Set the Record Straight | Ranger Bill (11-24-54)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

"Set the Record Straight" | Ranger Bill (11-24-54)

Host: Andrew Rhynes | Release Date: January 31, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features the Ranger Bill radio drama "Set the Record Straight," set in the small frontier town of Knotty Pine. The story revolves around a controversy at the Beaver Creek School, where a beloved but misunderstood teacher, Miss Susan Anderson, faces backlash from parents who perceive her as being anti-sports due to her physical handicap. The episode explores themes of prejudice, the importance of balanced education, the dangers of jumping to conclusions, and ultimately, the value of setting the record straight through truth and open dialogue.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Classroom Chaos and Academic Struggle

• Miss Susan Anderson tries to maintain order during a grammar examination. Students (Justin and Peter) are unprepared, distracted by sports, and overtly dismissive of their academic duties ([03:32–05:29]).
  • Memorable Moment: Miss Anderson sternly addresses the boys, stating, “I’m ashamed of both of you. You’ve got all the time in the world for jokes and sports, but none for education.” (05:29)

Parental Perceptions and Prejudice

• Peter and Justin report home, portraying Miss Anderson as unfairly opposed to sports, feeding into a narrative that her strictness is rooted in her own handicap ([06:08–07:08]).
• Fathers (Bill Jefferson & Lou Alexander) discuss their frustration, equating sports with vital life lessons and suggesting Miss Anderson's inability to appreciate athletics stems from her physical limitation ([07:24–08:44]).
  • Notable Quote: “If she’s so prejudiced about sports, then she isn’t the one to teach my son. To me, athletics is a vital part of education.” – Bill Jefferson (07:55)

Confrontation at School and Accusations

• The fathers confront Miss Anderson at school (13:08–15:09), barely letting her speak before vowing to take the matter to the school board.
  • Memorable Exchange:
    • “It’s become more and more evident, Miss Anderson, that the standards are not what they used to be.” – Bill Jefferson (14:41)
    • “We’re going to the school board and ask for your dismissal.” – Lou Alexander (14:57)

Community Escalation

• A hasty petition for Miss Anderson's dismissal quickly gathers support based on misunderstandings, spreading unrest throughout the community ([19:17–20:27]).
  • Notable Quote: “People won’t do when they don’t use their heads.” – Narrator (20:14)

Efforts to Resolve and Fair Hearing

• Ranger Bill Willison and supporters advocate for fair process, insisting that no one should be condemned without a chance for self-defense ([23:19–24:29]).
  • “I want to see a good teacher get a chance to defend herself. If in the face of that defense, the petition still holds good, that’s another matter.” – Bill Willison (24:00)

The School Board Hearing – Truth Revealed

• At the board meeting, Miss Anderson calmly refutes the accusations, clarifies that academic requirements—not antipathy to sports—are the issue ([26:20–27:35]).
  • She reveals the school lacks facilities for sports, and that she never participates in games due to her injury, not lack of interest ([27:46–27:59]).
• Bill Willison presents powerful letters:
  • From the Dean of Women at State Teachers College, confirming Miss Anderson’s athletic excellence (letters in swimming, tennis, track) ([28:06–28:58]).
    • “Susan obtained three letters in athletics…set several new records. Two of which are still unbeaten.” (28:44)
  • From the Mayor of Stocktown, recounting how Susan’s heroism (saving him from drowning as a teen, suffering her injury in the process) left her unable to participate physically, not unwilling ([29:01–29:29]).
    • “This girl…dove into the river after me and pulled me out. She saved my life…One of those blows broke her ankle, but it didn’t stop her.” (28:58–29:29)

Apologies and Resolution

• The fathers, and the broader community, recognize their error and apologize to Miss Anderson ([30:33–31:04]).
  • “Just to make a public apology to Ms. Anderson.” – Bill Jefferson (30:41)
  • “And say three cheers for Susan Anderson.” – Lou Alexander (30:47)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Miss Anderson confronting students about priorities
  “[You] have all the time in the world for jokes and sports, but none for education.” (05:29)

• Perpetuating stereotypes
  “Maybe it’s because she’s a cripple.” – Peter Kloss, speculating on his teacher’s motives (07:08)

• Emotional community split
  “Whole countryside in turmoil over this.” – Lou Alexander (20:19)

