Aldrich Family - Henry's Furnace Cleaning Business

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: The Aldrich Family – Henry’s Furnace Cleaning Business

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: March 10, 2026
Featured Show: The Aldrich Family (Original Golden Age Radio)
Main Characters: Henry Aldrich, Sam Aldrich (father), Alice Aldrich (mother), Toby, Willie Marshall

---

Episode Overview

This episode of The Aldrich Family dives into the classic comedic misadventures of Henry Aldrich, a well-meaning but bumbling teenager yearning to prove his responsibility. Inspired by a lecture from his father, Henry aims to start his own furnace cleaning business, setting in motion a chain of misunderstandings and slapstick incidents involving his friend Toby, rival furnace boy Willie, and the absentee clients, the Peckinpahs. The story unfolds with a blend of generational humor, youthful ambition, and escalating minor disasters—all told with wit and the warmth characteristic of vintage radio.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Family Expectations & Generational Differences

[02:54–05:11]

• The Aldrich household is cold, leading to playful parental ribbing about Henry's reliability.
• Sam Aldrich delivers a nostalgic, “When I was a boy...” story, setting the stage for Henry to assume new responsibilities.
  • Quote (Sam):
    "When I was a boy I had a few responsibilities. In fact, I had a great many responsibilities." ([03:18])
• Henry promises to change and begins considering how to prove himself.

2. Birth of an Entrepreneur: Henry’s Furnace Business

[05:36–08:53]

• Henry decides to take on furnace-tending for neighbors, seeing it as both a duty and a money-making opportunity.

• Toby, his friend, wants to join for a bigger potential profit, but Henry insists on independent responsibility.

• The boys negotiate with Willie Marshall, the town’s existing furnace-tender, to buy his client route for $2.

  • Negotiation Humor:
    "How would you like to have me give you $2 for a couple of your customers? ...I'll buy the Peckinpahs and the Van Scivers from you." – Henry ([08:05])
    "Three, Henry." – Willie
    "Two, Willie, three. But, Willie, all I've got is $2 my mother gave me to buy lunches with for next month." – Henry

• Willie upsells them his shovel, overalls, and even tries to sell them a necktie.

3. The Furnace Job Goes Awry

[10:55–14:46]

• Henry and Toby, new furnace tenders, attempt to fulfill their duties at the Peckinpah home – not realizing the family is actually away in Florida.
• They struggle in the dark, break into the cellar, and set up the furnace in slapstick fashion—burning their own candy as kindling.
• A milkman visits, assuming the family’s returned, and asks the boys about deliveries. They bluff their way through.
• Comedic Observation:
  "Boy, it's a good thing we got in here before they woke up." – Henry ([12:43])

4. The Peckinpahs’ Real Whereabouts & Escalating Consequences

[16:37–18:48]

• At breakfast, the Aldrich parents discuss Henry’s apparent newfound diligence; meanwhile, Henry reveals his business deal.
• Sam receives a letter from the Peckinpahs, confirming they’re in Florida and requesting sensitive manuscripts be shipped—manuscripts now possibly burned.
  • Quote (Sam):
    "The box of manuscripts ... were only Mrs. Peckinpah's minutes of the Woman's Club. Don't worry." ([27:41])
• Henry and Toby’s activities have triggered confusion about the house’s status, resulting in fire trucks arriving to respond to reported smoke.

5. Slapstick Resolution and Comic Fallout

[18:48–20:53]

• Henry and Toby’s efforts with the furnace literally backfire: the furnace grates, pipes, and coals cause chaos and nearly spark a house fire.
• The fire department and townspeople suspect tramps, not realizing it’s the boys, and must sort the confusion.
• Willie, fearing exposure, attempts to avoid taking the blame or refunding the money.

6. Aftermath: Responsibility and Restitution

[24:37–28:00]

• Henry and Toby try to prevent Willie from telling their parents the full story.

• The parents, unaware of the boys’ mishaps, believe tramps had occupied the Peckinpah house.

• The lost “manuscripts” are revealed to be of little importance, sparing everyone major consequence.

• In classic sitcom form, Mr. Peckinpah wires back, asking Willie—rather than Henry—to tend the furnace on his return.

