 Remember a Hallmark card when you carry enough to send the very best. Tonight from Hollywood, the makers of Hallmark cards bring you another in their exciting new series of broadcasts on the Hallmark Hall of Fame. Each week Hallmark will bring you true-to-life stories of actual persons who in their own way have contributed to a better world for all of us to live in. Presented on the Hallmark Hall of Fame by our distinguished host, Mr. Lionel Barrymore. Dear ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Hallmark Hall, respectfully dedicated to those people who service, sacrifice and devotion have achieved great and lasting benefits. But who are too little known to us? Today we celebrate the birth of a giant among Americans and among men, George Washington. Somehow we take for granted the beautiful and historical national shrine of Mount Vernon, where Washington lived that life so vastly important to all of us. We know about Mount Vernon, but do we know that a woman conquered pain and invalidism and criticism and red tape to save Mount Vernon for us for all time? Tonight the Hallmark Hall of Fame proudly pays tribute to that woman of valor as we dramatize the true and deeply moving story of Anne Pamela Cunningham. And now here's Frank Goss from the makers of Hallmark cards. When you want to remember your friends, there's one way to be sure the card you send receives an extra welcome. Look for that identifying Hallmark on the back when you select it. For words to express your feelings and designs to express your good taste, let the Hallmark on the back be your guide. For that Hallmark tells your friends, you cared enough to send the very best. Lionel Barrymore appears by arrangement with Metro Golden Mayor, producers of Battle Circus, starring Humphrey Bogart and June Ellison with Keenan Wynn and Robert Keith. And now here is Lionel Barrymore with the first act of your Hallmark Hall of Fame. And a child and a giant. It's the story of a beloved home that sheltered the hope of nations and of our young nation. This is the story of the indomitable woman who saved that home as a shrine for three men. Mount Vernon was the home and Pamela Cunningham the woman. She moves up the Potomac River toward Charleston, a fine moon-drenched night. At the rail stands Mrs. Louisa Cunningham with a little girl Anne. The captain of the packet stands beside them, smoking peacefully. It's a lovely trip, Captain. A lovely river. Tears a proper bit of water for the country it washes. How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank. Anne, child, where did you ever hear that? When you took me to the play, Mother. And you remember that? I thought it was very pretty. And indeed it is. But if you're going to remember everything you hear and see, I must be careful where I take you. That whistle. And do you know who I missed? Yonder where your precious moonlight sleeps so sound, George Washington sleeps. Is that Mount Vernon? Aye. It's so sad. About his little girl Patsy. She hardly lived at all. That's what General Washington said when she died. He'd hardly ever think of a great famous general crying. But he cried. That makes me love him even better. Doesn't it, you? I don't know where you'll get such thoughts, Anne. Doesn't it, you? Some of ship's passing Mount Vernon to salute the memory of General Washington. I like it. A steamboat whistle is full of grief. Anne! Such a lovely night. I never want to forget it. Or the river. Or Mount Vernon in the moonlight. Or General Washington. I don't want to ever. Lovingly and unforgettingly. A quarter of a century passes. America's growing up. The Virginia legislature is an extraordinary session. The speaker is Colonel John Washington. Gentlemen, I come before this assembly with a proposal which may cause you as much dismay as it causes me chagrin and deep disappointment. I find the management of Mount Vernon beyond my means. The land does not yield well. The acreages are diminished. I can no longer even keep the house in decent repair. Virginians, I have put Mount Vernon up for sale. She is the government as a national shrine. I can get neither a yes nor a no from Washington. I must turn to send its remaining 200 acres to the Virginia assembly to create a shrine at $1,000 an acre. And again she's at the rail of a Potomac River packet with the little girl as a woman now. And she doesn't stand by it. She hasn't stood or walked for years. Nor will she ever stand again. A riding accident. But she's undaunted. A woman of valor who can find. Her name is far above rubies. Her price is far above rubies. The same captain, old now, of the same packet sits beside her. Smoking? A lovely night, Captain. At my age, Miss Cunningham, all days and all nights are precious and beautiful. So beautiful. Nothing changes. We change. No, Captain. I think that within us will remain forever little children wandering in the dark woods, loving and trusting and believing. Or with all our hearts wanting to. Perhaps. How clearly I remember a scene just like this. Twenty. And it's at the same place, isn't it? There's Mount Vernon on Yonderback. There'll be no Mount Vernon now, Miss. I don't know what you mean. Colonel John Washington can support it no longer. It has been offered for sale to some land speculators. Oh, no. Mount Vernon was his home. He lived there and he loved it so. And he died there. And when his daughter Patsy died, he cried. General Crow don't they understand? His life is still in there and his love and his tears and it will never be over. If it is over, then death is final and there is no immortality. But it isn't over. If it's over, then the blood is dried and blown away from Monmouth and Bunker Hill and Randy Wine and Clinton and the Delaware forgotten. If it's over, then King's Mountain never happened