marble above one of our state buildings in Sacramento, give me men to match my mountains." (06:04)

Sheriff Barton Biscalus

Sheriff Biscalus shares a personal connection to the area and commends Bud and Lou for their contribution:

"These kids here who are the citizens of tomorrow, you're making a contribution now that it may take years for you both to realize what it means." (07:19)

Chief Harrell

The Chief of Police, Chief Harrell, lauds the foundation's role in fostering community and reducing delinquency:

"You've done a great job here. I know that it will be a tribute to you all, not only all your lives, but for years and years to come." (09:38)

4. Key Handover Ceremony

In a symbolic gesture, Bud and Lou present keys to two selected youths, Vidal Cerna and Betty Allen, signifying the opening of the foundation to all children:

Lou Costello instructs, "[...] shut up and allow him to enter the foundation." (11:03)
Bud Abbott hands the keys and adds, "Any boy, any boy in the city of Los Angeles, give him your key." (11:08)

5. Descriptive Tour of the Foundation

Arch Presby provides an in-depth tour of the newly inaugurated foundation, detailing its extensive facilities designed to nurture and educate the youth. Highlights include:

• Lobby: Features a radio, television set, piano, fireplace, snack bar, and bamboo furniture for comfort.

• Girls' Resting Room: Equipped with radios, books, and comfortable seating for socializing.

• Junior Board of Directors Room: A space where the youth govern themselves, establishing policies and regulations.

• Hobby Shop: Fully equipped for metal and woodwork, overseen by Mr. Gomez, who instructs the children on various tools and projects.

• Radio Room: A soundproof studio with transcription tables and recording equipment, allowing children to broadcast.

• Health Service Department: Managed by Mrs. Gonzales, featuring a modern clinic with ultraviolet lamps and consultation rooms for both medical and personal issues.

• Photography Room: Complete with a darkroom, enlargers, and printers for creative expression.

• Athletic Facilities: Includes fields for softball, basketball, badminton, tennis, a versatile roller skating arena, ping pong tables, and a large barbecue pit.

Presby concludes the tour with enthusiasm:

"I personally am thrilled to death with the entire thing." (11:22)

6. Closing Remarks and Celebrity Interactions

As the foundation officially opens, celebrities Gloria Jean and Peggy Ryan join Bud and Lou on stage to greet the children, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. Arch Presby wraps up the ceremony by reinforcing the foundation's mission to cultivate better citizens.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Arch Presby: "This is a day that Bud and I have waited for for three years. It's here. We're very, very happy." (04:00)

• Father Carter: "By imitating the virtues in the life of Christ, this program will give opportunity to the poor and less fortunate." (01:38)

• Lou Costello: "This great institution will stand as a monument to your generosity, to your true friendliness, and to your great Americanism." (04:28)

• Fred Hauser: "You have demonstrated it. And in the words that are inscribed in white marble above one of our state buildings in Sacramento, give me men to match my mountains." (06:04)

• Sheriff Biscalus: "These kids here who are the citizens of tomorrow, you're making a contribution now that it may take years for you both to realize what it means." (07:19)

• Chief Harrell: "You've done a great job here. I know that it will be a tribute to you all, not only all your lives, but for years and years to come." (09:38)

• Lou Costello: "Shut up and allow him to enter the foundation." (11:03)

Conclusion

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio captures the heartfelt dedication of The Lou Costello Jr. Youth Foundation, showcasing the collaborative efforts of comedians Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in honoring Lou's late son. Through speeches, symbolic ceremonies, and a comprehensive tour, listeners gain an insight into the foundation's mission to empower and nurture the youth of Los Angeles. The event is marked by community support, dignitary endorsements, and the promise of a brighter future for countless children.

