Old Soul Retro Times

We're on Bloglovin'

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Thu, 14 May 2020 11:22:00 +0000

Old Soul Retro has been curating retro stories since 2012. The love and passion of the past still burns in our hearts and minds.

You can find us at our new home at oldsoulretro.com/blog.
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Old Soul Retro Times Blog Has Moved

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 09:00:00 +0000

We've moved. We outgrew this space and moved to a bigger home.

Come check out our new and improved blog @ oldsoulretro.com/blog As well as our new series "Retro Eye Candy" and "Peachy Keen Time Machine".

At Old Soul Retro we've created our own little internet time machine and are helping people relive the past. Nurturing the old soul with stories from yester-years, nostalgic insights, vintage images, retro inspired fashion tips, shopping guides and more.

We welcome you to join us, as we take a trip down memory lane at oldsoulretro.com.

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The Real Life Hollywood Canteen

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 12:52:00 +0000

The Hollywood Canteen was not just a movie. It was based on a real club created by actor John Garfield, Jules Stein and actress Bette Davis in the 1940s.

During the war, serviceman flooded the Hollywood area. John Garfield and Bette Davis saw a need for free entertainment and refreshments for the soldiers.
With the help of the newly formed financial committee, work got started to find a location. A former horse stable and cabaret nightclub called The Red Barn was chosen, located just off Sunset Boulevard.

Painters paint the exterior just before the grand opening.

The Hollywood Canteen opened its doors October 3,1942. The sign over the door read “Through these portals pass the most beautiful uniforms in the world.”

And beautiful they were. They were also well fed, free food was provided and even served up by Bette herself.

Bette Davis

Jules Steins wife Doris, organized hostesses and dancing partners for the servicemen.

Vivien Leigh

Linda Darnell

Decorations and materials were provided by the local guilds and unions. Neighboring artists and cartoonist painted murals on the walls of the club.

.

Local artist paints mural inside the Canteen

It was truly a Hollywood collaboration for the War effort. Over 3,000 from the entertainment industry volunteered.

Imagine the thrill and smiles on the servicemen and women's faces upon entering. A once in a lifetime chance to dance with that favorite movie star, or perhaps be waited on by someone famous.

Rita Hayworth

Bombshells like Paulette Goddard, Veronica Lake, Hedy LaMarr, Jane Russell or Gene Tierney volunteered, just to name a few.

Paulette Goddard

Rita Hayworth

All patrons were provided with a postcard of the Hollywood Canteen at the reception desk. Postage was free and many sent word home of their experiences in the club.

Musical entertainment was superb at the Canteen. With co founder Jules Stein being president of the Music Corporation of America, it was a breeze to book talented artists to join the war effort and play their tunes for the soldiers. Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Lena Horne, Bob Hope, The Andrews Sisters and many more got the music flowing, feet dancing and the soldiers minds off the war.

Frank Sinatra singing with the Harry James band

The Andrews Sisters

It was such a huge success that in less than a year the club celebrated its millionth guest. Sgt. Carl Bell walked through the door one September evening in 1943 and was given the surprise of his life. As the millionth customer, he was smooched by none other than Marlene Dietrich and escorted by Betty Grable.

Marlene Dietrich lays one on the 1,000,000th guest

Betty Grable with 1,000,000th guest Sgt. Carl Bell

Lana Turner, Deanna Durbin, Marlene Dietrich and the 1,000,000th guest Sgt. Carl Bell

Moments like this were inspiration for the movie "Hollywood Canteen" made in 1944. It starred Joan Leslie, Robert Hutton and Dane Clark, with many cameo appearances by the volunteer actors and actresses themselves.

Warner Brother donated forty percent of ticket sales back to the Canteen. The movie was the fourth highest grossing film for 1944.

By the time the war ended the club had been host to almost three million serviceman.

The financial committee had over a half million dollars left in funds when they closed their doors on Thanksgiving 1945.

They created a foundation that still exists today and proceeds go towards continuing helping our servicemen and women.

Unfortunately, it was demolished in 1966 and the original site of the infamous Hollywood Canteen is now a parking garage for the CNN building on Sunset.

John Garfield, Bette Davis

Founders of the Hollywood Canteen John Garfield, Bette Davis and Jules Stein

Footage of the Hollywood Canteen

Celebrities who donated their time at the Hollywood Canteen were:

