Jerry of the Circus - Get Up Early To Watch The Circus Set Up

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Jerry of the Circus – Get Up Early To Watch The Circus Set Up"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 15, 2026
Main Voices: Jerry Dugan, Bumps, Paul Murray, Leo, Mr. Randall
Theme: Behind-the-scenes of a circus setup in the early morning hours

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Jerry of the Circus" takes listeners on an immersive, early-morning journey as young Jerry wakes up before dawn to watch the circus crew set up for the day. Listeners get a vivid, authentic glimpse of circus life: unloading, assigning lots for tents, preparing breakfast, and managing the logistical challenges facing a traveling troupe. The episode maintains a lively, conversational tone, showcasing both the magic and the hard work of circus life.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Jerry’s Early Morning Adventure

• [02:10–03:36] Jerry, curious and excited, persuades Bumps to let him watch the circus setup.
  • Memorable moment: Jerry asks if his dog Rags can come:

    “Can I take Rags?” – Jerry Dugan [03:06]

2. Life on the Circus Train

• [03:41–04:00] Bumps reminds Jerry to be quiet so as not to wake the other performers, highlighting the camaraderie and routines within the circus community.
  • Insight: Performers are used to the rattle of the train, but not to unusual noises like voices in the corridor.

3. Meeting Paul Murray, Head Canvasman

• [04:19–04:45] Jerry is introduced to Paul Murray, who agrees to show him the intricacies of the setup.
• [05:00] Bumps heads back to bed, underscoring how precious sleep is for circus workers.

4. The Logistical Marvel of Circus Setup

• [05:50–07:32] Paul Murray walks Jerry through following the torch-lit path from the train to the lot.
  • Notable Quote:

    “They put those flares along the route to be followed. That one on the right-hand side of the street means that I’m to turn right at the next corner.” – Paul Murray [06:12]

• The system is so ingrained that even the horses know to follow the flares.

5. Adapting to Muddy and Difficult Conditions

• [07:00–08:07] Discussion about the muddy, clay lot and the improvisations required—like spreading sawdust to create safe footing.
  • Notable Quote:

    “Not such good footing here in this clay. We’ll be using plenty of sawdust today.” – Paul Murray [07:09]

• The conversation turns to how tent setup changes with the weather, even adjusting pole placements for canvas shrinkage when rain is expected.

6. Coordination and Planning

• [09:19–09:52] Paul explains the meticulous planning involved, including laying out the circus differently in every town and breaking down equipment during the night show.
  • Notable Quote:

    “There’s over a thousand different ways to lay out a circus. It all depends on the lot, the size, and the shape and all that.” – Paul Murray [09:27]

7. Breakfast for the Crew

• [10:33–11:22] Jerry visits the cook tent where Leo is preparing "two or three thousand hotcakes" for the hungry crew.
  • Memorable Moment:

    “This is the makings for about two or three thousand hotcakes.” – Leo [11:32]

8. A Sudden Challenge: Trouble Up the Line

• [12:05–12:59] Mr. Randall brings urgent news: a telegram warns that heavy rains have weakened a railroad trestle ahead, potentially imperiling tomorrow's journey.
  • Notable Quote:

    “Advise you to cancel next stand. Heavy rains of past week have weakened trestle over Horn River. Doubt safety of taking your cars over it.” – Mr. Randall (reading telegram) [12:44]

• Despite this, Paul Murray assures Jerry and the others that the show will go on, if at all possible:
  • “I’m not gonna let them down.” – Mr. Randall [12:53]
  • “We’ll go as far as the trestle and then examine it. And if we can’t get across, we’ll find another way. But we’re going to.” – Paul Murray [13:04]

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Jerry’s Excitement:
  “I’ve never seen them unloading set up. And with a Claylotti, he ought to be real interesting.” – Jerry Dugan [02:28]

• The System of Setting Up:
  “It’s all system, Jerry.” – Bumps [03:02]

• Adaptability of Crew:
  “They sure work fast, don’t they?” – Jerry Dugan [09:16]
  “Well, they gotta.” – Paul Murray [09:18]

• Cook Tent Banter:
  “Suppose you’d like to know what I’m stirring in this big kettle, huh?” – Leo [11:29]

