Podcast Summary: Paul Harvey - Hanson Gregory

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Paul Harvey - Hanson Gregory
Release Date: April 28, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are treated to a captivating narration by Paul Harvey about Hanson Gregory, a young sea captain from Maine whose legacy transcends his maritime heroics. The episode intricately weaves historical anecdotes with a dramatic debate that reevaluates Gregory's contributions, culminating in a surprising revelation about one of America's favorite confections.

Captain Hanson Gregory: Early Life and Heroism

Paul Harvey opens the story by highlighting Hanson Gregory's remarkable achievements at an unusually young age:

Paul Harvey (00:00): "Captain Hansen Gregory, in command of his own vessel at the age of 19. One of the youngest sea captains ever to sail from the coast of Maine for saving the lives of an entire shipwrecked Spanish crew."

Born in Clam Cove, Maine, Gregory grew up in a charming colonial home overlooking Penobscot Bay. At just 19, he assumed command of his ship, marking him as one of the youngest sea captains of his time. His bravery was internationally recognized when he rescued a Spanish crew from a sinking vessel, an act that earned him a medal personally awarded by Spain's Queen Isabella.

The Debate: Did Hanson Gregory Invent “Nothing”?

Two decades after Gregory's death, a significant debate emerged questioning the true nature of his legacy. Sponsored by a national organization, the debate took place at New York's Astor Hotel in November 1941. The panel included esteemed judges Clifton Fadiman and Franklin P. Adams, with Elsa Maxwell moderating. Leading the opposing sides were Freddie Crockett of Camden, Maine, and Attorney Henry A. Ellis of Cape Cod.

At the heart of the debate was the assertion that Hanson Gregory had "invented nothing," a claim that puzzled many given Gregory's storied history.

Arguments Presented: Ellis vs. Crockett

Attorney Henry A. Ellis contested the notion that Gregory had invented nothing. He posited that an American Indian from Yarmouth was the true inventor of "nothing" in the 17th century. Despite Ellis's compelling courtroom-style tactics, his argument faced significant challenges, notably the difficulty in substantiating claims from three centuries prior.

Conversely, Freddie Crockett contended that Hanson Gregory indeed invented "nothing" in 1847. To support his stance, Crockett presented a variety of affidavits, letters, and documents that meticulously detailed Gregory's life and achievements.

Paul Harvey (03:50): "But Mr. Crockett's evidence was sufficiently persuasive to win a unanimous decision from the debate judges."

Unfolding of Gregory’s Life Story

Throughout the debate, Gregory's life was meticulously recounted:

• Early Command: At 19, Gregory took the helm of his ship, showcasing early leadership and maritime prowess.

• Heroic Rescue: His daring rescue of the Spanish sailors not only saved lives but also earned international commendation from Queen Isabella.

• The Invention Question: While his heroism was well-documented, the debate centered on an invention attributed to him, or the lack thereof.

The Invention: The Doughnut Hole

The crux of the debate revolved around the invention attributed to Hanson Gregory. Contrary to some legends that suggested the invention was accidental, Freddie Crockett provided compelling evidence that Gregory inventively "invented nothing... on purpose, when he was a boy of 15 in his mother's kitchen."

Paul Harvey (04:30): "He had invented it, however, on purpose, when he was a boy of 15 in his mother's kitchen."

The invention in question was the hole in the doughnut, a feature that transformed the confectionery landscape in the United States. Gregory observed that his mother's fried cakes were soggy in the middle. To remedy this, he pierced the center with a fork, creating what we now know as the doughnut hole.

Paul Harvey (04:40): "He was he who invented the hole in the doughnut. And now you know the rest of the story."

This simple yet ingenious modification not only improved the texture of the doughnut but also paved the way for a booming industry. By the time of the episode's release, the doughnut business had burgeoned to gross $750 million annually in the United States alone, all stemming from Gregory's childhood kitchen innovation.

Conclusion and Legacy

The debate concluded with Freddie Crockett securing a unanimous victory by convincingly demonstrating that Hanson Gregory did, in fact, invent the doughnut hole intentionally. The Smithsonian Institution later affirmed this revelation, solidifying Gregory's place not just as a maritime hero but also as an inadvertent icon in American culinary history.

Paul Harvey (04:40): "So today, all these years later, the Smithsonian Institution now confirms that nothing was invented. Just the way Freddie Crockett said it was."

Gregory's legacy is a testament to how innovation can arise from simple observations and a desire to improve. From a 15-year-old's kitchen to millions of doughnuts enjoyed nationwide, Hanson Gregory's story is a blend of heroism, debate, and humble ingenuity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Paul Harvey (00:00): "Now the rest of the story you really should know."
• Paul Harvey (04:30): "He had invented it, however, on purpose, when he was a boy of 15 in his mother's kitchen."
• Paul Harvey (04:40): "He was he who invented the hole in the doughnut. And now you know the rest of the story."

This episode masterfully blends historical narrative with dramatic debate, offering listeners an engaging exploration of Hanson Gregory's multifaceted legacy. Whether discussing maritime heroism or culinary innovation, Paul Harvey ensures that Gregory's story is both informative and entertaining, making it accessible to those unfamiliar with the original radio broadcast.