  • "Returning Monday. He also says please engage Willie Marshall to clean up basement and start furnace." – Sam Aldrich ([27:46])

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Generational Gap:
  "When I was a boy I had a few responsibilities. In fact, I had a great many responsibilities."
  — Sam Aldrich [03:18]

• Henry’s Motivation:
  "From now on you're going to find a big change in me."
  — Henry Aldrich [05:05]

• Entrepreneurial Negotiation:
  "You wouldn't like to get rid of one or two of your customers, would you?"
  — Henry Aldrich [07:57]

• Business Dealings Gone Sideways:
  "And is there anything else you fellers need? No, I got a necktie at home I'd sell you."
  — Willie Marshall [09:00]

• Classic Chaos Description:
  "Gee whiz, Toby, we've got to do something about these hot coals that have rolled out on the floor."
  — Henry Aldrich [20:35]

• Comedic Missed Connections:
  "That box of manuscripts Peckinpah wanted me to express to him... Probably they had been burned."
  — Sam Aldrich [25:29]

• Resolution and Irony:
  "He also says: please engage Willie Marshall to clean up basement and start furnace."
  — Sam Aldrich [27:46]

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:54] — Kickoff of family discussion about responsibility and the cold house
• [05:36] — Henry shares his furnace business idea with Toby
• [07:58] — Negotiating the "client route" with Willie Marshall
• [11:05] — Henry and Toby’s first (failed) morning on the job
• [13:11] — Attempting to light the furnace; slapstick furnace mishaps
• [16:37] — Aldrich home, parents reflect on changes in Henry
• [18:05] — Sam reveals the burned manuscripts issue from Peckinpah's letter
• [20:25] — Furnace disaster: coals and smoke everywhere
• [22:51] — Henry and Toby plot to keep the secret from their parents
• [25:29] — Parents oblivious to truth, believe tramps were living in Peckinpahs' house
• [27:46] — Irony: Willie is rehired to tend the furnace after all

---

Tone and Style

• The language remains light, rhythmic, and imbued with gentle, domestic humor.
• Conversations bounce between earnest parental concern, Henry’s boyish optimism, and the escalating, well-intentioned chaos he generates.

---

Summary for New Listeners

If you haven't listened:

• This episode is a quintessential example of classic American radio family comedy: earnest lessons, youthful schemes, farcical consequences, and a final twist that diffuses danger with laughter.
• Through witty dialogue and the everyday trials of Henry Aldrich, we’re reminded of both the challenges and comic relief that come with trying—and often failing—to grow up responsibly.

---

End of Summary

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

Running a business is hard enough. Don't make it harder with a dozen apps that don't talk to each other. One for sales, another for inventory, a separate one for accounting. That's software overload. Odoo is the all in one platform that replaces them all. CRM, accounting, inventory, E Commerce, hr. Fully integrated, easy to use and built to grow with your business. Thousands have already made the switch. Why not you try Odoo for [e-mail] that's odoo.com.

The aldrich family written by clifford goldsmith and starring ezra stone.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry aldrich coming mother?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, what is the best way to find out how really good Jell O Butterscotch pudding is? Well now it's not to have somebody tell you about it because words just can't give you the full idea. No, the way to find out is to try a golden dish of Jell O Butterscotch pudding for yourself. And then I think you'll agree that a spoon in the hand is worth a hundred adjectives. Jell O Butterscotch pudding, friends, is a ready prepared pudding that takes only about five brief minutes to make. Yet it tastes every bit as delicious, every bit as homemade as if you had gone to all the trouble of making it yourself. Of all the butterscotch puddings you ever tasted, we believe that you'll find Jello butterscotch pudding the most satisfying. A grand pudding with a grand flavor. The rich buttery brown sugar flavor of mellow butterscotch. So try Jello Butterscotch pudding for yourself. One taste is all you'll need to tell you why. Jell O Butterscotch pudding is the dessert that thousands call the best of all. The Aldrich family who live in the Comfortable House at 117 Elm street in Centerville USA are friends and neighbors of yours. Sam Aldrich and his wife Alice are real parents. And there never was a more typical American boy than their teenage son, Henry. Well now it is evening and as we join the Aldrich's in their living room, just see if you don't recognize Henry Aldrich as a boy from your block.

Sam.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, Alice?

[Alice Aldrich]

Doesn't the house seem chilly to you?

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry?

[Willie Marshall]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, father?

[Sam Aldrich]

Have you put any coal on the furnace?

[Henry Aldrich]

In just a minute.

[Sam Aldrich]

Father, you will please put it on now.

[Alice Aldrich]

Perhaps he isn't through looking at the funny paper.

[Sam Aldrich]

Sam, Henry never does anything until he's told three times.

[Alice Aldrich]

But dear, he's in school all day.

[Sam Aldrich]

When I was a boy I had a few responsibilities. In fact, I had a great many responsibilities.

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes Dear, but remember, you grew up in another generation.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry. Yes, Father. I'm coming right now.

[Sam Aldrich]

Do you realize your mother is cold?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, which would you rather I do? Put some coal on or bring you your sweater?

