Red Foley Detour Sign | Grand Ole Opry (01-12-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns – “Red Foley Detour Sign” | Grand Ole Opry (01-12-52)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Title: Red Foley Detour Sign | Grand Ole Opry (01-12-52)
Date: November 6, 2025
Featured Performers: Red Foley, Rod Bradfield, Minnie Pearl, Montana Slim, Wally Fowler & Oak Ridge Quartet

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Overview

This episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast showcases a restored classic broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry, originally aired on January 12, 1952. Centered around Red Foley and a talented supporting cast, the episode weaves together homespun humor, lively banter, and beloved musical performances. With a blend of country storytelling and sacred song, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio, experiencing a Saturday night at the Opry as if they were seated in the original audience.

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Key Discussion Points & Musical Performances

1. Welcome & Setting the Scene

[01:13]

• Host Andrew Rhynes sets up the evening’s broadcast, highlighting the episode’s historical context and main cast, notably Red Foley.

2. Comedy & Country Banter

[04:35 – 07:50]

• Household Humor: Rod Bradfield spins a series of stories about family gatherings, bargain birthdays, and small-town life, peppered with playful teasing.

  “Well, Miss Foley, a bargain birthday is when a woman in her upper 40s marks herself down to the lower 20s.”
  — Rod Bradfield [05:29]

• Aging Jokes: Characters take good-natured jabs at each other and their relatives about age, cleverly twisting phrases and expectations.

• Smart-Aleck Kids: Bradfield’s stories feature “Tyrone,” the wisecracking kid, adding to the family comedy.

3. Musical Interludes

“Detour”

[03:30 – 04:35]

• Song reflecting on the unexpected turns in life, setting an introspective, slightly wistful mood before lighter fare.

“Swiss Moonlight Lullaby”

[08:11 – 09:45]

• Montana Slim (Wilf Carter) delivers a gentle yodeling ballad evoking alpine romance.

  “My Swiss Moonlight Lullaby. Growing along in the moonlight by a mountain stream...”
  — Montana Slim [08:11]

“There’s a Meeting Gonna Be Here Tonight”

[12:03 – 13:15]

• Wally Fowler and the Oak Ridge Quartet energize the place with enthusiastic gospel harmonies.

“That Beautiful Home”

[13:15 – 15:28]

• The cast transitions to sacred songs, evoking nostalgia and hope of an afterlife “far over the sea.”

“When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain”

[15:28 – 16:43]

• A familiar tune invites audience participation, creating a sense of reunion and community.

4. Minnie Pearl’s Comic Spotlight

[18:21 – 22:13]

• Minnie Pearl takes center stage with her trademark “I’m just proud to be here!” and a series of comic vignettes.

• Family Antics: She describes her Uncle Nate Bob’s stop at a bar, her brother’s complaints at the hotel, and community events like the yearly fish picnic.

  “We had ourselves yearly. Yearly and annual fish picnic at Grinder Suite. We have it annually and every year too.”
  — Minnie Pearl [19:31]

• Small-Town Charm: Minnie shares witty observations about absent-minded sweethearts and the hazards of mountain roads.

• Fishing Funnies: A rapid-fire exchange with Rod Bradfield about catfish, bait, and the rowdy fun at the picnic.

  “When I go fishing, I fish with flies, eat with ants, and sleep with mosquitoes.”
  — Rod Bradfield [22:05]

• Slapstick & Puns: Minnie gets the last laugh with a tale about her brother’s black eye—for kissing the bride, "two years after the ceremony."

  “Yeah, but this year was two years after the ceremony.”
  — Minnie Pearl [22:45]

5. More Musical Highlights

“I’m Going to Tear Down the Mailbox”

[23:12 – 24:29]

• Montana Slim delivers a humorous, self-deprecating song about loneliness and the futility of waiting for mail.

“No One to Cry To”

[24:40 – 25:18]

• A poignant ballad reflecting on lost love and hope for reconciliation.

6. Closing

[26:53]

• The cast signals the end of the show, promising to return next week with another edition of the Grand Ole Opry.

