December 31, 2023

 

One Last Look at the Rockettes and RCMH

Circa 1980

This following article was published in the Westfield Republican/Ripley Review in March 1980 by a writer named Barbara Salthouse for Info, a World of $ense which was a consumer news center.

There was a time when Radio City Music Hall vied with the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty as one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. Between 1932 and 1979, 240 million visitors viewed the spectacles produced at RCMH.  No group of precision dancers on earth ever rivaled the popularity of the Rockettes.  No movie house ever equaled its size.

Sadly, RCMH fell on hard times in the 1970s when its crowds dwindled.  In 1975, it appeared that this famed institution of popular entertainment might close its doors, permanently.

The New York State Urban Development Committee realized the historical and cultural value of the hall made an all-out effort to help Radio City get back on its feet.  Early in 1979, a new corporation was formed to run it.  The new Radio City Music Hall Productions, Inc. quickly set out to establish RCMH as an exciting family entertainment center.

First priority was the complete restoration of the public areas and to return the hall to the magnificent art deco splendor it displayed on its opening night.

During May of 1979, dedicated workmen completed the monumental renovation. Craftsmen installed carpet and wallpaper faithful to the original designs.  Conservators restored three huge murals.  The foyer's glittering gold leaf ceiling was cleaned, balustrades were painted and 6,000 seats were repaired.  In addition, an ambitious new sound system was installed.  

The restorations were well worth the costs and effort.  Experts agree that RCMH contains the most perfectly equipped stage in the world.  No innovation of modern stagecraft has been omitted.  Mechanisms for special effects include rain and steam curtains, a huge circular turntable and three stage elevators.

In addition, the theate also possesses the world's largest pipe organ.  Eight separate rooms house its vast number of pipes, ranging in size from 6 inches to 32 feet tall.  Various instruments attached to the organ include tom-toms, cymbals, chimes, marimbas, drums and even a glockenspiel.

On May 31, 1979 RCMH opened with a totally live full-length extravaganza, A New York Summer, to begin its new life as New York's entertainment center.  The show featured a cast of over 100, more than 1,000 costumes and, of course, the world-famous Rockettes!

The daily 90 minute live shows, always including an appearance by the Rockettes, remains one of the best entertainment bargains in New York City. 

Since this article was written you can now sign up and receive the latest Rockette news, events, offers and much more online.  The box office numbers are as follows: 212-465-6225 or 888-684-3582.

www.rockettes.com

When signing up you will receive the above photo and message.  Don't be left out when following the famous kick line of 36!

 

Graycliff

6472 Old Lake Shore Road in Derby New York

The Graycliff estate was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) and was built between 1926-1931.  It is located about 20 minutes south of downtown Buffalo. Sometimes called "The Jewel on the Lake", Graycliff is sited on a bluff overlooking Lake Erie with sweeping views of the Buffalo skyline and the Canadian shore. Graycliff was one of the most ambitious and extensive summer estates Wright ever designed.  

Graycliff was the summer home of Isabelle R.. Martin (1869-1945) and her husband, Darwin D. Martin. Isabelle was the client of record for Graycliff and was designed for her pleasure. 

Wright also designed houses in Buffalo for fellow Larkin Company executives, William P. Heath and Walter V. Davidson.  The Heath House is located at 76 Soldiers Place in Buffalo and the more modestly built Davidson House (1908) is located at 57 Tillinghast Place in the city's Parkside East Historic District, a neighborhood planned by Frederick Law Olmsted. 

Walter V. Davidson House

Graycliff is one of only five of FLW designs that were built between 1925 and 1935 and the only Wright designed structure built between two other Wright homes, Taliesin in 1914 and Fallingwater in 1936 using stone.  Wright believed stone to be the only true building material and may be why he insisted the Martins incorporate it at Graycliff.  Graycliff is considered to be one of Wright's most important mid-career works in his organic style. Grayliff is a complex of three buildings integrated within an 8.4 acres landscape.  It is located high on a bluff with views of Lake Erie across to Ontario.  The buildings, in Wright's architectural style are set amidst extensive grounds and gardens also designed by Wright.

One of the most infamous examples of organic architecture is FLW's Fallingwater in Mill Run, PA. Built directly over a stream and incorporating a waterfall into the design of the home.  Fallingwater is the epitome of organic architectural design. The quote below by Frank Lloyd Wright certainly applies to Fallingwater pictured below. 

If you have interest in historical architecture, make plans in the new year to visit a home(s) built and designed by FLW.  You will not be disappointed. 