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry, why can't you do as your father asked you to?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm perfectly willing to. I'd just like to save all the coal I can.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm starting right now, Father.

[Sam Aldrich]

Just one moment, please.

[Henry Aldrich]

You want to speak to I, Father?

[Sam Aldrich]

No, sir. I want to speak to you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. That's what I'm referring to.

[Sam Aldrich]

Sit down a minute.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father.

[Sam Aldrich]

Do you know what I used to do when I was your age?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, sir.

[Sam Aldrich]

Believe it or not, I used to get up at 6:00 every morning. And after helping my father milk the cows, I walked three miles to school. Sometimes through four feet of snow.

[Alice Aldrich]

Is that right, now, Sam?

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, we had four feet one morning, Alice. And when I came home from school, Henry, I went down to the village and did odd jobs.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father, but didn't your folks give you any money?

[Sam Aldrich]

Not a cent. And at the end of my four years in high school, do you know how much I had in the bank? $35.

[Henry Aldrich]

Is that all?

[Sam Aldrich]

What do you mean, is that all? It was drawing 6% interest.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father, but nowadays a bank doesn't pay 6%.

[Sam Aldrich]

The great reward for saving my boy is. Alice, where are you going?

[Alice Aldrich]

Out in the hall to get a sweater.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, and Henry, right there is a very good example of what I'm driving at.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Father. I'll go right down and fix the furnace.

[Sam Aldrich]

And in the future, will you try to do things without having to be told?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, yes, Father. This talk has done me a great deal of good already.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, I'm pleased to hear that.

[Henry Aldrich]

As a matter of fact, I think I have an idea that'll please you very much.

[Sam Aldrich]

What is the idea?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, you'll see. From now on you're going to find a big change in me.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's that noise?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz. I guess that must be Mother shoveling coal. Wait, Mother, I'm coming right down. Toby, do you know what time it is?

[Toby]

We've got lots of time, Henry. We're only two blocks from school.

[Henry Aldrich]

Did I tell you about my idea, Toby?

[Toby]

What idea?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm taking care of furnaces.

[Toby]

Whose, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Everybody's. I think that when a person reaches our age, they ought to begin to assume a few responsibilities, don't you, Toby?

[Toby]

How much money is there in it?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, boy, I hate to think of it. I've been calling up Customers all morning.

[Toby]

How many do you have?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, so far I don't actually have any. But that's just a coincidence. It just happened that most of the people I've called so far don't need to have anyone assume their responsibilities. Yeah.

[Toby]

Well, I understand Willie Marshall makes a lot of money taking care of furnaces.

[Henry Aldrich]

He does?

[Toby]

Sure. Could I go into business with you, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, no, Toby. You assume your responsibilities and I'll assume mine.

[Toby]

But, Henry, we could make twice as much.

[Henry Aldrich]

You think so?

[Toby]

If we could get a few families like the Van Scivers and the Peckinpahs. Sure, they've got money. The only thing is, I think Willie Marshall already takes care of them.

[Henry Aldrich]

He does?

[Toby]

Sure. And I heard that every time there's a holiday he gets a little extra from them.

[Henry Aldrich]

Is that right? You know, I'd like to take care of the Peckinpahs. Gee, my father takes care of all of Mr. Peckinpah's legal matters. It'd be nice if I could take care of his heating. Sure, sure. Then it would be a complete all round service.

[Toby]

Henry, don't look now, but isn't that

[Henry Aldrich]

Willie across the street? Where?

[Willie Marshall]

Hey, you fellers. Wait a second.

[Henry Aldrich]

Come on over. Willy, am I tired? What's the matter with you?

[Willie Marshall]

I got up at half past five this morning to tend my furnaces.

[Toby]

What are you eating, Willie?

[Willie Marshall]

Fudge and peanuts.

[Henry Aldrich]

Fudge and peanuts?

[Willie Marshall]

It's my breakfast.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's all you're gonna eat?

[Willie Marshall]

Candy and peanuts are all I ever

[Henry Aldrich]

eat for any meal.

[Sam Aldrich]

Sure.

[Willie Marshall]

Fudge for breakfast, peanuts for lunch, chocolate for dinner.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, Toby, do you hear that? He makes so much money, all he ever eats is candy.

[Willie Marshall]

Hold this bag a minute, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

What for?

[Willie Marshall]

I want to open a piece of bubble gum.

[Henry Aldrich]

Willie, you. You wouldn't like to get rid of one or two of your customers, would you?

[Willie Marshall]

Why should I?

[Henry Aldrich]

Didn't you just say you were tired?

[Willie Marshall]

I'm not that tired.