• Show Must Go On Attitude:
  “Folks in that town are expecting the circus tomorrow and I’m not gonna let them down.” – Mr. Randall [12:53]

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Important Timestamps

• 02:10 – Jerry is woken up by Bumps for the circus setup adventure
• 03:41 – Bumps describes train and sleeping car etiquette
• 04:19 – Meet Paul Murray, head canvasman
• 06:12 – System of torch/flares for finding the circus lot explained
• 07:14 – Mud and weather’s impact on circus logistics discussed
• 09:25 – Custom layout for each town described
• 10:33 – Jerry joins Leo in the cook tent
• 11:32 – Two or three thousand hotcakes cooking!
• 12:44 – Telegram arrives, warning of a dangerous bridge ahead

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Tone & Atmosphere

The tone is light, cheerful, and full of curiosity, with warmth and camaraderie between characters. There’s an ongoing sense of wonder as Jerry discovers the impressive organization, hard work, and challenges behind the scenes of the circus, contrasted by moments of tension with the telegram’s warning. The playful exchanges and signature optimism (“the show must go on!”) encapsulate classic radio drama charm.

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Summary Takeaway:
Listeners are treated to an absorbing window into the hardscrabble, yet magical, world of the traveling circus. From systematized logistics to hotcakes for hundreds, from mud-laden lots to railroad woes, the episode captures both the grand spectacle and behind-the-scenes hustle that make the circus a wonder for kids like Jerry—and for anyone listening in.

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Transcript

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[Paul Murray]

Gary of the circus. Now for Jerry of the circus.

[Bumps]

Jerry,

[Paul Murray]

we're getting in.

[Bumps]

Come on. Come on, Jerry. You wanted to watch him set up this morning.

[Jerry Dugan]

I'm getting up. Golly, it's still dark. Bumps.

[Bumps]

Yep.

[Paul Murray]

Pretty early. But you.

[Bumps]

You don't have to get up and watch them unload, you know.

[Jerry Dugan]

But I want to. I've never seen them unloading set up. And with a Claylotti, he ought to be real interesting.

[Bumps]

Interesting to you, but plenty tough for the canvas men. You know, a mud or clay lot is no sense to set up on.

[Jerry Dugan]

Where's mother Shoe? Oh, here it is.

[Bumps]

I'll go out with you and introduce you to Paul Murray.

[Jerry Dugan]

Who's he, Bobbs?

[Bumps]

Well, he's the head. Can't, I guess. He'll show you around if he's not too busy.

[Jerry Dugan]

It sure is going to be fun.

[Bumps]

And you will learn a lot, too. You know, there's a lot more to setting up the tops than you think.

[Jerry Dugan]

What I can't figure out is how they do it so fast.

[Bumps]

It's all system, Jerry. Well, I'm ready. How about you?

[Jerry Dugan]

Okay. Can I take Rags?

[Paul Murray]

I don't know about that.

[Bumps]

He might get in the way.

[Jerry Dugan]

But look at him. He hasn't taken his eyes off us since we started to get dressed. You want to come with me, don't you, Rag?

[Bumps]

Hey, not so loud there, partner. Folks are all sleeping in this car.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, he wants to come, Bump. I'll see that he stays right by me.

[Bumps]

Well, all right, but don't let him get hurt or stepped on.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, I won't. Come on, Rags.

[Bumps]

I'll be quiet when we walk down the corridor.

[Jerry Dugan]

Okay. Come on, rags. Quiet now.

[Bumps]

We could lose a lot of friends if we made any noise and woke up some of the performers at this hour.

[Jerry Dugan]

Funny, the noise of the train and the unloading doesn't wake them up.

[Bumps]

Well, circus folks get used to those noises, Jerry. It's unusual noises like footsteps and voices in the car this early that bothers them. Yeah. Here we are.

[Jerry Dugan]

Come on, Rags. Stay right alongside of me now.

[Bumps]

Let's get over there to the flat cars, huh?

[Paul Murray]

Be careful.

[Bumps]

Where you step now.

[Jerry Dugan]

Okay.

[Bumps]

Oh, yeah. I hear Paul over there. Oh, Paul. Paul Murray. Yay. That's him waving that landing.

