Diary of Jimmie Mattern 36-05-25 061 Jimmie Meets Jack Clark. Pure Oil Contest Winner Announced

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "Diary of Jimmie Mattern 36-05-25 061 Jimmie Meets Jack Clark. Pure Oil Contest Winner Announced"

Introduction

In the "Diary of Jimmie Mattern" series, Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners to the Golden Age of Radio, chronicling the adventures of Jimmie Mattern, a renowned solo round-the-world flyer. In Episode 061, titled "Jimmie Meets Jack Clark. Pure Oil Contest Winner Announced," released on May 1, 2025, the narrative delves into Jimmie's preparations for his ambitious solo world flight amidst personal and financial challenges.

Planning the Solo World Flight

The episode opens with a flashback to two months following Jimmie's collaborative flight with Bennett Griffin. During this period, Jimmie attends numerous receptions and special events honoring the young aviators. As the excitement from the last flight begins to wane, Jimmie seizes the opportunity to embark on a solo world flight, driven by a desire to prove himself and capitalize on the momentum still surrounding his aviation endeavors.

Meeting Jack Clark

Determined to promote his solo venture, Jimmie travels east from Texas, making a strategic stop in Chicago. Here, he encounters Jack Clark, the public relations director of the Sherman Hotel. Their meeting proves pivotal for Jimmie's plans.

Notable Quote:

Jack Clark [02:06]: "I know a couple people here in town who might help finance the flight. Jimmy, Billy Mills and Harry Jamison. And I think you can almost count on them for something."

This collaboration marks the beginning of a significant partnership, with Jack committing to assist Jimmie in securing the necessary funds and publicity for the flight.

Rebuilding the Lockheed

Jimmie's previous aircraft, a Lockheed, was damaged during his flight with Griffin. Determined to continue his aviation pursuits, Jimmie faces the challenge of rebuilding the aircraft. Upon returning to Texas, he engages with Fred, his mechanic, to assess the damage and discuss the reconstruction process.

Notable Quote:

Jimmy Mattern [04:03]: "Yeah? Have you seen a picture of the crash, Fred?"

Fred expresses skepticism about the feasibility of the rebuild, highlighting the daunting task ahead. However, Jimmie's unwavering resolve ensures that the project moves forward despite the apparent obstacles.

Partnership with Ed Thurman

In a stroke of fortune, Jimmie meets Ed Thurman, an automobile agency owner with a passion for aviation. Ed offers invaluable support by providing access to additional resources, including fuselages and parts, on a leasing basis. This partnership alleviates some of the financial burdens and accelerates the rebuilding process.

Notable Quote:

Ed Thurman [05:09]: "But it's my hobby. I've got three or four fuselages that you might be interested in."

Ed's willingness to invest both time and resources underscores the collaborative spirit surrounding Jimmie's ambitious project.

Financial Challenges and Setbacks

As Jimmie's preparations progress, unforeseen financial hurdles emerge. President Roosevelt declares a bank holiday, causing nationwide financial uncertainty. This economic downturn severely impacts fundraising efforts, as potential investors become hesitant to commit funds amidst the instability.

Notable Quote:

Jack Clark [12:02]: "President Roosevelt has declared a bank holiday. Every bank in the country is closed. Nobody knows what's going to happen."

The bank closures derail initial financial plans, forcing Jimmie and his team to reassess their strategies for securing the remaining necessary funds before their target deadline.

Personal Struggles and Resilience

Amidst the professional challenges, Jimmie's personal life also faces strain. His mother expresses concern over his relentless pursuit of aviation, longing for more stability and communication from her often-absent son.

Notable Quote:

Mrs. Mattern [09:05]: "Sometimes I wish he was still a small boy."

Despite these familial tensions, Jimmie's dedication to his passion remains steadfast, highlighting the personal sacrifices inherent in his quest for aviation glory.

Conclusion

Episode 061 of "Diary of Jimmie Mattern" encapsulates the relentless pursuit of passion amidst adversity. Jimmie's interactions with Jack Clark and Ed Thurman exemplify the importance of networking and collaboration in overcoming obstacles. However, the economic downturn introduced by the bank holiday underscores the fragile nature of such ambitious projects, where external factors can significantly impact personal endeavors. As Jimmie navigates these challenges, his resilience and unwavering commitment to his solo world flight remain at the forefront, setting the stage for future episodes to explore whether he can surmount these hurdles and achieve his lofty aspirations.

