WW=The Western World

WW, February 14, 1924, p. 1:
      Announces an ambitious program for a proposed Bandon Boosters Club. “George Topping suggested that if the organization is to do all that it might well be called ‘The Whales.’”

WW, February 28, 1924, p. 1:
“WILL BUILD DANCE HALL”
      “A mammoth dance hall, 84 X 130 feet and costing not less than $10,000, is to be the first permanent amusement place to be built at Bandon beach.
“The project is being undertaken by a local company to be known as the Bandon Investment company, which is being organized at the instigation of Bob Gee of Portland, an experienced amusement director, who has come here because of the possibilities offered by Bandon beach where the new highway is assured.
      “At a meeting of interested citizens held Monday it was decided to incorporate for $10,000 and begin construction as soon as the stock is subscribed in view of having the hall ready for business by June 1st. More than half the stock has already been subscribed and the company is assured that they will have no difficulty in securing the balance.
      “The building will be located on what is known as the George Manciet lots near Queen Anne cottage. These lots had been purchased by C. D. Jarmon who had a similar project in mind but have since been purchased by Mr. Gee. They will become the property of the company. The dance floor will be 84 X 100 feet in size and of first class construction. The building will be of the bungalow type, shingled on the exterior. The roof will be supported by trusses, thus eliminating the necessity of having posts as supports. An orchestra stage and sounding horn will be built at the most suitable place in the hall. The construction work will be under the direction of J. A. Gamble.
      “A meeting of stockholders for the election of directors will be held within a few days and it is aimed to start construction work in about two weeks.
“Mr. Gee has visited every beach on the Pacific coast between Seattle and the Mexican border and has selected Bandon as the place with the best future from an investment standpoint. He says that there is no beach that compares with this one and predicts great development here in th way of a summer resort.”

WW, March 27, 1924, p. 1:
“WORK BEGINS ON BIG HALL”
      “Construction work has been commenced on the big dance hall that is being erected by the Bandon Investment company, a corporation composed of local stockholders. The work is in charge of J. A. Gamble, a local contractor.
     “The dance hall will be larger than at first planned, the floor in the clear to be 97 X 100 feet. The building will be of what is known as the bungalow type, an attractive design.
     “In view of extending its scope of activity in the future, the company has purchased additional property adjoining that on which the dance hall is to be located. The hall will cover practically two lots. Two adjoining lots situated across the street to the east have been bought. One of these was owned by Mrs. M. A. Spencer, the other by Miss Margaret Hanly. In addition to those the company has closed a deal for the purchase of the Pulaski tract of approximately seven acres. This adjoins the Spencer and Hanly lots on the east and south, and comprises [?] one of the finest level spots in West Bandon. It is a choice location for any amusement enterprise that might be considered, or for cottages.
     “It is reported that several new beach enterprises are being contemplated by private individuals not associated with the company. One of them is a modern merry-go-round and another a tea room and lunch counter. Still another is a plan for a group of cottages for rental purposes. There is no positive assurance that these enterprises will materialize immediately but they are being considered which indicates that Bandon beach is attracting people from an investment standpoint. From present indications some extensive improvements in the way of entertainment features will be in store for visitors at the local beach during the coming summer.”

WW, May 22, 1924, p. 1:
“PAVILION IS TAKING SHAPE”
“NAME WANTED”:
      “A name is wanted for the new pavilion near the beach. It should be of only a few syllables, and symbolical of the location. The company constructing the building will pay a cash prize of $5.00 to the one who suggests a name that is selected by the company. . . .
     “Bandon’s new dance pavilion is rapidly taking shape. Manager Bob Gee states that the opening dance will be held on Saturday evening, June 21st, and it will be a big event. A formal program is planned and invitation will be extended to all Coos, Curry and Douglas counties to attend.
     “The last of the eight mammoth trusses that support the roof was put in place Wednesday. The upper portion of the roof will be covered with patent roofing, the balance with shingles. The siding will be rustic. A ten-foot veranda will be built extending the full width of the building on the ocean side. This will have seats. The floor will be of three-inch vertical grain hemlock, which has been both air and kiln-dried. Strips a foot apart will be placed between the floors to add to the strength and paper will be placed between them to deaden the sound. This will make it noiseless.
     “Vane Gartin has been engaged to furnish the orchestra for the pavilion. He has contracted with his brother, Vade, the latter’s wife, and four other musicians of Eugene to furnish the music. This orchestra is now the most popular dance organization in the university city and is said to be one of the best in the state. It is understood between the management and Mr. Gartin the new pavilion is to have the best music obtainable.
     “Arrangements will be made to have supper served on the night of the opening.”