[Henry Aldrich]

Willie, take some of your customers. Sooner or later they'll be putting in oil burners. And then where will you be?

[Toby]

How about it, Willie?

[Willie Marshall]

Wait till I get this scum started.

[Henry Aldrich]

Willie, while you're starting your gum, let me suggest something. How would you like to have me give you $2 for a couple of your customers? I'll buy the Peckinpahs and the Van scivers from you.

[Willie Marshall]

$3, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Two, Willie, three. But, Willie, all I've got is $2 my mother gave me to buy lunches with for next month.

[Willie Marshall]

I don't want it.

[Toby]

But Willie, with $2 you still wouldn't have to go back on to regular food right away.

[Willie Marshall]

Oh, I tell you, no.

[Henry Aldrich]

Willie, I don't like to say this, but if you don't want to sell, I happen to be in a very unfortunate position for you.

[Willie Marshall]

How, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, my father happens by chance to be Mr. Peckinpah's lawyer. And you know what that means.

[Toby]

Yeah, sure. And Henry, isn't your father Mr. Van Sciver's lawyer, too?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, come to think of it, I think he is.

[Toby]

Willie, what chance have you got?

[Willie Marshall]

Let's see, the $2.

[Henry Aldrich]

Here you are.

[Willie Marshall]

Okay, you want to buy my shovel for 50 cents extra?

[Henry Aldrich]

Will we need it, you think?

[Willie Marshall]

Sure, you can pay me anytime.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's fair enough.

[Willie Marshall]

How about my overalls for 25 cents?

[Henry Aldrich]

Your overalls?

[Toby]

Henry, you can't buy overalls for any less than that.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay.

[Willie Marshall]

And is there anything else you fellers need? No, I got a necktie at home I'd sell you.

[Henry Aldrich]

No, Willie.

[Toby]

Willie, what's the necktie like?

[Henry Aldrich]

It's red. Sold. Hey, fellas, wait for me.

[Grainger Announcer]

When you manage procurement for multiple facilities, every order matters. But when it's for a hospital system, they matter even more. Grainger gets it and knows there's no time for managing multiple suppliers and no room for shipping delays. That's why Grainger offers millions of products in fast, dependable delivery. So you can keep your facility stocked, safe and running smoothly. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Geico Announcer]

I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor.

[Sam Aldrich]

Hey, good morning.

[Geico Announcer]

Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yep, they sure are.

[Geico Announcer]

We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs all in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's all right.

[Geico Announcer]

We're so far up here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look at me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Take a deep breath.

[Geico Announcer]

I'm good. So good.

[Sam Aldrich]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. It feels good. To Geico.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello, Ag. Toby. And I've got to hurry on. So long, Willie.

[Toby]

Henry, let's go over to the candy store and open the charge.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hey, what's been going on?

[Willie Marshall]

Willie, I just sold them the Peckinpahs of the Van Skivner's furnaces to take care of.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah?

[Sam Aldrich]

Yeah.

[Willie Marshall]

I wonder if they'll be mad.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why?

[Willie Marshall]

Well, the Van Scivers Just had an oil burner put in.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, would that make a difference?

[Willie Marshall]

In a way it would. Yesterday the Peckinvoin left for Florida.

[Henry Aldrich]

Toby, are you sure this is where the Peck and Paws live? Sure. Henry, do you suppose we're going to

[Toby]

have to get up this early every morning?

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee, but it's dark.

[Toby]

Wouldn't you think somebody would be willing to get up and let us in?

[Henry Aldrich]

I wonder whether we really ought to wake up the Peck and Paws.

[Toby]

You mean we've got to wait until they get up?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, they certainly expect us to be quiet, don't they?

[Toby]

Let's go around and try the cellar door.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay. Come on. Toby, can you see? Sure. Have a piece of candy, Toby?

[Toby]

I don't mind if I do.

[Henry Aldrich]

Which bag do you want some out of?

[Toby]

Well, let's try the one that's in your left pocket.

[Henry Aldrich]

Toby, isn't this the cellar door?

[Toby]

Can you open it?

[Henry Aldrich]

No.

[Toby]

Push a little, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

What do you think I'm doing?

[Toby]

Oh, gee, Henry, we've got to get into that furnace.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's what I say. We can't shirk our responsibility the first day we begin.

[Toby]

Here, I'll push with you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Come on. Oh, gee whiz.

[Toby]

Imagine, Henry, the whole lock came right off.

[Henry Aldrich]

I guess the door was rotten. Boy, is it dark down here.

[Toby]

Wait a minute.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's the matter?

[Toby]

I walked into a cobweb.

