Aldrich Family xxxxxx xxx Henry's Furnace Cleaning Business

Summary

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

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Aldrich Family xxxxxx xxx Henry's Furnace Cleaning Business
Date: September 27, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Theme: Vintage family hijinks as Henry Aldrich, inspired to embrace responsibility, embarks on a furnace-cleaning business—leading to chaos and misadventure, all in classic 1940s radio comedy fashion.

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Aldrich Family captures the wholesome misadventures of Henry Aldrich. Driven by his father's tales of youthful responsibility, Henry is determined to prove his maturity by starting a furnace-tending business. The results are predictably comic: a run-in with a rival, mismanaged chores, and unintentional chaos at a neighbor's empty house. The show blends heartwarming family banter with slapstick, situational humor characteristic of the golden age of radio.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Family Responsibility & Generational Gaps ([03:24]-[05:15])

• The episode opens with Sam Aldrich lamenting Henry’s lack of initiative compared to “when I was a boy.”
  • Sam Aldrich (04:27): "Do you know what I used to do when I was your age?... 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 gently points out the difference in generations, highlighting the timeless parent-child disconnect over chores and responsibility.

2. Henry’s ‘Big Idea’ – Becoming an Entrepreneur ([05:29]-[09:20])

• Motivated by his father's speech, Henry hatches a plan to launch a furnace-tending business.
  • Henry Aldrich (05:35): "Oh, you'll see. From now on you're going to find a big change in me."
• Henry hopes to “assume responsibilities”—and earn a profit—by tending household furnaces around town.
• With his friend Toby, he contemplates profitability and tries recruiting customers, idolizing Willie Marshall’s already-lucrative route.
• Memorable exchange with Willie Marshall:
  • Willie (07:46): "Candy and peanuts are all I ever eat for any meal. Sure. Fudge for breakfast, peanuts for lunch, chocolate for dinner."
  • Henry, awed by Willie's "wealth": (07:59) "He makes so much money, all he ever eats is candy!"

3. Buying into Trouble: The Furnace Route Misadventure ([09:20]-[13:19])

• Henry and Toby buy Willie’s “best customers”—not knowing one family (the Van Scivers) now uses oil and the other (the Peckinpahs) are in Florida.
• Their first mission: tend to the Peckinpah furnace at the crack of dawn, blundering through a botched entry and fire-starting operation in the dark cellar.
  • Henry (12:04): "Boy. Boy, is it dark down here... Ouch. What's that? My head."
• The scene is rich with comic timing, clumsy efforts (falling candy, burning sweets in the furnace!), and confusion over the absent homeowners.

4. The Chaos Unfolds: Mix-up with Delivery and Fire Department ([13:19]-[18:18])

• The milkman stumbles in, equally unaware of the empty house, inadvertently perpetuating the mistake by ordering milk delivery as usual ([13:19]-[13:48]).
  • Milkman: "Are the Peckinpahs back?"
  • Henry: "Back? They're upstairs in bed."
• A comedic chain of misunderstanding leads to the boys over-firing the furnace, smoke billowing from the chimney, and eventually the fire department arriving, convinced it’s a real fire.
  • Henry (19:00): "Toby, look. The engines are stopping right out in front, and they are unloading their hose. Toby, I think we better be leaving."

5. Consequences & Cover-ups ([18:18]-[26:26])

• The parents slowly realize something’s up as Henry, covered in ashes and evasive, tries to dodge questions.
  • Alice Aldrich (16:16): "He came in so covered with ashes that I didn't even know him."
• Henry and Toby desperately try to avoid being exposed—literally trapping Willie in a barn to prevent him from telling on them.
• Sam, the father, reveals the full chaos to Alice: the fire department, disarrayed house, and "tramps" supposedly living in the basement (not realizing it’s actually the boys).
  • Sam Aldrich (24:29): "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."

6. Resolution & Ironic Twist ([27:07]-[29:55])

• A telegram from Mr. Peckinpah clarifies the "loss" was only the Woman's Club minutes, and he requests Willie to tend the furnace instead of Henry.
  • Sam Aldrich (27:11): "Box of manuscripts were only Mrs. Peckinpah's minutes of the Woman's Club. Don't worry... Please engage Willie Marshall to clean up basement and start furnace."
• Henry, crestfallen and quick-talking, tries to salvage his pride, offering not to charge for future services.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sam's Snowy Childhood (04:27):
  • "I used to walk three miles to school. Sometimes through four feet of snow."
• Willie’s Entrepreneurial Wisdom (07:46):
  • "Candy and peanuts are all I ever eat for any meal. Sure. Fudge for breakfast, peanuts for lunch, chocolate for dinner."
• Henry’s Evasiveness (25:28):
  • "I mean, there hasn't been anybody here at the house to see you, has there?"
• Parent’s Realization (24:26):
  • Alice: "Well, Sam, do you still think you were right?"
  • Sam: "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."
• Comic Finale (29:29):
  • Henry: "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."

