Verdugo Views: Old fundraiser’s program lights up memories
“Lights Up” was a fixture on Glendale’s social scene for many years. Produced by Oakmont League, the fundraiser began in 1955 and quickly became a popular community event.
Some time ago, the late Doris Boyer lent me a program book from the 1956 production. Recently, while looking through the thick book, I realized it was literally a blast from the past.
MORE: Read previous columns about Glendale’s past >>
The first page set the scene: “Lights Up,” directed by David C. Jones, of Jerome H. Cargill Productions, on Nov. 16 at Hoover High’s Auditorium. The orchestra, yes, orchestra, was conducted by Lyman Gandee. Lucille Silverstone was credited as rehearsal pianist.
Mrs. Ray Kidd, general chair, was assisted by a committee of nearly 20 women, all listed by their husband’s name (remember this was the 1950s). But President Celeste Gage’s first name was used with her welcome message on the next page.
Next was a full-page ad from Cal Cannon, station manager for KIEV, “the choice spot 870 on the dial at 102 N. Glendale Avenue, Glendale 6, California.”
Another full-page ad was from Judds, at 234 N. Brand Blvd., where you could buy a short, silk-satin evening dress “strapless above and belling skirt below” in black, white, pink or ruby for $129. Judds was open until 9 p.m. on Fridays, and even better, had free parking. Its phone number was Citrus 3-1197.
A photo of a cute baby girl named Carol Ann Richard (now Burton) was on a page-six ad sponsored by Electronic Specialty Co. and Shavex Corp.
Chazan’s Interiors, at 425 Brand, bought a full-page ad, as did Webb’s, but it was the many small ads that caught my eye: Ace Vacuum “At Your Service” at 412 S. Central Ave.; Henry’s Restaurant at 520 E. Colorado Blvd.; Crawford’s Shopping Centers at 1200 N. Central Ave. and Garlick’s Pet Shop at 318 N. Glendale Ave.
George Haney & Son bought an ad to promote their GE and Frigidaire appliances, and Pauline’s Chicken Pie Shop and Restaurant noted it had free parking at 338 N. Orange.
The Glendale Swimming School displayed a photo of Corrine McGeagh, Mildred Dalany and Cleo Hanssen. Billy’s Delicatessen, with manager Jack Whitten, was at 216 N. Orange Ave. and H. L. Moe Co., for plumbing, heating and air conditioning, was “across from the Gas Co.” at 123 N. Maryland Ave.
Reinie’s, quality merchandise at 238 N. Brand, bought a half-page ad, as did Art Frost’s DeSoto and Plymouth dealership at 801 S. Brand. Bistagne Bros Auto Shop, at Chevy Chase Drive and Verdugo Road, offered its services, as did Faye’s on Honolulu Avenue.
“Lights Up” featured singing, dancing and skits and many a husband was roped into appearing on stage, sometimes in less-than-flattering costumes.
After the show, members reconvened at Oakmont Country Club, where chef Johnny Blackwell set out a buffet supper.
Proceeds went to philanthropies such as Glendale’s Community Chest; the YMCA ($29.75 sent a boy to Camp Fox on Catalina Island for eight days); Los Angeles Orthopaedic Foundation (for the nursery ward) and Hathaway Home for Children.
More 1956 recipients were the March of Dimes and the YWCA pool fund, plus the Hear Foundation.
Now, 60 years later, Oakmont League continues to raise funds for its many philanthropies and for scholarships to local high school and community college students.
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Readers Write:
Joanne Hedge, president of the Glendale Rancho Neighborhood Assn., emailed a note of appreciation for the June 2 column about the Disney-renovated Grand Central Air Terminal. She noted that the Rancho neighborhood is adjacent to the Grand Central campus and that they are “party to the years Disney grew into what it is today.”
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Jill Benone, who moved to Las Vegas in March, emailed about a “great surprise” she received via Facebook. “A tile in my name was installed in the Dads’ Club patio, saying nice things about [my] service to Verdugo Woodlands. I had no idea about this, although I suspect Nina Garguilio-Lopez and Nancy Greene were the instigators. Anyway, just goes to prove what I suspected — I may reside in Las Vegas, but I really live in Glendale — Verdugo Woodlands, to be exact.’’
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KATHERINE YAMADA can be reached at katherineyamada@gmail.com or by mail at Verdugo Views, c/o News-Press, 202 W. First St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Please include your name, address and phone number.
