The Valencia Ball Room in York, PA was built in 1911 and renovated in 1929 in an Art Deco style. It played host to the big bands of the 1930s and 1940s. Future newspaper editor Harry James McLaughlin began attending shows at the Valencia in the 1930s, writing articles and submitting photos to his school newspaper at William Penn Sr. High School. This collection, mostly assembled in the 1930s and early 1940s, comprises a virtual who’s who of performers from the big band era. Autograph highlights include signed photos of: Glenn Miller ( candid photo signed on reverse), Gene Krupa, Kay Kyser ( + signed sheet listing his favorite bands), Bunny Berrigan ( three different), Tommy Dorsey( two different), Frankie Carle, Clyde McCoy, Hal Kemp (four different), Woody Herman, Bob Crosby, Red Norvo, Glen Gray, Jan Savitt, Charlie Spivak ( three different), Jack Teagarden, Estelle Taylor, Ray Herbeck, Hylton Sisters, Martha Tilton, Fred Waring. Collection includes more autographs on sheets of paper, numerous unsigned publicity photos and candid snapshots (including Louis Armstrong), newspaper articles, clippings, etc. Condition ranges from VG TO VF+, with most items averaging Fine. An amazing collection of many unique one of a kind items. Comes with Hake's COA. A detailed description of all items included in this lot is below, along with images.
1. “Glenn Miller” autographed snapshot. 3.25x4 7/8" bw photo shows Glenn Miller in overcoat standing next to Harry McLaughlin in backstage hallway. Reverse side has bold 3" wide “Glenn Miller” lead pencil autograph. Emulsion of photo has yellowed a bit with age and image has a few barely noticeable hairline ripples just visible in reflected light. Reverse side has a few bits of missing surface paper but autograph area is clean and Exc. Comes with additional 4.75x7" enlargement of photo with note by McLaughlin on back in ink noting photo was taken December 31, 1937. Extremely rare autograph of one of the top big band leaders in history who died in 1944 when he was traveling to entertain U. S. troops in France during World War II and his plane disappeared in bad weather over the English Channel.
2. “Gene Krupa” and vocalist “Anita O’Day” autographed photo pair. Krupa photo is 3 1/8x4 5/8" candid showing him backstage with Harry about to sign something. Photo has been signed vertically at right “Gene Krupa”. Photo has 1" diagonal tear at top right of center edge just going into letter “P” a bit. Reverse side has a few ink and pencil notes but front image area is Fine. Second photo is 8 1/8x10" promotional photo by Seymour of Chicago with nice closeup image. Photo is signed “To Harry Always Your Friend Anita O’Day”. A few lt. handling crease mostly just visible in reflected light with a few tiny dings along blank left margin edge. Overall VF+ appearance. c.late 1930s.
3. “Kay Kyser” 12 piece lot including five autographs. Sheet has been filled up in pencil and signed by Kay Kyser listing his top 10 favorite orchestras with Hal Kemp at #1. Sheet has lt. vertical and horizontal creases and is attached to scrapbook page. Good. Next is 5x7" “Kay Kyser” autographed photo showing him on stage at RCA microphone. Photo has some surface crazing mostly just visible in reflected light and autograph is extremely light. Emulsion has yellowed with age. Just Good. Comes with 5x7" unsigned newspaper photo which has been cropped with closeup image of Kyser from autographed photo. Next is 5x7" photo of vocalist at microphone autographed “To Harry Best Wishes Harry Babbitt”. Photo has a few lt. moisture marks and some age toning. Fair/Good. Next two photos are smaller images showing vocalist at microphone and each is signed on front “Ish Kabibble”. Next is smaller photo of female singer which comes with clipped signature, “Ginny Simms”. Next three items are small photos and includes Harry standing next to Kyser and Simms who are backstage wearing winter coats. Photo is heavily creased. Last two photos are unsigned and show Harry Babbitt at microphone.
4. ”Bunny Berrigan” five photo lot including three autographed. Four photos are snapshot size. One shows Berrigan on stage playing trumpet and has nice signature at upper right. One shows Berrigan in hallway along with vocalist Ruth Gaylor and Harry and has nice signature at lower right “Bunny Berrigan”. Third photo shows Hank Wayland happily playing base fiddle with nice autograph at upper left. Fourth photo shows vocalist Gaylor on stage waiting to perform. Photos has a few minor corner creases otherwise all four are Exc. Comes with 8x10" publicity photo by Bruno of Berrigan. Photo has handling creases and a few pieces out of edges. Good.
