Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 9 August 1947 — Page 12
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Page 12—THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER, AUG. 9, 1947
Eddie ‘Mr, CUanhead’ Vinson at Sunset Sunday Aug. 10 Death of F. B. Ransom Recalls Gala Opening IK'bhdpSiSIt
Of Beautiful Walker Theatre in December, 1927
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By J. SAINT CLAIR GIBSON, Theatrical Editor Citizens in all walks of life were shocked early Wednesday morning- as the news cf F. B. Ransom’s death spread rapidly ver one travelled, people were telling each through the city. On every tongue, where other of the doath of the man who was named by Planner House as its annual distinguished community awardee, the man who build the imposing $1,000,000 Walker Building, which houses the beautiful WalkeivTheater. Walker Theater Opened in 1927 Mr. Ransom was an outstanding citizen. His interests were many. He was an astute business man, a civic and religious leader, and during his many years as head of the Walker Company, he demanded the best of decorum in the Walker Theater, Drug Store and Coffee Pot.
The Walker was opened to the jrcneral public Mon day, December 26, 11)27, and an advertisement appearing in The Recorder on Saturday, December 24, attests the d ipnity of the man whose shining star will forever remain a monument in the theatrical world. The opening announc ement read: “On the Above Date the Walker Theatre will throw open its doors to the wailing public, and the Mme. C . J. Walker Mfg. Company will dedicate to the people of Indianapblis a magnificent show house and theatre that is w ! •thout peer for our people in this country. “The glorious art of old Egypt and surrounding pro vinces is reflected in the enchanting interior decorations, i The eye is greeted on every hand by marvelously rich a i nd beautiful colorings blending and harmonizing in the soft glow of lights ensconced in intriguing nooks especially de 1 ugned for them. Appealing music from a golden-voiced pipe organ is but a fit.ing accomplishment to such allurin
g beauty.
“The significant thing about this new house is tha t every modern convenience known to the theater-going public has been provided for in it. Patrons visiting the W lilker Theater will be assured that they will not only see 1 a real show and enjoy unusual entertainment, but that i t will be accomplished with evey*} comfort, ease and pleasure.” Ronald Colman and Vilma Hanky in “The Magic Flam
e” was the opening picture.
Special attraction for the week was—“Lovey and Sh orty ’ the Two Whirlwinds, one of Chicago’s fastest dancing acts; Orchestra, “Duvall’s Blackbirds” and Miss Singleto n at the Golden-voiced Barton Pipe-organ. Admission was,
«« iii • * . .Evenings, 25 and 40 cents; Matinee, 25 cents. C. B. Irvi all their worldly interests - money land houses, investments. n was the first manager. Mr. Irvin was a visitor in Indianseeurities insuraiiee poheies, even their home furnishings amUapolis this year and visited The Recorder Office for a cha their Clothing. Those who work tor employers outside thC t with the staff . Mr . , rv j n is now |j vin ,, j„ Philadelphia, •kingdom contribute Ilys wage to the common fund. They where he has an important position with the state of Pen, all share alike in the benefits and privileges of heaven ■ j ns ylvania. He is a brother of Smith Irvin, headwaiter at Persons who are employed within the organ,cation receive no ; lhc Lincoln Hotel and a well known citizen in the commun
periodic salary but food, clothing, and a room are assured them.
Divine wfw-bemi ahotU fio ycajiii ago. ; beauty of design | - —— . . t available sources, on Hutchinson’s Island in the Savannah Riv- A Recorder writer wrote the fol during the la,e 2n ' s wrre : Lew
| lowing; description ol the beaHtifu’ | Keene * Ada Banks ' John Mason & place since the South liegan only in recent years to keep vital
statistics about Negroes.
DAWN PATROL REP APSE OF A DIStTSSTON of Father Divine a few days back, and because we are always delighted to inform our friends on subjects which are mote than dear to our hearts, we take pleasure in presenting the following information on the ‘little’ religions leader who is presently feedin’ his flock at the cheapest prices in New York City. A lotta other ministers could profit by following in the footsteps of Father Divine — it would at least be a “new deal” for their loyal flock. We read the following facts in “The Ma’ch of Events”, which appeared in The Message Magazine of August, ’47: . . . “Divine is a man of short stature, but beyond that he can Hvareely he distinguished from any other Negro. He rides about Philadelphia in a long automobile, and he owns a scarlot monoplane in which he makes his rounds of the numerous “heavens.” He is opposed to smoking and drinking, but hi*
is apparently very much in favor of dancing.