  “That’s about all for now, but we’ll be back again next week with another grand old Opry.”
  — Rod Bradfield [26:53]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bargain Birthday Gag:

  “A bargain birthday is when a woman in her upper 40s marks herself down to the lower 20s.”
  — Rod Bradfield [05:29]

• Quick-Witted Retort:

  “Well, that ain’t so much. Says I could name all the states in order when I was a whole lot littler than you. Tyrone says. Well, no wonder. There was only 13 states then.”
  — Bradfield’s story [07:29]

• Homespun Wisdom:

  “I happen to know that the fellers are just as fresh as the fish. ... Well, I seen several of them get slapped in the pan.”
  — Minnie Pearl [21:22]

• Playful Self-Deprecation:

  “With feet like yours, you’d have to back up to the door if you wanna knock on it!”
  — Minnie Pearl [20:41]

• Universal Loneliness:

  “I’m going to tear down the mailbox, tear up the address. I never get no letters anyhow.”
  — Montana Slim [23:29]

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Timed Highlights of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | Notes | |------------|---------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:13 | Episode intro & context by Andrew Rynes | Grand Ole Opry, 1952, Red Foley centerpiece | | 03:30 | “Detour” opening song | Reflection, musical tonality set | | 04:35 | Rod Bradfield’s comic monologue | Family stories & small-town humor | | 08:11 | Montana Slim: “Swiss Moonlight Lullaby” | Yodeling, nostalgia, alpine romance | | 12:03 | Oak Ridge Quartet: “There’s a Meeting Gonna Be Here…” | Upbeat, participatory gospel number | | 18:36 | Minnie Pearl comic spotlight | Rural humor, family vignettes, local color | | 23:12 | Montana Slim: “I’m Going to Tear Down the Mailbox” | Humor, loneliness, classic country laments | | 24:40 | Ballad: “No One to Cry To” | Poignant, vulnerability, hope for forgiveness | | 26:53 | Show closing | Promise to return, signature sense of community |

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode radiates with good-natured fun, homespun wit, and the warmth of country music traditions. Quick-paced banter, affectionate teasing, and recurring rural characters create a richly textured soundscape, supported by restored audio that highlights both performance and ambiance. The musical selections range from swinging gospel to gentle ballads, allowing each cast member space to shine and inviting the audience to join in.

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For New Listeners

You don’t need prior knowledge of classic radio to enjoy this episode; the comedy and musicality stand on their own. Listeners will encounter quintessential Grand Ole Opry humor—playful, self-aware, and rooted in a bygone era—but the themes of family, community, and yearning for connection remain timeless.

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Transcript

[Andrew Rines]

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[Limu Emu Narrator]

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Grand Ole Opry. Originally aired sometime in 1952. We believe it's January 12th and the title is Detour Sign. We've got Red Foley in the lead host Roll and Doug.

[Liberty Mutual Narrator]

Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally Doug.

[Limu Emu Narrator]

Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

[Liberty Mutual Narrator]

Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Ferry Unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates.

[VRBO Advertiser]

Excludes Massachusetts with stays under $250 a night. VRBO makes it easy to celebrate sweater weather. Book a cabin with leaf views or a home with a fire pit for nights with friends. With stays under $250 a night, find a home for your exact needs. Book [e-mail] gain super flings are here.

[Narrator/Singer]

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[Andrew Rines]

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[Narrator/Singer]

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[Limu Emu Narrator]

Time.

[Rod Bradfield]

The Rock on the board Light up your Everyone will have some fun at the grand old welcome to Candle Roughly with Rob Br and Sty.

[Narrator/Singer]

Cause of me not knowing I'm out Fine. Trouble got in the trail Spent the next five years in jail, get arrested. That determined what he said. When I got right to the place where it said about Fe I thought that all my worries were behind but the farther I go, the more sao I know. Should have read that teacher because there's.

[Singer/Chorus]

A mighty road ahead he too ain't no find what he said.

[Rod Bradfield]

Hey, Red, you see what I see over there? Trying to chin himself on a butter churn?

[Narrator/Singer]

I sure do, grad. It's the Clark Gable of the kitchen table.

[Rod Bradfield]

Rod Bradfield. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Foley. Welcome. Thank you. Me, Ms. Foley, I'm sorry. Wobbly and woozy tonight. Because last night during Hornbo, my gal Suzie had a big bargain birthday.

[Narrator/Singer]

Now, wait a minute, Rod. I. I know how women love bargains, but tell me, just what is a bargain birthday?

