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Bob Mitchell and Joe Hinojos a Big Hit with Kiwanis and Guests
Tuesday,
Feb. 18, 2003
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Longtime Sierra Madre resident and photographer
Joe Hinojos graciously turned the spotlight on former Sierra
Madre resident Bob Mitchell at the Kiwanis luncheon Tuesday afternoon.
Before an unusually large crowd at the Masonic Temple, Mitchell wowed the
audience with his uncanny memory of Sierra Madre during the 1916 - 1926 time
frame in which he resided in Sierra Madre. Mitchell's father was also
Mayor of Sierra Madre from 1918 - 1924. Recalling the names of former
teachers, choir members, residents and the like as if it were yesterday,
Mitchell had some of the elder residents in attendance murmuring, recalling long
forgotten memories of friends, teachers and acquaintances from their own
childhoods. Mitchell told of having a member of the Ward family, a
landscape architect (he recalled her name from 85 years ago, but I can't just a
few hours later), "the marmalade family", do the landscaping at their house at
48 E. Alegria. He discussed memories of going to Pasadena to see the early
silent movies, and how he began playing along with them. He recalled the
succession of pastors at Ascension Church, and members of the choir, the
organist and musicians who put on concerts in a gazebo on the grounds. He
told the story of his mother's purchase of his first organ. His memory was
a source of wonder, recalling details of early Sierra Madre as if no time had
passed, instead of nearly eighty years. His friend Joe Hinojos, who shared
a story about when he and Mitchell first appeared on stage together at St.
Rita's School in 1922, shared a dance with longtime Sierra Madre resident
Snooky Gregor to the delight of the crowd, which enthusiastically applauded
their turn around the floor. Mitchell played all or parts of several
tunes, among them Chicago, the Missouri Waltz, and his closing
number, Trees, which he attributed to a young Sierra Madre GI who fell in
battle after joining the service early by lying about his age. Mitchell
spent so much time discussing early Sierra Madre, that he didn't even begin to
discuss his decades of leadership of the Bob Mitchell Boys Choir, which
appeared in more than 100 films, including Going My Way, White Christmas
and many more. For a list of the films the Boys Choir sang in, the songs
they performed in them, and some pictures from the movies, click
here. Mitchell
has agreed to return on March 18th to the Kiwanis luncheon to discuss those
years. If Tuesday's crowd was any indication, you'll want to reserve your
spot, as the Hall was filled with interested and appreciative Sierra Madre
residents. Check back to this site for info on how to reserve your seat.
Click on a photo to see it larger, click on the underlined text in the bottom
three squares to view the video files.
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There was a large turnout for the two old
friends |
The 87-year old Hinojos and 90-year old Mitchell
pose for a shot |
Mitchell, once a Dodger Stadium organist, performed on piano |
Another shot of the two friends |
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Joe
Hinojos cuts a rug with long time friend Snooky Gregor |
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Joe
Hinojos spoke for just a few minutes, and will most likely be returning to
speak soon. |
Mitchell chats with admirers after the program. The gentleman on the
right is Art Tazio, a friend of Hinojos who coincidentally was a member of
Mitchell's Choir years ago. |
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Hinojos chats afterward with Jan Reed |
Mitchell tells the story of his first organ, purchased by his mother
for $1 |
Mitchell discusses a former pianist at Ascension, and the role of the
pianist at the early silent movies |
Mitchell performs Trees. Unfortunately, the floppy disk ran out of
space a few seconds from the end |
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