[Henry Aldrich]

You've got to get used to going into cellars like this, Toby.

[Toby]

Oh, sure.

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh.

[Toby]

What's the matter?

[Henry Aldrich]

I found the boiler. Yeah? Where? Right over my head.

[Toby]

Well, at least we know where it is.

[Henry Aldrich]

Ouch. What's that?

[Toby]

My head.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, gee whiz, Toby, I just.

[Toby]

Listen, Henry, do you want to wake everyone up?

[Henry Aldrich]

Here's the furnace, Toby. There isn't any fire in it.

[Toby]

You mean they let it go out?

[Henry Aldrich]

Imagine. Boy, it's a good thing we got in here before they woke up.

[Toby]

Do you suppose there's any kindling?

[Henry Aldrich]

If you find a light, turn it on, huh? Same to you.

[Toby]

Here's a box, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Good. Can you break it up? I guess so. There are a lot of papers in it. Swell. We've got everything. You know, Toby, it won't be any time until we have it so hot upstairs, Mr. And Mrs. Peckinpah be hanging out the window.

[Toby]

Sure. When they hear about all this extra trouble we've been to, they'll make us take something extra.

[Henry Aldrich]

Here we go, Toby. I'm going to touch the match to it. Oh, boy, look at that.

[Toby]

Imagine, we may get as much as a dollar just for striking that one match. Ever have an easier job, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll say I have. Oh.

[Toby]

Oh, gee.

[Henry Aldrich]

There goes the candy all to the floor.

[Toby]

Why worry about 10 or 15 cents worth of candy?

[Henry Aldrich]

That's what I say. Here, I'll throw it in the fire. Boy, look at it. I never thought I'd be in a position where I could just stand back and watch candy burn. Hi there. Gee whiz. Who's that in the doorway?

[Sam Aldrich]

Me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Is it Mr. Peckinpah?

[Sam Aldrich]

No, it's the milkman. I was just going by and I seen smoke starting out of the chimney. Are the Peckinpahs back?

[Henry Aldrich]

Back? They're upstairs in bed.

[Sam Aldrich]

They are?

[Henry Aldrich]

I thought they went to Florida. Oh, gee, now we've been engaged to take care of their furnace.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, look, how much milk do you suppose I ought to leave Toby?

[Henry Aldrich]

How much would you think?

[Toby]

Well, I don't know.

[Henry Aldrich]

Why not their regular amount? That's what I would say. Okay, I'll leave six quarts of milk

[Sam Aldrich]

and one of cream.

[Toby]

Yes, sir.

[Henry Aldrich]

I better tell the bread man and

[Sam Aldrich]

the newsboy if I see him.

[Toby]

Yes, sir. Henry, let's start shoveling.

[Henry Aldrich]

You know, Toby, my father was right. If you have a job to do, when you do it, it makes you feel sw.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And now, folks, let's leave Henry and Toby for a moment and turn our attention to one of the big topics of the day. Football. Each year, you know, football experts select the country's outstanding players and honor them as the all American football team. Well, with this all American idea in mind, we recently decided to do the same thing in the field of desserts. So we asked a number of football fans what they would give as their choice for the all American dessert. And here is the way these football fans reply.

[Henry Aldrich]

Boomeracka boomeracka boomeracka row wigga waga wiggle

[Toby]

waga zigga zaga zo Boomeracka wigga wagga zigzaga za Jello vanilla pudding.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The English translation. We like Jell O vanilla pudding. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a sentiment that's being echoed around more and more family dinner tables every day. Yes, sir, Jell O vanilla pudding is winning new friends by the thousands for its tempting appearance, for its tender, creamy goodness, and for its rich, satisfying taste. So why not let your family enjoy it too? Serve this easy, ready prepared pudding tomorrow night with sliced bananas or whatever fruits or nuts you may have handy. Take it for me, folks. Jell O vanilla pudding is a treat you'll soon repeat. Now, getting back to the troubles of Henry Aldrich. Henry and Toby bought a furnace route from Willie Marshall. Without realizing that the first customer he sold them had gone to Florida. The boys managed to get into the basement and build a fire in the furnace. The scene opens the same morning in the Aldrich dining room.

[Toby]

Sam.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, Alice?

[Alice Aldrich]

Come in here and eat your breakfast.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry had his.

[Alice Aldrich]

He's upstairs washing.

[Sam Aldrich]

You know, Alice, it seems to me there's already been a great change in Henry.

[Alice Aldrich]

There has, dear. He came in so covered with ashes that I didn't even know him.

[Henry Aldrich]

Father?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll sweep out the bathroom just as soon as I finish breakfast.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's happened to the bathroom?

