Jerry of the Circus - Safe Deposit Box Key

Summary

Podcast Summary: Jerry of the Circus – Safe Deposit Box Key

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 15, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

In this episode of "Jerry of the Circus," listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio storytelling. The central storyline revolves around Jerry and the mystery of his father’s safe deposit box key—a key he recently discovered but doesn’t know which bank it belongs to. With support from his friends and the local bank cashier, Jerry embarks on an adventure to uncover the box’s secrets, hoping it contains something significant from his father’s past.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A Day in the Circus: Working with Whitey

Timestamps: 02:08 – 04:56

• Jerry helps Whitey with Harness and Horses:

  • Whitey, feeling responsible while the blacksmith is unwell, teaches Jerry about harness maintenance and horseshoeing.
    • “I didn't know you had to take care of the harness too.” – Jerry [02:20]
    • “My blacksmith's not feeling so good, so I told him to take a day or two off...” – Whitey [02:23]

• Jerry shares his fright from losing his keys, only to find that his dog Rags had buried them under the wagon.

  • “I thought I lost my keys, but Rags had them and he buried them under the wagon...” – Jerry [02:36]
  • Notably, one of the keys is to his late father's safe deposit box.

2. The Mystery of the Safe Deposit Key

Timestamps: 02:58 – 04:56

• Jerry explains the significance of the key.
  • Patsy, his friend, is going to help Jerry figure out which bank the box belongs to.
  • “It’s a key to a safety deposit box my father had. Patsy’s going to help me find out where it is.” – Jerry [02:58]
  • Jerry admits he doesn't know which bank, emphasizing the challenge ahead.

3. Learning the Tricks of Circus Horses

Timestamps: 04:56 – 06:29

• Jerry’s bond with the horses, especially Splendor, is highlighted.
  • He expresses interest in teaching Splendor some circus tricks, with Whitey encouraging him.
    • “Remember, Whitey, you said I could try and teach Splendor a few tricks.” – Jerry [05:00]
    • “It’s okay with me, Jerry. I don’t guess you’ll spoil him. You seem to understand horses pretty well.” – Whitey [05:03]
  • Whitey explains the idea of a “high school horse” and practical reasons white horses are favored in the circus.
    • “A high school horse is a highly trained one... can do all sorts of tricks and take commands.” – Whitey [05:23]
    • “When they take the shedding, the white hair doesn't show on the white costumes most of the riders wear.” – Whitey [05:50]
    • “The rosin makes good footing on their backs... that’s why you call them rosenbacks.” – Whitey [06:10]

4. Payroll and Checking In with Jim Bennett

Timestamps: 07:01 – 09:23

• Jerry and Patsy go to pick up their pay and chat with Jim.
  • Friendly banter about Jerry’s pay and Rags earning a share.
    • “Don’t forget, part of that money belongs to Rags. He worked for it, so I guess you better give it to him.” – Jim Bennett [08:22]
    • Jerry jokes: “If I gave it to him, he’d bury it under the wagon.” [08:26]
  • Discussion about Jerry’s uncle and Mr. Dugan’s hardships and eventual recovery.
    • “I feel sorry for Mr. Dugan. He surely went through a lot with Lorenz all those years.” – Patsy [08:48]
    • “...he’ll be out of the hospital soon, well and strong again.” – Jerry [08:59]

5. Trying to Solve the Key Mystery at the Bank

Timestamps: 09:47 – 12:26

• Patsy and Jerry meet Mr. Ross, the helpful cashier.

  • They present the mysterious safe deposit box key, uncertain which bank it’s from.
    • “We don’t know what bank the key is from.” – Patsy [10:09]
    • Mr. Ross identifies it as a safe deposit box key but notes it has no bank markings, only a serial number.
    • “No markings on it other than this number 7C4321. Your key, son?” – Mr. Ross [10:25]

• Tracing the Key:

