Refreshment Club 36-11-23 01 Don McNeill

Summary

Podcast Summary: Refreshment Club 36-11-23 01 Don McNeill

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Refreshment Club 36-11-23 01 Don McNeill
• Release Date: March 16, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Refreshment Club 36-11-23 01 Don McNeill", listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. Hosted by Don McNeill, the program is a delightful blend of music, comedy, and engaging conversations, all sponsored by the Coca Cola Bottling Company. The episode, released on March 16, 2025, offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of families gathered around their radios, enjoying popular shows of the era.

Host Introductions and Roll Call (01:04 - 02:12)

The episode begins with Don McNeill introducing the Refreshment Club, a daily, half-hour program featuring music and light-hearted fun. Sponsored by the Coca Cola Bottling Company, the show is presented as an informal gathering of friends. Don announces the program’s schedule—five times a week, Monday through Friday—and invites listeners to become regular members.

Key Moment:

• Don McNeill states, "The Refreshment Club is about to come to order, and the Coca Cola Bottling Company welcomes you to today's meeting and invites you to become a regular member." (01:04)

The host proceeds with a roll call, introducing members like Clark Dennis, Walter Blaufus, Helen Jane Velke, and Joan with her escorts, setting a friendly and welcoming tone for the episode.

Refreshing Ritual and Setting the Stage (02:12 - 05:06)

Walter Blaufus takes the lead, guiding listeners through a daily refreshment ritual sponsored by Coca Cola. He encourages the audience to prepare their glasses with ice and Coca Cola, emphasizing the brand's role in bringing refreshment and joy.

Notable Quote:

• Walter Blaufus: "Get the glasses, drop in the ice, open the bottles, pour out the Coca Cola. And now refresh yourself." (02:12)

Accompanied by the orchestra's lively rendition of train sounds, the segment sets a playful and energetic atmosphere, reminiscent of old-time radio shows.

Character Dialogues and Musical Performance (05:06 - 12:50)

Clark Dennis, introduced as the "Refreshment Club Romeo" from Flint, Michigan, engages in a humorous and scripted interaction with Walter Blaufus. Clark shares his youthful charm, describing himself with playful exaggerations:

Clark Dennis: "Oh, about 23 or 24. Somewhere in there, you see, he's rather blonde, fairly tall, somewhere between two feet and a small skyscraper." (05:06)

The dialogue seamlessly transitions into Clark performing the song "When Did You Leave Heaven?," a heartfelt melody that showcases the show’s musical prowess and adds emotional depth to the episode.

Notable Performance:

• Clark Dennis sings "When did you leave heaven? How could they let you go?" (07:04)

After the performance, Walter Blaufus compliments Clark, highlighting the seamless blend of music and comedy that defines the Refreshment Club.

Comedic Skit: Nurse and Doctor Exchange (10:19 - 13:32)

A comedic skit unfolds featuring Clark Dennis and Nurse Joan, creating a lighthearted and entertaining segment. The interaction revolves around Clark’s exaggerated illness symptoms, leading to humorous misunderstandings and playful banter.

Key Exchange:

• Clark Dennis: "I’ve been sick, but convalescent having fun while my nurse is guessing why. Running a temperature and." (10:34)
• Nurse Joan: "Oh, land sakes alive. The thermometer says 105. Boys, you're running a temperature." (10:44)

The skit continues with escalating humor as Clark’s symptoms become increasingly absurd, culminating in a mock medical emergency that leaves listeners amused.

Notable Quote:

• Nurse Joan: "You are a volcano just burning up for you. But to burn up would only make matters worse." (11:32)

Musical Interlude and Character Insights (12:50 - 20:00)

Walter Blaufus shifts the focus back to music, introducing varying melodies and showcasing the orchestra’s versatility. He emphasizes the Refreshment Club’s commitment to refreshing content, both musically and in spirit.

