Only A Quarter To Buy Salami And A Little Magic?

Only A Quarter To Buy Salami And A Little Magic?

Bobby learned his first slight-of-hand trick from a local St. Thomas Butcher, who ran a small shop on Talbot Street. Frequently sent on errands to buy salami, cold cuts or stewing beef at the butcher shop, he’d eagerly snatch a quarter from his mother’s hand, scurry...
Bob McNea and America’s Sweetheart

Bob McNea and America’s Sweetheart

In June 1943, sweltering summer heat enveloped South Western Ontario earlier in the season than usual. At that time, there were no public swimming pools in St. Thomas where a young lad could dip into the cool refreshing water during the hot, hazy days. Never the less,...
Little Bobby McNea’s Big Show Biz Break

Little Bobby McNea’s Big Show Biz Break

On Saturday mornings during the warm weather, Bobby’s escorted his mother Pearl to the bustling St. Thomas farmer’s market located on Manitoba street, which was closed to traffic those mornings. Ten year old Bobby would follow her around, red wagon in tow, while she...
Bob McNea’s first boss, Old Man Smith

Bob McNea’s first boss, Old Man Smith

In 1938, the Easter Bunny brought Bobby a brand new red steel wagon. For the next few days, the McNea kids spent their school holiday taking turns pulling each other in it as they tore around the main floor of the house. Once they had banged up the doorways and...
Chaplin, Bob McNea & the Elizabeth St. Theatre

Chaplin, Bob McNea & the Elizabeth St. Theatre

The McNea children’s father, Bill was an accountant for the liquor control board in the 30’s. Unfortunately, when the Conservative government lost power to the Liberals back then, he and several other employees lost their jobs. No worries, Bill changed careers,...

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