Matt Weinstock — July 22, 1959

Posted on July 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

Enforcing the Law

Let us
re-examine the premise, frequently developed here, that many mounted
policemen seem to have been trained to the principle that the most
important phase of traffic enforcement is writing the citation rather
than guiding erring motorists in the path of righteousness.

A
man was nudged to the side in the southwest section by an officer who
said he'd gone through a red light. The driver said he was certain he'd
made it on the yellow. Everyone knows who wins that one.

AS THE OFFICER
stood writing the ticket a flash came over the police radio that a
nearby bank was being held up. The officer admonished the driver to
follow him to the address. When he was through there, he said, he would
finish the ticket.

As the officer took off there was great soul
searching between the motorist and his wife. "Don't go," she said. He
said he felt he should, even though he didn't think he'd run the red
light. "Maybe there'll be shooting," his wife said. "He has no right to
endanger our lives." The husband said they'd have to take a chance —
the law was the law. So they went.

Nervously they approached the
bank. But there was no shooting. It turned out to be a false alarm. And
the motorist held still while the officer completed the ticket.

A MAN WHO
was unwillingly retired recently at 65 sums up his case — and
doubtlessly that of many others — this way: "If only I could find
something to do after breakfast, when I used to leave for work. That's
the worst time of day."

ESPECIALLY PURPLE
I've never seen a UFO
I guess I'll never see one —
I've never seen a Pluto-ite
But I'd rather see
than be one.
— TERRI McDANIEL

SHARKS,
real or fancied, are getting the headlines this summer but Bob Lee
contends there's a greater menace. While standing hip-deep in the surf
at Newport he was twice bowled over by unseen objects that proved to be
body surfers (no surfboards) coming in with the breakers. So, bruised
shins . . .Speaking of menaces, a fireman on the phone says morbidly
curious people wouldn't flock to fires if radio and TV announcers
didn't give the exact locations. He suggests they name only the general
area . . . Another man says the way to discourage them is for firemen
to turn their hoses on them.

THE WHERE
Do We Go From Here Society will come to order. Remember way back before
anyone heard of status seekers, when the common goal was simply a
chicken in every pot and two cars in every garage? Now it seems to be a
pool in every yard. What next? Otilia Martin thinks it'll be a helicopter on every roof.

SOMETIMES all the futility of existence is compressed into a single outraged fragment.

A
youth turned away from a bar as obviously underage was overheard by
Maurice Ogden saying in agonized reply to a companion's suggestion,
"But the place I work won't let me grow a beard, man!"

OOPS,
John Cornell picked up a youth fellowship manual in a church and in the
back flyleaf discovered the following penciled evidence that two young
ladies hadn't been paying strict attention to the class discussion:
"Look at Betty's sexy sweater! Pretty cute, eh?" "And how!"

MISCELLANY — Re:
movie cliches, Al O'Hara says let us not forget the bit of silliness
wherein someone receives a threat over the phone and frantically
jiggles the hook and shouts, "Hello! Hello! Hello!" when the caller
hangs up. Everyone knows when the connection is broken there's nobody
there but us dial tones . . . Recommended listening: Pearl Bailey
singing "You Can Be Replaced" on her "For Adults Only" album, also
presumably at the Grove . . . Overheard by Frank Barron: "Look at it
this way — every cloud has its fall-out!"

Posted in Columnists, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off

Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, July 22, 1959

Posted on July 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

Confidential File

Cops Troubled With Delusions

A policeman's lot, I've heard it sung, is not a happy one.

And I'm inclined to agree.

He's an underpaid, overinsulted public servant who even has to make good on the bullets he uses protecting the proverbial life and limb.

He's
the guy who finds himself pounding a lonely beat in Staten Island for
giving a friend of a friend of the mayor a bad time about a traffic
ticket.

While the top brass works in air-conditioned offices, he
patrols the streets in 90-deg. weather wearing a heavy wool uniform
shirt. And they tell him he is to conduct himself in "a manner becoming
an officer" even under conditions when human nature makes it just about
impossible.

A policeman, as Ezra Taft Benson might put it, has a tough row to hoe.

And, apparently, it's going to get tougher.

