October 5, 2012
Good morning from Collegeville,
Sunday I drove up to Breezy Point Resort for our annual retreat. The weather co-operated and the food was great. I wish I knew how my mother came to be a nanny for the children of Captain Billy Fawcett, the millionaire publisher from Robbinsdale, Minnesota. His most famous publication was the Capt. Billy’s Whiz Bang magazine.
The book “Humor Magazines and Comic Periodicals” noted that “Few periodicals reflect the post-WW I cultural change in American life as well as Capt. Billy’s Whiz Bang.
For much of the 1920’s Capt Billy’s was the most prominent comic magazine in America.”
Captain Billy purchased Breezy Point in Pelican Township, from Fred LaPage in 1920 and soon the main lodge was built along with his personal residence. The lodge was destroyed in a fire in June of 1959, but the “Fawcett House” still stands and with 11 bedrooms it is perfect for large family reunions. My mother took care of Capt Billy’s children during the late 30’s. Capt Billy passed away on February 7, 1940 just short of his 60th birthday. For details on rates and golf packages, go to www.breezypointresort.com
The APHC show this week is live from The Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul. Special guests include legendary Swedish jazz orchestra Kustbandet, the three girl choir Mountain Man, fiddle champion Catie Jo Pidel and singer Molly Dean. The Royal Academy of Radio Actors with new guy Steve Kramer will join in.
“Is there nicotine stains on his index finger? A dime novel hidden in the corncrib? Is he starting to memorize jokes from Captain Billy’s Whiz Bang?” Professor Hill in The Music Man.
Category : General 