• Turnaround & realization
  “Susan obtained three letters in athletics…set several new records. Two of which are still unbeaten.” – Bill Willison, reading Dean’s letter (28:44)

  “She saved my life...In the rescue, she was smashed several times against the rocks…One of those blows broke her ankle, but it didn’t stop her.” – Mayor’s letter (29:10)

• Public contrition
  “Just to make a public apology to Ms. Anderson.” – Bill Jefferson (30:41)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Classroom introductions and conflict [03:32–05:29]
• Parents discuss complaints against Miss Anderson [06:08–08:44]
• Fathers confront Miss Anderson at school [13:08–15:09]
• Community stirs, petition circulates [19:17–20:27]
• The initial school board hearing and demand for fair process [21:09–24:29]
• Second hearing; Miss Anderson’s defense and the revealing letters [26:20–29:29]
• Resolution and apologies [30:33–31:04]

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Episode Tone and Style

This episode is a classic, heart-tugging tale that blends frontier earnestness, small-town dynamics, and the timeless message of giving others a fair hearing before leaping to judgment. The voice acting and writing capture the sincerity and neighborly, if sometimes hasty, attitudes of rural America in the mid-20th century. The episode’s resolution emphasizes humility, forgiveness, and the power of truth.

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Summary in One Sentence

"Set the Record Straight" uses a frontier school crisis to remind listeners that prejudice and snap judgments can only be overcome by listening, uncovering the truth, and extending grace—a lesson just as relevant today.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

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[Narrator]

Ranger bill, warrior of the woodland.

[Bill Jefferson]

Ranger Bill, Warrior of the Woodland. Struggling against extreme odds. Traveling dangerous trails. Fighting the many enemies of nature. This is the job of the guardian of the forest. Ranger Bill. Pouring rain, freezing cold, Blistering heat, Snow, floods, bears, rattlesnakes, mountain lions. Yes, all this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job. Well, Foreign.

[RingCentral Announcer]

Central will completely transform the way you work. It gives you built in AI across all your business conversations. Your phone System has an AI receptionist that answers calls 24 7. Your video meetings have AI that takes notes instantly. Even your contact center has AI so you can help customers faster. It all comes together in one reliable platform for for effortless AI communications. See for [e-mail] RingCentral Voice of your.

[Bill Jefferson]

Business Today's story, boys and girls, is about a teacher. Her name is Ms. Susan Anderson and she's the teacher of Knotty Pine Public School, Beaver Creek Branch. The Beaver Creek School is a small place a little way out of knotty pine. How Ms. Susan got into trouble and just how Bill and the fellows got her out of it. Well, that's our story for today. Set the record straight. To begin with, let's drop over to the Beaver Creek School where Ms. Susan is doing her best to Bring order out of chaos.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Children, children, children. Now, that's enough of this. Now, the seventh grade is going to have an oral examination in grammar. And while this is going on, the rest of you will be quiet and listen. Justin, Alexander, you will be first.

[Justin Alexander]

Yes, Ms. Susan.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Justin, what is a collective noun?

[Justin Alexander]

Did you say a collective noun, Ms. Susan?

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Yes.

[Justin Alexander]

Well, it's.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Did you read your lesson at home, Justin?

[Justin Alexander]

No, ma'. Am.

[Bill Willison]

Oh.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Weren't you here yesterday when we went over it?

[Justin Alexander]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

And you have no idea what a collective noun is?

[Justin Alexander]

No, ma'.

[Bill Willison]

Am. Teacher.

[Justin Alexander]

Ask Pete. He knows.

[Andrew Rines]

Class.

[Bill Willison]

Class.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Quiet. Quiet. Now, that wasn't at all funny, Justin. Peter Kloss, can you tell me what a collective noun is? Well, this takes the cake. What are you laughing at, Peter?

[Peter Kloss]

I don't know. Sorry, Ms. Susan. I was just laughing.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Peter, what were you writing just before I called on you?

[Peter Kloss]

It was just some writing, Ms. Susan.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Peter Kloss, open your notebook. Now open to the place where you were so busily writing.

[Peter Kloss]

Yes.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Just what I thought. Basketball plays. You were drawing. Peter Kloss, when are you going to learn something besides sports? Justin, let me see your notebook.

[Justin Alexander]

Yes, Ms. Susan. Here's where I was writing and you.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Were doing the same thing. Justin.

