[Dixielandjazz] Anybody recognize this 1925 ensemble?

[David Richoux]

Bill and all,

I have not found anything specific on this orchstra, but here is the  
story on "The Better 'Ole"

> A young subaltern in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, named Bruce  
> Bairnsfather, drew a cartoon for the Bystander magazine showing two  
> soldiers sheltering in a Johnson shell hole while a furious battle  
> raged above their heads. One soldier, bemoaning his lot, is told by  
> his moustachioed companion: 'Well, if you knows of a better 'ole, go  
> to it.'
>
> The nation and the whole world rocked with laughter. The predicament  
> of the pair represented the problems of the universe. The central  
> character, Old Bill, symbolised that indomitable spirit, which  
> laughs at adversity and extols the virtues of comradeship and  
> integrity.
>
> Bairnsfather's strongest links were in America and the Better 'Ole  
> and Old Bill were portrayed in many films and plays touring the  
> States. Some would even say that Old Bill won the First World War,  
> whilst in the second he became mascot to the US 8th Air Force.

So it may have been a publicity shot for a  film of the same name.

Stuff that makes OKOM better!

(BTW, I have copies of that cartoon in several collections of British  
humour.)

Dave RIchoux


On Jan 1, 2009, at 1:59 PM, Bill Haesler wrote:

> David Richoux wrote:
>> Maybe part of a Society Orchestra? Interesting combo of Mellophone  
>> and Bari Sax!
>> http://www.flickr.com/photos/mellocast/2872932207/
>> (click the tiny "All Sizes" for a larger view)
>> Must have been a strange gig... ;-)
>
> Dear Dave,
> It was taken in Washington, DC in 1925 and features the Better 'Ole  
> Club Orchestra at the National Zoo.
> From the National Photo Company Collection [glass negative] at the  
> Library of Congress.
> For another shot of the girl dancing go to:
>   http://www.shorpy.com/node/4365
> But I bet you knew all that, you ole fox you.
> 8>)
> Kind regards gnu too.
> Bill.