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello
June Allyson
Don Ameche
Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson
The Andrews Sisters
Dana Andrews
Eve Arden
Louis Armstrong
Jean Arthur
Fred Astaire
Mary Astor
Lauren Bacall
Lucille Ball
Tallulah Bankhead
Theda Bara
Lynn Bari
Diana Barrymore
Ethel Barrymore
Lionel Barrymore
Count Basie
Anne Baxter
Louise Beavers
Wallace Beery
William Bendix
Constance Bennett
Joan Bennett
Jack Benny
Edgar Bergen
Ingrid Bergman
Milton Berle
Mel Blanc
Ann Blyth
Humphrey Bogart
Ray Bolger
Beulah Bondi
William Boyd
Charles Boyer
Clara Bow
El Brendel
Walter Brennan
Fanny Brice
Joe E. Brown
Les Brown
Billie Burke
George Burns & Gracie Allen
Spring Byington
James Cagney
Cab Calloway
Rod Cameron
Eddie Cantor
Judy Canova
Kitty Carlisle
Jack Carson
Adriana Caselotti
Charlie Chaplin
Marguerite Chapman
Cyd Charisse
Charles Coburn
Claudette Colbert
Jerry Colonna
Ronald Colman
Perry Como
Chester Conklin
Gary Cooper
Joseph Cotten
Noël Coward
James Craig
Bing Crosby
Joan Crawford
George Cukor
Xavier Cugat
Cass Daley
Dorothy Dandridge
Linda Darnell
Bette Davis
Doris Day
Yvonne De Carlo
Gloria DeHaven
Dolores Del Rio
William Demarest
Olivia de Havilland
Cecil B. DeMille
Marlene Dietrich
Walt Disney
Jimmy Dorsey
Tommy Dorsey
Irene Dunne
Jimmy Durante
Deanna Durbin
Nelson Eddy
Duke Ellington
Faye Emerson
Dale Evans
Jinx Falkenburg
Alice Faye
Louise Fazenda
Gracie Fields
Barry Fitzgerald
Errol Flynn
Kay Francis
Jane Frazee
Joan Fontaine
Susanna Foster
Eva Gabor
Ava Gardner
Judy Garland
Greer Garson
Lillian Gish
James Gleason
Betty Grable
Cary Grant
Kathryn Grayson
Sydney Greenstreet
Paulette Goddard
Samuel Goldwyn
Benny Goodman
Jack Haley
Margaret Hamilton
Phil Harris
Moss Hart
Helen Hayes
Dick Haymes
Susan Hayward
Rita Hayworth
Sonja Henie
Paul Henreid
Katharine Hepburn
Darla Hood
Bob Hope
Hedda Hopper
Lena Horne
Edward Everett Horton
Ruth Hussey
Betty Hutton
Harry James
Gloria Jean
Anne Jeffreys
Allen Jenkins
Van Johnson
Al Jolson
Jennifer Jones
Marcia Mae Jones
Boris Karloff
Danny Kaye
Buster Keaton
Ruby Keeler
Evelyn Keyes
Andrea King
Gene Krupa
Kay Kyser
Alan Ladd
Bert Lahr
Elsa Lanchester
Angela Lansbury
Veronica Lake
Hedy Lamarr
Dorothy Lamour
Carole Landis
Frances Langford
Charles Laughton
Peter Lawford
Gertrude Lawrence
Peggy Lee
Pinky Lee
Mervyn LeRoy
Vivien Leigh
Joan Leslie
Ted Lewis
Beatrice Lillie
Mary Livingston
June Lockhart
Anita Loos
Peter Lorre
Myrna Loy
Keye Luke
Bela Lugosi
Ida Lupino
Diana Lynn
Marie McDonald
Jeanette MacDonald
Fred MacMurray
Irene Manning
The Marx Brothers
Herbert Marshall
Victor Mature
Elsa Maxwell
Louis B. Mayer
Hattie McDaniel
Roddy McDowall
Frank McHugh
Victor McLaglen
Butterfly McQueen
Lauritz Melchior
Adolphe Menjou
Una Merkel
Ray Milland
Ann Miller
Glenn Miller
Carmen Miranda
Robert Mitchum
Maria Montez
Jackie Moran
Dennis Morgan
Ken Murray
The Nicholas Brothers
Ramon Novarro
Jack Oakie
Margaret O'Brien
Virginia O'Brien
Donald O'Connor
Maureen O'Hara
Oona O'Neill
Maureen O'Sullivan
Merle Oberon
Eugene Pallette
Eleanor Parker
Louella Parsons
John Payne
Gregory Peck
Mary Pickford
Walter Pidgeon
Zasu Pitts
Cole Porter
Dick Powell
Eleanor Powell
Jane Powell
William Powell
Anthony Quinn
George Raft
Claude Rains
Basil Rathbone
Martha Raye
Donna Reed
Bill "Bojangles" Robinson
Edward G. Robinson
Ginger Rogers
Roy Rogers
Cesar Romero
Mickey Rooney
Jane Russell
Rosalind Russell
Ann Rutherford
Peggy Ryan
S.Z. Sakall
Olga San Juan
Ann Savage
Hazel Scott
Lizabeth Scott
Randolph Scott
Toni Seven
Norma Shearer
Ann Sheridan
Dinah Shore
Sylvia Sidney
Phil Silvers
Ginny Simms
Frank Sinatra
Red Skelton
Alexis Smith
Kate Smith
Ann Sothern
Jo Stafford
Barbara Stanwyck
Craig Stevens
Leopold Stokowski
Lewis Stone
Gloria Swanson
Elizabeth Taylor
Shirley Temple
Danny Thomas
Gene Tierney
Lawrence Tibbett
Martha Tilton
Claire Trevor
Sophie Tucker
Lana Turner
Spencer Tracy
Gloria Vanderbilt
Beryl Wallace
Nancy Walker
Ethel Waters
John Wayne
Clifton Webb
Virginia Weidler
Johnny Weissmuller
Orson Welles
Mae West
Alice White
Paul Whiteman
Margaret Whiting
Esther Williams
Chill Wills
Marie Wilson
Jane Withers
Teresa Wright
Anna May Wong
Constance Worth
Jane Wyman
Keenan Wynn
Rudy Vallee
Lupe Vélez
Loretta Young
Robert Young
Darryl F. Zanuck
Vera Zorina

Sources: Wikipedia, Martin Turnbull, The Hollywood Canteen Chat and the New York Public Library Digital Archives.