The good building is not one that hurts the landscape, but one which makes the landscape more beautiful than it was before the building was built.

Frank Lloyd Wright

 

 

 

A Special Tour by Kristoffer Polaha

Most women and maybe a few men are catching a Hallmark Channel movie during the holidays.  I recently watched this one and have to say I gave it a 10.  Actress, Bethany Joy Lenz portrays Lucy Hardgrove and actor, Kristoffer Polaha portrays Jack Huston.  

The plot revolves around a magical hourglass that sends modern-day screenwriter, Lucy Hardgrove to the set of the holiday movie classic His Merry Wife. The film follows Lucy as she is hired to write the script for a remake of the holiday movie.  She joins a tour of the grounds and when she knocks over an hourglass, she finds herself transported back in time to 1946. 

When the head of the studio isn't satisfied with the ending Lucy wrote because it deviates from the original's feel-good conclusion, he sends Lucy to Biltmore for research and inspiration.  While there, she unwittingly discovers the ability to travel to the set of the 1940s movie.  After shaking off the initial shock of this turn of events, Lucy embraces this as her chance to uncover the truth about the movie's original ending.  While on set, she and Jack Huston spend time together and become close though her sudden appearance has set off a chain of events that put the production in jeopardy. Before she can return to the present, Lucy must make things right or threaten to alter the future forever.

This movie highlights the wonder and beauty of the largest privately owned house in the United States.  The Biltmore Estate is a 250-room property built for George Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895.  Filmed at Biltmore in January 2023, this Hallmark movie features locations across the historic estate including the Library, Tapestry Gallery, Main Hallway, Staircase Hall, Vestibule, Winter Garden, Banquet Hall, the Conservatory and The Inn on Biltmore Estate.  Biltmore's long history as a film location dates back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, but for the first time Biltmore House has a central role in the storyline of A Biltmore Christmas. Biltmore is mentioned 9 times in the film and 15 days of filming took place at the Biltmore Estate. 

A Scene from A Biltmore Christmas

Eight vintage cars were used during the filming of A Biltmore Christmas; 200 yards of artificial snow were used; 300 Asheville-area locals were hired as extras in the movie; 8,000 plus people submitted applications online to be cast as extras which Hallmark producers said is the most they have ever received.  Four rooms were decorated with a 1940s theme.  Eleven costumes were worn by Miss Lenz.  The most dramatic costume was Lucy's exquiste ballgown created by costume designer, Keith Nielsen.  Nielsen sourced an original Carolina Herrera design specificially for its fabric reminiscent of men's tie patterns of the era.  Modifications included a gathered bust that drapes around the back and the addition of a tiered tulle underlayer.  Lucy's necklace is an original 1930s Czech crystal from the collection of Nielen.  The costume will be on display at The Inn on Biltmore Estate throughout the holidays. 

If you are planning to visit the Biltmore Estate this holiday season, be sure to look for the mysterious hourglass in the library plus several costumes worn by the stars Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha, as well as props from the set on display throughout Biltmore's Christmas season.  For extra-holiday-movie-magic, the decor in the library this year will be based on the 1940s plot line of the movie featuring classic red and green elements with dramatic cascades of silver-sequined tinsel adoring the room's Christmas tree.

Merry Christmas from the Biltmore House

 

 

As 2023 draws to a close .. I extend a very special thank you to Mr. Dan Dalpra who encouraged me to continue writing and to create this blog after creating a blog for the Bemus Bay Pops and for the Chautauqua Lake Pops. The blog is still online with over 500 stories so if you enjoy music, as most folks do, because it brings joy to our lives ..  the blog link is below to view at your leisure.

chautauqualakepops.blogspot.com

                   

 

The Tradition of Mistletoe at Christmas 

Traditionally, a branch of mistletoe is hung over the doorway of one's home for peace and good luck.  In England, young girls took a mistletoe leaf and put it under their pillows at night.  They would then supposedly dream about a particular boy or man they wanted to marry someday. 

So the custom of kissing under mistletoe seems to comes from jolly ol' England.  The earliest recorded date mentioning kissing under the mistletoe is in 1784 in a song from a musical comedy called "Two to One".  The custom appears to have started around the 1720s.  Mistletoe was also hung on the old English decoration called the Christmas Bough or Kissing Bough which was very popular during the 1700s .. hence the name!

There are illustrations of kissing under the mistletoe in the first book version of A Christmas Carol published in 1843 and this might have helped to popularize the custom.  The original custom was a berry was picked from the sprig of Mistletoe before the person could be kissed and when all the berries were gone, there could be no more kissing!