Notable Insight:

• Walter Blaufus: "Each succeeding chorus melody is a little different. Try to make it appealing. Try to make it refreshing." (10:34)

The segment includes a tribute to the power of music in enhancing digestion and overall well-being, tying back to the Coca Cola sponsorship.

Singer Introductions and Additional Performances (15:55 - 26:43)

The show introduces Helen Jane Belkey, affectionately referred to as the "refreshment club honey," highlighting her youthful charm and engaging personality. Walter Blaufus and Clark Dennis engage in playful banter about Helen Jane’s age and attractiveness, adding depth to the character dynamics.

Notable Interaction:

• Walter Blaufus: "You can’t even remember. Just like Clark." (16:08)

Joan leads into another musical performance, this time with the song "Love the Christmas Gift Song," a festive and romantic number that resonates with the holiday spirit.

Notable Performance:

• Joan: "I can’t give you anything but love. Maybe that’s the only thing I’ve plenty of." (17:20)

Memory Time and Final Musical Numbers (20:00 - 26:43)

The episode features a "Memory Time" segment, where Don McNeill and the cast reflect on cherished memories and friendships, reinforcing the show's theme of community and camaraderie.

Key Reflection:

• Don McNeill: "We love you because you've done more than any creed could have done to make me good and more than any fate could have done to make me happy." (20:00)

Following the reflective segment, Ralph Smith, the drummer, performs "Tom Thumb’s Drum," adding a dynamic and rhythmic element to the program.

Notable Performance:

• Ralph Smith: "Tom thumbs drum." (22:00)

The show continues with humorous interactions as Ted Floyd and Cliff engage in a faux-operatic adventure, playfully mocking high society’s pretentiousness and blending it with the show’s signature humor.

Final Quotes:

• Clark Dennis: "Boy, oh, boy, I’d like to wring that guy’s neck." (25:38)
• Don McNeill: "Remember, whoever you are, whatever you do, wherever you may be. When you think of refreshment, think of Coca Cola." (26:43)

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Don McNeill and the cast bidding farewell, encouraging listeners to join them again for more music, laughter, and refreshment. The seamless integration of Coca Cola’s branding underscores the sponsor’s role in enhancing the program’s lively and convivial atmosphere.

Final Message:

• Don McNeill: "Coca Cola makes any pause a pause that refreshes and ice cold Coca Cola is everywhere." (26:43)

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Key Takeaways

• Community and Camaraderie: The Refreshment Club fosters a sense of belonging among listeners, reminiscent of family and friends gathering around the radio.

• Blend of Music and Comedy: The seamless integration of musical performances and comedic skits creates an engaging and entertaining experience.

• Nostalgic Appeal: The episode captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, appealing to both long-time fans and new listeners seeking classic entertainment.

• Effective Sponsorship Integration: Coca Cola’s sponsorship is woven naturally into the program, enhancing the overall theme without detracting from the content.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Don McNeill (01:04): "The Refreshment Club is about to come to order, and the Coca Cola Bottling Company welcomes you to today's meeting and invites you to become a regular member."

• Walter Blaufus (02:12): "Get the glasses, drop in the ice, open the bottles, pour out the Coca Cola. And now refresh yourself."

• Clark Dennis (05:06): "Oh, about 23 or 24. Somewhere in there, you see, he's rather blonde, fairly tall, somewhere between two feet and a small skyscraper."

• Nurse Joan (11:32): "You are a volcano just burning up for you. But to burn up would only make matters worse."

• Don McNeill (20:00): "We love you because you've done more than any creed could have done to make me good and more than any fate could have done to make me happy."

• Don McNeill (26:43): "Coca Cola makes any pause a pause that refreshes and ice cold Coca Cola is everywhere."

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This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio's Refreshment Club delivers a charming and entertaining journey through music, humor, and heartfelt moments, all underpinned by the timeless appeal of Coca Cola. Whether you're reliving the golden days or experiencing old-time radio for the first time, this episode promises to refresh and delight.