WW, June 19, 1924, p. 1: “PAVILION TO OPEN ON 28TH” “Much interest is being taken throughout Coos, Curry and Douglas counties in the formal opening of the new dance pavilion that is to be held on Saturday, June 28th, by the Bandon Investment company, of which Bob Gee is manager. Inquiries as to the date of the opening have been received from far and wide and it is anticipated that many parties will come from Roseburg, Coos Bay and all through Curry county. A number of auto loads will also come from Eugene, according to the Gartins, who have come from there to take part in the music at the pavilion. “It was first planned to open on the 21st, but unforeseen delays has [sic] made it necessary to put it off one week later, but it is now definitely decided that the opening will be held on the 28th. “The work of laying the floor is completed and the finishing touches are being put on by the sanding machine and the oiler. It will be in the peak of condition on the night of the opening. The floor is of vertical grain hemlock and of noiseless construction. The stage is suspended from the trusses on the west end of the room and is built with a huge sounding board which will add greatly to the acoustics. “An orchestra organized by Vane C. Gartin as manager has been engaged to permanently furnish music for the pavilion. It is composed of the following: Vivian Gartin (leader), violin; Abbie Green, piano; Wade Rutherford, saxophone and fish horn; Harlan McGlenn, trumpet; Leo Webber, trombone; Vadron R. Gartin, drums; Frank Wright, banjo and vocal. The members of this orchestra have been playing in Eugene for the past few years, being associated with the organization known as the ‘Midnite Sons,’ leading orchestra of the university campus during the past year, the ‘Collegians’ and the ‘Oregonians.’ A two-weeks engagement was just closed with the Pendergraft & Dale Amusement company of Eugene. The new orchestra is rated as one of the best on the coast.”

WW, June 26, 1924, p. 1: Announces that J. F. Kronenberg will construct two groups of cottages, each of twelve units and a natatorium within 1 1/3 blocks of the dance pavilion. Also, plans are being drawn up for a new 65-room hotel in town.

WW, July 3, 1924, p. 1 THRONG FILLS NEW PAVILION” “The formal opening Saturday evening of the Silver Spray Gardens, Bandon’s mammoth dancing pavilion, was the occasion for an enormous gathering of people coming from all parts of Coos and adjacent counties. Over 2000 cars were counted in the space reserved on the bluff for parking. “Mayor Wade made a short introductory speech to the audience, which was followed by the opening strains of the dance by the High Breakers, the new orchestra under Vane Gartin, which will continue to furnish the same splendid music for all future dances at the pavilion. The huge floor space proved none too large, and was soon thronged by dancers, as many as 750 couples being on the floor at one time. The space reserved for spectators was jammed to capacity and many failed to get in at all. “The new pavilion, which is owned by the Beach Investment co., comprised of local business men, bids fair to become a successful unit in the plan to put Bandon on the map as a desirable pleasure resort. A fine dancing floor has been provided and the rest of the interior is arranged to admit of further improvement. A balcony for spectators has been tentatively planned. The balcony for the orchestra is located at the west end of the room and has a large sounding board for increasing the volume of the music. The building has well-equipped dressing rooms, a check room, ticket booths and light drink stand. The decorations savor of the nautical, consisting of drapings of fish net caught up at regular intervals by lifebuoys. “The difficult problem of providing sufficient light to so large a building with no ceiling was solved by the installation of cove lighting by the city hydro-electric department. Three hundred watt lamps set in fluted bowl reflectors were placed in given spaces along the side trusses, giving a semi-flood lighting. “There will be dancing both afternoons and evenings during the holidays, when it is expected that the crowd will tax the capacity of the hall to the limit. It is planned at present to hold dances regularly twice a week during the summer.

WW, July 10, 1924, p. 4: Announces a special dance at Silver Spray on Friday for the “California Caravan,” in addition to regular dances on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

WW, September 18, 1924, p. 10: Announces departure of Gartin’s “Highbreakers” band from the Silver Spray Gardens for the season. Many members were students at the University of Oregon and had to return to school.

WW, September 25, 1924, p. 4: Announces first appearance of the six-piece Roseburg-Portland orchestra at Silver Spray.

WW, October 1, 1925, p. 1: Announces that the Silver Spray will reopen after a brief closure. The Beach Investment company has gotten into financial trouble. Several claims against the company are listed.

