Small Town Minstrel Show Raises Funds for Christmas
Community members in Benton City put on a talent show, featuring local musicians and a 'Japanese chorus,' to fund a holiday celebration for local children.
A crowded house greeted the local talent minstrels Friday night and was enjoyably entertained with two hours of fun and music. The show was opened with the usual minstrel first part, followed by a splendid program. Those taking part were Ed. Greer, solo and impersonator; K. K. Kellogg, violin solo; 'Red' Heminger, solo; Kellogg and Hughes, duet; Roy Morgan, monologue; C. E. Morgan, banjo; Japanese chorus, Misses Amy and Merl Kelso, Eunice McAlpine, Marjorie McBean, Lucille Waldron, Bessie and Zeva Hartman, Mary Binegar and Wallace Kelso, Japanese boy; duet, Marie and Wallace Kennett. The proceeds are to be used to give the children an old-fashioned Christmas, with a Christmas tree and Santa Claus. Much credit is due Ed. Greer who acted as instructor and manager.
“The proceeds are to be used to give the children an old-fashioned Xmas, with a Christmas tree and Santa Claus.”
While minstrel shows were a standard form of community entertainment in 1914, they are now understood as products of deep racial caricature; the 'Japanese chorus' highlights the era's fascination with exoticism as a performance trope. Today, local non-profits continue the tradition of fundraising for holiday events for children, though the cultural delivery has shifted significantly.
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