
Jerry of the Circus - Jerry Chooses Fair Oaks For His School - 12/23/1937
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Sam
Jerry of the circus. It's sam. Now for Jerry of the circus.
Bump
Hey, Whitey. Oh, hello, Bump. How are you, Whitey?
Sam
Fine, Bump, fine. Couldn't be better.
Bump
Say, White, have you seen Mr. Randall?
Sam
Yeah, yeah, he and Jerry's uncle just came back on the lot. I think you'll find him in his office wagon right now.
Bump
Good. I'll get right over there then.
Sam
Okay. Well, I'll see you later, Bob.
Bump
All right. Whitey, it's Bumps in.
Sam
Oh, come in, Bump.
Bump
Jeff said you wanted to see me.
Sam
Yeah, yeah, Bumps, pull up a chair.
Bump
Okay. Well, what's on your mind, Sam?
Sam
Well, I thought maybe you'd like to get in on this job I have.
Bump
Hmm, what's that?
Sam
Picking a school for Jerry.
Bump
Oh, fine. Oh, you got the catalogs then?
Sam
Yeah, here they are. Nice assortment too. It's going to be hard to pick the right school.
Bump
Oh, that's so.
Sam
Yeah, Take a look at some of these books.
Bump
All right. Seems like we ought to be able to pick one out of all these. Yeah.
Sam
Say, here's one that looks good to me, Bumps. This one here. Fine looking bunch of boys at that school. Just look through here and see those pictures.
Bump
All right. I'll say this is a fine school. Nice buildings too. So you know, Sam, I think you're doing a wise thing sending Jerry off to a good school. The boy needs an education and he's the kind of a boy that'll make
Sam
the most of it. Yeah, you just bet he will.
Bump
He's quick. He picks things up fast. Yes, sir, I have every reason to believe I'm going to be proud of him.
Sam
We all will. That's why I want to be sure to pick the right school for him. I want to feel that I'm doing the very best I can.
Bump
Yeah. Let's see this catalog now.
Sam
Well. Oh, well, that's pretty far, Bump. Sir, It's a good school. But it's clear across the country.
Bump
Oh, yes, yes, I see it is.
Sam
Come in.
Bump
Oh, hello, Dan.
Sam
Oh, hello, Dan. Here's a couple more catalogs and some literature, Mr. Randall. Oh, good. Sit down, Dan.
Bump
Sam and I were just going over some of these schools that he has books on.
Sam
Find anything that looks okay?
Bump
Looks like they're all okay, Dan.
Sam
Jim. Just got back from the post office, Mr. Randall, and found these books. Hey, this looks like a good one right here.
Bump
Fair Oaks, huh?
Sam
Fair Oaks Military Academy. Listen to this. Military discipline tempered with good sense and adapted to growing boys. The prime function of this school is academic in character. That's the ticket here. Military training develops the boy physically and gives him a sound body, grace and carriage, poise and self control. It teaches him to respect authority and trains for leadership.
Bump
Say, that sounds good.
Sam
And it tells about the traditions of the school, background of the instructors. Yeah, this looks all right. Now, let's see. Say, Jerry will like this. They have horses there and all the students ride.
Bump
Look at this picture. Boating.
Sam
Yeah. Yeah, it's a good sized lake. Here's another thing. Look at this map here in the back.
Bump
Yeah.
Sam
See where it's located? Not too far from winter quarters. We could hop down there in an automobile in a few hours.
Bump
Why, that's ideal, I'd say.
Sam
Yes, sir. This looks like the school for Jerry. What do you say, Dan? You're Jerry's garden now, Mr. Randall. What you say go? Yes, but what do you think of it? That's a fine list of instructors they have. Jerry'd certainly learned something at Fair Oaks. I think it's a good school, Mr. Randle. Bumps, what do you say?
Bump
Well, unless I miss my guess, Jerry will like it. They have everything their boy could wish for.
