Jerry of the Circus - Jerry Sells His Land for Seventy-Five Hundred Dollars

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Jerry of the Circus - Jerry Sells His Land for Seventy-Five Hundred Dollars

Date: May 17, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode features a classic Golden Age radio drama: "Jerry of the Circus." In this chapter, the focus is on young Jerry as he navigates a major life transition—selling his Montana land for the substantial sum of $7,500. The story develops with considerations about Jerry’s guardianship, his future, and a dramatic negotiation with a railroad representative.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Guardianship and Jerry’s Future

• Uncle Dan’s Concern: Uncle Dan, Jerry's only relative, is preparing to leave for an extended and dangerous animal-collecting expedition in Africa. Worried about Jerry’s well-being, he discusses transferring guardianship.
  • “I'm the only relative Jerry has. This expedition may take me far south... I thought Jerry should have someone to sort of look out after him.” — Uncle Dan (04:00)
• Mr. Randall as Guardian: Uncle Dan approaches Mr. Randall, suggesting he become Jerry’s new guardian because of his close relationship with the boy.
  • “If that boy were my own son, I couldn't care for him any more than I do. It would be an honor, Dan.” — Mr. Randall (04:34)
• Discussion of Education: Mr. Randall proposes sending Jerry to a good school, perhaps a military academy, believing Jerry needs more than the circus can provide.
  • “I've been thinking quite a bit about Jerry's welfare and his future. He's going to amount to something someday.” — Mr. Randall (04:46)
  • “Well, you let me worry about that [tuition], okay?” — Mr. Randall (05:44)

2. Jerry Learns About the Guardianship

• Jerry’s Reaction: When told about the guardianship, Jerry is pleased and expresses deep trust in Mr. Randall.
  • “How would you like me for a dad?” — Mr. Randall (07:08)
  • “Well, that's keen. I would have picked you myself.” — Jerry (07:28)
• Promise of Guidance: Mr. Randall assures Jerry he’ll be a wise and caring guardian, and Jerry promises to try his best.
  • “Whatever you think is best for me. If you think it's the right thing, then I'm sure it is.” — Jerry (07:52)

3. The Land Sale Negotiation

• Introduction of Mr. Wells: Mr. Wells from the Montana Overland Railroad meets Jerry to discuss purchasing his land for a new rail spur.
  • “The MO Railroad is extending a spur line... and we need your land to run the extension through.” — Mr. Wells (08:53)
• Valuation and Negotiation:
  • Mr. Wells initially offers $5,000, citing the assessed value as $2,000, but notes the strategic importance to the railroad.
  • Jerry, despite his youth, holds firm and pushes for a better deal, even humorously hoping the land might have gold.
    • “Well, it might have gold on it or silver... might be worth a whole lot more.” — Jerry (10:08)
  • After some back and forth, Mr. Wells’ final offer is $7,500.
    • “I'll give you 7,500. Is it a deal?” — Mr. Wells (10:55)
• Jerry Agrees to Sell: Jerry consents, with some encouragement and practical advice from Mr. Randall and Uncle Dan. Papers are to be signed by Jerry and his legal guardian (soon to be Mr. Randall).
  • “It's really not any good to me... You can have it for 8,000.” — Jerry (11:03, 11:12)
  • “I'm sorry, Jerry. 7,500 is the best I can do.” — Mr. Wells (11:16)
  • “Well, all right.” — Jerry (11:20)

