 Remember a Hallmark card when you carry enough to send the very best. From Hollywood, the makers of Hallmark cards bring you a true story from the life of George Washington Carver. On the Hallmark Hall of Faith. Our distinguished host, Mr. Edward Arnold. It is in gentlemen and welcome to the Hallmark Hall of Fame. Tonight a true story from the life of George Washington Carver. Tuskegee Institute's famous scientist and teacher. Dr. Carver's greatest desire to be of service to the Southern farmer once jeopardized his career. But from this threatened calamity he emerged to change the future of our entire agriculture. Tonight you will hear his unique story. Now here is Frank Goss. Here is a timely reminder. This week's surprise of friend or relative by sending an unexpected card. You don't have to wait for a special occasion to be thoughtful. Thoughtfulness and friendliness are appreciated every day of the year. At the fine stores that feature Hallmark cards, you'll find a delightful selection of Hallmark friendship cards. Cards you send to say, hello, I've been thinking of you. Each card too will have an added friendly touch on the back. The Hallmark and Crown. The symbol that you look for when you carry enough to send the very best. And now Edward Arnold brings you our true story from the life of George Washington Carver. On the Hallmark Hall of Fame. It was spring in the year 1950. Dawn was breaking as Professor Carver came out of his headwaters with a basket on his arm and started off across the campus of Tuskegee Institute. It was his custom to be up before sunrise and out for a stroll through the woods gathering specimens and enjoying nature. Tall, stooped, eyes on the ground. He was passing the administration building when a man stepped into his car. Mukati, Washington. Tuskegee's founder and head. Good morning, Professor. I hope I haven't startled you. No, no. I'm merely surprised that someone else has gotten up this early. I haven't been to bed at all yet. Do you mind if I join you? I know you prefer to be alone at this hour. Well, of course I don't mind, Mr. Washington. To the contrary. You've been up all night, you say? What would you do, Professor? What would you do if you were I and learned that the most valuable member of your faculty has received an offer from Thomas Edison to join his research staff and a similar offer from this country's biggest rubber company and even an offer from the German government? You know, I ask myself over and over, what can I do to make Professor Carver stay? Why is he tempted to leave? Are you unhappy with it? Unhappy? Mr. Washington, my intention when I first came here was to remain only two years. And I've stayed almost 20. I love Tuskegee. That's what I thought. Then I thought perhaps if we offered him more money. But how could we ever offer $100,000 a year as they've done? It isn't a matter, Mr. Washington. What would I do with so much money? Half the time you don't even remember to cash your salary checks. Incidentally, would you mind cashing the last three and using something else for bookmarks? The accounting department has complained. I'm sorry, sir. Do you remember what I said when first we met? Was my reason for coming to the South? Why, yes, you said you wanted to be of service to all farmers. I found myself in what is to me the most beautiful part of the United States among the most blessed in natural resources. But despite this great natural wealth, the standard of living for all was low. So I felt here is my place. I can put all I know and all I will learn of agricultural science into the farmer's hand. And so you have. No voice has been more insistent on that cause. Well, perhaps. But I've met with a little response. The land is still tied to the one cash crop, cotton. Year after year, it sucks the strength out of the soil. And no matter what I say, no other crop is planted to put the strength back. Now, science and applied is a dead thing, Mr. Washington. I feel like a seed dropped on a rock. Professor, an hour ago, a telegram from the Department of Agriculture was delivered to me. This state's entire cotton crop is threatened with destruction. The weevil, Professor, the bull weevil. And Tuskegee must help fight it. But there is no way of fighting it. The only way you can escape its effects is by planting less cotton and buying it. And more other crops. This is the chance to topple King Cotton from his throne. This is your chance to impress upon the farmers the benefits to be derived from the other plants you've studied. The sweet potatoes, the peanuts and all the rest. This is your chance to have your science applied. Now, Mr. Washington, would you mind if we turn back now? There are several letters I must get off at once, declining those offers I've received. Mr. Washington, I'm staying here. Professor Carver fairly threw himself into the struggle to avert ruin to the farmers of the state of Alabama. He designed and had built a wagon that was actually a farmer's college on wheels. He equipped it with demonstration materials and in it traveled throughout the countryside. He visited isolated farms and plantations, remote villages, county fairs. Wherever farmers were to be found, he stopped and talked, demonstrated and then pleaded. Therefore, my advice, if you will take my advice, is to cut down the acreage you've been devoting to Cotton and just hold on a minute. I'm a farmer. I've been a farmer since I was born, almost. You ever been a farmer? Sir, I lived on farms when I was a child, but most of my life has been spent in academic surroundings. I know all about that. And I don't say you ain't