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Timestamps

• [00:01] - Wayfair Advertisement
• [00:33] - Arch Presby Introduction
• [01:38] - Father Carter's Prayer
• [03:40] - Introduction of Abbott and Costello
• [04:00] - Bud Abbott's Opening Remarks
• [04:28] - Lou Costello on Lieutenant Governor Goodwin Knight
• [05:28] - Bud Abbott's Commentary
• [05:44] - Introduction of Attorney General Fred Hauser
• [06:04] - Fred Hauser's Speech
• [06:58] - Bud Abbott Thanks Fred Hauser
• [07:12] - Introduction of Sheriff Biscalus
• [07:19] - Sheriff Biscalus's Speech
• [08:28] - Bud Abbott Praises Board and Introduces Phil Russell
• [09:15] - Lou Costello's Thanks
• [09:24] - Introduction of Chief Harrell
• [09:35] - Lou Costello Responds
• [09:38] - Chief Harrell's Speech
• [11:03] - Lou Costello's Instruction
• [11:08] - Bud Abbott Hands Over Key to Betty Allen
• [11:22] - Arch Presby's Tour of the Foundation
• [14:16] - Bud Abbott's Final Remarks
• [14:53] - Arch Presby's Closing Statements
• [15:18] - Wayfair Advertisement
• [15:48] - Chief Harrell's Final Advertisement

Transcript

[Stiles Mackenzie]

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[Arch Presby]

How do you do, ladies and gentlemen, and hello, kids. This is Arch Presby speaking from directly in front of the main entrance of The Lou Costello Jr. Youth foundation, which is this morning being dedicated for the use of the boys and girls of Los Angeles. Thousands of youngsters are present. It's located in East Los Angeles. This elaborately equipped playground stretches over three acres of ground and took three years to complete. This monument to youth was conceived in tragedy, being a memorial to Lou Costello's only son who died through an accident. This center has been endowed by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. In a manner of minutes, we are going to open the door. It's a $350,000 enterprise and includes an up to the minute, properly staffed medical clinic in addition to almost all known types of playground and gym equipment, swimming pool, snack bar and barbecue. Now, its purpose is to develop good citizens and it is open to all youths, regardless of race or creed. The ceremonies this morning will be opened by a prayer now by Father Carter.

[Father Carter]

Almighty God, Eternal Father, we pause to raise our minds and hearts to Thee in prayerful humility. We adore Thee for thy goodness. We praise Thee for Thy justice. We thank Thee for Thy love and mercy. The program that has brought us together today is one that has always found favor in Thy sight. It is a program planned for the boys and girls of this community to help them grow to the full stature of manhood and womanhood. By imitating the virtues in the life of Christ. This program will give opportunity to the poor and less fortunate. The members of every race and class will learn here to appreciate the good that is in the other. They will learn the fundamental principles of Christian living which regulates the duties of man to himself, to his neighbor and to his God. Here, boys and girls will be taught to appreciate their own dignity as creatures of God and citizens of this beloved land. Having planned and built with human power, we look to Thee, O Divine Father, for the blessing that will make our efforts fruitful. We ask Thy blessing on those who by their generosity and benevolence have made this day possible. Give Inspiration and courage to those who work in this foundation that they may be true leaders and good shepherds of the flock. Finally, O Lord, grant that those who come here for wholesome recreation may be enriched by the spirit and the program of the Lou Costello Jr. Youth foundation and become worthy citizens of this community through Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Arch Presby]

Boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, various dignitaries and celebrities are here this morning, but the kids are the kings and queens of the place. And now, without more ado, here are two men who call this foundation their greatest show. Bud Abbott and Luke Costello.

[Bud Abbott]

Thank you. Thank you all. Thank you very, very much. Well, this is a day that Bud and I have waited for for three years. It's here. We're very, very happy. We don't want to take up too much of your time because we have some very fine people here. And we'd like to have you meet the Lieutenant Governor of California, Goodwin Knight.

[Lou Costello]

Thank you very much. Lou Costello and Bud Abbott. Congratulations to both of you. And let me say on behalf of the great state of California that this is a great day. It's a great day for Los Angeles county, and it's a great day for all of the people of our state. And it's particularly great and particularly fine for the young people of this big city. I congratulate both of you. And may I say that the thousands and thousands of dollars that these kids paid into the box office to see you make fun, you've now taken those many thousands of dollars and turned them into this beautiful youth foundation. And so, Bud and Lou, long after you're gone and long after you're no longer able to make fun and make people happy on the screen, this great institution will stand as a monument to your generosity, to your true friendliness, and to your great Americanism. Thank you, and God bless you both.