[Justin Alexander]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

I'm ashamed of both of you. You've got all the time in the world for jokes and sports, but none for education. Both of you will stay after school this afternoon and learn your grammar.

[Peter Kloss]

Hiya, Pop.

[Bill Jefferson]

Hello, son. Say, where have you been? You were due home an hour and a half ago. Oh.

[Peter Kloss]

I don't know.

[Bill Jefferson]

You don't know?

[Peter Kloss]

I mean. I mean, Ms. Susan kept Justin me after school.

[Bill Jefferson]

And why were you two young gentlemen the honored guests of Ms. Anderson?

[Peter Kloss]

Well, it was her fault, Pop Own.

[Bill Jefferson]

Her fault, huh? Well, how come?

[Peter Kloss]

Well, if she wasn't so dead set against sports, she wouldn't have cared so much.

[Bill Jefferson]

Wouldn't have cared about what?

[Peter Kloss]

Oh, she caught me in just drawing basketball plays.

[Bill Jefferson]

I see. Tell me, son, how many times has Ms. Susan kept you and Justin after school for the same thing?

[Peter Kloss]

Oh, a couple of times during baseball season, once during football, and this time, four times.

[Bill Jefferson]

Huh. She seems dead set against you fellas having anything to do with sports, doesn't she?

[Bill Willison]

Yeah.

[Bill Jefferson]

I wonder why.

[Peter Kloss]

I don't know. Maybe it's. Maybe it's because she's a cripple.

[Bill Jefferson]

Morning, Lou.

[Lou Alexander]

Good morning, Mel. How are you today?

[Bill Jefferson]

In the pink, boy.

[Lou Alexander]

Good.

[Bill Jefferson]

Say, did the big boss sign the quarterly statement last night?

[Lou Alexander]

No. He said he'd do it first thing this morning. He liked your accounting summaries, Mel.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, that's fine. Say something I wanted to talk to you about. Peter didn't come home from school until after I got home last night. And I was wondering.

[Lou Alexander]

Is that right? Well, the same with my boy.

[Bill Jefferson]

See?

[Lou Alexander]

Mel, what do you think about their teacher, that Anderson girl?

[Bill Jefferson]

I don't know what to think, Lou. If she's so prejudiced about sports, and I'm beginning to think she is, then she isn't the one to teach my son. To me, athletics is a vital part of education. I'll say it is.

[Lou Alexander]

Teaches coordination, teamwork, sportsmanship, and develops a competitive spirit that all youngsters need.

[Bill Jefferson]

Right. The upshot of it is, if Ms. Anderson is going to give the youngsters a bad time whenever she catches them not doing the three R's, then I'm going to see that a change is made.

[Lou Alexander]

Just what I was thinking, Mel. Seems to me she fails to realize that figuring out plays takes brain work and ingenuity, too. The next time this happens, I've made up my mind. I'm going to read her the riot act.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, I'll go along with that. You know what, Louis?

[Bill Willison]

No.

[Bill Jefferson]

My kid says she's dead against sports just because she's crippled.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Gather up your books and papers, class. It's time to go home. Oh, Peter and Justin, you will stay after class. The rest of you are dismissed. Peter, Justin, I'm keeping you behind for just one reason. I'm afraid you're not going to pass into the next grade unless you settle down and do your schoolwork. And to do that, you'll have to forget about sports at least a while.

[Justin Alexander]

My dad says that sports are what counts, not book learning.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Now, I'm sure you misunderstood your father, Justin.

[Peter Kloss]

No, I didn't, Ms. Tozen. My pop feels the same way. He says that athletics make you keen and sharp. Makes you think you gotta learn sportsmanship and teamwork from sports.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

I'd agree with that. And I can appreciate how your father feels since both boys, both of them were great in athletics in their day.

[Justin Alexander]

You said it, Ms. Susan. My dad was the greatest fullback State ever had.

[Peter Kloss]

And my pop was the best trackman State ever saw. He could run like the wind.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

But the primary reason that you're in school is not to learn sports, but to receive a basic education. And to get that, you've got to knuckle down to your schoolwork. If you don't, then I'm afraid I can't pass you to the next grade.

[Peter Kloss]

Aw, you're always picking on just and me. Just because we can't answer some silly old questions about history or something.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Peter, believe me, I'm not picking on you two. Now, let that be understood. All I'm asking is that you give up sports for a while and pass your examinations. Now, is that asking too much?