good at messing with them little old glass tubes, but you ain't had the practical experience than I have. Well, I've already farmed and wore out four farms in my time. That, sir, is the only another reason for planning something other than cotton. Not only is cotton threatened by the weevil, but it sucks the land dry and empty and it's grown exclusively exhausted. That's why I beg you all, all of you, to grow something. Just what, for instance? Well, sweet potatoes or peanuts. Peanuts? You mean a little monkey food? Let me speak, please, please. Let me speak, please. Yes, my friends, I mean monkey. If all the vegetables and all the cereals and all the meat in the world were to be destroyed, except for the peanut and the sweet potato, we could live on these alone and still have a perfectly balanced diet. Now, Wade, you ain't joking, Professor. No, sir. As a food, the peanut contains more protein than a steak, more fat than butter, more hydro-hard grapes than potatoes. Not only that, but when you plant peanuts, you make your land richer instead of poor. It has the ability of taking strength out of the very air and putting it into the soil. Do you not do that? That in Goober? Yes, yes, yes. That in Goober. That's why I say you can't do wrong in Copenhagen. Well, Professor, tell us a little more about that peanut. With the season advancing, it was soon time to stop talking and listening and to start planning. The farmers went to work, and Professor Carver returned to Tuskegee to await the results, if any, of his efforts. And one afternoon, while he was tending his garden... Professor Carver? Oh, excuse me, ma'am. I didn't know anyone was here. I don't expect you to remember me, but I was one of those who heard you lecture this spring. And I ask a few questions afterwards. Oh, yes. I'm Mrs. Fairburn. I happened to be visiting Kinfolk near here. I thought I'd pay you a visit and tell you how impressed I was by what you said. Why, that's very kind of you, Mrs. Fairburn. Thank you. I was so impressed, in fact, that I ordered the entire plantation to be planted in peanuts instead of cotton. I'm so happy to hear that, Mrs. Fairburn. Thank you for telling me. Most people told me I was making a mistake and that I'd regret it. You see, I can't afford to make mistakes. We've run heavily into debt since my husband died. Oh, I understand. They said that even if I raise the biggest crop of peanuts ever, there's no market for it. Market? Market, you say? Yes. But I told him I had complete confidence in you and the Institute here, and I went to the hospital. Confidence in you and the Institute here, and I went right ahead in spite of them. And I convinced a lot of them to do the same. I thought you'd like to know that. Yes, yes indeed, ma'am. Well, yes, yes indeed. I've just been paid a visit by a lady who told me she planted peanuts this year instead of cotton. She said many had done the same. Well, wonderful. That's good to hear. Oh, no, no, you don't understand. She followed my advice with such confidence she never even bothered to learn whether there's a market for the crop. And there isn't. What? There's no market for peanuts. Almost none. I've just looked it up. Oh, sit down, Professor. Please sit down. I've brought shame to the Institute, and perhaps hatred. So many people have trusted us, trusted me, and their trust has been betrayed. Farmers are growing more peanuts than have ever been grown in the States. And after the harvest, they'll look through us. And what will we do then? What can I reply when they say, we've staked our livelihoods and the well-being of our families on your word? I know what you'll say. You'll say as I will that your word looks good. Don't you understand, Mr. Washington, there's no market for peanuts. Drift with the carbon. George, you were born a slave, almost from birth when you knew neither father nor a mother. You were poor and ignorant and alone. Yet you managed to educate yourself to go to college, become one of the outstanding men in your field. Now can a man do all that and still maintain that anything is impossible? You have to clear the market. You think I can do it? I believe you can do it. And the people believe, don't they? They believe in me and trust, don't they? I must do it. In just a moment, we'll bring you the second act of the Hallmark Hall of Fame. Soon to brighten up the wintery season, we'll come to one of the gayest, most fun days of the year, St. Valentine's Day. Here if you want to make Valentine's Day more fun than ever for the youngsters and at the same time provide them with hours of absorbing play, then get them Hallmark Make Your Own Valentine's. They're easy for the children to assemble and the youngsters will be so proud of the results, so delighted to send grandmother or their school chums Valentine's that they've made themselves. There are Hallmark Make Your Own Valentine kits from 59 cents to $1. One kit, for instance, gives you 12 Valentine's and envelopes for only 79 cents. And its Valentine's included a delightful donkey with a basket full of hearts, a dog dressed up as a postman delivering hearts, and a baby kitten with a big blue bow. And other gay Valentine's that are sure to bring a smile to the receivers. And if you or the children like to send lots of Valentine's, there are packs of Hallmark Valentine's with as many as 20 bright, amusing cards for just 49 cents. Some contain designs like cowboys and magicians that boys prefer. The packs will delight little girls. And you can always be sure that Hallmark Valentine's are in the best of tastes. Each one carries the Hallmark and Crown on the back, the