Highlighted Quotes:

• Jimmy Mattern [02:19]: "I want everybody to think it's a dual flight. If it once gets out, I'm going to make a solo."
• Fred [03:35]: "I want to work with you. Sure."
• Ed Thurman [06:05]: "I'd like to help you. I'd like the privilege of being around here while you're getting ready."
• Jack Clark [12:31]: "We're going to have tough sailing now, Jimmy. Darn tough sailing."

This episode not only advances Jimmie's narrative but also provides a window into the era's societal and economic dynamics, enriching the listener's experience with both character development and historical context.

Transcript

[Narrator]

The diary of Jimmy Matton, the dramatized life of this famous round the world solo flyer. Contact, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Contact.

[Contest Announcer]

Beginning with this program and continuing throughout the week, the first 10 prize winners in Pure Oil's $10,000 contest will be announced. Also during this week, the Entire list of 260 prize winners will be posted at Pure oil stations throughout 32 states. The many thousands of entrants in Pure Oil's contest could tell those of you who may not have had an opportunity to enter that super salvinized motor fuels and the concentrated super salvinized treatment are best for your car because they give more power money, saving mileage, freedom from carbon troubles. And that's something no regular gasoline can do. Listen, at the end of this program for the winner of the first prize.

[Narrator]

For two months after his flight with Bennett Griffin, Jimmy was busy attending receptions and special events held held in honor of the young aviators. And then at last, he found himself free to plan his solo world flight. Although everyone was allowed to think that he'd try it again with Griffin. When the parts of his smashed Lockheed were on their way to New York from Russia, Jimmy started east from Texas and stopped in Chicago. Looking around for someone to help promote his flight. He met Jack Clark, who was public relations director of the Sherman Hotel. The outcome of this meeting will be told by Jimmy himself. And here he is, Jimmy Mattern, in person.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Thank you, Bob. Jack Clark was destined to be associated with me, not only for the world flight, but right up to the present time. The day he decided to join me, we were in the hotel coffee shop talking it over.

[Jack Clark]

I know a couple people here in town who might help finance the flight. Jimmy, Billy Mills and Harry Jamison. And I think you can almost count on them for something.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Swell. See what you can do, Jack.

[Jack Clark]

And you want the publicity to all sound like a dual flight?

[Jimmy Mattern]

I want everybody to think it's a dual flight. If it once gets out, I'm going to make a solo. Every flyer in the country will be trying to beat me around and it's going to be a long while before I can go.

[Jack Clark]

Why are you in such a hurry to make the flight again, Jimmy?

[Jimmy Mattern]

Well, both Griff and I feel like the other flight was a flop no matter what the public think about it. So I want another shot at it. And then if I'm ever going to try it again, now's the time. I can get some of the things now while the last flight is still hot that I couldn't get later on.

[Jack Clark]

Yeah, that's true. I don't want to rush you, Jimmy, but it's time you left if you're going to make that plane for New York today.

[Jimmy Mattern]

I know it. Come on out the airport with me, Jack. We can talk things over on the way.

[Jack Clark]

All right.

[Fred]

Well, Jimmy, how are ya? How are you?

[Jimmy Mattern]

Hey, I'm fine, Fred. Have they brought what's left of the Lockheed back?

[Fred]

I don't know, Jimmy. I was just going into the hangar now to look. It didn't come yesterday.

[Jimmy Mattern]

You mean to say you just got here yourself?

[Fred]

Sure. Oh, I know I generally get in early, Jimmy, but today I was talking to a guy and he made me late.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Well, look here. Do you want the job rebuilding the Lockheed?

[Fred]

I want to work with you. Sure.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Well, how much a week?

[Fred]

50. A week's about right. Jimmy.

[Jimmy Mattern]

What do you say I pay you 25 a week and owe you 25?

[Fred]

Well, it ain't the perfect arrangement for sure. I'll do it. This door's open in here, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Mattern]

This hanger's going to be all right. Good place to work. What's in those boxes over there?