WW, November 26, 1925, p. 1: “The Silver Spray Gardens dance hall was sold by the sheriff at Coquille Saturday for liens held by the Moore Mill & Lumber Company, the City of Bandon and the First National bank, totaling $11,200. It was bid in by the Moore Mill & Lumber company. It will probably be some time before the financial matters are straightened out, so that the hall can be reopened.”

WW, January 28, 1926, p. 1: ”Geo. P. Topping has secured a lease on the Silver Spray Gardens and plans to open it to the public as soon as contemplated improvements on the place can be made. Among the improvements will be a new roof. In taking the lease Mr. Topping has in mind the interests of the Bandon Concert band as well as his own. While he will conduct it in his own name and be responsible financially he aims to make it possible to be of direct benefit to the band, particularly to keep good musicians for the band by giving them employment in orchestra work. Changes and decorations will be made on the interior to the extent that conditions warrant at this time while a general improvement plan is under consideration.”

WW, April 22, 1926, p. 1: “The Silver Spray Gardens will be opened for the 1926 season on Saturday evening, May 1, with one of the best dance orchestras on the Pacific coast furnishing the music. “The new management has obtained Jimmie Benson and his Troubadors and Radio Dance band, a Seattle organization that has been broadcasting over KOWW at Walla Walla, Washington. It is composed of Taft Baker, banjo, entertainer and comedy dancer; Don Patterson, trumpet and violin; Charles Fitzpatrick, saxophone, clarinet and oboe; Howard Deye, saxophone, clarinet and arranger; Jack Douche, drums and singer; Jimmie Benson, piano and director. There will be two additional members of the orchestra. . . . “The gardens have been completely remodeled and re-decorated on the interior. A new portable orchestra stand with resonating shell sounding board has been added, elevated seating arrangement with ample aisles and passage ways on three sides of the floor put in, and an additional ticket booth installed in the front center of the hall near the entrance. More space has been provided near the entrance to relieve congestion. A new roof has been put on the building at a cost of $1,000 and the floor is being completely redressed and repolished. Some painting is being done and the interior is being decorated under the direction of A. N. Young of the Golden Rule store, a man of wide experience in that departure [sic]. “More than $2,000 has been spent in putting the big hall in condition for the opening and with the splendid music it should become the most popular place of its kind in southwestern Oregon.”

WW, April 29, 1926, p. 1” “The public will be greatly surprised when they enter the Silver Spray Gardens on its opening night, Saturday, May 1, and observe for the first time the beautiful decorations. Through the use of hundreds of rolls of green and white crepe paper Decorator A. N. Young and his corps of assistants have converted the enormous pavilion into a most pleasing and inviting place. The entire ceiling has been covered with twisted crepe, which is tacked in wave-like effect and draped down to the sides. The color scheme of green and white has been followed throughout all the decorations. “Everything will be in readiness by Saturday night to accommodate the largest crowd that has ever attended any event of any kind in this city. Advertising matter concerning the opening has been distributed far and wide throughout southern Oregon and visitors are expected from all points from Salem to Medford along the Pacific highway as well as from Coos and Curry counties. Many will come for the week and to enjoy the beach and Wecoma Baths as well as and [sic] to dance.” p. 5 announces that admission to the opening dance is only 25c. p. 5: “Paul Topping left Saturday, driving out to valley points to advertise the opening of Silver Spray Gardens Saturday night. He expects to be gone until Friday, visiting Medford, Grants Pass and as far north as Eugene.”

WW, May 6, 1926, p. 1: “Dancing promises to be a favorite diversion at the beach this summer judged by the opening night at the Silver Spray Gardens Saturday when over 1200 admissions were made. The mammoth pavilion accommodated the crowd easily, however. The floor was in good shape and Jimmie Benson’s Troubadours furnished the kind of music that makes you want to dance and then dance some more. Green and white crepe paper decorations supervised by A. N. Young of the Golden Rule made the hall very attractive in appearance. Mr. Topping has spared neither time nor expense in providing an up-to-date dance pavilion that should enjoy a wide popularity. Dancing at the beach finds favor with the visitors from valley towns where the hot weather has already begun. Besides scores of county visitors, there were a number from Roseburg and as far south as Medford.”

WW, May 6, 1926, p. 8: “Three pieces of agate jewelry will be given as prizes in the guessing contest at Silver Spray Gardens Saturday night. The agates are from Bandon beach and are in solid gold mountings. The first prize is a ladies agate brooch; the second prize is a gentleman’s agate watch fob; and the third prize is an agate stickpin.”

WW, May 13, 1926, p. 1 Reports that the popularity of the Silver Spray Gardens contributed to a traffic jam Saturday night on the road from Coquille to Bandon.

