Lest We Forget - The American Dream - One Small Voice

Summary

Podcast Summary: Lest We Forget – The American Dream – One Small Voice

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 23, 2026
Main Theme:
This classic radio drama, “One Small Voice” from the “Lest We Forget” series, explores the American Dream through issues of workplace discrimination, the power of individual action, and the importance of standing up against prejudice. Set in a tight-knit postwar neighborhood, the story demonstrates how one person’s voice and principled stand can ripple into broader change, ultimately defending equality and inclusiveness as core American values.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Everyday Life in a Diverse Community (00:41–01:37)

• Setting: Toby runs a friendly, neighborhood grocery store where people of various backgrounds shop and interact.
• Character Introduction: Mrs. Hawkins picks up groceries for her bridge club, highlighting the everyday interactions that form the community fabric.
• Tone: Warm, small-town atmosphere.

Notable quote:
Toby: “Aim to please, Mrs. Hawkins. I like it here. And I expect to stay in business a long time.” (01:32)

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2. Discrimination in the Workplace (02:20–04:10)

• Conflict Emerges: Laura Ginevri, a veteran and native-born American of Italian heritage, is rejected for a job at Dunn’s Bakery purely because of her last name.
• Illustration of Prejudice: The bakery manager, Mr. Dunn, bluntly admits, “We don't employ certain nationality groups.” (03:33)
• Laura’s Distress: She’s frustrated and fearful for her future, despite her American identity and service record.

Notable quote:
Laura: “But just because I have a foreign sounding name, I don't get a chance. They can't do that, can they? Toby?” (03:50)

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3. The Power of One Small Voice – Toby’s Dilemma & Resolve (04:10–08:11)

• Personal Reflection: Toby remembers facing similar prejudices as a newcomer but feels compelled to act on Laura’s behalf. He struggles with the scope of his influence as a “small” man against a “big” bakery.
• Turning Point: Inspired by a conversation with Mr. Granger, the neighborhood reporter, Toby decides to stop selling Dunn’s Bread in protest.
• Message: Businesses are supported by a diverse community, and it’s unjust to deny employment based on background when everyone is good enough to buy the product.

Notable quote:
Toby: “I say that if they are not good enough to make it, they are too good to eat it.” (07:51)

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4. Community Support & Media’s Role (08:56–10:03)

• Community Reaction: Mr. Granger writes a newspaper article, “One Small Voice”, about Toby’s stand, sparking interest and support from the town.
• Result: Laura receives multiple job offers after the article is published, showing the immediate impact of bringing injustice to light.

Notable quote:
Laura (reading Granger’s article): “He runs a small neighborhood grocery store. He doesn't have much influence either. Just one vote. But he's a man. And more important, he's an American. ... He did something about it.” (09:29)

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5. Ripple Effects – Change at Dunn’s Bakery (11:15–13:10)

• Dunn’s Response: The bakery manager calls Toby, now offering Laura a job after the public outcry, but learns she’s already been hired elsewhere.
• Toby Raises the Bar: Toby presses Dunn to consider all the other people whose opportunities are denied for similar reasons.

Notable quote:
Toby: “What about all the other people you are going to turn away for the same reason you said no to Laura? What about them, Mr. Dunn? ... In this country, if people are good enough to buy your bread, they are good enough to make it.” (12:00)

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6. Community-Wide Change (13:00–14:32)

• Dunn Bakery’s New Policy: Mr. Granger shares with Toby that Dunn’s Bakery will no longer bar qualified applicants because of race, color, or creed.
• Public Recognition: Toby’s picture is featured in the paper, symbolizing the influence a single, principled action can exert when supported by a community and amplified by the press.

Notable exchange:
Mr. Granger: “Since people of every race, color, and creed in this city are consumers of Dunn's bread, none who are qualified will be barred from employment at Dunn's Bakery.” (13:00)

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Memorable Quotes

• Toby: “I say that if they are not good enough to make it, they are too good to eat it.” (07:51)
• Laura: “But just because I have a foreign sounding name, I don't get a chance. They can't do that, can they? Toby?” (03:50)
• Mr. Granger (reading): “He did something about it. Tobias Walter, his name is. And everyone calls him Toby.” (09:29)
• Toby (to Dunn): “This is bigger than Laura Ginevri… if people are good enough to buy your bread, they are good enough to make it.” (12:00)
• Narrator: “You learn that a man's voice may be small, but if he speaks out, his voice carries far.” (13:36)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:41 – Opening narration and setting of the grocery store scene
• 02:20 – Laura reveals her troubles getting a job due to prejudice
• 03:33 – Mr. Dunn’s explicit statement of discriminatory hiring practices
• 07:51 – Toby decides to stop carrying Dunn’s Bread
• 09:29 – Laura reads Mr. Granger’s influential article “One Small Voice”
• 11:16 – Dunn calls Toby, offers Laura the job
• 13:00 – Policy change at Dunn’s Bakery: equal opportunity for all
• 13:36 – Narrator reflects on the lesson and Toby’s impact

