Down Our Way, Episode 17: Stopping a Farm Auction

Harold’s Old Time Radio
Airdate: December 9, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of "Down Our Way," presented by Harold’s Old Time Radio, tells a story of compassion and community spirit set in a small rural town. The focus is on the town’s effort to prevent the Ingalls family from losing their farm to an auction due to illness and financial hardship. Through music, quick thinking, and neighborly action, the town comes together to save a family home, illustrating the warmth, generosity, and problem-solving characteristic of Golden Age radio dramas.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Ingalls Family's Crisis (00:45 – 03:29)

• Marian, the schoolteacher, seeks advice from Eli Jenkins after noticing her student, Becky Ingalls, crying about an impending auction at her family’s farm.
• Eli and Marian discuss the broader issue: Saul Ingalls has been too sick to work. The family faces losing their entire farm to pay bills.
• Notable quote:
  • "Oh, but gosh, they gotta live. What’ll they do without no home? And old Sol Ingalls, he don't know nothing but farming." – Eli Jenkins (02:18)

2. Bringing the Community Together (03:29 – 05:20)

• Eli decides to gather the singing group for their regular practice but with a secret plan to help the Ingalls.
• The group’s camaraderie is light-hearted, marked by local humor about gossip, ailments, and music.
  • "You're in a mighty nasty mood tonight, Ben Potts. Must be your rheumatism acting up again." – Eli Jenkins (04:27)
• The group prepares and performs their first song, set to buoy both their spirits and, soon, their neighbors’.

3. Disrupting the Auction—With a Song (07:57 – 19:06)

• Eli reveals his plan: Instead of letting the auction proceed, the group will perform music right at the auction site to distract and gather the community.
• They drive to the auction, bringing their organ and enthusiasm.
• Notable moments and banter:
  • "If we can't buy anything, why go to an auction?" – Doubting neighbor (10:13)
  • "Patience, you heard about what happened to cats that got curiosity. And you ain't got nine lives to work on, so you just better relax..." – Eli Jenkins (10:24)
• The group sings "Camptown Races" and other community favorites, gradually drawing attention away from the auctioneer.

4. Becky’s Song and the Emotional Turning Point (20:02 – 22:39)

• Eli invites little Becky Ingalls to sing for the crowd:
  • "Why, it's Becky Ingle." – Marian (20:02)
  • Becky sings a heartwarming song learned in Sunday school. The community is moved by her innocence and the family's plight.
• Eli gently asks Becky about her feelings:
  • "Do you want to [leave the farm]?" Eli Jenkins (22:05)
  • "I never want to leave the farm." – Becky (22:09)

5. The Solution: A Spontaneous Collection (23:00 – 24:55)

• Eli proposes an impromptu fundraiser: Instead of bidding, the townspeople put money or pledges in a hat.
  • "As for me, I don't think I need a hundred dollars as bad as Saul does. So I'm puttin’ it in my hat." – Eli Jenkins (23:20)
  • Others quickly follow, and the hat gets passed through the crowd.
• The auction is quietly halted, with the community demonstrating their support in dollars rather than bids.

6. Reflections & Closing Harmony (25:02 – 27:20)

• Community sings "When Love Shines In" together, capturing the spirit of collective generosity.
• The townsfolk reflect:
  • "It didn’t mean much money to any of us, and yet it means a whole new life to them." – Marian (27:07)
  • "Don’t thank me. Just thank the good Lord we had it to give." – Eli Jenkins (27:25)
• Closing message: The narrator underscores the recurring themes of community, leadership, and kindness prevalent "down our way."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Eli Jenkins on Small Town Neighbors:
  "Down our way everybody knows everybody else. We're all neighbors." (01:40)
• Eli Inspiring Community Action:
  "So it’s us up to us to keep that from happening." (09:11)
• The Power of a Simple Act:
  "A few hundred dollars can mean all the difference in the world to Saul Ingalls right now." (24:00)
• Final Reflection:
  "It will mean the difference between waking up with hope in the morning instead of despair." (27:07)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Main story setup & tension: 00:45 – 03:29
• Gathering the group & first song: 03:29 – 07:57
• At the auction site, musical distraction begins: 12:08 – 16:46
• Becky’s solo performance: 20:02 – 21:47
• Eli’s collection plan unveiled: 23:00 – 24:55
• Community sings together & reflections: 25:02 – end

Tone & Style

Warm, homespun, often light-hearted yet deeply sincere with an emphasis on old-fashioned neighborliness, laced with gentle humor and folksy wisdom. Music and singing are integral, both to the community depicted and to the storytelling format.

Summary

Episode 17 of "Down Our Way" captures the heart of classic radio storytelling: faced with losing their home, the Ingalls family’s crisis draws their tight-knit community into action. Through Eli Jenkins' leadership, a singing group, and creative thinking, the town not only halts a devastating auction but rallies hope for everyone. This memorable episode is a testament to community, care, and the enduring spirit of mutual support.