Jerry at Fair Oaks 38-xx-xx -01- Roommate Assigned

Summary

Episode Summary: "Jerry at Fair Oaks 38-xx-xx -01- Roommate Assigned"

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Jerry at Fair Oaks 38-xx-xx -01- Roommate Assigned
Release Date: February 15, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in the heartfelt and humorous journey of Jerry Dugan as he transitions from the circus life to the disciplined environment of Fair Oaks Military Academy. The episode beautifully captures the camaraderie, traditions, and emotional challenges that come with such a significant life change.

Arrival in Fair Oaks

The episode opens with Jerry Dugan and his companions, Sam Randall and Bumps, arriving in the charming town of Fair Oaks. Sam greets the new setting, setting the stage for the impending transition.

Sam Randall (00:05): "Jerry at Fair Oaks. Here we are."

As they observe the surroundings, Jerry spots the Fair Oaks Military Academy bus, signaling the beginning of his new journey.

Jerry Dugan (01:43): "That bus over there. That big blue bus right there in front of the station. See the big gold letters? It says Fair Oaks Military Academy."
(01:43)

Meeting Kirk Phillips

Kirk Phillips, a cadet from Ferrell's Military Academy, approaches the group to escort Jerry to the academy. His professionalism and enthusiasm immediately make an impression.

Kirk Phillips (02:04): "How do you do, gentlemen?"
(02:04)

Touring Fair Oaks

Kirk leads Jerry, Sam, and Bumps on a detailed tour of Fair Oaks, highlighting significant landmarks such as the city hall, courthouse, new post office, and Central Market. Each location is introduced with pride, showcasing the town's heritage and community spirit.

Kirk Phillips (03:05): "This is Fair Oaks Avenue, gentlemen. This is the main street of Fair Oaks and runs from the campus to the station."
(02:58)

Exploring the Campus

As the group approaches the military academy campus, Kirk explains the layout and traditions of Fair Oaks Military Academy (FMA). He introduces the concept of "plebes" (freshmen) and the significance of campus customs, such as the archway for automobiles and pedestrians.

Kirk Phillips (04:20): "Plebes? What's that?"
(04:20)
Kirk Phillips (04:22): "Well, until you've finished your first year at FMA, you're called a plebeian. That's another name for freshmen."
(04:20)

The Canine Conundrum

A heartfelt moment arises when Jerry expresses his attachment to his dog, Rags. Major Davis informs them that pets are not permitted at the academy, leading to an emotional discussion about Jerry's bond with Rags.

Jerry Dugan (10:17): "My dog. Where's he gonna stay?"
(10:17)
Major Davis (10:19): "I'm afraid, Jerry, we can't have your dog here at Fair Oaks."
(10:19)

Sam reassures Jerry that arrangements will be made for Rags to stay with the circus, emphasizing the importance of Jerry's happiness and the well-being of his beloved pet.

Sam Randall (10:31): "We could make some kind of arrangements for the dog, Major Davis. Rags means a powerful lot to Jerry."
(10:31)

Meeting Major Davis

The group meets Major Davis, the head of FMA, who oversees Jerry's admittance. Major Davis embodies the disciplined yet compassionate leadership expected in such an esteemed institution.

Major Davis (07:10): "That's the tuition fee and other expenses."
(07:10)

During their interaction, Major Davis discusses Jerry's background, his father Timothy Dugan, and his uncle Daniel Dugan, highlighting the thoroughness of the academy's admission process.

Major Davis (08:00): "Now, what was your father's name, Jerry?"
(08:03)
Jerry Dugan (08:05): "Timothy. Timothy Dugan."
(08:05)

Roommate Assignment

A cherished tradition at FMA is the assignment of roommates based on the cadet who welcomes the new student. In this case, Cadet Phillips becomes Jerry's roommate, fostering an immediate sense of camaraderie and support.

Major Davis (11:38): "Well, Jerry Lee is going to be your roommate."
(11:38)

Sam expresses his confidence in the arrangement, emphasizing the strength of the newly formed bonds.

Sam Randall (11:42): "Well, now, isn't that fine? Why, you couldn't have a better roommate, Jerry."
(11:42)

Emotional Farewells and New Beginnings

As the time comes for Sam and Bumps to depart, heartfelt goodbyes are exchanged. Jerry assures them of his commitment to his studies and the circus, while also reflecting on the importance of Rags in his life.

Jerry Dugan (12:09): "I will, Mr. Randall."
(12:09)
Jerry Dugan (12:24): "Goodbye, Rags, old fella. You be a good dog and I'll be thinking of you all the time."
(12:24)

Major Davis offers encouragement and support, reinforcing the academy's commitment to nurturing its cadets.