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Tone & Style

• The episode maintains the warm, earnest, and community-oriented tone of Golden Age radio dramas. Dialogue feels authentic, with earnestness and moral clarity, while the narrator’s interludes provide both emotional weight and call to action.

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Takeaways

• Standing up counts: “One small voice” can spark meaningful change when injustice is exposed and others rally.
• Press & Community: Media attention helps publicize wrongs and galvanize collective action.
• The American Dream: The story reaffirms that fairness, opportunity, and inclusion are central to American identity—and attainable when citizens make their voices heard.

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This episode is both a stirring time capsule and a relevant reminder of the ongoing need to speak out against injustice, making it an inspiring listen for audiences old and new.

Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Neighbor Gable, then Doug. There's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

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[Liberty Mutual Agent]

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[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Liberty, Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Narrator]

Lest we forget the American Dream.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Looks like you are going to have quite a party, Mrs. Hawkins. Potato chips, two cans of anchovies, black olives, maraschino cherries, whipping cream.

[Mrs. Hawkins]

It's my day for the bridge club, Toby. You know how women are.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

I guess I do. But don't you worry. It'll be a mighty nice party. I'm sure. Quite certain you haven't forgotten anything. Coffee, bread.

[Mrs. Hawkins]

Oh, you'd better give me a loaf of bread, too.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Dunn's loaf of Dunn's bread. There you are. That'll be 2:18, Mrs. Hawkins.

[Mrs. Hawkins]

Could you deliver it right away, Toby? I've so much to do.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Sure, sure. I'll send it right over. Here is your change.

[Mrs. Hawkins]

Oh, you're so obliging, Toby. It's a pleasure to trade here.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Aim to please, Mrs. Hawkins. I like it here. And I expect to stay in business a long time.

[Laura Ginevri]

Toby, do you have a minute? I just got to talk to you.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Sure, Laura. Be right with you. Come in again, Mrs. Hawkins.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

I will.

[Laura Ginevri]

Goodbye.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Goodbye.

[Laura Ginevri]

Toby. I'm so angry I could just explode. They can't do things like that. Who do they think they are?

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Take it easy, Laura. What's happened?

[Narrator]

Lest we forget the American Dream. Another in this series of programs dedicated to you, to me, to all Americans, and the kind of America we want to live in. Today's story. One small voice, starring Paul Lucas.

[Laura Ginevri]

Toby, you know how badly I need a job. I owe you for the groceries and

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

my Laura, I've told you not to worry about that little bill. You'll pay me when you can.

[Laura Ginevri]

I know, Toby, but. But I have to get a job. And if it's going to be like that all over, I don't know what I'm going to do. What'll happen to me.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Now, see here, young lady. Suppose you calm down and tell me what this is all about.

[Laura Ginevri]

All right, Toby. Last night I saw an ad in the paper saying that Dunn's Bakery needed some girls. So I went up there this morning. Filled out an application and waited my turn.

[William Dunn (Bakery Manager)]

You're next, Miss. Sit down, Miss. What is your name?

[Laura Ginevri]

Ginevri. Laura Ginevri.

[William Dunn (Bakery Manager)]

Oh, yes. Italian.

[Laura Ginevri]

My parents came from Italy. But I'm an American. During the war I was in the WAC as I served.

[William Dunn (Bakery Manager)]

I'm sorry, Ms. Ginevra. Is that it?

[Laura Ginevri]

Yes.

[William Dunn (Bakery Manager)]

I don't think we have a place for you here at Dunn's.

[Laura Ginevri]

But why not? I understood that no experience was necessary and my references are good. I need the job. I'll work hard.

[William Dunn (Bakery Manager)]

I'm sure you would, Miss. But we have rather a peculiar situation here. We employ several hundred people and we can't afford to take chances.

[Laura Ginevri]

Chances? I don't understand.

[William Dunn (Bakery Manager)]

Well, the girls object to working with. The fact of the matter is, Ms. Ginevri, we don't employ certain nationality groups.

