Showing posts with label Valentine's Day dance big hit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valentine's Day dance big hit. Show all posts

Thursday, February 19, 2026

2/16/1956

 

EAST FAREWELL NEWS


Thursday, February 16, 1956   Vol. C555


LOCAL NEWS


VALENTINE’S DAY DANCE AT BIG HIT


East Farewell- The annual East Farewell Valentine’s Day Dance was held on Tuesday, Valentine’s Day, evening.  Even though it was a weekday night the turnout was enormous, almost 500 people showed up at the Town Hall basement to partake in the festivities, sample the fine food set out by the local restaurants and dance to the a variety of music offered by local favorites, the Gus Templeton Swing Band, Al Jackson’s Blues Band and The Dalmatians, a do-whop group.  The continuing tradition of Best Homemade Sweet Treat was one of the high points of the evening.  This year Ida Plant won with her specialty, Chocolate Cheesecake with Strawberry Glaze.  Peg O’Malley was a very close second with her always favorite, many time winner, Super Double Chocolate Cake.  This was Ida’s first win and she was congratulated by all the runners-up by the traditional “smash the winner in the face with the winning treat.”  Only about half a cake was involved but nevertheless, the scene was hilarious. Luckily, Ida made 25 cheesecakes so there was still plenty to go around.  “Oh my, if I had expected this I would have worn a darker dress,” Ida said as she wiped the cake from her face.

            “This is so much fun, I am just glad that one year it is not my face covered with cake” Peg O’Malley said.  She has won the Sweet Treat Contest three times and was more than happy to be a “smasher” as opposed to a “smashee.” 

            The other food was also exceptional.  The Lost Oasis set up a table with their signature steak and potatoes served in snack-sized portions.  La Roma offered two huge lasagna cut into individual servings.  Ralph’s was serving their famous hot dogs on fresh buns.  They were cut in half to go further.

            Gus Templeton played the MC role and also led his swing band in many of the favorites.  “Memories Are Made of These” and “Sixteen Tons” were covered by his very talented band, which coincidentally is made of mostly local musicians.  Al Jackson’s Blues Band did a great rendition of “The Great Pretender” and a rousing cover of “Tutti Frutti.”  The Dalmatians did a very popular, version of “Only You.”

            Every year the dinner-dance becomes more popular and the turnout increases.  If this trend continues it will easily outsize the town hall basement.  New venues were being discussed Wednesday.

Ida Plant gets “planted”


SPORTS


                COUGARS MAKING A SEASON OUT OF IT


East Farewell- The Cougars are making quite a splash in the league.  They were not expected to do much better than third or fourth in the standings but after a one point loss to Riverview back in December, the Cougars have gone on a 5 game winning streak.  They have handled Southport, Slate Mountain, upset the league leading Central Bears and last week squeaked by second place Corning, 50-48.  They now stand tied for first with the Central Bears.  The two teams have split their meetings and a possible playoff game may be in the cards if the standings remain until the end of the season.

            Last weeks game was a see-saw excitement filled contest that saw the lead change hands an amazing 32 times.  At one point the lead switched back and forth three times in on minute.  Both teams shot over 70% from the field and every free throw was made except one in the first half.  The leading scorer for the Cougars was Wilson Watson with 18 but the combination backcourt duo of Timmy Green and Fergal Conner really put on a show.  Combined they scored 24 points but they assisted on 38 of the team points.  They ran the offense with cool efficiently and directed the defense masterfully.  “Greeny and Fergal were just great out their, they were feeding Willy like pros and they have really come to understand the game,” Coach Wilson exuberantly said after the game.

            The next Game is against Riverview, the last team the red hot squad lost to.  Expectations are high for revenge.


 NATIONAL NEWS


IKE READY TO GIVE FOOD TO EUROPE – DEMS CITE IKES HEALTH WHILE HE HUNTS – 30 HR WORK WEEK? – ROCK & ROLL PLAYS ON – MORE TAPE PLAYERS SOLD


President Eisenhower says the United States stands ready to make surplus farm commodities available to peoples of Western Europe suffering from one of the coldest winters in decades. 

