Gene Autry 52-11-15 John Loves Martha First Song - The Bells Are Ringing

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio Episode: Gene Autry 52-11-15 John Loves Martha First Song - The Bells Are Ringing
Release Date: August 6, 2025

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Introduction to Melody Ranch

The episode opens with Johnny Bond and Gene Autry warmly welcoming listeners to another engaging installment of Melody Ranch. Gene introduces the ensemble cast, which includes Pat Buttram, Johnny Bond, the Cass County Boys, and Carl Cotner's Melody Ranch Orchestra, alongside Charlie Lyon. This introduction sets the stage for a nostalgic journey back to the Golden Age of Radio, emphasizing the camaraderie and talent that define the show.

Musical Highlights

Throughout the episode, several musical performances capture the essence of the era:

1. "The Bells Are Ringing"

   • Johnny Bond delivers a heartfelt rendition of the song, setting a romantic and uplifting tone.
   • Quote: "The bells are ringing for me and my gals..." [01:31]

2. "Take Me in Your Arms"

   • A soulful performance by Johnny Bond, accompanied by Gene Autry's smooth interjections.
   • Quote: "Take me in your arms and hold me like I've been holding you in my heart." [03:44]

3. "Ezekiel Saw the Wheel Turning"

   • Pat Buttram leads the choir in this spirited and uplifting number, infusing the show with energy and passion.
   • Quote: "Ezekiel saw the wheel turning way up in the middle of the air..." [08:15]

4. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"

   • Johnny Bond charms listeners with a festive and joyful rendition, evoking the warmth of the holiday season.
   • Quote: "When the jolly old man with his bag of toys and his beard of snowy white stops at your house to make your Christmas bright..." [12:07]

Main Storyline: The Wilson Family Legacy

A significant portion of the episode delves into a poignant narrative surrounding the Wilson family, seamlessly intertwined with the musical performances.

The Mystery Carving

• Timothy Wilson discovers a heartfelt inscription carved into an old oak tree: "John loves Martha, 19 and 15."

  • Quote: "Inside the heart it says, John loves Martha, 19 and 15." [13:54]

• Gene Autry begins to unravel the story behind the carving, sharing insights and anecdotes that shed light on the family's history.

  • Quote: "Two kids in love, making a vow that someday they'd return to that very same tree." [15:04]

Confronting Loneliness

• Mrs. Wilson expresses her profound loneliness and longing for her son, Timothy Wilson, who left home five years prior.

  • Quote: "I have a son, Mr. Autry. A son that means more to me than anything else in the whole world." [18:43]

• Gene Autry engages in a heartfelt conversation with Mrs. Wilson, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds and emotional connections.

  • Quote: "Your mom's pretty sick, Tim." [21:25]

Reunion and Resolution

• Timothy Wilson initially resists reconnecting with his mother but ultimately realizes the depth of her loneliness.

  • Quote: "Look, son, I think you've got things figured out all wrong. Your mother doesn't care whether you're rich or broke. All she needs is you." [21:47]

• The episode culminates in a touching reunion at the original oak tree, symbolizing the rekindling of family ties and healing of old wounds.

  • Quote: "Hi, Mommy. And this time I'm home for good." [22:22]

Conclusion: Reflecting on Family and Community

As the narrative wraps up, Gene Autry reflects on the enduring themes of love, loss, and the importance of community support. He emphasizes how simple acts of kindness and reaching out can make a profound difference in someone's life.

• Quote: "Most favorite times." [23:06]

The episode concludes on a heartfelt note, leaving listeners with a sense of nostalgia and the timeless value of family connections.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Johnny Bond: "The bells are ringing for me and my gals..." [01:31]
• Gene Autry: "That's right folks. Your friendly who sells and displays healthful, refreshing, delicious Double mint chewing gum..." [01:00]
• Timothy Wilson: "Look, son, I think you've got things figured out all wrong..." [21:47]
• Mrs. Wilson: "I have a son, Mr. Autry. A son that means more to me than anything else in the whole world." [18:43]
• Gene Autry: "Most favorite times." [23:06]

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This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully blends musical performances with a compelling narrative, offering listeners both entertainment and a heartfelt story that underscores the importance of love, family, and community.

Transcript

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[Johnny Bond]

He stacking the channel.

[Gene Autry]

Yes, it's time once again for Melody Rance and Ze Autre.

