It’s time once again to use one of Kevin Savick’s suggestions for a column. And the column topic he’s proposing is based on a visit to the city by Joe E. Brown back in January 1950. To back up this topic, Kevin furnished four Tribune news articles based on this once famous stage, film and radio entertainer.

Right at this point it would be very logical to explain just who in heck Joe E. Brown (and not Joey as pronounced) was and his place in American entertainment.

His real name was Joseph Evans Brown and he was born in Holgate, Ohio, during 1892. At the age of 10 he became a part of a troupe of tumblers which toured the nation as circus and vaudeville performers. Brown gradually became a comedian and was soon active in both stage productions and films.

One of the phrases used to describe Brown was “elastic mouth.” This was emphasized with his gimmick of really yelling as a part of his performances. Another word that could be used to describe this man’s abilities would be versatile.

Brown was in the casts of many Hollywood films. Those films include “Show Boat,” “Some Like It Hot,” “Gladiator “ and “Around the World in 80 Days.”

During World War II Brown did 742 shows overseas for American military personnel. One of the Tribune’s news reports dated Jan. 15, 1950, said, “He was never a ‘rear echelon entertainer,’ but was famous for taking his humor up to the front lines where it did the most good. “

Another facet about Brown’s life which sometimes got overlooked was his involvement with professional baseball. He played with a St. Paul team and later became part owner of a Kansas City team. (A Tribune article didn’t specify the name of this team.) And in 1949 he was given the “gold award” by the American Baseball Congress.

At the end of 1949 Brown had just completed a successful tour of Great Britain About this time several local folks contacted Brown’s agent in Hollywood to see if one of the nation’s top ten entertainers of that era would be available for an appearance in Albert Lea. This one performance would take place at the Albert Lea High School Auditorium and be sponsored by the Tribune and Naeve Hospital Auxiliary. All proceeds after expenses were deducted would go to the auxiliary.

On Jan. 5, 1950, Brown’s agent called and said the comedian would be in Albert Lea on Jan. 14, 1950, a Saturday evening.

Tickets for Brown’s appearance quickly went on sale at Lueck-Sanders Drug Store, the high school principal’s office, Whelan’s Cigar Store and from members of the auxiliary. Prices were $1.80 and $1.20 for adults (presumably based on seating in the auditorium) and 60 cents for students.

Meeting Brown at the Albert Lea Airport were what the Tribune called local dignitaries: Mayor James L. Nelson, Paul Belknap, Elmer R. Peterson, William P. Sturtz, Gerald H. Coy and Warner Tidemann.

Despite the frigid weather, “An Evening with Joe E. Brown” drew a crowd of over 2,000 people from Albert Lea and nearby communities.