Major Davis (09:16): "I'm sure of it."
(09:16)

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Jerry being guided to his new room, marking the beginning of his life at Fair Oaks Military Academy. The blend of tradition, personal connections, and emotional farewells sets the stage for future adventures and growth within the disciplined yet supportive environment of FMA.

Kirk Phillips (13:02): "Come on, Jerry."
(13:02)

Notable Quotes

• Sam Randall: "You couldn't have a better roommate, Jerry."
  (11:42)

• Jerry Dugan: "I feel kind of important being able to go to this school."
  (06:21)

• Major Davis: "It's gratifying, Mr. Randall, to take in boys such as Jerry with a few years of training, education and discipline turn out men fully equipped to tackle life."
  (09:57)

Key Themes and Insights

1. Transition and Adaptation: Jerry's move from the circus to a military academy underscores themes of change, adaptation, and the challenges of leaving a familiar environment.

2. Tradition and Camaraderie: The episode highlights the importance of traditions in forging new relationships and building a supportive community within the academy.

3. Emotional Bonds: The poignant discussion about Jerry's dog, Rags, emphasizes the emotional ties we form and the sacrifices involved in pursuing new opportunities.

4. Discipline and Education: Major Davis's interactions with Jerry reflect the academy's commitment to molding disciplined and educated individuals prepared for life's challenges.

Conclusion

"Jerry at Fair Oaks 38-xx-xx -01- Roommate Assigned" is a compelling episode that masterfully blends humor, emotion, and the nostalgic charm of old-time radio. Through Jerry's journey, listeners experience the blend of personal growth, community support, and the bittersweet nature of new beginnings, all set against the backdrop of the esteemed Fair Oaks Military Academy.

Transcript

[Sam Randall]

Jerry at Fair Oaks. Here we are.

[Bumps]

Yeah, a nice town, isn't it?

[Jerry Dugan]

Hey, bumps. Mr. Randall, look.

[Sam Randall]

What is it, Jerry?

[Jerry Dugan]

That bus over there.

[Bumps]

Where, Jerry?

[Jerry Dugan]

That big blue bus right there in front of the station. See the big gold letters? It says Fair Oaks Military Academy.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, well, sure enough.

[Bumps]

And here comes a cadet he just got out of.

[Sam Randall]

Say, that pretty nice.

[Bumps]

That's a mighty fine looking young man in that uniform.

[Jerry Dugan]

He's coming this way.

[Kirk Phillips]

How do you do, gentlemen?

[Sam Randall]

How do you do, young man?

[Bumps]

Hello.

[Kirk Phillips]

You Mr. Dugan?

[Sam Randall]

Jerry.

[Kirk Phillips]

You're Mr. Dugan, aren't you?

[Jerry Dugan]

Who, me? Oh, yeah.

[Kirk Phillips]

I'm Cadet Phillips of Ferrell's Military Academy. I've come down to get you. The school bus is right over here. If you'll just come with me, please.

[Sam Randall]

Yes, sir.

[Kirk Phillips]

Can you manage with your bags all right?

[Bumps]

Oh, yes, thank you. We're all right. You just lead the way.

[Sam Randall]

Say, he's snappy, isn't he?

[Bumps]

He a real cadet? Yes. Makes me happy to think that Jerry will look like that soon.

[Jerry Dugan]

They're shirking looking uniforms, aren't they?

[Sam Randall]

You bet they are.

[Kirk Phillips]

Here we are. Just step right in.

[Bumps]

We'll just go right ahead, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Come on, Ray.

[Kirk Phillips]

Now, if you'll sit over here on the right, I'll try to point out some of the things of interest on our way to the campus.

[Sam Randall]

Fine, thanks. Sit right here, Jerry.

[Kirk Phillips]

Okay, all set, Kirk. But take it slow going back.

[Major Davis]

Okay, Phillips.

[Kirk Phillips]

Now, as soon as we make this turn, here we are right here. This is Fair Oaks Avenue, gentlemen. This is the main street of Fair Oaks and runs from the campus to the station.

[Bumps]

It's a pretty little town.

[Kirk Phillips]

Yes, sir, it is. Now, right here on this corner is the city hall and courthouse.

[Sam Randall]

Nice buildings.

[Kirk Phillips]

And across the street there in the middle of the block is our new post office. It was just completed a few months ago.

[Bumps]

Sure, that'd be a credit to any town. That's a fine looking post office.

[Sam Randall]

Yes, there's some fine looking stores along here, too.

