HAPPY NEW YEAR !
It's become a News Years Eve tradition in many families to turn on the T.V. set just before midnight, put on a party hat, and watch the ball fall in Times Square to usher in the New Year. Well, before television, that just wasn't possible.
Back in the late 1930's and early 1940's some local families celebrated New Years Eve by going to the Community Theater in Tuckerton. It was even possible to "visit" New York City as evidenced by the feature film 52nd Street which highlighted the Community Theater's December 31, 1937 New Year's Eve show. It didn't have the ball dropping at Times Square, but it did take place in New York City and featured an all star cast of 20 stars. Extra added attractions, to heighten the New Year's celebration, were Charlie McCarthy & Edgar Bergen in "At the Races" and Our Gang in "Maile and Female." And with ticket prices at 25 cents for adults and 15 cents for children, the whole family could could enjoy themselves for less than a buck. I wonder if the theater provided party hats?
Pete S.
Tuckerton Beacon - December 30, 1937