"Totem Pole Ballroom at Norumbega Park" Manufacturer: Curt Teich & Co., Inc.
Manufacturer's No.: 1A-H250
Village: Auburndale
Filed: Charles River - Norumbega Park
Keywords: Norumbega Park, Sports / Recreation
The Card shows: A linen card with a view across the banquettes and dance floor to the bandstand of the Totem Pole Ballroom. The ballroom was created when Norumbega's open-air theater was enclosed. The bandstand is the former stage of the theater, and the proscenium above it is the same one visible in cards from the park three decades earlier -- see the two cards captioned "Norumbega Park. Open-Air Theatre. Auburndale, Mass. U.S.A.", one in black-and-white and the other in color. The heavy retouching and garish colors are typical of linen cards, although the deckled edges are not. The full caption is a mouthful: "Totem Pole Ballroom at Norumbega Park -- Auburndale. In Newton, Mass."
This card's production number reveals that it was published in 1931. (All Curt Teich cards can be dated by their production numbers -- in this case the "1A" that starts the number indicates the first year of the A decade, the 1930s, hence 1931. "0A" would indicate 1930, "0B" 1940, and so on.)
This card was used as a promotional mailing for the Totem Pole. It carries a 1 1/2-cent bulk-mail stamp, and the back is printed with a message laid over a ghosted drawing of an Indian chief in full feathered headdress. The red protrusion at the center of the right edge is the ragged edge of half a seal or sticker. This card is one section of what was originally a triple-width card, folded in thirds with the address side facing out and sealed with the red sticker. The missing sections probably carried coupons.
The card was addressed by hand to the Amanda Beauty Shop, 97 Central Street, Lowell, Mass., and postmarked March 23, 1932. The message reads, "We again announce the opening of the Totem Pole Ballroom, April 18th, 1932, Dancing from 8:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Catering to those who enjoy refinement and courtesy. Always the Best in Music! Environment! Atmosphere! Comfort! Watch the papers for further announcements. By royal command of Chief Totem." The condition of the card is very good, with the exception of the fact, as noted above, that half of it may be missing. There is minor corner wear. The back is slightly dirty and carries a penciled "15" at the top and a Jackson Homestead accession number, "R-01-1," at the bottom right.
Postcard type: Linen
Publication Date: 1931
Postmark Date: 1932