5. “Tommy Dorsey” eight piece lot including three autographs. Pair of 5x7" photos each have nice “Sincerely Tommy Dorsey” autograph at upper right. One shows Dorsey holding trombone and the other shows him with Harry and vocalist Edyth Wright who has also signed the photo “Best To You-Edyth Wright”. Photos are a bit light as printed and first photo has lt. creases in three corners otherwise both are Fine/VF. Next autographed item is 8x10" typewritten sheet neatly filled out in pencil by Dorsey listing his top 10 favorite orchestras. He has listed himself at #10 and Benny Goodman at #1 and has also included Bernardsville, N. J. name beneath his signature area. Sheet is heavily creased and is missing 1x1/75" at lower left. Good. Next three photos are snapshot size and include Tommy Dorsey playing trombone, Jimmy Dorsey playing saxophone, and vocalists Bob Eberle and Helen O’Connell. Next photo is small snapshot signed “Sincerely Edyth Wright” wearing winter coat in front of desk at Yorktowne Hotel. Photo is signed in dark area otherwise Exc. Last photo is 5x7" somewhat fuzzy reprint showing Jimmy Dorsey playing saxophone on bandstand. A few lt. creases just visible in reflected light. VG+.
6. “Sincerely Frankie Carle” autographed photo. 5x6" publicity photo by Kreugsman showing Carle playing piano with nice signature in clear area at right. Bottom of photo has been neatly trimmed off and emulsion has yellowed a bit with age. Photo is Fine, autograph is Exc.
7. “Artie Shaw” group of six photographs including one signed. Largest photo is 7.75x9.75" showing Harry standing in center next to Artie Shaw and four other men. Lower right has nice “To Harry Best Wishes Art Shaw” signature. Photo is printed a bit lightly and has numerous lt. handling creases mostly just visible in reflected light. Upper right corner tip has .25" crease. Photo is good with Fine autograph. Next five smaller photos include Shaw on stage playing clarinet with matching later enlargement photo, and three different of female vocalist including two of her on stage with microphone nearby. All are Exc. Comes with clipping from Harry’s school paper where he writes about Artie Shaw and golfers being in Hershey.
8. “Sincerely Clyde McCoy” autographed publicity photo. 7 7/8x10" by Seymour with nice closeup image of McCoy wearing suit. Lower left has nice 2.25" wide signature. Photo has yellowed a bit with age and blank corner tips have thumbtack holes. Blank reverse has a few paper remnants from scrapbook removal, but image area is VF+ with Exc. autograph.
9. “Harry James” five piece photo lot including two autographed. Harry McLaughlin’s middle name was James, thus the first 8x10" autographed publicity photo by Bruno of Hollywood showing James playing trumpet is signed in clear area at left side “To Harry James Best Wishes Harry James”. Reverse side of photo also includes five ink signatures from orchestra “Claude Bowen, Russell Brown, Thurman Teague Basso, Bernice Byres, Drew Page”. Photo has a few lt. handling creases just visible in reflected light and a few faint scuff marks. Fine with Exc. autograph. Second 8x10" photo shows James later in life playing trumpet and is signed in ink at upper left “To Harry James From Harry James Again!”. Comes with third 8x10" later promotional photo. Group also includes two small snapshots, one of James backstage smoking cigarette next to Harry McLaughlin, and the other a much smaller trimmed photo showing James who appears ready to go on stage.
10. “Hal Kemp” seven piece lot including five autographs. First is 6.25x8" typewritten “Dope Sheet” on which Hal Kemp has listed his top 10 favorite band in ink and also signed the sheet in ink. He has included himself in the #11 position and has listed Tom Dorsey as #1. Sheet is heavily creased with cellophane tape repairs and has been attached to scrapbook page. List and signature are Good. Comes with four snapshots, each is signed and approximately 2.75x3.75". Hal Kemp is in two of the photos backstage with singer Judy Starr and each has been signed by both. Harry is in one of the photos. Third photo is signed “Musically Judy Starr” showing her at piano and fourth shows couple and is signed “Bob Allen/Musically Judy Starr”. Bob Allen has also written his name and address on reverse side of photo in ink. All are Exc. Last two items are promo photos of Janet Blair with facsimile signatures. Blair replaced Judy Starr as singer with Hal Kemp’s band.
11. “Horace Heidt” 1938 typewritten letter on Biltmore Hotel Stationery. 5.5x8.5" dated April 1 mentioning selections on separate top 10 orchestras (no longer present). Signed in ink at conclusion just above typewritten text “Horace Heidt & His Sweeter Swing Orchestra, The Brigadiers”. One vertical and two horizontal folds as mailed. VF with Exc. Autograph.
12. “Woody Herman” five photo lot including one autographed. Pair of 3.25x4.5" snapshots showing Herman playing clarinet on stage includes one with nice autograph in clear area of blank bottom margin. Each is date stamped on back September 11, 1941. Comes with larger reprint photo which has been retouched for use in “Sunday Magazine”. Next two photos are 8x10" later promotional photos. One shows Herman whaling on clarinet and the other is closeup photo. Group also includes Strand-Capitol 1981 press release for appearance celebrating his 40th year as a band leader. All items are Exc.