[Bud Abbott]

Thank you. Thank you ever so much. Lieutenant Governor, that was marvelous. If we could only do a good job on a lieutenant governor, we probably could get him in the White House. Oh, you can't tell. That comes later. Okay, we could try. Yeah, we could try. Anyhow, who's next?

[Lou Costello]

Lou.

[Bud Abbott]

But at this time, we'd like to introduce a man that is really going wholeheartedly in combating juvenile delinquency and really has his heart in children. The Attorney General of this fine state of California, Fred Hauser. Fred Hauser. Where are you, Fred?

[Fred Hauser]

Bud and Lou, you will recall about four years ago when this was merely a dream. I was skeptical and I tried to discuss this whole proposition with you and show the pitfalls Called your attention to the fact that government itself had endeavored to finance many of these projects and had been unsuccessful and that you were indeed taking on a great project. I recall, Bud, you said, well, after all, who is government but the people themselves? And why can't people step in and take over some of the responsibilities of the government? May I congratulate you, gentlemen. You have done that. You have demonstrated it. And in the words that are inscribed in white marble above one of our state buildings in Sacramento, give me men to match my mountains. May I say, California has men that match its mountains.

[Bud Abbott]

Thank you ever so much. Thank you ever so much, Fred. Thank you, Fred. That was wonderful. That was wonderful. And now we have a gentleman that is here representing the mayor of this fine city, Sheriff Biscalus.

[Arch Presby]

Sheriff Biscalus.

[Sheriff Biscalus]

Barton. Lou, I want to say this much that I have all I can do representing Los Angeles county as far as law enforcement concerned. But I'm very happy to represent the mayor and the city of Los Angeles as well on an auspicious occasion such as this. Now, somebody's gonna grin around here when I say that. This is where I was born. I was born in Boyle Heights and very proud of it and went to Breed Street School not so very far away from here. Here. I know. I don't. I know like Fred Hauser knows. We worked together countywide at that time. I know as Lieutenant governor, Goodwin Knight knows what this means to those of us who are in public office. I know as a peace officer what it means. And I want to congratulate both of you, Lou and Bud, for this thing that you've done for us in this county. I know what it's going to mean. These kids here who are the citizens of tomorrow, you're making a contribution now that it may take years for you both to realize what it means. Thank you. I'm happy to be here.

[Bud Abbott]

Thank you ever so much, Sheriff. Swell. That's our sheriff. I think at this time, Bud, publicly, we should give our praise and sing it highly to that very wonderful board of directors, a very wonderful advisory board that has been with you and I side by side for three years. You're absolutely right, Lou. And they've done a marvelous job. They've done a grand job. And this is their day also. Not just yours and mine, it's theirs. They've worked awful hard. At this time, kids, we'd like to have you meet for the first time the man who will take you in tow, show you the way and be your buddy, the executive director of the foundation Phil Russell.

[Lou Costello]

Thank you, Mr. Abbott, Mr. Costello. On behalf of the boys and girls of the community, we'll take a hold down the fort. Thank you very much.

[Bud Abbott]

Hello. We have another dear friend of ours here and I know he wants to say something. Our good chief. Chief of police, Chief Harrell.

[Lou Costello]

Chief Bud.

[Bud Abbott]

Hello. It is indeed a pleasure to have the opportunity to be here today and to witness your great accomplishment. Certainly, if we had more such humanitarian citizens in this city, your police department would have much less work to do. You've done a great job here. I know that it will be a tribute to you all, not only all your lives, but for years and years to come. Thank you very much. Thank you so much. At this time, ladies and gentlemen, we would like to have the boy and the girl. The boy and the girl who Bud and I are going to give the two keys to. We have them right here and we'd like to give them the keys. It's going to open up the door of the foundation. Well, you're just picking this boy and girl at random. That's right. He's representing the thousands that are in front of us today. He and she, once they open a door, it's open for good and never closed. All right, I'll pick the boy out. All right. You do mind coming over here? Sons, what is your name? Vidal.

[Arch Presby]

Cerna. What is that?

[Bud Abbott]

Vidal.

[Arch Presby]

Cerna.

[Bud Abbott]

Vidal. Vidal. Vidal. Cerna.

[Arch Presby]

Cerna.

[Lou Costello]

Cerna.

