The week of January 6, 1936, marked significant developments in technology and entertainment, as featured in The Greenville Advocate. The newspaper highlighted the launch of the new 1936 Terraplane, promoting it as a vehicle designed for safety and performance during winter driving. Additionally, renowned radio singer Johnny Marvin was scheduled to perform at the Ritz Theatre, attracting local attention.
New Terraplane Promoted for Safety and Performance
An advertisement for the 1936 Terraplane touted it as “the safest car on today’s highways.” Emphasizing advancements in safety, the vehicle came equipped with several innovative features. Among these were “Radial Safety Control,” a new front axle and spring system aimed at enhancing handling, and “Duo-Automatic Hydraulic Brakes,” which provided a secondary braking system for added security.
Additional features included Tru-Line steering, a “Rhythmic Ride” suspension, and an all-steel body with a seamless roof. The Terraplane also offered an optional electric hand gear-shifting system, appealing to modern drivers. Prices for the De Luxe models started at $595, with engine options providing either 88 or 100 horsepower on a 115-inch wheelbase. Locally, the vehicle was available through W. E. May Motor Co., which also promoted a 6 percent time-payment plan for buyers.
Johnny Marvin to Perform at Ritz Theatre
In the realm of entertainment, Johnny Marvin was set to take the stage at the Ritz Theatre, an event organized through the National Broadcasting Company’s Artists Service. Marvin, a celebrated radio performer, received approximately 5,000 fan letters each week, a testament to his popularity. He was supported by a team of 20 secretaries who helped manage his correspondence.
Throughout a career spanning more than seven years, Marvin sold over 18 million phonograph records. His musical performances typically featured a blend of piano and “old-fashioned” guitar, with Marvin showcasing his talents on steel or Hawaiian guitar while singing. Born in a covered wagon in the Midwest, he grew up in Oklahoma, where he developed his distinctive Southern accent. Marvin’s experience included years in vaudeville and musical comedy, during which he wrote many of his own songs, including the well-known “Think of Me Thinking of You.”
At the time of his scheduled performance, Marvin resided with his wife on Long Island when not on tour. His unique background and engaging performance style contributed to his widespread appeal, making his upcoming appearance a highly anticipated event in the community.
As 1936 unfolded, these stories reflected a blend of innovation and entertainment that characterized the era, setting the stage for what lay ahead in both the automotive industry and the world of music.