Tell your Special Someone!

 

The Elf on the Shelf is a fairly new Christmas 'tradition'.  The Elf first made its appearance in the book The Elf on the Shelf:  A Christmas Tradition in 2005.  The book was written by 

Carol Aebersold and her daughter, Chanda Bell and is based on a family tradition that Chanda and her sister, Christa had when they were growing up.  Carol Aebersold had an elf doll that would 'magically' appear in a different part of the house every morning running up to Christmas.  Chanda and Christa were told the Elf was watching them and it would tell Santa Claus it they hadn't been nice.

In 2004 the book was written telling the story of the Elf being sent by Santa to watch over Chanda and Christa.  The book was published in 2005.  The official book comes with an Elf.  There are two rules with the elf:  You can't touch the elf or it will lose its magic and the elf moves when children are asleep.

Folks who own Elfs on the Shelf create many settings for their Elf during the holiday season.  Here are two of their creative ideas plus a gingerbread creation from Elf on the Shelf.  Enjoy!

                      Wurlitzer Organ .. Stage Left .. RCMH                    

 

Wurlitzer Organ .. Stage Right .. RCMH

Wurlitzer Organ Company North Tonawanda NY

Opus 2179 (1932)

Electro-Pneumatic Action

4 Manuals, 58 Ranks

When Radio City Music Hall was planned in the early 1930s, S.L. Roxy Rothafel, chief of architecture and construction for the hall and its "sister" Center Theater at Sixth and 49th planned to install the largest theater organ ever built.  He was best aquainted with the Kimball Organ Company having given this firm the contract for three organs at the great theater bearing his name on Seventh Avenue so Kimball was contacted to bid on a large organ for the Music Hall.  Legend has it that the Rockefeller board of trustees felt that the most prestigious theater in the country should have an organ built by the country's top theater organ company so the contract was eventually awarded to the Wurlitzer Organ Company of North Tonawanda, NY.  Strange as it may seem, the Kimball specification was retained. Even though the organ was built by Wurlitzer, this may have been the influence of Roxy, but what really transpired is unknown today.  Although Kimball built many theater organs, they never built the pure, thoroughbred theater organ that Wurlitzer did.

The organ is played by two identical four-manual consoles which are completely independent of each other and can sustain separate registrations, unlike the more usual installation in which a second console was a slave to the first.  Its 4,178 pipes are installed in eight chambers divided on either side of the stage.

 

 RCMH .. NYC

More than 300 million people have come to the Music Hall to enjoy shows, movies, concerts and special events. There is no place like it to see a show or stage a show.  Everything about it is larger than life!

Radio City Music Hall is the largest indoor theatre in the world.  Its marquee is a full city-block long.  Its auditorium measures 160 feet from back to stage and the ceiling reaches a height of 84 feet.  The walls and ceiling are formed by a series of sweeping arches that define a splendid and immense curving space.  Choral staircases rise up the sides toward the back wall.  Actors can enter there to bring live action right into the house.  There are no columns to obstruct views. Three shallow mezzanines provide comfortable seating without looming over the orchestra section below.  The result is that every seat in Radio City Music Hall is a good seat! 

The Great Stage is framed by a huge proscenium arch that measures 60 feet high and 100 feet wide.  The stage is considered by technical experts to be the most perfectly equipped in the world.  It is comprised of three sections mounted on hydraulic-powered elevators.  They make it possible to create dynamic sets and achieve spectacular effects in staging.  A fourth elevator raises and lowers the entire orchestra.  With the perimeter of the elevators is a turntable that can be used for quick scene changes and special stage effects.

The shimmering gold stage curtain is the largest in the world.  For more than sixty-five years audiences have thrilled to the sound of the "Mighty Wurlitzer" organ, which was built especially for the theatre.  Its pipes, which range in size from a few inches to 32 feet are housed in eleven separate rooms.  The Hall contains more than 25,000 lightis and features four-color stage lighting.  And what's a show without special effects?  Original mechanisms stil is use today make it possible to send up fountains of water and bring down torrents of rain.  Fog and clouds are created by a mechanical system that draws steam directly from a Con Edision generating plant nearby.

Radio City quickly became the favorite first-run theatre for moviemakers and moviegoers alike.  Radio City's huge screen and widely spaced seats make it the ideal movie house.  Since 1933 more than 700 movies have opened and include the original King Kong. National Velvet, the film that secured Elizabeth Taylor's hold on the silver screen. White Christmas; Mame and Breakfast at Tiffany's.  To Kill an Mockingbird, starring former Radio City Music Hall usher, Gregory Peck; Mary Poppins; 101 Dalmatians and The Lion King. 

