Whose birthday am I noting today?
April 3, 2018
Happy Birthday, Sally Rand
Sally Rand is an American icon, best known for her famous “fan dance.” But, as with so many other celebrities, Miss Rand had a multifaceted career and personality that deserves (*ahem*) further exposure.
“Sally Rand” was born as Harriet Helen Gould Beck in the Ozark Mountain town of Elkton, Missouri on Easter Sunday, the 3rd of April, 1904. She was the daughter of Nettie Grove, a Pennsylvania Dutch Quaker, and Corporal William Beck, a veteran of the Spanish-American War. Teddy Roosevelt was President of the United States and there would come a time when little Helen would fall asleep in the great man’s lap.
Sally was interested in dance from an early age and, literally, ran away with a carnival as a teenager. She later pursued such career opportunities as night club cigarette girl, artist’s model, and cafe dancer.
It is tattoo Tuesday . . .
Gunsmoke and Knitting 
Curious why you are interested in Miss Sally? I had not heard of her before, Love the big feather/fan picture. Gorgeous. White Christmas is a favorite movie and I sometimes think I missed my decade. What fun to live in such an opulent era.
That’s a good question. Liz. I learned about her when I was a child – although that was past her performance days! I thought using the big feather fans was fascinating – both naughty and clever. She did not reveal much of anything, but she was by all accounts a talented dancer and performer. I remember spending time looking for big feather fans. Apparently my interest in her talents continues! I never did find the fans, however. Thanks for asking.