[Rod Bradfield]

Well, Miss Foley, a bargain birthday is when a woman in her upper 40s marks herself down to the lower 20s. Heidi Prince, you know it ain't so hot tonight is.

[Narrator/Singer]

Hey, right, listen, while we're on the subject, today's comment. Just how old is your gal Suzie?

[Rod Bradfield]

Well, Ms. Foley, I wondered that myself. So I asked her, and she said, rod, I'm just in the neighborhood of 16. Uncle Cy was standing there. He says, barnett Fousey, you better move, because that old neighborhood's getting to look mighty run down. Well, Uncle Scip had him a good time at the party there with all the pretty gals. He had him one on each knee when his wife ASAP comes storming in there. Hey, Sam, said Sipe, you old fool, don't you know you're in your second childhood? Uncle Sipe choked one of the gals on the chin, says, bi. Nettie Fish is my second childhood. It sure is a heap more fun than my first one. From then on, I've got it. You. Things got rough. I run over and I says, ain't Sapp. What in the cat hair? Are you hitting Uncle Sapp over the head with that there umbrella span? First she says, rodney, I asked your Uncle Siph if he minded me being 40. And that critter says, no, I don't mind you being 40, but I sure wished I could change you for two twenties. Right then Susie's little old brother Tyrone, he's sort of a smart ellic kid. He's sort of a smart ellic. He's sort of a smart aleck. He come walking up bragging on himself. He says, when I says I can name all 48 of the seats in alphabetical order, ain't Sapp was standing there and she don't like him nohow and she'll mad she said, well, that ain't so much. Says I could name all the states in order when I was a whole lot littler than you. Tyrone says. Well, no wonder There was only 13 states then. Montana.

[Narrator/Singer]

Buddy, this is a heck of a question, but what do you think of our Saturday night doings down here, huh? It's the grandest show on earth, buddy. You'd have said anything else, we'd have had to let you go, you know. Well, fly, I tell you. How about you doing one of those fine yodel songs of your voice, huh?

[Limu Emu Narrator]

I'd like to do the first number I ever recorded.

[Rod Bradfield]

And here it is, folks.

[Limu Emu Narrator]

My Swiss Moonlight Lullaby. Growing along in the moonlight By a mountain stream oh, high up on the mountain There lies my golden dream There lives my sweetheart Waiting day by day Watching from the doorway moonlight swish.

[Minnie Pearl]

Roll.

[Limu Emu Narrator]

Along Old silvery moon Roll along on high While I sing my. When I cross the valley and climb the mountain high I hear the echo yodeling I'm a Swiss moonlight lullaby Luggage. It echoes through the canyon along the mountainside and sets my hide afl With a swift line on the.

[Rod Bradfield]

Miss Pony Yes. Have you heard that. That Mr. Montana Slim was a great hand with the ladies? Yeah, he.

[Narrator/Singer]

He's telling me something about it right.

[Singer/Chorus]

There a while ago.

[Rod Bradfield]

Why? Well, by that I don't know so much about that now. I just don't know so much about that, Red. You see, the other night after my gal Susie's birthday party, Montana Slim went home with me and. And my twin brothers, old Pete and Repeat, and spent the night with us there, see? Well, after we went to bed, me and Pete and Repeat, we made it up among ourselves that the next morning at breakfast there, we'd use the word morning for every time we kissed a pretty girl at the party that night. Well, Pete was the person that come down that morning for breakfast. And he stuck his head in the door and said, good morning. It's a nice morning this morning. Repeat his next. And he come in, he says, good morning. It'll be a nice morning in the morning. If in the morning is as nice a morning as this morning. Morning.

[Narrator/Singer]

He had a big towel, didn't he?

[Rod Bradfield]

Just about that time, Montana Slim stuck his head in the door and heaved a big sigh. Says, hi, friends.

[Narrator/Singer]

Oh, what a let down here. Well, I'm not sure how Slim made out with the ladies at the party, but I can assure you how Wally Fowler and the Oak Ridge quartet will be received as they sing. There's a meeting going to be here tonight.