13. “Bob Crosby” group of six items including two signed. First is 7.75x10" typewritten “dope sheet” signed in ink “Bob Crosby” at bottom. Crosby lists his top 10 bands, listing himself at #3 and placing Benny Goodman in #1 position. Sheet is heavily creased with several large missing pieces but is still legible with fine autograph. 8x10" publicity photo by Maurice of Chicago has nice closeup image of Crosby wearing tuxedo with flower in lapel and has 4" wide signature in clear area at upper right “Regards To Harry Bob Crosby”. Blank reverse side has ink signature at top of vocalist Dorothy Claire. Photo has lt. handling creases mostly just visible in reflected light, otherwise VF+ with Exc.autograph area. Comes with additional pair of 8x10" reprint photos. One shows Crosby at microphone on bandstand and the other shows Dorothy Clair standing between Bob Crosby and Harry. Both are Exc. Next photo is 8x10" glossy of Dorothy Claire. Final area is 5x7" promo photo of Crosby with facsimile signature “May It Always Be Summertime Bob Crosby”.
14. “Jan Garber” group of four items including two autographed. 2.5x3.25" clipped signature glued to scrapbook page reads “Cheerio Jan Garber” in lead pencil. Trace of lt. dust soil and a few ink marks at upper left. Fine. Comes with pair of 4.75x6.75" photos. First shows Garber in coat and top hat standing between man and woman with Harry at far left. Second shows him on bandstand with baton in hand. Both are Exc. Group comes with 1980 Strand-Capitol booklet which includes photo and biography of singer Roberta Sherwood with nice signature “To Harry James Roberta Sherwood”. Booklet has been folded open to autographed page, otherwise Exc. Group also includes two vintage articles on Garber written by Harry for his school paper and Garber newspaper obit.
15. “Red Norvo” six photo lot including one signed. Four smaller photos are each approximately 2.5x3.75" One shows Norvo and Harry reading “The York-High Weekly” and has been neatly signed in pencil in clear area at lower left “Red Norvo”. Two other photos show him playing xylophone and fourth photo shows his wife Mildred Bailey singing on stage with Norvo nearby. All four are Exc. One is date stamped February 14, 1943 on back. Next two photos are 8x10" showing Norvo on bandstand. One shows him playing xylophone with orchestra in background, and other shows him directing orchestra. Edges are a bit dark, otherwise image areas are clean and Exc.
16. “Glen Gray” autographed photo. 3.25x4.5" photo date stamped on back September 11, 1941 has nice photo of Gray in center playing saxophone between other saxophonists. Photo has nice autograph at bottom. Exc. Comes with larger 5x7 reprint photo.
17. “Jan Savitt” and female vocalist “Ruth Robin” autographed photo trio. 8x10.25" publicity photo titled “Jan Savitt And His Top Hatters” has nice image of Savitt wearing tuxedo and top hat with 3x3.25" autographed area at upper right “To Harry The Best Always Jan Savitt” along with hand-lettered musical score. Comes with pair of Ruth Robin publicity photos. First is 5x7" signed “For Harry-Sincere Good Wishes, Always Ruthie Robin (Jan Savitt Orch.)”. Photo has dark spot on Robin’s right cheek as printed, otherwise Exc. Second photo is 8x10" with image of Robin wearing calico dress with signature at upper left “For Harry-Very Good Wishes & Best Of Luck To You Always. Ruthie Robin”. Center of photo has .25x.75" paper remnant and emulsion has yellowed a bit with age. Fine/VF with Exc. autograph.
18. “Charlie Spivak” autographed photo trio plus signed album page. Four items. Photos are each 3.25x5.25". Two are different poses of Spivak holding his trumpet and each is signed “Charlie Spivak”. Third photo shows him with female vocalist and another man wearing winter coats. Photo has been signed “Charlie Spivak/June Hutton/Garry Stevens”. All three photos are date stamped on reverse April 13, 1942. All are Exc. Comes with 4.5x5.5" album page which has bold signature on front “To Don My Best Wishes Charlie Spivak” along with small pencil date of October 11, 1947. Reverse side is signed in pencil “Helen Rose The Worst Damn Cashier In The Business/To Don Brandt Sincerely Ken Raffensberger”. Blank right margin edge of page has been torn from autograph album, otherwise all autographs are Exc.
19. “Yours Truly Jack Teagarden” autographed photo with five other photos. Publicity photo is 8x10" by Progress of New York with date 10-6-34 and has nice profile of image with autograph in clear portion at left side. Exc. Comes with 8x10" publicity photo by Kruegsmann of vocalist Meredith Blake. Next four photos range in size from 3.25x4.25" to 5x7". One shows Teagarden playing trombone on stage with band in background. Lower left has very lt. “Jack Teagarden” lead pencil signature. Upper left of photo is missing .25x.5" bit of surface paper next to Teagarden’s shoulder. Photo has a few lt. scuffs. Good/VG. Smallest photo shows Teagarden playing trombone with band in background and comes with same photo which has been enlarged and cropped for printing purposes. Last photo is 5x7" showing Blake singing on microphone on stage. Margins have bit of lt. rippling and lower right corner extreme tip has tiny crease. Fine. Smallest photo is date stamped September 4, 1941.
