17 Jan 1950
Page 1
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Newspaper
Bristol Phoenix
Location
Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America
Date
Jan 17, 1950
Page
1
Albert F. Means, Bristol general chairman, announced the 1950 March of Dimes polio drive opening. He urged residents to double donations, highlighting a new coin collector and the respirator program that aids children in danger from polio and supports research toward an iron lung replacement.
The Executive Committee of Industrial Trust Company in Bristol authorized President Ernest Clayton to present building plans for a new library site on Hope Street. The bank currently occupies the Rog ers Free Library basement, raising questions about space and rental costs if the library must reconfigure. The trustees say moving could strain library services and budget with a town appropriation of 1,900 dollars and a bank rental of 1,560 dollars.
Michael A. De Leo of 1166 Hope Street Newport has been named Rhode Island state head of the Italian American War World War II veterans. A Providence Superior Court probation counselor and WWII Army Air Force veteran, he joined the probation service in 1941 and served in the 6th District Court before enlisting in 1942.
Appeals by mail totaling 1500 are being sent this week to begin a two week campaign ending January 31. Funds and messages are directed to campaign headquarters at the Bristol YMCA for rapid return.
Bristol parents invited to a Thursday PTA meeting at Reynolds School. Speakers Mrs. M Theresa Donovan and Miss Margaret Nerone will discuss how art and music are taught in Bristol public schools. The event includes a business meeting and refreshments led by Mrs. Frederick S. Bartlett and arrangements by Mrs. Victor Formisano.
The Rev. Arthur M. Dunstan rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church Warren will speak at the Rotary Club meeting tomorrow at the White Rail Riding Club. He will give a review of the past fifty years.
Members of the Republican Town Committee will meet in the Hotel Belvedere parlor at 7 tomorrow evening to discuss selecting a chairman as Dr. John R. Bernardo plans to resign after holding the post since 1935. Orlando J. Bisbano says the meeting aligns with Bernardo’s stated intent and hints at an interim appointee to guide the committee. John D. Hill Jr., newly elected president of the Bristol Young Republican Club, is invited as guest speaker.
John W. Church, 71, long time town official and clerk, named Outstanding Citizen of 1949 at Bristol YMCA banquet in Rockwell Hall. Roswell S. Bosworth presents the award. Church receives a certificate and plaque. YMCA leaders urge youth focus and expanded adult participation to fulfill the motto Serving Youth in 1950.
In a brief address he stated that renewal was needed to move forward. He pledged effort to make the local Y a more self-sustaining unit. Speakers included Francis J. Murphy, chairman, and Arthur J. Genthner, treasurer. Murphy’s committee announced a slate of officers, all of whom were re-elected.
William Harry Cohan known as Wil lie Cohen chief stage door man at the Music Box Theatre in New York is celebrated as a long time show business figure. At 73 he remains a recognizable local character and subject of a New York Times profile.
Willie, famed as mayor by the theater district, is noted for his white carnation lapel and brown fedora. For weeks he has worn a ragged red necktie, told to wear it for the run of Lost In The Stars. He plans to wear it until it falls off, continuing his three year run.
In conversation with Spiegel Willie claims to be nearing 74 and recalls seven years as a stage door man. He notes his past as a member of the noted Watson and Cohan burlesque team and describes an earlier stint as secretary to late heavyweight champ John L Sullivan, claiming he once held Sullivan’s money for three days.
The narrator recalls John L. selling a diamond studded belt for 3500 dollars and giving part to a partner while a 100 dollar bonus went to the speaker. John L. borrowed the money back the following day and was described as a fast man with money. Willie later teamed with Joe K. Watson after touring with Sullivan and became a headlining act in several productions.
The aging showman Willie speaks of a long career in theater and retirement, recalling mentors like I. J. Shurbert and Kurt Weill, mentioning Ruth Gordon and Jerry Cohan, and noting his wish that all his money go to the actors.
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