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Rachel Davies Google+ July 1st, 2014

The History of Saddle Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 07:57:00 +0000

The saddle shoe originated in 1906 by Spalding company. The classic style was soft white leather with a black mid saddle (panel). The original design was used as a gym shoe and for sports.

The black saddle feature was engineered to support the arch and instep. The red rubber sole was added on later for better traction. It was a staple gym, tennis and golf shoe.

I myself remember wearing my saddle shoes as part of my cheer leading uniform back in the day.

During the Lindy Hop/Jitterbug dance craze, the shoe became the choice footwear for dancers.

Its comfortable, roomy fit and ease of movement made them not only functional but fashionable.

Women and teenagers especially loved how versatile they were and mixed and matched them with poodle skirts, pencil skirts, denim and shorts.

Today, saddle shoes are hard to find in your local shoe store or online for that matter, however we found them here. And with diligence, one can acquire their own piece of shoe history and make a statement when they step out.

So get yourself a pair and stir up some good memories. They'll make you feel like you're walking back in time.

Photos courtesy of Flickr and Pinterest

Find all your retro inspired fashion's @ oldsoulretro.com

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Rachel Davies Google+ January 23rd, 2014

Drive In Movies In Danger Of Closing

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 03:37:00 +0000

A beloved drive in near you, may soon be closing. The movie industry's switch to digital projection may find your local drive in' or community theater struggling to come up with the funds necessary to cover the conversion. Costs can run anywhere from $60,000 and up per screen.
And time is running out. Hollywood is set to send out the last of 35mm prints this year.
Soon to be just a faded memory, are the days of film burn and horn honking as the projectionist slices and dices the film. The whole switch to digital is really a sad day in film history. Since 1834 until now every motion picture has been made on 35 mm film. The prospect of this ceasing is worrying. What happens to the old 35mm projectors after the switch is made? If the devices necessary to view 35mm suddenly disappear so does our film history.
And what about the 35mm projectionists? My great uncle was one of them. All his years of experience slicing film and threading it into the platter projection, how will that translate into working with hard drives or dealing with computer issues?
Is this what we have come to? So eager to be out with the old and in with the new, that we will risk losing our heritage? All the grass root efforts to save drive in theaters only to be hit by a new crisis. Forced to conform, pay up, or close.
Its not only impacting drive in's but all theaters. In particular the privately owned small ones. Another case of corporate bullying.
If we don't all get together and do something, all that we will see are the big multiplex corporate movie theaters left. And how much nostalgia do they have? How do they reflect movie history?
Fortunately there is one company that is trying to make a difference. Honda has launched a campaign called www.projectdrivein.com. Its goal is to raise funds for 5 theaters to get the digital projectors for free. They are doing this by a voting system. The voting began in early August and closes September 9.
Please follow the link to support this campaign and also get involved with your local drive in or historic theater to help fund raise.
We must do all we can to preserve our heritage.
I believe there should be more outrage against Hollywood for not embracing both 35mm and digital films. Forcing out 35mm is a drastic measure for the estimated 700 historic movie theaters across the USA.
I also would like to note this is a worldwide problem, as drive ins and theaters in other countries are faced with the same dilemma.
The videos below are one of many pleas from theaters needing your support.

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Rachel Davies Google+ August 25th, 2013

This Is Cinerama

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 00:25:00 +0000

During my childhood in Western New York I remember visiting a "movie attraction" at a local amusement park. It boasted a "realistic experience" of riding a roller coaster and flying.

Curious, we decided to check it out. I recall a circular theater that was standing room only. In front of each row were bars that you could hold onto in case you lost your balance.

As the movie started, I was amazed at just how real it felt. So realistic in fact, that I succumbed to motion sickness and left rather pale and queasy.

The movie I watched so many years ago was the 1950's sensation, "This Is Cinerama".

The technology was revolutionary in its day.

You see, during the late 1940's and early 1950's television was gaining popularity and movie theaters were suffering.Cinemas were losing as much as 40% of their audiences and many were closing down all across the United States.

To try and win back movie goers, the film industry strived to make the big screen, bigger than ever.

The first of the widescreen experiments was Cinerama.

Three 35mm cameras would shoot the scene. Then three projectors would beam the final films side by side on a huge 90 foot curved screen.

The curved shape gave a 3D effect by using the movie goers peripheral vision.

Lastly, stereophonic speakers were placed behind the screen and around the cinema. It gave an amazing realistic effect.

The movie "This Is Cinerama" was the launching film for this new and exciting process.

It was released in 1952, grossed over 20 million dollars and ran for over three years.

Today, there are still a few Cinerama theaters that survived. There is one in Hollywood Seattle, Dayton, Ohio and Bradford, England.

Pacific Cinerama Hollywood

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Rachel Davies Google+ March 31st, 2013

Photobooth Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:51:00 +0000

Buddy Holly

The photobooth brings a smile to all of us. Who can forget squeezing inside one with a bunch of friends, sliding the curtain close and making silly faces?

Believe it or not, photobooths have been around since 1925. The first one was featured by inventor Anatol Josepho, in New York City . It was an immediate success. People lined up around the block to have their photos taken for 25 cents. As many as 7,500 people a day sat inside. Even the Governor and Senator.
Before long, the Photomaton, as it was called, could be found all over the world.
Around the 1950's, complaints started coming in from Photomatons in Woolworth's and other stores. People were getting a little cheeky behind the curtain.
As a result Woothworth's removed the curtains to discourage the thrill seekers.
Nevertheless, the popularity still increased and soon Hollywood caught on to the excitement.
Celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Elvis Presley and even President John Kennedy and his wife nestled inside the booth for a cozy little picture.