“Father Divine’s banquet in May which ma ked his y n arohl marriage to Edna Rose Ritehings of Montreal, was a novel means of bringing the cult leader again into limelight. Guests snt down before fiO kinds of meat, ”>4 vegetables, 23 salads. 11 jellies and jams, and ,*18 deserts. The feast dragged on for
seven hours.
His program in short is a system of glorified communism: “one for all and all for one. but not for one who is not fo: all.” When new penitents join the movement, they give over
I P'SWWf i
Eddie Mr. Cieanhedd) Vinson and his orehes.ra will f a.ure “Wake Up Old Maid” and several vther top sonjis at the Sunset Terrace on Sunday night, August 19 when they do their swing number at the dancery by popular re-
quest.
•‘Mr. •Cleanhead” is well kuown In tnese parts and already has
proven himself a
and many others on Mercury rec-
ords
“The Head Man of the Blues” has been selected on every All-A-merican swing orchestra including the recent “Best Team” by the In-
d' pendent Press Service.
His orchestra is ‘-In tune with the times” and their dance rendi-
favorite blues ! tions are conceded to be among
singer and versatile artist. The boys come direct from a successful dance tour throughout the nation and should draw a large crowd next Sunday night. The aggregation is cliff rent from other musical organizations on the road today, . it's new. . . : It's different- . . ! Taey have become nationally Known through their recordings of “Bonus Pay”, •‘Lazy Gal”, -'Juiee-H' ad Baby”
the finest in the music world to-
day.
His records are on sale at the Conservatory Music Shop in the 800 block on Indiana ave. Vor MUST KKUlSTfKR TO VOTE Be sure and make your reservations early in person at the Sunset, and assure yourself of a good seating arrangement In order to hear the man who is called ‘‘Mr. Blues ', by top ranking critics everywhere.
‘BOBCATS' 9RK AT SUNSET SAT., AUG, 16
Bob Womack’s ‘•Bobcats’’ are reqlly going to town, according to information coming out of Dayton, Ohio, whree the band played a swing session at the popular Cotton, Ohio, where the ban 1 played aggregation will return shortly to the Ohio city for another swing-
aroo.
The popular Hoosier orchestra also played for the Elks convention dance in Wheeling. W. Va. Grand Exalted Ruler J. Finl-y Wil- U(I
son, who attended the dance liked I long to
HOUDIN! HAS NEW SONG
NEW YORK—Wilmoth Houdini, calypso king who created Ella Fitzgerald's musical tale of a woman who killed her husband “Stone Cold Dead in the Market,’’ has gone to Dick Tracy for aid in turning up his latest feminine lead. “Gravel Gertie” has been penned by the Briti.-h West Indian composer, and according to reports from Apollo Records, company producing the recording, results have been almost as spectacular as Dick Tracy’s circulation in the living rooms of America. ‘•Gravel Gertie” In song, rounds up. not the gentle woman who
the band so well that h? gave the “Bobcats” other work through
out the Middle West.
The boys will play the Sunset Terrace Saturday, Augu ,t 16 for a dance being sponsored by the Elks Lodge No. 101. according to Manager Wilbur Cuthreil of the
“Bobcats” orch stra.
vor MI ST KKOISTKIC To Von;
use a frying pan on hub-
by's head, hut a cross-country army of junior detectives and happy breakfast couples who follow Gertie’s life in the Tracy comic
strip with steadfast devotion, vor MUST KE'IISrEH TO VOTE RECORDER CHARITIES
BENEFIT
; DOUBLE-HEADER BALL GAME SUNDAY, AUG. 17—1:30 P. M,
EDDIE “MR. CLEANHEAD’ VINSON rccordinij a-'tRt for Merctirv Recocos, is d ie to hit the deck at the Sunset Sunday nite, Aufeist 10- Mr.