There's
a trend developing among some leaders in law enforcement to consider
themselves and their subordinates as a sort of "elite corps."

It
first became evident with the sudden burst of sensitivity on the higher
levels at the use of the formerly respectable three-letter word "cop."
Even such a calm head as J. Edgar Hoover put himself on record as
considering the term a personal affront to his profession.

Lately, the strange attitude that cops should not be considered mere mortals has become even more evident.

Now a policeman is not supposed to fraternize with civilians on the grounds that the contact will contaminate him.

I refer you to this week end's bizarre headlines out of Las Vegas, where the sheriff of that quaint little village canned one of his deputies for becoming engaged to a chorus girl.

The sheriff, W.E. Leypoldt,
said the showgirl was too wealthy (from some real estate investments
which she made), and explained away his action by stating:

"I don't want any captain of mine coming to work in a Cadillac and living in a $50,000 house.

"It is the policy of the police departments everywhere to terminate officers who marry wealth," he added.

Taking
the sheriff at his word, I still take exception to his logic. There are
enough people around today, telling bachelors whom to marry, without
having it become part of the department's manual.

I could understand a bank president frowning on one of his tellers exchanging vows with a girl who did time for embezzlement.

But I think Sheriff Leypoldt's attitude — whether he's against showgirls or wealthy women — is a little bit wild.

It's a rare occurrence nowadays that a bride comes complete with dowry and a good figure.

It
seems to me that if the sheriff really had a fatherly interest in his
boys on the force, he'd be proud that one of them landed a good catch.

But the feeling I get concerning the affair is that Leypoldt didn't want one of his men to marry beneath his station. This is pure snobbery and a slap in the face to show business.

Not Blue Book Babes, But . . .

It's
true that not many chorus-line cuties are in the social register, but
today's crop, in general, is well protected and well respected. Chorus
girls now are poised, educated, talented entertainers — not Yukon
belles.

If the current protective trend among law enforcement
brass continues to develop, I can foresee a grim day ahead when
deputies will be permitted to fraternize with no one except
departmental personnel.

Policemen would have no choice but to marry policewomen.

And you know what that leads to. Inbreeding!

Posted in Columnists, Paul Coates | Comments Off

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Educational Comics

Posted on July 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 22, 1944: Edward Steichen throws out his paintbrushes and takes up photography. It's not clear if the above story is entirely true — but it is entertaining.

Posted in art and artists, books | Comments Off

5 Lynched in Louisiana

Posted on July 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 22, 1899, Tallulah, La.: "When he got to the courthouse square, a crowd of about two hundred and fifty citizens overpowered the sheriff and, after a severe struggle, took Joe and Charles Defatta down to the slaughter pen and hanged them to the gallows used for slaughtering beeves."

Man Thrown Off Yacht for Singing

Posted on July 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 22, 1889: A man nearly drowns after being thrown off a yacht returning from Santa Catalina Island because he insisted on singing the tune "White Wings," which was evidently considered bad luck.

Note: If you search on the Internet you'll find that nearly everyone says "White Wings" was written in 1912. This is absurd, of course, if people were singing the song in 1889. Below, a 1926 Times story says it was written in 1882.

June 6, 1926: The Times profiles Banks Winter, composer of "White Wings."

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Music, Stage | Comments Off

Found on EBay — Myer Siegel

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

This silk dress from Myer Siegel has been listed on EBay. It's unclear from The Times' clips exactly what became of Myer Siegel, but it disappears in the early 1950s. Myer Siegel items are fairly unusual on EBay, compared with those from Bullock's or even Oviatt's. Bidding starts at $34.99.

Posted in Fashion | 1 Comment

Matt Weinstock — July 21, 1959

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

McCarthy Ghost Still Haunts

Two teachers who have been subpoenaed to appear before the House Un-American Activities Committee here Sept. 15 called on a staff member the other day to tell their stories and ask a favor.

One
is a middle-aged, married, soft-spoken woman who teaches kindergarten
in a nearby city. She has never been associated with any Communist
activity, she said, and has no idea why she has received the summons.

She
had talked to her principal after it was served and told him that the
only reason she could remotely give for the subpoena was that she had
expressed disapproval of some of the material used in the early grades,
notably the book "Little Black Sambo," which she felt was racially discriminatory.