[Laura Ginevri]

That's what he said, Toby. They hire lots of other girls. Even girls from this neighborhood. Helen Warren, Jane Bosto. But just because I have a foreign sounding name, I don't get a chance. They can't do that, can they? Toby,

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

You listen to her and you don't know what to say. You know about things like this. They happened to you when you first came to America so many years ago. But this girl was born in America. You watch her grow up. She spent 18 months in the army, overseas. And Ardan's Bakery says to her. It's tough, Ms. Ginevri, but there's no place for you anymore. You served your country. Sure, thanks. But that's all over now. We can't do a thing for you.

[Laura Ginevri]

Toby, you're not saying anything.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Laura. Now you. You listen to me. Things like this happen sometimes. But don't you worry about it. You'll get a job. I know you will.

[Laura Ginevri]

But suppose it happens again, Toby? And again.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Oh, don't be silly, Laura. Everyone doesn't feel that way. You just keep on looking. All day. You can't get Laura out of your mind. And who does Dunn's Bakery think it is anyway, huh? That's a funny question. Just the biggest bakery in town, that's all. And William Dunn is a prominent citizen. Always you see his picture in the paper. What can you do about it? You are just one person. One person in a little neighborhood grocery store. You wait on the customers who come in, but your mind isn't on it.

[Laura Ginevri]

Toby, you've given me ground coffee. I asked for drip.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Oh, I'm sorry. Mrs. Collins wasn't paying attention, I guess.

[Laura Ginevri]

I'm sorry, I can't use it.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Well, I'll fix it right away, Mrs. Collins. That's the way it goes. You keep making mistakes. Your mind's on Dunn Bakery and Laura. And then suddenly you are wondering why you are making it your business. You don't act that way. As far as you are concerned, a person's nationality or his religion or his color has always been his own affair. Everyone is welcome in your store. And you'd like to forget the whole affair. But you keep seeing Laura's face in front of you.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

Well, how's the grocery business today, Toby?

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Well, What. Oh, hello, Mr. Granger. I didn't hear you come in, even

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

with that bell clanging. You're getting old, Toby.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Deaf, more than likely. Well, how is the newspaper? I see you have your own byline now.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

Do you like what I'm writing?

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Oh, sure. Stories about people are always good. What will you have today, Mr. Granger? Let's see.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

The missus gave me a list. Couple of cans of peas, head of lettuce. It better be firm.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

It will be. Don't worry.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

Quart of milk. Oh, yes. A loaf of Dunn's Bread.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Dunn's Bread. Right. Say, wait a minute. I've got it. Good.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

I'll take it.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Dunn's Bread. That's it. That's what I can do.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

What are you talking about, Toby?

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Look, Mr. Granger, you've lived in this neighborhood a long time. What kind of people live here?

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

Just about every kind, I guess.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Why? Well, that's right. Irish, Hungarians, Italians, Jews, a few Negroes and two Chinese, German. Don't forget the two Wong brothers in the laundry down block. And all of them buy Dan's Bread.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

Okay, but look, Toby, all I asked you for was a loaf of bread.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Mr. Granger, I'm not selling Don's bread anymore.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

Look, there's a stack of it on your shelf.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Sure, and it's going to stay there.

[William Dunn (Bakery Manager)]

Why?

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Because Mr. Dunn says that, sure, everybody can eat his bread, but not everybody's good enough to make it. At least the Italians aren't, or the Catholics, or who knows who else. Well, I guess Mr. Donne and me feel differently about things. I say that if they are not good enough to make it, they are too good to eat it.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

Toby, what brought this on?

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Laura Ginevri. You know her. Dunn stunned her down on a job. They didn't like her name. Now, what's wrong with a name like Ginevri?

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

I'm afraid you'll only be hurting yourself, Toby, not selling Dunn's bread.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

That's all right with me, Mr. Granger. Say, why don't you write a piece in the paper about it. Really go after Dunn. He oughtn't to be able to get away with it. Who does he think he is?

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

Laura Ginevra lives over at 223. Doesn't she?

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Say, where are you going? You forgot your groceries.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

Have Johnny deliver them, will you? Toby put in a loaf of bread too. And I don't mean Duns. I've got some work to do.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

You meant what you said. You don't know whether it will help or not, but you feel good about it. In the morning, you tell Dan's driver he can stop bringing bread around. You are not having anymore. You send out the first deliveries and set about getting things in order.

[Laura Ginevri]

Toby. Hey, Toby, did you see the morning paper?

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

No.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Laura got it right here, but haven't had a chance to read it.

[Laura Ginevri]

Let me show it to you. Look. Look here on page three. It's about you.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

About me? What did I do? Let me see.