“Cleanhead” features “Make Up Ola Maid" and ‘Lazy Gal" both top favorites on your Juke Box.
er. No one proposes to he definite about his age or his birth-j lowing description at the bo;iHtifu ! ( , o . n .. Mr p are } )at . k .>. Blanche
.Ust^Usilef^The ' alllliUiHlnn' as ';': ™!°7,1!' JE” 1 ! “"f, D “ v ? ,le whole is a thing of heauty for m - , '' kh,rd ’. "’V S.nglelon,
“It was 1015 when the little company set out for Harlem in New Yo k City. Their leader went into Brooklyn and set up quarters for a communal system on Prince Street. The wolt had to he kept from the door. George Baker, becoming convinced no doubt that he was much more than an ordinary man, adopted the name thereafter of Major Morgan J. Divine. After a brief four years in Brooklyn he took his little flock to Sayville, Long Island, where he purchased an eight-room house for mission headquarters. He obtained a license to supply his wealthy neighbors with domestic help. On Sunday evenings he held prayer meetings, which wore followed by a big banquet. With food at 15 cents, the news spread and applicants for food and jobs were numerous. “Divine has mystified authorities at his royal feasts even through war shortages. When most foods were at a high premium in ration points, the “heaven” banquet table flourished with roast beef, ham, chicken, lamb, and an abundance of butter. “The structure of his organization does not lend itself to easy statistics. It was estimated in 1936 that he owned about 100 “kingdoms”, “extensions”, and “connections” in various cities within the United .States. Peace missions have been in evidence as far away as Australia, the British West Indies, England, Hawaii, Panama, Switzerland, and Palestine. In those outpost kingdoms, followers dine and lodge for modest fees. In New York the movement fosters 25 Restaurants, fi Groceiies, 10 Barber Shops, 10 Cleaning and Pressing shops, and 20 Huckster Wagons. (Ed’s Note) A reader of this column suggested several weeks ago that it would be a good idea if some of our local ministers would do about one-tenth as well as Father Divine, living conditions among our group would be better by almost 100 percent. “It’s a shame,” said this reader, “that we have hundreds of Negro churches in Indianapolis, and none of them operating grocery stores, filling stations, rental agencies or employment agencies. ’ ’ As far as we know none of the churches operate a co-operative among its members, to say nothing 6f a credit union. Tis sad, oh, how sad. . . ! “Those who can say little else for the movement will perhaps admit that it is clever. Even the Bureau of Internal Revenue, after attempting to fathom Father Divine’s income some years ago, gave up in despair. The extensive properties belonging to the group are held in the names of individual followers, and their names, - Heavenly Patience, Holy Shinelight, Pearly Gates, and Blessed Hope — which, follow the pattern of the movement are an equal source of wonderment.” “A FEW YEARS BACK this writer was called to the office of a wealthy business man and topflight politico, who told us a very strange story. Said he, holding a copy of The New Day, published by Father Divine: ’’Have you ever seen a copy of this newspaper/” “Yes,” we answered, “It’s Father Divine’s paper, and a very good one. Then he told us the following story. “More than twenty years before a certain colored woman had been employed in his home. Then, about 12 years ago, she disappeared, and his wife discovered that $20 had aldisappeared. Soon the matter was forgotten, because they noth had grown to like the woman and wanted her to return regardless of the twenty dollars. .So after all these years, he was astonished to receive a personal letter from Father Di vine containing the $20 and telling about the missing $20. The newspaper carried the story of the theft and beautiful Apology from both the woman and Father Divine. The businessman could not believe his eyes. He just couldn’t understand how a lone Negro could change the lives of so many people over night, and he wanted us to know about it. We
Taskiana Four, The Three Cyclones. Aaron and Kely, Rector and C o o p e r , C a r o y n and Irene, Roscoe Simmons, Henrietta
. u w . *.• u- .• Davis, \yhitman Sisters, Princess
'V«e Wee. Bernice Blli, Randolph. George William?, Irvin C. Miller’s
ever. To the right of the stage is a large rroee in which bamboo reeds ar® fashioned. Behind this s an array of lights, on each is
BABE WALLACE BACK IN APPLE
GEORGE BIAS IN CANADA
the floor almost to the ceiling. To he icit of the igage is the mighty Rarton Pipe organ and somewhat fhe same decorative motif. The iines of the proscenium form another note of beauty to the arehi
re-
•‘Brown Skin Models”: Clarence Muse’s “Chocolate Dandies”; Margaret Johnson, Ed Daley’s “Rarin To Go”; Famous Lafayette
. . , Players with Andrew Bishop and tectural ensemble with Egyptian c]eo Desmond, ’ Broadway Ras(African) characteristics worked | tlls .. with s H Dudley Jr., Joto, in the effect above. The stall [,j a Brown, Emmett Anthony and ways and aisles as elsewhere arc Mary C ie„, ons , j 0 e Simms Comcovered with luxuriant carpets, i' pany, Mathews and Mathem, striking drapery hangs on the wall. I Carter and Clark, Billy Pitr"The theatre contains the las’ i son’s “Chocolate Town" with Dus-
NEW YORK—Babe Wallac.