Marilyn Monroe 1950's

Elvis Early 1950's

James Dean 1949

Truman Capote, Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer

Waylon Jennings & Buddy Holly, 1959

JFK and Jackie 1959

Miles Davis

In the 90's digital color photobooths came on to the market, but people still preferred the old black and white. Nothing beats a good old fashioned strip of pictures ready in 5 minutes or less. I bet you have one hidden in an old scrapbook somewhere. I know I do.

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Rachel Davies Google+ March 21st, 2013

Titanic Violin Resurfaces

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 01:17:00 +0000

Photo:Bournemouth News

It is one of the most famous stories from the Titanic. Countless recollections of music heard playing as the infamous ship disappeared into the abyss, never to resurface again.

The bravery of those band members, that cold perilous day in 1912, the selfless act they performed, is a testament to the human spirit. To comfort each other in the most horrific times.

Now comes word, that a piece of this history has been found and will soon be displayed in exhibits around the world.

Amazingly, the violin that played "Nearer, My God, To Thee" as the Titanic slipped beneath the icy waters, has been verified as authentic after several years of research and testing.

Wallace Hartley was one of the eight band members to perish on April 14,1912. His body was recovered ten days later.

Wallace Hartley

How the violin came to Wallace Hartley is a bittersweet tale.

Maria Robinson was Hartley's fiancee. They met in 1910. After he proposed, she had given him the violin as a token of her love and had it engraved. It read , "For Wallace on the occasion of our engagement from Maria."

Fiancee Maria Robinson

Research found that Harvey had placed the violin in a leather bag just moments before the ship sank and strapped it around him.

The violin, along with other personal items were returned to Miss Robinson after the sinking. She and his family buried him in his hometown of Colne in the borough of Lancashire, England. Sadly Maria Robinson never married and died alone at age 59.

It's amazing that this violin survived and was returned to Hartley's sweetheart. What is even more astonishing is that it's existence up until recently was never known. The story of it's discovery and journey into the spotlight can be found by clicking here http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/9929996/Violin-played-on-Titanic-revealed-for-first-time.html.

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Rachel Davies Google+ March 18th, 2013

My Interview With Jim Schaeffing

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 05:48:00 +0000

I had the privilege of doing a follow up interview for my blog with Jim Schaeffing. It was such a pleasure to hear first hand his journey in life and art. I found this 92 year old gentle soul ,charming, full of life and inspiring.
He shared with me his life story and I am honored to have the opportunity to put it in words.

Jim Schaeffing was born in 1920. From a young age he always had a fascination with art. As a child he would enter "draw me" contests in magazines. During high school Jim spoke of doing drawings on beer jackets for his classmates.

"Art was all I really knew.When I was in high school I drew and back then the popular thing was beer jackets. They were kind of a white canvas jacket you wore over a sweater or shirt. That was the time of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the kids would want me to draw on their beer jackets."

After high school Jim went on to study at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Around the time when Jim was enrolled, America was in the boom of consumerism. Advertising was beginning to explode. The Art Institute was graduating students who would help design magazine ads and billboards that would entice buyers throughout the country.

While studying in Pittsburgh Jim met his beloved wife, Becky. They would be married for 67 years.

In 1942, as was the case of most young men at this time, Jim enlisted in the Navy. He served at the Naval Air Station in Grosse lle Michigan. After three years he was shipped out to Saipan. In Saipan, Jim sent home for paint and brushes. He made frames for canvas and did portraits for $150.00. He recalls what happened to his profits one day, "I put the money in my locker and rushed to get chow. I left the locker open. When I returned, guess what...the money was gone."

He was discharged in 1945 and from there he went to Jepsons Art Institute in Los Angeles. He studied there for three years.

During this time, Jim remembers visiting his wife's uncle in San Fernando Valley. They went there on weekends. "Her uncle had a large workshop and we built some of our furniture there. It was junky early American style."

At the end of his studies at Jepsons, he took his sample case and he and Becky headed for New York City. He got a job at a small studio, found a basement apartment in New Rochelle, NY and had their first child, Jim Junior.

Through a friend of his, Jim landed an interview with the prestigious Charles E. Cooper Studios. For more information on Cooper Studios visit http://www.atmanart.org/html/charles_e__cooper_studio.html.

When I asked him for details of the interview process he modestly said, "Nothing unusual about the interview. Showed my samples, talked a little. Went back to the other studio and quit." I imagine it wouldn't have been that easy for those with less talent.

I asked Jim about his time at Cooper. He recalled, "Each artist had their own room. The salesman would give you a job, you would pick a model, book your time and shoot your pictures."

Jim did commercial ads and illustrations while at Cooper Studios. He worked with artists Joe De Mers, Coby Whitmore, Jon Whitcomb and Joe Boeler, amoung others. He continued working at Cooper for a few years.

Cooper Studio Ads from Leif Peng

Magazine Article Illustrated By Jim Schaeffing

By this time Jim and Becky had three children, Jim Junior, Karen and Mark. Most of Becky's family was located in the Los Angeles area and they decided to move back west. Jim fondly recalls, "We purchased an old Chrysler Station Wagon, loaded up the three kids with a mattress in the back and set out west. We bought little toys and games for the children to give for each state we crossed. I remember Becky would wash our clothes in the hotel room sink and then hang them out the car window to dry."