[Johnny Bond]

I'm back in the stratum again. Out where a friend is a friend where the longhorn.

[Gene Autry]

That's right folks. Your friendly who sells and displays healthful, refreshing, delicious Double mint chewing gum invites you to another Saturday night visit with all the gang here at Melody Ranch. There's Pat Buttram, Johnny Bond, the Cass County Boys, Carl Cotner's Melody Ranch Orchestra, and yours truly, Charlie Lyon. But right now, meet the boss man himself, America's favorite cowboy, Gene Autry.

[Johnny Bond]

The bells are ringing for me and my gals the birds are singing for me and my gals Everybody seems knowing to a wedding they're going and for weeks they've been sewing every Susie and Sal they're congregating for me and my gal the parson's waiting for me and my gals and sometime you're gonna build.

[Pat Buttram]

A little home for two, four, three.

[Johnny Bond]

Or four for or more in loveland for me and my gals the bells are ringing for me and my little.

[Pat Buttram]

Gal the birds are singing cause they're.

[Johnny Bond]

Jealous of me and my gal Everybody's been knowing to a wedding they're going and for weeks they've been sewing every Susie and Sal they're congregating for me and my g the parson's waiting for me and my gals and sometime he's gonna build a little home for two, four, three or four or more in Loveland for me and my gal.

[Gene Autry]

Well, hi there folks, and welcome once again to Melody Ranch. Glad you could drop by and join in the fun. Which reminds me folks, let's begin that fun with a few words about a wonderful treat that everybody enjoys. Delicious, refreshing Double Mint chewing gum. You know, it always strikes me that Double Mint's a swell name for what really is a double treat. Yes, indeed, that grand Double Mint gum is not only a delicious, refreshing taste treat, but a satisfying, long lasting chewing treat as well. So how about Having some real soon, huh? That's delicious. Refreshing. Double mint chewing gum.

[Johnny Bond]

Take me in your arms and hold me like I've been holding you in my heart. Take me in your arms and tell.

[Gene Autry]

Me.

[Johnny Bond]

That you've missed me since we've been apart. You just don't know how hearts it and lonesome I've been. Or how much I pray that you'd come back again. So take me in your arms and hold me like I've been holding you in my heart. You just don't know how I trick and lonesome I did. Or how much I pray that you come back again. So take me into your arms and hold me like I've been holding you in my heart.

[Gene Autry]

Well, thank you, friends. Thanks a lot.

[Charlie Lyon]

And now, wait a minute. Now wait a minute. Hold it just a second.

[Gene Autry]

What the world's the matter with you?

[Charlie Lyon]

I just got a letter from home from my papa.

[Gene Autry]

Oh, well, that ought to be real dull. What does it say?

[Charlie Lyon]

Says, dear son Pat, that's me.

[Gene Autry]

Oh, that's you.

[Charlie Lyon]

I know you'll be interested to learn that your Aunt Hazel just give birth to a set of twins. Oh, it's terrible hard to tell them apart, though. Except that Horace is maybe a little heavier than Mabel.

[Gene Autry]

Oh, well, that thing is. That thing is all right.

[Charlie Lyon]

Reminds me of my Uncle Cecil Creel's two kids. Oh, they was also twinsies.

[Gene Autry]

No kidding?

[Charlie Lyon]

Yeah. Fact, they were so much apart you couldn't tell them alike.

[Gene Autry]

Must have been pretty confusing.

[Charlie Lyon]

Oh, it was that, all right. They named them Pete and Repeat.

[Gene Autry]

Pete and Repeat?

[Charlie Lyon]

Yeah. Even their mama, Aunt Nell, she couldn't tell them apart. Oh, funny thing. I remember one time when Pete was naughty and his mama give Repeat a whipping for it. And Pete never even knew the difference. Repeat did, though.

[Gene Autry]

Yeah, I bet he did.

[Charlie Lyon]

And then one time Pete was sick and his mama give Repeat a dose of castor oil and Pete never even knew the difference. Repeat did, though.

[Gene Autry]

Go on.

[Charlie Lyon]

Finally, I remember when Repeat he was going to get married.

[Johnny Bond]

Oh.

[Charlie Lyon]

In fact, he was going to elope with a girl.

[Gene Autry]

A girl? Yeah.

[Charlie Lyon]

And Pete got there an hour ahead of him and run off with a girl and married her first. And the girl never even knew the difference.