20. “Charlie Barnet/Larry Clinton” signed handwritten lists in lead pencil of top 10 favorite bands. Each has been glued to scrapbook page. Charlie Barnet list is 3.25x5.75" and includes Duke Ellington at #1 and Benny Goodman at #2. List has been cut diagonally near top and has cellophane repair in this area which has yellowed. Lower left corner tip is missing .5" piece which includes portion of letter “C” in Charlie’s name. Reverse side of scrapbook page has 4.75x5" sheet with additional 1.25x3.75" sheet which has been glued and placed diagonally signed Larry Clinton. Clinton’s top 10 lists includes Tommy Dorsey at #1 and Artie Shaw at #2. Scrapbook page itself has numerous pieces gone and some edge clips, but includes Harry’s article on his conversation with Ozzie Nelson and Larry Clinton. Charlie Barnet handwritten list is Fair/Good as is Clinton’s. Comes with pair of 2.5x3 3/8" photographs. One shows Charlie Barnet wearing tuxedo and the other shows his female vocalist smiling at camera. Emulsion on both has yellowed a bit, otherwise both are VF.
21. “Estelle Tayler” autographed photo plus two candid photos. 3.25x5.25" photo of actress and singer shows her in elaborate costume. Upper right corner has been signed in ink in clear area and reverse side has been signed in pencil. Left margin edge of photo has been trimmed off and has a few lt. creases in this area. Fine. Comes with pair of 2.75x4.5" photos, one shows her holding her hat and the other shows her shaking Harry’s hand. Both were taken in front of Yorktowne Hotel. Emulsion has yellowed a bit with age on both, otherwise both are VF.
22. “Ray Herbeck” autographed publicity photo. 8x10.25" high quality photo by Bert’s Studio Kansas City titled “Ray Herbeck And His Music With Romance” has nice image of Herbeck in tuxedo holding baton. Lower right has nice 2x3.25" inscription “To Harry: Wishing You Success In Your Advertising Efforts. Sincerely Ray Herbeck”. Corner tips have a few lt. creases and blank reverse has a few paper remnants from scrapbook removal. Photo is Fine/VF with Exc. autograph.
23. “Eddie DeLange” signed handwritten list of 10 favorite bands and small signed photo. 7x10.5" lined sheet filled out in lead pencil is titled “Dope Sheet” at top. DeLange lists his top 10 favorite bands including Tommy Dorsey at #1 and Benny Goodman at #2 and lists himself in the #10 position and has signed at the bottom. Sheet is heavily creased amd has been glued to scrapbook page. Good with VG autograph.. Comes with 2.5x4.5" photo showing him in tuxedo on bandstand which has been signed on reverse in lead pencil “Eddie DeLange”.
24. “Sincerely Johnny Green” autographed publicity photo with two candid snapshots. 8x10.25" professional photo shows Green holding baton laughing surrounded by musical horns. Upper left has nice signature “Sincerely Johnny Green” and lower left is captioned “Johnny Green And His Orchestra”. Photo emulsion has yellowed a bit with age and top margin edge has a few minor creases but photo otherwise VF+ with Exc. autograph. Comes with pair of 4x5.25" nice snapshots. One shows Green registering at Yorktowne Hotel and the other shows his female vocalist sitting on edge of chair in lobby. Both are Exc.
25. “The Hylton Sisters” autographed Royal Canadian Air Force official photograph with three candid photographs plus handwritten letter and printed Christmas card. Six items. 7 3/8x9" Royal Canadian Air Force official photograph shows all three singing at microphone and has 2x3.75" signature “To The Boys Of Co. B (301st) Every Best Wish From The Hylton Sisters Margo, Kate & Evelyn”. Photo has a few lt. handling creases and a few craze lines across top. Fine with Exc. autograph. Comes with three different candid photos, each approximately 3 5/8x5". Two are same photo of them performing in mess hall with soldiers watching and third photo shows them seated at dinner table with two soldiers nearby. Notes by Harry on back include “My Guests At Company Party Supper/Hylton Sisters Singing In HQ Mess Hall”. Two photos have top and margin edges trimmed otherwise all three are Exc. Comes with letter in envelope of Hotel Markham from Gulfport, Mississippi postmarked March 20, 1944 and address to Cpl. Harry J. McLaughlin at Camp McCain, Mississippi. Contains two-sided sheet with handwritten note by Evelyn Hylton requesting a few more copies of the newspaper with Harry’s article in it. Envelope is folded and is yellowed with age. Top 1/3 of letter has been cut off and is missing 1.5x3" piece at top left corner. Fair. Comes with folded Christmas card with printed signature of all three sisters.
26. “To Harry All The Best In The World Sincerely Milt Britton 9/24/38" autographed publicity photo & two candid photos. Three items. 8x10" publicity photo by Maurice of Chicago has large image of band leader Britton looking down on carnage with his band lying around on wrecked stage. Autograph fills 3x4.75" area at left in clear portion. Photo is Exc. Comes with two small snapshots. One is 2 3/8x3.25" showing Britton holding baton and the other is 2 3/8 2.75" showing Harry with Britton’s female vocalist. Both have trace of lt. wear, otherwise VF+.
