One Man's Family 42-11-15

Summary

Detailed Summary of "One Man's Family" Episode 42-11-15

Podcast Information

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: One Man's Family 42-11-15
• Release Date: June 11, 2025
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, showcasing family-oriented dramas and classic programs before the advent of television.

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Overview

"One Man's Family" Episode 42-11-15 offers a charming glimpse into the daily lives of the Harding family during a time of national reconstruction and wartime efforts. Set against the backdrop of post-war America, the episode delves into themes of family unity, personal responsibility, and the subtle humor found in everyday situations. Throughout the episode, listeners are immersed in heartfelt dialogues, relatable family dynamics, and era-specific challenges that reflect the societal shifts of the time.

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Main Plot

The episode primarily revolves around the Harding family's interactions as they navigate the demands of wartime America. Henry Harding, the family patriarch, is deeply engrossed in his gardening pursuits, symbolizing his need for control and normalcy amidst the uncertainties of reconstruction. Meanwhile, his wife, Hazel, manages household responsibilities and fosters familial bonds, ensuring that the family remains cohesive despite external pressures.

A significant portion of the episode highlights the family's adaptation to wartime shortages and their collective efforts to contribute to the national cause. This is exemplified through discussions about laundry workers being diverted to defense plans and the family's subsequent decision to manage household chores independently.

The narrative also introduces a lighthearted moment when Clifford, the son, mistakenly believes their child is injured, only to discover it's a bottle of ketchup—a classic example of the show's blend of drama and humor.

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Character Interactions

Henry Harding

• Role: Patriarch of the Harding family, avid gardener.
• Character Traits: Dedicated, responsible, finds solace in gardening.
• Notable Quote:
  [02:01] Henry: "I've been busy in the garden."

Hazel Harding

• Role: Matriarch, manages household duties.
• Character Traits: Supportive, nurturing, practical.
• Notable Quotes:
  [03:24] Hazel: "You've decided then to use some of your flower beds for Veggies?"
  [10:01] Hazel: "Be something, wouldn't it?"

Clifford Harding

• Role: Son, represents the younger generation.
• Character Traits: Playful, curious, brings humor to the narrative.
• Notable Quotes:
  [03:37] Clifford: "Oh, mom, you're marvelous. You spotted our hungry expressions."
  [12:15] Clifford: "She's bleeding." (Moment of mistaken concern over spilled ketchup)

Professor Jack Barber

• Role: Host of the domestic and allied arts class within the show.
• Character Traits: Educator, promotes household products.
• Notable Quotes:
  [13:03] Jack: "What are three natural foods containing the entire B complex vitamins that are so necessary in adequate quantities to good health and happy dispositions?"

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Key Themes and Discussions

Wartime Responsibility and Adaptation

The episode underscores the impact of national defense efforts on everyday life. When laundry workers are redirected to defense roles, the family responds by taking on these responsibilities themselves, illustrating self-sufficiency and communal duty.

• Quote:
  [02:24] Hazel: "Laundry workers are going into defense plans. Driver says he can't get help."

Family Unity and Support

Hazel and Henry exemplify the strength of familial bonds, supporting each other's endeavors while managing household challenges. Their interactions reflect mutual respect and understanding.

• Quote:
  [01:42] Henry: "There's always a way if there's the will to do it. I only say that more of us ought to know more about this plan."

Humor in Daily Life

The mistaken belief that the child is injured adds a humorous twist, showcasing the family's ability to find levity amidst stress.

• Quote:
  [12:15] Hazel: "Oh, what in the world."

Educational Integration

Professor Jack Barber's segment serves as both an educational interlude and a promotional feature, blending seamlessly with the narrative to provide listeners with useful information about nutrition.

• Quote:
  [13:49] Clifford: "Salt and pepper class. Fleischman's Yeast is good in tomato juice."

