davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
"BlG TOP" PARTY

Children of the members of Pro-
gressive Mothers Club enjoyed an
afternoon under the big Top"
last Saturday when they were en-
tertained at a Circus party. The
party was held from 200 to 400
pm. in the Erie Gardens Com
munity House and was complete
with barker, choruses, booths and
games to delight the hearts of all
youngsters. Cartoons were shown
later in the afternoon and refresh
mentS served
Mrs. Floyd Klingbiel was the
barker and clowns we're Mrs. Ker-
nit Miller, Kermit Miller and AL
ton Nissen.
Members of the social and pro-
gram committee were in charge
of arrangements. Mrs. Harold Ray
mond, Mrs. Floyd Klingbiel, Mrs.
Kermit Miller, Mrs. Alton Nissen,
Mrs. VIM. Twynham, Mrs. Donald
Pulschen, Mrs. Betty Davies, Mrs.
VIM. Rickel, Mrs. Edward Twyn-
ham, and Mrs. w. w. Van Malta.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
BIRTHDAY PARTY

Mrs. Frank Carsten entertained
at delightful supper party from
A to 6 o'clock Tuesday honoring
the seventh birthday anniversary
of her son, Chucky. Games were
enjoyed, the honored guest receiv-2
ed many nice gifts and supper was
served.
Attending were Tom Hrupcho,
Jeff Buchanan, David Immel, Ken
meth Branum, Ronnie Ohm and
Chucky Carstens. Unable to at
tend were David Wonnel and Rog-
er Krynick.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
sToRK SHOWER

Mrs. Harold Anderson was guest
of honor at a stork shower given
for her by Mrs. Kenneth Ellithorpe
Tuesday evening. Guests enjoyed
bingo and other games. A large
stork carrying small baby doll
was the centerpiece. Mrs. Ander-
son was presented with cake with
baby booties and many lovely gifts.
Attending were Misses Shirley
Sharp, Peggy Rahm, Phyllis Boil
yard and LaVonne French, and
Mesdames, Evelyn Reigel, Georgia
Greer, Patricia Runyon, Joan
Moon, Doris Clark, Katherine NAL
lory, Selma Walters, Laura Boss,
Patrice Boiling Shirley baltimore,
and Dawn Webb. Unable to at
tend were Mesdames Ann Andrew,
Howard Ellithorpe, Violet Carter,
Leonard Sharp and Ann Carnicom.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
TWINS BIRTHDAY

Sharon Arlene and Shirley Joy
French celebrated their 9th birth
day at the home of their grand
parents Mr.. and Mrs. Ralp h
French January 14th. The room
was decorated with different colors
of hats and balloons. The twins
first opened their gifts and then
played games. Later on refresh
ments were served to Susan Mis-
sen, Linda Nissen, Janet Nissen,
Pauletta Miller, Gilmore Lukac,
Judy Whiting, Diane Whiting, Leta
Whiting, Ruth Louise Masing,
Skeeter Sivinski, Jane Ann French,
Jean Marie French, Grandma and
Grandpa French and mother
Helen,
Unable to come but sending gifts
were Grandma and Grandpa Frost,
Sonny Frost, Shernie French and
Kim Riley. When the children
left they all took hats, gifts. bal
looms and a piece of cake home.
Prizes were awarded for games.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
GUILD MEETINGS

GUILD MEETINGS
The groups of St. Thomas Epis,
copal Church Guild will meet Wed.
nesday, January 25., The House
Group will meet at loo pm. with
Mrs. Beryl Welty as hostess. Mrs.
T. P. Finefrock will conduct the
worship service and Mrs. Leslie
Meyer will be in charge of the
program.
The Altar Group will meet at
800 pm. with Mrs. Rear, Cook
as hostess. The worship service
will be conducted by Mrs. Frank
Strickland and the program by
Mrs. Perry NJ. Blankenship.
Mrs. Vim. Wolf will be hostess
to the Church School Group at
800 pm. and will conduct the
worship service. The program will
be announced.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
LEAVE FOR FLORIDA