  • Mr. Ross suggests a potential solution by sending the key to the clearinghouse association to identify the manufacturer and possibly the bank using that lock type.
    • “If we sent the key into their headquarters… there’s a slight chance that one of the banks… might be using the same type of key.” – Mr. Ross [11:50]
  • Patsy is hopeful but realistic:
    • “I don’t know, Jerry, but I do hope so. There may be something in that box that’s awfully important to you.” [12:26]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-------------|-------| | 02:36 | Jerry | “I thought I lost my keys, but Rags had them and he buried them under the wagon…” | | 02:58 | Jerry | “It’s a key to a safety deposit box my father had. Patsy’s going to help me find out where it is.” | | 05:23 | Whitey | “A high school horse is a highly trained one... can do all sorts of tricks and take commands.” | | 06:10 | Whitey | “The rosin makes good footing on their backs... that’s why you call them rosenbacks.” | | 08:22 | Jim Bennett | “Don’t forget, part of that money belongs to Rags. He worked for it, so I guess you better give it to him.” | | 10:25 | Mr. Ross | “No markings on it other than this number 7C4321. Your key, son?” | | 11:50 | Mr. Ross | “If we sent the key into their headquarters… there’s a slight chance that one of the banks… might be using the same type of key.” |

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Morning in the Stables, Jerry and Whitey: 02:08
• Key Discovery and Plan with Patsy: 02:58, 06:45
• Payroll Conversation with Jim Bennett: 07:45 – 09:23
• At the Bank with Mr. Ross: 09:47 – 12:26

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Episode Tone & Style

The dialogue is warm and full of old-fashioned camaraderie. Characters speak with kindness and earnestness, exhibiting a sense of community and support—qualities that capture the heart of classic radio drama. Jerry is inquisitive and honest, while Patsy and Whitey encourage and guide him.

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Summary

This episode blends a charming slice-of-life depiction of circus life with a budding mystery centered on family legacy and a safe deposit key. Through Jerry’s curiosity, listeners learn about circus customs and the significance of trustworthy adults in a young person’s life. The episode ends with the mystery unresolved, setting up anticipation for future developments regarding the contents of the safe deposit box.

Transcript

[A]

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[C]

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[A]

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[D]

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

[C]

Morning, Whitey.

[D]

Morning, Jerry.

[C]

What's the first thing to do today?

[D]

Oh, there's not a lot to do. Sit down on this bail here and visit us bell while I fix up this harness. That's the boy.

[C]

I didn't know you had to take care of the harness too.

[D]

Well, it don't is a rule, Jerry. But my blacksmith's not feeling so good, so I told him to take a day or two off. He pretty well caught up with his work. There's just a little chewing to be done today. Mm. We'll get to that in a little while. What do you know, Jerry?

[C]

I know I had an awful scare last night.

[D]

A scare?

[C]

Yeah, I thought I lost my keys, but Rags had them and he buried him under the wagon and I was looking all over for him. And then Rags started to dig under the wagon where he always buries bones. And sure enough, he dug them up.

[D]

Well, now that was lucky, wasn't it?

[C]

I'll say it was. There's one key on my key ring that's really important.

[D]

That so?

[E]

Uh huh.

[C]

It's a key to a safety deposit box my father had. Patsy's going to help me find out where it is.

[D]

Don't you know what banks the box was rented in?

[C]

No, that. That's what we have to find out.

[D]

Sounds like pretty big order to me, Jerry. But maybe Patsy knows what she's doing. There, now that's fixed.

[C]

You gonna do some horseshoeing now?

[F]

Yep.

[D]

Get Dolly that roan mare there and bring her out.

[C]

Okay, Whitey. This her?

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Nice dolly.

[E]

Ooh, girls.

[C]

Come on, Dolly. Come on. Gotta get some new shoes. Dolly. Come on, girl. Here we come, Whitey.

[D]

That's the boy, Jerry. Bring her right over here. Oh, Dolly. Oh, girl, put a little more heat on this shoe.

[C]

Isn't she going to get a whole new set of shoes?

[D]

No. One of the hustlers said she had a broken shoe back here. That's all she needs. Yeah, we'll get that to be attended to. All right.

[C]

Gonna fix it?

[D]

No, I'm gonna put a new shoe on. There's one in the fire here.

[C]

Sure is fun to watch a shoe a horse.

[D]

Never see it done before, Jerry?

[C]

Oh, sure, lots of times, but. But I never get tired of watching.

[D]

Whoa, Dolly. Ho, girl.

[C]

Just right, isn't it?

[D]

Yep. Ah, there we are, Dolly. All set.

[C]

Shall I take her back now?

[D]

Yeah, put her back in her place, Jerry.

[C]

Come on, Dolly. Come on.

[D]

Better pay a visit to Splinter while you're down there, Jerry. I think that Cole kind of looks forward to your coming in here every morning.

[C]

Okay. Here, Dolly. Come on now. Come on now. Nice girl. That's the girl. There you are. All fixed up with a nice new shoe. Hello, Splendor. Here's my pal. Say, Whitey, you think maybe Splendor will

[D]

be a jumper if he takes after us more? He will.