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Notable Moments and Quotes

Garden as a Symbol of Control

Henry's dedication to his garden represents his desire for stability and control during uncertain times.

• Quote:
  [05:24] Unknown: "Oh, just to look at the way his garden's kept should answer that."

Clifford's Culinary Curiosity

Clifford expresses interest in expanding his culinary horizons, hinting at future developments in the family’s domestic life.

• Quote:
  [10:25] Henry: "I got a bouquet for you. And you can have a little of that fall afternoon harvest moon feeling in your own room."

Ketchup Incident

A moment of panic followed by relief adds humor and showcases the family's dynamic.

• Quote:
  [12:31] Clifford: "Hey."

Educational Segment on Nutrition

Professor Jack Barber engages the family in a mock classroom setting, emphasizing the importance of vitamins and promoting Fleischman's yeast.

• Quote:
  [14:00] Unknown: "Why is the vitamin cocktail so worthy of high recommendation?"

Closing Educational Advice

The episode wraps up with practical cooking tips, encouraging listeners to try new recipes, thereby enhancing audience engagement beyond the narrative.

• Quote:
  [15:36] Jack: "Tomorrow, serve your family royal butterscotch pudding."

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Integration of Promotional Content

The episode seamlessly incorporates product promotions within its narrative, a common practice in Golden Age radio shows. The segment featuring Professor Jack Barber serves as both an educational moment and a promotional spot for Fleischman's yeast, illustrating the era's marketing strategies.

• Quote:
  [13:03] Jack: "America, to your health. You have just heard chapter seven, book 44 of One Man's Family, written and produced by Carlton E. Morse for the makers of Fleischman's yeast."

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Conclusion

Episode 42-11-15 of "One Man's Family" masterfully blends family drama with subtle humor and educational content, offering listeners an authentic representation of mid-20th century American life. Through the Harding family's interactions, the show highlights enduring values such as resilience, unity, and the importance of contributing to the greater good during challenging times. The integration of promotional segments within the narrative also provides a nostalgic glimpse into the advertising techniques of the Golden Age of Radio, enhancing the episode's historical authenticity and charm.

Transcript

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And underlying the various phases of reconstruction would be the principles which have brought a high measure of equality and public well being to us here in the United States.

[Henry]

Yes. I don't know. A large order, it seems to me.

[Unknown]

Not too large. And for many who want to help, others who'll do. Why of course, dad. It's a chance for all these European Americans to bring America to their people in the old country. To tell them, to show them the opportunities and the security which are a part of democracy. You think the job is too big? Can't be done.

[Henry]

There's always a way if there's the will to do it. I only say that more of us ought to know more about this plan.

[Unknown]

Well, read Afflict's book. The whole plan's there in great detail, waiting to be read in two way passages.

[Henry]

Leave it here.

[Unknown]

It's on your desk in the library. I left it for you months ago.

[Henry]

I've been busy in the garden.

[Hazel]

Are you two still sitting at the table holding a powwow?

[Unknown]

Yeah. You want to shoo us out of here, Mom?

[Hazel]

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

[Unknown]

Oh yeah. Sit down again. Dally with us a little. Come on.

[Hazel]

Down with you, for goodness sake.

[Unknown]

Was that your laundry, ma' am?

[Hazel]

Yes, and it looks like we're going to be doing our own laundry before long.

[Henry]

Henry, what's happened now?

[Hazel]

Laundry workers are going into defense plans. Driver says he can't get help.

[Henry]

That's all that's required of us to win the war. Wash our own clothes?

[Hazel]

Yes. What's been required of us up to now is little enough.

[Henry]

Yeah, yeah. Fanny, do you suppose there's another spoonful of that deep dish pie in the kitchen?

[Hazel]

What in the world, Henry, I sat.

[Henry]

Here so long, I'm hungry all over.

[Hazel]

Well, here's a sliver I cut off my piece.

[Unknown]

I couldn't eat it all cream for it, dad?