Last Friday was ID" for depar-
ture) Day for several Port Gin
tonites who left for southern stays.
They included Mr.. and Mrs. David
Jeremy and the Revs FT. Karl
Brand, VINO will be at Midway
Colony, Melbourne, Fla. for several
weeks. Mr.. and Mrs. Orland Scott,
who will spend few days at Mid
way after visiting other Florida
spots; and Mr.. and Mrs. Charles
Scherer, who will visit his sister,
Mrs. Garcia Nesker, during their
southern stay. Mr.. and Mrs. Gene
Stafford drove down with John
Sorensen two weeks ago. John is
at Hollywood, while the Staffords
are at Laurel, Fla, but expect to
make contacts with the Port Clin,
tonites who left Saturday. MIR. and
Mrs. Richard Enderle returned
last Thursday after a two-weeks
Florida stay.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
DOUBLE CELEBRATION

There is double reason for cele-
brating in the Lincoln Drive home
of Mr.. and Mrs. Darrell Schiller
Son Ricky will be two on Jan. ID,
and son Billy will be one year
old Jan. 20. So it was a double
birthday party the small brothers
had last Sunday. Their small
guests were Paul Dunn jamie, Bar
bara Ann and David Bloom, Linda
and Donald Crozier, David and
Wendy Buhrow, and the parents
of the children also were guests
for birthday cake and ice cream.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
CHILD GUIDANCE

Mrs. Richard Wolf was hostess
to members of Child Guidance
Council, Gel, in her home Thurs
day evening. Mrs. Bennett Wool
ley was co-hostesS.
A brief business meeting was
conducted by the president, Mrs.
VIM. Faust, Jr. and plans were
discussed for the Gel convention
to be held in Port Clinton in the
spring.
The roll call for the meeting
was a picture of your family and
Mrs. Willis Misch read most in
teresting paper on the topic What
is this Thing Called Puberty?"
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
HoUSEWARMiNC

A surprise housewarming party
for Mr.. and Mrs. Clarence Lowien
Jr. and Skippy, who recently re-
turned from a stay in Alabama
and are moved in to 702 A-st, was
arranged Saturday night by a
group of relatives who included
Mr.. and Mrs. Clarence Lowien Sr.
of Bowling Green, Mrs. Lester
Menier of Oak Harbor, Mr.. and
Mrs. Lewis Wegman and children.
A gift and potluck supper ac-
companied the visitors and a social
evening was enjoyed.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
INEANr Oh PRAGUE

Mrs. Richard Wolf was hostess
to the Infant of Prague Study Club
Monday evening. The roll call was
Saints honored for special
things. $.
The program was discussion
period under the leadership of
Mrs. Bernard Kaspar. Mrs. Stanley
Perry and Mrs. Richard Kaiser
read from the book Father Emith
Instructs Jackson" and the dis
cusSion followed.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
Thank You.

E Our sincere thanks go to many for making our Mid
Winter Art Show such grand success To Rotary for
donating money for the prizes to Fathers Brand and
.Schntt for of the parish hall to Urban Lochotz,
custodian who helped in countless ways. For the splen
did program we thank the Barbershoppers, LaVonne
tSatterfield and Martha Meshka. For the splendid
publicity received deeply grateful, for with
out it our show would have been impossibilty To
the public in general say thank you for your
support and your enthusiastic acceptance of our
first Mid-Winter Art Show. RI
.Tf Bella Russell, director,
6 and the Port Clinton Art Club
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCED

Mr.. and Mrs. Ruel Payne, Alb
w. Sixth-st, announce the engage
ment of their daughter, Beverly
Ann, to Norman Bigelow, son of
the Rev. and Mrs. ]. v. Bigelow
of w. Fifth-st. No wedding date
is set. Miss Payne is 1855 grad
uate of PCHS while Mr.. Bigelow
was graduated from Toledo and
later was in military service. Both
are employed at Erie Ordnance
Depot.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
CUPBOARD CLUB

s The Outboard Motor Boat Club
met Tuesday evening in the Almeri-
can Legion Hall. A movie on Sail
fish fishing was shown and re-
freShments were served.
Mrs. Warren Bredbeck and Mrs.
Willard Ohm were members of the
committee in charge.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
MOTHERS ROUND TABLE