[Henry Aldrich]

Nothing, Father. I just changed my clothes in it. Here's the morning mail for you.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, thank you.

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry. What in the world happened to you this morning?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, I bought out a furnace tending business from a guy yesterday. See? Are you listening, Father?

[Sam Aldrich]

Alice, who do you suppose sent this letter from Florida?

[Alice Aldrich]

Florida, Father?

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, may I proceed?

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, the Peckinpahs seem to be having a wonderful time.

[Alice Aldrich]

That nice, dear. I envy them.

[Henry Aldrich]

Who is?

[Sam Aldrich]

The Peckinpahs. I have a letter from them.

[Henry Aldrich]

A letter from the Peckinpahs saying they're having a wonderful time.

[Sam Aldrich]

What's so strange about that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Why didn't they just follow and tell you?

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry, they're in Florida.

[Toby]

They're in Florida?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes. Well, what did they go down there for?

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, I suppose because it's nice and warm.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, they always did find their house in Centerville hard to heat.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, if you'll excuse me, I don't think I'll eat anymore.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, where are you going?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, just over and attend to something. I think it would be a good idea to attend to Sam.

[Alice Aldrich]

I hope Henry isn't going to work as hard as this every day.

[Sam Aldrich]

Best thing in the world for him to work on Saturday. Peckinpah's letter goes on to say due to our haste in getting away, we overlooked a rather important item. At the foot of our cellar stairs, we left a box of manuscripts which we would like to have covered and shipped by express at once.

[Alice Aldrich]

What else does he say?

[Sam Aldrich]

Please ask whoever does the job not to litter the basement as Mrs. Peckinpah just had it thoroughly clean. I'll drive around and get the box on my way to the office.

[Henry Aldrich]

Now, let me try to shake it, Toby.

[Toby]

Henry, don't you think I can shake a furnace? No, the whole trouble is there's a clinker stuck.

[Henry Aldrich]

Of course, Toby, but you're just filling the basement up with smoke. Here well, what do you know about that, Henry?

[Toby]

I still don't understand it. Are you sure the Peckinpahs aren't here?

[Henry Aldrich]

Didn't I tell you I saw Mr. Peckinpah's letter? Stand back while I show up this long poker ring. Imagine that. What's the matter, Toby? Can you hold up this piece of furnace pipe right over your head? Why, Henry, it seemed to come apart when I just hit it.

[Toby]

Well, that pipe's hot, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, hold it up with this stick here. Gee, look at the smoke leak out.

[Toby]

I'll take care of the smoke. You get to work on the clinker.

[Henry Aldrich]

I am, Toby, I am. Wouldn't you have thought that the Peck and Paws would at least put up a sign saying, gone to Florida? No fires, please.

[Toby]

Imagine Willie selling them to you.

[Henry Aldrich]

You wait until we get Willie.

[Toby]

Henry, do you realize I'm holding this pipe while you just stand there and cough?

[Henry Aldrich]

Now the poker's stuck in the grate.

[Toby]

Well, look, Henry, I don't think we're getting any place.

[Henry Aldrich]

Toby, take that pipe down for a minute. All the way? Sure. Let's fix one thing at a time here.

[Toby]

Now, look at the smoke come out.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's only until we get it fixed. I'll pull on the poker while you shake.

[Toby]

When I say three, yank, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay.

[Toby]

One, two.

[Henry Aldrich]

Three. Yank. Did we get it out, Toby?

[Toby]

I think we got the whole grate out. Oh, is that what dropped down? We've got to do something about these hot coals that have rolled out on the floor, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, at least the smoke has stopped coming out of the pipe. And nobody can say we aren't responsible. Listen, Toby.

[Toby]

What's that?

[Henry Aldrich]

What, Henry? She was at somebody walking upstairs.

[Toby]

Do you suppose the Peckinpahs are home?

[Henry Aldrich]

They couldn't be.

[Toby]

Do you know what I think, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

What?

[Toby]

Only Mr. Peckinpah's away and the rest are here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, this is a nice time to find that out.

[Toby]

Henry, we've got to get the fire back in.

[Henry Aldrich]

How?

[Toby]

Throw it where part of the grate is still hanging.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay, we'll shovel real quietly.

[Toby]

Quiet, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

You think even that's too loud?

[Toby]

Well, I can hear it. But then I'm right here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Sure, and you know what I'm doing. What do you suppose that can be?

[Toby]

There must be a fire someplace.

[Henry Aldrich]

I wonder where they're going. Come on, Toby, let's go out in front and see which way they're headed. That's what I say. Here, hold the door open. There's one thing I like It's a good fire.