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Important Timestamps

• 03:25 – Sam’s nostalgic lecture about responsibility
• 05:35 – Henry commits to personal change
• 07:46 – Willie reveals his all-candy diet and business “success”
• 09:20 – Henry and Toby buy the furnace route
• 11:45 – Boys sneak into Peckinpah basement
• 13:19 – Milkman visits the empty house; confusion ensues
• 14:59 – Henry’s “cheer” for Jell-O vanilla pudding
• 17:53 – The parents read Peckinpah’s letter about the box in the basement
• 19:00 – The fire department arrives due to the boys’ overzealous furnace-tending
• 24:29 – Parents recount the day’s chaos and misunderstandings
• 27:11 – Telegram exonerates everyone; Woman’s Club minutes are safe
• 29:29 – Henry’s anticlimactic, sheepish final phone call with Mr. Peckinpah

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Episode Flow & Tone

The episode is brisk, cheerful, and brimming with the warm, exasperated affection of a classic American family comedy. The banter is playful and gentle, rooted in misunderstandings and Henry’s earnest but misguided striving for adulthood. The farcical chain of events, complete with mistaken identities and compounding slip-ups, encapsulates the best of golden-age radio humor.

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For Listeners: Why This Episode Stands Out

• Classic Family Comedy: The Aldriches’ timeless dynamic and Henry’s innocence create universally relatable laughs.
• Slice of Americana: The struggles over chores, comical business ventures, and familial mishaps are as relevant today as they were in the 1940s.
• Memorable Lines & Set Pieces: From Sam’s exaggerated hardship stories to Willie’s "chocolate for dinner," and the slapstick cellar scene, memorable gags abound.
• Ironic Wrap-Up: The final twist—Henry’s business dreams foiled by both circumstance and his own missteps—closes the episode on a note of affection and life-lesson wryness.

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Final Thoughts

This episode exemplifies the appeal of The Aldrich Family: familial warmth, comic misunderstandings, and gentle life lessons. Henry’s bid for responsibility turns into a comedy of errors, but it’s his well-meaning heart (and the family’s ultimate tolerance) that shine through. A charming listen for anyone nostalgic for radio’s golden age or seeking lighthearted, timeless humor.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

The Aldrich family Written by Clifford Goldsmith and starring Ezra Stone.

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry Aldrich Coming Mother.

[Narrator]

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. Jello 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 Jell O 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.

[Alice Aldrich]

Sam.

[Sam Aldrich]

Yes, Alice?

[Alice Aldrich]

Doesn't the house seem chilly to you?

[Henry Aldrich]

Henry? Henry. Yes, father.

[Sam Aldrich]

Have you put any coal on the furnace?

[Henry Aldrich]

In just a minute, father.

[Sam Aldrich]

You will please put it on now.

[Alice Aldrich]

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

[Sam Aldrich]

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'd 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. 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? We've got lots of time, Henry. We're only two blocks from school. Did I tell you about my idea, Toby? What idea? I'm taking care of furnaces. Whose, Henry? Everybody's. I think that when a person reaches our age, they ought to begin to assume a few responsibilities, don't you, Toby? How much money is there in it? Oh, boy, I hate to think of it. I've been calling up customers all morning. How many do you have? 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, Well, I understand Willie Marshall makes a lot of money taking care of furnaces. He does? Sure. Could I go into business with you, Henry? Oh, no, Toby. You assume your responsibilities and I'll assume mine. But, Henry, we could make twice as much. You think so? 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. He does? Sure. And I heard that every time there's a holiday he gets a little extra from them. 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. Henry, don't look now, but isn't that Willie across the street? Where? Hey, you fellers, wait a second. Come on over. Willy, am I tired. What's the matter with you? I got up at half past five this morning to tend my furnaces. What are you eating, Willie? Fudge and peanuts. Fudge and peanuts?

[Sam Aldrich]

It's my breakfast.