A guest night at Legion Hall
Monday will mark January meet
ing of Mothers Round Table, with
DR.. Eugene Zanger,. psychologist,
as speaker. Mrs. Douglas McDou-
gall will present devotions. Mem
bers will introduce themselves and
their guests for roll call. Hos
tesses will be Mrs. Louis Ceccoli
Mrs, Gerald Wonnell, Mrs. William
Foster, Mrs. Roger Kinney. Mem
bers are reminded that February
roll call will be Problems"
which are to be presented in writ
ing at this meeting.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
ATTEND MEET

Arthur Landeseadel, Secor Land
scaping Co.. Toledo, presented an
interesting program on Shrubs and
Roses, when the West End Garden
Club of Elliston met on January
11th.
Members Of the Sunrise Garden
Club who attended were Mrs.
Thomas Wilson, Pres. Mrs. Gus
tave Schmidt, Sec'y; Mrs. Norman
Rounds and Mrs. Adair WILDER, Sr.
of the Project and Landscaping
Committee.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
SORORITY MEETS

Girls of the Ohio Edison Co.
sorority were guests of Shirley
Sharp at her Laurel-ave home Mon
day night with lunch following
games. Guests included Ann
Rounds, Joan Zura, Shirley Smith,
Annabelle Kihlken and Gay Boyle.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
HAS GUESTS

HAS GUESTS
Mrs. Harold Suhrbier entertain
ed her card club Monday evening
Following the games of cards a
delicious lunch was served High
score was held by Mrs. Frank
Boothe and low by Mrs. Richard
Smith.
Additional guests were Mrs.
Frank Boothe and Mrs. Robert
Lemon.
The next meeting will be held
at the home of Mrs. Wilbur
Ahrens.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
coTERlE

Coterie Club met Friday even
ing at the home of Mrs. John
Korndorfer. The roll call was Cur
rent Events.
Miss Stella Orth gave paper
on the topic, Western Solitudes"
and Mrs: Curtis Brough read an
article on "Bruges, the City the
Sea Forgot.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
YACHT CLUB

A recognition dinner Is on the
calendar for Saturday, Jan. 81, at
the Yacht Club. Dance committee
is Mr.. and Mrs. Charles Martin,
Mr.. and Mrs. Robert Stetson, Mr..
and Mrs. Kenneth Krupp, Mr.. and
Mrs. d. D. Sims, Mr.. and Mrs. E. S.
Spring, Mr.. and Mrs Gordon Coop
cr. Billy Martin is captain of a
group of walters which also in
cludes Tinker Snidcr, Doug Meyer,
Roger Snider, 70 Ellen Ley, and
Julie Davis.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
YOUNG ADULTS

The Young Adults Group of st.
Thomas Episcopal Church met in
the Guild Hall Wednesday. even
ing. The Rev. Perry M. Blanken-
ship led the discussion period and
social diversion followed.
Mr.. and Mrs. Philo Pearce serv-
ed refreshments at the close OF
the evening.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
.cLUs MEETS

7 Mrs. M. c. Stephenson was hos.
tess to the members of her bridge
club Monday evening. High score
was held by Mrs. Kenneth Gluth
and second by Mrs. Robert Klotz.
The next meeting of the club
will be held at the home of Mrs.
Fred Meckfessel, Jr. in Oak Har.
hor. ay~ 81;
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
WED SATURDAY

A wedding of much local interest
will be solemnized in double ring
ceremony Saturday at 7:30 in Oak
Harbor st. Johns Evangelical Lu-
theran church by the Rev. G.. F.
Shoup. The bride is Mary Louise
Hensler, daughter of Mr.. and Mrs.
John Hensler, and the groom is
Jack Louis Mortus, son of Mr.. and
Mrs. Louis Mortus. Mary Louise
will have a close friend, Ann
Browder, as maid of honor, and
her sister Audrie Hensler as
bridesmaid. Jack will be attended
by two brothers, Donald Mortus
being best man and Robert MOrtus
usher. A reception at the Port
Clinton American Legion Home
viii follow the nuptialS.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
CARD CLUB