[Gene Autry]

Repeat did, though. What a family you've got, Bud.

[Charlie Lyon]

Oh, you say that again. Incidentally, Papa, says here that Grandpa Gomer just celebrated his 70th birthday.

[Gene Autry]

Seventy. Yes. That's more than you'll ever make it, Bud.

[Timothy Wilson]

Oh, I don't know.

[Charlie Lyon]

Funny thing. You won't believe this, but Grandpa, he could pass for a man of 30.

[Gene Autry]

No kidding? Well, I think that's remarkable.

[Charlie Lyon]

Yeah, but it's kind of sad, too.

[Gene Autry]

Sad, huh?

[Charlie Lyon]

Yeah.

[Gene Autry]

How do you mean?

[Charlie Lyon]

Well, while Grandpa was passing for a man of 30. A man of 30 was passing for Grandpa and run away with Grandma.

[Pat Buttram]

Ezekiel saw the wheel turning Way up in the middle of the air Ezekiel saw the wheel as spinning Way in the middle of the air oh, the big wheel run by faith and the little wheel run by the grace of God Was a wheel in a wheel Way in the middle of the air Away up yonder on the mountaintop Way up in the middle of the air My Lord spoke and the chariot stopped Way in the middle of the air Ezekiel saw the wheel and turning Way up in the middle of the air Ezekiel saw the wheel and turning Way in the middle of the air Joshua was the son of nun Way up in the middle of the air he never quit till the work was done Away in the middle of the air Ezekiel saw the wheels spinning Way up in the middle of the air Ezekiel saw the wheel and way in the middle of the air now see that sister dressed so fine Way up in the middle of the air she ain't got religion on her mind Way in the middle of the air Ezekiel saw the wheel Way up in the middle of the air Ezekiel saw He's been way in the middle of the air Ezekiel saw the wheel Way up in the middle of the air Ezekiel saw the wheel in learning Way in the middle of the air oh, the big wheel run by faith and the little wheel run by the grace of God for the wheel in a wheel.

[Johnny Bond]

Way in the middle of the air.

[Gene Autry]

Thank you, Cass county boys and Johnny Bond. Thanks a lot. It was really fine. Matter of fact, it was almost as fine as chewing a stick of delicious, refreshing double mint chewing gum, which, incidentally, happens to be our favorite treat around here at Melody Ranch. Of course, us cowboys depend on grand Double Mint gum for a lot of little helps, too. For instance, out on a ranch, just like anywhere else, there's a lot of chores we have to keep doing over and over again. Well, sir, when the going gets monotonous, I just sink my teeth into a stick of that Grand Double Mint gum. In that way, double mint. Smooth, steady chewing seems to break the monotony. Helps pass the time faster. What's more, that cool, clean double Mint flavor is so refreshing. It gives me a pleasant little lift, too. So you see, friends, delicious, refreshing double mint gum is a swell help on any job. So treat yourself and enjoy it anytime.

[Johnny Bond]

Sam.

[Gene Autry]

Well, Sir. It won't be long now, kids. Before all over the world, all of the kids will be anxiously awaiting a visit from the little fat man with the long white beard. So look, boys and girls, take my advice.

[Johnny Bond]

When the jolly old man with his bag of toys and his beard of snowy white stops at your house to make your christmas bright don't look out the window and don't wait by the door. He'll be coming down the chimney like he always did before. When you hear his sleigh bell don't.

[Gene Autry]

Look front or back he'll be coming.

[Johnny Bond]

Down the chimney with a sack upon his back. If you wrote your letter to santa and you're good, you find your stockings all filled up with the things you hoped you would. So don't look out the window and don't wait by the door you'll be coming down the chimney yes, by gosh, by jiminy. You'll be coming down the chimney like he always did before. If you wrote your letter to santa and you're good, you'll find your stockings all filled up with the things you hoped you would. So don't look out the window and don't wait by the door. He'll be coming down the chimney.

[Gene Autry]

Yes, by gosh, by jiminy, he'll be.

[Johnny Bond]

Coming down the chimney like he always did before.

[Gene Autry]

Thank you, folks. Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.

[Timothy Wilson]

Hey, gene, I got a question I want to ask you.

[Gene Autry]

Well, I know I'm silly for asking, but what is it?

[Timothy Wilson]

Well, you see, it's like this. The other day I was rabbit hunting over near mill valley.

[Gene Autry]

Oh.