Upon arriving in California they found a house in the San Fernando Valley and a studio in Beverly Hills. His landlord was none other than actress Janet Gaynor.

Jim kept busy doing freelance work, until one day he ran into a former art student who was in motion pictures. He told Jim about his job and intrigued, Jim joined the union. He soon landed a job with Disney Studios. The first movie he worked on at Disney was "Darby O Gill and The Little People" starring Janet Munro and Sean Connery.

Jim shares a story with me about meeting Walt Disney. "After working several weeks , my sketches were ready for Disney to approve or disapprove. He walked in the door and after good mornings, the producer said, "We have a new sketch artist." He introduced me and I shook his hand and said, "Nice meeting you Mr. Disney." He looked at me and said, "My name is Walt."

Jim spoke of how fun it was walking the empty back lots of the studios. "The Westerns made you feel you were a cowboy, the castles from Camelot made you feel like a knight".

While at Disney he did portraits as well. He did a portrait of Haley Mills and Roy Disney Jr.'s three children, among others.

When things slowed down at Disney, Jim found work with other studios. With Warner Brothers he worked on Jerry Lewis' "Which Way To The Front" and "Three On A Couch". For Twentieth Century Fox he worked on "Mad Mad World".

One day he ran into actress Tippi Hedren from "The Birds" and he asked her if he could do her portrait. He had known her from his time in New York City, she was a model back then.

Magazine Article Tippi Hedren Illustrated By Jim Schaeffing

When things picked up, he was back at Disney and began working on "Son of Flubber" and "Mary Poppins". Jim spoke of how his job included doing scene studies. The artwork helped to visualize the sets for the films.

Scene Studies for Mary Poppins By Jim Schaeffing

One wonderful story he spoke of was for "Mary Poppins", "While working on Mary Poppins I did the chalk drawings on the sidewalk that Dick, Julie and the children jump into. I remember the workman brought each one of those large cement slabs (18"x 30") up to my studio to do in chalks. I was really excited thinking my work would be seen on screen. Lots of fun working in show business."

Sidewalk Chalk Scene with Jim Schaeffing's Art

On display at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon at Disneyland in California is one of Jim's paintings. He remembers in great detail his interaction with Walt.

"If you go into the Golden Horse Shoe at Disney Land in Anaheim, you will find this painting hung from behind the bar. While working for Disney Studio’s, I was asked to paint this by Walt Disney.
The funny story is that one morning I got a call from Walt’s secretary telling me that Walt wanted to see me. The first thing I thought was “oh hell what did I do now?” Approaching Walt’s office his secretary said to me “go right in”. So in I go and he’s sitting there with my painting.
Remember, the painting was supposed to be an old style nude from the old West around the 1800’s. He looks at me and smiles and says “Jim, this is a great painting but could you cover the top a little bit” and he points to the bare breasts!
I gave a sigh of relief, smiled and said sure and took the picture and walked out and that’s what you see hanging today…that is after I put more clothes on her!"

Jim Schaeffing with his painting at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon

Upon further research, I discovered this painting was used for the movie "Summer Magic" featuring Haley Mills, Dorothy McGuire and Burl Ives.

Movie scenes with Jim Schaeffing's painting

Photos from jansworld.net

After Disney, Jim worked for Los Angeles Water and Power. There he did slides and training films. He worked for them for 19 years.

He also did work for the US Air Force as a member of the Society of Illustrators Club in the fifties. Jim recalls how the Air Force would fly groups of artists to different bases around the world to paint. He was flown to Elgin Air Force Base in Florida. There he remembers receiving first class treatment and painting the workings of the base. In return he gave two paintings to the Air Force. To his knowledge, they are still hanging somewhere in the academy or in storage.

He spoke of his interest in Native American Culture and the many little trips he took to Pow Wows in Montana and Window Rock.

Warrior of the Fox Society By Jim Schaeffing

Jim sold some of his Native American works to Coca Cola and Willard Marriott. One of his pieces hangs in the Navajo Room at the Scottsdale Camelback Marriott.

As with most artists, Jim Schaeffing spoke of recognition of his latest works, rather than his past. In his years of painting he has developed superb skills. He has attended workshops with portrait artist Raymond Kinsler. His favorite subjects, most recently, are of water scenes and landscapes.

Most recent works by Jim Schaeffing

I was amazed at Jim's vitality and sharp wit. In his nineties, he continues to paint every other day. his favorite medium is oil, as he finds it easiest to work with and manipulate.

When I asked him which artists he admires, he replied, "Howard Terpning, Richard Schmid and Clark Hulings."

He lovingly spoke of his wife and how she was his biggest supporter. Becky's family were musicians and her mother gave Jim a few piano lessons. He spoke of how he plays on his little keyboard.

He tells me he has always been a pretty private person. He recalls his days while working at the film studios and how he and Becky would do sidewalk shows. He spoke of how he always had a hard time promoting himself. He said "I figure if they want to know something, they'll ask me."

When asked what he thought of the visual world now and the internet , he spoke candidly.
Jim just recently set up a Face Book page with encouragement from his step grandson Travis. You can check it out at this web address https://www.facebook.com/jim.schaeffing.
He mentions how curious he is to see what comments have been made about his paintings. But admits he is not keen on giving his comments on every topic, or spending much time on the computer. Jokingly, Jim says he is amazed at how everyone seems to have an opinion on everything in the Face Book world.