Mr.. and Mrs. Don Luebcke en-
tertained members of the jolly
Eight Pinochle Club in their home
Saturday evening, with Mr.. and
Mrs. Franklin Huskey substituting
for Mr.. and Mrs. John Menier.
Prizes were won by Mrs. Huskey
and Frank Menier. The next meet
ing of the group will be held at
the home of the Frank Meniers
Saturday, February 11th.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
PAJAMA PARTY

PAJAMA PAKTY
All the fun that a group of
girls have when they get together
for a pajama party was enjoyed
by eight friends who gathered at
the Monroe-st home of Yvonne
Schneider, daughter of Mrs. lola
Schneider, last Friday night for
such an event. Yvonne's guests
included Diana Short, LaVonne
Jensen, Clara Phillips, Peggy
Rounds, Jolene Danklefsen, Pat
Kurtz and Sandy Woodwork.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
EAGLES LADIES

Ladies Auxiliary FOE. No. 2295
met Thursday mite with President,
Jackie Schiewe presiding. A bake
sale for Feb. 18th was planned.
Bingo was the diversion with
White Elephants gifts for surprise.
Lunch committee were Marlanea
and Louise Liptok. To meet on
26th of January.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
.ArTeNp CONCERT

The following Port Clint0nites
aitendedsthe concert given by Dor.
othy Warcnskjold, of the San
Francisco Opera Company in the
Fremont High. School Auditorium
Sunday aftefnoor:, Mr.. and Mrs.
Wilbur Gill, Mr.. and Mrs. John
Bclknap, Mr.. and Mrs. Russell Ce-
dor, Mrs. VIM. Smith, Mrs. Vas
son Smith, Mrs. Irene Burke, Mrs,
Harry Belknap, Mr.. and Mrs. Ar
chic King, Mrs Willard. Grover,
Mrs. Erred Norwood. ~.......
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20

Mr.. and Mrs. Virgil Ravenaugh
and Mr.. and Mrs. Frederick Win
disch will. be hosts Sunday even
ihgt members Of the Mozart Club
at the regular meeting Of the
group. Mrs, Lee Bracken will be.
iii charge of the program and Paul
Provonsha will present the Cur
rent Events F, ~p. 81
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20

Interesting Hobbies Shown At Meeting
OF Trinity Methodist Friendship Class

The regular monthly meeting OF
the Friendship Glass of the Trinitp
Methodist church was held Mon
day evening. President George
Beltz presided. The following
we're present:
i Mssrs and Mesdames Calvin
Peterson, Howard Fritsche, Glenn
Baker, Albert Aimar, Ray Vans
ktte, Ernest Spring, Lee Quillen.
Leslie Rohron, william Mowl, Will.
liam Demfnefle, Richard Bower,
Sam PliIner, Joseph Cleary, Frank
Putnam, Rev. Paul o. Reese Mrs.
Robert Thompson, George Garst,
George BeltS, Archie King, Mrs.
Ray Lyons, Earl Wiseman, David
Afid Nancy Wiseman.
Many fascinating hobbies were
pts. display including: paintings,
stamp and coin collections, sew
iriBs display Of old glass, miniature
model trains, stuffed toy animals,
pisfois, d beautiful slip covered
chair, a collection Of McGuffey
readers, 1916 history Of the United
States, gas type x.ray tubes used
IA the afly machines and old xray |
plateS made of glass instead Of the
present day film, photography.
! Each owner gave a short explain |
atioh Of their hobby and how 1t
started. Refreshments were serv-
ia BY Mrs. Harry Mowl and Mrs.
Glenn Baker. Next meeting will
be held February goth.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20

S0er rEkE GSEp -f
4 The Golfefettes met Thursday
afternoon at the home Of Mrs. c.
p. tiablit1el in Oak Harbor. Mrs.
J. Ii Teagaryien was co-hostess.
A delicious luncheon was served,
followed BY an afternoon of cards.
Mrs. Albert Davids, Jr, will be
hostess To the group when they
next meet. -less se5' .ss
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
M FLORIDA