Transcript

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[Don McNeil]

The refreshment club Electrically transcribed for radio and presented by the Coca Cola Bottling. Starting today, the Coca Cola Bottling Company brings you the Refreshment Club, a gay, informal half hour of music and fun under the direction of that famous master of ceremonies, Don McNeil. And we bring you the good news that this program will come to you five times a week at the same time, Monday through Friday. The Refreshment Club is about to come to order, and the Coca Cola Bottling Company welcomes you to today's meeting and invites you to become a regular member. We'll begin with a roll call.

[Clark Dennis]

Clark.

[Don McNeil]

Dennis.

[Walter Blaufus]

Here.

[Don McNeil]

Helen Jane Velke. Joan. And her escort.

[Clark Dennis]

Here.

[Don McNeil]

Walter Blaufus.

[Helen Jane Velke]

Here.

[Don McNeil]

Refreshment Club. Orchestra here. And Don McNeil himself. Hello, Don. The meeting is all yours.

[Walter Blaufus]

All right. Thank you. Don't get up. Just stay right where you are. Let us try and refresh you during the next few minutes. Now, here's a little daily ritual that we want you to go through with us, all right? Get the glasses, drop in the ice, open the bottles, pour out the Coca Cola. And now refresh yourself. Ah, good old ice cold Coca Cola. All right, it's aboard. All aboard on the Refreshment Club Express with Walder Blofus and the orchestra. All right, here we go. You can hear the train panting in the station. Listen.

[Helen Jane Velke]

Hey, conductor, do you want to punch my ticket?

[Walter Blaufus]

Well, that isn't exactly what I had in mind.

[Helen Jane Velke]

Oh, popcorn, peanuts, chewing gum and ice cold Coca Cola.

[Walter Blaufus]

All right, we've landed somewhere. I want you to know that that entire effect was done by Walter Blauthus and all the Boys here, the orchestra, in fact, the train panning in the station. For example, the pants belong to Carol Martin, Ms. Trombone. The reason that we start with a railroad number is to aid your digestion, you know. Choo, choo, choo, choo, choo, choo. One of the passengers on the train was Clark Dennis, whom you shall presently know as the Refreshment Club Romeo. The Flint, Michigan Flash. Or Butch to his mother. How are you, Clark? I feel fine, Don. Everything is happy days and jolly times down in Dixieland, period. Clark, I might describe you a little bit for our radio audience here. Clark's a very personable young man. How old are you, Clark? Oh, about 23 or 24. Somewhere in there, you see, he's rather blonde, fairly tall, somewhere between two feet and a small skyscraper. And he has two eyes, a nose, mouth. Very nice young guy. Wears his hair pompadour. He likes his comb so well he refuses to part with it. Clark, you sure you feel all right? Huh? Well, my doctor says that I need more roughage. What would you suggest? Well, I don't know. You might join a professional hockey team or get in the saxophone section. Clark, tell me, now that we've gotten to know each other in the audience here a little bit, a little matter here, I wonder. I noticed your pockets jingling there. Could you cash a small check for me? Huh? Sorry, Don. I wouldn't cash a check for my own brother. Well, of course, you know your family better than I do. I'm sorry I brought up. All right. What are you going to sing, Clark? I'm going to sing. When did you leave heaven? You keep me out of this. Go on and sing.

[Helen Jane Velke]

When did you leave heaven? How could they let you go? I used to dream about angels but then I never knew that I'd ever meet one and such a sweet one Till I met you when did you leave heaven? How could they let you go? Was everything in heaven I'd like to know why did you trade heaven for all these earthly things? Where did you hide your halo? Oh, where did you lose your wing? Have they missed you? Can you get back in? If I kissed you would it be? I am only human but you are so divine when did you leave heaven, angel?

