The Camden Haven Historical Society has issued an open invitation to the public to view their display and share the memories of the unexpected wartime visit of Bob Hope and his entourage in 1944.
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The anniversary commemoration will take place in the Anzac Room of the LUSC on Thursday afternoon August 12 from 1.30pm........
It is 60 years on August 14, 1944, since an American PBY flying boat force-landed on the Camden Haven River at Laurieton. Aboard was Bob Hope and his party who had been entertaining troops in Guam. None of the party was injured, but they had been asked to jettison their wardrobe and precious crates of whisky when the engine failed. Catching bait nearby were Merv Wallace and his uncle and they brought the party ashore from the sandbank where the plane was stuck. Beside Bob Hope, the party consisted of the comedian Jerry Colonna, singer Frances Langford, dancer Patty Thomas and guitarist Tony Romano.
Bunny Wallace, father of Merv who then managed the Laurieton Hotel, looked after the party. The late Mr Bruce Plunkett, Postmaster, was not impressed at first when an American saying he was Bob Hope tried to borrow money from him, but eventually lent him eleven pounds, which Bob repaid when he reached Sydney.
Laurieton had a population of only 600 at that time, but people came from everywhere when they heard the exciting news. A dance was hastily arranged in the School of Arts and Bob Hope's party agreed to put on a show. It is said that 450 people attended, the admission fee being three shillings and sixpence with the money going to boost the Patriotic Fund. Bob Hope danced with six or seven girls and they found him a good dancer and "very friendly." Locals taught him the Hokey Pokey. Much of his time was spent signing autographs but the party did manage to put on a show with Bob and Jerry Colonna doing a sketch called "A Walk in the Park," Patty Thomas doing a tap dance and Tony Romano playing the guitar. Six big American cars arrived from Newcastle to take the party to Sydney. Something of a sensation was caused again when the cars stopped in Taree. The plane was eventually pulled from the sandbank with draught horses and Bunny Wallace's boat "Nikabit" towed it for repairs.
Jerry Colonna returned to Sydney in 1954 and expressed the wish to revisit Laurieton, but this could not be arranged. However some Laurieton citizens went down to meet him and at his stadium concert made a presentation to him. Bob Hope returned in 1955 and was also greeted by some Laurieton folk. It was raining at the airport and he remarked "I always make wet landings in Australia - I've wet my feet both times." Locals gave him a painting of the town and there is a photograph of him planting a kiss on Sylvia Kerslake's cheek.
The Historical Society issues an open invitation to view their display and share the memories of this unexpected Wartime visit in the Anzac Room on Thursday afternoon August 12.