and the bloody footprints of our men have melted with the snow of Valley Fort and pain and sacrifice and heroism are illusions. But it isn't over. Mount Vernon isn't done with. Not while I live or after. Never. Did the psalmist say, and Pamela Cunning, let my right hand forget her, Cunning. If I forget thee, old Jerusalem. Turn to the second act of our story of Ann Pamela Cunningham. Have you a friend or relative who is convalescing behind the sick room door? Well, even if you aren't allowed to visit him, there's one sure way to get your wishes through day after day. I mean, by naming a series of hallmark, seven-day cheer cards. You see, seven-day cheer cards are everything their name implies. They're bright, amusing cards that come neatly packaged together, so you can send one at a time for seven consecutive days. Right now, you can choose from three distinct types of cheer cards at the store where you'll buy all your hallmark cards. There are riddle cards for those who enjoy guessing the answers to catchy questions and hallmark mystery cards for your friends who like who done it. And even a feminine flower bowl card with seven pretty posies to be slipped into place. Yes, and new hallmark seven-day cheer cards are being designed all the time, so the variety will grow and grow. Remember, you'll know them instantly by the hallmark and crown on the package, the symbol you always insist on when you carry enough to send the very best. And now, here is Lionel Barrymore. Cunningham, who couldn't walk or stand, began a long march to a distant goal. Ann's body was hurt, but the spirit was young and intact and indomitable. At home once again, Ann fretted about the impending fate of Mount Vernon. Then... Mother, will you bring me pen and ink to my lap board, please? I'm going to write a letter to the... Governor of Virginia. Governor replied. He says, preposterous. Tell me. He says he will recommend that the Virginia legislature purchase Mount Vernon to be transformed into a state agricultural college. Well, it's better than allowing it to go to total ruin. Wait. However, his excellency continues, however, the sum which Colonel Washington asks for the estate remains $200,000. And before we can act on our proposal, Colonel Washington must reduce his price materially. Oh, Mother, nothing, nothing will be done. Can't you see? But $200,000 is a staggering amount of money. Staggering and out, we must get it. I do wish I could tell you how, dear. I know how. The women. Oh, dear. I can see that look in your eyes. Bored, is it? I must rally all the women of America. I must write to them through their newspapers and clubs and organizations to build a greater organization. Yes? To be un-lady-like, if necessary, and use their names and lift their voices in public. Oh, hey! An organization. A united, patriotic womanhood. Um... Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union. Something like that. Your pen and ink and last fort, I presume. Gathered here in my home. You have come and gathered round my chair. And I'm grateful. It is most fitting that our first meeting takes place today on Washington's birthday. Thank you, dear ladies, for almost $300 collected already toward... toward the mere $200,000 that we need. The ghosts of Lexington and Concord and White Plains and Valley Forge, thank you. And the child's spirit of Patsy Washington, thank you. The tall spirit of her father, thank you. And last, and oh, so least, I thank you. Oh, and child? All right, Mother. The first meeting of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union. Writing long enough to read what people are writing, you know? All those letters for me. Look, there's a letter from Edward Everett. Edward Everett? He's a film or secretary of state. Write me? Unless you know of another Edward Everett. He's a scholar, writer, a great man. Why don't you open the letter? Oh, yes. Father, a good notion, don't you think? Oh, Mother. $69,064. Impossible. Naturally. Read the letter. Read the check. He's been touring the nation delivering a letter about George Washington. He feels that he owes the money so earned to the Mount Vernon movement. In addition, he says, I hope to realize $10,000 by contributions to the New York Ledger, which will go toward the preservation of Mount Vernon. $100,000? Oh, Mother, we've got it. We've pressed it. Only another portrait. $120,000. Let's go. We'll get it, though, I'm sure now. Who else writes this, Mother? A letter from Colonel John Washington. Oh, what an exciting voice. Would you have dreamed that your little girl would go up to receive letters from people like... What is it, Anne? What is it, dear? Colonel Washington says he's been criticized severely for wanting to sell Mount Vernon. He says that he won't sell Mount Vernon now, except for Virginia or to the federal government. But they've already turned him down. Of course. And he won't sell to you. But he will sell to me. Ten and ink and laughboard. No. Our traveling clothes and boat passage to Mount Vernon. And you can't make that trip anymore. You're too tired and ill. He will sell to me. I'm very sorry to have inspired this difficult trip for you and your mother, Miss Cunningham. Do we get Mount Vernon, Colonel Washington? On that score, too. I'm sorry. That's not enough, Colonel. I didn't come to hear your regrets. The money you ask is in sight. I call upon you to consent to the delivering of Mount Vernon into the care and devotion of our association. I realize how weatherly your ladies feel on the matter. I cannot sell to you. Colonel Washington. Miss Cunningham. I would ask you and your mother to accept Mount Vernon's hospitality before you leave, but the house and rooms are in such disrepair I feel I cannot. You are dismissing us, is that it? The matter is closed. Is