[Henry]

Certainly, certainly. Pie without cream is like a coat without buttons.

[Unknown]

Say, what time is it?

[Henry]

Yeah, ten minutes. Of what?

[Unknown]

I was supposed to make a phone call 20 minutes ago.

[Henry]

This important?

[Unknown]

It's liable to be. Excuse me.

[Hazel]

Of course.

[Unknown]

I'll be down again presently.

[Henry]

Oh, Fanny. If you have any choice of winter vegetables you want planted, speak up. I. I'm putting a few things in this week.

[Hazel]

You've decided then to use some of your flower beds for Vegas? Why, that's Clifter in the breakfast room.

[Clifford]

Clifford.

[Henry]

Come in, boy. Come in. There's a draft from that door out there.

[Clifford]

You bet you, dear.

[Unknown]

Hello, family easel.

[Hazel]

You too. How nice.

[Clifford]

Hello, Mom. Hi, Dad. I trust we are not too late for lunch.

[Henry]

Certainly not. Certainly not.

[Hazel]

Certainly we're finished and we're just sitting here dawdling. You children haven't eaten.

[Clifford]

Oh, mom, you're marvelous. You spotted our hungry expressions.

[Unknown]

That's why we're here. It's a bad influence on me. He suggested this.

[Hazel]

Well, I'm glad. Hazel, you tell Cook to fix you each a plate and then sit down with us.

[Unknown]

No, I don't need a second invitation for that. Back in a minute, Slippery.

[Henry]

Yeah, Sit down, boy.

[Clifford]

Sit down. You bet.

[Hazel]

We just had a scrappy lunch, but there's plenty left I know remains don't.

[Clifford]

Look very scrappy, Mom.

[Henry]

As you should know, what your mother calls a scrappy meal is the best kind of or made up of odds and ends from the meal before we.

[Hazel]

Had hash to do.

[Clifford]

Oh, boy. That's for me.

[Hazel]

You know how your father loves hash.

[Henry]

Hash is a fine institution. If there's anything unsavory to my palate from the last meal, it's so disguised that I never recognize it. And anything delectable is magnified a dozenfold by the addition of all those little odds and eggs.

[Clifford]

Dad, on the subject of hash.

[Hazel]

Oh, Hazel, did you get everything? Cook didn't forget the Vegetables, I should say she didn't.

[Unknown]

Your yard clip all too.

[Clifford]

I can hardly wait. Will you cast your eyes on that plate? Boy, am I glad we just happened in at lunchtime.

[Henry]

Is that your normal appetite or one you borrowed for the day?

[Clifford]

It's a regular one, I think. Irene's cooking has developed this capacity for food. She works away like a little beaver planning a meal.

[Hazel]

Irene has a natural talent for cooking.

[Clifford]

Should see her study up on vitamins and calories and nutrition and all that stuff. She takes it big.

[Henry]

Good for her. Well, I should be in the garden instead of sitting here. So if you'll excuse me, Family.

[Hazel]

Henry. Is it that important you might sit and talk a little.

[Henry]

Well, I have work laid out in the garden.

[Hazel]

Oh, go along with you.

[Jack]

Yes, sir.

[Henry]

I'll see you before you go, Griffin.

[Clifford]

Okay, dad. Work in the garden. Is that all dad ever thinks about? What does he do that takes so much time?

[Unknown]

Oh, just to look at the way his garden's kept should answer that.

No weed.

Not uneven row of anything. Every flower and leaf almost hand polished.

[Clifford]

Hand polished is right. Mom, do you suppose there's any more of this lovely hash? This caviar hash?

[Hazel]

I wouldn't be surprised. Here, give me your plate.

[Unknown]

Oh, no, Mother, you sit still. I'll get it. There'd be no profit in having you a border young.

[Hazel]

I'm so glad you came in, Clifford. Are you and Irene keeping busy at the ranch?

[Clifford]

Bus busy? You've heard about the one arm paper.