WW, July 1, 1926, p. 5: “C. Smith was hailed before Municipal Judge Chris Rasmussen Monday on complaint of Geo. P. Topping, manager of Silver Spray Gardens, charging disorderly conduct. Smith is alleged to have caused a disturbance at the dance Saturday night. He plead [sic] guilty and was fined $15.”

WW, July 29, 1926, p. 1: “They say Irving Berlin’s ‘Always’ was inspired by his recently acquired wife, but she hasn’t anything on Bandon beach. Mr. Topping informs Western World that his orchestra, Benson’s Troubadours, has a brand new waltz which they will introduce next Saturday night at the dance. This number, ‘Longing,’ composed and arranged by Harold Deye, arranger for the orchestra, has been conceived in its entirety since the sojourn of the Troubadours in Bandon. “The waltz has a smoothly flowing rhythm and an appealing air. As a dance number, with its effective orchestral score, it is positively irresistible. The first time it does not seem so unusual, but hear it twice and one wants to hear it again, and after that one is surely tempted to sway to the sweetly-flowing melody. “When asked if he intends to publish the song, Howard only laughed and said, ‘I did not write it with such intention. I just wrote it because I felt that way and enjoyed writing it. When the boys heard it they were determined I should arrange it so we could play it at the Silver Spray Gardens. If you like it give me the credit; if you don’t like it, blame it on the orchestra.’ “Mr. Topping says, ‘We know you will like it, Come to the dance next Saturday night and hear it.’” The lyrics of the song follow.

WW, August 12, 1926, p. 1: “Manager Topping of the Silver Spray Gardens announces that a new orchestra will make its appearance Saturday night. The contract with the Troubadours has expired and most of the boys are planning to go back to college. The new orchestra is made up of splendid musicians, most of whom are known in this section. They have been playing at the Butterfly Gardens at Marshfield. The personnel is as follows: Steward Norton, Coquille, saxophone and trumpet; Howard Page, Bandon, saxophone and clarinet; Kenneth Staningur, Coquille, banjo; Billy Simpson, Coquille, piano; ‘Dinty’ Moore of Oregon Aggravators, Corvallis, drums; Hal Simpson, Portland, trumpet; Ray Kirk, Spokane, sousaphone.”

WW, September 2, 1926, p. 4: “A new feature is to be presented by Manager Topping at the Silver Spray Gardens Saturday night. It is known as the world’s greatest dance novelty, the Myriad Reflector. “The equipment is being installed this week and will, according to its manufacturers, create a new interest in dancing. As Mr. Topping puts it, it will transform Silver Spray into a marvel of kaleidoscopic charm—a brilliant fairyland of flashing, changing, living colors. “The Myriad Reflector has been in use for several years in some of the largest dance halls of the east and is said to be as popular there today as when first installed. “With the new orchestra getting better each week, and the new electrical lighting effect, Silver Spray should attract large crowds from now on. Everything possible is being done by Mr. Topping to maintain the popularity of the place and if the patronage will justify it, it is his intention to keep the place open for the entertainment of the public all through the coming winter season.” p. 9: Two classified ads for the Myriad Reflector.

WW, December 9, 1926, p. 5: Announces “big dance” Christmas night at Silver Spray.

WW, December 16, 1926, p. 1: p. 8: Announces dances at Silver Spray on both Christmas night and New Years Eve. Music by the Silver Spray White Caps. “The ‘White Caps,’ when not playing at the local gardens, have been furnishing music for the dances at Myrtle Point and have been drawing large crowds there. Mr. Topping is now planning to resume the regular Saturday night dances shortly after the first of the year.”

WW, February 10, 1927, p. 1: Announces the first dance of the new year at the Silver Spray Gardens, Saturday, February 10. “Manager Topping has secured his famous Silver Spray White Caps to furnish the music and nothing is being left undone to make the big hall comfortable and inviting for the occasion. “A special feature of the evening will be an exhibition of stage dancing given by talent under the direction of Mrs. Orris Knapp of Port Orford, formerly of Hollywood. Mrs. Knapp has conducted a school of dancing and has developed some exceptional numbers among her students.” p. 4: Admission to the dance is $1.10 for couples, 25 cents for ladies. “Many visitors from all parts of southwestern Oregon are expected in Bandon over the coming weekend, one of the chief attractions being the opening of Silver Spray Gardens, the large dance pavilion at the beach, for the summer season.”