that it, sir? We still have a carriage to carry you and your effects to the landing. Except, sir, that my mother and I would have to sleep on the wharf. There's no other boat tonight. To train them? I am unable to travel by train. Then, by all means, madam, accept the somewhat threadbare hospitality of Mount Vernon for the... Oh, thank you, Colonel. I'm so tired. So tired. Imagine the impressionable little Anne grown up to pain and suffering, dreaming restlessly in the dying home of General George Washington. What ghosts tenencing her dreams. What whisperings and ghostly tinkle of popsicles. First in war? Files and columns of tattered barefoot men carrying the long rifles of Ticonderoga, white planes, Saratoga, and voices. Patsy. Hardly lived at all. That makes me love him even better. Doesn't it, you? First in war? First in peace? First in the hearts of his countrymen? Mount Vernon. I never want to forget it. Never. Never. Are you still awake? Oh. No, Mother. I had a dream. You miss Cunningham. Did you sleep well? Excitement at being under this roof and disappointment that I'm helpless to preserve it. Our poor sedatives, Colonel Washington. Again, my regrets. I too had a restless night. Not on my account, I hope. Yes, on your account. Oh? Miss Cunningham, my great uncle fought not only the enemy but his own Congress to achieve his victory for all of us. As you have fought the Congress and the Virginia Legislature and a welter of outworn convention to be a woman against overwhelming odds, this house that shelters a tradition of such warring against odds will be delivered into the care of those who understand the price of victory. It is yours, Madam. Oh, thank you, Colonel. Not just for me, but for America. For America and her generations to come, great for children. The generations to come who will look at it always as a symbol of their heritage. Oh, thank you. Prices above all brisk. Anne Pamela Cunningham succeeded against the pouring handicaps in preserving the home of George Washington for all America to love and enjoy. Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union is the oldest woman's patriotic group in America. It continues active today, administering the affairs of this national shrine where millions of Americans have received inspiration. Anne Pamela Cunningham, a patriot and a woman of valor indeed. I'll be back in a moment to tell you about the fascinating person we're going to honor next week on the Hallmark Hall of Fame. This is Frank Goss who knows how you can make a gift doubly appreciated, and I, one, would like to know how. Do you know someone who is especially clever at wrapping gifts, someone who seems to capture the mood of the occasion or the personality of the receiver every time? Well, you know, you don't have to be an artist to give your gifts that special touch of thoughtfulness. All you need to do is select your wrappings at a fine store where Hallmark cards are sold. In the sparkling Hallmark gift paper collection, you'll find patterns for each special day, many of them with tags and seals to match. You can choose bold tweedy types for men, dainty, feminine designs for women, and enchanting gift papers for the children with all over prints of toys or tots or nursery rhyme characters. Yes, and here's a suggestion for you busy homemakers. Why not stock up on extra Hallmark gift wrappings for last-minute presents the next time you shop? It's such an easy thing to do, and you will save precious time when an emergency arises. You will recognize Hallmark gift wrappings instantly by the Hallmark and Crown on the package. The familiar symbol you always look for when you carry enough to send the very best. And now, back to your Hallmark host, Mr. Barrymore. Yes, yes. He gives not best who gives most, but he gives most who gives best. Now, a fellow named Warwick said that many, many years ago, but it's still very true. The manner of giving shows the real character of the giver far more than the gift itself. And when you make your gift look real pretty, well, that's certainly the gracious way to present it. Oh, so many times I've heard ladies say, my, that package looks so beautiful, I hate to open it. Well, next week the makers of Hallmark cards have wrapped up some fine entertainment for you. We're going to tell you the story of Captain Jack Dewitt, who, by his patriotic and daring action, influenced the course of our nation's history at a crucial moment when the collapse of the American Revolution seemed imminent. I hope you're all listening to this exciting and adventurous story. Our Hallmark Hall of Fame is every Sunday. Our producer-director is William Gay. Our music was composed and conducted by David Rose. And a script tonight was written by Milton Geiger. Until next Sunday then, this is Lionel Barrymore, saying, good night. Look for Hallmark cards that are sold only in stores that have been carefully selected to give you expert and friendly service. Remember a Hallmark card when you'll carry enough to send the very best. The part of Anne Pamela Cunningham was played by Lorraine Tuttle, Margaret Brayton was her mother, and a little girl was Anne Whitfield. Others in the cast, Ted D'Corsia, Polly Bear and Ben Wright. This presents two great programs for the whole family's enjoyment. The Hallmark Hall of Fame on radio with host Lionel Barrymore and on television with Miss Sarah Churchill. Consult your paper for time and station. This is Frank Goss saying good night to you all until next week at the same time when we present another true-to-life story of actual persons who in their own way have contributed to a better world for all of us to live in. Next Sunday we honor Captain John Jewett on the Hallmark Hall of Fame. This is the CBS Radio Network. This is KMBC, Kansas City, Missouri.