[Justin Alexander]

You don't pick on the other kids like you do us. When I get home, I'm gonna tell my dad about this. He'll tell you off.

[Peter Kloss]

Yeah, so will my pop.

[Justin Alexander]

You just don't like to see anybody have fun because you're crippled.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Tell your father I'll be glad to talk to them at any time.

[Peter Kloss]

We will. Don't worry about that.

[Narrator]

Well, sonny, this is about the last time we'll be able to take the horses down the trail into spring.

[Bill Willison]

Now, you're right there, old timer.

[Justin Alexander]

Yeah. Snow is getting pretty deep in most places. One more blizzard ought to tie things up pretty good.

[Lou Alexander]

Ah, we get plenty more snow soon. It no joke then.

[Justin Alexander]

Hey, there's Beaver Creek School ahead.

[Bill Willison]

Looks like a couple of the boys we kept after. Yeah.

[Justin Alexander]

Hey, look at them take off for home.

[Narrator]

Just like a couple of antelope being chased by a mountain lion. Look at them go lickety split.

[Lou Alexander]

Hey, look at school chimney.

[Justin Alexander]

Hey, that could catch the roof on fire.

[Bill Willison]

Say, we better get down there and fix that stove or we'll have a fire on our hands.

[Peter Kloss]

Come on.

[Bill Willison]

Come on. Come on, boy.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Bill. Stumpy By Henry and Greywolf Come on in.

[Bill Willison]

Hello, Susan. Here late today, aren't you?

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Yes, I. I had a lot of papers to mark, so I thought I'd stay and finish them. I have to prepare my Sunday school lesson this evening.

[Bill Willison]

Take a look at the stove, will you, fellas?

[Justin Alexander]

Okay, Bill.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

There's nothing wrong with the stove, Bill. I just banged it.

[Bill Willison]

Well, we saw quite a few sparks flying out of the chimney as we rode up, so we thought it best to look in before the roof catches fire.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Sparks? Well, what do you think caused that, Bill?

[Bill Willison]

Oh, I don't know yet. How's it look, fellas?

[Lou Alexander]

Looks okay, Bill.

[Bill Willison]

Yeah, all he needs the chimney cleaned out. That's cheaper than having to buy a new building.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

I'll phone Mr. Winters this evening and tell him. Do you think it'll be safe overnight, Bill?

[Bill Willison]

Oh, I think so. We'll bank it heavily for you. That should do it.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Well, more company?

[Bill Willison]

Yes, but these two fellows don't look too happy, Susan.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

I think I know why. Good afternoon, gentlemen.

[Bill Jefferson]

Good afternoon, Ms. Anderson.

[Lou Alexander]

Good afternoon. I'm Louis Alexander Justin's father. Ms. Susan, this is Melvin Clauss, Peter's father.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

I'm glad to make your acquaintance. Excuse me, Bill.

[Bill Willison]

Certainly.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

And now won't you gentlemen sit down?

[Bill Willison]

No, thank you. We won't be here that long.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Oh. I wonder if I can be of any help to you.

[Bill Jefferson]

Ms. Anderson, if we understand correctly, you won't pass our sons to the next grade because they're spending too much time on spirit.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

That's hardly the reason, gentlemen. The true reason is that in fairness to the other children, I can't pass your sons if they don't meet the academic requirements. Which means that they've got to knuckle down to the three R's and learn something. Now, all they seem to know or care to know is baseball and football and basketball and a dozen other sports.

[Bill Jefferson]

You wouldn't say that was wrong, would you?

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Yes, when it interferes with their basic education. Don't you agree?

[Lou Alexander]

The question is when does it interfere? And that's where our opinions differ. Now you listen to me, young lady. My son has plenty of time to get the education he needs. But just now athletics are vital and.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

More important than reading, writing and arithmetic.

[Lou Alexander]

Mr. Alexander, you can stress that more than it's worth. I'd have you know my son is a fine sportsman. He's fair minded and knows teamwork. You can't get that out of books, Ms. Anderson.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's right. It's become more and more evident, Ms. Anderson, that the standards are not what they used to be.

[Bill Willison]

Excuse me, gentlemen.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Let me handle this.