[Timothy Wilson]

Anyway, there's an old oak tree over there, and carved on one side of it is a big heart. Inside the heart it says, John loves Martha, 19 and 15.

[Gene Autry]

So?

[Timothy Wilson]

So what I want to know is who's John and who's Martha? And do you really think they carved up their stuff on that tree 37 years ago?

[Gene Autry]

I not only think they did, johnny, I know they did.

[Timothy Wilson]

You mean you was there?

[Gene Autry]

No, I wasn't there. But I do know the true story of how and why it happened. First of all, johnny, that tree you saw is on the wilsons property, if I'm not mistaken. Secondly, like I said before, I wasn't around that day in 1915 when the carving ceremony took place. But as I later got the story, it must not have been too much different from any other day when two kids in love on their honeymoon look ahead and start planning their lives together.

[Timothy Wilson]

Look, marthe, now, am I an artist or aren't I.

[Mrs. Wilson]

Why, John Thomas Wilson. You didn't tell me.

[Timothy Wilson]

Didn't think your husband had any talent, huh?

[Mrs. Wilson]

Well, frankly, I wouldn't much care if he didn't. I'd still love him.

[Timothy Wilson]

Do you really mean that?

[Mrs. Wilson]

What do you think?

[Gene Autry]

Me?

[Timothy Wilson]

I think that someday you and I.

[Gene Autry]

Are coming right back here to this very same spot.

[Timothy Wilson]

Not just for a day, but forever.

[Gene Autry]

And ever and ever. And so, Johnny, that was how it all began. Two kids in love, making a vow that someday they'd return to that very same tree. Anyway, the following night, they went back east to live. John got a good job. They even bought a house. Settled down just the same as any other young married couple. Then one day, just two years later, John and Martha had a son. They named him Timothy, after Martha's brother. And from that day on, both their hearts were filled with a new kind of love that they'd never known before. Anyway, after that, the years seemed to go by faster and faster. Young Tim started grammar school, then high school. Then, almost before they knew it, he was a man of 18, ready and eager to make his own decisions. Like, for instance, this one.

[Timothy Wilson]

Dear mom and dad, by the time you read this, I'll be many miles away. And although you may think me foolish, I'm sure you can understand that. That making my own way in life is far more important to me than anything else in the world. I didn't say goodbye because it would have been hard on all of us. Just know that I'll always love you. As ever, Tim.

[Gene Autry]

Well, Johnny, it wasn't more than just a few months later that John and Martha Wilson left the big city. Went back to that very same spot near Stoney Creek. That was just five years ago this fall. Of course, at the time, I didn't even know Martha Wilson. As a matter of fact, I'd only seen her occasionally shopping in town. All we had exchanged greetings, but that was just about all. Then one day, Doc Tipton asked me to drop by and see him. Said he had a patient he wanted to talk to me about.

[Timothy Wilson]

Gene, I want to ask you a favor.

[Gene Autry]

Sure. Document. What is it?

[Timothy Wilson]

It concerns a patient of mine and a neighbor of yours, incidentally.

[Gene Autry]

Oh, is that so? I didn't know I had any sick neighbors. Who is it?

[Timothy Wilson]

Her name is Ms. John Wilson. Lives just about a mile and a half up the road from your place.

[Gene Autry]

Sure, sure. I know. What's wrong with her.

[Timothy Wilson]

Believe it or not, she's an amazingly well and active woman for her age. Except for one thing. She's dying she's white.

[Gene Autry]

What?

[Timothy Wilson]

She's dying. But the worst part of it is I have no medicine to help her. In fact, her ailment is nothing that science even has a name for. It's just plain old fashioned everyday loneliness.

[Gene Autry]

Gosh, Doctor, I'm sorry to hear that. Is there anything I could do to help?

[Timothy Wilson]

That's why I asked you to come in and see me. I'd like you to go out and pay her a visit. Not out of curiosity, understand, but as a friendly neighbor. Try and get her to talk to you. Maybe that way, together, we can find the cause. If we do, believe me, the cure will be easy.

[Mrs. Wilson]

Look, Mr. Autry, I appreciate you stopping by like Pleased to see me? But you've been talking to Dr. Tipton, haven't you?

[Gene Autry]

Well, I.

[Mrs. Wilson]

And he told you I needed a little cheering up. Said I was lonely, isn't that right?

[Gene Autry]

Well, I don't know what to say.