4. Reflection on the Transaction

• Impressed Adults: Both Mr. Wells and Mr. Randall commend Jerry on his negotiating skills and warn him to be cautious with his newfound wealth.
  • “You drove a hard bargain, Jerry.” — Mr. Randall (11:23)
  • “Now, don't cash that check and spend it before you see me.” — Mr. Randall (12:53)
• Jerry’s Aspirations: Despite the windfall, Jerry assures them he intends to continue working hard.
  • “I'm gonna work hard too. You don't think I'm satisfied just because I got this money do you?” — Jerry (12:14)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Jerry is excited about being under Mr. Randall’s guardianship:
  • “Well, that's keen. I would have picked you myself.” — Jerry (07:28)
• Jerry’s business savvy impresses the adults:
  • “That's three times as much as it's worth.” — Mr. Wells (10:28)
  • “You drove a hard bargain, Jerry.” — Mr. Randall (11:23)
• Jerry’s humility:
  • “It’s really not any good to me... I mean the property.” — Jerry (11:03)
  • “I'm gonna work hard too.” — Jerry (12:14)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Guardianship Discussion: 04:00–06:07
• Jerry’s Reaction to New Guardian: 07:00–07:52
• Railroad Representative Arrival: 08:05
• Land Negotiation and Sale: 08:53–12:21
• Final Reflection and Warnings to Jerry: 12:53–13:30

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode is earnest and heartfelt, blending gentle humor with themes of responsibility, growing up, and practical wisdom. The adult characters offer mentorship and warmth, while Jerry is characterized by innocence, shrewdness, and a can-do attitude.

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This installment showcases the wholesome, teachable moments for which Golden Age radio dramas are known, with Jerry learning not just about business but about planning for his future and the importance of trusted guidance along the way.

Transcript

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[Mr. Randall]

Jerry of the Circus.

[Uncle Dan]

Sa. Sam.

[Mr. Randall]

Now for Jerry of the Circus.

[Jerry]

Hey, Uncle Dan. Uncle Dan. Wait a second.

[Mr. Randall]

What is it, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Where are you going?

[Uncle Dan]

Right in here in the office wagon. See Mr. Randall about me.

[Jerry]

Huh?

[Uncle Dan]

How did you know?

[Jerry]

Bump Storming.

[Uncle Dan]

Oh.

[Jerry]

Hey, what do you want to talk to Mr. Randall about me for?

[Uncle Dan]

Oh, just a little business, Jerry.

[Jerry]

About my property in Montana?

[Mr. Randall]

Nope.

[Uncle Dan]

Oh, and what you'll find out later.

[Jerry]

Oh, tell me now.

[Uncle Dan]

Let me talk with Mr. Randall first, then we'll let you in on it later.

[Jerry]

Oh, I don't see why you won't tell me.

[Mr. Randall]

What's the secret about now, Jerry?

[Uncle Dan]

Well, where were you heading for?

[Jerry]

Right over there to the ticket wagon. Jack Hastings has those pictures finished and he's gonna give me a set.

[Mr. Randall]

What pictures?

[Jerry]

The pictures he took of me up on El Mundo.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh.

[Uncle Dan]

Well, you run along and get them. You'll find out soon enough what I'm going to discuss with Mr. Randall.

[Jerry]

Oh, all right. Come on, Rags.

[Uncle Dan]

Smile a little bit, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Okay.

[Uncle Dan]

Oh, dear.

[Mr. Randall]

Come in. What's so funny, dan?

[Uncle Dan]

That boy, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, who? Jerry. What's he doing now?

[Uncle Dan]

He's all put out because I won't tell him what I wanted to see you about.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, well, I guess you can't blame him. He's in on about everything that happens around here.

[Uncle Dan]

Yeah, that's right.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, what did you want to talk to me about, Dan?

[Uncle Dan]

Let me pull this chair up here and. You've got a little time, haven't you?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, sure. Sure thing. What's in your mind?

[Uncle Dan]

I guess you've heard I'm about set.

[Mr. Wells]

Mm.

[Mr. Randall]

I heard you got another order for animals, and looks like you'll be putting out to Africa pretty soon.

[Uncle Dan]

That's it. I figured I'd get away with in a couple of months, maybe sooner.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I'm glad to hear that, Dan. Thanks. But what about this talk you want to have with me in regard to Jerry?

[Uncle Dan]

Well, I've been thinking, Mr. Randall. I'm the only relative Jerry has.

[Mr. Wells]

Yeah?

