Name/Title
War Bond RallyEntry/Object ID
2004.44.214Description
According to a newspaper article July 30, 1942 front page. The radio comedians and movie star team of Abbott and Costello would be coming to Manitowoc August 7, 1942 (Friday) for a war bond rally. At the time the location of the rally was still undetermined. The article stated they would arrive in Manitowoc and make no other appearance except for the bond rally.
A newspaper article August 5, 1942, Page 3 the comedy team was due in Manitowoc late Friday afternoon (August 7) and they would make only one appearance here. The location of the rally was Washington Park and the Manitowoc Marine Band would be there for a concert prior to the comedy team’s appearance. A large crowd of 6, 000 to 8,000 people were expected.
According to a newspaper article August 8, 1942, it stated that both Abbott and Costello had a penchant for collecting police badges. While at the bond rally they were made honorary members of the Manitowoc Police Department by Chief J.J. Kuplic who then pinned bright shinny star badges on their lapels. The same article stated before a crowd estimated to be 5, 000 people Abbott and Costello raised $25, 000 in war Bonds and stamps.
In this photo, taken on the steps in the Hotel Manitowoc where both Abbott and Costello stayed while in Manitowoc is 1. Captain of Detectives Frank Tomchek, 2. Bud Abbott, 3. Police Chief James J. Kuplic 4. Lou Costello, 5. Frank Kuhl former Manitowoc resident and was State Director of the Bond Drive, 6. local attorney Fred Dicke. Fred Dicke may have been some type of war bond official that he appeared in other photos.
See other photosMade/Created
Artist
Unknown Manitowoc Police DepartmentDate made
Apr 7, 1942