turned here this week after a sen sational 17-day run at the Frobc Show Bar in Detroit to con id r several offers: (1> a possibV spot in Eddie Dowling's “Our I .an '
slated for a Broadway this fall: (2) tho juvenil
Ben Bart’s lt)47 edition of • Atlantic City Follies”; CD Heading a package being cooked up by his manager; (4) a possible recording! deal and (5> another nieture deal through Alexander Productions.
MONTREAL. Qu\—George Bias,
truly one of the nation’s most tinusual singers, has been held over for an additional four weeks at
Roeljhead’s Paradise here. Bias is a tenor singer of sonv?
year’s standing but can still be
showuig i ra ( e( j anU)n g the best male vocal lead in j sls j n addition to the pep tunes
he features semi-classics ish ballads.
and
«inf OLD MAID BOOGIE KIDNEY STEW BLUES Mercury No. 8028 CHERRY RED SOMEBODY’S GOT TO GO Mercury No. 8003 BONUS RAY LAZY GAL Mercury No. 8039 IT’S A GROOVY IT’S BEEN SO GOOD Mercury No. 2030 JUST A DREAM TOO MANY WOMEN Mercury No. 8009 JUICE HEAD BABY MR. CLEANHEAD STEPS OUT P^crcury No. 2031 CLEANHEAD BLUES WHEN A WOMAN LOVES HER JUICE Mercury No. 8023
hing in features for comfort. Vel•ety carpets give beneath the feet nf patrons. Deep, luxurious seats eceive them when they seat them -elves to see motion pictures, pubic presentations or listen to the nagnificent pipe organ. The ladies' rest room is covered all over with -gift. Oriental carpet, with seats tnd chairs done in Oriental effect •‘Restful and fascinating lighting eases the eyes. Perfect ventilation with air especially washed by an ingenious machine, which ac tually make the interior of the theatre more healthful than the street outside." Everett H. Smith, owner of the Lockefield Liquor Store, was assistant manager of the theater under Mr. Irvin. Incidentally, Mr. 'rvin before coming to the Walker was connected with the Stand
ty Murray, Mabel Granger and Dot
Lewis-
“Sugar Cane" with all-star-cast, ! Hardy Bros’, hand. ’The Birth of the Blues” with Watts and Ringold, Dolly Edwards, Mamie Smith, Butterbeans and Susie, Gene Cal- j loway. Gates and Gates. Smiling ! Edwards, Joe Clark, Anna White, Ophelia Snow from Baltimore with Andrew Tribble, Plantation Follies, Hooten & Hooten, Edgar Martin, Elizabeth Smith, Dixie Sweet- 1 hearts, ‘‘Dixie Follies” with Ethel Dudley, Arthur Boykins and ‘ Kid ! Lips”; ‘ Syncopated Sue” with 20 artists, ‘ Georgia*Peaches”; Steamboat Bill, 20 Dark Spots of Joy, Radio Sam, ‘•Charleston Dandies ’. "Sugar Cane" and Blanche Thompson, etc. The Walker Theater is now a picture house, but the beauty of
RECORDER CHARITIES BENEFIT DOUBLE-HEADER BALL GAME SUNDAY, AUG. 17—1:30 P. M.