Sadly, he spoke of his wife's passing in 2010. They were married 67 years. I believe his extraordinary loving relationship with Becky came through in his artwork. His illustrations of couples have a warmth and intimacy that seem to jump right off the paper and touch the soul.

Artwork by Jim Schaeffing

Jim Schaeffing now resides with his daughter and her husband in San Jose, California. It is here that he continues to paint, play piano, and golf. He enjoy's spending time with his family. His three children Jim Jr., Mark and Karen. His grand children Tiffany, Ashley and Brett. And his great grandchild Evan. He mentions he has another great grand child on the way.

Most Recent Photo of Jim Schaeffing

I would like to thank Jim Schaeffing and his family for the help and support they have given me during this process.

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Rachel Davies Google+ January 25th, 2013

Jim Schaeffing Illustrator

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 01:26:00 +0000

Artist Jim Schaeffing's work has been featured in magazines and film studios such as Disney. He studied at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Jepson Art Institute in the 1950's. One of his instructors at Jepson was Rico Legruin. He also studied under Nicoli Fechin.
During his career as a magazine illustrator in New York City he was asked to do a series of paintings for the US Airforce.
When he worked for Disney Studios he did portraits of stars, as well as family members of Walt Disney.

As far as I can tell, by my research, he is still painting today in his studio outside of Sacramento, California.
Jim Schaffing's paintings of couples are heart warming and have a personal, intimate feeling to them. The expressions he captures on his subjects faces tap into the feeling of being in love. They depict life as a married couple and the range of emotions we go through.

I do not own copyrights to these photos. I am merely sharing my love of this artist's works.

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Rachel Davies Google+ January 3rd, 2013

Christmas Toys of the 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:47:00 +0000

Christmas time always bring childhood memories flooding back. We all hold dear those moments as a child, waking up Christmas morning and rushing to the tree to see what Santa left for us.
Personally, the stocking was my favorite. It was the first thing I went for and was never disappointed by the goodies crammed inside. But that is for another story.
Back to the presents under the tree.
There was the year I got my beloved roller skates. I must admit, I found them in the far reaches of my parents closet. Tried them out on the hardwood floors, weeks before Christmas. But I was thrilled nonetheless.
So many awesome toys my sister and I got through the years. There was a Snoopy Snow Cone Machine, Fashion Plates, Weeble Wobble Tree House, a Cher Doll and a Spirograph, just to name a few. Those were the seventies.
Great memories, good times and hours of fun just being a kid.
What are some of your best "Christmas Toy" memories?

1940 Sears Christmas Catalog

1952 Sears Christmas Catalog

1967 FAO Schwartz Catalog

1977 JC Penny's Christmas Catalog

Photos from http://www.wishbookweb.com/

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Rachel Davies Google+ December 18th, 2012

Movies And TV Shows Set In The 1940s,50s,60s

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 04:34:00 +0000

Can't get enough of the bygone eras of the 40's, 50's and 60's?
Here is a list of some movies and TV shows that will take you back in time and leave you with a RETRO vibe.

MOVIES

-Blast From The Past

-Down With Love

-That Thing You Do

-My Dog Skip

-The Sandlot 1 & 2

-The Help

-The Artist

-Stand By Me

-The Outsiders

-Inventing The Abbotts

-My Week With Marilyn

-The Notebook

-Pleaseantville

The Audrey Hepburn Story

-Driving Miss Daisy

-Steel Magnolias

-A Beautiful Mind

-Beyond The Sea

-Big Fish

-The Black Dahlia

-October Sky

-Secondhand Lions

-A Christmas Story

-The Cider House Rules

-Crazy

-The Curious Case Of Benjamin Buttons

-From Time To Time

-A League Of Their Own

-The Others

-The Notorious Bettie Page

-The Pianist

-Once Upon A Time In America

-Ray

-Walk The Line

-La Bamba

-The Buddy Holly Story

-Grease

-A Walk In The Clouds

-The Majestic

-The James Dean Story

-Apollo 13

-Revolutionary Road

-Why Do Fools Fall In Love

-The Temptations

-The Sapphires

-Peggy Sue Got Married

-A Single Man

-Dreamgirls

-Far From Heaven

-Riding In Cars With Boys

-Hairspray

-Catch Me If You Can

-The Kennedys

-Pearl Harbor

-The Hours

-Australia

-The Water Horse

-The Mystery Of Natalie Wood

-The Philadelphia Experiment

-The Comic Book Christmas Caper

-The Last Time I Committed Suicide

-Who Framed Roger Rabbit

-The Aviator

-Devil In A Blue Dress

-Gangster Squad

-The Man Who Wasn't There

-LA Confidential

-Good Night And Good Luck

-Mona Lisa Smile

-Heavenly Creatures

-Cry-Baby

-Porky's

-Susie Q

-Forrest Gump

-Back To The Future

-Three Wishes

-The Long Walk Home

-Northfork

-The Iron Giant

-Where The Truth Lies

-The Man In The Moon

-The Big Town

-Deuces Wild

-Absolute Beginners

-The Talented Mr. Ripley

-The Producers

-Chocolat

-Corrina Corrina

-The Illusionist

-Dead Poets Society

-The Rum Diary

-Thirteen Days

-Matinee

-All I Wanna Do

-Dirty Dancing

-Mermaids

-JFK

-The Flamingo Kid

-Love Field

-The Secret Life Of Bees

-Mississippi Burning

-Simon Birch

-Nine

-Moonrise Kingdom

-Good Morning Vietnam

-Pirate Radio

-Bobby

-Made In Dagenham

-Frequency

-Awakenings

-Air America

TV SHOWS

-Magic City

-Boardwalk Empire (1920s-30s)

