Romain “Dude” Kimball was born on a farm in 1896 and was a naturally talented musician. The first instrument he taught himself to play as a child was the violin, and he would practice in the barn by the light of a kerosene lamp. He joined the Cole Brothers Circus, but was soon drafted into WWI where he served as Bugler and Band Sergeant.
He later travelled with the Hagen Brothers and Ringling Brothers Circuses. Kimball could play almost any instrument and was also a very good actor. One of his favorite roles was “the Admiral” in the campy Hellzapoppin’ on Broadway in 1939. His acting roles included “Snake Hogan” on Lum & Abner, and “Slim” on the Cisco Kid television series. He also performed with the Al Trace Orchestra in the Zorro movies of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.
He later travelled with the Hagen Brothers and Ringling Brothers Circuses. Kimball could play almost any instrument and was also a very good actor. One of his favorite roles was “the Admiral” in the campy Hellzapoppin’ on Broadway in 1939. His acting roles included “Snake Hogan” on Lum & Abner, and “Slim” on the Cisco Kid television series. He also performed with the Al Trace Orchestra in the Zorro movies of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.
Kimball as “Slim” in the Cisco Kid TV series.
Kimball was a Mason and Shriner and performed at many of their events. He loved Texas and owned a ranch in Collin County.
19 Dude Kimball’s handmade instruments including his comedic stage notes: Hammer harmonica, oil can bassoon, “Hose-a-phone,” and Stilson wrench glockenspiel, CCHM collection.
20 Philco 1937 Upright Radio Model 37-624J, loan from Gail Delger.
20 Philco 1937 Upright Radio Model 37-624J, loan from Gail Delger.
Lum & Abner was a radio show created by Chester Lauch and Norris Goff between 1931 to 1954, airing more than 5,000 episodes. Sponsors for the show included Horlick’s Malted Milk, Postum, and Alka-Seltzer. The characters from the show also appeared in six films in the late 1940s. Several places in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas have been named for their fictional locations of Pine Ridge and the Jot ‘em Down Store.
In 2011, Donnie Pitchford began creating nationally syndicated comic strips to bring back the classic scenes and storylines from the original Lum & Abner radio show.
Comic #503 reproduced with permission from Donnie Pitchford.
The Light Crust Doughboys musical group was created to help advertise the Burrus Flour Mills and reached the height of their popularity just before WWII. Their “hillbilly” music was a big success, and the group had a small appearance in the 1936 film Oh Susanna.
One of their original members, Bob Wills, is considered the founder of Western Swing. Willis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1968, and he and his band, the Texas Playboys, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 1999.
One of their original members, Bob Wills, is considered the founder of Western Swing. Willis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1968, and he and his band, the Texas Playboys, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 1999.
Bob Wills
KMAE was a local radio station owned by George W. Smith, who would later become the mayor of McKinney.
Bennie Dugger was the son of a local grocery store owner and continued in the family business. KMAE’s Bennie Dugger Quartet was often the feature at churches, community picnics, and events.
