Image courtesy of Anne Born, whose family spent many years enjoying lake life.
Back in the day, folks would drive to Barron Lake from near and far to enjoy big band sounds, sultry swing, smooth jazz and other genres popular during the 1940s and 50s in dance halls at the lake.
One of the talented groups to grace the stage at Reid’s Casino, a dance hall long ago situated on Starr Avenue and Barron Lake Road, was Barney Rapp and His New Englanders orchestra. Featuring 20 artists ranging from those playing musical instruments to singers, the famed group entertained those on Barron Lake who danced the night away.
What some might not know is its bandleader, Barney Rappaport, who shortened his name to Rapp, is credited with launching the singing career of Doris Mary Ann von Kappelhoff. It’s been said when Rapp first met her (she was 14 years old), he told her “von Kappelhoff” was too long of a name. She then adopted the stage name–“Doris Day.”
Also in his orchestra were two other young female singers—sisters Rosemary and Betty Clooney—who rose to fame in the music industry. If people aren’t familiar with their music, they surely are familiar with their nephew, George.
Rapp was responsible for contributing much to the music industry as an orchestra leader and jazz musician for two decades, and helped get the careers of many others underway who went on to have successful careers.
So, while we can’t be positive Doris Day or the Clooney sisters actually stepped foot on the property, it’s very likely they did since they were part of his “Famous Orchestra.”