DESPITE THIS,
the principal suggested she resign to protect her record as a teacher
and to prevent a furor in the community, which is notably sensitive to
the slightest taint of subversion, even if unproved. And so she has
resigned.

The other is a philosophy professor at a college in
the community. His record is also clean and he has no idea why he was
subpoenaed. Like the kindergarten teacher, he has also signed a
teacher's loyalty oath.

He told the head of the college that he
had searched his memory for a possible reason for the summons and the
only thing he could think of was that he had signed a petition, as
others have, urging that the House Un -American Activities Committee he
abolished. The college had expressed understanding and there has been
no suggestion of resignation.

Why did they come into the main
office to talk to a newsman? To ask that, although innocent, their
names not be printed when the list of persons subpoenaed is released to
the press. In the subversion league, they know, public accusation is
tantamount to conviction and the smear is permanent.

The ghost of Joe McCarthy continues to hover.

AN EXECUTIVE of Beckman
Instruments in Fullerton invited a friend to his home and at the time
he was due to arrive the phone rang. It was the friend, who said, "I'm
at 1st and Palm — what should I do now?" He was talking from his
cruising car. The host stayed on the phone and talked him in, just like
at the airport with a plane lost in the fog. Paul Chase, who was there,
is working on a new system to be called GCA — Guest Controlled Approach.

THE PET
female rabbit belonging to Kathy Mellon, 8, has become a nuisance, and
the other day her father, who prides himself on his selling ability,
saw a chance to get rid of it. He asked a neighbor boy, 10, who has a
male rabbit, "How would you like to get in the rabbit-raising
business?" He painted a glorious picture of the immense profits of such
an enterprise. The boy thought that it would be fine but he said he'd
have to ask his mother.

The response came cold and sharp
directly from the boy's mother. "We have guinea hens," she said. "How
would you like to get into the guinea-hen business?"

TOM CASSIDY of KFAC
took his son Johnny, 4 1/2, to Family Night at the Hollywood Bowl and
was pleased at the boy's seeming absorption in the program — until an
announcement during a cowboy interlude. At which Johnny commented,
"Boy, he sure goofed! He said Annie Oakley was on Channel 7 — she's on
Channel 11."

AT RANDOM — En route to Peoria, Ill., where he'd served 27 years with the fire department, Aylesworth R. Place of L.A. died in a heart attack. For his funeral in Van Nuys a few days ago his widow called the LAFD
and asked if three pallbearers might be furnished as a tribute to a
fellow fireman. Nine volunteers responded . . . One of the luxurious,
modern living room displays at the Home Show is titled "Penthouse on
Bunker Hill, 1960" — premature perhaps but prophetic.

Posted in Columnists, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off

Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, July 21, 1959

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

Confidential File

On the Mentally Sick Who Rule the Well

If someone will kindly run up a flag of truce, I'd like to have a word with Gov. Long.

I
know the old gentleman's respect for the working press isn't too keen
these days, but all I want is a minute of his valuable time.

I want to tell him that I'm on his side.

The boys with the note pads and the pencils have been snapping at his heels long enough. It's time they laid off.

I
think, just as he does, that the reporters and photographers from the
national news services should look elsewhere for copy, and let the
statesman from Louisiana live it up at the races and at bordertown night spots without having to put up with the intruding eye of the press.

If
he wants to insult Mexican officials and bounce four-letter words off
the hard skulls of Texas law officers, that's his affair.

Besides, I'd just as soon not hear any more about his escapades.

Because, from the daily reports I've been reading on Gov. Long's conduct, I've already formed my opinion of the man.

I don't need any more information to convince me that he's mentally ill.

And while, on that score, he has my sympathy, there's another aspect of the situation which, at present, has me more concerned.

And
that is: that here, in the United States, it's possible for a man
ravaged by delusions of persecution to remain — in his own state — a
popular and powerful political figure in spite of evidence that he's
incapable of managing his own personal affairs, much less the affairs
of millions.

In recent world history, we've seen insane men gain fantastic power.

But I can't recollect where it's ever happened in a democracy.

Before Gov. Long went on his rampage, I would have bet anyone that it couldn't happen here.