Sam
Did you tell Jerry Arnold to see him, Dan? Yes, I did, Mr. Randall. He was over with Olson. They're sweeping off El Mundo. He'll be over. Good. Well, then it's agreed. As we talked it over, we'll put his money in the bank for him. I think that's wise.
Bump
So do I. Jerry doesn't know yet that he's leaving the circus to go to school.
Sam
Oh, he knows he's going to have to go to school, but he doesn't know he's leaving so soon. Won't you have to get in touch with the school first? Well, yes. I'll call them long distance and see if they have an opening. Here he comes now, across the lot.
Bump
Say, Sam, don't you think Jerry should have a chance to pick the school he's gonna have to go to?
Sam
Sure. Yeah, that's an idea, Bumps. But he'll pick Fair Oaks.
Bump
How?
Sam
Well, you just watch. Come in.
Jerry
Do you wanna see me?
Bump
Hello there.
Sam
Yes? I did send for you, Jerry. You're invited to attend our meeting.
Jerry
What meeting?
Bump
The Jerry Dugan Welfare Society.
Sam
Yeah. I want to have a talk with you, young man. I guess your uncle told you that I am now your legal guardian.
Jerry
Yeah, he did. Stop it, Rand. All right, go on out, but stay right in front of the wagon.
Sam
You better close the door.
Jerry
Okay.
Sam
Well, I'm going to start right out on my new job. Jerry, Sit down. You remember I told you the other day that you were going to have to go to school?
Jerry
Yes, sir. As soon as the season is over.
Sam
No, before that, Jerry. Right away.
Jerry
But, oh, Mr. Randall. Now, Jerry, I've got to do my acting.
Sam
Well, I. I think we can struggle along without the act. Look, Jerry, from now until the end of the season, we have nothing but one night stands. You've enjoyed the best part of the season. The rest is hard. We're on the move all the time. Early setups and switches in the middle of the night. It's no sense, really.
Jerry
But I don't mind.
Sam
Oh, I know you don't. But I think you'll be better off if you go right to school. You know, I want you to be happy. I think you will be happy at school. Why, in a few days you'll forget all about the circus and take an interest in things a boy should take an interest in. Football, baseball, swimming and things like that. You'll like it, Jerry.
Jerry
Maybe.
Sam
Oh, sure you will.
Bump
Mr. Randall's right, Jerry.
Sam
If you get right at it now, by the time there are promotions, you'll get into a better grade. Now look here, I've got quite a few catalogs. All sorts of different schools. And pretty fine schools at that. Yeah, look them over, Jerry, and see which one you like best. Here's one I think would be nice.
Jerry
Military schools, huh?
Bump
Uh huh, that's right.
Sam
Wouldn't you like to go to a military school?
Jerry
Oh, sure, I always wanted to. Dad was gonna send me to one, but. Aw, gee, let me finish this season first.
Sam
What's the advantage in that, Jerry?
Jerry
I don't know, but. Aw, gee, I hate to leave everybody now.
Sam
Oh, well, you're going to leave them at the end of the season anyway. That's the way it is with circus folk, son. Every year at the end of the season we have to say goodbye. Sometimes we're all together again the next season. And sometimes we're not. How'd you like that school, Jerry?
Jerry
No, wait. Hey, look here.
Sam
Bumps. Yes, Sam. Remember what I told you.
Bump
Watch.
Jerry
Say, this is a keen school, Mr. Randall.
Sam
Which one is that, Jerry? Fair Oaks.
Jerry
Hey, look at. They have horses there and polo teams and, hey, a big lake, too.
Sam
Well, now, that isn't the one I picked out, Jerry. You had enough to do with horses and being around animals. You want to pick out a school where you'll learn something. You had an easy time of it, and now it's time for you to get down to business and study.
Jerry
Well, sure, but I've got to have a little fun, too. You know how much I like horses and like to ride.
Bump
What's the name of that school, Jerry? The one you like?
Jerry
Fair Oaks. And Jiminy, look at this. It's not so far from winter quarters either. Maybe I could visit winter quarters on weekends or vacation time.
