Public Opinions of Burlesque in Nebraska Newspapers
The following newspaper clippings are a compilation written by Nebraska residents expressing their opinions, questions, and reactions to burlesque and 'exotic' dancers performing in various venues throughout Nebraska. The articles are organized by year.
1890s
(Fremont Tri Weekly Tribune. Fremont, NE. Page 4. February 27, 1892)
The article reads, "Omaha has tabooed the nude show pictures. If Omaha does it there is no reason why Fremont should hesitate to manifest such a slight spasm of virtue. But it will eliminate the circus poster as well as the theatrical advertisements, and after all who would not regret to part with the glory and the splendor of the circus poster?"
This blurb is referring to nudity in advertisement posters of stage and circus shows.
1900s
(The Bridgeport Blade. Seward, NE. Page 5. September 14, 1906)
The blurb reads, "The nude in Art stays Anthony Comstock of New York, is all right in its place, but its place is not on the bill-boards in city. In harmony with that idea, and at the request of the W.C.T.U. Lincoln and Omaha have shut out the nude show pictures."
In 1906 Omaha and Lincoln banned nudity in advertising posters of stage shows, as they had 'tabooed' back
1910s
(Omaha Morning World Herald. "Burlesque" October 26, 1914)
This blurb specifically asks about musical burlesques, which was a popular theatrical form, like vaudeville, at the time.
The blurb reads, "Burlesque. Does a person wishing to become an actress in a musical burlesque play have to go to any certain place in New York to get such a position? No. Companies are made up all over the country. For information apply to Omaha burlesque theater manager."
1920s
(Falls City Daily News. Falls City, NE. Page 4. September 14, 1924)
Blurb reads, "Sheriff Young in behalf of the community and decency will stop that nude dance business. Fullest publicity should be given."
(Lincoln Journal Star. "Protest Burlesque Show." Omaha, NE. January 19, 1927)
Omaha during the 1920s had two burlesque houses-- the Krug Theatre and the Gayety Theatre. Read more about the venues here.
1930s
Famous fan dancer Sally Rand graced the stage of the Paramount Theatre (now the Rose Theatre) in Omaha in February 1934. Prior to her performances, Catholic Bishop Rummel forbid practicing Catholics from attending or viewing her 'demoralizing' and 'perverted' acts. The Bishop's ban was published in the Gwiazda Zachodu and the Omaha World Herald on February 23, 1934.
(Omaha World Herald. "Catholics Forbidden to See Sally Rand." February 22, 1934)
The article reads: "Catholics Forbidden to See Sally Rand. Catholic people of Omaha are forbidden by Bishop Joseph F. Rummel to attend the show at the Paramount theater opening Friday and featuring Sally Rand, fan dancer, appearing in person. The bishop's ban, under pain of grievous sin, is set forth in a letter to the Catholic clergy of the city to be read at all services Wednesday and Friday evenings. In addition, the bishop suggests that protests be sent to Mayor Towl and other city commissioners 'against a situation which threatens the morality of our city and gives to it a most unsavory reputation.' The bishop acted, his letter to the clergy said, after he had written a letter of protest to Mayor Towl last Saturday and received no reply until Wednesday, and then only a brief acknowledgement and statement that the matter had been referred to an investigator."
In 1939, a public opinion article entitled, "Not Afraid to Compete" appeared in the Evening World Herald in January. The author complains of the fact that Nebraska will be represented at the New York World's Fair by a fan dancer. The author, simply referred to as M.R.W., wished the state would be represented by fruits and vegetables farmed by modern equipment, emphasizing hydroelectric power in irrigation. The author ends the letter stating, "We should not be afraid to have our splendid state compete with the most scintillating fan dancer at that fair or any other!" Rosita Royce was the fan dancer that represented Nebraska at the New York World's Fair. Learn more about her here.
1940s
On May 4, 1940, the Morning World Herald published letters to 'Mary Lane'. This particular letter is in response to a previous letter that described how a wife convinced her husband not to attend a 'strip tease party.' However, this author was in favor of letting her husband attend the party because he returned and said he was disgusted with himself for going. Mary Lane responds to both letters with gospel about 'indecency' and 'sin.'
(Evening World Herald. "The New Lincoln." March 18, 1940)
An interesting article published in the Omaha Evening World Herald in 1940 sheds some light on the burlesque scene in the state capitol city, Lincoln. It outlines the ways in which Lincoln has changed morality as the "Holy City" to a city of debauchery.
