Death Valley Days 19xx-xx-xx The Oldest Law

Summary

Podcast Summary: Death Valley Days 19xx-xx-xx The Oldest Law

Podcast Information

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Death Valley Days 19xx-xx-xx The Oldest Law
• Release Date: June 13, 2025
• Description: Relive the Golden Age of Radio with timeless Western tales. Gather around as Harold narrates gripping stories from the era before television, featuring iconic shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, and Dragnet.

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Death Valley Days 19xx-xx-xx The Oldest Law", listeners are transported to the rugged landscapes of Helena, a Texas town plagued by corruption and lawlessness. This installment delves deep into the struggle between moral integrity and entrenched corruption, epitomized by the clash between Colonel William Butler and Mayor Ackerson.

Setting the Scene

The narrative unfolds in Helena, described by the narrator as a "drunken, brawling town overrun with thieves, killers, and outcasts" (00:42). Set over 80 years ago, Helena is depicted as a community teetering on the brink of self-destruction due to pervasive corruption and violence. The town’s struggle is further emphasized through dialogue that highlights its deteriorating state and the imminent threat it faces.

Characters and Conflict

Colonel William Butler emerges as the embodiment of justice and moral fortitude. Determined to restore order, Butler confronts the corrupt Mayor Ackerson, who has been complicit in the town's decline by accepting protection money and turning a blind eye to criminal activities.

Mayor Ackerson represents the entrenched corruption in Helena. He is depicted as a pragmatic yet morally bankrupt leader who prioritizes financial gain over the town's well-being. His interactions reveal a man aware of the town's rot but unwilling to take meaningful action against it.

Elma, the town store owner, provides a grounded perspective on the town's troubles, expressing frustration over ongoing crimes and the lack of effective responses from the authorities.

Rising Tensions

The tension escalates as Butler challenges Ackerson's authority and the town's acceptance of corruption. A pivotal moment occurs when Colonel Butler proposes a deal to Mayor Ackerson, offering land to the railroad to reroute the tracks away from Helena. This act is symbolic of Butler's attempt to undermine Ackerson's control and bring prosperity to the community through legitimate means.

At 17:29, Colonel Butler declares:

"Oh, just trying to make my small contribution to the decency of the world."

This quote encapsulates Butler's motivation and his commitment to restoring honor and decency to Helena.

Climactic Confrontation

The climax builds as Mayor Ackerson refuses Butler's offer, leading to a heated confrontation. The tension reaches its peak when Butler publicly challenges Ackerson, accusing him of cowardice and corruption. The altercation is intense, culminating in Butler threatening to expose Ackerson's misdeeds, thereby undermining his authority.

At 20:34, Mayor Ackerson retorts:

"Well, that's just like you, Butler. First you cripple a man, then challenge him to a fight."

This exchange highlights the personal animosity and the deep-seated conflict between the two characters.

Resolution and Aftermath

In the resolution, Butler stands firm against Ackerson’s intimidation. The town's dynamics shift as Butler's unwavering stance inspires others to reconsider their complacency. The narrative concludes with Butler effectively dismantling the corrupt regime, leading to the establishment of new, more honorable towns like Kennedy and Karn City.

The narrator closes with:

"And so Colonel William Butler, true to his promise, killed the town of Helena, Texas within a year. The rails were laid along the new route, giving birth to the towns of Kennedy and Karn City. The true death blow came when the courthouse was transferred to Karn City next week. Another true story from Western history." (22:48)

Key Themes and Insights

1. Corruption vs. Integrity: The central theme revolves around the battle between corrupt leadership and righteous individuals striving for justice.
2. Community and Responsibility: The episode underscores the importance of collective responsibility in overcoming societal decay.
3. Sacrifice and Moral Fortitude: Colonel Butler's character exemplifies personal sacrifice and unwavering moral standards in the face of adversity.