[Bill Jefferson]

And the reason is that you're simply dead set against any athletic program.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Now that is not true. I think, gentlemen, if you.

[Lou Alexander]

It's too late now to alibi Ms. Anderson. We're going to the school board and ask for your dismissal.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Well, that is your prerogative, of course.

[Bill Jefferson]

Just how much of a factor your own personal handicap is in this matter. You be the judge.

[Bill Willison]

Of all the prejudice and misunderstanding I've ever heard of. That takes the cake.

[Justin Alexander]

Why, they didn't even give you a chance to get your mouth open, Ms. Anderson.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Oh, it doesn't matter, Henry. I'm sure that nothing will come of it. Both these fathers are intelligent men. It's simply a misunderstanding, that's all.

[Bill Willison]

Well, I hope so. We'll see you Sunday morning, Susan.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Oh, yes, Sunday school. Yes, I'll be there.

[Bill Willison]

Bye bye.

[Lance Fettrick]

So long, Miss Ashley.

[Justin Alexander]

What are you thinking about, Bill?

[Narrator]

I can tell you he's thinking about Mel Lou and how angry they were.

[Bill Willison]

Ain't that right, sonny? Yes, old timer, you're right. Those two weren't just giving Susan a piece of their mind. They meant what they said.

[Lou Alexander]

Ah. I watched their faces. I think you're right, Bill.

[Justin Alexander]

Well, there isn't much we can do.

[Lance Fettrick]

About it, is there, Bill?

[Bill Willison]

No, pal, there isn't. But I know one way I'll be able to tell if this will blow over like a loud storm.

[Lou Alexander]

Oh, that's Bill.

[Bill Willison]

Both Peter and Justin are in my Sunday school class. They're on the warpath. Sunday morning I'll know their fathers intend to start something. Help us to love your son more and to learn to walk closer to him. Bless our studies together as we open our Bibles and you speak to us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Now, this morning, fellas, we're going to continue studying the Gospel according to Mark. Last week our lesson was about the rich young ruler who came to Jesus today. Peter, Justin, we're in Mark, the 10th chapter and the 17th verse.

[Peter Kloss]

Oh, go ahead, Bill. We're listening.

[Bill Willison]

Here was a young fellow who came to the Lord and wanted to know what he had to do to find eternal life. And the Lord Jesus asked him what he had done to deserve eternal life, he says.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Well, Ms. Daniel.

[Peter Kloss]

Shut up.

[Bill Jefferson]

Just.

[Bill Willison]

I don't think this is the place nor the time to discuss your outside problems, fellas. You came to Sunday school to learn about the Lord, not to talk to your friends about the week's events.

[Justin Alexander]

This is important, Bill.

[Bill Willison]

More important than what the Lord has to say to us, Justin?

[Justin Alexander]

Well, I guess not, but this is important.

[Bill Willison]

Then after class, you can discuss it all you want. Right now, this lesson is the important thing.

[Peter Kloss]

You're as bad as Ms. Sulzan.

[Justin Alexander]

Sure, all teachers are the same. They like to take all the fun out of life.

[Bill Willison]

If you two fellas think I'm not doing the right thing, you can leave the class, or the rest of us may study the Gospel of Mark.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well.

[Peter Kloss]

We don't want to leave Bill Willison.

[Bill Willison]

Yeah, that's fine, Peter. Justin. I'm glad for that. Now, let's continue.

[Peter Kloss]

Bill Jefferson caught us talking about Ms. Susan and pulled us out, Pop.

[Bill Jefferson]

He did, huh? He was at the school with the rest of his rangers when Lou and I headed out with your teacher. I suppose he's taking her side. Well, if he wants a fight, he'll get it. Lou, I think we ought to get a petition up to the school board asking for Ms. Susan's removal.

[Lou Alexander]

A good idea. Let's get her started and push it for all we're worth.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's the story, Mr. Hazard.

[Lance Fettrick]

Well, if she's that set against athletics, then she's too proud to teach my children. Sure, I'll sign the petition.

[Bill Willison]

Well, my daughter told me what's going on. The teacher's that bad, she should get the ax.

[Narrator]

Lou, stop at my home. I want to sign that petition.

[Bill Jefferson]

I agree with you all the way. Lou, bring that piece of paper around.

[Lou Alexander]

Well, look at all the signatures we've got.