"The change began, as we now recall, a few years ago when a lovely lady did a strip-tease dance at the state fair, of all places. The management puffed out its cheeks and said the lady really wasn't bare, but was wearing ankle-length pink underwear. However, if that was the case the customers didn't seem to mind, and for a few days the fair did a business that made everybody forget about the depression. Since then Lincoln has become the home of a dove dancer [referring to Rosita Royce], and the adopted home of Mari Sandoz, whose books are a little too robust for the big, wicked city of Omaha. And now, to cap the climax, Lincoln police find fan dancers and cellophane dancers and bat dancers in two theaters. Not one, mind you--that might have happened to any town--but two."
July 16, 1946, the Nebraska State Journal, published "Burlesque Rumor Arouses Omahans." This brief blurb quoted the Chairman of the Welfare Board, John S. Samson, stating, "I am unalterably oppose to burlesque in Omaha. I would like to see Omaha bring in good musicals like 'Oklahoma' and high-class plays, but old-fashioned burlesque would be anything but edifying." A reverend was then quoted, "I certainly hope we can eliminate the possibility of such shows coming to Omaha. My hope is that the people would rise up against them."
1950s
During the 1950s I saw an increase in the amount of public opinion articles/letters that were being written about burlesque shows in the Nebraska papers. In 1952, St. Louis citizen, George E. Whitney, wrote about how 'prude' Omahans were because the Nebraska State Fair had a 'girlie show' aka a 'burlesque show' and folks were enraged.
Then, in 1953, another blurb entitled, "Girlie Show Shames Neligh," was written by 'Puzzled'. This person was a spectator at a girlie show in the Riverside Park. The person complains nothing is left to the imagination at these shows, and "No vulgar words were left unspoken." The writer later shames Neligh with the information youngsters under the ages of 12 were present at the park for the show.
(Evening World Herald. "Girlie Show Shames Neligh." July 14, 1953)
Puzzled wrote, "Girlie Show Shames Neligh. Omaha: I spent the Fourth of July week-end in Neligh, Neb., and enjoyed many of the events which took place in Riverside Park. However, there was a so-called 'girlie' show on the midway. One would have attend this before he would believe the vulgarity which I witnessed. There was nothing left to the imagination. No vulgar words were left unspoken. Some of the youngsters who attended this show were not over 11 or 12 years of age. Why blame youngsters when grown-ups will tolerate shows such as this? Shame on Neligh!"
The opinions in the 1950s demonstrate how burlesque, and its policing, had permeated Omaha. During this time, the Town Theatre (1410 Douglas Street) was an active burlesque theater in Omaha. It opened in 1933 as the Town Theater and was a bastion of bump until it was bought by the Cooper Foundation of Lincoln in March 1958. The new management immediately enacted a 'No Burlesque' policy. Read more about burlesque at the Town here.
(Omaha World Herald. "Notes on Burlesque. Omaha." July 4, 1957)
Ralph Aletec states, "Notes on Burlesque. Omaha. In my travels I make it a point to visit a burlesque theater for relaxation. On my way out of the Town Theater recently I Saw the manager surrounded by a dozen or more policemen. Photographers were taking pictures outside. Sergeant Mahoney must be doing such a terrific job that Omaha can allow a dozen policemen to spend a few hours at a harmless burlesque show. Mahoney must have a press agent."
(Evening World Herald. "Burlesque's Return." September 29, 1958)
The opinion from this Grandfather reads, "Burlesque's Return, Omaha. I am grateful that A. R. has had the courage to tell the truth about hula hoops. They are not just innocent fun but inspire the kind of writhing that was banned on burlesque stages as indecent. A few arrests would end this fad in a hurry. A Grandfather."
(Evening World Herald. Omaha, NE. "Glad Burlesque Gone. Omaha." Mrs. Dick Ecabert. April 12, 1958)
The blurb reads, "Glad Burlesque Gone. Omaha. Commendation is in order for the Cooper Foundation in the purchase of Omaha's Town Theater and the new policy of no more burlesque. Such action will play a vital part in keeping Omaha an All-American City. Mrs. Dick Ecabert."
(Evening World Herald. April 27, 1959)
This blurb written by "R.H." in the Omaha Evening World Herald reads, "Why can't there be a burlesque theater in Omaha? I know several towns in this part of the country where there are such shows. There would be opposition to burlesque by the so-called "women's league" and church heads but I know the theater management and patrons would never interfere with Sunday sermons." (1959)
1960s
An interesting article was published in the Omaha World Herald in 1962 entitled, "Keep It On! Sinful Chicago Night Spots Easily 'Outstrip' Omaha's." The article compares the strip shows of Chicago versus Omaha. It also mentions "B-Girls" or "hostesses who hustle drinks and get a percentage" were operating openly in Omaha. There wasn't an ordinance banning B-Girls but prostitution and vagrancy charges were often used to prosecute.
