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HARLEM IN HAVANA GUESTBOOK 
Please share your stories, memories and thoughts 
about the Harlem in Havana stage show here. 

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NameBob Stiff
Date2017-03-04
Locationclick picture for more information
MessageGrowing up in Oklahoma City, Royal American Shows was a major highlight of the year. I especially remember the Harlem in Havana show, usually across from the Club Lido. When I was old enough, I remember going to Harlem and loving the show. One year, I noticed that two of the chorus line girls were chatting to one another--one was chewing gum--as they performed. It was probably the 500th time they had performed the routine and were no doubt bored. Suddenly, both girls looked shocked, straightened up, the one swallowed her gum, and they both started giving their all to the routine. I glanced back at the entrance, and there stood a distinguished looking man glaring at them. I later learned that gentleman was Leon Claxton. He never missed a performance.



Private Message added 2015-02-12


NameMeyer Toole
Date2014-03-06
Locationclick picture for more information
MessageBack in the 50's every summer the RAS would hit Fort William and Port Arthur.
Leon and Carl J Sedlmayr (RAS) were friends of my father.
My father's business always had a glassed in booth and Leon and group did a daily radio show.
Somewhere, I may have a 33rpm recording that was done in the booth.
What a show. Always very professional.


NameBill Butuk
Date2014-01-24
Locationclick picture for more information
MessageAs a teen-ager in the mid-50's, living in Fort William/Port Arthur(now Thunder Bay), I looked forward to the Friday night RED-HOT Ramble Show that started about 11 p.m. Such memories!


NameChester Drayton
Date2014-01-24
Locationclick picture for more information
MessageWhen I was a kid my Mother would bring my Brother and I to the Florida State Fair in Tampa. Our sole purpose was to see the Leon Claxton Revue. Mr. Claxton had the best show in the world. I still remember passing his block long house on Grace street when I was little. May God bless everyone in that show. It was the best thing I had ever seen. Peg legged Bates still sticks in my mind today. Thank you all.


NameJimmy
Date2013-10-19
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MessageI am so glad I decided to check up on some of my old friends and show biz associates. I really enjoyed looking at this website.I was a young entertainer with the sideshow on royal several years and also front talker.I believe it was 1957 when Leon asked me to be his talker and regrettably I had to leave Royal for a previous agreed upon date.Looking back,I wish I had given it a go.Every one thought highly of him and his show people.I especially remember Leon's ability to do an acrobatic flip on special performances.I also recall a wonderful performance by a singer (I think George Nelson)at the Oklahoma State fair.The city religious leaders wanted some sort of service on Sunday and I remember very clearly how beautiful he sang "I Believe".Maybe 1957.Keep up the good work.Don't forget Madame Burleson.


NameJim Gataiant
Date2013-08-19
Locationclick picture for more information
MessageIn my early teens and twenties one of my first stops at the RAS was at Harlem in Havana and the other show venue. The rides came later. The show was never a rip-off. The girls were fabulous and the music was rockin!


NameSara Green
Date2013-07-22
Locationclick picture for more information
MessageI was a little kid who sneaked out, crossed the street and climbed a fence so that I could visit Leon Claxton and Gwen and her sister of whom I referred to as "Aunt Gwen" every year when the Royal American carnival came to St. Louis Mo. I grew up in a funeral home and was always afraid to go anywhere near the chapel,,that is until Uncle Leon and Aunt Gwen came to town, I would brazenly walk right into the chapel. past a body in the casket;open the window and sneak out. Why? Because as an adopted kid, they treated me like royalty and allowed me to be in their company backstage in their tent. These were the most beautiful and kindest folks I've ever known. I have searched for years trying to get information about their lives. I thank you for this opportunity.

Sincerely,
Sara Green


Name Glenda Wapegan-Magarrell - PART 4
Date2012-09-09
Locationclick picture for more information
MessagePART 4: I have been living and working in Detroit, Michigan for the last 9 years, but will be moving back home in June 2013. My son, 34 years old now has 2 beautiful sons and a gorgeous daughter. All of whom, I would like to know of their moishum (Ojibiway for grandpa). I am extremely proud of the man I never knew. I love the horn, I love listening to Tom Browne and like to mess around with a bass (although I am just a novice) and I"m sure I get this from my dad. I want be able to tell my grandbabies about him and hopefully have a picture or two to show them.

Anything you can you do to help would be greatly appreciated.

God bless you and thank you in advance.
God Bless You.


NameGlenda Wapegan-Magarrell -PART 3
Date2012-09-09
Locationclick picture for more information
MessagePART 3- My mom met my dad in 1946 when she was 15 years old. She spent time with him every year and I believe even traveled from Regina, Sask. to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Saskatoon, Sask, and perhaps Edmonton to meet him. They did not begin to have children until she was 29 years old. I know they had a good friendship because, she kept several pictures of my dad visiting her family on the Muscowpetung First Nation. Unfortunately, those pictures we lost when she moved and left them in storage never to be retrieved.

I'm writing you because in addition to the story of the RAS giving so many of our African-American men and women the opportunities for success; there is also another story. There are alot bi-racial men and women just like me, who are a wonderful by-product of the RAS. It was a hard time for blacks in the US, but it was also a terrible for Indians in Canada during the 40, 50, and 60's (still is). I think it's wonderful that my mom and dad were able to find each other for the time they did. I'm saddened that there could have not been more between them and I can''t tell you how heartbreaking and painful it's been not to know my dad, but I've made my peace with it. I know you have many pictures of the Harlem Review and would love to know if you have any of my father or perhaps could refer me to a RAS archive.


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