[Singer/Chorus]

Well, my dad spoke from the mountaintop Meet gonna be at night Said this whole world's gonna reel and rock Meet gonna be at night. Hey holdin' killed from one dog Meat's gonna be here tonight let's move in the canyon and get on the ball Meat's gonna be there tonight I swear to get ready I swear to get ready get ready There'll be sister Lucy I'm parson down it's gon hallelujah all over town Me going to be here tonight hey ho, you sinners you better content Me going to be here tonight. You better get ready for the judgment I to get ready I get ready I to get ready for the Me I get ready for the.

[Narrator/Singer]

Well, I guess there's nothing more pleasant of a Sunday evening than to sit around in the yard with your folks and kind of recall some of the fine old sacred songs. That's what the police did last Sunday. And we sure didn't forget to sing one of we particularly like called that beautiful Home. There's a beautiful home far over the sea There's a beautiful home for you and for me and its glittering towers the sun outshine and the beautiful home someday shall be mine in that beautiful home different who are waiting for me My coming to green Reunited we'll be with Jesus our king While the ages roll on his praises we'll sing.

[Rod Bradfield]

That.

[Narrator/Singer]

There'S a light guiding me Far over the sea There's a beautiful home.

[Singer/Chorus]

For.

[Narrator/Singer]

You and for me and it's glittering how the sunlight shines and a beautiful.

[Rod Bradfield]

Home.

[Narrator/Singer]

Someday shall be mine.

[Singer/Chorus]

When the.

[Narrator/Singer]

Moon comes over the mountain. That's one we all know. And of course, on the second course, why, we want all you folks to join in with us. Here we go.

[Singer/Chorus]

Everything brings a dream here of you once again but the night is bright and chilly when the moon comes over.

[Rod Bradfield]

The mountain.

[Singer/Chorus]

I'm alone with my memories of you.

[Narrator/Singer]

All right, thanks a lot, boys. Now let's really show the folks back home that we've got a big crowd of 4,5000 people down here with us tonight. And sing in your loudest and best voices once more. So let's go, Marvin, huh?

[Rod Bradfield]

Ram Saudi in over there that.

[Narrator/Singer]

Oh, Grant Turner. I'm ashamed of you. Why, what's everybody interested in along about this time every Saturday night?

[Rod Bradfield]

Oh, why, of course it's cousin Minnie Pearl.

[Minnie Pearl]

I'm just proud to be here. Welter Uncle Nate Bob, he come in town with me. And I just left him down the street. I think he wanted to get some soap. Said he was after a few suds. I don't know though. The sign, the place where he went in at had a sign on the front that said if you're gonna drive your husband to drink, drive him in here. Brother come in with us yesterday too.

[Rod Bradfield]

Oh.

[Minnie Pearl]

Oh, he's so cute and sweet. Oh, he's the sweetest thing. He was over at the hotel and he complained this morning that his room was so warm he had to get up in the middle of the night and take off his socks. Well, we had ourselves yearly. Yearly and annual fish picnic at Grinder Suite. We have it annually and every year too.

[Rod Bradfield]

Oh.

[Minnie Pearl]

It is nice. My feller, my feller heads he took me. We went together just Levi. Oh, I'll tell you right now though, he's getting awful absent minded. Now that boy knows ever into that part of the country where the picnic was at. But before we got there I bet he turned into 10 side road. Well, I don't have to to worry about anything as long as I've got my cellar hesitant. The girls all think hesy just handsome as get out.

[Rod Bradfield]

I know they do.

[Minnie Pearl]

Cause when I say ain't my Hesy handsome? They say get out. It is up in the mountains where we had the fish fry. Oh, and it was just kind of cool. So I wore my new orange sweater. Brother said I wore my orange sweater so as the boys would want us to squeeze me.

[Rod Bradfield]

Hey, Mindy. Mindy Fair. What is it? That there's my foot. You stepped on this.

[Minnie Pearl]

Well, excuse me.

[Rod Bradfield]

I said I've got ingrown toenail lark. You have.

[Minnie Pearl]

Well, with a feet like yours you'd have to back up the door if you ain't knock on it.

[Rod Bradfield]

I know what you mean. They are shorty long, ain't they? Yeah. Minnie Pearl, I had me a good time at that there feast. Creeping here. You did? The gals, they sure was in apple apple pie order.

[Minnie Pearl]

What do you mean Rodney? Apple pie order.

[Rod Bradfield]

Well, they were sweet, mushy and had plenty of cruise.

[Minnie Pearl]

How about the fellers?

