1924's New Straws -- May 13, 2024

Twin City Review, 23-May-1924

Just in time for Memorial Day, new straw boaters. 

Refresh Yourself Says the Hostess -- May 12, 2024

Americus Times-Recorder, 31-May-1924

"Of course -- this beverage -- the favorite at soda fountains and refreshment stands

everywhere -- is welcomed with delight in homes."

Fleet Walker Dies -- May 11, 2024

Louisville Courier-Journal, 17-May-1924

Moses Fleetwood Walker, who died 100 years ago today, on 11-May-1924, was the first man of color to play major league baseball without passing as white. His brother, Weldy Walker, was the second. Fleet Walker played for Oberlin College and the University of Michigan. In 1883, he served as a catcher for the Toledo Blue Stockings in the Northwestern League. After winning the league championship, the Blue Stockings moved to the American Association in 1884. The American Association of that time was regarded as a major league. After injuries caused him to miss more than half the team's games, the financially challenged Blue Stockings released Fleet Walker in September. Walker encountered much racism. He played in the minor leagues until 1889.

Fred Astaire 125 -- May 10, 2024

listal.com

Fred Astaire was born 125 years ago today, on 10-May-1899. I'm not a major fan of musicals, but I love watching Fred Astaire and his various partners, including Cyd Charisse, Rita Hayworth, Eleanor Powell, a hatrack and especially Ginger Rogers. 

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I wanted to be this cool and elegant, but I could never manage it. 

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I couldn't do this, either.

Jazz Hounds Whose Sets Will Reach That Far... -- May 9, 2024

Dayton Daily News, 31-May-1924

"Jazz hounds" was a popular term during this period. Jazz hounds in Dayton, Ohio were invited to tune into WOR, Newark for a variety show called "Bringing Home the Bacon," which would feature Leyra's Miami Syncopators. 

Birmingham Age-Herald, 21-May-1924

Chris and his Joyland Jazz Hounds -- May 8, 2024

Arizona Republic, 19-March-1924

Chris and his Jazz Hounds ("Jazz Hounds" was a very popular name for jazz bands) were all Phoenix natives. In later years, they might have been called a territory band. I will keep an eye open for Al Christenson's name. 

Arizona Republic, 19-March-1924

Negro Moves Into Good Neighborhood; Is Nearly Lynched -- May 7, 2024

Daily Worker, 15-May-1924

I was interested to find an article about lynching in The Daily Worker. The Communist Party of the USA earned some credit with people for speaking out against lynching before any nation organization except the NAACP. I was also interested to see that this incident took place across the bay in Piedmont, a suburb of Oakland. 

Negro Moves Into

Good Neighborhood;

Is Nearly Lynched

OAKLAND, Cal., May 14. — It is alright for a Negro to live in West Oakland -— in fact most of the Pullman porters on the transcontinental lines have their homes here. But when a Negro tries to buy a home in the fashionable Piedmont district of Oakland, that is another story. Sidney Bearing, a wealthy colored man, attempted to bring up his family away from slum influences, and had to a mob of 500 white neighbors who threatened to lynch him. Rescued by the police, Bearing agreed to sell the house he had bought.