Odds and Ends
October 2, 1943
p. 26

Dave Walper threw a surprise party for Ellington and the boys when they closed the Hurricane last Thursday night. Walper gave the Duke a diamond and ruby wrist-watch in appreciation for the terrific business he drew in the joint for lo, these many months. The band returns to this spot in April… Ol Harrington, PV’s ex-cartoonist according to the whispers on the corner, will marry but soon, a beautiful blonde… Poor Erroll Flyn is in trouble again. This time with the Government—they only want 121 grand to settle a little tax dispute… Did I hear someone say that Billy Rowe (ALL of the Pittsburgh Courier) is in an embarkation camp in California, waiting to be shipped to the South Pacific?… The musician’s union, starting October 1, will exact an additional 1% tax from its members. Seems this is a h— of a time to increase taxes, what with the government taxes and the high cost of living… Count Le Roy, the roller-skating dancer, is displaying his art at the Zanzibar these days. Avis Andrews is out… Fats Waller is still going strong at the Greenwich Village Inn.