[Uncle Dan]

This expedition I'm going on May take me as far south as the veld.

[Mr. Randall]

That's way down in South Africa. Right.

[Uncle Dan]

And I thought that Jerry should have someone to sort of look out after him. And I'm an uncle, and he isn't much good thousands of miles away and out of communication with the world for months at a time.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, I see what you mean.

[Uncle Dan]

You never know just what might come up. As far as that goes, this big game hunting is dangerous business and there's no telling what might happen to me.

[Mr. Randall]

That's right, but. Well, what's your point?

[Uncle Dan]

Well, I think he should have a guardian. Well, if it's not asking too much, Mr. Randall, I think you're the man

[Mr. Randall]

for the job asking too much. Why, say you. You know how much I think of Jerry. Why, if that boy were my own son, I couldn't care for him any more than I do. It would be an honor, Dan.

[Uncle Dan]

I'm glad to hear you say that, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

You know, Dan, I've been thinking quite a bit about Jerry's welfare and his future. He's going to amount to something someday. You mark my words.

[Uncle Dan]

Oh, I'm sure of that, all right.

[Mr. Randall]

But I don't think he's getting the proper training being with a circus.

[Mr. Wells]

He's.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, he's missing a lot of things a boy of his age should have.

[Uncle Dan]

I know. The boy should really have a home. But I haven't got a home, so I can't do anything about that, much as I'd like to.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, have you ever thought of sending him to a good school?

[Uncle Dan]

No, I haven't, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I have, Dan. I've given it a lot of thought. In fact, I sent to several schools for catalogs and literature. Let's see, it was last week. I should get them here or at the latest hour, next day and tomorrow.

[Uncle Dan]

You have been thinking about Jerry.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah. What do you think about a good school for Jerry?

[Uncle Dan]

I think it's a great idea. Well, how about a good military school? It would be the best thing in

[Mr. Randall]

the world for me. I'm glad you feel that way.

[Uncle Dan]

But what about the money for the tuition?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, we'll work that out somehow.

[Uncle Dan]

It takes quite a bit of money to send a boy to a good school.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, you. You let me worry about that, okay?

[Uncle Dan]

And I'll let you pick out the school, too. I don't know a thing about those things.

[Mr. Randall]

All right, fine. Now, what about this guardianship?

[Uncle Dan]

Well, as long as I'm his only relative and likewise his guardian, and I'm willing to have his Guardianship transferred to you. It shouldn't be any trouble at all. Good.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, then suppose we do it the first thing in the morning when we get into Winkler.

[Jerry]

Fine.

[Uncle Dan]

I'll meet you here at the office right after breakfast.

[Mr. Randall]

All right.

[Jerry]

You're right this way.

[Uncle Dan]

Sounds like Jerry now.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, can't see him all right. Come in, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Hey, look at these keen pictures of me on El Mundo.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, say, those are good pictures here, Dan.

[Jerry]

Hey, look at that one where I'm hanging onto this trunk.

[Uncle Dan]

This is a good one, Jerry.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, here's a dandy too. This one where you're standing up on his head. Say, they're all good.

[Uncle Dan]

Did Jack give you these?

[Jerry]

Uhhuh. For keeps.

[Mr. Randall]

That's all right. Oh, here you are. You hang on to him now.

[Jerry]

Ah, don't you worry, I will.

[Uncle Dan]

Well, I guess that's about all we have to say, Mr. Randall. I'll see you in the morning.

[Mr. Randall]

Okay, Dan. And I'll see you after a while, Jerry.

[Jerry]

All right. Say, did you have your Talk about me, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Yes, we did, Jerry. And you're pretty anxious to find out what we were talking about, aren't you?

[Jerry]

Sure I am, but. Well, can you blame me?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, no, I guess we can't blame you, Jerry. And I'm gonna let you in on it.

[Jerry]

Oh, swell.

[Mr. Randall]

How would you like me for a dad?

[Jerry]

What?