Mr.. and Mrs. Nick Christensen,
who are wintering in Florida,
write local friends they will be at
Ruskin, Fla, for a stay. The Meter
family from Danbury joined the
Chfistiansen's Jan. 10. go
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1956-01-20
Mrs. F. A. Gerner
Has 8oth Birthday

1 One of Port Clinton's best known
older residents, Mrs. F. A. Gerner
celebrated her 89th birthday Tues.
day in an enjoyable fashion. Many
friends and relatives called to ex-
tend best wishes and she received
many nice birthday cards.
The big surprise came in the
afternoon when members of an
afternoon card club arrived with
a lovely gift and a delicious pot
luck lunch. Cards and social di-
versions were enjoyed prior to the
serving of refreshments. Mrs. Ger
ner's daughter, Mrs. Beulah Klein,
served as hostess for the after
noon.
Attending were Mrs. Herman
Wieckel, Mrs. Frank Fritz, Mrs.
Aldewin Suhrbier, Mrs. VIM. Heis-
er, Mrs. August Geiger, Mrs. James
Schau and Miss Addie baltimore.
-
BIRTHDAY PARTY
Mark Ahrens, son of Mr.. and
Mrs. Wilbur Ahrens, was five years
old Jan. Is, and two parties cele-
brated the anniversary.
Fifteen small friends were in
vited for gay party Sunday after
noon at Erie Gardens Community
Hall. Joining Mark for games and
play, climaxed by party lunch
featuring a clown-Shaped birthday
cake similar to one Mark has had
each anniversary, were Jim Yeager
of Fremont, jamie Lukac, Kathy |
Ellenberger, John Flick, Beth Quis- |
no, Dan and Jim Petersen, Chuckie |
Zelms, Karen and Kay Meske of |
jamie Gulau, Stevie and |
Jeff Jablonski of Huron. Jeff |
Suhrbier and Nancy Christensen
we're unable to attend.
Monday night relatives joined
MIR. and Mrs. Ahrens, Mark and
Bruce, for birthday cake and ice
cream: Mr.. and Mrs. Joseph Lukac,
Malinda Christensen, John and
Margaret Lukac, Mr.. and Mrs.
Henry Christensen, Johnny and
Nancy. Mr.. and Mrs. William
Ahrens and Irene Christensen
we're unable to attend.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04
friday
HupAPEar

Rsisman al fIssandsy sehssIsss
ytciins Boria KTcvt. Ysoia Niftaa
9chraider. cello Llbrafx % ccnefesl.
$50 BE Hepeatina Thursday ege.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04
FAMOUS STREETS
Test You Ability . Tune Detective

Popular writers have celebrated weknown streets
In song and some streets have eaped 70 fame tunes
Score 20 points for each song title you identify from the
clues below
/. Joyous street-a hit 1856.
Street notable only because you live there 1850.
Memphis sreet-by the father Of the blues" Usi7l.
Midtown street crossing Broadway at Times Square
1892.
4 s. Cowboy lament draditionaD.
tAnsweri on Page E-O
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04
TOPS IN POPS
RCA Plans to Reissue
Shep Fields Records

Of sameness; however, die
hard Brubeck fans will prob
ably find it to their liking,
columbia CL-878.)
Louis Prima-LouiS sings
two novelties in the style for
which he's known: Banana
Split for My Baby" and IS
months, 2 Weeks, 2 Days"
Capitol F35660
The Crew Cuts-Boys have
two sentimental sides, as they
neatly essay Keeper of the
Flame" and Love in a Home. "
Mercury 70977x45D
Jay and Kai--A terrific LIP featur-
Ing ] J. johnson and Kai Winding
tttfo S1 deter, supported by rhy-
ness, vitality and outstanding music
lanship. Also. the two boys introduce
the trombonium, an upright valve
,ro In this album. as they play
highspots being Night In Tunisia .
No Moon Al All. IAN At Once You
Love Her You're NV Thrill"
Don't Know Wha WHAT Love sg Is ana my. fSs
Continental" Columbia CL-Spa.
Coleman Hzw kins--Coleman Haw-
kirs fabulous say work is showcased
with the Billy Byers orchestra, in
support for The Hawk, from 4 mixed
ensemble 70 a big string section TO a
biz. shouting band. Coleman proves
his nexibility as he suits his PLAYING
TO the type Of mood set By the tune
suits in a tasty LIP. Included IN the
SCI are such favorites as Little Girl
Blue" II Never Knew" The Bean
Stalks Asain,' The Day You Came
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04
TOPS IN POPS
By BOB WILLIAMS

