Marquette Prison Warden Ralph Benson, looks on as famous comedians Bud Abbott and Lou Costello mug in a Marquette Branch Prison cell. (Photo courtesy of the Marquette Regional History Center) Marquette Prison Warden Ralph Benson, left presents Bud Abbott and Lou Costello keys while they were in the area to sell war bonds in 1942. (Photo courtesy of the Marquette Regional History Center) Bud Abbott and Lou Costello pose with a group of area children. The two performed for a rally in Ishpeming in 1942. (Photo courtesy of the Marquette Regional History Center)

By JIM KOSKI

Marquette Regional History Center

They’re perhaps best known for one of the most famous comedy routines of all time, and for one day in 1942 residents in Marquette and Ishpeming were able to hear “Who’s on First” live from the duo that made it famous.

Despite the fact that World War II was raging at the time, in 1942 Bud Abbott & Lou Costello were on top of the world. For the second year in a row, they were the biggest box office draw on the planet and had one of the highest rated shows on network radio. So, it’s no surprise that the US government, looking to raise money for the war effort, asked if the duo would hit the road to sell war bonds. They agreed, and during their tour of the country, their itinerary one August day brought them to Marquette County.

In Marquette, plans called for them to appear at the old county fairgrounds on the north side of town to give a speech, perform a few routines, and push the sale of bonds. That, however, was nothing compared to what they had planned in Ishpeming. Before they were to appear at Ishpeming’s Winter Sports Complex, now called the Al Quaal Recreation Area, Ishpeming and Negaunee were preparing for what The Mining Journal called “one of the biggest celebrations ever to hit the area.” A parade was scheduled, bands would perform, an Army unit from a fort in Sault Ste. Marie was bringing trucks and tanks, and fireworks were to be shot off after the show. In all, organizers expected over 20,000 people to attend.

Abbott & Costello arrived in Marquette Saturday, August 8th, 1942, the night before their first show, and stayed at the Hotel Northland. They were given the key to the city, took pictures with area residents, and found out that one little thing had been added to their schedule–a visit to the Marquette Branch Prison. 

That’s where things went a little awry. 

The next day, the comedians went out to the prison, and performed for inmates– inmates who couldn’t buy war bonds but said they would at the first available opportunity. In fact, Lou Costello told The Mining Journal that “this has been one of the most interesting experiences on our tour of the country. We wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Now, while all of this was going on, the Marquette rally was about to begin, and the parade had already started in Ishpeming.

However, before they left the prison, the warden invited the duo, along with a few dignitaries, to sit down to a lake trout dinner. While it wasn’t on the schedule, they didn’t want to turn down the invitation, and enjoyed the feast.

They finally made it to the Marquette rally late, although that didn’t stop the 5,000 or so in the crowd from rushing the stage to catch the world-famous comedians, who didn’t disappoint by performing “Who’s On First,” as well as a specially written sketch claiming that people in Marquette could construct buildings faster than anyone in the world, even New Yorkers. Lou Costello also had the crowd in stitches as he tried, many ways, to pronounce “Ishpeming.” The comedians then hopped on the train and headed out to Ishpeming.

In Ishpeming people had started to gather for the show early that afternoon, right after the parade. Unfortunately, because of the delays in Marquette, the duo couldn’t appear until early that evening, hours after they were scheduled. To the disappointment of the 20,000 who did show up they only had time to do one routine, which was, of course, “Who’s On First.” Abbott & Costello then hopped back on the train, and sped toward Ironwood, where they’d be performing the next day.

The duo came to the U.P. to sell war bonds, and that they did. The 5,000 people who attended the Marquette show bought over $10,000 worth, while the Ishpeming crowd added another $5,000. That was part of the 80 million raised by Abbott & Costello during their American tour, just a small chuck of the 200 billion dollars worth of bonds sold during the 7 drives held by the US government between 1941 and 1945.

And that’s how, for a day and a half of 1942, Abbott & Costello were counted among the residents of Ishpeming and Marquette.