When the stock market crashed in 1929, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. held a $91 million, 24-year lease on a piece of midtown Manhattan property known as "the speakeasy belt".  Plans to clean up the neighborhood by building a new Metropolitan Opera House on the site were dashed by the failing economy and the business outlook was dim.  Nevertheless, Rockefeller made a bold decision that would leave a lasting impat on the city's architectural and cultural landscape!   He decided to build an entire complex of buildings on the property with buildings so superior that they would attract commercial tenants even in a depressed city flooded with vacant rental space.  The project would express the highest ideals of architecture and design and stand as a symbol of optimism and hope.

The search for a commercial partner led to the Radio Corporation of America, a young company whose NBC radio programs were attracting huge audiences and whose RKO studios were producing and distributing popular motion pictures that offered welcome diversion in hard times.  Rockefeller's financial power and RCA's media might were joined by the unusual talends of S.L."Roxy" Rothafel.  Roxy had earned a reputation as a theatrical genius by employing an innovative combination of vaudeville, movies and razzle-dazzle decor to revive struggling theatres across America.  Together, Rockefeller, RCA and Roxy realized a fantastic dream .. a theatre unlike any in the world and the first completed project within the complex that RCA head, David Sarnoff dubbed "Radio City".  Radio City Music Hall was to be a palace for the people.  A place of beauty offering high-quality entertainment at prices ordinary people could afford.  It was intended to entertain and amuse, but also to elevate and inspire.

Donald Deskey wasn't the most celebrated interior designer to enter the competition for design of the Music Hall's interior spaces.  He was relatively unknown, but from the moment of opening night when visitors passed through the lobby and entered the Grand Foyer, his popular legacy was secured.  In his design for the Hall, Deskey chose elegance over excess, grandeur above glitz.  He designed more than thirty separate places, including eight lounges and smoking rooms each with its own motif.  Deskey himself designed furniture and carpets and he coordinated the design of railings, balustrades, signage and decorative details to complement the theatre's interior spaces.  He used a brilliant combination of precious materials (marble and gold foil) and industrial materials (Bakelite, permatex, aluminum and cork).  The strength of his achievement is reflected in how well the theatre has maintained its character over time.  It was a remarkable example of contemporary design in its day and it still has the power to take one's breath away, today.  It remains elegant and sophisticated. 

The stairs leading down from the Grand Foyer

Ezra Winter's "Fountain of Youth" Mural on

the Grand Staircause

The house steals the show and Deskey's masterpiece of American Modernist design continues to receive rave reviews. 

One New York critic reports approvingly .. It has been said of the Music Hall that it needs no performers". 

 

Rockettes circa 1950s

Emma Stiffler Bishop, Former Radio City Music Hall Rockette 

Emma Stiffler is the founder, director and instructor of Centerstage Dance Studio located at 79 East Main Street in Westfield, New York. Bishop was asked to be the Grand Marshall in the recent "Let There Be Light" holiday parade held in Westfield on November 18.  The community was honored that Emma agreed to be this year's Grand Marshall, 2023.

Emma's family moved to Westfield in 1948.  She graduated in 1955 from Westfield Academy and Central School and at 18 years of age Emma headed to the Big Apple to study dance with a dream of becoming a Radio City Music Hall Rockette.  Her dream came true .. between 1958 and 1960 she was a RCMH Rockette when admission to the show was only $1.50!

On September 3, 1960 she married Ronald Cameron Bishop, Jr. in Cherry Tree, PA.  Ron was the curator of Radio City Music Hall's Grand Organ and was CEO of his own pipe organ maintenance business for more than 40 years. The RCMH Grand Organ is a Wurlitzer and is the largest organ to ever leave the Wurlitzer plant located in North Tonawanda, NY until 1975.

In 1985, Emma and Ron visited Westfield and attended her 30th class reunion.  Two years later in 1987 Emma moved back to Westfield from New Jersey with her husband.  Emma opened a dance studio and since then, through music and dance, she has touched the lives of many local dancers of all ages and their families.  Emma is a kind and caring teacher allowing her to be an excellent role model to her students. Her talents are showcased by her students in every performance held at the dance studio.  Perhaps one day, a student of Mrs. Bishop's may take her place in that famous kick line of 36.