After
all, the people of the United States are, by world standards, a highly
intelligent, well-informed body. Even in the Deep South, our literacy
rate compares favorably.

To keep madmen from ruling us, our democracy has an intricate system of checks and balances.

But Gov. Long, apparently, has built up a machine more powerful than all of these forces.

The
chief executive of a state is a man entrusted with fantastic
responsibilities. Think, for a minute, what would happen here in
California if an Earl K. Long were sitting in the governor's chair in
Sacramento.

If you've been following the current legislative
session at all, you know the number of vital matters which need the
governor's signature.

I shudder to think about what could happen at a national level.

But much as I'd like to, I can't blame Gov. Long.

I'm convinced that he's not responsible for his own actions.

What Manner of Men?

However,
what I can't figure out is how — against the wishes of his family and
against the advice of some top psychiatrists — he can be turned loose
on the people of the state of Louisiana.

The obvious conclusion is that the people of Louisiana want it that way.

But cynical as I am about public attitudes in the South, I find that very hard to believe.

Maybe that's my trouble. I'm one of those naive individuals who think that humans are the most intelligent of the species.

Posted in Columnists, Paul Coates | 1 Comment

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movies

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 21, 1943: Shout-out to David Croy and other fans of vintage lettering. Notice the different handling of "Frankenstein" (bolted together) and "Wolf Man" (furry) with this elegant script for "meets" as if it's a party invitation. And all the lettering is reversed (white on black). These artists knew how to set the tone very quickly.

Speaking of David Croy, check out what he has to say about the poster for "Public Enemies.">>> (Warning: David has very colorful ways of saying he doesn't like something).

Posted in art and artists, Film, Hollywood | Comments Off

Architectural Rambling — Pasadena

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 2, 1917: Architect Frederick C. Grable dies of anemia.

Photo courtesy of Ray Combs / Dilbeck GMAC Real Estate

A 1914 home at 888 S. Madison Ave. in Pasadena, designed by Frederick C. Grable and Clarence C. Austin, has been listed at $2,350,000. Further information is here.

Posted in Architecture | Comments Off

This Dodger Plays Like a Kid; Moonwalking on the Angels

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 21, 1969: "First, the picket who you sent to the hospital wasn't a student! He had no reason to be on this campus — except to stir up trouble!"

The Dodgers' youth movement was led by a youngster of 36.

Maury Wills continued to play like a kid in his second stint with
the Dodgers, hitting safely in his 14th consecutive game. The Times'
John Wiebusch noted that it was the Dodgers' longest hitting streak
since 1965, when Wills hit in 20 games in a row

Not all the Dodgers were doing so well, as they lost to the Giants, 7-3, to fall into second place.

"I've never felt better," Wills said. "My legs are strong and my
reactions are good. But it is the same as before. Personal things mean
little if the team is losing."

Baseball couldn't compete with a moon walk.

The Angels split a doubleheader against Oakland that was sprinkled
with historic moments. None of them happened on the field, however.

Rick Monday was hitting for Oakland in the second inning when the
game was stopped and a message flashed on the Big A scoreboard: "We
have landed on the moon."

Many of the fans at Anaheim Stadium took the message and headed home early.

"The second game ended five minutes before Apollo 11 astronauts
began preparations for their unprecedented walk on the moon," The
Times' Mitch Chortkoff wrote. "In anticipation of the event, however,
all but about 3,000 spectators departed the ballpark before the second
game ended."

That's one small step for man, one giant leap out of the ballpark.

–Keith Thursby

Posted in Science, Sports, travel | Comments Off

Man Sought in Oklahoma Killing Arrested in L.A.

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 21, 1899: Clyde Mattox, a murder suspect wanted in Oklahoma, talks to a reporter because they are both members of the Knights of Pythias.

"In 1889 when but 19 years of age, Mattox was a member of the police force of South Oklahoma City, when a dispute arose over the city marshalship. John Hayward, the town marshal, had refused to surrender the office to the marshal-elect. The latter employed Mattox to gain possession of the office and Mattox carried the day by shooting and killing Hayward. He was acquitted, however, on a plea of self-defense."