symbol that you look for when you carry them to send the very best. And now Edward Arnold brings you the second act of our true story from the life of George Washington Carver. Determined to find a market for the peanut crops so many farmers had planted in their confidence in his ability, George Washington Carver entered his laboratory and wondered how and where to begin. In later years, Dr. Carver often told the story of a day in his laboratory. Dr. Carver said he closed the door behind him and he looked at his old familiar work table and tubes and instruments. Then he looked up to the heavens at the creator of all things and prayed. Lord, I've been greedy for knowledge. I have prayed to you to help me learn all there is to learn about a part of the world, the soil and the things that grow in the soil but that was too much to ask. So now I pray to you to help me learn all there is to learn about a little thing only. It's not possible for a man to learn all there is to learn even about a little peanut but some knowledge is within your grasp. Take a peanut and look at it. No, no, no, really look at it in the clear strong light of your science. A woman to find a market for the peanut crops so many farmers had planted in their confidence in his ability, George Washington Carver entered his laboratory and wondered how and where to begin. In later years, Dr. Carver often told the story of a day in his laboratory. Dr. Carver said he closed the door behind him and he looked at his old familiar work table and tubes and instruments. Then he looked up to the heavens, at the creator of all things and prayed. Lord, I've been greedy for knowledge. I have prayed to you to help me learn all there is to learn about a part of the world, the soil and the things that grow in the soil but that was too much to ask. So now I pray to you to help me learn all there is to learn about a little thing only. A peanut. It's not possible for a man to learn all there is to learn even about a little peanut but some knowledge is within your grasp. Take a peanut and look at it. No, no, no, really look at it in the clear strong light of your science. Yes, Lord. Acid and oil? The relatives of those graduating came to the campus to attend the exercises. States and federal officials came too and the trustees and a Mr. Lane who was one of the most successful businessmen in the state. Now, you know I'm a friend of the institute and wish it well, don't you? You've shown your friendship time again, Mr. Lane. You've been most generous. When I tell you then that in persuading so many farmers to start in this year and to cultivate goobers instead, Professor Carver and Tuskegee have done a profound disservice. Now, when I tell you that, you know it's so. I've never found any reason to doubt you. People back in my county are starting to harvest. They're piling peanuts up by the ton and what's to be done with them? Nothing. They're of no use whatsoever. You may be right. You enjoyed your lunch. In fact, I enjoyed it very much. Delicious. It was prepared under the supervision of Professor Carver. Carver? What has he got to do with cooking? I'd like him to tell you. Professor Carver. Yes, Mr. Washington? You know Mr. Lane, don't you? How do you do, sir? How do you do? I'm happy to see you again. Mr. Lane enjoyed the lunch. Well, I'm glad. Did any particular dish strike your fancy, Mr. Lane? Now that you mention it, yes, the meat course. How'd you make it? I made it out of peanuts. Peanuts? Yes, sir. And as a matter of fact, the entire lunch. Soup and salad, bread and butter, steak and chicken, candy, cookies, coffee, ice cream. All of it was made from peanuts. I don't believe it. I can't believe it. Well, that's the truth, sir. I've discovered how to make ever so many things out of peanuts. Delicious cool drinks, instant and dry coffee, pickles, bleach, salve, wood filler, washing powder, metal polish, paper, ink, plastics, shaving cream, linoleum, cosmetics, rubber, milk, cream, cheese. And I discover new products almost every day. Look, are you telling... Is he... No, it's a fact, Mr. Lane. That's a fact, Mr. Lane. All the things Professor Carver mentioned and more can be made from the peanut. He's done it right in his laboratory. I've seen him. It's miraculous. Thank you, Mr. Lane. Now, surely something useful and profitable can be done with all these tons of peanuts you mentioned now that Professor Carver has done his work. Well, I'm positive it can. And I intend to see that it is. But first, Professor Carver, I'd like to be shown through your laboratory. Good morning. Dawn was breaking as Professor Carver came out of his quarters and started off across the campus with a basket and his arm out for a stroll in the woods to gather specimen. He was joined by a friend. They told me you were up and out early. Glad I caught you. I wanted you to be the first to learn the good news. Well, good morning, Mr. Lane. I've been up working all night, phoning, wiring. I must have been in touch with half the businessman in the state. Oh? I told him all about your work with the peanut. Now, I won't exaggerate, Professor. I won't say that everyone's response was as enthusiastic as mine. But the gentlemen to whom I spoke are more than interested. They're prepared to put up cash to buy your patents or lease them. They're prepared to use them to start half a dozen new industries here in the South. Isn't that fine? That's wonderful, sir. But I'm afraid I can't dispose of my patent rights. Well, surely some arrangements can be made. No, sir. I never patented any of my discoveries. What? Well, you'd better attend to that