[Jerry Dugan]

See? Look at all those torches.

[Paul Murray]

Yeah. Who is it?

[Bumps]

It's Bumps, Paul.

[Paul Murray]

How come you're up at this hour in the morning, Bumps?

[Bumps]

Well, my pal here wanted to see the unloading and setting up today.

[Paul Murray]

Punk.

[Bumps]

I want you to meet Jerry. Jerry Dugan.

[Jerry Dugan]

I'm glad to meet you, Mr. Murray.

[Paul Murray]

I'm glad to meet you, Son.

[Bumps]

If you're not gonna have it too tough today, I thought maybe you'd show Jerry around a little.

[Paul Murray]

Sure thing.

[Jerry Dugan]

I won't be in the way.

[Paul Murray]

I don't think so.

[Bumps]

Well, this is Rags, Paul. It's Jerry's dog.

[Paul Murray]

Well, hello there, Rags. Say, this is the dog that works with you, isn't it, Bumps?

[Bumps]

Yep, that's my partner, all right. Have you seen us work?

[Paul Murray]

I caught part of the show one night last week. Clever dog.

[Jerry Dugan]

Quiet rain.

[Bumps]

If it's all the same with you, I'm going back to bed for a while. Sleep is a whole lot more important to me than watching you set up.

[Paul Murray]

Okay, Bumps, you go back and finish your beauty sleep. Jerry and I will get along all right.

[Bumps]

All right. See you later. And keep your eye on Rags, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Okay, come on.

[Paul Murray]

Here comes the first wagon from the mess top, Jerry. Let's ride it over to the lot.

[Jerry Dugan]

All right.

[Paul Murray]

Okay, Bert, I'll take it on over. Climb up there in the driver's seat, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Sure, but you hand me rags, will you?

[Paul Murray]

Okay. Up you go, boy. That's the boy. Here, Rags. Come here, boy. Up with you. You got him, huh?

[Jerry Dugan]

Thanks.

[Paul Murray]

All right, get, boy. Get up. Come on, boy. Come on.

[Jerry Dugan]

How far is the lot where we're going to set up?

[Paul Murray]

Oh, not very far, Jerry. I don't know exactly myself.

[Jerry Dugan]

Then how do you know which way to drive?

[Paul Murray]

You'll see in a minute. Just as soon as we hit the street.

[Jerry Dugan]

What's in this wagon, Mr. Murray?

[Paul Murray]

Mostly dishes and cooking utensils, and they're important. When my men get the big top and the menagerie and the midway tops, their job is done. And they'll be wanting their breakfast.

[Jerry Dugan]

He look it. There's another torch over there on the curbstone. See it?

[Paul Murray]

I sure do. That's what I was telling you about. That's how I know which way to go to the lot.

[Jerry Dugan]

What do you mean?

[Paul Murray]

You see, Jerry, the first wagon that goes over to the lot from the railroad yards is on the Trailblazer. They put those flares along the route to be Followed that one on the right hand side of the street means that I'm to turn right at the next corner.

[Jerry Dugan]

Golly, that sure is a good system.

[Paul Murray]

And you know something, Jerry? The drivers of the wagons don't even have to watch out for the flares.

[Jerry Dugan]

They don't? Why not?

[Paul Murray]

Because the horses are so used to following the flares that they make the turns by themselves.

[Jerry Dugan]

Say, do you.

[Paul Murray]

Oh, look, Jerry. There's the lot ahead of us.

[Jerry Dugan]

You mean where all those torches are sitting on the ground?

[Paul Murray]

Yep, that's it.

[Jerry Dugan]

Why are they sitting around like that?

[Paul Murray]

Well, that's the way the lot's been laid out. I can tell from the way the flares are placed just where each top is supposed to go up. Why, even the places for the center poles of the big top have been marked off.

[Jerry Dugan]

I see what you mean. Those flares all in a row there. The bowl goes up where each one of them is, huh?

[Bumps]

That's right.

[Jerry Dugan]

Golly, look at the ground, Mr. Murray. Why, it's all mud.

[Paul Murray]

Yeah. Not such good footing here in this clay. We'll be using plenty of sawdust today.

[Jerry Dugan]

This would sure be a bad lot if it rained, wouldn't it?