[Laura Ginevri]

No, no. I'm gonna read it to you. It's called One Small Voice. And it says there's a man in this town who isn't very important, as we usually understand importance. He runs a small neighborhood grocery store. He doesn't have much influence either. Just one boat. But he's a man. And more important, he's an American. When he heard of something he felt was wrong, he didn't close his eyes or his heart to it. He did something about it. Tobias. Walter, his name is. And everyone calls him Toby.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Laura, you're making it up. It doesn't say that at all.

[Laura Ginevri]

But it does. Toby, look.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Well, what do you know? Hey, I got my name in the paper first time, too. But Mr. Granger wasn't supposed to write about me. He was supposed to write about Dunn's Bakery.

[Laura Ginevri]

Oh, that comes later. But look, Toby, I. I had three offers of jobs.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

You have, Laura. Why, that's wonderful. When did it happen?

[Laura Ginevri]

My telephone's been ringing all morning. That's why I couldn't get over here any sooner. And I owe it all to you, Toby.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

You look at her and you don't know what to say. Free job offers. That's good. That's very good. You are just one person. But you did accomplish something. Three job offers. That means that you are not alone. That other people in your town feel as you do about unfairness. And then when Laura's gone and people come in to do their shopping, every one of them has something to say. And people you've never seen before come in to buy groceries from you. And Then about noon, the telephone rings. Hello, Toby's grocery.

[William Dunn (Bakery Manager)]

That's you, Mr. Waller?

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

That's right. Who is this?

[William Dunn (Bakery Manager)]

This is William Dunn of Dunn's bakery.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

Oh,

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

hello, Mr. Dunn. What can I do for you?

[William Dunn (Bakery Manager)]

About that article in the paper this morning, would you ask that Laura Ginevri to get in touch with me?

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Maybe. But what do you want with her, Mr. Dunn?

[William Dunn (Bakery Manager)]

I have a job for her. Tell her to come right up here and I'll personally see that she's hired.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Well, you are too late, Mr. Dunn. She already has a job. Three jobs, as a matter of fact.

[William Dunn (Bakery Manager)]

She has? Well, that's fine. I guess that closes the matter, doesn't it?

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Closes it? Well, I don't know what you mean.

[William Dunn (Bakery Manager)]

Well, now that she has a job. I just took it for granted that she.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Now you take too much for granted, Mr. Dunn. This is bigger than Laura Ginevri. What about all the other people you are going to turn away from? The same reason you said no to Laura. What about them, Mr. Dunn?

[William Dunn (Bakery Manager)]

Well, I hardly thought that we might

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

be a good idea to start thinking. Mr. Dunn, in this country, if people are good enough to buy your bread, they are good enough to make it. Think about it. And when you've got the right answer, let me know and I'll be glad to do business with you again. Goodbye, Mr. Dunn.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

Morning, toby.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Oh, hello, Mr. Granger. Say, thanks for that write up in the paper yesterday. Say, Laura's got a job, you know.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

Yes, yes, she told me. I've got some news for you, too.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Really? What kind of news?

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

The paper just got a call from Dunn's bakery. Know what Mr. Dunn said?

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

No, I can't imagine.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

Since people of every race, color and creed in this city are consumers of Dunn's bread, none who are qualified will be barred from employment at Dunn's Bakery.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

How's that? He really said that? Well, that's. That's wonderful, isn't it?

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

I'm writing a story on it, Toby. And a photographer will be down here in a little while to take a picture of you.

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

You mean for the newspapers? Nah, you can't do that. I never had my picture in the paper in my whole life.

[Mr. Granger (Newspaper Reporter)]

Well, it's about time, don't you think?

[Toby (Grocery Store Owner)]

Sure enough, they take your picture. And when the paper comes out the next day, there you are, right on the front page. And there is a big story in it, all about you. Now, you read it and you learn something very important. You learn that a man's voice may be small, but if he speaks out, his voice carries far. And you wish that other people would learn this and would speak up against the things they do they don't like. Against prejudice and intolerance. For instance, so that every American, regardless of his name, the church he goes to, or the color of his skin, can get an equal break. That's the American dream. And you know it can come true whenever enough people want it to come through.

[Narrator]

The Institute for Democratic Education has brought you another in its series, Lest We Forget the American Dream. Today's story starred Paul Lucas. Listen in again next week for another in this series dedicated to you, to me, to all Americans, and the kind of America we want to live in. Not tomorrow, but today.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Liberty, Liberty, Liberty, Liberty.

[Lowe's Announcer]

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[Laura Ginevri]

Visit your nearby Lowe's.