27. “Best Regards Bonnie Blue The Pepsodent Girl” autographed publicity photo. 8x10.25" photo shows Blue wearing long gown with columns in background. Lower left has text “Bonnie Blue with Herb Gordon’s Whispering Rhythms”. Reverse side has nice lead pencil autograph in 4.75" wide area. Blank reverse has a few bits of missing surface paper in blank areas from scrapbook removal just affecting two letters of word “the”. Photo has a few lt. handling creases and a few faint scuffs, mostly just visible in reflected light. Photo is Fine with VF+ autograph.
28. “Durelle Alexander” double signed NBC Studio publicity photo. 4 5/8x6.75" has nice autograph at lower right “Best Wishes To Harry, Durelle Alexander”. Reverse side has ink note “I Am Giving Your Name And Requests To Ramona Kings Men And Some Of The Others. They Will Send You Either Photos Or Autographs. Okay? Durelle” along with imprint “Please Credit Photo To Ray Lee Jackson NBC Studio”. Photo image area has faint tan dot on Alexander’s forehead. Image and autograph otherwise Exc. Reverse side has lt. tan glue stains around edges from scrapbook removal.
29. “Mitchell Ayres” photo signed on back by Ayres and 12 band members.10 favorite bands list on back of publicity photo plus other photos including band signed promo postcard. Eight items. 8x10" publicity photo by Bruno of Hollywood has image of Ayres in center surrounded by band members playing instruments. Blank reverse is signed in pencil “Mitchell Ayres” along with individual signatures of band. Includes Phil Zolland-Sax, Ernie Diven-Sax, Geo. Clark guitar, Jason Goldmark-violin, Count Flecke-piano, Joe Dale-drums, Marty Olsen-2nd trumpet, Jimmie Milazzo-trumpet, Johnny D’Agostino-trombone, Maryann Mercer (vocals), Harry Terrill-sax, Burke Hardt-base. Photo has a few lt. handling creases and front has 1" hairline scratch at right side but front still has Near Exc. Reverse side has .25" bit of surface paper from scrapbook removal, otherwise autographs are Exc. Comes with 3.5x5 3/8" promotional photo postcard titled “Greetings From Mitchell Ayres Fashions In Music” which has inset photos of Maryann Mercer, Mitchell Ayres and Joe Dale above image of 11 member band sitting on wall at edge of road. Reverse side has been signed in ink “Geo. Clark guitar, Goldie Goldmark violin, Marty Olson 2nd trumpet, Ernie Diven sax”. Reverse has 1" bit of paper from scrapbook removal just affecting bottom autograph just a bit. Postcard overall Near Exc. Comes with five different individual snapshots, each approximately 3.5x5". Includes five member band rehearsing with instruments at piano with “The York-High Weekly” sitting on top of piano, Ayres in lobby of hotel writing note, Mercer singing at microphone with Ayres holding violin behind her, and two photos of Mercer at microphone from two different evenings. One photo is missing 1" piece at upper left blank corner tip. Last Mercer photo has a few small bits of missing surface paper at top background area. Last photo is 4.5x7 5/8" with Maryann Mercer standing between Mitchell Ayres and Harry McLaughlin. Photo is missing .25x.5" piece at bottom margin edge right side. Candid photos overall VG/VF+.
30. “To Harry Best Wishes Sincerely Bob Chester” publicity photo also signed by two female vocalists. 8x10.5" has nice image of Chester wearing bow-tie with caption at lower left “Bob Chester And His Orchestra”. Chester has signed in 2x3.25" area at left and photo is also signed “Hi Harry-Betty Bradley/Elisse Cooper/Gene Howard”. Photo has a few lt. handling creases, mostly just visible in reflected light. Near Exc. appearance.
31. “To Harry With Best Wishes Al Donahue” autographed publicity photo. 8 1/8x10 1/8" with nice image of Donahue wearing suit and caption at lower left “Al Donahue And His Orchestra” has nice signature in clear area in upper left corner. Lower right corner has 3.5" hairline diagonal crease just going into image area a tiny bit, otherwise photo is Exc.
32. “Van Alexander” pair of signed publicity photos plus vocalists Phyllis Kenny signed photo. Three items. Each is approximately 8x10.25". First photo is Music Corporation Of America promo photo with paper sticker on reverse. Front has image of Alexander composing music at piano with autograph at upper right “Sincerely Van Alexander”. Signature is a bit smeared. Second photo shows Van Alexander at far left next to vocalist Phyllis Kenny with Harry McLaughlin next to her and Butch Stone on far right. Reverse side is signed in pencil “To Harry Sincere Best Wishes To A Swell Chap Van Alexander/To Harry-Loads Of Luck And Happiness Butch Stone”. Third photo shows Phyllis Kenny wearing evening gown and laughing with pencil signature on reverse “To Harry Lots Of Luck Sincerely Phyllis Kenny”. All three photos have some lt. creasing, mostly just visible in reflected light. A few lt. creases here and there, mostly in blank corner tips. Overall group is Fine/VF.
