Blast from the Past: What a Rock and Roll show was like in Raleigh nearly 50 years ago
14 Oct
The year is 1961. The venue is Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. The music is Rock and Roll.
Raleigh historian and blogger Mike Legeros published a formal memo to the Raleigh Police Chief dated Dec. 13, 1961. It details the directions Raleigh police were to follow for the “Rock and Roll Shows at the Memorial Auditorium.”
Here are some of the dated excerpts:
7. The Auditorium Manager shall display whatever signs he feels are necessary in notifying the public that no intoxicating beverages will be permitted in the Auditorium and that no smoking in the main Auditorium will be permitted.
8. It is requested that the Promoters, along with the Auditorium Manager, and any members of the special police, shall use all efforts and knowledge available to screen out and prevent person or persons from being permitted to an event who have a known reputation of trouble making.
9. The City Council has indicated it feels this type of recreation should be continued so long as it is done in a law abiding and sensible manner. It is urged that everyone interested in these events do everything possible to see that no trouble or difficulties are encountered as far as it is physically possible.
I love this part, in which the Police Chief pretty much says the dancing can’t stop:
4. Even though there may be an intermission required by the performing band or orchestra, no intermission shall be permitted as far as the dancing is concerned. This, of course, will mean that the Promoter will have to arrange for records to be amplified to keep the entertainment going.
Thanks for posting this!