Podcast Summary: Thrills of the Highway Patrol – Episode: "Case 024: Girl Falls In The Creek"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: November 4, 2025
Original Broadcast: August 3, 1938

Overview

This episode of Thrills of the Highway Patrol dramatizes a real-life rescue case from California’s 1938 Highway Patrol files: the story of two children, Larry Barrett and Annie Holderegger, who become lost in the woods near Lake Tahoe after a fishing trip goes awry. The episode explores themes of child safety, the dangers of the wilderness, and the vital cooperation between local citizens and law enforcement in emergencies. It also highlights the importance of leaving clear plans and following simple safety rules.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introductory Remarks and Road Safety Campaign

[00:38–02:47]

• The narrator opens with official statistics, highlighting a reduction in fatal and injury accidents in 1938 compared to the previous year, crediting improved public cooperation.
• Listeners are encouraged to request a vehicle code summary and a "I've enlisted" sticker as part of California's safe driving campaign.
• Golden rule emphasized: "Drive as you would have others drive."

2. The Incident: Children Go Fishing

[02:47–05:50]

• Larry and Annie prepare to leave for fishing with parental supervision.
• Lighthearted banter as they approach Blackwood Creek, showing their youthful enthusiasm (“This here is a waterproof match carrier…”), but also their lack of preparedness.
• After a playful exchange about fishing (“Oh, Larry, I’m falling. Oh, give me a pole. The fish will get away. Oh, help me out of the water.” [04:19]), Annie falls into the creek, dampening both her spirits and their plans.

3. The First Signs of Danger

[05:50–06:46]

• With Annie wet and cold, the children attempt a shortcut home as night falls, making navigation difficult and increasing the parents' concern.
• Mrs. Barrett grows anxious, calling neighbors for help and realizing it's well past the promised return time.

4. Search and Rescue Mobilization

[06:46–08:40]

• Officer Walker and neighbors quickly organize a search party.
• The seriousness of the situation is underscored: “It's pretty dangerous for a couple of kids to be wandering around up in those mountains. They're liable to fall down or get caught in the water or something.” – Officer Walker [08:09]
• Four search parties are organized to cover different routes, emphasizing coordination and urgency.

5. Frustration and Perseverance

[08:40–10:51]

• Hours pass. Tension and despair rise as parents wait for news.
• Multiple false alarms—teams return, having found no trace.
• Realistic depiction of search fatigue: “They shouted themselves hoarse.” [09:20]
• Despite exhaustion: “You can't stop now.” – Mrs. Barrett [09:48]
  “We don't intend to stop.” – Officer Walker [09:52]

6. Breakthrough and Rescue

[10:20–12:26]

• Officer Walker’s team finally locates the children’s footprints.
• The children, too cold to call loudly, resort to throwing rocks to attract attention (“That must be the kids throwing them at us. They can see our lights.” – Officer Walker [11:57]).
• They are found safe, though exhausted and nearly frozen.

7. Reflection and Safety Message

[12:26–14:38]

• The real Annie Holderegger is introduced to address the audience, sharing the direct lesson from her ordeal:

  “My advice to all children is don’t get lost. Remember, it gets dark very quickly in the mountains. But if by chance you should get lost, I think you should stop where you are and not make it more difficult for the people searching for you to find you. And above all, remember to leave word at home where you're going and then go there.” – Annie Holderegger [13:18]

• Officer Walker reinforces Annie’s advice for all children: “Be sure to tell your parents where you’re going and then go there. Don’t get lost.” [14:16]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Importance of Planning:
  “If you have not already become a member of California's growing army of safe, thoughtful and courteous drivers… remember the golden rule of the road. Drive as you would have others Drive.” – Narrator/Announcer [01:56]

• Children's Banter – Mood Before Trouble:
  “Oh, Larry, I’m falling. Oh, give me a pole. The fish will get away. Oh, help me out of the water.” – Annie Holderegger [04:19]

• Escalating Parental Fear:
  “I don't know what to do. You don't suppose they're lost, do you?” – Mrs. Barrett [06:46]

• Community Resolve:
  “We’ll do everything humanly possible, Mrs. Barrett.” – Officer Walker [08:37]

• Key Rescue Moment:
  “That must be the kids throwing them at us. They can see our lights.” – Officer Walker [11:57]

• Children’s Advice, In Their Own Words:
  “My advice to all children is don’t get lost… leave word at home where you're going and then go there.” – Annie Holderegger [13:18]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:38] Safety intro, vehicle code campaign
• [02:47] Children leave for fishing
• [04:19] Annie falls in the creek
• [05:50] Dusk falls, plan to shortcut home
• [06:46] Parents discover children are missing
• [07:22] Officer Walker mobilizes search
• [10:22] Searchers find children’s footprints
• [11:57] Rescuers locate children by thrown rocks
• [12:47] Annie’s direct message to listeners
• [14:16] Officer Walker’s closing safety warning

Conclusion

This episode not only delivers a suspenseful and dramatized rescue but serves as a living safety PSA for children and families, echoing concerns that remain timeless. Memorable for its blend of authentic emotion, practical advice, and strong sense of community, it reminds listeners of the persistent risks in the outdoors and the value of simple, clear precaution.

For further true stories from the Highway Patrol, tune in next week or request a vehicle code summary as advised in the program.