Upon entering her studio one can view the many black and white photos of her years in New York City as a Rockette.  One in particiular, shows Emma with ..  Mr. Frank Sinatra.  Today, Emma keeps in contact with her fellow dancers as a member of the Rockette Alumni Society.

During Emma's three years as a Rockette quite a few famous people appeared at the openings .. Danny Kaye, Cary Grant, Liberace, Ginger Rogers and Jamestown's hometown star, Lucille Ball.

Before Emma directed her sights on the Big Apple she was working at the former Olympia Restaurant on Main Street in Westfield where she picked up a copy of The American magazine.  An article and picture on the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall so fascinated the young woman she dropped her studies as a concert pianist at Fredonia State University to audition for the Rockettes with little dance training behind her.

When Emma went to New York City her first audition ended in rejection.  The next three years brought extensive study in ballet, jazz and tap dancing at night while working for a legal firm during the day.  She was invited back for another audition in 1958.  When she auditioned the second time, she was up against 100 other dancers and was the only one chosen that time!  The month was March and the year was 1958.  In a Westfield Republican dated August 22, 1985 Emma is quoted with these words .. "Dancing was so much fun, we almost felt guilty taking our paychecks".

The line kick was just one routine the Rockettes performed, but if it wasn't included in a show the Music Hall could count on letters from disgruntled fans. 

The word 'kick', I think made them famous and is synonymous with the Rockettes. They were as much a part of New York City as the Statue of Liberty.  If you went to New York City, you had to see them.  If not, you really didn't see New York City."

Emma Stiffler Bishop

The following are a few quotes from those who knew Emma growing up in Westfield.

I remember when you went to NYC and became a Rockette.  We were all so proud and happy for you. My Mom and I went to NYC almost every Spring.  We always went to the Easter show.  Emma Stiffler to me.   

Joan Storms Leopold

My brother, Robert Stimson, who I believe went to school with you, went to NYC to see the Christmas show with the Rockettes many times.  Love it.  

Virginia Imm

Westfield is blessed to have her. 

Sharon Kresge Greene

Emma is absolutely beautiful. What Emma teaches is priceless.

Kerry Chambers

Lovely lady.  So much talent.

Patricia Burgess

I have enjoyed giving back to the town that has given so much to me.

Emma Stiffler Bishop

In an article written by Dave Prenatt in the Jamestown Post-Journal from July 6, 2017 it tells of the Centerstage Dance Studio celebrating 30 years. At that time, Emma had taught thousands of students and directed countless performances though the story went back much further both in terms on her personal life and her connnection to the building, itself.  The building that still houses the dance studio is a 100 year old plus structure now. It was known then and is still known today as the "Bishop Building" in the Chautauqua County Historical Society Register.  Many recall it as the former Grange Hall. Bishop's parents both belonged to the Grange.  When Emma was in high school, there was a woman from Buffalo who came to Westfield once a week and taught dance.  As I mentioned earlier in this post, Emma studied dance in NYC for three years before becoming a Rockette.  I have since learned she studied tap dance with Jack Stanley and Paul Draper; ballet with Jack Pottiger at Ballet Arts which was the largest dance studio in New York City and jazz dance with Jack Stanley.

The girls had to keep in shape.  One year, while rehearsing for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade I had an honest-to goodness pratfall" said Bishop.  She kept dancing, but went to physical therapy between shows!

You do become like sisters.  You got to know each other really well and you developed very close friendships. There is a Rockette Sisterhood and the members experience a wonderful camaraderie when they reunite.

Emma Bishop

When Emma and her husband, Ron moved back to Westfield they discovered there were no dance studios in the area so Bishop was invited by the director of the YMCA in Westfield to teach classes there.  Later, she opened a small studio in her home.  The demand grew so she and Ron bought the old Grange Hall where Centerstage has remained ever since. Word of mouth is how Emma has acquired many of her students with several of her students having gone on to pursue dance careers or studied dance in college.  One of her alumni even has her own dance studio in the Big Apple.  

Bishop has also instructed many football players who take ballet in order to improve their footwork on the field.  Ballet also teaches them to fall without being injured! When football players or other athletes first take hold of the ballet bar, they seem awkward and out of place, but as they go through the course, they are transformed.  

The joy of sharing dance with others is my greatest reward.  I get in that room with a bunch of kids I don't think of anything else.  I would not trade it for anything. Studying dance offers many benefits to children.  Perhaps the greatest benefit is teaching a child how to work to accomplish something new.  Kids work on something that is complicated and then suddenly they've got it.  You would think you had handed them a million dollars.

Emma Bishop