[Paul Murray]

Yes, sir, but it won't rain. You don't have to worry about that.

[Jerry Dugan]

Why? Because it rained so much before we got here?

[Paul Murray]

Nope. I got a better way to tell than that.

[Bumps]

How?

[Paul Murray]

I can tell just by looking at the space between those flares.

[Jerry Dugan]

You're fooling. How could you tell if it's going to rain or not that way?

[Paul Murray]

It's a pretty sure system, Jerry. Don't miss very often, but some of those storms.

[Jerry Dugan]

There. Hey, how could the weather have anything to do with that?

[Paul Murray]

Oh, the weather has a lot to do with the way that they're placed, Jerry. You see, our advanced men check with the weather bureau pretty carefully.

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, what's that got to do with it?

[Paul Murray]

Well, the flares mark off the distance between center poles. Yeah, the center poles are further apart on a dry day than they are on a day we expect rain. We put them closer together on a wet day to allow for the shrinkage in the canvas. Come on, boy. Come on. Look, if the canvas was stretched tight and then it started to rain and it began to shrink, it would split the top wide open.

[Jerry Dugan]

Gee, I never thought of that.

[Bumps]

Hey there, boy. Hey.

[Paul Murray]

Hey.

[Bumps]

Hey, there.

[Paul Murray]

Well, here we are, son. Hop down.

[Jerry Dugan]

Okay. Come on, Ray, jump. Oh, I forgot about sore foot. Come on, then. I'll lift you down.

[Paul Murray]

It's getting right, Jerry. The old sun's coming Out. We can use plenty of light setting up on a clay lot like this.

[Jerry Dugan]

Everything will get all muddy, won't it?

[Paul Murray]

We hope not. Oh, here comes a load of sawdust now. I'll have some spread around before I unload the canvas. Hey, hey, Pat, get some of that sawdust down in a hurry. I gotta unload canvas.

[Jerry Dugan]

What's the first thing you do?

[Paul Murray]

Oh, we dump the canvas. And then we unfold and spread it. Of course, you know, by that time, the center poles are. And then we start tying onto the bailing salon rings.

[Jerry Dugan]

What are those, Mr. Murray?

[Paul Murray]

Those are the big rings that go around the center poles. We fasten the top of the canvas to them and then heist them up. Oh, and then we lace on the sides and tie her down. Well, here comes my first load of canvas. Let's get over there, huh?

[Jerry Dugan]

Okay. Come on, rags.

[Paul Murray]

You see that smoke over there to your left, Jerry? That's breakfast starting already. They got the fires up before the mess top standing.

[Jerry Dugan]

They sure work fast, don't they?

[Paul Murray]

Well, they gotta.

[Jerry Dugan]

The thing I can't figure out is how you know just where each top is supposed to go.

[Paul Murray]

And every town we play, we have a different layout.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah? Say, why is that?

[Paul Murray]

Well, Jerry, I'll bet there's over a thousand different ways to lay out a circus. It all depends on the lot, the size and the shape and all that. Now, the first thing is to get the midway and main entrance to the big top nearest the best street. So it's easy for the folks to know just how to get to the circus, see?

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, I see.

[Paul Murray]

Then we have to figure before. Before we set up just how we can break down the easiest. We've noticed a lot of the things start moving and being loaded before the night show is over.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah, and I've wondered about that.

[Paul Murray]

We couldn't very well wait until the show is all over and then start moving, or we'd never get our work done. So we start taking the things off the lot that have been used.

[Jerry Dugan]

You mean the big things like the

[Paul Murray]

steel for Jason's act? The minute he finishes, we break it down and take it right over to the cars.

[Jerry Dugan]

By that time, the mist ain't and the kitchen is all on the train.

[Paul Murray]

That's right over here, Tom. All right, you men, let's lay it down.

[Jerry Dugan]

They sure work fast.

[Paul Murray]

Look over there, Jerry.

[Jerry Dugan]

Why, it's a mess tent. It's almost stopped.

[Paul Murray]

Suppose you take a walk over there and watch them fix breakfast. Now, I'm gonna be a little busy for a while. Ask for Leo. He'll show you around.

