Thursday, July 31, 1980 brought a very exciting series of events at the Hollywood Sons of the Desert convention. While the preceding days brought excitement in meeting fellow Sons, watching Laurel and Hardy films that I had never seen before, and my first brushes with L&H royalty and fame, this day was really the kicker. This day would bring my first exposure to L&H film locations and many celebrities from the films of L&H and the Our Gang. It was my first trip to the Music Box stairs, Big Business house, downtown Culver City, the first time I saw Hal Roach himself, as well as Spanky, Buckwheat, Butch, and many other Our Gang members. What a day!
Regarding this day, Dad wrote in his little brown Mead memo book: “First tour. Music Box steps. Vendome St. 900 block. Stan’s grave. Forest Lawn. Went to Ollie’s grave. Second tour. Marched from site of Roach Studios to MGM Studios. Marched past County Hospital site and Liberty site. Saw Hal Roach, Spanky McFarland, Tommy “Butch” Bond, and Lucille Hardy at ceremony. On tour saw Perfect Day houses, Big Business house, two of Stan’s houses, Hog Wild house, Sons of the Desert street, Two Tars street, Men O’ War lake, Liberty alley.”
Stan Laurel’s grave in 1980
Oliver Hardy’s grave in 1980
The Liberty alley was an extremely important visit because it was the one and only time I got to see it before it was demolished. I will be visiting Los Angeles again this July and will continue to enjoy visiting many of these locations. I don’t recall some of these – only the biggies – but have since made many visits and discovered additional filming locations at these sites. For instance, earlier this year Jimmy and I discovered additional homes that can be seen in Hog Wild and visible landmarks at the Men O’ War lake.
On an interesting note, the guy who was able to pinpoint many of these locations – and who was the co-host of this convention was Bob Satterfield – a young 23-year old go-getter who I considered the supremest of supreme bigwigs in this organization. Little did I know at that time that he would become one of my very best friends in the world.
Lucille Hardy and Lois Laurel (along with her little granddaughter Cassidy) get a ride in the parade.
The parade itself – you get the picture
I was pleased as punch to participate in the lunacy
The march in Culver City was particularly memorable because we were all wearing our leis and sashes and twirling our parasols – ala our namesake film. I ate up this bit of revelry and merriment and hammed it up for all it was worth. Hal Roach himself was interviewed near the plaque that was dedicated at the site of the Hal Roach Studios. While I will not say that I actually met him at this time, I most certainly saw and got close to him. My time to actually meet him would come later.
Contrary to popular belief, that is unfortunately not me behind Hal Roach as is often thought (and cited in published works)
Spanky McFarland waits in the wings for his interview
Actor Chuck McCann is ready to march
Butch Jr. interviews Our Ganger Dorothy deBorba; Spanky looks on
Lucille Hardy Price is ready to go
Our Gang toughie Butch Bond
Once we reached the destination where the plaque was placed, several celebrities were interviewed by the press and one of the guys conducting some interviews was Tommy Bond Jr. (the Our Gang character “Butch’s” son). I unobtrusively plopped myself right down at their table and listened to every word of the interviews. Of all the photos taken at this convention, these shots most certainly have to be the most priceless.
This shot and the one below were taken by the Hollywood ’80 professional photographer
I was very interested in what Spanky had to say
Enough standing. I boldly take a seat between Butch Bond and Dorothy deBorba
The exciting day did not end here.
For more on the locations, click here…
Truly awesome. I know I’ve made similar comments before, and I’m sure I’m beginning to sound like a broken record. But I can’t emphasize enough that while you’ve had these incredible experiences, rather than just letting them be just your memories and eventually fade away, you take the time and make the effort to share them accurately and carefully with the rest of us. Not everyone would be so conscientious. I for one appreciate your work tremendously. You’re preserving history here – thank you Brad!
Peter
July 2nd, 2007
I regret to this day that I did not bring my camera to this event…nuff said!
Raul Moreno
April 12th, 2010