VALENCIA BALLROOM BIG BAND MULTI-SIGNED BOOK & PHOTO COLLECTION.
Item Description
8x11" faux leather, spiral-bound 96-page book published in 1939 to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Valencia Ballroom; York, PA's premiere Big Band ballroom. In 1929, the Tassia Family opened their York, PA facility which would attract nationally famous dance musicians. In addition to photos of the owners and interior/exterior of the Art Deco building, there are 24 full-page photos of orchestra leaders, seven half-page photos and eight quarter-page photos. Pictured throughout book are Guy Lombardo, Ozzie Nelson, Artie Shaw, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Sammy Kaye and many others. All offered in this lot were obtained by/signed to the Valencia's bartender and soundman Ralph Fringer. Photo pages have been signed by Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Glen Gray, Hal Kemp, Kay Kyser, Guy Lombardo, Don Rinaldo, Jackson Teagarden, Jimmy Lunceford, Woody Herman, Glenn Miller and others. Both Valencia Manager S.M. Tassia and Assistant Manager Steven Tassia have signed as well. Last two pages of the book intended for autographs remain blank. Cover shows some scattered spine and corner tip wear w/some trace oxidation to metal spiral binding. Fine overall w/VF to Exc. pages. Book comes w/extensive grouping of 83 signed vintage photos, all but one being 8x10" and most being official publicity photos w/performer names, management information and/or photographer's name. Of note, those who have signed include - Artie Shaw, Sammy Kaye (w/Music Corporation of America label on reverse), Kay Kyser, Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard (of later "Ozzie And Harriet" fame), Guy Lombardo, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman. Others include - Woody Herman, Jimmie Lunceford, Van Alexander, Vincent Lopez, Shep Fields, Bernie Cummins, Tommy Tucker, Jimmy Joy, Buddy Rogers, Bob Crosby, Larry Clinton, Dick Messner, Harry James, Paul Whiteman, Jackson Teagarden, Will Osborne, Herbie Kay, "Red" Nichols, Don Rinaldo, George Hall and accompanying vocalist Dolly Dawn, Bunny Berigan, Hal Kemp, The Pickens Sisters, Wayne King, Dick Stabile among others. Lot also includes 14 unsigned vintage publicity photos that come along. Photos have scattered aging/handling wear w/a few having scrapbook residue on backs. One photo has corner clipped, but rest are Fine to VF overall. An instant and impressive Big Band collection, featuring major stars of the era, all tied to a major Big Band venue/destination. Comes with Hake's COA and Roger Epperson/REAL LOAs.