Notable Quotes

• Teen Advocate:
  "Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they are. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems." (00:00)

• Narrator:
  "Helena was a drunken, brawling town overrun with thieves, killers and outcasts. Most people believed Helena would soon die of its own corruption. But one man wouldn't wait for that. He believed in taking an eye for an eye. And he dealt in accordance with the oldest law." (00:42)

• Colonel William Butler:
  "Oh, just trying to make my small contribution to the decency of the world." (17:13)

• Mayor Ackerson:
  "Well, that's just like you, Butler. First you cripple a man, then challenge him to a fight." (20:34)

• Narrator:
  "And so Colonel William Butler, true to his promise, killed the town of Helena, Texas within a year... Another true story from Western history." (22:48)

Conclusion

"Death Valley Days 19xx-xx-xx The Oldest Law" is a compelling portrayal of the eternal struggle between good and evil within a community. Through the dynamic characters of Colonel Butler and Mayor Ackerson, the episode explores themes of integrity, corruption, and the power of individual action in driving societal change. Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully brings this Western tale to life, offering listeners a rich and engaging experience reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they are. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookoreegoids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Colonel William Butler]

Death Valley Days, where Western history comes alive.

[Narrator]

The place was a little Texas town called Helena. The time, just over 80 years ago. Helena was a drunken, brawling town overrun with thieves, killers and outcasts. Most people believed Helena would soon die of its own corruption. But one man wouldn't wait for that. He believed in taking an eye for an eye. And he dealt in accordance with the oldest law.

[Elma]

Town.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Oh, n. Elma, honey, isn't every day the railroad comes through town. It calls for a little celebration.

[Elma]

My store window just got broke, that's what did.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Now, you buy a new piece of glass and stick it in there.

[Elma]

They're not going to do anything.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Ah, these folks live here, too, you know.

[Elma]

They hide out here when they're not robbing banks, they're killing people.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Oh, now, Elma, it ain't fitting for me to ask them what they do. They bring a lot of money into this place and nobody in this town ever turned any of that.

[Colonel William Butler]

This place never changes, does it?

[Mayor Ackerson]

Oh, it won't. Somebody with a little physic pride burns.

[Colonel William Butler]

The whole town down or hangs a mayor. Colonel Butler, Mr. Chimalay, have you ever seen anything like this before? No, I can't say I have. But just what do you people expect? What do you mean by that? I suppose he means he's gonna keep on being like this until you people get the guts to stand up for yourselves. Colonel Butler, did you hear what he said to me? I did, and I agree with him 100%. Sure, it's easy for you to talk. You don't have to live here. But I have to trade here. And the only difference is I'm not scared of Ackerson, and you are. Colonel Butler, I don't think you understand what's happening to Helena.

[Mayor Ackerson]

I do, indeed. You?

[Colonel William Butler]

The rest of this town never lifted a finger when he opened it up. He liked the money these outlaws brought in. But you didn't count on the violence it would buy.

[Mayor Ackerson]

We didn't know.

[Colonel William Butler]

Well, you Know it. Now what are you gonna do about it?

[Mayor Ackerson]

Hey, hey.

[Colonel William Butler]

The railroad's calm down here.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Welcome to the celebration, Colonel. Get out of my way, Mudlas. That's no way to talk to the mayor.

[Colonel William Butler]

You may have the rest of this town buffaloed. Atkerson. Me and my son don't take orders from you.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Don't push too hard, Mayor.

[Colonel William Butler]

Mr. Mayor.

[Mayor Ackerson]

What do you want, boy?

[Colonel William Butler]

We're trying to hold choir practice and there's been so much noise.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Well, then I suggest you sing just a mite louder. You see, Butler, it's my town. I don't bully people. I. I just made suggestions.

[Colonel William Butler]

Let's go, son. I'll have the trace leather ready in the boot, Colonel. Maybe longer on the wheel. What's your Bly kid say? Things seem to be getting kind of rough around town. Every week two or three more outlaws or gunfighters arrive, Colonel. Anybody inclined to do anything about it? There's too many of them to do much. Joe Sims tried two weeks ago. He told Ackerson he was through paying protection money. He's dead. Now I've got a wife and daughter. Maybe between us we could do something. Like what, Son, you can't change people. I'm really ready for change. Maybe we could talk to people, form a vigilante committee, have meetings. Who'd Me?

[Mayor Ackerson]

You?

[Narrator]

Me?

[Colonel William Butler]

No. Maybe I can do something. I'll call Ackerson out in the street and show him up for what he is. Emmett, you remember what I told you on your 14th birthday? Yes, sir. You said that you'd never give me any advice I didn't ask for. Yep. Well, sir, what do you think? Should I call him out? Nope. Because it's hot headed and stupid. Yep, you're right. I just thought it'd be a good idea at the time. It was a good idea, boy. And I'd have been disappointed if you hadn't thought of it. Hearing that, Perry Hansen over there. Yeah? He doesn't know anything about that kind of a fight. That's Ackerson's new idea of entertainment around here. All arguments settle with a pocket knife. You mean they just cut each other up? Fight. It's a slaughter.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Now you wait a minute, youngster. That's a fire fight.