[Toby]

Toby. Toby, look.

[Henry Aldrich]

The engines are stopping right out in

[Toby]

front and they're unloading their hose.

[Henry Aldrich]

Toby, I think we better be leaving. Toby, about what time do you think it is?

[Toby]

Must be darn near time for dinner. Will your folks give you the deuce when you get home?

[Henry Aldrich]

I've got a perfectly good excuse. Toby. If they ask where I was today, I can say I was way out in the country.

[Toby]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's because that's where we are. Sure, that's what I mean. Here, have a piece of candy.

[Toby]

No, thanks.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'm not hungry either.

[Toby]

I told you when you made Willie give back your money, you shouldn't spend the whole business on candy. Gee whiz, you bought enough to nearly fill this barn.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, first few pounds tasted good, didn't they?

[Toby]

What's that, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

That's just Willie. He's trying to get out again.

[Toby]

Hey, shut up, Willie.

[Willie Marshall]

Let me off here.

[Henry Aldrich]

Go chase yourself. Willie, we aren't going to let you out until you promise.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Promise?

[Henry Aldrich]

What are you going to tell our folks that we were the cause of those fire engines coming out?

[Willie Marshall]

Are you going to give me back

[Toby]

my $2 that belonged to Henry, Willie.

[Henry Aldrich]

And besides, we've eaten your $2.

[Willie Marshall]

Well, you're not going to make me promise not to squeal.

[Henry Aldrich]

All right, then, you can stay in there. That's what I say. Come on, Toby. I guess we'll go back to Centerville.

[Toby]

Do you mean that, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

No, we'll just let him think it.

[Toby]

But, Henry, supposing we have to keep him here all night?

[Henry Aldrich]

Toby, don't you realize what will happen if he tells? They carried every piece of furniture out of Peck and Paw's house and then had to carry it all back in again. Do you want your father to know you were mixed up in it?

[Toby]

Well, let's go back and force Willie to promise.

[Henry Aldrich]

Okay, but. But let me do the talking. Oh, Willie. Willie, we've got a little proposition to put up to you.

[Toby]

All right, Willie, if you don't want any of this candy.

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, Willie. Willie. Stop sulking, Henry.

[Toby]

Look through the crack here.

[Henry Aldrich]

What do you see? Gee whiz.

[Toby]

Open the door.

[Sam Aldrich]

Toby.

[Henry Aldrich]

Toby. He's gone.

[Toby]

You mean he's escaped?

[Henry Aldrich]

He's probably on his way to my house right now.

[Willie Marshall]

Oh, boy.

[Toby]

Yeah, maybe he's on his way to mine.

[Henry Aldrich]

Come on, we gotta beat him back home.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, Sam, do you still think you were right?

[Sam Aldrich]

About what?

[Alice Aldrich]

You said that from now on we'd see a big change in Henry. Well, he didn't come home for lunch. And here it is time for dinner.

[Sam Aldrich]

All in all, Alice, this has been a very pleasant day.

[Alice Aldrich]

I still can't get over it.

[Sam Aldrich]

And when do you suppose I will to make the thing doubly embarrassing? Alice, when I saw smoke pouring out of the house, I had to be the one who turned in the alarm.

[Alice Aldrich]

But there wasn't any fire at all?

[Sam Aldrich]

Only in the furnace. But it took nearly all the rest of the day getting the place straightened up again. And those two tramps the firemen saw running away from the house had been living in the basement.

[Alice Aldrich]

Not really, Sam.

[Sam Aldrich]

That's what they'd been doing. That's why they built a fire in the furnace to keep warm. Why, Alice, they were even having their milk and bread delivered there. We even found today's paper there. And what was left of a bag of marshmallows.

[Alice Aldrich]

What on earth had they been doing with marshmallows?

[Sam Aldrich]

Probably toasting them. And the box, Alice. The box of manuscripts that Peckinpah wanted me to express to him.

[Alice Aldrich]

Were they gone?

[Sam Aldrich]

Probably they had been burned. Burned, mind you. And nobody knows how valuable they were.

[Alice Aldrich]

Well, what are you going to do?

[Sam Aldrich]

I don't know. I wired Peckinpah. Who's that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Is everybody all right?

[Alice Aldrich]

Is that you, Henry?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother. I hope I haven't kept your dinner waiting.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, will you please come in here?

[Henry Aldrich]

Has anything happened while I was away?

[Sam Aldrich]

Happened?

[Henry Aldrich]

I mean, there hasn't been anybody here at the house to see you, has there?

[Alice Aldrich]

Who, for instance?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, anybody you know. I just wondered whether any one of the fellows I know had dropped in.