[Kirk Phillips]

And if you'll notice this market on the next corner, the large one on.

[Jerry Dugan]

The right, Central Market. Hey, it is a big one, isn't it?

[Kirk Phillips]

The owner of that market was of the first graduating class at fma.

[Jerry Dugan]

Fma?

[Kirk Phillips]

Fair Oaks Military Academy.

[Bumps]

Oh, you'll have to get used to that here.

[Kirk Phillips]

I hope this isn't too much like a sightseeing tour.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, no, no, I should say not, son. This is all very interesting.

[Kirk Phillips]

When we get to this next corner, you'll look right down to the end of the street. You'll see the opera house. It's one of the oldest buildings around here. There it is. See it?

[Sam Randall]

Oh, yeah.

[Bumps]

It's a big one too. Is it used anymore?

[Kirk Phillips]

Yes, sir, once in a while. They have concerts there occasionally. And sometimes a traveling show comes through and plays there. Now, this gray building in the middle of the block, this is the public library.

[Jerry Dugan]

Hey, is that the school right ahead?

[Kirk Phillips]

Yes, you can see the archways now.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, yes.

[Kirk Phillips]

The big center arch is for automobiles, and the two smaller arches on either side are for pedestrians. But that doesn't mean you, Mr. Dugan, or me either. Yeah, but we're pedestrians, but we're also plebes.

[Jerry Dugan]

Plebes? What's that?

[Kirk Phillips]

Well, until you've finished your first year at fma, you're called a plebeian. That's another name for freshmen. And we plebes don't have all the liberty an upperclassman enjoys. The archway is only the first of many traditional customs you'll learn about. You won't be told about the archway again. So remember to use the driveway and not the walks on either side.

[Bumps]

Well, look at that. It's a high brick wall.

[Kirk Phillips]

Yes, sir. That wall runs all the way around the campus.

[Sam Randall]

Bums. Just look at those big oak trees. Why, they're beautiful.

[Bumps]

Yes, sir. They sure are, sir.

[Sam Randall]

Fair Oaks is certainly a fitting name.

[Kirk Phillips]

Very old, sir.

[Sam Randall]

Yeah, yeah, I can see that. And getting more beautiful with the years.

[Kirk Phillips]

Excuse me, sir. This last building on the left just before we enter the archway and get onto the campus. Yes, the last little store there, the one nearest the campus wall. That's a sort of hangout for the cadets during recreation periods.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, it's an ice cream parlor.

[Kirk Phillips]

That's right. But you can buy most anything there, from newspapers and magazines to shoe polish and soap.

[Bumps]

That's good to know.

[Kirk Phillips]

An old Scotchman runs the place. His name's William McLeod. All the fellas think an awful lot of him. You'll like him too, Dugan. We're on the campus now, see? That's Custis hall straight ahead, the administration building.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, is that where Major Davis office is?

[Kirk Phillips]

That's right, sir. Well, here we are.

[Sam Randall]

All right, go ahead, Jerry. You get out first.

[Jerry Dugan]

Come on, Rags.

[Bumps]

Isn't this nice?

[Sam Randall]

Oh, you bet. What do you think of it, Jerry?

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, I like it. Isn't the air nice and fresh?

[Sam Randall]

It's a whole lot different than the backyard at the circus. All right.

[Kirk Phillips]

Shall I wait? Oh, are you returning to the station soon?

[Bumps]

Oh, say, that's right.

[Sam Randall]

Yes, yes, we're catching The Limited.

[Kirk Phillips]

You better wait, Kirk.

[Major Davis]

All right, the bus will be here.

[Bumps]

Might as well leave our luggage right in the bus, then.

[Sam Randall]

Yeah, that's a ticket. Sure.

[Kirk Phillips]

Yeah, sure. Things will be safe there. Now, if you'll just come with me, please.

[Sam Randall]

Say, just look at those big pillars.

[Bumps]

Yes, sir. And all those steps.

[Jerry Dugan]

Mmm. I'm beginning to like it already.

[Bumps]

Oh, you love it here at Fair Oaks, Jerry.

[Sam Randall]

There's something grand about this building, bumps.

[Jerry Dugan]

You know, Mr. Randall, I feel kind of important being able to go to this school.

[Sam Randall]

That's the way to feel, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Hey, wait.

[Major Davis]

What is it, Jerry?

[Jerry Dugan]

Look up there over the doorway. See that motto? Toil is a father of fame carved right into the stone.

[Sam Randall]

Mm.

[Bumps]

You just think of that, Jerry. Those are true words.