[Mr. Randall]

I said, how would you like me for a dad?

[Jerry]

I don't know what you mean.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, not exactly a dad, Jerry, but your Uncle Dan and I have decided that you've got to have a guardian. Especially now that you're uncle is going out on a long expedition.

[Jerry]

And you're going to be my guardian.

[Mr. Wells]

Yep.

[Mr. Randall]

How'd you like that?

[Jerry]

Well, that's keen. I would have picked you myself.

[Mr. Randall]

Fine. I'm glad you're satisfied.

[Jerry]

Hey, when do you start?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, I start my new job tomorrow, Jerry. Yes, sir. Tomorrow you'll have to answer to me for everything.

[Jerry]

I'm awful glad, Mr. Randall. I wouldn't want anybody else in the whole world for a guardian.

[Mr. Randall]

Yeah, we do get along pretty good at that, don't we?

[Jerry]

I'll say we do.

[Mr. Randall]

Are you going to continue to listen to me and do as I say?

[Jerry]

Sure, whatever you think is best for me. Well, if you think it's the right thing, then I'm sure it is.

[Mr. Randall]

That's a way to talk to you. Yes, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Wells]

Yes.

[Mr. Randall]

Yes, come in.

[Mr. Wells]

I'm Mr. Wells, Mr. Randall, local representative of the Montana Overland Railroad.

[Uncle Dan]

Oh, come in.

[Mr. Randall]

Glad to know you, Mr. Wells.

[Uncle Dan]

Have a Chair.

[Mr. Wells]

Thank you.

[Jerry]

Quiet, Legs.

[Mr. Randall]

I take it you're looking for Jerry Dugan, Mr. Wells.

[Mr. Wells]

That's right.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, here's your man right here. Jerry, meet Mr. Wells.

[Jerry]

How do you do, sir?

[Mr. Wells]

I'm glad to know you, Jerry. Although I did expect to meet someone a little older.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, you'll find Jerry a good little businessman.

[Mr. Wells]

In that case, I'll have to be careful. I received a long distance phone call just a while ago. Right after our Mr. McNear got your wire and the information about your route.

[Mr. Randall]

Seems to me your company is mighty anxious about this property of Jerry's.

[Mr. Wells]

That's why I'll have to be careful, you know that we're anxious, and you might hold out for a pretty steep price.

[Jerry]

Then you want to buy my property?

[Mr. Wells]

That's why I'm here, young man.

[Jerry]

Well, what do you want it for?

[Mr. Wells]

Well, let's start right at the beginning, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Okay.

[Mr. Wells]

The MO Railroad is extending a spur line to link with our main road at a junction not far from your property. And we need your land to run the extension through.

[Jerry]

I guess I'll have to admit I don't know what that means.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, now, Jerry. And after me telling Mr. Wells you were a good businessman.

[Jerry]

Well, I can't help it. I just don't understand.

[Mr. Wells]

In other words, Jerry, we want to run some new track right through your property. We've been wanting to do this for a long time, Mr. Randall. We had a hard time finding the owner of the land.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, that's all?

[Mr. Wells]

All the county recorder's office showed was that it was owned by a Timothy Dugan.

[Jerry]

Well, how did you finally find us?

[Mr. Wells]

Someone with our firm found out that Timothy Dugan was a circus man. And so the office got busy and sent out letters to every circus.

[Mr. Randall]

That's almost as good as your detective work, Jerry.

[Jerry]

I'll say.

[Mr. Wells]

Now, young man, what are you going to ask the. The property?

[Jerry]

Well, I don't know. I don't know what it's worth.

[Mr. Wells]

The actual worth, as recorded in the county assessor's office, is about $2,000.

[Jerry]

Is that all?

[Mr. Wells]

It's out in the wide open spaces, Jerry. 35 miles to the nearest town.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, why don't you make Jerry an offer, Mr. Wells?