[Hazel]

Hanger with the highs pleasant judge dog.

[Clifford]

And that guy was on a vacation compared to me and Irene. Busy as a bird dog. Oh, thanks, Hazel. You are a woman with a kind heart, Mother.

[Unknown]

Anyone who feeds the brutes appeals to them.

[Clifford]

I. I hope Paul might be home today.

[Hazel]

He is home. He went to his studio to do some telephoning right after lunch.

[Clifford]

Well, for Pete's sake, let's get the guy down here.

[Hazel]

Oh, he'll be down again as soon as he finishes. He won't be long.

[Unknown]

We tried to get Teddy to come back with us, but she said she was meeting friends for lunch.

[Hazel]

Yes, the three of them get together once a week. Sometimes at the tea room and sometimes in their home.

[Unknown]

Are they the three you had here for lunch last week?

[Hazel]

Yes.

[Unknown]

Well, Clifford, that certainly disappeared in a hurry. Are you ready for dessert? It's pie. I thought in the kitchen.

[Clifford]

Pie? I never eat this stuff in less than 10 ton lots. And what is the delay? Rush it in.

[Unknown]

What about you, Mother? Could you eat just a little more to keep going?

[Hazel]

No, thank you.

[Unknown]

Well, I'll just carry these dishes out then and be right back with great hunts of pie.

[Clifford]

Did Paul have anything in the way of news, Mom?

[Hazel]

No, nothing.

[Clifford]

Fish is a talkative individual compared to Paul. I guess that's the best way in this man's war. Ah, Hazel, what a beautiful woman you are. Especially with pie in your hands.

[Hazel]

Oh, you do go on.

[Unknown]

Food seems to make him a little giddy.

[Clifford]

Must be because I'm so healthy. Right after each meal I start thinking about the next one.

[Unknown]

Oh, that's the hardest part of housekeeping for me. Planning meals for my family. Although the children all have such good appetites, I never lack for a warm.

[Hazel]

Reception, no matter what I cook.

[Clifford]

You get a break with the dishes anyway, Hazel. That always helps.

[Unknown]

Oh, yes, the boys are really very good helpers. They clear the table and they can do things nicely when they want to.

[Hazel]

Yes, rebellion does sometimes interfere with junior dishwashers.

[Unknown]

I think there must be a stock set of squabbles handed from generation to generation that children use over the dish pan. Every mother knows them by heart.

[Clifford]

Yeah, but it takes at least two kids to fight while they're doing a dish. That's why I'm a firm believer in big family. So there can be more and better excitement in the kitchen.

[Unknown]

How about young JD down there all by himself?

[Clifford]

He seems capable of amusing himself. If he had other children to play with, though, he'd be a better setup.

[Unknown]

I think so too.

[Clifford]

Irene's swell about joining in his games and he tags after Dan by the hour. There never was a finer place for a small boy than a dairy ranch.

[Unknown]

Oh, yes, hank and pinking. Mr. Ranch very much. Maybe it's old fashioned to feel that the country is the best place for children, but I do feel that way.

[Hazel]

Your father would say that anything which gets human beings closer to growing things is good.

[Unknown]

Well, speaking of growing things, if we're all through, why don't we have a look at father's efforts?

[Hazel]

Would you like to? Your father glows all over when anyone takes an interest in his garden.

[Unknown]

You have time. Answer.

[Clifford]

Well, I did want to see Paul.

[Hazel]

Oh, he'll be down in a few minutes, I'm sure.

[Clifford]

Okay, then. If I'm at the machine shop and get the pump by 3 o' clock, I can make my bus nicely.

[Hazel]

Well, come along with you.

[Unknown]

Mother.

[Clifford]

Why not?

[Unknown]

A little oil on this door hinge.

[Hazel]

Oh, I never noticed the squeak.

[Unknown]

I never did either when I was living here. If it did squeak, then probably it did.