[Jerry Dugan]

Okay, Mr. Murray. Thanks for showing me all you did. See you later.

[Paul Murray]

All right, Jeremy. Goodbye.

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, Rags, aren't you glad we got up early and got to see all we did? There's just no end to things you can learn about a circus. And every bit of it's wonderful. Oh, you think so too, huh?

[Paul Murray]

Good morning, lad.

[Jerry Dugan]

Good morning. Are you Leo?

[Paul Murray]

No, no, no.

[Bumps]

Leo's over there with that white cap on.

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, thanks. Come on, Ray. Collie. It's your pretty this time in the morning when it's getting light. Hello.

[Bumps]

Hello there.

[Jerry Dugan]

Are you Leo?

[Bumps]

That's been my name ever since I can remember.

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, I'm Jerry Dugan. Mr. Murray just sent me over here.

[Bumps]

Now, what's Paul want?

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, nothing.

[Bumps]

What he send you over here for?

[Jerry Dugan]

Oh, he's been showing me how they set up. And he's afraid I'll be in the way, I guess. I mean, when they put up the big top. Besides, I'd like to look around the cook tent here.

[Bumps]

W. So that's it, huh? Well, hop to it, my boy. Look around and ask some questions. That's a way to learn.

[Jerry Dugan]

Thanks, I will.

[Bumps]

Suppose you'd like to know what I'm stirring in this big kettle, huh?

[Jerry Dugan]

What is it?

[Bumps]

Well, this is the makings for about two or 3,000 hotcakes.

[Jerry Dugan]

Yeah, well, two or 3,000.

[Bumps]

Yep. This and those other seven kettles full of batter. Those razorbacks will be bloody hungry when they finish setting up in this mud field.

[Jerry Dugan]

Do they get as much as they want to eat?

[Bumps]

Well, I guess they do. Haven't had any complaints.

[Jerry Dugan]

Hey, look it.

[Paul Murray]

What?

[Jerry Dugan]

Well, here comes Mr. Randall, the governor himself. Oh, Mr. Randall.

[Paul Murray]

Hello, Jerry. What are you doing up this hour?

[Jerry Dugan]

Why, I've been watching him set up. Excuse me, Leo. I'll see you later.

[Bumps]

Okay, my boy.

[Jerry Dugan]

Hey, where are you going, Mr. Randall?

[Paul Murray]

I'm looking for Paul Murray. You seen him around?

[Jerry Dugan]

Why, sure. There he is.

[Paul Murray]

Oh, yeah.

[Bumps]

Say, Paul.

[Paul Murray]

Yes, Mr. Randall? Come here a minute.

[Jerry Dugan]

Is something wrong?

[Paul Murray]

Well, I don't know, but it kind of looks the way. Jerry. You looking for me, Mr. Randall? Yeah, Paul. How's it going?

[Bumps]

A lot.

[Paul Murray]

Pretty tough. I've seen a lot worse places. We'll be up on time. What's on your mind, boss? Well, I just got a telegram back at railroad station. Things don't look so good further up the line. Yeah, what's the matter? Listen to this. Advise you to cancel next stand. Heavy rains of past week have weakened trestle over Horn River. Doubt safety of taking your cars over it. J.W. thornton, Superintendent Horn River Division SL and M lines. See, that doesn't look so good. What are you gonna do? Well, I'm gonna play our next stand. Folks in that town are expecting the circus tomorrow and I'm not gonna let them down.

[Jerry Dugan]

But maybe the bridge will be weakened if we try to cross it with all those cars with elephants and everything.

[Paul Murray]

Well, we'll go as far as the trestle and then examine it. And if we can't get across, we'll find another way. But we're going to. Premier Hosts on VRBO Deliver quality vacation rental stays with fast responses and clear instructions so you don't have to worry about surprises.

[Jerry Dugan]

I asked our host a question about the house last night and he got back to me super quick.

[Paul Murray]

See, that's a Premier Host move right there.

[Jerry Dugan]

I wish I had a Premier group chat. I asked them where we should have dinner last night and they left me on red. I know you saw it. It says it.

[Paul Murray]

Classic group chat move. Don't walk into a surprise. Book a top rated verbo. Stay with a Premier host if you know you verbo.

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