[Henry Aldrich]

That's all you're gonna eat? Candy and peanuts are all I ever eat for any meal. Sure. Fudge for breakfast, peanuts for lunch, chocolate for dinner. Gee, Toby, do you hear that? He makes so much money, all he ever eats is candy. Hold this bag a minute, Henry. What for? I want to open a piece of bubble gum. Willie, you. You wouldn't like to get rid of one or two of your customers, would you? Why should I? Didn't you just say you were tired? I'm not that Tired, Willie, take some of your customers. Sooner or later they'll be putting in oil burners. And then where will you be? How about it, Willie?

[Sam Aldrich]

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. $3, Henry. Two, Willie. Three. But, Willie, all I've got is $2 my mother gave me to buy lunches with for next month. I don't want it. But, Willie, with $2, you still wouldn't have to go back on to regular food right away. Oh, I tell you no. 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. How, Henry? Well, my father happens by chance to be Mr. Peckinpah's lawyer. And you know what that means. Yeah, sure. And, Henry, isn't your father Mr. Van Sciver's lawyer, too? Yeah, Come to think of it, I think he is. Willy, what chance have you got? Let's see, the $2. Here you are. Okay. You want to buy my shovel for 50 cents extra? Will we need it, you think?

[Sam Aldrich]

Sure.

[Henry Aldrich]

You can pay me anytime. That's fair enough. How about my overalls for 25 cents? Your overalls? Henry, you can't buy overalls for any less than that. Okay. And is there anything else you fellers need? No, I got a necktie at home I'd sell you. No, Willie. Willie, what's the necktie like? It's red. Sold. Hey, fellas, wait for me. Hello, Agnes. Wait, will ya? Toby and I've gotta hurry on. So long, Willie. Henry, let's go over to the candy store and open a chicken. Hey, what's been going on? Willie, I just sold them the Peck and Paws. The Van Skevner's furnaces to take care of. Yeah? Yeah. I wonder if they'll be mad. Why? Well, the Van Skyver just had an oil burner put in. Oh, would that make a difference? In a way it would. Yesterday, the Pecking bullet left for Florida. Toby, are you sure this is where the Peck and Paws live? Sure. Henry, do you suppose we're going to have to get up this early every morning? Gee, but it's dark. Wouldn't you think somebody would be willing to get up and let us in? I wonder whether we really ought to wake up the Peck and Pause. You mean we've got to wait until they get up. Well, they certainly expect us to be quiet, don't they? Let's go around and try the cellar door. Okay. Come on, Toby. Can you see? Sure. Have a piece of candy, Toby? I don't mind if I do. Which bag do you want some out of? Well, let's try the one that's in your left pocket. Toby, isn't this the cellar door? Can you open it? No. Push a little, Henry. What do you think I'm doing? Oh, gee, Henry, we've got to get into that furnace. That's what I say. We can't shirk our the first day we begin. Here, I'll push with you. Come on. Oh, gee whiz. Imagine, Henry. The whole lock came right off. I guess the door was rotten. Boy. Boy, is it dark down here. Wait a minute. What's the matter? I walked into a cobweb. You've got to get used to going into cellars like this. Oh, sure. Oh. What's the matter? I found the boiler. Yeah? Where? Right over my head. Well, at least we know where it is. Ouch. What's that? My head. Well, gee whiz, Toby. I just. Oh.

[Sam Aldrich]

Oh.

[Henry Aldrich]

Listen, Henry, do you want to wake everyone up? Here's the furnace, Toby. There isn't any fire in it. You mean they let it go out? Imagine. Boy, it's a good thing we got in here before they woke up. Do you suppose there's any kindling? If you find a light, turn it on, huh? Same to you. Here's a box, Henry. 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. Sure. When they hear about all this extra trouble we've been to, they'll make us take something extra. Here we go, Toby. I'm going to touch the match to it. Oh, boy. Look at that. Imagine, we may get as much as a dollar just for striking that one match. Ever have an easier job, Henry? I'll say I have. Oh, gee. There goes the candy. All to the floor. Why worry about 10 or 15 cents worth of candy? 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. They are? 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? Well, I don't know. 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.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir.

[Sam Aldrich]

I better tell the bread man and the newsboy if I see him.

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, sir. Henry, let's start shoveling. You know, Toby, my father was right. If you have a job to do, when you do it, it makes you swell.

[Narrator]

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 replied.

[Henry Aldrich]

Pumaracka boomeracka pumaracka row wigga wagga wiggle wagga zigga zagaso puma rack a wiggle wagga zigga zaga. So jello vanilla pudding. Rah rah rah.