Leading Democrats call President Eisenhower’s health a prime campaign issue if he decides to seek a second term. Later, doctors say that President Eisenhower is fit to run for re-election and there is no medical reason why he cannot continue an active life for another five to 10 years. President Eisenhower flew to South Georgia to ponder his second-term decision. He and an associate hit the fields in search for quail.

A majority of the American people believe that the day will come when industries will have a 30-hour work week - a plan often advanced by union leaders as a means of opening more jobs. 

Rock and roll shows are rapidly becoming the hottest attractions at movie theater box offices across the country. The music is still bought on more 78 records than 45’s. LP’s have yet to make the slightest dent in R&B.

About 50% more tape recorders were sold in 1955 than in the previous year, according to a report issued by the magnetic Recording Industry Association. Total 1955 production was given as 360,000 recorders.


Many, many thanks to www.mrpopculture.com for contributing to this section of the East Farewell News.


 


Thursday, February 22, 2018

2/20/1958

EAST FAREWELL NEWS

Thursday, February 20, 1958   Vol. C660

LOCAL NEWS

VALENTINES DAY DANCE IS A BIG SUCCESS, AGAIN

East Farewell – Gus Templeton opened the ninth annual Valentine’s Day Social and Dance on Saturday night with a question, “Who is going home lonely tonight?”
            The sold out crowd that covered the Regional High Gymnasium floor answered with a resounding, “No one!”
            With that Templeton turned to his famous swing band and struck up the popular hit, Memories are Made of These. The tune has become a sort of theme song for the event, having been the lead off tune for the last three years. Templeton served a Master of Ceremonies and not only introduced the other great bands on the schedule but also oversaw the now famous and highly anticipated Homemade Sweet Treat Competition. The menu this year was similar to last year, fried chicken and mashed potatoes with green beans and was again supplied by the Lost Oasis Restaurant and Bar. They also supplied the wine and beer and for the first time owner, Charles Wenz, set up a bar that served hard alcohol drinks.  The bands on the roster were well known to the crowd. There was the always popular Al Jackson and his Blues Band lit the place up after dinner with hits like “Tutti-frutti” and lots of others. Slowing things down were the Doo-Wop group, the Dalmatians, with their now classic, “Only You”
Gus took the microphone after the Dalmatians beautiful set and announced the winner of the Homemade Sweet Treats Competition. This year’s winner was long time entrant, Sylvia Bass with a surprisingly simple cherry cobbler. Perhaps the judges were too full from all the samples and decided on the lighter fare.  Every year since the inaugural social the Sweet Treat Competition has been a highlight of the event. Everyone was able to sample each treat that ranged from the light and fruity to rich and decadent. This year the defending champion, Peg O’Malley, tried to continue her reign by entering her now famous Extra Dark and Rich Chocolate Layer Cake. This four layer devil’s food cake covered with semi-sweet frosting has been making townsfolk swoon and loosen their belts since it was introduced last year. Peg has been supplying the Bakery on Main with a limited number offered for sale. It has become a bit of a social whisper when she brings her shipment in the bakery, the cake don’t last long once the sign goes up they are available. The word spreads quickly and people have been seen actually running to get in line outside the store. Along with Peg’s cake there were lots of favorites, Ida Plant, long time champ, tried a new angle this year with a very light and airy key lime meringue pie and Sylvia Bass, this year’s champ, followed Ida’s lead with her cheery cobbler. There were more entries this year than ever before, there were chocolate cheesecakes, strawberry glazed upside-down cakes, rich chocolate mousse pies and even an ice cream cake entered by a new town resident, Fran Carvel.
Following in the quirky tradition that has taken almost mythical status, Sylvia walked down the center aisle and was “plastered” with her own pies by other members of the competition. The tradition dates back to 1952 when Peg O’Malley was the second winner of the contest and while walking up to the stage she tripped and fell face first into her own cake. It was rumored that a disgruntled loser actually tripped her but she has denied that and has taken responsibility for the mishap. In the following years all the contestants have gotten together and collectively smashed a cake in the winners face after the winner was announced.