[Sam Randall]

That's great. Coil is the father of fame.

[Bumps]

Oh, he's holding the door open for us. Come on.

[Kirk Phillips]

Right through here, gentlemen.

[Jerry Dugan]

Hey, there's a school flag up on the wall there. Blue and gold. Hey, those are the colors the bus has painted.

[Kirk Phillips]

Those are our school colors, Dugan. Blue and gold.

[Jerry Dugan]

I sure like them, don't you, Bumps?

[Bumps]

Pretty, Jerry. Very pretty.

[Kirk Phillips]

Excuse me. This is Major Davis's office.

[Sam Randall]

All.

[Kirk Phillips]

Cadet Phillips reporting, sir.

[Major Davis]

Have your party come in?

[Kirk Phillips]

Yes, sir. Right this way, gentlemen.

[Sam Randall]

Well, how do you do, Major Davis? I'm Mr. Randall.

[Major Davis]

I'm happy to know you, Mr. Randall.

[Sam Randall]

This is Bumps. Major Davis, the head clown of my circus.

[Major Davis]

How do you do, sir?

[Bumps]

I'm glad to meet you, Mr. Major Davis.

[Sam Randall]

And this is Jerry Dugan. Major.

[Major Davis]

Well, well, young man, welcome to Fair Oaks. Won't you sit down, gentlemen?

[Sam Randall]

Thank you. Thanks.

[Major Davis]

That'll be all, Phillips. You might wait outside.

[Kirk Phillips]

Yes, thanks.

[Jerry Dugan]

Be quiet.

[Major Davis]

Well, a cute little fellow. Your dog, Jerry?

[Jerry Dugan]

Yes, sir.

[Sam Randall]

Another member of the Randall Brothers Circus, Major.

[Major Davis]

So you've been with the circus, is that right, Jerry?

[Jerry Dugan]

Yes, sir.

[Major Davis]

Well, we'll just talk a little bit about you. And while we're talking, I'll be filling out these admittance papers. If you care to, Mr. Randall, you can glance over this. In the meanwhile. Here you are, sir.

[Sam Randall]

Thanks.

[Major Davis]

That's the tuition fee and other expenses.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Major Davis]

Now then, what was your father's name, Jerry?

[Jerry Dugan]

Timothy. Timothy Dugan.

[Major Davis]

Do you have any living relatives?

[Jerry Dugan]

Yes, sir. My uncle. His name is Uncle Dan. Daniel Dugan.

[Major Davis]

Uh huh. And Mr. Randall is your legal guardian?

[Jerry Dugan]

Yes, sir.

[Sam Randall]

Well, I'll just make you out a check for the whole amount, Major Davis. The tuition, uniforms and his expense money.

[Major Davis]

Fine, Mr. Randall.

[Bumps]

Well, I don't like to interrupt, but.

[Sam Randall]

What is it, bumps?

[Bumps]

Our train, Sam. We haven't got a whole lot of time.

[Sam Randall]

Oh, that's right. We want to catch that limited back. Major. I can't stay away from the circus too long.

[Major Davis]

Oh, now, that's too bad. Aren't you even going to look over the grounds and the building?

[Sam Randall]

Well, I'd like to very much, in fact, but business is business, you know.

[Major Davis]

Well, perhaps you can come down here and pay Jerry a visit one of these days. By that time, he can take you around himself.

[Sam Randall]

Yeah, yeah, that's an idea.

[Major Davis]

Now, let's see. You only have about 30 minutes before that train leaves. I'll make this as brief as possible. Perhaps you'd better fill this out yourself. Jerry, pull your chair right up there to that desk.

[Sam Randall]

All right.

[Major Davis]

Here's a pen.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yes, sir. Thank you.

[Major Davis]

You'll find the questions easy to answer, but if you get stuck, just call for help.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yes, sir.

[Sam Randall]

And here's the check, Major, for the full amount.

[Major Davis]

Thank you, Mr. Randall. Now, it's the custom, unless otherwise specified, to allow first year students a dollar and a half a week spending.

[Sam Randall]

Fine, fine. It's quite all right. Well, I think it's safe to say that Jerry will get along all right at faro.

[Major Davis]

I'm sure of it. How are you making out, Jerry?

[Jerry Dugan]

Okay, I'm almost finished. Just two more questions to answer.

[Bumps]

Good.

[Major Davis]

Now, your mailing address, Mr. Randall. Oh, excuse me. I see it's right here on your check. Yeah, in care of your winter quarters. Mail addressed to you there will reach you at all times.

[Sam Randall]

That's right, Major.

