Jerry of the Circus - Jerry Chooses Fair Oaks For His School

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Jerry of the Circus - Jerry Chooses Fair Oaks For His School"

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

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Episode Overview

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.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Choosing a School for Jerry (02:06–05:54)

• 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.

  • Sam (04:09): “Military discipline tempered with good sense and adapted to growing boys. The prime function of this school is academic in character… Military training develops the boy physically and gives him a sound body, grace and carriage, poise and self-control… trains for leadership.”
  • Bump (04:33): “Say, that sounds good.”

• 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.

2. Including Jerry in the Decision (05:54–08:25)

• 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 (06:40): “But, oh, Mr. Randall. Now, Jerry, I've got to do my acting.”
  • Sam (07:01): “I think you'll be better off if you go right to school. You know, I want you to be happy…”

• Jerry is encouraged to look through the catalogs. Upon discovering Fair Oaks, he lights up:

  • Jerry (08:14): “Say, this is a keen school, Mr. Randall.”
  • Jerry (09:00): “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 initially feigns resistance but ultimately supports Jerry’s choice, promising to help with the transition.

3. Arranging the Next Steps (09:07–12:37)

• 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.

  • Sam (10:09): “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…”

• 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.

  • Sam (11:18): “You remember when you started doing your act with El Mundo, Jerry? I gave you a raise in salary… 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 Fair Oaks.”
  • Jerry (11:43): “I’ll say it is. And thanks, Mr. Randall.”

• Jerry’s admission to Fair Oaks is secured:

  • Sam (12:31): “They’ll call me right back… Well, that’s that.”
  • Jerry (12:27): “Is there room for me?”
  • Bump (12:28): “It’s all set…”

4. Jerry’s Concerns for His Dog, Rags (12:37–13:01)

• 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.

  • Bumps (12:44): “You know I’d take the best of care of that little fellow.”
  • Sam (12:49): “We’ll take Rags with us to Fair Oaks… Rags will most likely wind up being the mascot of the football team.”

5. Fortune Telling and Fate (10:40–11:01)

• Jerry remembers Rosa the fortune teller’s prediction about his future, noting its uncanny accuracy as he looks at Fair Oaks’ brochure.

  • Jerry (10:40): “Rosa was right. She said I was going to be in a uniform like a soldier… marching between big trees and said I was going to leave the school… Well, there’s trees all around the school.”
  • Bump (10:59): “That’s another prediction of Rosa’s come true.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Picking the school
  • “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.” — Sam (03:28)
• On letting Jerry choose:
  • “Don’t you think Jerry should have a chance to pick the school he’s gonna have to go to?” — Bump (05:49)
• Jerry’s Excitement:
  • “Say, this is a keen school, Mr. Randall… Fair Oaks. And Jiminy, look at this. It’s not so far from winter quarters either.” — Jerry (08:14–08:45)
• Rosa’s Fortune:
  • “She said I was going to be in a uniform like a soldier. And she saw me marching between big trees…” — Jerry (10:40)
• Hidden Savings:
  • “I’ve only been paying you about a fourth, huh?... 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 Fair Oaks.” — Sam (11:18)

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Important Timestamps

• 02:06— Start of core episode content; discussion of picking Jerry’s school
• 04:09–04:33 — Sam reads description of Fair Oaks Academy
• 05:49 — Bump suggests Jerry should choose his own school
• 06:02 — Jerry arrives and learns about the decision
• 08:14–08:45 — Jerry discovers Fair Oaks and gets excited
• 10:09 — Sam calls Fair Oaks to secure Jerry a spot
• 10:40–10:59 — Jerry connects Rosa’s fortune to his impending school life
• 11:18 — Sam surprises Jerry with news of his secret savings
• 12:28–12:30 — Jerry’s enrollment at Fair Oaks is secured
• 12:37–13:01 — Plans are made for Rags the dog to join Jerry at school

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Tone and Style

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.

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Conclusion

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.

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Transcript

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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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