Historic Hood River
Arthur Raymond Hill
Notes
Before the internet, before television, entertainment arrived in small towns like Hood River in the form of traveling troupes of actors bringing live performances to the stage of theaters like the Rialto. We have a charming collection of signed 8×10’s from performers who Mr. Kolstad brought to town– some whose careers were on their way up, some on their way down, and some on their way to no where in particular.
Arthur Raymond Hill visited Hood River in 1926, just a few days after Queen Marie of Romania. His note is a good illustration of the trouble interpreting humor from historical sources. The note says:
To my good pal Art Volstead– I mean Kolstad, a regular fellow and wonderful showman. From Arthur Raymond Hill, 11-15-1926.
Your puzzle for today: Explain Mr. Hill’s joke.
I can find few references to Mr. Hill’s career after he visited Hood River except for three minor uncredited movie roles in the 1930’s on IMDB, and he unfortunately died quite young.
Charlott
I have no idea what he meant, but Hill wasn’t in the main stream of acting. Yes, the movies he was in, just more or less walk on parts weree:
Tlhe Lone Wolf
Let’em Have It
Madame Racketeer
Not much of an aparent actor, probably why he performed (?) in a ittle town like Hood River.
He was originally from Illinois being born there 5 February 1890 and died in Los Angelses on 17 April 1941.
Charlott
Actually born in Piano, Illinois. He found his final resting place at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, in Los Angeles.
Jim
This must be in reference to prohibition. I can only guess that Mr. Hills mistakenly calling Mr. Kolstad by the wrong name was Mr. Hill feigning inebriation in a comedic attempt to editorialize on the effectiveness of the National Prohibition Act, known informally as the Volstead Act.
Jim
Is it possible Mr. Hill’s remark could have been alluding to the availability of alcohol at the Rialto?
l.e.
I bet you are right Jim.
When I first read the comment, I thought sarcasm, which isn’t fair of me.
However, the comment could definitely imply a reference about alcohol.
Whether they shared alcohol, or Mr. Hill was reprimanded for alcohol might explain the comment.
One could look for some history about Kolstad and his attitude toward alcohol.
Both sides of the C. River were known for their teetotaling attitudes.
Sam Hill lost out on buying the Jewett home because he wanted to celebrate the sale with a drink.
Jim
Or the opposite could be the case as well; Mr. Kolstad may have been a strict prohibitionist and Mr. Hill was recognizing that by associating him with the man closely associated with the passing of the 18th amendment — that’s all I could come up with Arthur.
Arthur
It’s been said that if you have to explain a joke it’s not very funny, but I think Jim’s got the basic idea that this is a reference to Prohibition. Maybe someone who knew Art Kolstad can tell us his position on the 18th Amendment.
Charlott
Sam Hill probably lost out in Bingen much like he did in Columbus/Maryhill. He’s intent was to run out the old pioneers who had worked so hard to establish themselves. His manipulations and "superior" self didn’t hold any water……..