[Fred]

I don't know. They wasn't here yesterday.

[Jimmy Mattern]

I'll bet it's the Lockheed, or they'll.

[Fred]

Send the Lockheed in big crates. Jimmy.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Yeah? Have you seen a picture of the crash, Fred?

[Fred]

No, I ain't seen a picture, but. Oh, my gosh.

[Jimmy Mattern]

See there? That's the ship, Fred.

[Fred]

And I'm to put that together. Well, it's just a pile of junk, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Mattern]

If you don't want to do it, say the word.

[Fred]

Well, somebody's got to, and it might as well be me. But it looks hopeless now, Jimmy. It sure does.

[Ed Thurman]

Well, Fred, here I am.

[Fred]

I'm glad you come over, Jimmy. This is Ed Thurman.

[Ed Thurman]

Glad to know you, matter.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Hello, Mr. Thurman.

[Fred]

This is the man I spent most of the morning talking to, Jimmy. He has an automobile agency here in town.

[Ed Thurman]

I understand you're planning another world flight.

[Jimmy Mattern]

We'll make it if we can rebuild a ship. Over there is what we have left of it.

[Ed Thurman]

Never saw anything that looked less like an airplane.

[Jimmy Mattern]

The first thing I've got to get is a fuselage.

[Ed Thurman]

What about that motor, Mr. Matter?

[Jimmy Mattern]

It's not badly damaged. Pratt and Whitney are gonna overhaul it for me. My landing gear will be all right, and there's a lot of stuff we can use.

[Ed Thurman]

I want to see you make the flat, Matter. And I wonder if I couldn't be of some help to you.

[Jimmy Mattern]

In what way?

[Ed Thurman]

I'm a licensed pilot myself. Don't do much flying.

[Contest Announcer]

Though.

[Ed Thurman]

But it's my hobby. I've got three or four fuselages that you might be interested in.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Sounds to me like you've had a lot of crack ups.

[Ed Thurman]

No, they're not mine. When some of the boys get into a smash, I buy what's left of their planes as an investment. Helps the boys out too.

[Jimmy Mattern]

I'll be glad to look over the fuse lodges. But you might as well know right now, Mr. Thurman, that I haven't money enough to buy one.

[Ed Thurman]

Well, who cares? I'll lease it to you. And I'll lease you any parts you need too good.

[Jimmy Mattern]

That's fine.

[Ed Thurman]

And I won't charge you anything for the use of them either. Only I'll keep the title to them. Where do you plan to get backing this trip matter?

[Jimmy Mattern]

A lot of the big companies are helping me assemble the parts, so I don't need a lot of money right now. I've got some money of my own. Between now and the 1st of April though, I will have to scare up about a thousand.

[Ed Thurman]

When will you take off?

[Jimmy Mattern]

Anytime. I can get ready after that.

[Ed Thurman]

Well, look, if I should give you a thousand.

[Jimmy Mattern]

You mean you're willing to invest?

[Ed Thurman]

I'd like to help you. I'd like the privilege of being around here while you're getting ready. Fun for me. I'll loan you a thousand if you'll sign a contract to get it back to me by April 1st.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Sounds all right to me.

[Ed Thurman]

Fine. I'll have my lawyer draw up the contract and bring you the money today. Glad to met you. Matter.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Same here. And thanks a lot. How's that for a break, Fred?

[Fred]

Oh, I knew he was interested the way he talked to me this morning.

[Jimmy Mattern]

I don't quite understand this volunteering. Always before I've had to hunt for finances.

[Fred]

Well, Jim, you made it once and you're kind of a hero. I guess he's the sort of a guy that wants to be pals with heroes. He'll probably get underfoot, but I guess we can stand that.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Stand it. Say for a thousand dollars, I'll welcome it. Come on, Fred, let's not waste any time. Let's uncrate the remains and see how much work there is to be done before I can get this ship into the.

[Fred]

She's ready to go, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Okay. Be right there, Fred.

[Ed Thurman]

How far did you say it was to San Angelo, Texas, Jimmy?

[Jimmy Mattern]

About 1700 miles, Mr. Thurman.