Posted in #courts, Homicide, LAPD | Comments Off

New Theater Planned for Plaza

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 21, 1889: Plans for a new theater on the Plaza … and a nasty dispute between a landlady and her tenant. He won't pay the bill or move. "Tracy, on his side, says that Mrs. Fuller was very abusive to him and made some remarks reflecting on the paternity of his child."

Posted in #courts, Architecture, Downtown, Stage | 1 Comment

Artist’s Notebook — Pasadena Ice Skating Center

Posted on July 21, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 17, 2009, Pasadena Ice Skating Center

Pasadena Ice Skating Center by Marion Eisenmann, July 17, 2009.

Young skater Emma Linde puts on a show.

Los Angeles has had a hot spell for the last week so I gave Marion a list of alternatives to Travel Town, which has an old streetcar I think would be an interesting subject–except that it's outdoors. We settled on the Pasadena Ice Skating Center, which was a pleasant way to spend a hot Friday afternoon.

The rink was once a ballroom and it retains many grand features, including elaborate chandeliers and large windows, which make a peculiar contrast to a big Zamboni waltzing around as it smooths the ice for the skaters.

I got there a bit early and waited at the entrance with a dozen or so youngsters, evidently from summer camp, who were eating their lunches in the shade and waiting for the center to open. I noticed one of the young girls zipping around on a pair of shoes that have wheels in the soles like roller skates but I didn't give it much thought.

Once they got on the ice, it was a different story. The boys slowly groped along the outside rail, mostly keeping their balance but occasionally falling and sometimes a bit hard.

In the middle of a slowly circling herd of kids was an astounding girl of 9 who put on a fantastic show in the center of the rink — like a tiny ice princess in a little skirt and pink sweatshirt.

It turned out she was the girl with the roller shoes and she put on quite a show for us; the first time I saw her skating backward at a pretty good clip I could hardly believe it. She was working with a coach named Scott Carson, a 1973 national gold medalist, who was in an
oversized bright red parka, and like an opera singer who is "marking" in
rehearsal, he made slight hints of movements that she carried out in full gestures. We watched her go through all her turns and polish what was clearly the big finish of a routine she was rehearsing. If I didn't know better, I would have thought I was watching a miniature adult.

We learned afterward that her name is Emma Linde and she was getting ready for a competition in Burbank. Carson told me later that she placed first in her group and I wasn't at all surprised.

The fate of skating in Pasadena remains uncertain. The rink is moving out next year (in fact, I had the mistaken impression that it was already closed) and is hoping to build a new home. The Pasadena City Council will discuss the future of a new skating rink at 4 p.m. July 27, More information is here>>>

And, yes, in case you're wondering, Marion took artistic liberties by leaving out the Plexiglas shield around the rink. I plan to have more of her artwork in the future. In the meantime, you can contact her here.

Posted in Architecture, art and artists, Marion Eisenmann, Parks and Recreation | Comments Off

Found on EBay — Main Street at Night

Posted on July 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

This is a great image — a moody view of Main Street at night. You can almost hear the hollow clopping of horses' hooves and the bell of a streetcar up the block. Makes you wonder what might be happening on the moonlit downtown streets, and where the beat officer might be, especially after reading all the late 19th and early 20 century stories I've been posting. The postcard has been listed on EBay with a starting bid of $6.99.

Posted in Architecture, art and artists, Downtown | Comments Off

Matt Weinstock — July 20, 1959

Posted on July 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

Charles Schulz veers dangerously close to sitcom territory.

Ugh!

I am constantly assailed by
brilliant ideas for improving the world. They come to me from out of
nowhere. The other day I was attacked by a little beauty which I am
passing along in the hope that it may beef up, whatever that means, the
so-called faltering economy.

If I correctly appraise the present
mood of car owners, there is what is known as a buyers resistance to
some autos which have those ridiculous, meaningless fins in the rear.

I join in protest. They're awful. No matter what the engineers say, they are simply bad design. As Henry Dreyfuss,
the noted industrial designer, keeps reminding people, form should
follow function. If anyone can establish that these ugly, protruding
fins have any function, don't call me, I'll call you.

WELL, MY BRAINSTORM
for today is for dealers caught with flocks of unsold blunderbusses on
their lots to chop off those fins and smooth out the tops of the rear
fenders, thereby achieving a true streamline. Actually the fins are all
that's wrong with many cars. It's a fairly simple operation, as any
body repair mechanic who slicks up hot rods knows.

