Ackley Douglas 1982-12-11

From SWC Oral History Collection
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Douglas Ackely, a tent show performer and actor, discusses his recollection of popular tent shows and performers as well as his own career as an entertainer.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Douglas Ackley

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: December 11, 1982

Location: Dallas, Texas

Interviewer: Cliff Ashby

Length: 45 minutes


Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Family background, Born Jacksboro, Texas (1918), Will and Edna Ackley (Parents), Edna a choreographer and pianist, Will worked with bands, From Warren, Ohio, Thad and Rose Ackley (Grandparents), How Will and Edna first met, Douglas Ackley's earliest memories of show business, Douglas and Edna's vaudeville act, Thespian Guild, Douglas' work in nightclubs and early career, Moved to Texas (1936), Works for WRR Radio, Harley Sadler, "Siege of the Alamo", Abe's Colony Club, Douglas' work as a model, A. Harris Co., Jameson Film Co., Monroe Hopkins Show, Fire prevention films, Jim and Burt Swore, The Black Crowes, Douglas in the U. S. army (1940-45), Wayne Babb, Ran stock company, Joe Sideler, Neil Schafner Show, Townhall Players (Wisconsin), Hank Brunk Show, Mint Tilton Show, Iowa, Missouri, Gets married (1951), Dancing, Soft shoe, Will and Edna Ackley (again), Show business reminiscences, Tent falls down, Sleeping before a show, Superstitions, Whistling in a dressing room, Shoes on table, "Home Sweet Home", Douglas' future plans

Tape 1, Side 2: Paul Hearn, Happy Hooligan, Merry Madcalf Co., Burlesque, Strippers, Gypsy Rose Lee, Sally Rand, Harley Sadler (again), Why popular?, Merry Madcalf Co. (again), Edna Ackley (again), All girl band, Doug Morgan, Monroe Hopkins, Stock company in Houston, Susie Schafner, Douglas Ackley's roles, Light comedy, Jimmy Davis, Flo Darling, Most popular "Toby" character, Neil Schafner (again)

Range Dates: 1918-1950

Bulk Dates: 1930-1950


Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:



Thank you for your interest in this oral history interview. Our oral history collection is available to patrons in the Southwest Collection's Reading Room, located on the campus of Texas Tech University. For reading room hours, visit our website. Please contact Reference Staff at least one week prior to your visit to ensure the oral history you are interested in will be available. Due to copyright issues, duplications of our oral histories can only be made for family members. If an oral history transcript has been made available online, the link will be provided on this page. More information on accessing our oral histories is located here. Preferred citation style can be found here.