WW, April 7, 1927, p. 1:
Announces that Bob Gee plans to build a large Spanish-style stucco building between the Silver Spray pavilion and the Wecoma BAths. It will be used as a residence until it can be put to a "commercial use" for "various enterprises." This transformation can occur "when the opportunity presents itself." The lots were formerly owned by George D. Manciet.

WW, May 12, 1927, p. 1: “Manager Geo. P. Topping has advertised the opening far and wide and reports filtering in from Roseburg, Eugene and Grants Pass, as well as from intervening points, indicate that quite a number of people from those places will make their first week-end visit to Bandon beach this season incident to the opening of the big dance hall. “The music, according to Mr. Topping, promises to be better than ever. The orchestra has been carefully planned and with the addition of the brass team from Spokane should give ample volume for the pavilion. No less than eight pieces will make up the dance band. Some improvements have been made at the pavilion and the big vari-colored reflector will again be used. This feature adds much to the delight of the place.”

WW, May 26, 1927, p. 1: Announces that the Silver Spray orchestra will play for a Red Cross benefit at the Hartman.

WW, July 14, 1927, p. 6: “The Silver Spray Gardens is announcing another special feature for Saturday night, to be given under the direction of W. H. Stanfield, pipe organist at the Hartman theater. A previous specialty number put up under his direction proved to be a very pleasing act. “The Silver Spray orchestra was recently augmented by an eighth member in the person of Glenn Hamilton of Grants Pass, who is a versatile musician, playing saxophone, violin, clarinet and piano in addition to arranging music. The other members of the orchestra are: V. C. Gartin, drums and manager; Howard Page, saxophone. Clarinet, fish horn and vocal; Ray Lang, formerly of Portland, trumpet; M. Stafford, formerly with Davenport Hotel orchestra, Spokane, trombone; H. B. Spraggins, banjo and vocal; Frank O. Young, piano and vocal; Roy Kirk, sousaphone. The orchestra is becoming widely known for its splendid music.”

WW. July 21, 1927, p. 4: “The ‘Tap, Tap,’ New York’s newest dance sensation, will be introduced at Silver Spray Gardens Saturday night as the special intermission feature.” “It will be danced by a local couple who are to appear frequently at the Gardens in the future under the name ‘The Masked Dancers.’ “The ‘Tap, Tap’ was introduced in New York early this month in Texas Guinan’s show, ‘Padlocks of 1927,’ and diagrams and routines were received in Bandon this week by W. H. Stanchfield, who is staging the number. The song interludes will be sung by Frank Young.”

WW, August 4, 1927, p. 1: Announces a big flower show. A parade will be led by “the Pep band” [?]. Miss Katherine Topping is one of Queen Camilla’s attendants.

WW, September 1, 1927, p. 5: “Geo P. Topping has a crew at work changing the south side chimney at Silver Spray Gardens to the west side where it is thought there will be less trouble from smoke in the hall during the winter months.”

WW, May 24, 1928, p. 5: “Geo. P. Topping has been over the county during the past few days putting out advertising material for the opening of Silver Spray Gardens, June 2.

WW, May 31, 1928, p. 1: “The popular Silver Spray Gardens, the largest in this section of the state, with its beautiful decorations and unique lighting effects, will be open for the first time this season on Saturday, June 2, and a large crowd is expected from all over southwestern Oregon. Manager Geo. P. Topping announces a new eight-piece orchestra under the leadership of Wm. Hoffman of Portland. The personnel of the organization is as follows: “Wm. Hoffman, Portland, leader and piano; Bart Woodyard, Spokane, saxophone; Howard Page, Bandon, saxophone; Hal Hutcheson, Spokane, banjo; V. C. Gartin, Bandon, drums; Vernel Darnielle, Spokane, trumpet; Lee Weber, Seattle, trumpet; Stewart Norton, saxophone.

WW, July 19, 1928, p. 5: “A bargain dance at Silver Spray Gardens every Wednesday night with special intermission entertainment. A fast one is promised for next Wednesday night when Lee Weber and Bart Woodyard do their double acrobatic stunt. “Everybody got a laugh Wednesday evening when the special intermission stunt was pulled at Silver Spray Gardens. There was a good crowd present and the comedy went over big. Even the iceman made a hit.”

WW, September 6, 1928, p. 4: “Miss Katherine Topping was hostess Wednesday evening for a dancing party at Silver Spray Gardens followed by a supper party at Queen Anne.” Guest list follows.

WW, September 13, 1928, p. 5: “The Silver Spray Gardens’ popular dance band played a very successful engagement at the community club at Gold Beach last Friday night. They were well received and will play a return engagement Friday, September 14.”

