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NOTE: This is an old issue of the Brushwood Gulch Gazette, which has been archived for reference purposes. Although some links have been updated, the text of this archived newsletter remains unchanged. Please keep in mind that these articles have NOT been updated to reflect changes that may have occurred since they were originally printed. Return to the index of archived issues. |
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With the end of the school year approaching and summer just around the corner, now's a good time to take a break from your busy schedule and join us for the next Way Out West Tent meeting. It will take place June 10 at the Mayflower Club, located at 11110 Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7:15 p.m.
Our film program will begin with Charley Chase on vacation with his family in the short film, On the Wrong Trek (1936). This film was made at the height of Laurel and Hardy's career, and it features a rare cameo appearance by the duo. In keeping with the theme of vacations, we will see the Boys going to the mountains to get away from it all in Them Thar Hills (1934).
Our feature for the evening will be A Chump at Oxford (1940). This film is perhaps best known for Stan's accidental transformation into Lord Paddington, his brilliant alter-ego. What better way to celebrate Stan's upcoming birthday than by seeing him at his comedic best!
Stan and Ollie won't be the only ones going back to school that evening. Everyone in attendance will be able to take a trivia test. Those who pass will receive their very own diploma to mark their "graduation." There will also be a small raffle, featuring some nice items.
The Fabulous Fisher Franks will be on sale in the kitchen, and the Mayflower Bar will be open. Of course, there will also be a birthday cake for Stan Laurel, who was born 113 years ago. So be sure to mark your calendar for an evening full of good laughs and great movies on June 10, 2003. We'll see you at the Mayflower Club!
Click here for a map to the Mayflower Club...
The Way Out West Tent is sad to announce the loss of a good friend and great character actor, Anthony "Tony" Caruso. Tony appeared in several scenes with Laurel & Hardy, as a henchman in the 1943 feature Jitterbugs. Other films roles include The Asphalt Jungle and Baby Face Nelson. He also made numerous television appearances on series including Gunsmoke, The Untouchables, and Star Trek.
Tony and his wife Tonia were long time members of the Way Out West Tent. Both attended regular meetings and banquets for many years. He was among the featured celebrity guests at the Sons of the Desert International Convention in Las Vegas in 1992. Tony will be very much missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to Tonia.
Stan Laurel was born Arthur Stanley Jefferson in Ulverston, England, on June 16, 1890. Today, Ulverston is an English market town, with a population of around 12,000. Stan is still remembered and honored by his hometown, some 113 years since his birth.
Stan was born at 3 Argyle Street. This was the home of his maternal grandparents. Stan's mother chose her mother's home to give birth to her son, and as a child Stan spent time there. While the home has been modernized, the classic masonry building looks very much unchanged from the front. The garage in the back is certainly an addition.
Next to the front door is a plaque simply reading "Stan Laurel was born in this house 16th June 1890." The plaque was installed in 1974. Late last year, this plaque was removed from the building by vandals, and discarded in a nearby alley. A new plaque was installed higher on the building's facade, where it will hopefully remain undisturbed.
The late Bill Cubin, who was once mayor of Ulverston and Grand Sheik of the town's local Sons of the Desert Tent, actively promoted Stan's connection to the town. His "Laurel & Hardy Museum" was the first of its kind. The museum remains open, displaying the collection of photos, news clippings, and other assorted memorabilia that Mr. Cubin collected over the years to share with interested locals and tourists.
Just down the street from Stan's birthplace is the "Stan Laurel Inn," a pub with Stan's portrait over the front door. It is just one more sign that Stan may be long gone from his hometown, but he's far from forgotten.
Our last meeting was on April 1, 2003 at the Mayflower Club, and child actor Lassie Lou Ahern was our special guest. We saw Lassie with Charlie Chase in His Wooden Wedding. Then author and film historian Richard Bann conducted a brief interview with her. Lassie was kind enough to bring several original "one sheet" movie posters from films that she had worked in to share with our members. At the break, members joined in to sing Happy Birthday to Jay Dare, costumer for the Boys at the Fox Studios. The house remained full for our final two films, Unaccustomed as We Are and Way Out West.
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Next Meeting June 10