[Narrator]

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 from me, folks, Jello 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.

[Henry Aldrich]

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]

Mother.

[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, Henry.

[Alice Aldrich]

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? Well?

[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.

[Henry Aldrich]

They're in Florida? Yes. 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 an 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.

[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. Henry, don't you think I can shake a furnace? No, the whole trouble is there's a clinker stuck. Of course, Toby, but you're just filling the basement up with smoke here. Well, what do you know about that, Henry? I still don't understand it. Are you sure the peck and paws aren't here? 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. Well, that pipes hot, Henry. Well, hold it up with this stick here. Gee, look at the smoke leak out. I'll take care of the smoke. You get to work on the clinker. 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. Imagine Willie selling them to you. You wait until we get Willie. Henry, do you realize I'm holding this pipe while you just stand there and cough? Now the poker's stuck in the grate. Well, look, Henry, I don't think we're getting any place. Toby, take that pipe down for a minute. All the way? Sure. Let's fix one thing at a time here. Now, look at the smoke come out. That's only until we get it fixed. I'll pull on the poker while you shake. When I say three, yank, Henry. Okay. One, two, three, yank. Did we get it out, Toby? I think we got the whole grade 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. Well, at least the smoke has stopped coming out of the pipe. And nobody can say we aren't responsible. Listen, Toby. What's that? What, Henry? She was at somebody walking upstairs. Do you suppose the Peckinpahs are home? They couldn't be. Do you know what I think, Henry? What? Only Mr. Peckinpah's away and the rest are here. Gee whiz, this is a nice time to find that out. Henry, we've got to get the fire back in. How? Throw it where part of the grate is still hanging. Okay, we'll shovel real quietly. Quiet, Henry. You think even that's too loud? Well, I can hear it. But then I'm right here. Sure, and you know what I'm doing. What do you suppose that can be? There must be a fire someplace. 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, look. The engines are stopping right out in front, and they are unloading their hose. Toby, I think we better be leaving. Toby, about what time do you think it is? Must be darn near time for dinner. Will your folks give you the deuce when you get home? 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. Sure. That's because that's where we are. Sure, that's what I Mean. Here, have a piece of candy. No, thanks. I'm not hungry either. 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. Well, first few pounds tasted good, didn't they? What's that, Henry? That's just Willie. He's trying to get out again. Hey, shut up, Willie. Let me out of here. Go chase yourself. Willie, we aren't going to let you out until you promise. Promise? What are you going to tell our folks that we were the cause of those fire engines coming out?

[Sam Aldrich]

Are you going to give me back.

[Henry Aldrich]

My $2 that belonged to Henry, Willie. And besides, we've eaten your $2. Well, you're not going to make me promise not to squeal. All right, then, you can stay in there. That's what I say. Come on, Toby. I guess we'll go back to Centerville. Do you mean that, Henry? No, we'll just let him think it. But, Henry, supposing we have to keep him here all night? Toby, don't you realize what'll 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? Well, let's go back and force Willie to promise. Okay, but. But let me do the talking. Oh, Willie. Willie, we've got a little proposition to put up to you. All right, Willie, if you don't want any of this candy, listen. Willie. Willie. Stop sulking, Henry. Look through the crack here. What do you see? Gee whiz. Open the door. Toby. Toby. He's gone. You mean he's escaped? He's probably on his way to my house right now. Oh, boy. Yeah, maybe he's on his way to mine. 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]

No, I suppose 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 her.

[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 fellas 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? He's been changing the house around.

[Sam Aldrich]

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

[Henry Aldrich]

Yes, Mother. 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 just as soon answer it.

[Alice Aldrich]

I'll answer.

[Henry Aldrich]

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

[Alice Aldrich]

Oh, he's on the phone, Willie.

[Henry Aldrich]

Mother, is that Willie Marshall? Yes.

[Alice Aldrich]

He wants to see your father.

[Henry Aldrich]

Well, Mrs. Aldridge, I just as soon tell you. Listen, Willie, my mother's very busy. 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?

[Sam Aldrich]

You make me.

[Henry Aldrich]

Get your foot out of the door. I'm gonna tell your father. Gee whiz, Willy, look in back of you. Where? Right there. Hey, you. Goodbye, Willie. Mother. 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 it.

[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. Peckin.

[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, Father.

[Henry Aldrich]

You stay where you are. I'll fix it.

[Sam Aldrich]

Well, thank you, sir.

[Henry Aldrich]

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

[Narrator]

Henry Aldridge 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]

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.