More on Don Ameche

In "Entertaining Dubuque-The Untold Story" I have a full chapter on Don Ameche and his connection to Dubuque including photos his Dubuque-born wife, Honore Prendergast. Recently while researching in old magazines I found more photos and information that I'm certain you'll find interesting. 

The first tells the story of his romance with Honore Prendergast of Dubuque. It appeared in the January 1936 issue of Radio Mirror. 

The second is from the September 1938 issue of Radio Mirror. 

The second feature story appeared in Photoplay Magazine in 1941. 

The following story ran in TV Forecast Magazine in 1951 to promote the Don Ameche-Francis Langford tv show.    It ran for two seasons of NBC. One of the regular performers was a very young Jack Lemmon. He appeared in sketches called "The Couple Next Door" in which they recreated their hilarious "Bickersons" characters from radio.

In 1958 Don & his family again posed for photos and a feature story in Radio/TV Mirror. He was doing a daily 1/2 hour NBC Radio show, "Don Ameche's True Stories," and the article was created to help promote the short-lived series. You will likely notice that his wife, Honore did not appear healthy. 

If you don't have a copy of "Entertaining Dubuque-The Untold Story," you can purchase a signed copy from me for $50. Free shipping or I'll deliver it to you in the Dubuque area.                 Contact me at rdbqpaul@gmail.com.  

 A look at Dubuque December 24, 1950

War in Korea topped the news and the action of two Dubuque area men was of special note. 

Here is a beautiful picture of area singers. Do you know them?

Here are two elementary school programs that merited a mention.  

Radio was still the dominant form of home entertainment in Dubuque. WKBB-AM and WDBQ-FM and KDTH featured Christmas programs.

Nightlife included Melody Mill, The Royal Palis, Lakeside, The Circle, Hill Top, Chateau and The Esquire. 

There were many theater choices including The Varsity of Loras, The Capitol at 22nd & Central plus the downtown Avon, Grand, Orpheum, State & Strand.

Many long-gone businesses offered Christmas Greetings to their patrons. Remember these? 

I hope you enjoyed this nostalgic look back at our city 70 years ago. I'll post another soon. Watch for it. 

George Burns visit to Dubuque 1980

While browsing through my many files of memorabilia, I found his article I wrote for the August 1980 issue of "Memory Lane" magazine. It recalls the George Burns appearance at Five Flags Theater where I was fortunate to direct my orchestra, expanded to 15 musicians to backup this legendary performer. I'm including some additional photos taken during the rehearsal and show by the legendary Dubuque photographer, Jim Schafer. 

Enjoying a few laughs during rehearsal

George sets the tempo he wants

George relaxes with a cigar 

George on stage 

Preparing to sing "I Wish I Were 18 Again"

It was an unforgettable evening.