It's
conceivable that dealers would not only sell their "new models" but
would create a nice sideline, fin knocking-off factories which would
put scores of people to work.

I might even buy one myself. My 8-year-old finless Diplodocus Six has developed a nasty wheeze.

THERE ARE
all sorts of stories about TV shows that never got off the ground for
one reason or another, usually irrelevant, or because of some whimsy of
the potential sponsor.

Sam Zelman of KNXT relays one about a
cultural program with a 3 p.m. Sunday time slot that was offered to the
socially prominent president of an eastern railroad. He promptly
refused.

"I wouldn't think of buying a program at that time," he said. "Who would be watching? They'd all be out playing polo!"

NATURE PROVIDES

A crab has a claw to grab
with —
A gossip a jaw to gab with.
— JOSEPH P. KRENGEL

IT APPEARS
that status seekers are everywhere. Ruth Harmer, L.A. writer who is
teaching at Mexico City College for the summer, reports that a
colleague attending a party there recently acquired a virtual deck of
personal cards from guests to whom he was introduced.

He
treasures one from Jose Hernandez R., who had printed in the lower
right corner, "Member of the Red Cross. Subscriber to the New York
Times."

ONLY IN L.A. — After being mystified for
several weeks, a man who lives in a small downtown hotel has caught up
with the nicknames around the joint.

The tall, henna-haired
landlady is The Warden. Her hefty helper is The Sergeant. The elevator
operator is The Woman's Home Companion. The huge, blunt-talking clerk
is Ferdinand. And the man who sits in the lobby pretending to be asleep
is Mr. Van Winkle.

THIS IS TO alert
everyone that a man with a guttural voice phoned and said his outfit,
which he calls Help Stamp Out Progress, is lurking in the wings, ready
to roll.

Said he figured if people would tamper with the holes
in computing machine punch cards when they pay their bills the economy
would be set back on its transistors. Suggested he ease up on the
muscatel and he said he'd try.

AT RANDOM — Age of specialization note: A delivery truck on W 4th
St. had inscribed on it, "California Coat Front Co." Paul Grimes
couldn't help wondering about the backs . . . Oops, a discount house
which serves municipal employees goofed on an item in its catalogue. It
offers an ice cream machine which retails for $2 — for $2.13 . . .
Another trite line recalled by Jeff Davis from countless TV westerns: "Didja hear that, Ringo? The little man with the tin star says we can't stay in his town" . . . Irrelevant note: A store on the San Bernardino Freeway in Baldwin Park, Loran Smith reports, has a sale on Christmas ornaments.

Posted in Columnists, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off

Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, July 20, 1959

Posted on July 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

Devon McReynolds, a UCLA student who is interning with the Daily Mirror this summer, says this chart is "hilarious/upsetting." It reminds me of those old charts on how to get a good cut of beef from the butcher shop.

Confidential File

Bartender — So, Here I Am

Bartender, bring me another one. Easy on the water.

And,
bartender, if you got a free moment to spare, there, let me ask you a
question. You got any personal feelings, one way or another, as regards
Lawrence Welk and his Champagne Music?

Not from the standpoint
does he have a good band, because I have got ears for music just like
the next person, and I am perfectly willing to admit, right here and
now, that when it comes to Champagne Music, this Lawrence Welk is right up there with the best of them. You know?

Only
that's not my point. What I mean is, if he has trouble with his girl
vocalist which sings for him, what has that got to do with you and I?

Am I right?

Like
I come walking into the house tonight, and I say to my wife: "Madge,
baby, what's on the blue plate dinner special for supper, so I can
decide whether to eat here or go to the Ritz."

Kidding. You know?

Well, she gives me a sad look, and she says: "Al, did you hear what Alice Lon did?"

"Who's Alice Lon, Madge, honey?" I ask.

"Lawrence Welk's
Champagne Girl vocalist who sang for him," Madge tells me. "She quit.
And I think it's a disgrace to do to a fine, decent person like him."

"There's two sides to everything, Madge, angel," I tell her.

"It's just ingratitude," Madge says. "After all Lawrence did to make her a top-notch name and all."