[C]

Remember, Whitey, you said I could try and teach Splendor a few tricks.

[D]

It's okay with me, Jerry. I don't guess you'll spoil him. You seem to understand horses pretty well.

[C]

Will you help me?

[D]

Sure thing. Get me someday when I'm not busy, and we'll put this little fellow through his paces. All right?

[C]

Oh, you'd like that, huh, Splender?

[D]

Seems like he knows what we're talking about. He'll be a high school horse if there ever was one.

[C]

What's a high school horse, Whitey?

[D]

Oh, a high school horse is a highly trained one. One that can do all sorts of tricks and take commands and not get excited out under the big top with a lot of people around.

[C]

It means he's educated, huh?

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Those high school horses are certainly clever at dancing and fancy steps.

[D]

Yeah, but don't forget those broad back ring horses are pretty smart, too.

[C]

Why is it most of them are white?

[D]

Well, there's several reasons for that. In the first place, they can be seen from a greater distance when they're working in the show.

[C]

That's a good reason. What else?

[D]

Well, when they take the shedding, the white hair doesn't show on the white costumes most of the riders wear. When a dark horse starts shedding, they can sure mess up a costume pretty fast.

[C]

Golly, I never thought of that.

[D]

Then too, the rosin doesn't show so much on a white horse.

[C]

Do you put rosin on em?

[D]

Why, sure, Jerry. Didn't you know that?

[C]

Uh, what do you do that for?

[D]

So the riders won't slip off when the horses are Galloping around in the ring, the rosin makes good footing on their backs. You see Jerry, the back of a horse is pretty slippery to be jumping around on.

[C]

I bet that's why you call them rosenbacks.

[D]

You're right that time. All the horses used in the rings are called rosenbacks for that very reason.

[C]

Maybe someday I'll learn all there is about a circus. But there sure is a lot to know.

[D]

Yes sir, there's a lot to it all right. Folks that just go into the big top to see the show never stop to realize how much work and care it takes to put the whole thing complete. Oh, it's a great big business, Jerry. Yoo hoo.

[C]

Anybody in there? It's Patsy, Whitey.

[D]

Come on in, Patsy. We're back here with Splendor.

[C]

I think she wants me to go to the bank with her now, Watty.

[D]

Well, okay, you can go. Be sure you do your watering before the matinee though. Can't let any of these horses go thirsty.

[C]

I'll water them as soon as I get back. Morning, Whitey.

[E]

Think you can spare your helper for a short while?

[D]

Sure thing, Patsy. Take him away with you. But be sure you bring him back. This department wouldn't function right without Jerry.

[C]

Bye Splendor.

[E]

You and that colt are getting along fine, Jerry.

[C]

We sure are. So long, Whitey. See you in about an hour.

[D]

Okay, Jerry.

[C]

You know, Patsy, I'm gonna teach Splendor some tricks.

[E]

You are? Uh huh.

[C]

Mr. Randall and Whitey said I could.

[E]

That's fine, Jerry. Sometimes I wonder just what you are going to turn out to be around this circus.

[C]

Sometimes I wonder too. It's also interest in it. It's hard for me to make up my mind what I want to be.

[E]

Looks like we're not too early, Jerry. Pay window over at the office wagon is open. I guess Jim Bennett's being off.

[C]

There's no one in line there.

[E]

Maybe we're the first ones.

[C]

Hey, there's Jim in the window now. Morning Jim.

[G]

Morning Patsy and Jerry.

[C]

You paying off yet?

[G]

It's right here for you. Come and get it.

[C]

Is my pay ready too?

[G]

Sure is, Jerry. You two are the first ones to put your hands out today. What's the matter? Afraid there wouldn't be enough money to go around?

[E]

Oh no, we're not worried about that. But Jerry and I are going over to that bank across the street. We've got big business on.

[G]

Well, fine. Let's see now. Here you are, Patsy. There, that's your well earned money.

[E]

No thank you, Jim.

[G]

And now For Jerry. There you are, son.

[C]

Thanks.

[G]

And don't forget, part of that money belongs to rags. He worked for it, so I guess you better give it to him.

[C]

Oh, yeah, If I gave it to him, he'd bury it under the wagon.

[E]

Say, I see the bandages off your head, Jim. They're bump all heel now.

[G]

Good as new, Patsy. Guess I've got an iron head all right. Say, Jerry, heard from your Uncle Dan lately?

[C]

Not yet, but I guess he'll be writing to me soon.