[Walter Blaufus]

Oh, there. That was swell, Clark. Very, very nice. When did you leave heaven? That's a great thought, isn't it? You know, some people don't believe the story about the stork. But there. There really is such a bird. You know, to prove it's true, every year in Chicago, they hold what they call the International Livestock Exposition. Oh, my. I'm sorry. We want you to know the people on this program. We're just good friends here. Just have a good time together. I'll tell you more about Walter Blaufus later. Walter's from Milwaukee. Likes good things to eat, stuff like that. But I'll get to him later. You think not? And all the boys in the band. This is the. This is the first program of our Refreshment Club series. And after you get to be a regular Refreshment Clubber, said he, stuttering slightly. Why, you'll get to know that the Refreshment Club is a program of music and witness. Half music and half wit. We want you to know Joan and the Escorts. Joan and the Escorts, Ted Floyd and Cliff. Joan is Joan. They'll be with you this same day every week. And today they're going to sing. What? Joan and the Escorts.

[Nurse]

Running a temperature, Don, you're running a temperature.

[Walter Blaufus]

You are. You know, I thought I was. The other day. I went down to a doctor and talked to him a while. And he listened to a couple of my gags. He said, you're not so hot. All right, go ahead.

[Clark Dennis]

I been sick, but convalescent having fun while my nurse is guessing why. Running a temperature and. Oh, she doesn't know it's on account of her.

[Walter Blaufus]

Well, who's there?

[Nurse]

Why, it's your nurse, boy.

[Clark Dennis]

Come on in, gorgeous.

[Nurse]

Well, tell me how you're feeling today.

[Clark Dennis]

Oh, gee, nurse, we're really far from okay, but.

[Nurse]

Well, then I'll have to take your temperature. Oh, land sakes alive. The thermometer says 105. Boys, you're running a temperature.

[Clark Dennis]

Could you advise a little tonic? All of my symptoms point to you.

[Nurse]

Gee, I don't know what to do, but I hear your heart is delirious. Gosh, I'm afraid it's serious.

[Clark Dennis]

Well, how does it look? Will I pull through?

[Nurse]

I'll call a doctor right away.

[Clark Dennis]

There's no time for delay. Mine's an emergency cave.

[Nurse]

Shall I keep those doctors away?

[Don McNeil]

Yes.

[Clark Dennis]

I'll take my treatment in your sweet embrace. Oh, honey, I'm running a temperature.

[Nurse]

Don't try to prove it's contagious.

[Clark Dennis]

How can you say no?

[Nurse]

But you're a volcano just burning up for you. But to burn up would only make matters worse.

[Clark Dennis]

Well, what you gonna do about a telus, nurse?

[Nurse]

Well, now, a case like yours never gets my goat. So open up your mouth while I look at your throat. Say ah.

[Walter Blaufus]

Ah.

[Nurse]

Oh, geez, just what I thought. Why, you've housemaid Me? And your pulse has a funny little beat. Now, I'm convinced that you have flat feet.

[Clark Dennis]

That our condition is really serious.

[Nurse]

You'll be lucky if you're not delirious.

[Clark Dennis]

Oh, Is there a doctor in the house? Well, now, I'm Dr. Smith, and what's the trouble, Nurse?

[Nurse]

Well, if you want to know, Doc, the patients are worse.

[Clark Dennis]

Honey, I'm running the temperature, so could you. Anti gluttonic?

[Joan]

All of my symptoms point out that.

[Clark Dennis]

It'S you that's causing all the trouble. Honey, my heart is delirious, and we're afraid that it might be chronic.

[Nurse]

Well, to tell the truth now, I don't think that you'll pull through.

[Clark Dennis]

Whoa. Then there's no more time. No time for delay Hours is an emergency case.

[Nurse]

Shall I keep those doctors away?

[Clark Dennis]

Yes. We'll take a treatment in your embrace. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. My temperature.

[Nurse]

It's going up every minute. 101, 102, 103. What will I do? It's going up, up, up, up, up on nerves.

[Clark Dennis]

We're burning up for you.

[Joan]

You're telling me we're burning up.