[Bill Jefferson]

And how. When the school board sees this, they'll wake up and get a good teacher.

[Justin Alexander]

Have you fellas heard the news?

[Narrator]

We sure have, young feller. Pete saw what people won't do when they don't use their heads.

[Lou Alexander]

Ah, this plenty bad. Whole countryside in turmoil over this.

[Bill Willison]

Yes, and the signatures. Look at them. How could they do it, boy?

[Justin Alexander]

What do we do, Bill?

[Bill Willison]

The only thing we can do is to try and clear up this misunderstanding and prejudice.

[Narrator]

It's simple. But how you aim to do that, sonny?

[Lou Alexander]

That plenty big. Order, Bill.

[Bill Willison]

I wonder when the school board's going to meet to consider this petition. Any of you heard?

[Justin Alexander]

Not I, no.

[Bill Willison]

I'm going to call Lance Fettrick and find out. I want to attend that meeting.

[Lance Fettrick]

The meeting will come to order. Order, please. This special meeting of the Knotty Pines School Board has been called to hear a petition to remove Ms. Susan as teacher from Beaver Creek School. The secretary of the board will read the petition.

[Narrator]

We, the undersigned hereby demand that the teacher of Beaver Creek School be removed from her job and be replaced by one more competent. This teacher. Ms. Anderson, has displayed a gross disinterest in sports and athletics of any kind and has openly attacked several pupils because they've shown an interest in the same. The undersigned hereby state that this is an unhealthy educational atmosphere and that said, Ms. Susan Anderson shows great prejudice on this subject. It is hereby demanded that her resignation be obtained at once. This petition is signed by 40 persons directly involved in the above and recipients of the effects of the stated charges against his teacher.

[Lance Fettrick]

There are 50 registered students at the Beaver Creek School. The names of 40 heads of families appear on this petition. I must say that I did not ask Ms. Susan to attend this hearing because I thought it best we can speak freely at this time and the board will make its decision after discussion. That is, if any discussion is necessary.

[Bill Willison]

Mr. Chairman.

[Lance Fettrick]

Mr. Jefferson.

[Bill Jefferson]

Mr. Chairman.

[Lance Fettrick]

Mr. Jefferson has the floor.

[Bill Jefferson]

Mr. Chairman, I challenge your acknowledgement of Bill Jefferson since he's not a parent of any of the Beaver Creek School children. In fact, he's not a parent at all.

[Lance Fettrick]

Your challenge is overruled. Mr. Claus, you have the floor.

[Bill Willison]

Bill. Thank you, Lance. For Mel's information. I am an interested party. Not only because I was privileged to have a part in raising a boy who attended this school for years, but also because I heard Mel read the riot act personally to Ms. Anderson before it ever came to the school board. I move that this meeting be adjourned until it can be held with Ms. Anderson present. We ought not to condemn anyone without granting that one the privilege of a defense.

[Lance Fettrick]

There's a motion on the floor. Do I Hear a second?

[Lou Alexander]

Mr. Chairman, apparently Mr. Jefferson is in sympathy with prejudiced teachers.

[Bill Willison]

I don't condone prejudice in teachers any more than I do in parents. Lou, I want to see a good teacher get a chance to defend herself. If in the face of that defense, the petition still holds good. That's another matter.

[Lou Alexander]

Why don't you keep your nose out of this, Jefferson? The charges will stick whether she's here or not.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's right.

[Lou Alexander]

Call a meeting in her presence if you want to. I'm not afraid to face her with a question.

[Lance Fettrick]

Then will you second the motion that's on the floor? Sure, I'll second the motion.

[Bill Jefferson]

Lance.

[Lance Fettrick]

You'Ve heard the motion. And the second? Are you ready for the question?

[Bill Jefferson]

Ask the question.

[Lance Fettrick]

All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed?

[Justin Alexander]

No.

[Lance Fettrick]

The motion is carried.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Bill, I'm awfully grateful for what you did at the meeting. I wanted to be there, but a substitute teacher wasn't available. And, of course, I had no authority to close school.

[Bill Willison]

Well, you don't need to thank me, Susan. I was only doing what's right.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Bill, I'm afraid that they've built up a case against me, and nothing I can say will change it.

[Bill Willison]

You don't mean you're ready to quit?

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

No, I guess not, Bill. Only I'm getting awfully weary fighting this prejudice.

