Rare Vintage 1945 Program featuring very early incarnation of Ventriloquist Dummy "Danny O'Day" with then 17 year old high school student Jimmy Nelson. Nelson was a leader in the field and went on to fame in radio, television, and commercials (Nestles Chocolate) particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. The original Danny O'Day was conceived and built in 1945 so this would be one of the earliest performances featuring this iconic character.
Given this is a high school performance the likelihood of many extant copies of this program is scant. A great and rare collectible for lovers of ventriloquism.
Program is 8.5" x 11" typed.
This program is for the JRC Variety show sponsored by the Junior Red Cross High School Council. It was performed at the YMCA Hotel Auditorium on December 8, 1945.
This performance was listed as "Ventriloquist: Jim Nelson (Lakeview) and "Danny". Lakeview is the name of the high school Nelson attended - it is on the North side of Chicago at the corner of Ashland Avenue and Irving Park Road, walking distance to Wrigley Field. Other acts on the program included tap dances, Polish dances, Spanish Songs, and a Swing Band. The program references an earlier show performed for the "boys at the Regional Station Hospital, Ft Sheridan", on November 28, 1945. Nelson performed in that show as well.
Condition: Vintage used condition. Program is yellowed, has fold lines, and paper backing where it was glued inside a scrap book.
Shipping: Will be shipped folded in thirds, as found. Will be placed in a plastic sleeve and sandwiched between cardboard.