[Hazel]

But you were as Used to it then, as I am now.

[Clifford]

Hey, there's Paul out there with dad.

[Hazel]

Well, how in the world did he get out there?

[Clifford]

I5 Paul. Oh, there.

[Unknown]

He certainly looked in top form.

[Hazel]

Yes. Isn't his uniform becoming?

[Clifford]

You really are proud of that uniform, aren't you, Mom?

[Hazel]

Why shouldn't I be?

[Unknown]

Oh, hey, Hazel, why don't you drop from cliff?

[Henry]

Better ask yourself that question. You're the one that's always dropping from the skies.

[Unknown]

Well, it's good to see you, Paul.

Yeah.

[Clifford]

This is a break I wasn't sure I could count on. I thought you might be flying from pillar to post or wherever you do flock.

[Unknown]

Well, not from pillar to post exactly, but it's working out. So I'll be able to get home once in a while at least.

[Hazel]

Yes. We have so much to be thankful for.

[Henry]

Yes, makes Teddy pretty happy too. Maybe we can keep her home also if she thinks that Paul will be here occasionally.

[Hazel]

Now, Henry, don't start worrying that bone again.

[Unknown]

Yes, she isn't in the army yet.

Father, your chrysanthemums are simply beautiful this year. I really envy you.

[Henry]

Well, they're quite a success. I'm pleased to see.

[Unknown]

Mom. There's a real spice smell. If you could only work that into your cooking.

Be something, wouldn't it? Chrysanthemums make me think of Thanksgiving and football games and brisk, cool fall afternoons with a harvest moon showing faintly in the five o' clock sky and a feeling it'll frost before morning.

[Henry]

George. Hazel. That's a pretty good description of that.

[Clifford]

A doggone poet, she is.

[Henry]

I got a bouquet for you. And you can have a little of that fall afternoon harvest moon feeling in your own room.

[Unknown]

Oh, thank you, Father.

[Clifford]

Just little a Paul, those years.

[Henry]

Please.

[Unknown]

Yeah, Dan Clifford.

[Hazel]

That reminds me. I promised Irene a start at chives for an herb garden.

[Unknown]

Herb garden? That has a culinary sound.

[Hazel]

Well, this border all along here is older.

[Clifford]

Hey, no kidding.

[Unknown]

Yeah. Your own project, Mom?

Yes.

[Hazel]

I've only had a few weeks, but it's doing very well.

[Unknown]

I should say so. Oh, Father, that's enough.

[Henry]

While I put them all, woman, I'm picking these flowers. This is my gesture.

[Unknown]

Well, a less extravagant gesture would be appreciated just as much.

[Clifford]

Oh, what all have you got out here anyway, Mom? Oh, here, I can read the tags. Chives and rosemary, tarragon, marjoram, sweet basil. Boy, here's time.

[Unknown]

Time? Time for what, may I ask?

Time for Father to stop cutting chrysanthemums.

[Henry]

But this is not what I would call a real showy bouquet.

[Clifford]

Hey, what's this woolly stuff, Mom?

[Hazel]

Parsley, of course. Please.

[Clifford]

I know it when I see it resting on a turkey's chest.

[Unknown]

It's a sage, isn't it?

Looks like dad is going to have a rival in the garden.

[Henry]

Well, herbs do well enough for their purpose, but I'd rather have something beautiful to look at myself.

[Hazel]

Well, I don't pretend to be in your father's class. I do enjoy this little plop, though.

[Henry]

And you've done Wellers with his Fania Regular Space Shop.

[Clifford]

You can get your bay leaves from the tree down in the corner by the seawall marmot. What's there?

[Hazel]

That's mint, Flip.

[Unknown]

Mint? She says it's good for lamb and Kentucky Colonel.

Clifford, hand me that little trowel.

[Clifford]

This? Yes.

[Hazel]

Thanks, Mom.

