It's not often we receive a photo with identities! Pam (Rex) Hanson sent the below photo in from her mom, Elaine Rex. Elaine remembers that she got it from Thelma Dresselhuis some years ago.
Research in the Odebolt newspaper archives has revealed that the event was the "WOMANLESS WEDDING", presented at the Princess Theater on Main Street on Friday, November 5th, Saturday, November 6th and, because it was such a big hit, on Monday, November 8th in the year of 1926. About 70 Odebolt men took part in the presentation. The event was sponsored by the Odebolt Library Board who received $163.23 for their efforts. This would $2,340.04 in 2020!
The Odebolt Chronicle, October 28th, 1926
LOCAL PEOPLE PRESENT PLAY - "Womanless Wedding" Sponsored by Local Library
Board, Promises to be Unique Event.
Who will be the blushing bride in the "Womanless Wedding?"
Gowned in white satin with a long veil and train, who will be the lovely
doll-like bride in this humorous play at the Princess Theater, Thursday and
Friday evenings, November 4 and 5?
The identity of the unfortunate bridegroom is being kept a secret. Seventy
Odebolt men will cast aside their sombre business suits and will assume the
apparel of matrons, vampires and fashion plates for the entertainment, which, it
is said will be the funniest ever produced here. Through the aid of cosmetics
and costumes the men will be transformed into dazzling beauties.
The director of the Sympson Levie company of Bardstrom, Kenntucky, arrived in
town Tuesday, and has already lined up the cast of characters. Who will be the
English butler, who announces each guest? First comes the weeping mother, who is
followed by the bad little brothers. The old maid aunt makes her appearance
known as a sinuous vampire until Theda Bara arrives in a beautiful evening
dress, accompanied by a 1926 flapper. These dazzling creatures almost entice the
hen-pecked husband away from his little wife. Mary Pickford then arrives nd is
met by President Coolidge. After Galli Curi sings, the bridal party enters and
the bride and her fiance are united in the holy bonds of macaroni.
Reserved seats on sale at Engstrom's Drug Store Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock.
The Odebolt Chronicle, November 4th, 1926
RECORD TICKET SALES (excerpt)
Never in the history of entertainments in Odebolt has there been such a demand
for seats as there has been this week for the Womanless Wedding. So great is the
demand in fact, that it is necessary to give the entertainment the third night,
in order to accommodate those who wish to see the unique preformance.
When tickets went on sale at 9 o'clock Tuesday morning at Engtroms drug store,
there was a big crowd on hand, who were lines up for the sale. 500 tickets were
sold in the first half hour and before noon every seat was sold. The seats for
Monday night will be on sale at Engstroms at 9 o'clock Saturday morning.
J.H. Feldhans, owner and manager of the Princess theater, has kindly consented,
at a loss to himself, to cancel his film for Monday evening in order that
everyone in the community, who desires, may see the Womanless Wedding. [Mr.
Feldhans played the piano during the production!]
Click for the Chronicle's Review of the production.
Click for the Cast of Characters.
Click the photo to enlarge it. Once it opens, click it again!
Here is a list of the men from the names beneath the photo. It is unknown who
wrote the identities.
In front, seated: Leonard Bruning??, Joe Feldhans [we believe
this is an error; instead of Joe Feldhans, this is Fred Hostetter, who played
"The Flapper of 1926.]
First Row from left
Albert Fisher, Almer Noyd. Budix Reynolds, Bill Kistler. Oscar W. Larson. J.B.
Hatch. Rico [Roscoe] Hedberg, unknown,
A.M. Sanders. Bert Pearson. Shorty (Alvin) Krusenstjerna
Second Row:
Marvin Friday (colored), Nick Anson, Cliff Roose (colored), John Ries, Floyd
Kallmer [Kalmer], Rufus Fox, Floyd Rex, H.E. McBride, Walter Wadsley, Dr. Hart,
Bob Williams, Otto Districh
Third Row:
J.L. Bruce, Bruce Sheldon, Earl Ellis, Dr. White (Dentist), J.A. Engstrom, Denny
Johnston, John F. Buehler, August Reuber, John Einspahr, Barney Larson (baby)
Forth Row:
Rev. Van Meter, Ben Einspahr, Kenneth Bryant (dentist), Charlie Kruser. Knutson
[?Eric Knudson?]. Leo Beck, Bob Long. Paul Wagner. Jim McCorkindale, (Groom),
Harry
Speigel (Bride), Charlie Warswick [Warwick], Elmer Olson, A.W. Lewis, Fred
Hostitlar [Hostetter], Fred Einspahr, William Newman, Fred Frevert. Russ
Krusenstjerna
Fifth Row:
C,S, Cathart, Frank Mattes (colored), E.A. Gustafson, Emil Ruebner, Eddie Roose,
Chris Barclay, Ken McCorkindale,
A.B. Trader [Traeder], O.A. Huglan, Ike Selby, Fred Gilbert, Ira Martin, H.E.
Knutson, M.N. Paul
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