September 26 is my birthday, so I want to discuss one of my favorite photos that I've discovered at the Romeo Community Archives.
Taken by Dr. A. M. Crawford, this photo graced the front cover of the February 26, 1948 edition of The Romeo Observer Press. In it, Frank and Laura Webber are dressed up as Groucho and Harpo Marx - two of the members of the comedy group the Marx Brothers. The Marx Brothers were a famous act on stage and in film in the early to mid-twentieth century. Groucho was known for his wisecracks and duck walk, and Harpo was the silent one who did a lot of absurd things. For example, if anybody wanted to shake Harpo's hand, he would hand them his leg. Laura demonstrates this routine with Frank in the picture.
I love the Marx Brothers, so that's why I chose this photo.
Back to the point, why are they dressed up like Groucho and Harpo? Well, I'll tell you. In 1948, the Romeo Players - a community theatre group - held their first annual costume ball. The president of that theatre company was the wife of the man who took this very photo.
According to the February 12 issue, it took place at the Romeo Hotel on the evening of Saturday, February 14. Members and their guests were required to dress up as their favorite actor of stage or movie fame, hence the reason why Frank and Laura Webber were dressed up as two of the Marx Brothers. They also brought a guest George Coneway, who came as the Phantom of the Opera. Why he didn't dress up as Chico Marx - the third brother, I don't know.
The program for the costume ball consisted of a grand march, dancing, and a late supper. Prizes were awarded to the best costume wore by a man and woman, and they consisted of a pair of tickets to a stage show in Detroit. Interestingly, Laura was part of the program committee for the event.
The February 19 edition revealed the winners of the costume ball. Frank and Laura were awarded second place, while Mr. and Mrs. Robert McGuire got first place for impersonating Viola and Sebastian from the play Twelfth Night. Since the Webbers brought a guest, the judges provided a condition that they share the prize with him.
Even though it's not known if the Romeo Players held another costume ball, it sounded like it was a great time. We hope that Frank, Laura, and George enjoyed their prize.
To learn more about the Romeo Players, you can locate the Romeo Players Collection here and/or contact the Romeo Community Archives at rca@romemodistrictlibrary.org to see said collection in person.
Images and sources courtesy of the Romeo Community Archives; Melvin E. and Joan D. Bleich Collection, The Romeo Observer Press, February 12, 1948, p.1, February 19, 1948, p.1, and February 26, 1948, p.1 and Romeo Players Collection, 1948