[Rod Bradfield]

Oh, the fellers is all right. I was one of them. Yes sir, the fellers was all right.

[Minnie Pearl]

Well that ain't no recommendation.

[Rod Bradfield]

Well no, but it's a good start.

[Minnie Pearl]

I happen, I happen to. I happen to know that the fell just. Just as fresh as the fish.

[Rod Bradfield]

What do you mean Minnie? The fellers are just as fresh as the fish.

[Minnie Pearl]

Well, I seen several of them get slapped in the pan. Yeah, see what you talk about?

[Rod Bradfield]

And speaking of fish, man, did you see that big old catfish I called? I mean. I mean, that's all. 1. I caught a catfish. Many? Oh, I caught me on the hook. Huh? On the hook. No, I waited till the dog chased it up a tree and then caught.

[Minnie Pearl]

Rodney, when you fish, do you fish with live bait or do you fish with flies?

[Rod Bradfield]

Many, When I go fishing, I fish with flies, eat with ants and sleep with mosquitoes.

[Minnie Pearl]

Have a big time, Rodney. I'd like to stay here. I'd like to stay here and Charlie Fat with you, Riley. But I gotta get to the butcher's for the clothes. Gotta get a piece of beefsteak for brother's black eye.

[Rod Bradfield]

Well, poor old brother, did he get a black eye? Well, how in the cat her did it happen, Minnie?

[Minnie Pearl]

Well, he got that black eye Thursday for kissing the bride after the ceremony.

[Singer/Chorus]

Sure.

[Rod Bradfield]

No. Well, and he kissed him early because the bride. I mean, customary to kiss the bride after the ceremony.

[Minnie Pearl]

Yeah, but this year was two years after the ceremony.

[Narrator/Singer]

Well, sir, we sure don't even to ask Montana Slim to come all the way down here from Montana without him singing us another song. The one that Slim picked out for us right now is one called I'm Going to Tear down the Mailbox.

[Rod Bradfield]

Here she comes.

[Limu Emu Narrator]

I'm going to tear down the mailbox Air up the address I never get no letters anyhow I'm going out to the country out on the RFD There I'll get a catalog to keep me company they say the person always rings you twice I don't know the gent.

[Rod Bradfield]

Every time the doorbell rings the landlord.

[Limu Emu Narrator]

For the ran I'm going to tear down the mobile Tear up the address I never get no letters anyhow I'm.

[Rod Bradfield]

Going to tear down the mailbox Tear.

[Limu Emu Narrator]

Up the address I never get no letters anyhow I'm going to write to the paper Put me in an ad Helen forgers let me Raven man I'm going to buy a home and pigeon send him on a call I said I'll get an answer for other that.

[Rod Bradfield]

Ain'T all I'm going do to to.

[Limu Emu Narrator]

Tear down the mailbox Tear up the address I never get no letters anyhow I'm going to tear down the mailbox Tear up the address I never get.

[Rod Bradfield]

No letters anyhow I'm going to pay.

[Limu Emu Narrator]

Up my taxes so that I'll be.

[Rod Bradfield]

Free I don't want no dog on.

[Limu Emu Narrator]

Sheriff Coming to your d I had.

[Rod Bradfield]

A gal who promised she would write Never would forget she'd practice on my checkbook. She's up the river yet.

[Limu Emu Narrator]

I'm going to tear down the mailbox, Tear up the address. I never get no letters anyhow.

[Rod Bradfield]

Thank you.

[Narrator/Singer]

I sure hope you'll all like this one called no one to cry to no one to cry to no one to say good night no one to tell my troubles too no one to fight you no one to hold me.

[Rod Bradfield]

Tight.

[Narrator/Singer]

No one to cheer me when I'm blue I go home to my lonely room Find there's no one there and each night I think of you Please answer this one prayer and give me someone to cry to Someone to say I do some wonder was whisper I love you if I've done something very wrong Please please forgive me Dear Won't you please promise now I'll always find you near Give me someone to cry to Someone to say I do Someone to whisper I love you.

[Rod Bradfield]

That'S about all for now, but we'll be back again next week with another grand old Opry. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio Service, the voice of information and education.

[Downy Unstoppables Advertiser]

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[Singer/Chorus]

Nice.

[Downy Unstoppables Advertiser]

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[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.