[Colonel William Butler]

He's a friend of mine.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Taking his side.

[Colonel William Butler]

You call it whatever you want.

[Mayor Ackerson]

All right, boy, you take his side. You're gonna have to fight his fight. Like I said, boy, it's my town. Jeb, you get that rope off of him.

[Colonel William Butler]

I thought of that.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Just what are you trying to Do? Oh, just trying to make my small.

[Colonel William Butler]

Contribution to the decency. See the world.

[Mayor Ackerson]

That'll be all. Now you hold it, colonel. You stay out of this, Butler.

[Colonel William Butler]

I didn't hear anybody ask my boy if he wanted to fight like a roped up calf.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Your boy butlered in.

[Colonel William Butler]

You gonna let him get away with that? Ain't you gonna do something? Yeah.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Butler, I told you to stay out of this. They're gonna finish this fight, colonel. Nope. But it does what you just did and gets away with it.

[Colonel William Butler]

Mayor, you and your thieving friends think you've got everybody buffaloed around here. But I know what you are and I'll call you for it. In front of everybody. You're a coward and low as a snake's belly. Come on, son.

[Mayor Ackerson]

I'm broken. I think I know a way to start breaking in. All right, get out of here. Go on. Get off the streets. Go on.

[Colonel William Butler]

Sorry for jumping in on you back there, Emmett. Maybe you could handle it. But then. Oh, listen, Paul. I was in over my head. Well, you made a stand. Proud of you for that. Thanks, Paul. Let's sure don't waste any time.

[Mayor Ackerson]

That's progress, son.

[Colonel William Butler]

See? A.

[Mayor Ackerson]

But you can bet we will.

[Colonel William Butler]

Well, he's had a week to cool down. Maybe he'll stick to collecting bribes and leave you alone. Not a chance. Too many people saw me backing down.

[Mayor Ackerson]

You hear me? Funny.

[Colonel William Butler]

You got something to say, you better say it now.

[Mayor Ackerson]

I got nothing to say except.

[Colonel William Butler]

Hold on. Come out. You gotta talk her. You. You Ackerson. If you had anything to do with this. Bye, Evans. Kidding.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Elma.

[Elma]

Morning, colonel.

[Colonel William Butler]

Will you help me?

[Elma]

I gotta live here.

[Colonel William Butler]

That ain't no answer, Elmo.

[Elma]

You fight him, colonel. Try to change things. You don't last long. This store ain't much. That's all I got.

[Colonel William Butler]

Took me three years to get my church built. I got 55 people coming to church every Sunday. Is that the one, dad? Safe across the street. Parson, I have to think of those 55 people. They're my church, my concern. Did you ever wonder why Emmett and I quit coming to your church? Yes, Carolyn, I did. For the same reason nobody would have listened to David if he'd have thrown down his rock and run from Goliath. Colonel, I could get into serious trouble if I'm even sink talking to you.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Emily, you're a pitiful excuse for a man. Sure.

[Colonel William Butler]

Good. Sure, I know how it is. If anyone had help, I would. You'd have his men after my wife and kid. I know he would, colonel.

[Mayor Ackerson]

See You a minute?

[Colonel William Butler]

What's this signature business all about?

[Elma]

Oh, that. That don't mean anything, Colonel. A few months ago, we had to send a petition to the railroad to get him to come.

[Colonel William Butler]

Thank you, Emma. Thank you. Well, we always welcome local interest in the railroad, Colonel Butler. I want you to be quite proud. I don't live here, Mr. Dixon. I'm rancher. Oh. Well, then it should mean more to you. Yes, your stock will get to market much quicker.

[Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund, we.

[Nicole Byer]

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, every home.

[Colonel William Butler]

I understand the town, fishing, the railroad. Is that right?