[Mr. Wells]

All right, I will. Montana Overland authorized me to offer $5,000. Not because the property is worth that much money, but it's worth that much to us because of the shortcut.

[Mr. Randall]

Hmm. Well, how does that sound to you, Jerry?

[Jerry]

Well, I don't know. You know, I. I haven't seen the land yet, and well, it might have gold on it or silver. Well, it might be worth a whole lot more than that.

[Mr. Wells]

No, Jerry. The property has all been carefully gone over by a geologist, and it has no value in that regard.

[Jerry]

Well, anyway, I think it's worth more than $5,000.

[Mr. Wells]

How about 6,000?

[Jerry]

No, I'd rather keep that.

[Mr. Wells]

That's three times as much as it's worth.

[Mr. Randall]

Now Jerry's showing his business ability.

[Mr. Wells]

You are hard to deal with, young man.

[Mr. Randall]

It seems to me, Jerry, that that's a pretty fair offer. If they build their track someplace else, it might be a long time before you get another chance to sell.

[Jerry]

I know, but.

[Mr. Wells]

All right, Jerry, I'll give you my final bid. I'll go as high as the railroad will allow me. I'll give you 7,500. Is it a deal? Well, you want a day to think it over?

[Jerry]

No. What do you think, Mr. Randall?

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, I don't want to advise you in this, Jerry. It's up to you.

[Jerry]

It's really not any good to me. I mean the property.

[Mr. Wells]

There's taxes to be paid on it every year. You mustn't forget that.

[Jerry]

What do you say, Rag? You mean sell it? Okay, I will. You can have it for 8,000.

[Mr. Wells]

I'm sorry, Jerry. 7,500 is the best I can do.

[Jerry]

Well, all right.

[Mr. Wells]

Good boy.

[Mr. Randall]

You drove a hard bargain, Jerry.

[Mr. Wells]

I'll say you did. Now, who's your legal guardian, Jerry?

[Jerry]

I don't know. I guess my uncle.

[Uncle Dan]

That's right.

[Mr. Randall]

Yes, his uncle is today. But tomorrow we're taking out the papers that will make me his guardian.

[Mr. Wells]

Is that so?

[Uncle Dan]

Mm.

[Mr. Wells]

Well, we'll have to make out some papers too, Jerry. We'll have to get your uncle to sign them along with your signature. Have you got the deed to the property?

[Jerry]

Uh huh. It's in bumps wagon over in the trunk.

[Mr. Wells]

And where will we find your uncle?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, he'll most likely be out in the backyard someplace. You'll find him when you get back to the wagon.

[Mr. Wells]

I have a company check right here. Now, I'll just fill it out for you. Then we'll draw up these transfer papers and we'll be all set.

[Mr. Randall]

Well, that's certainly a lot of money for a boy like you to have, Jerry.

[Mr. Wells]

I'll say it is. I wish I had a nest egg like that. When I was a boy, I worked mighty hard for every penny I had.

[Mr. Randall]

That goes for me, too.

[Jerry]

I'm gonna work hard too. You don't think I'm satisfied just because I got this money do you?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, that's the spirit, Jerry.

[Mr. Wells]

You ready now, Jerry?

[Jerry]

You mean to go back and find Uncle Dan? Yes, sure. Come on, Randy.

[Mr. Wells]

Well, Mr. Randall, it's been a pleasure meeting you.

[Mr. Randall]

Thank you, sir. I'm glad to have made your acquaintance.

[Jerry]

We'll see you tonight, Mr. Randall.

[Mr. Randall]

Oh, okay, Jerry. Goodbye, Mr. Wells.

[Mr. Wells]

Goodbye, Mr. Randall.

[Uncle Dan]

Oh,

[Mr. Randall]

hey, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Randall]

Say, don't cash that check and spend it before you see me.

[Jerry]

Why?

[Mr. Randall]

Well, because I've got an idea where you're going to spend part of it. If you don't see me on the train tonight, you be sure to come to my office wagon after we're set up at Winkler in the morning.

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