[Alice Aldrich]

No, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, well, I'm glad I didn't miss anyone then.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, where have you been all day?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, Toby and I just took a walk outside town to look at the countryside.

[Alice Aldrich]

Did you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yeah, we explored an old barn. Would you like to take a walk out that way sometime, Father?

[Sam Aldrich]

I've had all the exercise I need, thank you.

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, your father has been carrying furniture all day, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

He has?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

He's been changing the house around.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, but not this house. I'll answer the phone, Henry.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother.

[Toby]

If I were you, I'd be very

[Alice Aldrich]

careful for the next day or so not to do anything to upset your father.

[Henry Aldrich]

You would?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, dear. Hurry upstairs and wash while I answer the door.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'd just as soon answer it.

[Alice Aldrich]

I'll answer.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Mother.

[Willie Marshall]

Hi, Mrs. Aldridge. Is Mr. Aldridge here?

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, he's on the phone, Willie.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, is that Willie Marshall?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes, dear. He wants to see your father.

[Willie Marshall]

Well, Mrs. Aldridge, I'd just as soon tell you.

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, Willie, my mother's very busy.

[Willie Marshall]

Oh, no, she isn't, Henry.

[Alice Aldrich]

What is it you want, Willie?

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, don't. I smell something burning out in the kitchen.

[Alice Aldrich]

Burning? Oh, dear, it's probably the spring beans.

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, Willie, you beat it. Do you hear me? You make me get your foot out of the door.

[Willie Marshall]

I'm gonna tell your father.

[Henry Aldrich]

Gee whiz, Willy, look in back of.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where?

[Henry Aldrich]

Right there. Hey, you. Goodbye, Willie. Mother.

[Toby]

Mother.

[Alice Aldrich]

What is it, dear?

[Henry Aldrich]

Are you out here in the kitchen?

[Alice Aldrich]

Yes.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's all I wanted to know. Do you feel a draft Here? I think I'll lock this back door.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, Alice, I just had an answer to my wire.

[Alice Aldrich]

What does it say?

[Sam Aldrich]

Box of manuscripts were only Mrs. Peckinpah's minutes of the Woman's Club. Don't worry.

[Henry Aldrich]

What's that, Father?

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh, nothing that concerns you, son. He also says returning Monday he's coming back. Why shouldn't he? He also says please engage Willie Marshall to clean up basement and start furnace.

[Henry Aldrich]

Could you read that again, Father?

[Sam Aldrich]

I understand exactly what he means. Do you know where Willie Marshall lives?

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir, but he's just here.

[Sam Aldrich]

Henry, I want you to run over and tell him to straighten that basement out and get a fire started. But.

[Henry Aldrich]

But Father, why should Willie do it when I'm right here?

[Alice Aldrich]

He asks to have Willie do.

[Henry Aldrich]

But, Mother, I won't charge.

[Sam Aldrich]

Why not?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, I'd like to give Mr. Peckinpah an introductory offer.

[Alice Aldrich]

Henry, I'm sorry, but you're not going to do any more work tonight.

[Henry Aldrich]

But Mother, I feel sorry for Mr. Peckinpah.

[Alice Aldrich]

Why?

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, he's a friend of Father's.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, all I can say, son, is that I'm certainly glad to see you shoulder some responsibility. Now, what's that?

[Henry Aldrich]

Oh, I guess that's just something banging against the cellar door.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, I better go fix it.

[Henry Aldrich]

Father, you stay where you are. I'll fix it.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, than you.

[Henry Aldrich]

I'll just get my baseball bat and attend to it right away.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Henry Aldrich will be back in just a moment. Now, tomorrow, friends, make it a special point to order several packages of those grand ready prepared desserts. Jell O Puddings. You'll be delighted to find out how quick and inexpensive they are to serve and how luscious they taste. So ask your grocer for all three flavors. Jell O chocolate pudding, Jell o vanilla pudding and Jell O butterscotch pudding. Jell O puddings are made by the makers of Jell O. So you know they're good.

[Henry Aldrich]

Hello. Hello, Mr. Peckinpah. Oh, you're going to take care of your furnace yourself. Oh, well, might I suggest, Mr. Peckinpah, if you do take care of it? I wouldn't shake it until spring.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Listen again next Thursday evening to the Aldrich family and to the Maxwell House Coffee Time program, which immediately precedes it on most of these stations. A solid hour of sparkling radio entertainment every Thursday night. The Aldrich Family, starring Ezra Stone, is written by Clifford Goldsmith. Original music is composed and conducted by Jack Miller. Now, this is Harry Von Zell bidding you all good night.