Conservatory Music Shop
mo 1NS»IAI\A AW. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimmiiiiiimmiiimuiimmiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiir
ard and Durbar Theaters in Phila- design, Egyptian motif, luxurious
delphia. The Walker Theater re mains until this day, a show place or people from all over the conn ‘ry. It is now operated by the L. ind G. Theatres, I nr. Performers Paradise Among the performers showing their wares at the popular house
^ st rooms and elegantly carpeted aisles are still in evidence, proving the wisdom of F. B. Ransom more than 20 years ago when hel built the finest theater in the’ world for Negroes here In Indianapolis where North st., West st.. and Indiana moet.
Order • • • “That Drink Sensation” Tango Punch (In Gallons Only) FOR THAT NEXT PARTY DANCE SOCIAL EVENT Your Guests Will Like It! Tango Beverage Co. 2409 Northwestern Ave. WA. 6772
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WAKE IIP OLl> MAID”
s
had read hundreds of similar str.ries in Divine’s paper, and must admit-that for a time he had us ‘fuessinfr. Father Divine had brought about a revelation. He had changed hundreds of Negro’s lives over night. He had done the impossible. . . He had made his followers honest, industrious, reliable and loyal. . . Peace — It’s Wonderful . . ! We have used a lotta valuable space in order to dish the dope on the Divine movement for the edification of those readf rs who wanted to call the “Father” a joke. Maybe these wise guys will take a light tip and shuffle off to faraway New York or Phillv to bask in the graeiousness of one of “Father’s” manv “heavens'’. IT WOULD BE A GOOD DEAL IF OUR LOUAL CHURCHES WOULD ORGANIZE ITS MEMBERSHIP AND START DOING THINGS BENEFICIAL FOR THOSE WHO TAKE CARE OF THE CHURCH. IF EACH CHURCH WOULD BUILD TWO HOUSES A YEAR TO SELL TO MEMBERS. COUNT HOW MANY THEY WOULD OWN IN TEN YEARS. THE SAME IS TRUE OF OTHER BUSINESSES THE CHURCH CAN LEAD THE WAY. IF THERE IS AN ENTERPRISING PREACHER IN OUR MIDST LET HIM MAKE THE FIRST MOVE. HUNDREDS OF NEGROES ARE BEING FORCED TO MOVE . . THE CHURCHES C VN PROVIDE A WAY OUT — WILL THEY?/
Liiiimiimmiimmmiiiiimiimmmii = = It’s a Treat to Eat § E E In Our Cool Spot 1 • SPECIAL • | | 1 Noon-Day Meals 1 e meat SALAD E - VEGETADLES = E IBARBECUE EV oay Y I i = = = lOwens’jl
Cafe
loot S. KENWOOD
EDDIE “Mr. Cleanhead” VINSON America's Greatest Dines Singer AND HIS ORCHESTRA Will Jump At
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SUNSET TERRACE S irn. Night, Aug. lOy 1947 Jump Session — 9 P. M. to 1 A. M. — Jump Session ADVANCE $1.40 (Tax Incl.) AT DOOR $1.60
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ADVANCE TICKETS ARE ON SALE AT:
=
EwHERE GOOD FOLKS MEETE
= Phone: LI. 0929
E : E E i E EIE
M. C. TAVERN 544 W. Maryland St.
Hook’s Drug Store
Corner Indiana Ave. and N. West St. Indianapolis Recorder
518-20 Indiara Ave.
Saunder’s Shine Stand
406 Indiana Avenue
Pope's Record Shoppe
437 Indiana Ave.
Cotton Club
244 W. Vermont St. Winston’s Drug Store No. 1 551 N. Senate Ave. Winston’s Drug Store No. 2 1202 N. Senate Ave. Maxey's Drug Store 301 W. 21st St.
Birdwell Chicken Shack
557 W. 25th St. Clark’s Drug Store
LI-1545 2670 Northwestern Ave.
Cat's Play House
RI-0673 Cor. Michigan and Agnes St.
Simmon's Shin e Stand
LI.-8005 523 Indiana Ave. Lyric News and Record Shoppe
LI-0465 155 N. Illinois St.
Sunset Cleaners
LI-6416 865 Indiana Ave. Suncet Terrace Club RI-0437 875 Indiana Ave. Douglass Park Pharmacy WA-4513 2455 Martin-dale
WA. 0325
WA-9693
RI-0584
LI-1030 =
LI-0952 R1-0876 WA-0936
Make Table Reservations Now in Person at Sunset Cafe
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