Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Paul Harvey - James Kelly"

Release Date: February 3, 2025

Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Title: Paul Harvey - James Kelly

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, reliving the heroic tales that once captivated families gathered around their radio sets. This episode, titled "Paul Harvey - James Kelly," narrates the extraordinary story of James Patrick Kelly, affectionately known as "Smelly Kelly," whose keen sense of smell and dedication safeguarded the bustling New York subway system for decades.

The Legend of Smelly Kelly

The episode opens with a vivid portrayal of Smelly Kelly, an Irish bloodhound renowned for his exceptional tracking abilities. Unlike ordinary dogs, Smelly Kelly was a two-legged canine-like individual whose presence in the IND division of the New York subway was nothing short of legendary.

A (00:00): "This bloodhound was of the two-legged kind. James Patrick Kelly, nicknamed Smelly Kelly, who left Ireland at the age of 18 and who prowled the New York subway through the 1930s and for decades thereafter, saving lives with his nose."

Exceptional Tracking Skills

Smelly Kelly's primary role was to detect hazardous leaks within the subway system—an intricate and perilous task. The subway, being an extensive underground network, was vulnerable to various leaks that could result in deadly explosions if ignited by sparks from electrified trains.

A (00:10): "Any underground transit system is a potential catch all for whatever lies above it... fumes that can be ignited by a single spark from an electrified third rail."

Officials estimated an average of eight leaks discovered daily, underscoring the critical nature of Smelly Kelly's role.

Notable Incidents

Smelly Kelly was instrumental in identifying and mitigating several high-risk situations:

1. Detection of Elephant Dung Odor:

   • In a remarkable incident, Smelly Kelly identified the specific odor of elephant dung within a subway station.
   • This led investigators to uncover a hidden nest of dead rats beneath the ceiling of the old hippodrome, revealing unexpected subterranean activity.

   A (00:45): "Smelly moved about the establishment in diminishing circles, then stood on a chair sniffing at the ceiling... revealing a nest of dead rats."

2. Water Main Leak Detection:

   • Beyond identifying odors, Smelly Kelly could hear the faint hissing of broken water mains amidst the loud subway environment.
   • This auditory skill allowed him to alert workers before minor leaks escalated into major hazards.

   A (00:25): "Neither you nor I could identify the faint hissing of a broken water main through the cacophony of subway and city noises. But Smelly could."

3. Rescue Operations:

   • Demonstrating bravery, Smelly Kelly saved numerous workmen from impending danger by pulling them away from speeding trains, highlighting his lifesaving instincts.

   A (00:55): "He had even saved the lives of uncommon conscious workmen by pulling them from the path of speeding trains."

Legacy and Retirement

After tirelessly patrolling all 720 miles of track, averaging 10 miles a day, Smelly Kelly became an indispensable asset to the New York transit system. His retirement was met with reluctance, as subsequent efforts to train new sniffers could not replicate his unparalleled efficiency.

A (01:10): "The New York transit system dreaded the day Smelly retired... but none can do the job with anything like the efficiency that Smelly once did."

Smelly Kelly's legacy endures through the standards he set, with over 60 sniffers trained in his honor, yet his unique abilities remain unmatched.

Conclusion

"Paul Harvey - James Kelly" is a heartfelt tribute to a true unsung hero of the New York subway system. Through engaging storytelling and meticulous detail, Harold's Old Time Radio brings to life the remarkable contributions of James Patrick Kelly, whose extraordinary nose and unwavering dedication ensured the safety and efficiency of one of the world's most complex transit systems. This episode not only preserves the memory of Smelly Kelly but also celebrates the timeless spirit of heroism that defined the Golden Age of Radio.

A (01:20): "Smelly was not only aroused by aroma, he could identify that aroma by name... Smelly was no ordinary dog. In fact, Smelly was no dog at all."

This episode serves as both an entertaining and educational journey, perfect for enthusiasts of old-time radio and those fascinated by the hidden heroes of urban infrastructure.