July 22, 1971
Entertainer Tiny Tim packed them in at the Weldwood Lounge on the Scranton-Carbondale Highway one summer night.
The singer, whose real name in Herbert Khaury, sang numerous songs in his trademark falsetto voice, including “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “If You Don’t Like Your Uncle Sammy, Go Back to Your Home Overseas,” “Earth Angel,” “Great Balls of Fire” and his hit “Tiptoe Through the Tulips.”
On stage with him that night was his wife, Ms. Vicki. Local band J.B. Quintet was Tiny Tim’s orchestra for the show.
In the July 23 edition of The Scranton Times, the reviewer wrote about how the audience “frequently sang along and was yelling for more.” The crowd swarmed Tiny Tim, seeking his autograph while he tried to leave the stage.
Tiny Tim receives the key to the City of Scranton and a medal during a visit to St. Joseph’s Festival on July 22, 1971. Principals include Mrs. Anthony Magistro; David Davis, representing Mayor Eugene Peters for the key presentation; Elmer Charnogursky; Mrs. Agnes Devinney, presenting the medal; Mrs. Hubert Gordon and Mrs. Rose Fiorani. TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES
Prior to his show, Tiny Tim visited St. Joseph’s Festival, an annual fundraiser for St. Joseph’s Children’s and Maternity Hospital. There, he received the key to the City of Scranton from David Davis, who represented Mayor Eugene Peters, and a medal from Mrs. Agnes Devinney.
Contact the writer: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; @TTPagesPast on Twitter
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