[Mayor Ackerson]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel William Butler]

Is that why you decided to run the tracks through here? One of the reasons. Meaning that you could have planned them someplace else. Colonel, I'm not sure I understand. Well, just what is the stance of the railroad laying those tracks someplace else? Why not? As a matter of fact, our surveyors are starting to check the right of ways in two days. Mr. Dixon, how much does the railroad paying for that right of way? Now, Colonel, we don't discuss. I can guess. 10, $15,000, maybe. Well, certainly, land values go up when and the railroad lays out a big chunk of money. Of course, we pay money for the land we lay our tracks on. Let's suppose you didn't have to. Let's just suppose that your railroad didn't have to pay $0.01 for that. Right away, sir. If you are suggesting some kind of illegal scheme. No, sir, I'm not. I'm on one of the biggest ranches in Texas, just west of town. I'll give you that land free. No strings. No obligations. Why, Colonel Butler? Well, now, let's just say it for personal reasons. I'm sorry, sir, but I told you our plans are needed. Chief's offices in Helena. The tracks will be here too. And how about you, Mr. Dixon? How about me? Will you spend 10 years selling tickets, reading timetables forgotten in a hot, dirty Texas town? How often does a man have the chance to save his employer $15,000? How will that affect your future? Mr. Dixon, you do have a point. I'm well aware of that. I could send a telegram. Although after all this time, I'm finding out. Give it a try.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Colonel Butler.

[Colonel William Butler]

Why, good afternoon, Mr. Mayor.

[Mayor Ackerson]

You can't do it.

[Colonel William Butler]

I really don't know what you're talking about.

[Mayor Ackerson]

I'm talking about you offering your land free of the railroad.

[Colonel William Butler]

That's interesting. So you own the mine at the telegraph office too, huh? Never thought of that.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Just what are you trying to do?

[Colonel William Butler]

Oh, just trying to make my small contribution to the decency of the world.

[Mayor Ackerson]

What? Butler, this town needs that railroad.

[Colonel William Butler]

And you need this down. Because without it, you're nothing.

[Mayor Ackerson]

I'm not about to let you do it.

[Colonel William Butler]

What? If you'd move back to your right a little bit? Mary, the sun's getting in my eyes. Yes, sir. The railroad's gonna pass this town right on by. People are gonna move out, outlaws are gonna find a new place to hide. And you're gonna be a king without a kingdom. Aren't you? Mr. Ackerson?

[Mayor Ackerson]

Little something I made for you.

[Colonel William Butler]

A grave marker that you can carry in your pocket. Good day, Mr. Mayor.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Telegram is due from the railroad almost any minute now. If they accept the offer of the Colonel's land, well, you live here. You decide what ought to be done about it. Just remember, it's your town. And there's a man here trying to kill it. Trying to hurt every one of you. He's got no call to do it.

[Colonel William Butler]

I don't like the feel of this, Caroline. Your life's in danger. My son was my life, Mr. Dixon. I have nothing more to lose.

[Mayor Ackerson]

My son. Give me that telegram, you hear, boy? You hear me? Funny. Took him up on it. The railroad ain't coming through here. Let's go. Town. You do what you feel like to.

[Colonel William Butler]

There ain't no sneaking out of this one, colonel.

[Mayor Ackerson]

All right, boys, go on.

[Colonel William Butler]

Go on.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Give him what he deserves.

[Colonel William Butler]

Let's see you try running scared, Butler. See you tried dodging a few bullets. Well, Mr. Mayor, it looks like you're in trouble. I'll let you see how good you are without all your friends to back you up.

[Mayor Ackerson]

Well, that's just like you, Butler. First you cripple a man, then challenge him to a fight.

[Colonel William Butler]

All right, we'll do it your way with pocket knives. That way your hurt arm will be tied up. Martin, get some rope.

[Mayor Ackerson]

I'll fight you, Boylan. Hood arm and all. And I'll take you.

[Colonel William Butler]

Get out. Ackerson. I'm going to ask you just once. Who killed my son?

[Mayor Ackerson]

He did.

[Elma]

Just try me.

[Mayor Ackerson]

This is a man that you've all been scared of. Now take a good look at him. Judge for yourself.

[Colonel William Butler]

Arty. Where you going?

[Mayor Ackerson]

Elma.

[Elma]

Dead. I'm leaving.

[Colonel William Butler]

Wedges of sin, Mr. Mayor.

[Narrator]

And so Colonel William Butler, true to his promise, killed the town of Helena, Texas within a year. The rails were laid along the new route, giving birth to the towns of Kennedy and Karn City. The true death blow came when the courthouse was transferred to Karn City next week. Another true story from Western history.

[Elma]

It.

[Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer. 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 Ooh, ears. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior. Wayfair Every style, every home.