read–The Hayshakers — Charlie Finner click
In spite of rain, 600 persons attended the dance sponsored by the N.L.A.S. In their hall on the fair grounds On Saturday night. The music was supplied by the C.F.R.A. Happy Wanderers starring Bob King,! and Ward Allan. Dances will continue each Saturday night with Almonte Hayshakers supplying the music.
I was reminded of days like this when we would be listening to Rough Rider football on CFRA with Ernie Calcutt. Frank Ryan who owned CFRA was a son of Almonte. Given CFRA’s connection to the valley-remember the Happy Wanderers and Frank Ryan’s farm reports?- I thought Frank Ryan deserved a mention–Lou Chapman
I met Tom Gardiner, at a place outside of town He dropped by, to help me make some sounds Said; you’re the hotshot, who thinks he can play & sing I don’t have time for talking, just make those darn strings ring.–Lyle Dillabough
I was reminded of days like this when we would be listening to Rough Rider football on CFRA with Ernie Calcutt. Frank Ryan who owned CFRA was a son of Almonte. Given CFRA’s connection to the valley-remember the Happy Wanderers and Frank Ryan’s farm reports?-
February 18 ·
The Happy Wanderers were among the Ottawa Valley’s earliest country & western groups — popular on CFRA radio, and as a showband performing at various venues throughout the Ottawa and Western Quebec regions.
There were several different personnel changes during the group’s existence…this is believed to be the first lineup (check next post for a different configuration).
Pictured here (front L/R) Vince Lebeau, Bob King, Ken Davidson, (back L/R) Ward Allen, Joe Brown, Ken Reynolds).
(Photo Courtesy: Larry Delaney Photo Archives)
November 4, 2014 ·
CFRA AM The Happy Wanderers mid 1950s Ottawa http://www.broadcasting-history.ca/index3.html
June 20, 2020 ·
Cfra…and the happy wanderers !!!!….
Perth Remembered
February 1, 2016 ·
Dave White shared the photo on the top of his Uncle Les Nield’s band “The Stardusters”. This was a very popular horn band in the area through the 40’s and early 50’s. They played the swing tunes of the day, but would also play square dances. In the picture, in back, is drummer, Buck Emerson. In front, left to right, Jim White, (Dave’s Dad) guitar singer and caller, Les Nield, saxophone and violin, Ab Duncan, saxophone, and Les Bostian, piano. The Orchestra played at many venues all over the region and were a staple at the many events and dances held at the Perth Town Hall.
I found this ad from in the Perth Courier, November 1943. Also an article in 1945 that tells of the Firemen’s Assembly that was held at Perth Town Hall which was an annual event and greatly enjoyed by large numbers of town and district folks approximately 300 couples totaling 600 “tripped the light fantastic” to the always popular music of the Stardusters’ Orchestra with Mr. James White of Innisville, master of ceremonies and “caller-off”. DB
March 18 ·
Left to right: Don White, Ray Hynes, Ed White, Merle Smith, Scotty Ferguson
releated reading
June 1957 –Documenting the Happy Wanderers CFRA
read–The Hayshakers — Charlie Finner click
Reserve Me a Table –The Silver Fox –Ron McMunn
Memories with Thee Duces — David Lugsdin
Cruisin Through the Dance Halls- From Carleton Place and Beyond!! Larry Clark
The Dawn Patrol on Local Dance Halls
Dance Hall Days with The Coachmen
Down At the Twist and Shout–Wave’s Inn
Straight Outta Carleton Place High School — Wava McDaniel Baker
Lanark County Dance Halls 1950s, 60s & 70s
The Coachmen Return!!! Born to be Wild Circa 1985
The Day I Tried to Long Tall Sally Paul McCartney
Back to The Future — Twisting Your Dignity Away
Saturday Date with “Thee Deuce” in Almonte
The Canadian Beatles aka The Beavers- Mike Duffy was their Road Manager –Bands of the 60s
He Died Stepdancing in Franktown
Dueling Shoes and Fiddles and Step Dancing Contest July 15 1974
He was a Step Dancing Legend from Up da Line..
Gilles Roy-Step Dancer Extraordinare
Notes of Lanark County Dances and Fiddlers
The Fred Astaire of Carleton Place — John Stanzel
Christopher Gower — The Baryshnikov of Carleton Place
What Happened to John Liddle?
lindaseccaspina 