[Bill Willison]

Well, just keep your chin up, Susan. Trust the Lord completely, and he'll see that everything works out the way he wants it to.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

I will, Bill. I honestly mean that.

[Bill Willison]

Fine. By the way, what college did you attend, Susan?

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

State Normal. Why?

[Bill Willison]

Oh, just wondered. I'll see you Saturday morning. I hope everything turns out all right.

[Lance Fettrick]

The meeting will come to order. Ms. Anderson, I sent you a personal copy of the charges listed in the petition, which no doubt you've read. Can you? And are you willing to protest them here before this gathering?

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

I can and I will.

[Lance Fettrick]

First of all, are these charges true?

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

No, they are not.

[Bill Jefferson]

Mr. Chairman.

[Lance Fettrick]

Mr. Claus, I would like to ask.

[Bill Jefferson]

This teacher some questions.

[Lance Fettrick]

Proceed.

[Bill Jefferson]

Ms. Anderson, you say that these charges are not true. Is that right?

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

They're not only groundless, but absurd as well.

[Bill Jefferson]

Did you not verbally attack me, my son and Justin Alexander on four different occasions because they were preparing sports plays?

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

I did.

[Bill Jefferson]

Did you not refuse to pass my son and Justin Alexander to the next grade because they put too much emphasis on sports?

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

I did.

[Justin Alexander]

Bill, she's hanging herself.

[Bill Willison]

I don't think so, pal. Let's see what happens.

[Bill Jefferson]

I have no further questions. Lance.

[Lance Fettrick]

I would like to know why you did these things.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Ms. Anderson, would you pass a student or students who drew sports plays during recitation hours and who couldn't say or wouldn't even try to learn their multiplication tables? Mr. Fetrick, I would not.

[Narrator]

She hit him on the nose with that punch.

[Lou Alexander]

Ask her why she never allows sports to during school hours. And she won't take part in games with the children.

[Lance Fettrick]

Do you care to answer that, Ms. Susan?

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Well, we can't have sports during the school hours. Because Beaver Creek School hasn't the facilities for such activities. And as to why I don't take part in games with the children, well, probably.

[Bill Willison]

You can excuse me, Susan. Lance, may I have the floor? This is important.

[Lance Fettrick]

Yes, Bill, go ahead.

[Bill Willison]

Thank you. Folks, regarding these charges against Ms. Anderson, I have two letters here I want to read to you. The first is by the dean of Women, Ms. Olive A. Beach at State Teachers College. Dear Mr. Jefferson, she writes, you ask me concerning Ms. Susan Anderson and her interest in sports. Ms. Anderson held top scholastic honors while enrolled in this institution. Besides this, Susan obtained three letters in athletics. These were for swimming, tennis and track. Most notable were her accomplishments in swimming because she set several new records. Two of which are still unbeaten. I hope this information will be most satisfactory for your needs. Sincerely yours, Olive A. Beach Dean of Women, State Teachers College.

[Ms. Susan Anderson]

Bill, you shouldn't have done it.

[Bill Willison]

Now, folks, let me read the second letter. Now withhold the name until the end. Dear Mr. Jefferson, I was a lad, 15 years old, when my life was saved by a girl. I was trying to navigate a canoe down the shady river when it was swollen by the spring rains. As I came into the rapids just before Dead Man's Gorge, My canoe smashed on the rocks of the rapids. This girl was picnicking along the riverbank with some friends. And she saw the danger I was in, dove into the river after me and pulled me out. She saved my life. In the rescue, she was smashed several times against the rocks by the vicious current. One of those blows broke her ankle, but it didn't stop her from rescuing me. I will always be grateful for the courage of this girl who still bears the mark of her bravery, Susan Anderson. Sincerely yours, Thomas R. Winthrop, Mayor of Stocktown. You say Susan Anderson has no sympathy for sports, and you ask why she doesn't take part in games with the children. These letters give the reason.

[Lance Fettrick]

Is there anyone else who would like the floor?

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, I would like the floor. Just to make a public apology to Ms. Anderson.

[Lou Alexander]

And I want to apologize too, and say three cheers for Susan Anderson.

[Bill Jefferson]

And there, boys and girls, was the story of how the record was set straight. See you next week for more adventure with Ranger Bell.

[Bill Willison]

Sam.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Bill Willison]

Sam.