Happy
Thanksgiving everyone!
Since our last newsletter, the lovely and unusual Indian summer that we have so been enjoying suddenly turned into full-blown
winter. Yes! We received nearly 21 inches of snow in a few days!
Our last newsletter focused on the annual Wizard of Oz Festival here in Grand Rapids, Minnesota Meanwhile, as soon as the letter went out, we realized we were
remiss in telling you about one event – one of the most popular events
this year: The Judy Around Town Tour! So, here goes.
Judy Around Town
Conceived and directed by Paul Herrick and Joe
Malinovsky, Judy Around Town was one of the most popular presentations during the 2016 Festival.
A bus from our local bus company, Arrowhead, was hired for the event and
quickly sold out. In fact, standing room was filled!
Paul Herrick, who has been flying to Minnesota from his home
state, Washington since 2001, and Joseph Malinovsky, a native of St. Paul who
has been attending the Festival just about as long, joined together to create
this tour. The pair also conduct our annual Judy Jeopardy and Wizard
of Oz Jeopardy games. These two have been collecting information for this tour
for many years.
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| Joe Malinovsky speaking to director of "The Slippers," Morgan White |
Other stops made were the former Itasca Hospital (now an apartment building) where Judy was born in 1922, the Episcopal Church where
visitors were able to see the hand-signed document for her christening in 1922,
and the original site the home where Judy lived. The bus toured around Silver
Lake where the Gumm family used to swim and picnic, stopping along the way to
visit the Gilbert House. The Gilberts were friends with the
Gumms. Kathryn Gilbert helped Mrs. Gumm at events, decorating the house or
fixing food. Her brothers Bob and Wayne appeared on stage with Frank Gumm, singing and strumming their ukuleles.
Presently, more research is being done on the Gumm family in Grand
Rapids and the people they knew. We are hoping to figure out which
homes their friends lived in and re-create a real sense of what the old
neighborhood was like. Perhaps the next time Paul and Joe decide to do a tour,
there will be even more interesting things to show you!
The Judy Garland Museum and Amazon Smile!
Long-time supporter of the Judy Garland Museum, Angela Fischetti, nominated our Museum for the non-profit charity Amazon Smile program and we are now listed!
Now when you do your Christmas shopping on Amazon, please think of us! For every dollar you spend, Amazon will donate a portion back to the Judy Garland Museum. Isn't that fabulous?
Here is a link. Thank you Angela and all participants!
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/41-1790485
Ethel Gumm Lost
Her Lavalier - Reward Offered
Recently a member of the Itasca Historical Society mentioned
to us that he found an article in the 1916 Grand Rapids Herald Review that
Ethel had lost a beautiful gold and silver lavalier on a certain corner or
neighborhood of Grand Rapids and was offering a reward for its return. We
wonder if she ever got it back. Apparently the ad remained in the paper for more than a
month. Very possibly, this lavalier was a wedding present – possibly even from
Frank. If we find out more, we will let you know.
The New Grand –
Photograph Wanted
Although John Kelsch, director of the Judy Garland Museum
has looked for many years, as of this date no photograph of the New Grand
Theatre in Grand Rapids, Minnesota has been found.
Recent investigation has discovered that after the Gumm
family left Grand Rapids for California, the theatre pretty much continued as
it had for a number of years with films and amateur nights. In 1929, the theatre was renovated due to the changes from silent pictures to sound.
In 1931, the new theatre next door to the New Grand – the Rialto – was built.
Although it is difficult to see now, at the time this theatre was quite
stunning with a huge lighted sign and fancy front. Because the street outside
was not as wide then, the front of the theatre extended out further than we see
today.
The week before the new Rialto opened –Armistice Day 1931,
the New Grand announced that it would be showing its final pictures. And so,
eighty-five years ago this month, the New Grand saw its last picture show.
Since then, it has been used for various businesses.
It is further interesting to note that had the Gumm
Family stayed in Grand Rapids, it is clear that they would have had to find
another means of employment – whether with another theatre, another line of
business, or by moving to another town.
The Ruby Slippers
to Be Restored
Last month, the Smithsonian Museum announced the intention to restore their pair of Ruby Slippers from the beloved film, The Wizard of Oz. In an article they stated that the sequins on the shows are presently more of an amber color, than red and other details need care to prevent these beloved icons from receiving further problems.
Opening their quest of $300,000 on Kickstarter, the goal was met in less than a week. In fact, by the end of the month, the Smithsonian raised more than $350,000 to restore and maintain the slippers. In addition, they are now collecting funds to preserve the Scarecrow’s costume as well.
Children’s Discovery
Museum Hosts Christmas Party
This year our annual holiday party known as the “Ho Ho
Hoedown” will take place on December 8, from 2-4. There will be carriage rides, live music,
crafts and games and, of course, Santa Claus.
If you are in town, don’t miss it!
We want to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season.
Remember to keep in touch. We are working on our annual Wizard of Oz Festival with some very
special ideas for the Judy Garland portion of this event in 2017!