[Jerry Dugan]

There, all finished.

[Major Davis]

Oh, so soon? Oh, look here, Jerry, you didn't answer the questions on the back.

[Jerry Dugan]

Huh? Oh, I didn't notice that. I'm sorry.

[Major Davis]

Well, just fill those blank spaces out at the top of the page. Captain Gardner will fill out the questions about your past school activity when you get into the classroom.

[Bumps]

Say, this is quite a school you have here, Major.

[Major Davis]

Yes, yes, we're mighty proud of her, Oaks. You know, it's gratifying, Mr. Randall, to take in boys such as Jerry with a few years of training, education and discipline turn out men fully equipped to tackle life.

[Sam Randall]

Yes, I can understand that, Major.

[Jerry Dugan]

Now, I finished it here, Major.

[Major Davis]

Well, well, that was quick, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Now, how about Rags?

[Major Davis]

Rags?

[Jerry Dugan]

My dog. Where's he gonna stay?

[Major Davis]

Oh, I'm afraid, Jerry, we can't have your dog here at Fair oaks.

[Jerry Dugan]

But, whoa, Mr. Randall, I thought perhaps.

[Sam Randall]

We could make some kind of arrangements for the dog, Major Davis. Rags means a powerful lot to Jerry.

[Major Davis]

I'm sorry, Mr. Randall, very sorry, but that's one of our most stringent rules. No cadet at Fair Oaks is allowed to have a pet. You can readily understand that if we allowed one student to have his pet with him at school, it would hardly be fair not to allow other students the same privilege.

[Bumps]

Well, now, that's right.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah, but I can't leave, Rags. I just can't. We've been together so long.

[Sam Randall]

Now, Jerry, let's look at it this way. Let's think of Rags. He's part of the circus, son. Why, he'd grieve his heart out if he couldn't do his act with Bumps every day and have the backyard to run around in. Well, you know how much Bumps cares for him. Yes, and Slats and Hooligan and all the other clowns. His life is just perfect with the circus.

[Bumps]

Boy, I love that dog, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

I know you do, Bumps.

[Bumps]

Why, sure. And I'll take the best of care of them. And you can visit with him at winter quarters. And maybe we can come down here and bring him along to visit with you.

[Sam Randall]

Why, sure. We'll take Rags back to the circus with us. Why, he'll be happy and well taken care of it. It should make you happy to know that, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Gee, Rags.

[Major Davis]

Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yes, sir?

[Major Davis]

What do you think of Cadet Phillips, the boy that met you at the train?

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, I like him. He's all right.

[Major Davis]

Do you think you'd get along with him?

[Jerry Dugan]

I. Sure I would.

[Major Davis]

Well, Jerry Lee is going to be your roommate.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, swell.

[Sam Randall]

Well, now, isn't that fine? Why, you couldn't have a better roommate, Jerry.

[Major Davis]

That's another tradition, Mr. Randall. As a rule, the boy that goes down to the train to meet the incoming student becomes the roommate of the new man.

[Bumps]

Well, now, think of that, Jay.

[Sam Randall]

That's fine. Hey. Oh, say, we've got to get going, Bumps.

[Bumps]

I'll say we do. We'll just about make that train.

[Sam Randall]

Well, Jerry, I guess we'll say goodbye for now. You. You study real hard and don't let us down. Remember, all your circus friends expecting big things of you.

[Jerry Dugan]

I will, Mr. Randall.

[Bumps]

And don't you worry for one minute about Rags here. Oh, and another thing. You'll be sure to write that?

[Jerry Dugan]

Sure, Bumps. Well, goodbye. Goodbye, Mr. Randall, and thanks for everything.

[Sam Randall]

All right, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Goodbye, Rags, old fella. You be a good dog and I'll be thinking of you all the time.

[Sam Randall]

Goodbye, Major. If there's anything further to take up with me, just drop me a line.

[Major Davis]

Yes, I'll do that. Goodbye, Mr. Randall. And goodbye to you, sir.

[Bumps]

Goodbye, major. Come on.

[Major Davis]

Rags.

[Jerry Dugan]

Goodbye, Rags. Goodbye.

[Sam Randall]

Goodbye, Jerry.

[Major Davis]

Good night. Good night.

[Jerry Dugan]

So long.

[Major Davis]

Phillips.

[Kirk Phillips]

Yes, sir.

[Major Davis]

Take Cadet Dugan to your room now. Get acquainted with him. And then see that he's outfitted in the fatigue uniform. I'll talk with you again later in the day, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yes, sir.

[Kirk Phillips]

Come on, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Okay.