WW, November 1, 1928, p. 8: “Geo. P. Topping announces that the fall and winter series of dances will begin Saturday night of this week and that he has a number of new musicians coming from Seattle and other coast cities. The orchestra will contain several of the former personnel but will be augmented by a number of players reputed to be among the best on the coast. It is planned to keep Silver Spray open all during the coming winter.”

WW, April 25, 1929, p. 5: “Manager Geo. P. Topping announces that the Silver Spray Gardens will open for the 1929 dancing season Saturday night May 11. Advertising matter is being broadcast far and wide and a large crowd is expected from all parts of southwestern Oregon.”

WW, May 9, 1929, p. 1: “The opening of Silver Spray Gardens is anticipated with a great deal of interest throughout all of southwestern Oregon and a large crowd is expected. Locally is each year becoming more of an event of importance on the social calendar, especially of the younger people, and many new dresses are being bought for the opening night. “The Silver Spray floor is of such enormous size that there is never danger of it being overcrowded although at times it has been taxed to the limit. At one time 750 couples were on the floor at one time. “All the members of the orchestra arrived during the past week and the organization has been practicing daily since. The personnel is as follows: V. Tillotson, leader, piano, Los Angeles; Roy Dorr, violin and saxophone, Walla Walla; Howard Page, saxophone and clarinet, Bandon; Ray Lang, trumpet, Portland; Alfred Hutchinson, banjo, Seattle; Hugh Hutchinson, steel guitar and banjo, Seattle; Louis Baines, trombone, Myrtle Point; V. C. Gartin, drums, Bandon; Chester K. Horn, sousaphone, Yreka.”

WW, June 6, 1929, p. 8: “The regular Wednesday night dance at Silver Spray Gardens will be especially interesting next week, according to Geo. P. Topping, manager. In an announcement this morning he stated the mid-week dance will be in the nature of a special event, honoring the visiting grangers attending the state convention at Myrtle Point, and celebrating the opening of Vitaphone pictures at the Hartman Theater. He is calling the dance a ‘Vitaphone’ dance. And the orchestra will feature such popular theme songs as ‘Coquille, ‘Weary River,’ ‘Pagan Love Song’ and others.”

WW, August 15, 1929, p. 5: “Two big dances scheduled for Silver Spray Gardens: Balloon race Saturday night and Country Store dance next Wednesday night. Don’t miss either one of them.”

WW, May 15, 1930 p. 1: “On June 7, the Silver Spray Gardens will open for the summer season according to George P. Topping, manager. “The mammoth hall is being redecorated, thoroughly cleaned and painted. The opening is being advertised far and wide with placards showing a beautiful view of Bandon beach. “A new orchestra personnel is planned for this year, which, according to Mr. Topping, will prove even more popular than the orchestra of former years. “Dances will be held on Saturday and Wednesday night, and on Sunday afternoon. Jitney prices will again be charged this year.”

WW, June 5, 1930, p. 1 “Al Owens, pianist of Salt Lake City and formerly with Vic Meyers famous dance band, will be director of the Silver Spray orchestra which opens the season Saturday night. The other members of the organization will be: ‘Doc’ Crawford, Salt Lake, sax and clarinet; Elmer Littlehales, Salt Lake, sax and clarinet; Howard Page, Bandon, sax and clarinet; Marion Stafford, Portland, trombone; Dave Johnson, Minot, N. D., trumpet; Ray Lang, Portland, trumpet; ‘Chuck’ Whetsel, Walla Walla, Wash., banjo; Earl Nosler, Coquille, bass; ‘Bum’ Gartin, Bandon, drums.”

WW, June 12, 1930, p. 1: “It is estimated that between two and three thousand people attended the opening of the Silver Spray Gardens last Saturday night. It was, next to the original opening of the big dance hall, the biggest crowd entertained here and it was by far the most successful. The 10-piece orchestra furnished excellent music and the floor was in first class condition.”

WW, July 31, 1930, p. 5: “Let us put you on the spot at the Silver Spray Gardens, Wednesday Aug. 6. Special Spot Dance.”

WW, August 21, 1930, p. 4: “The Silver Spray Dancers, a sextette of local girls which received much favorable comment from all over southern Oregon two years ago will hold a reunion next Wednesday and appear at the regular Wednesday night dance in one of their popular features, it was announced today by the Silver Spray management. “Since disbanding at the end of the 1928 season some of the members of the group have moved away or married and the reunion will bring them together again for the first and probably the last time. “During the summer of 1928 the Silver Spray Gardens in a feature sextette appeared each week at the dance under the direction of W. A. Stanchfield and from the repertoire of dances one of the most popular divertissements, ‘Dancing Scarecrow’ has been selected as the return feature. “Members of the sextette are Katherine Topping Davis, Marie and Evelyn Manciet, Dorothy Lorenz, Betty Zentner and Elizabeth Littlefield.”

