Village Squire, 1977-07, Page 9wrap gauze and even some of the gauze itself.
"ihc Dumbells themselves came to life under the direction
of Capt. Merton Plunkett, a former YMCA social director who
was to head the group not only during the war but in later
years when it reached triumphant success with the civilian
population. The Legend has it that there were eight in the
first Dumbell group, though now the names are hard to
confirm. One of the first. however, was Hamilton. Other early
members were tenor Bill Tennant, Ted Charters, Bertram
Langly, George Thorn. Alan Murray, Al Plunkett (the
captain's brother) and pianist -prop man Jack Ayre.
Ayre was the last surviving member of the original group
and died in May. shortly before the rehearsals for the show
began but not before he had passed along a lot of his music to
the Festival people.
It was after the war that Mr. McLaren joined the group
along with the only other surviving member, Bill Redpath of
Scarborough. Later came Red Newman and Jerry Brayford,
Leonard Young and Pat Rafferty.
The troupe went to London on invitation to entertain the
King of Belgium then was engaged to play professionally at
the London Coliseum. It was to open ahead of Serge de
Diaghilev's Original Russian Ballet, but applause for the
Dumbells was so enthusiastic that the ballet found it an
impossible act to follow and insisted the Canadians continue.
Capt. Plunkett brought the group back to Canada and
approached the impressario Ambrose J. Small, who owned
several theatres, about staging the show here. He had to raise
the funds for the show himself before Mr. Small would agree.
Previews in Owen Sound and London were enthusiastic so the
show opened in Toronto on Oct. 1, 1919. After that there were
tours across the country including 44 weeks of one-night
stands, Mr. McLaren recalls. Among them was a trip by river
to an isolated British Columbia town but the vessel they were
on broke down and they arrived late for the show. The
OgIM12
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Royal Doulton - Hummel
Coal Port - Dresden
Worchester - Figurines
Gifts - Collectors Plates
Wedgwood
1 3i'IrnuE of 4 taLf
MONKTON
Phone 347 - 2944
Also Targe selection of Antiques
"Cash for Antiques or Collections"
{
JAlt
uidee3
When in Goderich for the 150 Birthday
"COME HOME DAYS"
We invite you to drop in and see our many Specials which will
be on display for the occassion
•Carpet
•Inlaid
•Paint
•Wallpaper
*Sundries
Be sure when in the store to visit
Lodge Lamp Gallery on the second floor.
BROWNS DECOR CENTRE
33 WEST ST. GODERICH
Phone 524-7117 Master Charge & chargex
"Have an enjoyable Summer"
GIFTS
for that all
important
occasion
25-40-50
Anniversary
Full line of Watches, Diamond Rings, Stone rings
and Gold Jewelry.
New colours in Costume Jewelry —Now in Stock
REPAIRS TO ALL MAKES OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS
DONE ON THE PREMISES
EXPERT REPAIRS TO YOUR JEWELRY OR
HEIRLOOM
We service what we sell
STANFORD JEWELLERS
187 Main St. W., Listowel
291-4561
VILLAGE SQUIRE/JULY 1977. PG. 7.