Let’s take a look back to the Friday, March 22, 1946 concert held at the Minnesota Armory. As many of you will remember, the Armory served as the home of the DSSO for many years until the DECC opened fifty years ago in 1966. The offices of the DSSO were confined to about 400 square feet in suite 712 of the Alworth Building on Superior Street where our monthly rent was likely about $15.00 and which space has since been absorbed by one of Duluth’s largest law firms, the Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith and Frederick law firm who have been long time supporters of the DSSO and who have served as our council and encouraged many partners to serve on our board of directors.
I recently found a concert program for the March, 1946 concert and found it to provide a great snapshot in time…both of the symphony and of the City of Duluth. 1946 was the 13th season of the orchestra and was season long celebration of the end of World War II, which ended on September 5, 1945.
Of the ads I found most interesting was that placed by First Federal Savings and Loan. Not only did the ad welcome veterans back, but it promoted special loans for returning soldiers and provided the name and telephone number of an loan officer for evening questions a vet may have regarding obtaining a new home loan.
Other ads in the program include an ad by the NorShor Theater promoting the “Road to Utopia” staring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour…while down the block, the Garrick was showing “Spellbound” with Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck.
The copy in many of the 1946 ads is amusing:
Allenfall’s ad states that men who appreciate fine music naturally wear fine clothes.
Victor Records’ ad promotes records so that you can hear the music you want when you want it.
United Dairies at Melrose 6384 promotes the introduction of homogenized milk.
Arco Coffee’s ad states that music hath charm and so does a delicious cup of Arco Coffee
Elliott’s Zenith Meats are listed as being Extry Good!
Minnesota Power encourages you to modernize electrically-starting with your kitchen
The Spalding Hotel invites you to dance the evening away after the concert in the Glad Room
Other advertisers whose names may set you on a trip down memory lane include Bruen’s Department Store, Bolton-Swanby Co. (Chevrolet dealer), Brander’s Music Shop, Master Furriers, the 415 Restaurant, Kreiman’s Book Store and the Coolerator Company.
The DSSO has been an important part of the cultural make-up of Duluth since 1932 and continues to be a part of the tapestry of quality of life we enjoy. Please consider including the DSSO in your estate plans to ensure that we are around for the next 84 years. 2017 marks the 85th Anniversary of the symphony…expect something unexpected.
Tauno Hannikainen was the conductor for the 1945-1946 season and there were 89 members of the orchestra listed in the program.
