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Memoir of Paul Samperi about a visit by Frank Sinatra to Demarest High School, Hoboken on Nov. 2, 1942.

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Memoir of Paul Samperi about a visit by Frank Sinatra to Demarest High School, Hoboken on Nov. 2, 1942. Single photocopied leaf with typewritten story by Sampieri, undated, circa 1990. With: photocopy of his original typewritten introduction of Sinatra, dated Nov. 2, 1942 and inscribed at the bottom by Sinatra: Thank You So Much Sincerely Frank Sinatra. ---- See notes for full text. ---- This item, although the original signed page is apparently lost, is an example of Paul Samperi's thorough work in maintaining a personal archive of all his activities (which he also applied to other activities such as the Junior Chamber of Commerce and family owned businesses, the Union Club, 600 Hudson St., and the Continental Hotel, 101 Hudson St.) It is important in establishing a previously undocumented visit by Sinatra to his home town. The period was early in his rise to fame and very little is known of his return trips to Hoboken in this era which in this case involved an impromptu concert. ---- fans / school / education / celebrity / speech / recollection /

2015.034.1001

2015.034

Samperi, Pat

Gift

Gift of Patricia Samperi and Family.

Gramercy Commercial Photographers

1942 - 1940

Date(s) Created: 1942, 1990 ca Date(s): 1942-1990

Notes: Archives 2015.034.1001 This story is about a personal encounter I had with Frank Sinatra in 1942. The Principal of A J Demarest High, Mr Arthur Stover, informed me that Frank Sinatra would be at our school within two days and would be accompanied by a photographer from either Life or Look Magazine. While there Frank would address a special gathering of the students. Since I was a member of the Debating Society, Mr. Stover asked I introduce Frank. I was pleased and honored. On November 2, 1942 Sinatra arrived and proceeded to visit his former home room where he was photograped [sic - photographed] at his desk, then on to the gym for more photos. At 10:30 AM eager students filled the auditorium. To a fully packed gathering of over 1,000 students I introduced the singer. He gave an impromptu address on his days in Hoboken and what had followed. After the talk, at the urging of his enthusiastic audience, Frank sang six songs without any musical accompaniment. I had been informed by Mr. Stover not to allow students back stage. The principal didn't want to "inconvenience" Sinatra. Just before he ended his last song 30 female students rushed into the long corridor leading to the stage. They said we just want his autograph. I didn't argue. When Frank left the stage I walked him to the corridor and asked if he would be kind enough to give autographs to the students waiting. "I'd be delighted" he said. When the last girl passed by I asked for one for myself. Sinatra obviously pleased, signed the copy I had used for his introduction. (Here enclosed) Paul Samperi 2300 Ramshorn Drive Allenwood, N.J. 08720 908-223-3940 ==== Paul Samperi Nov. 2, 1942 Frank Sinatra This morning we are very fortuninate [sic - fortunate] in having as our guest a well known radio star- a young man whose rich voice has been popularly acclaimed. This entertainer for a long time was identified with Tommy Dorsey's Orchestra, that speaks for itself - Now he has his own program. We of Hoboken have a special reason for being proud of him, for he originally came from Hoboken. More than that - he attended the Demarest High School your school and mine. And so, with particular pleasure we present our own Frank Sinatra. [signed] Thank You So Much Sincerely Frank Sinatra ==== Status: OK Status By: dw Status Date: 2015-06-25

fascimile 1: Samperi recollections of event
fascimile 2: copy of Samperi introduction with Sinatra inscription 2nd copy of Samperi typewritten introduction with Sinatra inscription