-Underbelly Season 4 & 6

-Mad Men

-Downton Abbey

-Boardwalk Empire (1920s-30s)

-Pan Am

-The Bletchley Circle

-Call The Midwife

-The Hour

-The Wonder Years

-Happy Days

-Lavergne & Shirley

-The Hello Girls

-Born And Bred

-Mrs. Biggs

-Brooklyn Bridge

-Lipstick On Your Collar

-The Company

-I'll Fly Away

-The Thornbirds

-All Creatures Great And Small

-Miss Fischers Murder Mystery

-Goodnight Sweetheart

-Homefront

-The 1940's House

-The Sullivans

-Heartbeat

-American Dreams

-All The Way

-China Beach

-Crime Story

-The Royal

-Vegas

-Oliver Beene

-Bomb Girls
-The Darling Buds of May

What are some of your favorites? This list is a work in progress. Please help me by contributing your thoughts and suggestions.

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Rachel Davies Google+ December 12th, 2012

Pretty In Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 21:02:00 +0000

Do you think pink? Mamie Eisenhower certainly did. Her legacy of pink still survives today in some unremodeled bathrooms across the country.

How did the wife of our 34th president of the United States influence so many housewives of the fifties? I believe most women could relate to her.
As a military wife, Mamie took great pride in making the home a comfortable place for her husband. Unlike president's wives before and after, she sought to compliment not overshadow or distract from her husbands career. She was a classy, kindhearted, down to earth mother, wife and hostess.
Its no wonder what Mamie did soon became a trend. From pink bathrooms, to pink kitchens, even down to her curly short fringe. Women of the mid fifties loved the First Lady.

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Rachel Davies Google+ December 8th, 2012

Asbestos White Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 01:21:00 +0000

Were you dreaming of a white Christmas? Thankfully, in this day and age it is safe. Although, during the 1940's and 1950's fake snow was made from asbestos.
Remember flocked Christmas trees? This popular craze helped make white asbestos commonly available in homes across the country.

Frightening to know, not only were everyday people exposed to this dangerous element, but some of our most beloved movie stars were as well.
White asbestos chrysotile snow was used in some of our favorite movies.

In 1942, an iconic song was featured in the movie "Holiday Inn" starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire.
"White Christmas" became one of the most successful Christmas songs of all time. Unfortunately, it was filmed with fake snow.

Another famous movie used this dangerous fake snow. It was implemented during the poppy scene in the "Wizard of Oz" in 1939.

It must be noted that during these times the danger between asbestos and mesothelioma cancer had not been linked.

Rachel Davies Google+ November 30th, 2012

Marilyn Monroe Impersonates Her Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:38:00 +0000

Marilyn Monroe is an icon. However, many are not aware that she impersonated a few of her favorite legends. It was during a photo shoot done by
Richard Avedon. Their work was featured in LIFE magazine in 1958.
The first photo shows Marilyn as Lillian Russell. Lillian was a famous singer, dancer and actress in the 1880's until her retirement in 1919.

The next photo shows Marilyn Monroe as Theda Bara. Theda was an silent film actress known for her role as Cleopatra. She was one of the most earliest film sex symbols. She made more than forty films between 1914 and 1926.

The next photo shows Marilyn Monroe impersonating the famous "Charleston Flapper Girl" of the 1920's Clara Bow.

Marilyn's next impersonation photo is of Marlene Dietrich. Marlene Dietrich's most famous role was as a cabaret singer in the 1930 movie "The Blue Angel". Here Marilyn Monroe strikes a leggy pose.

The next photo depicts Marilyn Monroe as the infamous Jean Harlow. Jean Harlow was a sex symbol of the 1930's and was known as the "Blonde Bombshell". She is considered one of the greatest movie stars of all time.

And of course, the photo shoot would not have been complete without Marilyn Monroe posing as herself.

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Rachel Davies Google+ November 27th, 2012

The World According to Vivian Maier

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 08:13:00 +0000

Photo:Vivin Maier
I am constantly scanning the web for new stories, photos or anything to do with the 1940's,50's or 60's.
Recently I stumbled upon a blog about a newly discovered photographer and decided to share the story with you.
It begins with a young man by the name of John Maloof. Who happened to be at the right place, at the right time, with the right instincts.
As an historian buff who was working on a book about a building in Chicago. John decided to go to an auction and bid on a box of some old negatives that he glanced over. He thought perhaps one of the scenes could be used for his book. Little did he know at the time, the treasure he found.
After winning the bid, he realized that none of the photos would be useful for his current project. So he stored the box away for quite some time.
Months later, he revisited the box of negatives and realized just how amazing the photographs were. Unsure of who this mysterious photographer was, he began doing some research and started a blog.
It was on his blog that he began posting the works of the unknown street photographer named Vivian Maier. What happened next, as they say, is history.
Vivian Maier's photos caused a sensation.
Her heartfelt photos of everyday people on the streets of Chicago and New York City in the 1950's won the praise of many.
Sadly, she never lived to see the joy her photos brought to others.
Vivian was said to be kind of a reclusive character, who didn't share her photographic talent whilst she was alive. She died in 2009.
However, she did leave her mark on this world and we are privileged to be able to view it through her creative and unique eye.
No longer unknown, her works are featured in galleries, in books and also in an upcoming documentary created by John Maloof.
Here is a link to his tribute blog http://vivianmaier.blogspot.com.au/

I have also included the above clips from a fantastic three part special aired on a local Chicago television station WTTW.

