Harold's Old Time Radio: "Dinner Bell Roundup Time" – January 7, 1948 (Aired October 24, 2025)

Main Theme:
A nostalgic return to radio’s Golden Age, "Dinner Bell Roundup Time" delivers a variety of live country performances, lighthearted banter, and slice-of-life comic moments, all wrapped in the close-knit, friendly feel of a 1940s radio family. The episode features performances by Wesley Tuttle, Eddie Kirk, Biddy Liebert, Country Hensley, Herman the Hermit, and Judy Hayden (standing in for Tex Atchison), alongside host Cliffie Stone.

Episode Overview

This hour-long broadcast from January 7, 1948, blends toe-tapping western tunes, gospel numbers, comedic exchanges, and old-fashioned advertisements. Set against the backdrop of post-war America, the episode highlights the importance of community, health, music, and finding joy in everyday life.

Key Discussion Points and Segment Highlights

1. Warm Welcome and Introductions

• Host Cliffie Stone greets listeners with characteristic warmth and old-timey charm.
• Judy Hayden is introduced as a guest performer, filling in for an ailing Tex Atchison.
• The cast includes favorites like Wesley Tuttle, Eddie Kirk, Biddy Liebert, Country Hensley, Herman the Hermit—offering a rich mix of musical and comedic talents.
• Notable Quote:

  “Howdy out there, friends and neighbors… We hope you’re ready for some easy listen because we think we’ve got what you want.” (03:22, Cliffie Stone)

2. Opening Performance: "Sugar Hill"

• The show kicks off with a rousing rendition of the folk standard "Sugar Hill."
• The group encourages audience participation with lively, communal singing and rustic humor.

3. Public Service Moment: Alcoholism Awareness

• Between songs, the show takes a responsible turn, urging listeners to seek help for alcoholism and providing resources.
• Notable Quote:

  “To fully understand alcoholism and how to combat it, let me urge you to request a copy of… 'Freedom From Destructive Drinking'…" (05:55, Cliffie Stone)

4. Featured Song: "Teardrops in My Heart" by Judy Hayden

• Judy Hayden performs a heartfelt ballad, dedicating it to Tex Atchison.
• Notable Quote:

  “I sure could. And I will dedicate this to Texan because I’m very sorry she’s ill.” (08:19, Judy Hayden)

5. Advertisement/Announcement Segments

• The cast delivers 1940s-style commercials and news reads for everything from furniture sales to hockey games—never missing a beat with playful banter.
• Example:

  “If you don’t have any furniture to sit on, that’s going to get kind of monotonous. I think we can…” (28:55, Cliffie Stone)

6. "A Penny For Your Thoughts" by Wesley Tuttle

• Wesley Tuttle delivers a sentimental tune, demonstrating the caliber of western crooning that made the show a favorite.
• Notable Moment:

  “I think Jenny Lou Carson’s best tune of the year was… Let’s do ‘A Penny For Your Thoughts’ this morning.” (27:17, Wesley Tuttle)

7. Musical Variety: Duets & Novelty Songs

• Eddie Kirk sings “Little White House With You Inside”—a hopeful, newlywed-themed piece.
• Judy and Eddie Kirk duet on “When You Cry, You Cry Alone” (A message about optimism).
• Herman the Hermit offers a cheerful banjo feature, “Grandma’s Waltz.”
• Gospel segment: Spirited, harmonized version of “Get On Board, Little Children.”
• Notable Quote:

  “There you go—could you kind of work a song in…between rings?”
  – “I sure could.” (10:12, Cliffie Stone & Judy Hayden)

8. Comical Bits & Banter

• Cliffie Stone and Harold Hensley engage in a running gag about Harold’s reluctance to sing, including a teasing exchange about yodeling.
• Notable Quote:

  “Harold, for three days we’ve been building you up as the new find, the new singer here on the Dinner Bell program and you keep coming in without…without a song.” (33:24, Cliffie Stone)

9. Community Happenings & Dance Announcements

• Regular plugs for regional dance events, with encouragement to join gatherings at local halls and barn dances—emphasizing the show’s role in fostering local community spirit.
• “If you want to wear a smile instead of a frown, then don’t miss the big county barn dances every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night…" (21:30, Foreman Phillips)

10. Comic/Topical Song: "Daughter of Jolie Blonde"

• The group delivers a playful take on a Cajun standard, with added new verses and comedic asides.
• Notable Moment:

  “She’s the daughter of Jolie Blonde. But she’s got more to offer than her mom. She’s just sweet sixteen, long and lean—she calls me her jellybean.” (57:10, Cliffie Stone & cast)

11. "Feudin’ and Fightin’" by Judy Hayden

• A spirited musical number full of folksy humor and energy, highlighting Judy’s versatility and engaging stage presence.
• Notable Quote:

  “Sometimes it gets to be excitin' / I don’t like them ornery neighbors down by the creek / Will be plumb out of neighbors next week.” (58:50, Judy Hayden)

12. Closing Performances & Finale

• Instrumental features: “Arkansas Traveler” by Harold Hensley and “Yankee Doodle” by Carl Saunders.
• The show closes with a gentle, heartfelt thank-you to listeners and an invitation to tune in again.
• Notable Closing Quote:

  “We hope you’ve sincerely enjoyed Dinner Bell Roundup just half as much as we enjoy doing it every day. This is our day’s work and we take pride in doing the best we can while we’re with you.” (01:10:30, Cliffie Stone)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Judy, you look just as fresh as a nice, fresh head of cabbage. Well, there’s nothing better than fresh head of cabbage, is there? Lettuce would be a little bit lettuce.” (09:30, Cliffie Stone and Judy Hayden)
• “I wasn’t very close to you; I was all of 200 feet over your house. Yeah, I know…” (16:20, Eddie Kirk & Cliffie Stone)
• “You better rest after that one. That last note—you should see her eyes light up!” (01:00:15, Cliffie Stone to Judy Hayden)
• “No, I made it on my own power…Billy came in and just sat and stared straight ahead for 20 minutes this morning.” (01:02:00, Cliffie Stone & Billy)

Important Timestamps

• 03:22: Cliffie Stone’s opening greetings and lineup
• 06:55: Alcoholism public service announcement
• 08:19: Judy Hayden dedicates “Teardrops in My Heart”
• 16:20: Eddie Kirk airplane story and musical intro
• 21:30: Community dance announcement from Foreman Phillips
• 27:17: Wesley Tuttle sings “A Penny for Your Thoughts”
• 33:24: Cliffie and Harold Hensley’s comic singer bit
• 57:10: Comic “Daughter of Jolie Blonde” performance
• 58:50: Judy Hayden sings “Feudin’ and Fightin’”
• 01:10:30: Cliffie Stone’s closing remarks

Tone and Style

The show’s tone is friendly, wholesome, and peppered with quick-witted humor, gentle teasing between cast members, and a sincere sense of community. Segues between music, conversation, and announcements maintain a playful, conversational flow – making for effortlessly engaging listening.

Summary

This "Dinner Bell Roundup Time" episode is a delightful time capsule, mixing down-home music with genuine camaraderie and era-specific advertisements. For fans of vintage radio or lovers of American roots music, it's a charming journey filled with laughter, heart, and the inviting sound of simpler times.