Defending Her Profession
(Lincoln Journal Star. "Dear Ann Landers." July 13, 1964)
Letter reads, "Dear Ann Landers: For the first time in my life I feel I should defend my profession. I have been an exotic dancer (I prefer this to 'stripper') for 12 years. I am no 'cheap little bimbo' as you called us, but a hard-working woman who has paid taxes on $40,000 last year. When I finished my schooling in the East at 16, I went to work in the office of a major TV network. In the 10 months I worked there I received more indecent proposals and pinches than in the 12 years I have been doing my act. There can be artistry and taste in exotic dancing. I am told I have a regal bearing which makes men respect me. Since you claim to be fair, Ann, I hope you will print my letter and give the customers an eyeful. - TNT." Ann responded, "Dear Dynamite: I try always to be fair and here is your letter. As for 'giving the customers an eyeful' -- that's your line, thank you."
(Evening World Herald. "The Public Pulse. Nudity Not Innocent. Columbus." March 14, 1965)
Blurb reads: "Nudity Not Innocent Columbus. Regarding Carol A. Dorcy's letter on Sally Rand, Omaha and its vice detail, please be congratulated. If other cities laugh, they're jealous. (In Bold) Nude dances, no matter how artistic, are not innocent when performed in a nightclub. Skimpy fans and nude acts with 'emotional vigor' bring out the animal instincts in both men and women." E.J. Lee
(Omaha World Herald. "Public Opinion. A Dancer for the Zoo." Irate Mother. February 7, 1965)
Opinion reads, "A Dancer for the Zoo. Omaha. Why doesn't the husband of Omaha's 'exotic dancer' put her in Riverview Park Zoo? The smutty-minded could take their children to view this phenomenon as they would view 'a new Cadillac.' Irate Mother."
(The South Omaha Sun. "The People's Voice; Comment on Vampira Pictures." September 9, 1965)
This article displays the varying opinions of the citizens of Omaha on stripteasers and exotic dancers. The comments are about Vampira, a local burlesque dancer (not The Vampira), and the photos printed in the South Omaha Sun the previous week showing Vampira dancing in a bikini at a nightclub in Omaha. There are two opinions published. The first reads, "In the past we have enjoyed reading the SUN, but since your column, 'The Best of Omaha' is publicizing, advertising, and catering to 'The Worst of Omaha,' we no longer appreciate your paper. The pornographic photography and licentious writing depicting exotic dancers at Omaha night clubs makes your paper not unsuitable for family reading. If you continue with this policy of obscenity, we will cancel our subscription. A great number of people whom we have talked to about this salaciousness share our view. Mr. and Mrs. John T. Lyons 6551 Sahler."
The second opinion reads, "'No Place' Thanks for having a decent entertainment section for a change. I do not believe that half-dressed girls are necessary to gain readers. Such pictures have no place in a family paper. I have always read the South Omaha Sun since I can remember reading newspapers and the South Omaha Sun was always a paper which all could read and didn't have to be censured. Your paper has much to offer and I dislike seeing it degraded by such cheap pictures and photography. I hope you will discontinue such low caliber of news reporting. Rosemaire Prystal."
The editor left a note: "These letters refer to our reporting in the August 26 SUN of the vice detail's arrest of dancer Vampira. We did so to illustrate the fact that after the arrest, Vampira went back on stage, and because of the current legal discussion during which two judges have said Omaha's laws on indecency are unconstitutional. The SUN does not intend to 'advertise' or 'cater to' pornograph, but does seek to report fairly on questions of public policy."
Go-Go Teachers Drama
In February 1967, a passionate opinion letter was published in the Lincoln Journal Star by a disgusted mother.
(Lincoln Journal Star. "Go-Go Teachers." By Just Plain Disgusted. Page 4. February 8, 1967)
The public opinion reads, "Go-Go Teachers. Lincoln-- I have children in two schools and all they talk about is the teachers and their short skirts. My sixth grader says his teacher exposes herself to the class all day. Are we paying these high taxes to send our children to go-go-girls that put indecent thoughts in their minds? The girls as well are half covered. Half of the time there are television and movies while some of the teachers nap. Every year they want a raise in pay and are doing less and less. It is time our board of education gets on the ball and weeds out the go-go girls and puts decent women in our schools. Just Plain Disgusted".
A few days later, Alan Grigsby responds to the mother:
(Lincoln Journal Star. "No Go-Go." February 13, 1967)
The opinion reads, "No Go-Go. Lincoln-- In regard to Go-Go Teachers (Public Mind, Feb. 8), I ask parents to consider a few things before passing judgement on hearsay evidence. Our teachers are not so much go-go girls as they are highly trained individuals capable of putting things of far more worth into our children's minds than indecency. Today television and movies provide valuable learning aids to supplement regular classroom activities. If a teacher is found napping it probably stems from the pressure of this demanding schedule. Our teachers today are required to know and be able to teach things that wer enot yet conceived ten, even five years ago. It's doubtful that you'll find a go-go girl behind any desk in the Lincoln school system. Alan Grigsby."