[Ed Thurman]

And you're going to make it nonstop?

[Jimmy Mattern]

Sure. It'll be a swell test for the ship and for me.

[Jack Clark]

Too.

[Jimmy Mattern]

I've got to get into shape for the flight. You know, down there I'm going to punch steers and go into training just as if I was pointing for a prize fight.

[Ed Thurman]

That's this stuff. Boy, it's no wonder you can do things. You don't go all half cocked. Now, when do you plan to get back? Today's March 3rd.

[Jimmy Mattern]

I'll be in Chicago the end of the month. Jack Parker's down San Angelo now waiting for me. But he's got a couple of men lined up in Chicago who may put in some money.

[Ed Thurman]

Well, you know, I may see you in Chicago, Jimmy. I've got to be there on business about that time. Where'll you be?

[Jimmy Mattern]

At the Sherman. Hope you can make it. Well, I'd better get underway. Thanks for your help, Mr. Thurman.

[Ed Thurman]

Forget it. I've had a picnic these last five months watching you and Fred get the thing built. Good luck to you on the flight.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Thanks. So long. Well, Fred, am I gonna have any trouble?

[Fred]

I sure doubter. Jimmy. Everything's perfect as far as I can see. Your instruments have all been checked by the companies who made them. And that motor. Boy, I know that motor's a hundred percent.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Okay, Fred. See you in a few weeks.

[Fred]

I'll be waiting for you, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Goodbye.

[Jack Clark]

Here he comes. Here to ship Mrs. Matters.

[Mrs. Mattern]

Oh, I see it. Oh, Jim only wasn't going to use it to cross that ocean again. I'd feel better about it. Sometimes I wish he was still a small boy.

[Jack Clark]

Yeah. What would you do if he were?

[Mrs. Mattern]

Well, I'd try to get him interested in something besides flying. Jack, for the last three years I haven't even known what country Jimmy was in half the time.

[Jack Clark]

Well, it's something to have a son who gets a reception every time he goes any place. If I were a mother, that's the kind of a son I'd like to have.

[Mrs. Mattern]

But, Jack, you're so far away from being a mother that it's even silly to talk about it. Here he comes.

[Fred]

Hello, Mom.

[Mrs. Mattern]

Oh, Jimmy. Oh, it's good to see you again. My, but you look tired.

[Jimmy Mattern]

I am. Hi, Jack.

[Jack Clark]

Oh, Jimmy. What's the matter? Something go wrong?

[Jimmy Mattern]

I'll tell you in the car. Let's get out of here.

[Narrator]

Hello, Jimmy.

[Fred]

Glad to be home?

[Jimmy Mattern]

Darn right I'm glad to be home. See you all later. How you been, Mom?

[Mrs. Mattern]

Oh, just fine. Jimmy, why don't you ever write?

[Jimmy Mattern]

I've been so busy I couldn't see straight for weeks. Well, Jack lined everything up.

[Jack Clark]

Sure it Looks fine. Your mother fixed it.

[Mrs. Mattern]

Oh, you mean about that thousand dollars you need, Jimmy? Jack and I talked to two or three men and they said they'd raise the money. They want to raise it right here in your hometown.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Good. That's a big relief. I don't suppose Thurman would press us, but we will owe him the thousand before April 1st.

[Jack Clark]

We're going to get it here, all right. What happened on the flight, Jim? I can tell that something went wrong.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Oh, just as I got over the Alleghenies, the hatch started to tear lo again.

[Mrs. Mattern]

The hatch? Oh, the door over your head that broke loose and spoiled your flight with Benny.

[Jimmy Mattern]

The same thing.

[Mrs. Mattern]

Oh, goodness. I should think they'd make hatches that stayed on.

[Jimmy Mattern]

I don't know why it should happen to me twice. It's a freak accident.

[Jack Clark]

So you had to land somewhere, Jimmy, I did not.

[Jimmy Mattern]

You think I wanted the papers headlining matter no match for hatch. They'd make a gag out of it.

[Jack Clark]

But what did you do?

[Jimmy Mattern]

I took off my belt and fastened the hatch down with it. And then I put the belt under my arm. I had to fly all the way here harnessed up like that to keep the blamed thing from blowing off again.