Sam
Well, no, that's another thing, Jerry. It's too close to winter quarters. You. You want to get as far away from the circus as possible.
Jerry
Oh, no, this is a keen school. Hey, and look at the swell football team. Please, Mr. Randall, let me go to Fair Oaks.
Sam
Have you got any other objections to the school, Mr. Randall? No. They have a wonderful faculty, and I.
Jerry
That's the one I want to go to. You said you wanted me to be happy and. Well, I know I'd like it there.
Sam
Well, now, please.
Jerry
It's an awful good school.
Sam
Well, all right, but I'll do anything
Jerry
you say if you just let me go to Fair Oaks.
Sam
Well, will you leave tonight after the show?
Jerry
Oh, no, not that soon.
Sam
You said you'd do anything I wanted you to.
Bump
You'll be tickled to death once you get there, Jerry.
Sam
I'll tell you what, Bumps and I'll go with you, huh? Yeah. Uncle Dan there can sort of hold on my job while we go with you to enroll. There's something for you, Jerry. How about that?
Jerry
But how could Bumps get off?
Sam
Oh, well, seeing as how I'm the boss, I reckon we can fix that. Let me try. I got a call through Noun. See just where we stand. I think you picked a good school, Jerry.
Bump
So do I, Jerry. And you like it there. You're gonna have a lot of fun.
Sam
Long distance, please. What's the major's name there at the Fair Oaks, Jerry?
Jerry
Let's see. His picture's right here in the front of the book. Oh, it's Major Frank Davis.
Sam
Hello, operator? Yes, I'm calling the Fair Oaks Military Academy at Fair Oaks. That's right. I want to talk with Major Frank Davis. That's it. This is Mr. Randall speaking. Oh, the phone number. Well. Oh, this is an extension phone to the Randall Brothers Circus. That's right.
Bump
All right.
Sam
Thank you, operator. They're gonna get it for you. Yes, they'll call me right back.
Jerry
What are you calling them for?
Sam
Well, we have to see if there's a place open for a new student today. It might be all filled up.
Jerry
Oh, I see.
Sam
Now, how about your money, Jerry?
Jerry
Hey, now I see it.
Sam
What?
Jerry
Rosa was right.
Bump
What are you talking about, Jerry?
Jerry
Remember when Rosa told my fortune the last time? She said I was going to be in a uniform like a soldier. And she saw me marching between big trees and she said I was going to leave the school.
Sam
Say, hey, look.
Jerry
Just look at all those big trees. Say, this picture here. Well, there's trees all around the school.
Bump
That's another prediction of roses come true.
Jerry
You bet it is. Hey, wait till Slats hears about this.
Sam
Now, about the money, Jerry.
Jerry
Oh, yeah. Excuse me.
Sam
Your uncle and I think you should put the whole amount in the bank for the time being.
Jerry
All but what it takes to send me to school.
Sam
No, the whole amount, Jerry. I have a little surprise for you.
Bump
Know what, Sam?
Sam
Yeah. What's this? You remember when you started doing your act with El Mundo, Jerry? I gave you a raise in salary. Yeah, but I. I didn't give you the whole amount. That act is worth a whole lot more than you've been putting away every week that I've been giving you. I've only been paying you about a fourth, huh? That's right. I've been saving the biggest part of your salary for you. And I've got it all right in that safe. Enough to pay your tuition at faro.
Jerry
Really?
Sam
That's right. Is that a surprise, Jerry?
Jerry
I'll say it is. And thanks, Mr. Randall.
Sam
Now you can put all your money that you got from your property away in the bank. I guess you're not so bad off. You. Excuse me. Hello? Yeah. Yeah. All right, operator. Hello, Major Davis? This is Mr. Randall. Major Davis of Randall Brothers Circus. Yeah, I'm calling to find out if you have a place for another boy there at Fair Oaks. Yeah. Yes, he is. That's right. No, right away. Yes, sir. Yes, Major. Oh, fine. Fine, Major. Oh, well, I'll get the information and, well, we'll get in sometime tomorrow. Thank you, sir. You bet.