WW, December 11, 1930, p. 5: “There will be two big dances at Silver Spray Gardens during the holidays, one Xmas night, Dec. 25, and a big Mardi Gras with all the trimmings New Years Eve. Wed. Dec. 21.”

WW, Decembe 8, 1930, p. 5: Announces that the Christmas Eve dance at Silver Spray will be a benefit for the concert band. Bum Gartin’s 7-piece band will play.

WW, June 4, 1931, p. 1: Silver Spray is going to open for the season on June 6, and will feature the orchestra of Val Bissonnette, “which is composed of 10 men who each play several instruments and who offer singing and entertainment that promises the dancing public the very latest and best on the coast.”

WW, June 18, 1931, p. 1: “Azalea Gardens” is being built two miles east of Bandon (to compete with Silver Spray). Overall dimensions are 64X100, with dance floor of 40X80. Floor will be vertical grain like Silver Spray. Bum Gartin will provide the music. To open July 3-4.

WW, July 23, 1931, p. 1: Announces a Walkathon to be held at Silver Spray from noon until midnight on August 2,

WW, September 3, 1931, p.5: Val Bissonnette’s orchestra has postponed their next engagement to stay at Silver Spray for two final dances of the season.

WW, September 24, 1931, p. 4: Reports that a musical organization called “The Oregon Loggers” had given a special show at Azalea Gardens.
p. 5: “Bum” Gartin reports receiving a letter from his former trombonist Marion Stafford, who is now playing in Japan and making records.

WW, December 10, 1931, p. 5: Announces special Christmas and New Years dances at Silver Spray, with music by Gartin.

WW, January 7, 1932, p. 5: Announces a dance at Azalea Gardens Saturday night.

WW, January 21, 1932, p. 5: Announces that Azalea Gardens will be closed on Saturday night in deference to a benefit dance for the volunteer fire department at Silver Spray.

WW, January 21, 1932, p. 5: Announces that Azalea Gardens will be closed on Saturday night in deference to a benefit dance for the volunteer fire department at Silver Spray.

WW, January 28, 1932, p. 1: “Intensive practice has been underway for the past few weeks towards development of a new Gartin’s orchestra, which with the exception of possibly one player, will be all home talent, according to V. C. ‘Bum’ Gartin, manager. The first public appearance will be at the fireman’s ball at the Silver Spray Gardens on Saturday, February 13. “Mr. Gartin has established a favorable reputation for furnishing good music. He says that this new organization is going to be no exception to the standard, in fact it promises to exceed expectations. The personnel is as follows: F. O. Young, piano; Harley Spraggins, banjo; Bob Norton, trumpet; David Stitt, sax and trombone; Vade Gartin, marimba and xylophone; V. C. Gartin, drums, Stuart Norton, sax.”

WW, February 25, 1932, p. 5: Announces Knights of Pythias dance at Silver Spray with Gartin’s orchestra.

WW, March 3, 1932, p. 5: Announces dance Saturday night at Azalea Gardens.

WW, March 17, 1932, p. 5: Benefit dance for Bandon Concert band at Silver Spray on Saturday, March 26. Music by Gartin’s orchestra.

WW, May 4, 1933, p. 3: “The Silver Spray dance hall at Bandon beach has been leased by the county court to Geo. P. Topping for another five years. He has had it for several years past. He plans to hold the formal opening this year on Saturday, June 3.”

WW, May 11, 1933, p. 1: “Plans are being considered, under the sponsorship of the chamber of commerce, for an elaborate beach opening week end, incident to the opening of the Silver Spray Gardens on June 3. “For a number of years past the resumption of the big dance hall for the summer season and the opening of the Wecoma Baths have practically established the opening of the season at Bandon beach. Special efforts have been put forth to attract outside people, but only for the recreational features that are offered. “This year it is planned to combine the formal beach opening with the opportunity for the people for miles around Bandon to take advantage of merchandise bargains. Also to enjoy and participate in other activities in the way of informational, educational and entertainment events.”

WW, June 1, 1933, p. 1: Announces the annual opening of the Silver Spray, noting that it has been “redecorated and improved. The entire crepe paper decorations have been replaced, and this time with Dennison’s, which is considered the finest in the world.”