[Jack Clark]

Well, no wonder you look tired. That must have been awful.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Oh, well, let's forget it. Are we going out to Mr. Henderson's ranch?

[Jack Clark]

Sure we are. He says he's got a bunch of yearlings that are just waiting for you to rope and brand.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Good. That'll put me in shape.

[Mrs. Mattern]

Oh, but Jimmy, I thought you were coming to visit me.

[Jimmy Mattern]

We're taking you to the ranch with us, Mom. Maybe you'd like to rope a steer.

[Mrs. Mattern]

Me? Rope a steer? Why, Jimmy, I can't even steer a rope.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Hurry up, Jack. We're eating breakfast.

[Jack Clark]

Morning, Mrs. Mattern.

[Mrs. Mattern]

Good morning, Jack. We waited as long as we could for you.

[Jack Clark]

I was telephoning see the paper this morning, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Mattern]

No.

[Jack Clark]

It's got that story about the steer chasing you across the state of Texas.

[Jimmy Mattern]

Has it? I'll look at it later.

[Jack Clark]

Yeah, it's got another story, too.

[Jimmy Mattern]

What? Say, what's wrong now? Is somebody taking off on a world flight?

[Jack Clark]

No, but the banks have closed.

[Mrs. Mattern]

The banks closed?

[Jimmy Mattern]

What do you mean? Jack?

[Jack Clark]

President Roosevelt has declared a bank holiday. Every bank in the country is close. Nobody knows what's going to happen.

[Mrs. Mattern]

But they've got to reopen. They can't just close and take your money.

[Jack Clark]

No. But don't you see what this is going to do to us, Mrs. Matter? It means that even when the banks reopen, Businessmen are going to be afraid to take any risks. Now. We're going to have an awful time raising the money for Jimmy's flight.

[Mrs. Mattern]

I don't believe it for a minute. I'll just call up those gentlemen who said they'd raise the money. And I'm sure that's what I thought.

[Jack Clark]

Too, Mrs. Mattern, until I called them.

[Jimmy Mattern]

You mean they've backed out?

[Jack Clark]

I mean they're just as panicky as the next one. They aren't going to put money in a flight when they don't know if they're going to have any money. We're going to have tough sailing now, Jimmy. Darn tough sailing.

[Contest Announcer]

And here is the name of the winner of the first prize in Pure Oils $10,000 contest. Edward L. Pryor of York, Pennsylvania. Congratulations, Mr. Pryor. You will be officially notified by registered letter within a few days. And your name as well as the name of the other 259 prize winners will be posted at all Pure Oil stations.

[Ping Ping]

Did I win a watch, Mr. Brownie?

[Contest Announcer]

Does it seem very likely that Pure Oil would give a prize to you, Ping Ping?

[Ping Ping]

Well, I don't do no harms to motors, Mr. Brownie. I'm just a little noise what lets you know my Uncle Dan Carbon is in the motor so you can conquer him.

[Contest Announcer]

Ah, but what you don't know is this, Ping Ping. Many motors are suffering from poor compression. That means slow starting and loss of power before your gentle Ping Ping warns the owner of the presence of carbon.

[Ping Ping]

But you can't do nothing about them motors until I start ping pinging in them, Mr. Brownie.

[Contest Announcer]

Oh yes we can. Ping Ping. Any motorist who feels he isn't getting the full power that was built into his engine need only drive to a pure oil station and ask for a free compression test.

[Ed Thurman]

You can't get rid of old dirty Dan with no compression test, smart guy.

[Contest Announcer]

Right you are, Dirty Dan. But motorists can find out if they're getting equal compression from all the cylinders. If they're not, that means that you, Dirty Dan Carbon, are sticking on the valves and pistons.

[Ping Ping]

Oh gee. Here comes that darned old concentrated super solvenized treat.

[Contest Announcer]

Go to the head of the class. Ping Ping. A super solvenized treatment is guaranteed to conquer carbon immediately. Drive in where you see the pure seal sign and say, give my motor a compression test. There's no cost or obligation, but drive safely and be sure Whip pure.

[Jack Clark]

It.