[Bud Abbott]

There is a key to the foundation that will allow any of the boys in San Fran. Not San Francisco already. We got one built in San Francisco down there. Ready? Any boy, any boy in the city of Los Angeles, give him your key.

[Lou Costello]

Shut up and allow him to enter the foundation.

[Bud Abbott]

All right, sweetheart, what's your name?

[Arch Presby]

Betty Allen.

[Bud Abbott]

Betty Allen. Betty Allen, dear, here's the key. You open up your side of the door and God bless you. And I hope all you kids have a good time.

[Arch Presby]

Thank you.

[Bud Abbott]

I think we better turn it back now to our very fine friend Archie from NBC. Archie, it's all yours.

[Arch Presby]

Thank you, Ivan Costello. Now the. The boy and girl who have just received the key are making their way towards the huge entrance and the big doors of this foundation. And that means that the foundation is formally and open now for all the boys and girls who care to go in. Now that doesn't restrict anyone. Anyone who is a boy or girl may go in. And I have been through the foundation and made a few notes and I'd like to tell you what these boys and girls will see as they're going in. Now, the Most beautiful lobby I've ever seen. Has a radio for their pleasure. It has a television set on top of the radio. Piano, fireplace and snack bar. And a place for their comfort. Beautiful bamboo furniture. And then going down through the halls, we first find of course the director's office. And then you come to the girls resting room where they have radio and books and comfortable furniture. A meeting place for the girls who would like to spend a little time there chatting with their friends. Then what was most interesting to me was the junior board of directors room. Here's where the boys and girls govern themselves. They sit at this long table and they determine the policies of this foundation and the rules and the regulations and the laws. And then beyond that, and I would like to stay there. And I'm going back to. Is the hobby shop. We have all the power equipment necessary for. For metal and woodwork. And Mr. Gomez is there to show the boys and girls how to handle the various tools and how to make the various things. Now there's the shop with complete instruction that any boy or girl would love to be in. And they can be in it at their wish. Then that radio room. They have a completely soundproof radio studio which they can broadcast to all rooms in the building. Has transcription tables, recording outfits and everything like that. And then for the care of the boys and girls, we have the health service department. This is in the charge of Mrs. Gonzales. And it is a complete modern clinic. It has ultraviolet lamps, it has consultation rooms. And not only for first aid and things like that, but for their personal problems that they might have. And they'll be feel perfectly free to take them there. And there's the photography room with the dark room and with enlargers and printers and all the various chemicals and everything. And mind you, the boys and girls can use this at will. Is what amazes me. I wish I were a boy again. Then that great athletic field where they can play softball, basketball, badminton, tennis. And then the tennis court of course is all concrete that turns into a roller skating arena. Have 400 pairs of roller skates that the boys and girls can roll around on. And of course if they want to play a little ping pong, there are several tables there and the hugest barbecue pit. I understand there's going to be meat on the spit too. A beautiful barbecue pit. And then all of this at will becomes an open air theater. Now this takes in three acres of ground. I've taken just a few moments to tell you about it. I personally am thrilled to death with the entire thing. And I'm going back into the foundation now with Abbott and Costello who have remained with me here for the last moment of our broadcast to say a final word to you and thank you for your wonderful cooperation. Abbott and Costello, would you come back in again for our radio audience?

[Bud Abbott]

Thanks a lot. The kids are just, just milling into the foundation now. It's pretty hard to do much talking out here. Lou, is there anything that you'd like to say in a final word to the folks over the airwaves? Well, I tell you what, folks, I'll tell you what. We'd like to have some very fine people introduced to you here especially for the children. The kids. I know they get a great kit out of Gloria Jean. We'd like to have Gloria Jean come up and say hello to the children. Children. And we'd like to have Peggy Ryan. Peggy Ryan come up and we'd like to have.

[Arch Presby]

And so these celebrities are coming up on the, on the main stage and being introduced to the kids. This is Arch Presby speaking from East Los Angeles where The Lou Costello Jr. Youth foundation has just been opened dedicated to the making of better citizens. This is NBC, the national broadcast.

[Stiles Mackenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Stiles Mackenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior. Wayfair Every style.

[Arch Presby]

Every home.

[Bud Abbott]

Home.

[Chief Harrell]

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