[Walter Blaufus]

Now we come to something a little different. You know, if you listen to our Refreshment Club every day, you'll discover that Walter Blaufus varies your musical menu. Each succeeding chorus melody is a little different. Try to make it appealing. Try to make it refreshing. Walter is a great musician. Plays by ear. Has an uncle who's an artist. Paints by eye. Marvelous. The Blofus family. Quiet, Walter. Now, it's, for example, waltz time around the Refreshment Club. Waltz Time by Walter Blaufuss. And the refreshment here. Nice waltzing, Walter. That was Stars in My Eyes from Grace Moore's picture. The King Steps Up. Now, Refreshment Clubbers, won't you lend an ear for a moment to Bob Denton, our recording secretary? Bob? What about it?

[Don McNeil]

Well, friends, we bring you this daily program for your refreshment and enjoyment. Like everybody else, you appreciate those things which brighten your home. Good music, good company, good food. And don't overlook Coca Cola for the pause that refreshes with frosty bottles of ice cold Coca Cola from your own refrigerator. Will brighten the most important part of your home, the people in it. Your guests will respond to Coca Cola's life and sparkle. Your family will welcome itself cheerful, wholesome refreshment. And you yourself will find that in the midst of household duties, a short pause for the refreshing goodness of an ice cold bottle of Coca Cola will help to get work done. More Easily a half dozen bottles in your refrigerator is good housekeeping. And you can get six bottles of Coca Cola so conveniently at any time in the six bottle carton which is so easy to carry. Your favorite dealer will supply you now. The meeting's yours, Don.

[Walter Blaufus]

Thanks, Bob. I'd like to introduce Helen Jane Belkey to you. She's the refreshment club honey, as we call her. Very attractive young lady. How old are you, Helen Jane?

[Joan]

22.

[Clark Dennis]

No, 21.

[Walter Blaufus]

22.

[Clark Dennis]

Can't even remember.

[Walter Blaufus]

You can't even remember. Just like Clark. She's somewhere in between there. Around there someplace. I don't know. You don't think much of your age, I guess, till you get to be 30. Hey, Walter. Oh, pardon me. She's very attractive. Helen Jane Delkey is. Course, I guess you should attract the man. They say your father is a steel magnet. Is that right? I just made that up. That isn't right at all. Helen Jane, have you made out your Christmas list yet? Oh, sure. Have you? I haven't. I don't know. I just can't get the Christmas spirit this year. I feel so listless. Oh, I'll wait a minute while that sinks in. You know, Helen Jane, I know that you have a hope chest. I know the listeners don't know that, but I know that have a hope chest just in case, you know. That's Helen Jane. She's just 22 years old, very nice looking. As I said before, she might get a proposal, you know. You might get one like Walter Blobson. Did you ever hear about that, Helen James? No, I didn't. Oh, it was a dandy. Walter's a very quiet chap, as you know. That's an example. Well, he used to be very quiet, at least you know. What happened when he proposed? He just held up a diamond ring and he said. A Mrs. Balthus looked at him and said, huh? All right. What are you going to sing, Alan?

[Joan]

Jane, I can't give you anything but.

[Walter Blaufus]

Love the Christmas gift song. Fine.

[Joan]

I can't give you anything but love maybe that's the only thing I've plenty of A baby dream of wild scheme of wild we're sure to find happiness and I guess all those things we've always p for Gee, I'd like to see you looking swell, baby with diamond bracelets that Woolworth doesn't sell, baby but till that lucky day you know darn well, baby that I can't give you anything but love Rome wasn't built in a day, dear. You have to pay, dear, for what you get but I am willing to wait, dear your little maid, dear will not forget you have a lifetime before you all adore you, come what may Please don't be blue for the present when it's so pleasant to hear you say Gee, I'd like to see you looking Swear, baby, with diamond bracelets the woohoo doesn't fail, baby until that lucky day. You know darn well, baby that I can't give you can't seem to give you. I can't give you anything but love.