RCA Victor is planning to
reissue some of Ripping
Rhythm" Bandleader Shep
Fields all-time popular re-
cordings to capitalize on his
current appearance on MICS
TV-radio "Bandstand" show.
Shep now lives and per-
forms in the area Of Houston,
Tex. He may record a new
album of song hits of the last
decade in his unique style.
Just Released
Eydie Connective Got a
Right to Cry" is a torch bal
lad nicely sung by Eydie, with
the plattermate being a novelty
titled Soda Pop Hop" (ABC-
Paramount 45-975S.)
Art Mooney - The chorus
sings the lively Rock and
Roll Tumbleweed," from
MGM's 1.-THE Opposite Sex"
coupled with the title tune Of
Warmers Giant" (MGM
K12320)
Betty JohnsOn-Betty has a
catchy item in the ballad Il
Dreamed" backed by IF It's
Wrong to Love You" another
ballad. (Bally 7-1020g
Wayne King-An excellent
instrumental LIP by Wayne's
silken orchestra. featuring his
famous slow tempo and full
sound. Highlights among the
dozen numbers are Moonlight
Melody" All, Vein" "Anni-
versary Song" Lonely Acres"
MAKE Believe" Trees" Il
Love You Truly" "Tenderly"
$685.
Lynn RObertS-Singer pairs
the sentimental He Never
Looks My Way" with the up
beat tempo Of I'm Gonna
Love va Til / Die" unique
364l
Dave Brubeck-The "Bru-
beck Plays Brubeck" LIP con-
tains 9 originals by Dave on
which he performs on solo
piano. Most Of the numbers
seem a bit boring. and his
playing contains a great deal
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-04
NEWS OF MUSIC
By DAY THORPE


While Maria Callas created
q sensation in her Metro
politan debut in the role of
Norma last Monday it would
be wrong to believe that her
acclaim was universal, or that,
except after the final cur
tain, the oyations given her
were greatly more enthusi-
astic than those accorded her
colleagues. Del Monaco and
Fedora Barbieri.
! myself was not favorably
impressed by either Of these
two singers, but Del Monaco.
who can sing as loud as Libby
Holman, made many of the
customers go wild, and the
singing of Barbieri, which to
my ears was braSsy and all
too typical of the Watergate
summer opera prima donna,
had the devotion of a large
minority.
Norma" at the Met is
given in four acts rather than
two and it took no we'll
trained eavesdropper to sam
pie the reaction of the crowd.
Il am starting a collection to
send Callas back to Italy,
tourist class" announced one
young man, and another OBJ
served that while Callas i'm
proved from act to act, she
still couldn't sing out. above
Barbieri.
I quote these as minority
opinions and could cite others
in similar vein by friends of
mine who have a decided
taste for good opera singing.
] believe. however, that most
Of the audience was delighted
by the extraordinary ease,
gracefulness and finesse of
the Callas voice. the artists
complete effortlessnesS both
in singing and acting, and her
amazing range of expression
within a limited range of
dynamicS.
Would Not Alter Style
AS for Callas herself, it is
true that in many of her duets
with BarbieriN some of her
passages in thirds and Sixths
above the alto were almost in
audible. l felt at the time that
Calais was refusing to force
her tone to match Barbieri,
whose voice was frequently
strained and harsh, and was
rather demanding that any
change be to her way of sing
ing. If this is true-one does
not have to approve of a sood
singer consciously not adapt
ing her style to the best inter-
ests of enSemble-it may ex-
plain why Barbieri. who at
least could always be heard.
was the favorite Of some of
the audience.
What other art than Italian
grand opera can hold the
interests Of so many, genera
ton after generation, by a
technique so simple and naive,
and resources so uncompli-