Postcard, Lum and Abner
Object number2007.095.03
Datec. 1940
MediumPaper, Ink
Dimensions3 1/2 x 5 1/2 in. (8.9 x 14 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
DescriptionPostcard from Mena, Arkansas, featuring radio personalities and Chester Lauck and Norris Goff, better known as Lum and Abner from their radio program set in Pine Ridge, Arkansas.Chester Lauck (known as Columbus Edwards "Lum" Eddards) and Norris Goff (known as Abner Peabody) both grew up in Arkansas and attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They created the radio show Lum and Abner, which was set in the fictional town of Pine Ridge, Arkansas, in 1931. It aired until 1954, producing nearly 5,000 episodes during its 24-year run. The show was modeled on life in Waters, Arkansas. In fact, Waters eventually changed its name to Pine Ridge in 1936 because of the show. The radio show spawned several films from 1940-1956, including Dreaming Out Loud, The Bashful Bachelor, Two Weeks to Live, So This is Washington, Goin' to Town, Partners in Time, and Lum and Abner Abroad.
Color-tinted postcard with photographs of Lum and Abner, in and out of character, on the front. In the larger photograph they are in costume as their characters in front of a microphone. Above the photograph in autographed handwriting reads, "Kindest regards, Lum and Abner." An inset photograph shows actors Chester "Chet" Lauck and Norris "Tuffy" Goff. Below the image in black print on a yellow background is printed: "Mena, Arkansas / Home of / Lum and Abner." The upper section of the card is light blue and trimmed in a white border. Distributed by Mena Studio, Mena, Arkansas. Uncirculated.
A museum honoring Lum and Abner was opened in Pine Ridge during the 1970s; a replica of the show's famous Jot 'Em Down Store was also constructed across from the museum.
Status
Not on view