[Walter Blaufus]

Now it's memory time on the Refreshment Club. Let's refresh our memories together. Carry me back to old Virginny. This is a program of friendship and I've never heard it expressed any better than this. I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I'm with you. I love you not only for what you've made of yourself, but what you're making of me. I love you for putting your hand into my heaped up heart and passing over all the foolish, weak things that you can't help dimly seeing there and drawing out in the light all the beautiful belongings that no one else had looked quite far enough to find. I love you because you're helping me to make of the lumber of my life. Not a tavern, but a temple out of the work of my everyday life. Not a reproach, but a song. I love you because you've done more than any creed could have done to make me good and more than any fate could have done to make me happy. You've done it without a touch, without a word, without a sigh. You've done it by being yourself. Perhaps that is what being a friend means after all. Well, we've refreshed our memories. Now let's get back to the present with a snap. Here's Ralph Smith, our drummer, who is going to take a very leading part in this next number, which is called Tom Thumb's Drum. Ralph Smith first started playing the drum to keep his kid quiet at home, but he's been playing it ever since. And since he's been playing Tom Thumb's drum especially, why he's been condensing everything, you know, everything. Is Tom Thumb with Ralph now? He was eating a small grapefruit the other day. It tasted all right, but certainly was a little squirt. Tom thumbs drum. Here they go. It. Yeah, that was Tom thumbs drum. Nice going. Now, Ted, Floyd and Cliff are going to leave Joan out of this and step out to the opera by themselves. They're Going a little high hat there. I've been noticing that people who add their noses to the grindstones are turning them up again. Getting high hat. Oh, yes. Come on, boys, out to the opera. My friend laughed when I spoke to the waiter in French but the laugh was on him when I told the waiter to give him the check. Ho, ho.

[Clark Dennis]

We're stepping out to the opera Got a pair of seats on the aisle we don't know much about the opera we only know that the opera in style. Hey, hey. Hey, mister, grab us a taxi Gotta see the Tori adore these clothes we rented from Maxi they are the best that he had in the store Ring up the curtain, when does it begin? Pass me the peanuts and gum why look, get the hi hat, Please hand me my hat. Gee, but the show is dumb. You said it. We're stepping out to the opera Just to show that we're in the law and when we step out of the opera we'll wrap around and see our picture show Hiya there, Joe. Say, would you like to go to the opera?

[Don McNeil]

No, I'd rather go to Coney island.

[Clark Dennis]

Any old day, boy. Take in the rides and drink pink lemonade and above all see little Legion. Okay, Joey?

[Walter Blaufus]

Okay, Joe.

[Clark Dennis]

How about you, Sandy? Would you like to go to the opera? I'll give you a tip.

[Walter Blaufus]

It's gonna be a good one.

[Clark Dennis]

Sure, and if it's a tip you're giving, man, I'll go.

[Walter Blaufus]

Okay.

[Clark Dennis]

Hey, mister, grab us a taxi Gotta see the toriador these clothes we rented from Maxi they are the best that he had in the store. Hey, fellas, the curtain's going up. They're going to start the show now. Boy, oh, boy, I'd like to wring that guy's neck.

[Walter Blaufus]

Oh, look at the hi hats.

[Clark Dennis]

Please hand me my hat. We're getting out by hair. Oh, we're stepping out out to the opera Just to show that we're in the know when we step out out of the opera we'll drop round, see a picture show Perhaps Mae west we like her best Perhaps Tom Mix or Richard Dix One thing we know we won't see an opera Ah, ah, ah. On nothing. We'll drop around see a picture show.

[Walter Blaufus]

Yes, sir, from my seat in the balcony, it looks like about last call for refreshment. Walter Blaufuss and the refreshment here. Sing, baby, sing. And so the first meeting of our club comes to an end. Be sure and join us again tomorrow to hear the refreshment clubbers. Ellen Jane Belkey Clark Dennis Bill Kranz, our pianist, has something special for you. The Coca Cola Orchestra. Under the direction of Walter Blaufus and yours truly, Don McNeil. Until then, remember, whoever you are, whatever you do, wherever you may be. When you think of refreshment, think of Coca Cola. For Coca Cola makes any pause a pause that refreshes and ice cold Coca Cola is everywhere.