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Rachel Davies Google+ November 8th, 2012 .

Drive in Flea Market's Entertain Shoppers

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 03:35:00 +0000

Photo: Charles Barksdale, File/San Antonio Express News

My first memory of a drive in flea market was in Erie, Pennsylvania at the Pennisula Drive In in the seventies. There were many sellers lined up under the giant movie screens selling their odds and ends from the trunk of their cars. Some would set up tables and others would just lay blankets down and spread their goods out.
As a child, I loved going up and down the aisles surveying all the unique items for sale. Old toys, clothing, books, records, appliances, you name it and it was most likely there ready to be sold at a great price. I recall being surprised at the negotiating process. I didn't know that you could talk the price down and haggle for the best deal.
I guess you could say this was beginning of my love of anything old, used, the joy of the treasure hunt and excitement of finding a great bargain.
Drive in flea markets are said to have started sometime around the 1960's and 1970's. During this time there was a decline in movie goers and owners got creative in finding ways to bring in crowds and increase revenue. Most drive in flea markets were free to shoppers, while the vendors paid a set price for their spot.
One of the largest drive in flea markets in the world is The Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop. It began the flea market in 1966 and in return helped boost the expansion of the drive in theater. Today, it boasts, not only being the largest flea market, but also operates its very own big top circus that performs 6 days a week.
There are still numerous drive in flea markets scattered across the United States today.
I believe this is the most nostalgic way to thrift shop. Where else can you soak up the sun, get some kettle corn, a hot dog or a milkshake while you shop and then stick around until dark and enjoy a classic drive in show?

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Rachel Davies Google+ October 26, 2012

LINDY HOPPERS ENTERTAIN CROWDS

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 02:04:00 +0000

Lately, I have been watching YouTube videos of a dance called the Lindy Hop. One would find it hard not to smile and stomp their feet while watching this energetic dance.

The Lindy hop is a dance that was first started in Harlem, New York in the 1920's,1930's. It is said that the Savoy ballroom was the place to be back then to experience the thrill of the dance. With its mixture of the Charleston and other jazz dances the Lindy Hop grew in popularity during the swing era.

Today, with the interest in anything that has to do with the 1940's and 1950's, Lindy Hop , Jive and Swing has seen a resurgence.

My most favorite example of this dance can be seen by watching the video "Whitey's Lindy Hoppers".

I was amused as I watched the couple swing about and throw themselves into the air. The gal in the video looked almost like a rag doll as her limbs thrashed about

The dance is definitely not for the faint at heart. It requires much energy and athletic ability. I for one do not think I could last five minutes doing the Lindy Hop. But it sure does look like a fun way to workout and get good cardio.

Watching videos of the dances of the Swing Era made me wish we could go back to those times. Dance halls, ballrooms, filled with people all there to have a good time. Big band music playing live, with the full orchestra.

Thankfully the Lindy Hop and the music of the Swing Jazz era are still alive and doing well today.There are jazz clubs popping up all over the place. Forties and fifties based festivals and carnivals such as the "Wintersun" on the Gold Coast Australia http://www.wintersun.org.au/

These gain new visitors each year as the bygone era continues to gain popularity.

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Rachel Davies Google+ October 24, 2012

WURLITZER JUKEBOXES ROCK THE 1940'S & 1950'S

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Davies @ Old Soul Retro) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 05:54:00 +0000

I'm writing today of a company that is undoubtedly near and dear to me, Wurlitzer. Best known for their wonderfully crafted jukeboxes.

The company started not faraway from where I was raised in North Tonawanda, New York.

The very first jukebox was unveiled in 1933 and was suitably referred to as the Debutante. Unfortunately, sales were not quite so great on account of the Depression. Not many people could afford to shell out a nickel on a song when a loaf of bread was the same.The good news is, this didn't deter Farny Wurlitzer, who made a decision to hire a designer and modify the Debutante. His designer was imaginative and innovative.Using richly colored plastics and materials, he decided they would showcase the changer. The unique turning and playing both sides of the record delighted many.

Throughout the Depression a number of models were released with sales still lacking.

Finally in 1938, designer Mr. Fuller, AKA “Mr. Design”, began to see sales increase. By the 1940’s his branding design “Wurlitzer Arch” was second only to Coca Cola as being the most recognized symbol on the planet.

During the course of the war demand became high for Wurlitzer Jukeboxes with military personnel serving abroad. Nothing boosts moral like blaring music from home and it played in many military locations the world over.

Wurlitzer became a well-established world renowned brand.

The first model produced following the war was the stunning model 1015. It truly was a work of art and beauty.

In 1949 the last 78 RPM model was released, it was also the last design of the “Wurlitzer Arch”.Wurlitzer closed its doors in North Tonawanda, NY in 1983 after beingbought by Harris Company and moving to Chicago.

After fifty years in business Wurlitzer produced roughly 5 million units.The iconic jukeboxes have sparked many memories. Their unique style exuded a timeless glamour that few companies have ever achieved.

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Rachel Davies Google+ October 24, 2012