"Madge, sugar," I try to explain to her, "maybe this Alice Long had her reasons."

"Lon," she tells me. "Alice Lon."

"Anyway, Madge, maybe she had her reasons. Maybe this Lawrence Welk is hard to get along with or something."

"I guess I should've known you'd do that, Albert Kelly," she says. And I can see she's sore.

"Do what?" I ask her.

"Take her side against him, that's what," she tells me.

Now I'm getting sore, too. You follow me, bartender? "Who's taking whose side against who?" I ask her.

"Just show you a pretty face and it turns your head," she tells me.

"Show me what pretty face, Madge? I never even saw this Alice Lon once in my whole life."

"Lawrence Welk
is not hard to get along with," she tells me. "He just got upset at her
because she showed too much cheesecake. I suppose you thought that was
fine."

"What was fine?" I yell at her. "Didn't I just now tell you I have never even seen this Champagne Girl on the video screen?"

"Of course you haven't," she tells me. "You're too busy carousing around at night to stay home and look at TV."

Into Each Life Welk Must Fall

"I'm not carousing, Madge. The night this Lawrence Welk is on is my bowling league night, which we are in third place. You know that, Madge."

"Well, I'm sick of sitting here alone and looking at Lawrence Welk," she tells me. "You can just take your hat and go out and carouse all you want." Then she walks out of the room.

So, here I am, bartender. And it's not even my bowling league night. Anyway, bring me another one. Easy on the water.

Posted in Columnists, Paul Coates | Comments Off

Remembering Apollo 11

Posted on July 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

The Daily Mirror's Apollo 11 stories are here.

My fellow newspaper history blogger at the Houston Chronicle, John Gonzales, has posted the Chronicle's coverage here. The Chronicle's Rick Campbell posts here.

My former colleague Elaine Raines posts at the Arizona Daily Star

Ben Welter has the Minneapolis Tribune's coverage here.

David Middlecamp posts from the San Luis Obispo County Tribune.

Posted in @news, Science, UFOs | Comments Off

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: The Follies Closes

Posted on July 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

July 20, 1942: The Follies Theater, 327 S. Main St., which was once the Belasco, closes. I have another address for the Belasco of 335 S. Main, which I'm guessing was part of the same building.

Update: Michael, you raise a good point. The Times says the Follies reopened in September 1942 to "brisk weekend business."

"A military number using the chorus of 40 feminine charmers and a display of neon lighting were novel and effective. Later in the revue a Chinese number with the showgirls lavishly robed in Oriental gowns was another standout sequence."

Posted in #courts, Architecture, Downtown, Stage | 4 Comments

Architectural Rambling — Gartz Court

Posted on July 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

June 3, 1984: A joint effort by the city of Pasadena and Pasadena Heritage will move the bungalows at Gartz Court, designed by Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey. The buildings were moved from 270 N. Madison to 745 N. Pasadena Ave.

Photo courtesy of Steve and Lisa Haussler realty.

One of the bungalows at Gartz Court has been listed for $525,000. Further information from the agent is here.

Posted in Architecture, art and artists | Comments Off

Matt Weinstock — July 22, 1959

Enforcing the Law

Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, July 22, 1959

Confidential File

Cops Troubled With Delusions

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Educational Comics

5 Lynched in Louisiana

Man Thrown Off Yacht for Singing

Found on EBay — Myer Siegel

Matt Weinstock — July 21, 1959

McCarthy Ghost Still Haunts

Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, July 21, 1959

Confidential File

On the Mentally Sick Who Rule the Well

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movies

Architectural Rambling — Pasadena

This Dodger Plays Like a Kid; Moonwalking on the Angels

Man Sought in Oklahoma Killing Arrested in L.A.

New Theater Planned for Plaza

Artist’s Notebook — Pasadena Ice Skating Center

Found on EBay — Main Street at Night

Matt Weinstock — July 20, 1959

Ugh!

Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, July 20, 1959

Confidential File

Bartender — So, Here I Am

Remembering Apollo 11

A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: The Follies Closes

Architectural Rambling — Gartz Court

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McCarthy Ghost Still Haunts

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Confidential File

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Ugh!

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Confidential File

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