33. “Johnny Long” and vocalists autographed photos. Lot of five. 3.25x4.25" photo shows Johnny Long wearing overcoat and top hat backstage with Harry McLaughlin looking at Harry’s scrapbook. Reverse side is signed in lead pencil “Johnny Long”. Comes with additional pair of same size snapshots. One shows Johnny Long with vocalist and is signed at right margin vertically “Sincerely Helen Young”, and the other shows her sitting on windowsill back stage and is signed “To Harry-Sincerely Helen Young”. All three snapshots have emulsion yellowed a bit with age, otherwise all three are Exc. Comes with pair of 5x7" publicity photos of vocalists with printed caption at bottom including “Johnny Long And His Orchestra”. First is signed “Sincerely-Helen Young” with closeup image of her, and second is signed “Sincerely-Bob Houston” with closeup photo of him Houston photo is signed in dark area against his suit, otherwise both are Exc.
34. “Will Osborne” pair of signed publicity photos with handwritten signed list of favorite bands and. two small candid photos. Five items. Publicity photos are each approximately 8x10". One shows him in tuxedo with printed caption “Will Osborne And His Orchestra” with MCA logo and is signed at upper right “To Harry-Sincerely Will Osborne” in clear area. A few letters of autograph have very few smears and surface of photo has a few lt. rubs, mostly just visible in reflected light. Fine/VF. Second photo is by Seymour and is signed in blank area at bottom “To Harry Best Wishes Again Will Osborne”. Photo has a few lt. handling creases and a few very lt. surface scuffs just visible in reflected light. VF. Top 10 favorite orchestras list is filled out in lead pencil on lined paper and signed “Will Osborne” at bottom. Osborne lists his top two favorite bands as Tommy Dorsey and Jimmy Dorsey and lists himself at #7. Sheet has been glued to scrapbook page and has some lt. creasing with .75x2.25" piece clipped off at lower left corner. Good/VG. Last two photos are 2.25x2 3/8". One shows Osborne standing in front of doorway, and the other shows him closeup wearing bow-tie. Second photo has emulsion yellowed from age, otherwise both are VF+.
35. “Vocalist and Movie Star Nan Wynn” autographed photo and six candid photos plus publicity photo. Eight photos total. 3 7/8x6" candid photo is signed in clear area at right “To Harry, Best Of Luck, Nan Wynn”. Two letters of last name have very slight smear, otherwise Exc. Comes with group of six photos taken the same day showing her in flowered dress by herself and with family members. Five photos are 3.25x5.25" and one is same photo, though reduced, as larger signed photo. Other images include her with parents and brothers, one with dog who is sitting up, and two identical photos of her relaxing on couch. Next photo is 4x6" larger reprint of her with family. Smaller photos are date stamped May 14, 1942. All are Exc. Last photo is 8x10" publicity shot showing her a few years later. Reverse side has pencil caption “York Sunday-Women Mrs. Nan Wynn Small”. Image area has a few crop marks as done for publication, otherwise VF+.
36. “Bill Marshall” autographed publicity photo. 5x7" with image of Marshall wearing suit and facsimile signature at lower right. Reverse side has been signed in pencil “To Harry A Swell Kid Best Of Luck In The Newspaper Field Plus Otherwise Sincerely Bill Marshall”. Just beneath is additional pencil signature “Ditto-Curly Baron Drums”. Reverse side has a few ink notes at lower left, otherwise photo and autograph areas are Exc.
37. “To Harry McLaughlin Maynard Ferguson” autographed publicity photo. 8x10" with nice image of Ferguson blowing on trumpet at microphone has autograph in 4.5" area at lower left corner. Photo has a few lt. handling creases, mostly just visible in reflected light. Upper left corner has tiny piece gone in .5" area from staple removal. Photo overall Fine/VF with Exc. autograph. Comes with two sheet press release dated June 20, 1980 for appearance at the “Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center” in York, Pa.
38. “Paul Whiteman Vocalist Joan Edwards” signed 1942 letter with publicity photo and candid snapshot. Three items. 7x10.5" typewritten letter signed in ink on Joan Edwards’ stationary dated June 5, 1942. Letter mentions Harry’s forthcoming trip to New York City saying “I’m Sure That I Can Arrange To Have You Witness The Hit Parade Broadcast” and gives him directions to CBS Radio Theater on Broadway to pick up two passes. Letter concludes “Melodiously Yours” and is signed in ink. Letter has been glued to scrapbook page and has a few lt. creases. Near Fine appearance. Comes with 8x10" publicity photo with image of her leaning on lectern. Emulsion is a bit yellowed with age and photo has some lt. handling creases mostly just visible in reflected light. Near Fine. Snapshot is 3x3 5/8" showing her back stage with Harry, but his image is mostly whited out due to bad lightly from flash. Otherwise VF.