Bump
All right.
Sam
Goodbye, Major. Well, that's that.
Jerry
Is there room for me?
Bump
It's all set us in.
Sam
Yep, fine. That's great. Well, Jerry, you're almost on your way. He was certainly a fine man to talk to. Her. I think you'll get along all right with him, Jerry.
Jerry
Hey, wait a minute.
Sam
Why?
Jerry
Well, how about Rags? What's going to happen to him? Oh, I can't leave Rags behind.
Bump
Well, now, Jerry, you know I'd take the best of care of that little fellow.
Jerry
Oh, no, I can't go away from him, Bumps.
Sam
Now, Jerry, don't worry about that. We'll take Rags with us to Fair Oaks. I think after the major sees him. Oh, we won't have any trouble. Why, Rags will most likely wind up being the mascot of the football team.
Jerry
Hey, that's an idea.
Sam
Sure it'll work out all right. Now you better run along, get into your uniform and get ready for the night show, Jerry. It'll be your last one, Jerry, so better be good. Foreign.
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Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 17, 2026
Episode Title: Jerry of the Circus - Jerry Chooses Fair Oaks For His School
This episode of "Jerry of the Circus" transports listeners back to the golden age of radio storytelling. The central theme revolves around a heartwarming and pivotal moment for Jerry Dugan: the decision of which school he will attend, marking his coming-of-age and a departure from circus life. The discussion, led by Sam (Jerry’s new guardian), Bumps (a supportive fatherly figure), and other circus friends, captures the collective concern for Jerry's future and his personal hopes and anxieties about leaving the only home he’s known.
Sam, Bumps, and Dan gather to review school catalogs, each wanting the best for Jerry. Their conversation is filled with warmth and genuine care.
The group is particularly drawn to Fair Oaks Military Academy, reading its attributes aloud and reflecting on the potential benefits for Jerry.
Fair Oaks stands out not only for its academics but also for its proximity to the circus’s winter quarters—a reassuring thought for those reluctant to see Jerry go too far.
The adults agree Jerry deserves to choose his own school, showing respect for his feelings.
When Jerry arrives, he expresses initial reluctance and sadness about leaving the circus mid-season, emphasizing his attachment to his circus family and performing.
Jerry is encouraged to look through the catalogs. Upon discovering Fair Oaks, he lights up:
Sam initially feigns resistance but ultimately supports Jerry’s choice, promising to help with the transition.
After Jerry’s enthusiastic choice, Sam and Bumps promise to accompany him to the academy. Sam calls Fair Oaks, speaking to Major Frank Davis to secure a place for Jerry.
Discussion about Jerry’s finances arises. Sam reveals a touching twist: he has quietly saved a significant portion of Jerry’s circus salary for his future.
Jerry’s admission to Fair Oaks is secured:
Jerry worries about leaving his beloved dog, Rags, behind. The adults reassure him that Rags can accompany him, and might even become the school mascot.
Jerry remembers Rosa the fortune teller’s prediction about his future, noting its uncanny accuracy as he looks at Fair Oaks’ brochure.
The episode maintains a nostalgic, wholesome tone, filled with sincere dialogue. The characters’ language and interactions reflect the close-knit, supportive environment of the traveling circus family in classic radio tradition. There’s gentle humor, warmth, and genuine emotion as Jerry faces a turning point in his young life.
This episode beautifully encapsulates the communal spirit of the circus family, the bittersweet emotions of growing up, and the gentle push toward maturity. Listeners experience Jerry’s transition with him, reassured by the adults’ care, the fulfillment of a fortune teller’s prophecy, and even the promise that beloved pets are not left behind. The rich, character-driven storytelling offers a heartwarming glimpse into the era’s radio traditions and timeless themes of family, change, and the excitement (and nervousness) of new beginnings.