            There were no lonely hearts in East Farewell this Valentine’s Day, at least not at the Social and Dance. The party went on until well after 11:00PM and people will be talking about it weeks. This has become one of the most anticipated events on the town’s calendar, for good reason. Don’t miss next year.

Slow dance at the 1958 Valentine’s Day Social


SPORTS

COUGARS MAKE CANARIES SING

East Farewell – The Cougars center, Dave McGill, returned to action on Friday and immediately made an impact by scoring a game high of 21 points in the Cougars sure handed win over the Slate Mountain Canaries, 46-36. The Cougars were able to break their two game losing streak and regain some court composure as they never trailed in the game. Things looked tough for the Canaries from the start. The Cougars took the opening tip off and went on a 10 point unanswered run. The Canaries were able to pull close at the end of the first half but could only close to a 24-26. In the second half McGill took over and started to shake off some of the rust that had settled in doing his recovery. He was able to score 16 of his 21 points and grab 8 of his 13 rebounds. He was able completely control the center and dominate both offensive and defensive boards. “We are very happy to get Davey back, not that Hawk was bad or anything, he was great, but Davey is better and has so much more experience. He showed tonight that he is back and is fine to play,” said Coach Wilson after the game.
            For the Canaries, their top scorer was their excellent guard, Frankie Leon with 19 points, followed by forward William Flack with 10. This win for the Cougars was a turnaround from the game earlier in the season in which the Cougars looked much weaker. They lost that game 40-48. This game showed the Cougars have really grown and with a complete squad they can play with any team in the league.
            Next week the Cougars have a revisit by the Riverview Wildcats. They played the Wildcats just a week ago but due to weather schedule changes they are playing them again after only two weeks. These teams should be very familiar with each other so a good, tight game is expected. The game will begin Friday night at 7:00PM in the Regional High School Gym.   

 NATIONAL NEWS

NYC MAYOR BANS EDDIE HODGES FROM COMO – BARDOT RECOVERING FROM BREAKDOWN – PARAMOUNT SELLS LIBRARY –FOLKSINGERS MAKING A COMEBACK – ROBESON PERFORMS IN OAKLAND

New York mayor Robert Wagner bars 10-year-old Eddie Hodges, current cast member of Broadway’s “Music Man, from appearing on the Perry Como TV show this week. The decision was based on a recommendation by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (SPCC). They said Hodges was already working a matinee and evening performances for the Broadway show. Hodges would have made $750 for the 15-minute appearance.

French Actress Brigitte Bardot is resting in Northern Italy after a nervous breakdown. French and Italian newspapers reported she took an overdose of sleeping pills two days ago in a suicide attempt.

Paramount sells its entire library of pre-1948 films to television for $50 million.

Folksingers are making a comeback. Some of the more popular ones are Theodore Bikel, Josh White, Cynthia Gooding, Susan Reed, Oscar Brand, Bob Gibson, Richard Dyer-Bennett and Pete Seeger. Jac Holzman, head of Elektra Records, reports that his folk discs have been doubling annually. Elektra has Theodore Bikel, Susan Reed and Josh White.

Still banned in many places, this week, singer Paul Robeson (60) performs at the Oakland (CA) Auditorium. Robeson has made a number of appearances in California churches recently, but big halls will not book him.


Many, many thanks to www.mrpopculture.com for contributing to this section of the East Farewell News.