39. “Benny Goodman Vocalist Martha Tilton” pair of autographed photos along with extensive Benny Goodman Ephemera lot including candid photos. 16 pieces total. Pair of 4.75x6.75" photos are light and dark versions with same image. Light version is autographed “To Harry Sincerely Martha Tilton”, dark version is signed “Martha Tilton “ in blank top margin edge. Group also includes pair of light and dark version 2.5x3.5" snapshots with Tilton and Harry McLaughlin reading newspaper backstage. Comes with 2.5x3.5" image of photo with Harry interviewing Benny Goodman who is wearing tuxedo with caption on reverse noting photo was taken in 1939 at Valencia Ballroom. Comes with 2 5/8x3 5/8 additional photo used for printing purposes which has different image of Harry interviewing Benny Goodman. Next photo is 2.75x4.5" showing Goodman in Tuxedo with woman with pencil caption on reverse noting he is with the Valencia co-owner Sadie Tasslit. Comes with additional enlargement of Goodman portion of photo with Tasslit though image is reversed. Next photo is 8x10" showing Harry once again interviewing Benny Goodman who is holding a cigar. This photo is dated 1959, showing both a bit later in life. Final photo is 8x10" promotional with Benny looking at his clarinet. Photos have a bit of lt. aging here and there with a few minor handling creases but overall photos are VF/Exc. Group comes with three letters from Benny Goodman’s daughter, Rachael Goodman Edelson written between October 5, 1989 and January 20, 1990 with return address of Benny Goodman Foundation on two of the three envelopes. Letters are basically thank you notes to Harry McLaughlin for his contributions. All are folded as mailed, otherwise Exc. Final four items are newspaper clippings on Benny Goodman, two of which were written by Harry McLaughlin in 1959 and one is 1944 folded page from “Stars And Stripes” showing Martha Tilton in pinup pose, All clippings have been folded.
40. “Fred Waring” autogtaphed photo w/13 piece ephemera lot including photos. Autographed photo is 5x7" boldly signed in 3" area at bottom. Photo is by Bob Motter, York, Pa and shows Waring directing The Young Pennsylvanians Chorus. Event was held at the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center October 26, 1980. Comes with additional Bob Motter photo showing Waring looking at model of White House surrounded by candles for display at concert. Group also includes seven full color candid photos, each 3.25x5" relating to Waring’s appearance as Grand Marshal of the York Halloween Parade. Comes with 8x10" publicity photo titled “Mr. And Mrs. Fred Waring” showing him and his wife. Group also includes additional 8x10" publicity photo showing Waring and The Young Pennsylvanians on stage and two smaller promotional photos with one showing him on stage and one showing wearing bow-tie. Group also includes newspaper clipping written by Harry McLaughlin for Harrisburg Evening News dated October 16 detailing singer Judy Brandt’s career with Waring. Next is 7.5x8.5" 1943 typewritten letter on “Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians” letterhead with Chesterfield cigarette logo offering “Private McLaughlin” a copy of our “Our New Infantry Song Man To Man” signed in ink “N. Zimmerman” for Fred Waring. Comes with four page sheet music for the song mentioned. Letter and sheet music have both been folded with some creasing and scattered wear. VG. Autographed photo and all other photos are Exc.
41. “Lorna Wren Flutist” autographed die-cut handbill. 3.5x6" four page folder c.1938 has nice photo of Wren playing flute on front cover. Inside has brief biography and promo text and is autographed in lead pencil at top “Best Wishes To Harry McLaughlin Lorna Wren”. Blank reverse side has narrow 1" bit of missing surface paper from scrapbook removal and 1" horizontal tear near bottom. Near Fine appearance with Exc. autograph.
42. “NBC Radio Singer Mary Small” signed 1936 typewritten letter. 5.25x6" dated September 1936 thanking “Friend” for letter with text including “I Am On The Air Every Monday And Friday At 7 O’clock PM Eastern Daylight Saving Time Over Station W. J. Z.”. Mentions in closing an autograph photo no longer present. Signed in ink at conclusion. Letter has a few folds as mailed and some foxing around sides with bit of wear on blank reverse from scrapbook removal. Good.
43. “10 Member Band” signed 1946 autograph album page. 4.5x5.25" sheet dated April 8, 1946 has been autographed in pencil. Front side has bold autograph “Best Of Luck To Don Phil Stinger Just Another Half-A--ed Drummer”. Reverse side is signed “Don Dwyer, Jack Christensen, Ronnie Cook, Hal Hildebran, Billy Kovalaky, Teddy Beard, Ralph DiLullo Mgr., Paul J. Hummel, Bus. Mg., Bill Plate”. Sheet has edge tear from removal from autograph album and lower right side has faint .75" moisture mark. Autograph areas are clean Fine.
