Episode Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Ripley's Believe It Or Not - 1 Minute Episodes (372): Unusual Love Story
Date: December 6, 2025

Main Theme

This brief episode of Ripley's Believe It Or Not, presented by Harold’s Old Time Radio, explores two extraordinary love stories from history that truly prove the adage: "Truth is stranger than fiction." In classic "Ripley's" style, the episode delivers these bizarre romantic tales in just over a minute, inviting the listener to marvel at the unexpected twists fate can bring.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A Most Unusual Marriage

• Story:
  • David Lamont, a Minister in Kirkpatrick, Durham, Scotland, became the center of a remarkable love story.
  • At age 60, Lamont married the first infant he ever baptized.
  • The woman was 21 at the time of their marriage.
  • Despite the unusual circumstances, they shared 38 years of happiness as a married couple.
• Notable Quote:
  • “David Lamont...married the girl who was the first infant he ever baptized. She was 21 when they were married and they lived happily together for 38 years, believe it or not.”
    — [B, 00:27]

2. A Heartbreak Turned Happy Ending

• Story:
  • John Dixon, a carpenter from Newberry, South Carolina, experienced heartbreak after his marriage proposal was rejected by the woman he loved.
  • In his despair, he attempted to take his own life by hanging.
  • A neighbor intervened just in time to save him.
  • After recovering, Dixon found love with an unexpected person—the mother of the woman who had refused him.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Dixon recovered, but he wrote a novel chapter in the history of happy endings. He found a new love and a willing mate in the person of the girl's mother. Believe it or not.”
    — [B, 00:48]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Episode’s Signature Phrase:

  • “Truth is stranger than fiction, and this is the proof. This is Ripley's Believe it or Not.”
    — [B, 00:16]

• On Second Chances at Love:

  • The host emphasizes the unexpected nature and resilience of love by highlighting Dixon’s eventual happiness with his former beloved’s mother.

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:16 — Host introduces the episode with Ripley’s signature claim that strange truths await the listener.
• 00:27 — Story of David Lamont: his unique and happy marriage to the first child he baptized.
• 00:48 — Story of John Dixon: from heartbroken despair to newfound love with his former beloved’s mother.

Tone and Style

• The episode maintains the classic, dramatic storytelling style characteristic of Golden Age radio.
• Engaging, matter-of-fact delivery with a flair for the bizarre.
• The brevity and pacing lend a sense of urgency and mystery, leaving listeners both amazed and intrigued.

Conclusion

This Ripley’s Believe It Or Not minute showcases two love stories that challenge conventional narratives: a vicar marrying his first baptismal charge and a heartbroken man finding joy in the most surprising way. Each story captures the spirit of the original show—highlighting how real-life events can be even more astonishing than fiction.