Thursday, February 19, 2015

2/17/1955

EAST FAREWELL NEWS


Thursday, February 17, 1955 Vol. C630


LOCAL NEWS


VALENTINE’S DAY SOCIAL A BIG HIT


East Farewell – The sixth annual Valentine’s Social was, once again a huge hit last Saturday. Gus Templeton introduced his Swing Band, a downsized version of his full orchestra, through lots of rousing dance numbers. He acted as MC for the evening and was quite the host. This year some other bands were added so there could be music the whole time and even though everybody sat down to enjoy the wonderful food, there was always a full dance floor. This year a newcomer, Al Jackson’s Blues Band, added a different flavor to dance and was enthusiastically received by all.

            The Lost Oasis was the leading caterer for the event but other local eateries also put out nice spreads but the homemade dishes were the hit of the evening. One of the highlights of the whole events was the Best Treat Contest. Peg O’Malley once again won with the her Super Double Chocolate Cake and in keeping with the tradition that started some time ago, all the other contestants joined in a smashing Peg’s own cake in her face! While it sounds incredidibly mean, it was all in good fun and Peg was originally the one who started the tradition back when the social began. Rumor has it that when Peg won her first Sweet Treat Contest she was walking up to receive the prize and she stumbled, fell and fell right on to her cake, face first. Other rumors have it that was tripped by a disgruntled competitor.

Valentine’s Day Social 1955



SPORTS


COUGARS SLASH BEARS 52-48


East Farewell – The Cougars are starting move up in the league standings. They were able to get past the Central Bears on Wednesday, 52-46. With that win they have moved into a tie for second place with the Slate Mountain Canaries behind the Corning Devils. This win was the Cougars second win over the Bears having beaten them in the first game of the season. The Cougars were able to control the center with league leading rebounder, Michael Watson. Watson pulled down 20 rebounds and scored 18 points. The backcourt of Green and Welch were responsible for the most points, 26 together (Green with 16 and Welch with 10) and they also ran a very effective offense that seemed to mystify the Bears defense. The Bears were playing catch up for most of the game, only taking one lead in the first half, 24-22.
            “I really liked the way these kids played tonight, that Bears team can catch you off guard and score points but, Greeny and Joey W. really held them down. Michael is really coming into his own in the center, too. He is going to be unstoppable if he continues playing like this. They played a vey good team tonight and beat them, I’m proud of them,” said Coach Wilson after the game.
            The Cougars take on league leading Corning at Corning next week. The game begins at 4:30 in the Corning High Gymnasium.


 NATIONAL NEWS


CHURCHILL READY TO MEET BULGANIN – SMALL A-BOMBS HERE – KIDS SNEAKING INTO MEXICO – ELVIS ON TOUR – COLUMBIA INTRODUCES 45 STANDARDS – BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK


Prime Minister Winston Churchill says he is ready to meet Soviet Premier Bulganin in a four-power conference when the Paris-German rearmament pacts are ratified.

Tests get under way - A B-36 bomber drops a small atom bomb in the Nevada desert. Meanwhile, Russia proposes that all nations destroy all atomic and hydrogen weapons.

The Senate Juvenile delinquency Subcommittee is considering hearings in certain cities along the Mexican border on the problem of teens crossing the border for narcotics and other illicit pleasures.

Elvis Presley is in the midst of a Southwestern tour on a package promotion featuring the Duke of Paducali, Jimmy Snow, Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters.  Tour was set by Tom Parker of Jamboree Attractions.  Bob Neal, Presley’s personal manager, will accompany Presley to Cleveland, February 26 for an appearance on “Circle Theater Jamboree.” They’ll visit deejays en route.

Columbia Records introduces a standard recording level for all of its 45rpm releases. The step means that all current and future Columbia pop releases will not go over a specific level, even on the loudest passages, avoiding over peaking or sudden surges that require lowering and then raising the gain by deejays or engineers who run shows. All records to be released by Columbia with the standard recording level will be designated “CSL.”  which stands for Columbia Sound Level.