WW, June 29, 1933, p. 5: “Tilly, with his old-time pep and his piano accordion, will be with the Silver Spray orchestra in the series of dances during the Fourth of July week-end. Don’t miss hearing him, for you just can’t keep your feet still. Dances on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.”

WW. January 11, 1934, p. 5: “Dance hall licenses were issued by the county court last week to A. E. Butts for Azalea Gardens and to the Dew Valley Community Club for the club house at that place.”

WW, May 31, 1934, p. 1: Announces formal opening of Silver Spray Gardens season. “Manager Topping in his advertising campaign has visited all the cities and towns inland to Salem on the north and Medford on the south and has been assured of visitors from all of these places. An espe3cialluy large delegation is expected from Medford where the Diamond Jubilee opens a week’s celebration on Sunday. Crescent City is also to be largely represented as the golfers from that city are coming to play a tournament at Westmost on Sunday. “The dance pavilion has been completely redecorated and various improvements have been made to afford better accommodations and facilities to the public. The entire crepe paper decorations have been replaced. “The Silver Spray orchestra will again furnish the music. This organization is known far and wide for its excellency. It promises to be up to the usual standard of perfection in dance music and entertainment.”

WW, June 7, 1934, p. 1: “The opening of Silver Spray Gardens last Saturday night brought one of the largest crowds in the history of the dance hall. The place, with its 10,000 feet of floor space for dancing, was crowded for hours and standing room off the floor was at a premium. Traffic officer Ambrose estimated that thee wee 1500 automobiles parked within a radius of several blocks of the pavilion. “The interior of the pavilion with its new decorations was most appealing. The floor was in its usual excellent condition and the orchestra of nine pieces was well up to the standard of those in the past. Silver Spay is known far and wide for its fine floor, music and lighting effects, and this occasion proved no exception in these attractions. “Visitors came for the opening from as far north as Camas, Wash, and as far south as Yreka, Cal.”

WW, June 28, 1934, p. 1: Planning for the July 4 celebration at Silver Spray: “Manager Topping announces that through Rufus J. Truman of Bandon, proprietor of Radio-Electric, arrangements have been made to install a public address system for the dances on the third and fourth. This is to be one of the very latest improved installations. It will not only amplify the music of the orchestra, but will give the orchestra men opportunity to use their voices to advantage, regardless of the size of the crowd. The orchestra has several clever and talented singers, who will be featured in solos, duets and trios. The have been unable to produce heretofore because they are accustomed to singing through the ‘mike,’ which is necessary for them to be heard in such an enormous hall as the Silver Spray Gardens.”

WW, July 19, 1934, p. 5: “Mrs. Katherine Topping Davis who has been visiting her parents in Bandon returned to her home in Portland Sunday. Mrs. Davis has been singing with the Silver Spray orchestra during her visit here.”

WW, May 16, 1935, p. 5: “Geo. P. Topping left yesterday on his annual trip through southern Oregon to advertise the opening of Silver Spray Gardens for the 1935 season. The opening will be held on June 1.”

WW, May 30, 1935, p. 1: Announces opening of beach season and Silver Spray: “The coming week will see hundreds of visitors from all over the southern Oregon and northern California areas. It is the formal opening of the Silver Spray Gardens, the initial event each year that is looked forward to with pleasure. The opening dance is to be held on Saturday night. Manager Topping in his advertising campaign has visited all the cities and towns inland to Salem on the north and Medford to the south and has been assured of visitors from all of these places. “The big dance pavilion has been put into first class condition. It is the largest dance floor in Oregon and each year is gaining in reputation. “The Silver Spray orchestra will again furnish the music. This organization is known far and wide for its excellency. It promises to be up to the usual standard of perfection in dance music and entertainment.”

WW, June 6, 1935, p. 1: “The opening of the Silver Spray Gardens at Bandon beach has lost none of its allurement to the people of southern Oregon and northern California, as was witnessed Saturday night. It was attended by probably the largest crowd in the history of the big dance pavilion. Traffic officers in charge of the parking in the vicinity of the hall estimated that there were some 500 more people in attendance than last year. They estimated that the crowd numbered close to 3,000. “Many favorable comments were heard for the Silver Spray orchestra which furnished the music.”

WW. September 17, 1936, p. 5: “At the request of many of its patrons, the management of the Silver Spray Gardens has announced that a Fall series of dances will be given, with dances every Saturday night, beginning September 26. This popular hall has just concluded a popular summer season and the dancing public that has enjoyed its fine music and floor is desirous of having the dances continued.”