Way back in the dark ages--clear back in 1970, probably--I remember my uncles attentively listening to radio show called
Lum and Abner. I was too young to pay much attention to it at that time. I had no idea that they were actually listening to re-runs from 30 or so years earlier. Several years later I happened across the show and became a fan myself. I think I was about 14 at the time. My opportunity to listen to the show was pretty hit-or-miss until the advent of the internet, which is kind of ironic when you think about it--an old-time radio show from the 1930s and '40s finally becoming widely accessible due to modern technology. A few years ago I even put together
a web page as a tribute to the "old fellers." If you're not familiar with these characters, let me direct you there for more information. If you enjoy "down-home" humor, I expect you'll like it.
Earlier this week I was excited to learn that Donnie Pitchford, the president of the
National Lum and Abner Society, has produced a comic strip based on the radio show that he hopes to run as a regular feature in the
First Arkansas News. He is currently in the "looking for sponsors" stage. I hope he makes it. I was very impressed with
the first comic strip and would love to see more. What fun!
4 comments:
Karla, thank you so much for blogging about the proposed "Lum and Abner" comic strip! I truly am thankful and blessed by the wonderful comments I've been reading. It's true, this is a commercial enterprise, and it must be sponsored by advertisers for it to continue. I'm praying that support will come, and that I can do a good job in providing clean entertainment!
Karla - Thank you for the kind words. I was amazed when Donnie sent in the character models, was even more impressed when he sent in the first strip and -- let me tell you -- the following three were even better. He's hitting his stride and this little project excites me.
I -- like you -- ran across Lum and Abner in the 1970s. I listened to it every day after school with my dad as that's when a radio station out of Hot Springs played reruns. I've loved the show since then and the opportunity to help introduce these characters to longtime fans and newcomers through a somewhat unique medium is something well worth pursuing.
I hope we do get some sponsors lined up. I can't help but think this is a project that will attract attention, so here's hoping everything works out well.
Ethan C. Nobles, First Arkansas News
Update! "Lum and Abner" now runs at this website:
http://www.lumandabnersociety.org/Comic-Strip-Home.html
We are in the fourth year, and in July 2014, Lum and Abner had a cameo in the award-winning "Dick Tracy" comic strip! Thanks!
I invite everyone to read "Lum and Abner", and our audio version is great for our blind friends. Thanks!
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