That's The PTA?
An interesting blurb written by Robert McMorris for the Omaha World Herald outlines an interesting 'audition' for a Variety show at a PTA meeting. A woman interrupted a PTA meeting at Laura Dodge School to audition for the PTA Variety Show. She got on stage and stripped off her coat to reveal a flapper dress--she danced the Charleston. "Traditionalists" rushed her off the stage. She was soon replaced by another member of the PTA who said she was an exotic dancer. She demonstrated and was also ejected from the meeting, but not after throwing her fishnet stockings onto the stage from the wing.
(Omaha World Herald. "That's the PTA?" Robert McMorris. September 29, 1968)
1970s
(Omaha World Herald. "$5 Million Stag Show." Barbara Moore. Page 4. August 1, 1970)
Blurb reads, "$5 Million Stag Show. Omaha. People are screaming about the declining morals of our country, yet they are contributing to it by forking over $5 million to see the glorified stag show, 'Oh Calcutta.' It doesn't make much sense. Hypocrisy is alive and well and living in America. Barbara Moore."
(Omaha World Herald. "Advertise Topless Shows." Dan M. Sullivan. Page 12. August 5, 1970)
The blurb reads, "Advertise Topless Shows. Omaha. I doubt that viewing topless dancers would affect the morals of most adults. However, clubs scheduling topless shows should advertise to this effect. Those who would be offended can stay away, as they do from X-rated films. Dan M. Sullivan."
1980s
(The Grand Island Daily Independent. "Views of our readers; Says the Issue is Misrepresented." Bill Mudloff Jr. January 16, 1980)
Public Opinion letters comes to the defense of the Erin Pub, a bar in Grand Island, which was under fire for hiring exotic dancers to perform. Bill argues against another letter, published previously, that stated Grand Island would see an influx of crime and different 'types' of people he wouldn't appreciate. Bill argues for exotic dancing and that it doesn't cause crime, rape, or homosexuality. He concludes his argument by stating, "The issue at hand here is freedom of choice. We all have it. We can patronize the Erin Pub or we can abstain from the Erin Pub. The choice is ours."
Sources
- Evening World Herald. "Wants Burlesque." April 27, 1959
- Evening World Herald. "Burlesque's Return." September 29, 1958
- Evening World Herald. "Girlie Show Shames Neligh." July 14, 1953
- Omaha World Herald. "Catholics Forbidden to See Sally Rand." February 22, 1934
- Omaha Morning World Herald. "Burlesque" October 26, 1914
- Evening World Herald. "As the Public Pulse Beats; Not Afraid to Compete." January 30, 1939
- Evening World Herald. September 29, 1952
- Nebraska State Journal. "Burlesque Rumor Arouses Omahans." Omaha, NE. July 16, 1946
- Morning World Herald. "Strip-Tease Show Again in Print." May 4, 1940
- Evening World Herald. "The New Lincoln." March 18, 1940
- Omaha World Herald. "Notes on Burlesque. Omaha." July 4, 1957
- Evening World Herald. Omaha, NE. "Glad Burlesque Gone. Omaha." Mrs. Dick Ecabert. April 12, 1958
- Evening World Herald. "The Public Pulse. Nudity Not Innocent. Columbus." March 14, 1965
- Lincoln Journal Star. "Dear Ann Landers." July 13, 1964
- Omaha World Herald. "Public Opinion. A Dancer for the Zoo." Irate Mother. February 7, 1965
- The South Omaha Sun. "The People's Voice; Comment on Vampira Pictures." September 9, 1965
- Lincoln Journal Star. "Go-Go Teachers." By Just Plain Disgusted. Page 4. February 8, 1967
- Lincoln Journal Star. "No Go-Go." February 13, 1967
- Lincoln Journal Star. "Go-Go Teachers." By Just Plain Disgusted. Page 4. February 8, 1967
- Omaha World Herald. "That's the PTA?" Robert McMorris. September 29, 1968
- Omaha World Herald. "$5 Million Stag Show." Barbara Moore. Page 4. August 1, 1970
- Omaha World Herald. "Advertise Topless Shows." Dan M. Sullivan. Page 12. August 5, 1970
- The Grand Island Daily Independent. "Views of our readers; Says the Issue is Misrepresented." Bill Mudloff Jr. January 16, 1980
- Fremont Tri Weekly Tribune. Page 4. February 27, 1892
- Falls City Daily News. Falls City, NE. Page 4. September 14, 1924