
If you live near Minnesota.. OK if you live near the US, drop everything and hop in your Woody Boatermobile and leave the man cave, and head on up to the Minneapolis Boat Show starting tomorrow. No, not to see a gillion tons of future plastic broken dreams..
Guy Lombardo’s “Tempo” 44ft 1936 Hacker Huskins Commuter that’s not been seen in 40 years will be there, according to the folks at Mahogany Bay.. Shhh, don’t tell them, it’s been seen by some.. like 2007 in Sunny land pictured here.. But not officially..
And regardless, this is a huge deal.. This is one of the biggies in the passion of Antique and classic boating. Her sisters, Posh, and Thunderbird are all hoping to have a family reunion soon.. The restoration is a never ending bridge type deal. But she will be there. You can just disrobe and bask in her mahoganyness. Yes you and your banana hammock in the boat show.. A photo by the way that could get you on Woody Boater.. And the 6 o’clock news.. Who will also be there.. And for gods sake stay warm.. if you know what I mean…
You can also Sniff the fresh varnish and just be one with her billion bungs… OK, that got a tad out of control.. It’s just that very few times does one get to actually feel like it’s summer in Minnesota in January.. Take your Sun Screen.. Those florescents are a killer this time of year.

Tempo in not such a flattering photo.. Mr Damil is not going to get a close up of this but you can if you go.
Also in the 4,000 sq foot Mohogany bay booth with be our very own King of the Woody Boater Mountain… Made from our mole hill I might add.. But he is the man of the hour where ever he is. – Chris Smith signing autographs of his books for 3 days. Invest in Sharpie stock today…. Also not to be out marketed by anyone. Mahogany Bay announces its “The Great Vintage Boat Treasure Hunt contest” you can click here and read all about it. But if you are reading this here on Woody Boater.. Sadly you may not be the target. Since you have already stalked all your neighbors garages and they have issued restraining orders.. Not that, that has happened to me.. Anyway.. again.. …It could be a fun contest to tell the folks about. Ya Never know what treasure lies under a pile of old barbie Dolls and Hot wheel sets.. Stay tuned for up dates and possible shots of that Banana Hammock!
































Back in the 70′s I worked as the manager of the concessions at the Jones Beach Theater. Every night I would go and watch Tempo come roaring into the lagoon between the stage and audience. After Guy Lombardo stepped off the Captain would peg the throttles and roar out the other side and then behind the stage. This was the high point of the evening for me. The down side was I had to listen to South Pacific 6 night a week for 3 months until I went back to college. A great musical but enough was more than enough. But I still remember that boat.
Rick,
We have talked to the resident manager at Jones Beach about bringing Tempo back for another performance.
He is excited to put it together. Probably not until 2012 and probably not for South Pacific nor Guy Lombardo. I’m thinking Harry Connick Jr. and Bob Dylan.
Tom, Unless they remove all the new seating and substructure that’s been added to where the lagoon used to be it will not have the same dramatic effect. I will just have to wait to see what can be planned. Next we’ll have to talk to them about dredging open the underwater trap door that the synchronized swimmers used to appear in the middle of the lagoon. Imagine that, Tempo arrives and mermaids appear to encircle it (shades of Ester Williams) now that would be an entrance.
This is why I love this site..Ya find out stuff that no way in h e double hockey sticks you would find out. The truth about how that performance was, with out the romance of the history of the photo is fantastic. The pain and truth of having to listen to South pacific endlessly made me spit out my coffee.. Thanks
That is a great story! Ive just googled Guy Lombardo and Jones Beach and its fascinating. He was a gold cup hydro racer as well as a performer and restaurant owner. What a cool idea the Jones Beach theatre was. Imagine watching Tempo come roaring in to the moat and then mermaids surfacing!!!
Phil
Hey how cool would it be for Tempo to be preceded into the Marine Theater by a flotilla of antique boats? Then Tempo arriving with spotlights on her. Shows are at night at the theater. I know I would volunteer my time and boat to do that! I sure others would also. Sweet fantasy.
I put my cursor back on the boat and laughed so hard I choked!
Try Bon Jovi He lovesa wood boats
Matt,back in the 70′s I was dating a girl who was an actress (no it wasn’t Chris) who was in the show Oklahoma at Jones Beach, I too was thrilled to see and hear Tempo roar in with Guy Lombardo. Although I can only spell Oklahoma by singing it after attending numerous performances( oh what we did when single) seeing Guy’s entrance and than sitting and talking with him after the show in the Schaffer Beer Tent (they were a major sponsor) listening too Guy’s band” The Royal Canadians”