44. “Miscellaneous Unsigned Items” including candid photos, publicity photos and ephemera. Louis Armstrong items include 3.75x5.75" wonderful snapshot showing Armstron in sunlight holding trumpet and handkerchief with shadows in background. Photo has ink date of March 28, 1942 on reverse. .5" vertical tear at top edge just a bit into image area, other photo is VF. Comes with 1995 Louis Armstrong First Day Cover; unopened sheet of “Big Band Leaders Stamps” issued by United States Postal Service with stamps for Count Basie, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and Benny Goodman; two small snapshots of Larry Clinton. First is dated January 2, 1939 showing Clinton with vocalist Bea Wain and Harry McLaughlin and second photo is dated September 11, 1941 showing Clinton playing trumpet on stage; two snapshots of orchestra leader Frank Dailey. One shows him on stage with vocalist Barbara Bush and the other shows him with Bush and Harry McLaughlin; Johnny Desmond 8x10" publicity by Seymour titled “Johnny Desmond Featured With Gene Krupa And His Orchestra”; George Hall pair of two different snapshots dated September 15, 1941 on reverse showing him on stage at microphone; Jimmy Lanceford snapshot dated September 4, 1941 on reverse showing him holding baton at microphone with orchestra nearby; Guy Lombardo group includes long distance snapshot of band playing on stage at York Fairgrounds, Harry McLaughlin and female vocalist 8x10", Guy Lombardo 8x10" photo, and 1972 ticket stub for event held December 12, 1972. Snapshot photo has horizontal crease through center otherwise group is Exc.; Raymond Scott of the Raymond Scott Quintet candid photo. 5.5x7.5" showing Scott playing piano in Yorktowne Hotel lobby has ink stamped date of February 12, 1947 on reverse; Exc.; Bob Zurke 8x10" publicity photo by Seymour. Emulsion is a bit yellowed with age and photo has some lt. creasing most noticeable in corners. Fine; Paul Whiteman and the Modernaires candid snapshot pair. Each is approximately 3.25x4.5". First shows Paul Whiteman on bandstand with baton with microphones in foreground and orchestra in background photo shows vocalist June Edwards in center surrounded by four male members of the Modernaires backstage. Photo is date stamped on back September 11, 1941. Both photos are Exc. Comes with clipped articles by Harry McLaughlin about Whiteman and the band as well as pair of ticket stubs for November 11, 1984 performance; vocalist Frances Carroll pair of candid snapshots. First is 2.25x3.25" showing her with Harry who has written both their names on the photo. Exc. Second photo is 3.25x4.5" showing her seated in hotel lobby wearing floral gown. Photo is date stamped on reverse September 11, 1941. Blank margins have some dust soil, main image area is VF+; Cab Calloway & Duke Ellington candid photos and more. Cab Calloway color photos include one which is 5x7" and six others which are 3.5x4.5". Largest photo shows Calloway talking to Harry McLaughlin and is titled on back “Cab Calloway In Bermuda”. Four of remaining six photos have different images of Calloway including performing at microphone and dancing as well as two of pretty woman who may be his wife. All are c.mid-1970s. Remainder of group includes 3.5x3.5" color snapshot dated October 1968 showing Duke Ellington and pretty girl talking to Harry McLaughlin and his wife. Comes with six different photos, each 3.5x4.75" bw with Duke Ellington pictured in four along with other people. Final item is 8x10" Duke Ellington publicity photo which comes with “Strand-Capitol” 1982 press release for appearance in York, Pa. All items are Exc.; Cozy Cole playing drums candid snapshot. 3.5x5" with nice image of Cole happily playing drums; “Lee Castle Conductor And Star Of His Fabulous Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra” 8x10" publicity photo by Kriegsmann with Castle holding trumpet. Photo has crop marks on top as used for potential reproduction in York Sunday News Newspaper but reverse side says “not used”. Comes with six sheet press release on Dorsey Orchestra and biographical sheet on Castle.; “1000 Years Of Jazz! Featuring The Legends Of Jazz And The Original Hoofers” pair of publicity photos and ticket stub for November 21, 1980 appearance at Strand-Capitol Art Performing Center in York, Pa. First photo is 4.75x8" showing six member band performing, second photo is 8x10" showing men on stage with trumpet and man dancing with top hat and cane. All items are Exc.; “Ozzie and Harriet” 8x10" publicity photo showing the Nelson family comes with 2.5x3.5" “Proset Super Stars Musicard” #83 showing band member twin sons of rock and roll idol Ricky Nelson. Photo and card are Exc. Also includes several folded newspaper obituaries for Ozzie, Harriet, and Ricky with two showing photo of young Harry McLaughlin standing between Ozzie and Harriet; Rudy Vallee candid snapshot trio with newspaper clippings. Each is 3.5x3.5" showing Vallee backstage singing and then reaching for and smoking a cigar. Singing photo comes with sharp 8x10" enlargement and additional 8x10" even more closeup enlargement. All photos are Exc. Comes with folded 1986 Valley Newspaper Obituary and 2002 folded Obituary on Frances Langford; Jazz Pianist and Composer Marian McPartlend 8x10" publicity photo showing her leaning on piano. Lower right of photo has printed sticker with instructions for newspaper reproduction, otherwise photo is Exc.; Vocalist Dick Haymes candid photo with press release and newspaper obituary. Color photo is 3 3/8x 4 3/8" showing Haymes getting ready to go on stage and dated January 1978 on reverse. Exc. Comes with press release for “Roy Radin’s Vaudeville ‘77" show press release about Haymes. Press release has been folded through center and top half is yellowed with age. Fine. Obituary is dated March 30, 1988 trimmed from newspaper; final item is photocopy of “International Trumpet Guild” Magazine from January 2002 with article on Ernest S. Williams which mentions York, Pa trumpet player Don Jacoby. Comes with photocopy of portion album cover back which featured Don Jacoby along with clipped newspaper obituary.