[G]

Well, when you answer his letter, send him my regards, will you? And you might tell him all is forgiven.

[C]

I sure will.

[E]

I feel sorry for Mr. Dugan. He surely went through a lot with Lorenz all those years.

[G]

That was a bad deal, all right. But I guess he's lucky to be alive at all. After that fall off the train, he'll

[C]

be out of the hospital soon, well and strong again.

[E]

Yes, but he'll never be able to get those years back that were lost to him when his memory went bad.

[C]

Mr. Randall is going to give him some kind of a job with the circus.

[G]

When he gets well, that will be some help. I'd like to see him get back in his old business of hunting wild game.

[E]

Maybe he'll do that later, Jim.

[G]

Yeah, you never can tell.

[E]

Well, I guess we'd better hurry over to the Bang.

[C]

Jerry, you ready?

[E]

Goodbye, Jim, and thanks.

[G]

Okay, Patsy, goodbye.

[F]

Good morning. Can I help you?

[E]

Why, yes, sir. I'm with the circus. And this is Jerry Dugan, also with our show.

[F]

How do you do, young man? I'm glad to know you, young lady. My name is Ross. I'm the cashier. I'm mighty happy to be of assistance to you.

[E]

Well, I don't know if we're going to be able to solve this problem or not, Mr. Ross.

[F]

Problem?

[E]

Yes. Jerry and I would like to check on a safe deposit box key.

[F]

Our key from one of our boxes?

[E]

No, that's just it. We don't know what bank the key is from.

[F]

Well, that's a problem, all right. Have you got the key with you?

[E]

Yes. Let Mr. Rossi. The key, Jerry.

[C]

Okay, let's see now. Here it is. That little one there it is the

[E]

safety deposit box key, isn't it?

[F]

Yes, that's what it is, all right. But there are no markings on it other than this number 7C4321. Your key, son?

[C]

Yes, sir, it was my father's.

[E]

His father's living.

[F]

Oh, I see. And you'd like to find out where this box is located?

[E]

Yes, sir. We thought There may be something in it that Jerry should know about.

[F]

Didn't your father ever tell you about the box he'd rented in some bank?

[C]

No, he didn't. I didn't even know it was a key for a safe deposit box until Patsy saw it and told me about it.

[F]

Well, now, looks like there'll have to be a little work done on this because this key and ours aren't at all alike. Must be made by a different lock company.

[C]

Isn't there any way we can find out?

[F]

Yes, there is. We'll do all we can.

[E]

I think Jerry should know what's in that box, don't you, Mr. Ross?

[D]

By all means.

[F]

The very fact that his father kept the safety deposit box proves there must be something of value in it. Do you have any other relatives, Jerry?

[C]

No, sir. You have your Uncle Dan. Oh, that's right. I forgot.

[F]

You forgot about your uncle. I bet he wouldn't like that.

[E]

Well, Jerry only found him last week. I guess his uncle is new to him.

[F]

I see. No other relatives?

[C]

No, sir.

[F]

Well, in that case, I think you'd be the only one that should have access to the box. It may contain something that will have a bearing on your future life, Jerry.

[C]

Well, I. Well, how am I ever going to find where the box is?

[E]

There must be some way to trace the scheme.

[F]

Mr. Ross, I have a suggestion to make. I don't know for sure that it will work, but we can try.

[E]

What's that?

[F]

This bank belongs to a clearinghouse association. And it might be that if we sent the key into their headquarters. Well, there's a slight chance that one of the banks that belongs to the association might be using the same type of key in their safety deposit vault.

[C]

Well, how will that help?

[F]

Well, in that way we could find out just what lock and safe company made the key.

[E]

Well, then we could write to them and try to face it, trace it further.

[F]

That's it exactly.

[E]

Will you send the key into the association for us?

[F]

I'd be very happy to.

[E]

Thank you, Mr. Ross. You're very kind. And now I'd like to get a cashier's check.

[G]

Fine.

[F]

I'll get a blank.

[C]

You think you'll be able to find out where the box is, Patsy?

[E]

I don't know, Jerry, but I do hope so. There may be something in that box that's awfully important to you.

[A]

Premier Hosts on VRBO deliver quality vacation rental stays with fast responses and clear instructions so you don't have to worry about surprises.

[B]

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

[A]

See, that's a premier host move right there.

[B]

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.

[C]

It says it.

[D]

Classic group chat move.

[A]

Don't walk into a surprise book a top rated verbo. Stay with a premier host if you know you verbo.