Having luncehon with a famous theatrical star of the Gay Nineties who still shine in the night spots around Hollywood was the exciting experience of a Norwood sailor recently.
Pharmacist Mate, Third Class, Carroll Robbins, former sports writer for the Free Press and sta first basemen of the 1940 championship baseball team at Norwood High, together with several of his shipmates, had luncheon at the famous Bal Tabarin Restaurant and Theatre in San Francisco in the company of Sophie Tucker, last of the “Red Hot Mamas” who wowed ’em in dad’s day and still packs a pinch when it comes to entertaining the servicemen.
Robbins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Robbins of 65 Maple Street, who enlisted in the Navy 18 months ago, is now on the West Coast where he is studying malariology control and, when not on shore duty, is assigned to the South Pacific. The Norwood sailor and his buddies went to the ball Tabarin restaurant recently for luncheon and while there they met the famous ‘Sophie”.
A cameraman who was present in the restaurant requested the permission of the sailors to take their picture, and the servicemen were more than grateful to oblige. Pharmacist Mate Robbins in writing to his mother of his meeting with Sophie Tucker stated that it was one of his most thrilling moments and that he and his shipmates enjoyed the moment very much.
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)