[Mrs. Wilson]

Well, suppose then I do the talking. I have a son, Mr. Autry. A son that means more to me than anything else in the whole world. And yet, if you was to ask me right now where he is, what he does, what kind of place he lives in, or even what he looks like, I couldn't tell because I haven't seen him since the eighth day of July, five years ago. When he first left home.

[Gene Autry]

You mean he doesn't even write you?

[Mrs. Wilson]

I'm afraid not very often. You see, he holds quite an important position with a railroad company and he has to travel a great deal.

[Gene Autry]

Tell me, Mrs. Wilson, when was the last time you did hear from your son?

[Mrs. Wilson]

Strangely enough, just day before yesterday. First letter I've had in over six months.

[Gene Autry]

Oh. And where was the letter from? That is, if you don't mind me asking.

[Mrs. Wilson]

Some hotel in Capital City. The Embassy, I think it was. He said he'd only be there for a day or two, though. And then he was heading back east again.

[Gene Autry]

Well, ma', am, it's getting late. I've got to be getting up early in the morning, so I guess I better be starting home.

[Mrs. Wilson]

Oh, you've been very kind, Mr. Autry. Hope I haven't bored you with an old lady's tale.

[Gene Autry]

On the contrary, Mrs. Wilson, I've enjoyed our visit more than you know. Good night.

[Mrs. Wilson]

Good night, Mr. Autry. And thank you again for stopping by.

[Gene Autry]

Well, Johnny, before the door closed behind me that afternoon, I knew I'd be in Capital City the next morning. And I was. Matter of fact, when I got off the train, I went right to a phone booth. Looked up the address of the Embassy Hotel. Got in a cab five minutes later. Was walking up the front steps of a dilapidated old place that looked like it had been built before the Civil War. When I got inside, I asked the landlady if she knew which room was Timothy Wilson's. She pointed to the next floor and mumbled something about a six. So up I went. Who is it, friend? Tim. I want to talk to you.

[Timothy Wilson]

Go away. I don't want to see anybody.

[Gene Autry]

You want to see me? I think I've got a job for you.

[Timothy Wilson]

Don't give me that stuff. They ain't hiring bums these days. Or haven't you heard?

[Gene Autry]

The person I represent is. But she doesn't want just any bum. She only wants one. Her son.

[Timothy Wilson]

What did you say?

[Gene Autry]

You heard me. Don't you think it's about time you at least paid her a visit?

[Timothy Wilson]

You know, that's very funny. In fact, if I still had a laugh, I would.

[Gene Autry]

What's so funny about that?

[Timothy Wilson]

You mean you haven't heard about Timothy Wilson, the big railroad executive? The budding young genius who made good, but only in his letters home? The closest I've ever been to a railroad is riding on boxcars and being shagged by yard cops.

[Gene Autry]

Look, son, I think you've got things figured out all wrong. Your mother doesn't care whether you're rich or broke. All she needs is you.

[Timothy Wilson]

What do you mean, she needs me?

[Gene Autry]

Your mom's pretty sick, Tim.

[Timothy Wilson]

Sick? How bad is she?

[Gene Autry]

Physically, she's perfect. All she's got wrong with her is a broken heart.

[Mrs. Wilson]

How.

[Timothy Wilson]

How soon can we get there?

[Gene Autry]

By dinner time, if we hurry. Let's go.

[Timothy Wilson]

Hi, Mommy.

[Charlie Lyon]

Is it you?

[Mrs. Wilson]

Is it really you?

[Timothy Wilson]

Sure is. Mom, dad.

[Pat Buttram]

And.

[Timothy Wilson]

And this time I'm home for good.

[Pat Buttram]

Oh, my boy. My boy.

[Gene Autry]

And so, Johnny, that's the story behind those initials you saw on that tree.

[Timothy Wilson]

Golly, I got duck bumps all over me.

[Gene Autry]

I had a few myself when it happened.

[Timothy Wilson]

Believe me, I can imagine. Boy, I bet Tim's mother and dad is plenty glad to see him.

[Gene Autry]

His mother was. I know that for sure.

[Timothy Wilson]

What about his dad?

[Gene Autry]

Well, I guess he was, too.

[Timothy Wilson]

What do you mean, you guess he was?

[Gene Autry]

Just what I said, Johnny. You see, Tim's dad is buried right under that tree. You saw. John Wilson died just a week after his son first left home. You know, friends, I guess. Most favorite times.