first thing. Well, thank you, but no. I have no interest in commerce. Whatever I learn is available to anyone. You're free to use whatever you like and welcome. A prosperous agricultural needs all the great industries it can get. Well, you take my advice and get patents. There's no way to protect your rights if you don't. Oh, careful, sir. What's the matter? You almost stepped on this. On what? This weed? What is it? I don't know. I've never seen one before, but I'll just put it in the basket and examine it later. Where were we? Oh. Well, don't you intend to realize any money on your discoveries? No, sir. I'd certainly feel better if you saw it my way. Well, each of us has to see things his own way, Mr. Lane. What do you see now? You mean around here? A lot of clay. A pile of sawdust over there near that building. A stand of pine trees. A few other trees I can't identify. Why, don't you see the same? Exactly the same. But in my own way. That clay you mentioned, I've already begun experimenting with it, and it's no longer just clay but paint. Whitewash and bluing for laundry. And I think I know of ways to turning sawdust into synthetic marble and pine trees into paper. I can see all these things in Alabama clay. You know, I think I understand, Professor. Well, I'll leave you here. I have a score of things to do about your peanuts before lunch. May I say I'm very grateful to you, as I know everyone in the south will be one day. Thank you, sir. Do you think that weed you just picked up may turn out to be of value? I ask, only because I'd like to feel I was around when something new was discovered. Well, hit me, Mr. Lane. For God teaches man that in this world of living things, there are no weeds. But everything is of value to someone if we will only take the time to look around us and to understand. Tim, with honors, he was made a fellow of the Royal Society of London, the oldest scientific body in Great Britain. He received honorary degrees and awards. Schools were named after him. Before he died in 1943, he was given the Roseville Medal for distinguished service in the field of science. It is fitting to repeat the words used at that ceremony. Not a man only, but a life. Transfused with passion for the enlarging and enriching of the living of his fellow men. A liberator to men of the white race as well as the black. A bridge from one race to the other, out which men of good will may learn of each other and rejoice together in the opportunities and potentialities of their common country. The reasons that hallmark cards year after year are America's favorite greeting cards is that the hallmark artists and writers are always creating new ways for you to express your thoughtfulness. New ways for you to share important occasions with your friends. For instance, right now on display at the fine stores that feature hallmark cards, there's a wide selection of brand new cards, including a beautiful collection of new hallmark slim gyms. The slim gyms are those elegantly tall, distinctively slender hallmark cards that stand out even before they're taken out of their envelopes. You'll find hallmark slim gyms for every important occasion, and they'll carry your wishes with a bright originality and flair. There are slim gym birthday cards whose beauty will bring ooze of admiration. And you can choose these lovely designs with personal messages for the birthday of a mother, father, wife, husband, sweetheart, or other special people in your life. There are gay, amusing slim gyms that will bring warmth and smiles into any sick room, and impressive hallmark wedding cards that reflect the beauty and excitement of the occasion, so that the bride will want to keep your card in her wedding book. Other slim gyms will add to the happiness of couples celebrating anniversaries. And all these slim gyms carry an added compliment, the hallmark and crown on the back, the symbol that you look for when you carry enough to send the very best. And now, here is Mr. Arnold. You don't, Frank, is so right. The makers of hallmark cards are always creating new cards, like the slim gyms, cards of unusual beauty and distinction, and cards that let us express our thoughtfulness in bright new ways. And this is true, too, in their choice of stories for our hallmark hall of fame. We're always striving to find new stories about real people that will be of special interest to our audiences. Stories that'll be inspiring and entertaining, thought-provoking. And that's certainly the case next week, when, as a very special event, we'll have the pleasure of presenting a revealing new look at the life of one of the most distinguished men of the 20th century, a man who already is a living legend, Sir Winston Churchill. So, until next week, this is Edward Arnold saying goodnight. Only in stores that have been carefully selected to give expert and friendly service. Remember a hallmark card when you carry enough to send the very best. The hallmark hall of fame is produced and directed by William Prue, tonight's script by Walter Brown Newman. Bill Walker was featured as George Washington Carver, others in our cast were Roy Glenn Sr., Jester Hairston, Polly Bear, Helen Clebe, Victor Perrin and Barney Phillips. Music heard on tonight's program has been recorded by the DeParle Infantry Chorus. Next week, the hallmark hall of fame on television will bring you a little-known story about the man who literally put the world on wheels, Henry Ford. This is Frank Goss saying goodnight to you until next week at the same time when you'll hear a true story from the life of Sir Winston Churchill on the hallmark hall of fame.