Friday, February 21, 2014

2/17/1955

EAST FAREWELL NEWS


Thursday, February 17, 1955 Vol. C630


LOCAL NEWS


VALENTINE’S DAY SOCIAL A BIG HIT


East Farewell – The sixth annual Valentine’s Social was, once again a huge hit last Saturday. Gus Templeton introduced his Swing Band, a downsized version of his full orchestra, through lots of rousing dance numbers. He acted as MC for the evening and was quite the host. This year some other bands were added so there could be music the whole time and even though everybody sat down to enjoy the wonderful food, there was always a full dance floor. This year a newcomer, Al Jackson’s Blues Band, added a different flavor to dance and was enthusiastically received by all.
            The Lost Oasis was the leading caterer for the event but other local eateries also put out nice spreads but the homemade dishes were the hit of the evening. One of the highlights of the whole events was the Best Treat Contest. Peg O’Malley once again won with the her Super Double Chocolate Cake and in keeping with the tradition that started some time ago, all the other contestants joined in a smashing Peg’s own cake in her face! While it sounds incredidibly mean, it was all in good fun and Peg was originally the one who started the tradition back when the social began. Rumor has it that when Peg won her first Sweet Treat Contest she was walking up to receive the prize and she stumbled, fell and fell right on to her cake, face first. Other rumors have it that was tripped by a disgruntled competitor.
 Valentine’s Day Social 1955




SPORTS


COUGARS SLASH BEARS 52-48


East Farewell – The Cougars are starting move up in the league standings. They were able to get past the Central Bears on Wednesday, 52-46. With that win they have moved into a tie for second place with the Slate Mountain Canaries behind the Corning Devils. This win was the Cougars second win over the Bears having beaten them in the first game of the season. The Cougars were able to control the center with league leading rebounder, Michael Watson. Watson pulled down 20 rebounds and scored 18 points. The backcourt of Green and Welch were responsible for the most points, 26 together (Green with 16 and Welch with 10) and they also ran a very effective offense that seemed to mystify the Bears defense. The Bears were playing catch up for most of the game, only taking one lead in the first half, 24-22.
            “I really liked the way these kids played tonight, that Bears team can catch you off guard and score points but, Greeny and Joey W. really held them down. Michael is really coming into his own in the center, too. He is going to be unstoppable if he continues playing like this. They played a vey good team tonight and beat them, I’m proud of them,” said Coach Wilson after the game.
            The Cougars take on league leading Corning at Corning next week. The game begins at 4:30 in the Corning High Gymnasium.


 NATIONAL NEWS


CHURCHILL READY TO MEET BULGANIN – SMALL A-BOMBS HERE – KIDS SNEAKING INTO MEXICO – ELVIS ON TOUR – COLUMBIA INTRODUCES 45 STANDARDS – BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK


Prime Minister Winston Churchill says he is ready to meet Soviet Premier Bulganin in a four-power conference when the Paris-German rearmament pacts are ratified.

Tests get under way - A B-36 bomber drops a small atom bomb in the Nevada desert. Meanwhile, Russia proposes that all nations destroy all atomic and hydrogen weapons.

The Senate Juvenile delinquency Subcommittee is considering hearings in certain cities along the Mexican border on the problem of teens crossing the border for narcotics and other illicit pleasures.

Elvis Presley is in the midst of a Southwestern tour on a package promotion featuring the Duke of Paducali, Jimmy Snow, Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters.  Tour was set by Tom Parker of Jamboree Attractions.  Bob Neal, Presley’s personal manager, will accompany Presley to Cleveland, February 26 for an appearance on “Circle Theater Jamboree.” They’ll visit deejays en route.

Columbia Records introduces a standard recording level for all of its 45rpm releases. The step means that all current and future Columbia pop releases will not go over a specific level, even on the loudest passages, avoiding over peaking or sudden surges that require lowering and then raising the gain by deejays or engineers who run shows. All records to be released by Columbia with the standard recording level will be designated “CSL.”  which stands for Columbia Sound Level.