[Clifford]

Quick, come over here. Quick. It's Jack. On the back porch over next door.

[Hazel]

What is it, Jack?

[Unknown]

It's Elizabeth.

Sharon Ann.

[Hazel]

Hurry, hurry. She's bleeding.

[Unknown]

She's got a hemorrhage or something.

Jack, what are you talking about? Where's Betty? Mother, don't try to run. You'll hurt yourself.

Yeah, let me help you.

Oh, please hurry.

Careful of the steps, Mom.

Careful. Mothers.

[Hazel]

What did you say it was?

[Unknown]

She's bleeding. I left her in the basket in the kitchen a minute. When I came back, there was blood in her face and she's lying so quiet.

[Hazel]

Oh, what in the world.

[Unknown]

You wait here a minute.

Mom, Betty's upstairs asleep. I was afraid to call her.

Oh, never mind that. Come on in. Oh, Paul. Paul, what is it?

Ketchup.

What?

It's not blood. It's ketchup.

[Clifford]

Hey.

[Unknown]

Bottle on the drain board tipped over and ran into the crib.

Oh, for goodness sake, Jake.

[Hazel]

Barbara, I can shake you.

[Unknown]

But mom, she's all right.

She's sleeping like a kitten. She's a little high from ketchup, though, I must admit.

[Jack]

And now, ladies and gentlemen, Professor Jack Barber, standing before his audience in the living room, will lead the family in the evening's classwork.

[Unknown]

Now, students of the Domestic and Allied arts class, will you respond in unison to the following questions? Quiet. Quiet, please. First question. What are three natural foods containing the entire B complex? Vitamins that are so necessary in adequate quantities to good health and happy dispositions? One, wheat germ.

[Clifford]

Two, liver.

[Unknown]

Three. Yes, that old student. And which of these foods is the only one of its kind that contains added amounts of vitamins A and D?

[Clifford]

Flesh, yeast.

[Unknown]

Amazing. Even Clifford knows the right answers. This evening I get a gold star, teacher. Well, maybe if you know the answer. To this one. What tastes good when stirred up in a glass of tomato juice?

[Clifford]

Salt and pepper class. Fleischman's Yeast is good in tomato juice.

[Unknown]

What does Fleischman's Yeast and Tomato Juice.

[Clifford]

Calls a vitamin cocktail?

[Unknown]

Why is the vitamin cocktail so worthy of high recommendation?

[Jack]

Why, Jack, everybody knows the answer to that. It's because the vitamin cocktail, Fleischmann's Fresh Yeast and Tomato Juice contains every vitamin known to be needed in human nutrition. And only two vitamin cocktails give you the entire daily minimum requirements of vitamins A, B, 1, C and D. And a good supply of all the vitamins in the B complex group. Now, folks, I'm going to ask a question. Do you know how to mix the vitamin cocktail so that it's smooth and delicious? Well, I'll tell you how. Just break up a cake of Fleischman's Yeast in a dry glass with a fork, add just a little tomato juice and stir until smoothly blended. Fill the glass with tomato juice, give it another stir and drink it. America, to your health. You have just heard chapter seven, book 44 of One Man's Family, written and produced by Carlton E. Morse for the makers of fleischman's yeast. Chapter 8, entitled Thanksgiving at the Dairy Ranch, will come to you next week at this same hour.

[Clifford]

Mother for a real suppertime treat.

[Jack]

Tomorrow, serve your family royal butterscotch pudding.

[Clifford]

Be sure to get royal, because that's.

[Unknown]

The kind most folks prefer.

[Jack]

In a recent test we made, it.

[Clifford]

Was voted better in five important ways.

[Jack]

And royal save sugar, too. One Man's Family comes to you from California. This is the national broadcasting company.

[Unknown]

Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it. A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, I tried this once. It won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem.

[Hazel]

It's to time.

[Unknown]

Time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoregonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Nicole Byer]

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[Hazel]

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