Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Ripley's Believe It Or Not – 1 Minute Episodes xx-xx-xx (370) "Nice Profit"

Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

Episode Overview

This very short episode of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, as presented on Harold’s Old Time Radio, is a snapshot of marvels and curiosities from the past—delivered in the series’ classic, succinct style. The main theme revolves around real events so extraordinary they stretch the bounds of credulity, featuring stories that blend natural wonders and human ingenuity. The featured curiosity in this episode is the story of George Grant and his tremendous "nice profit" made from a single news item.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nature’s Oddities: The Fountain-Tree of Turkey

• [00:42] (Narrator/Host): The episode opens with the fascinating tale of a willow tree near Cupracoi, Turkey, which, as it grew, completely enveloped a public water fountain. As a result, “water now spouts from the tree.”

  • “Near Cupracoi Turkey, there's a tree that swallowed a water fountain. As it grew, a willow tree engulfed a public fountain with the result that water now spouts from the tree. Believe it or not.”

• The story sets the tone for the episode’s exploration of the incredible and unexpected.

2. The $250,000 News Item: George Grant’s Black Crepe Fortune

• [01:02] (Narrator/Host): The episode’s main feature is the story of George Grant, an American immigrant in London in 1861.
  • On reading a news item in the London Times that Prince Albert was ailing, Grant swiftly bought up all the available black crepe—a fabric traditionally used for mourning attire.
  • When Prince Albert died, “Grant, who by then had a corner on the entire available quantity of mourning crepe, disposed of his holdings for a neat profit of more than a quarter of a million dollars.”

  • “George Grant, an American immigrant residing in London in 1861, acted with great speed and determination when he read in the London Times that Prince Albert was ailing. He immediately went out and purchased the entire supply of black crepe ... When the prince consort died shortly thereafter, Grant ... disposed of his holdings for a neat profit of more than a quarter of a million dollars. Believe it or not.” [01:02]

• This story highlights entrepreneurial foresight—and a willingness to act quickly on fleeting opportunities.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Truth is stranger than fiction. And this is the truth. This is Ripley's Believe it or Not." [00:30]

  • The iconic phrase introduces the style and intent of the segment, setting the listener up for the surprising vignettes that follow.

• Tree That Swallowed a Fountain:

  “A willow tree engulfed a public fountain with the result that water now spouts from the tree. Believe it or not.” [00:42]

• On George Grant’s Profit:

  “Disposed of his holdings for a neat profit of more than a quarter of a million dollars. Believe it or not.” [01:02]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:30] – Introduction to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
• [00:42] – The water-spouting willow tree in Turkey
• [01:02] – George Grant’s black crepe market coup and profit

Overall Tone and Style

The episode is brisk, matter-of-fact, and designed to astonish. The narration maintains the vintage, authoritative style typical of old-time radio, delivering each fact with a sense of wonder and intrigue. The concluding refrain—“Believe it or not”—caps off each segment, inviting the listener to marvel at the veracity of these odd snapshots from history.

Note:
This summary skips ad reads and contemporary promotional segments, focusing solely on the Ripley’s content featured in the broadcast. It’s an excellent illustration of why golden-age radio shows like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not have remained enduringly popular: their combination of brevity, curiosity, and amazement never fails to entertain.