Jean Darling, the famous little movie star and leading lady of "Our Gang" comedies, arrived in Winona this morning, especially delighting the city's juvenile population who are planning to see her often during her three-day visit here.
A large crowd of the younger residents of the city was at the Conrad airport this morning to greet Jean. They were accompanied by parents and other adult admirers of the youthful star who crowded into all available portions of the background. Jean flew to Winona from Rochester in one of the Conrad planes, accompanied by her mother, and landed at 10:30 a.m.
Immediately after her arrival, she was escorted to Mickey's Kennels where Mickey Spencer, Jr., presented her with one of his tiny pedigreed Boston puppies. Jean accepted introductions with a charming curtsy, one finger to her chin and one hand flaring out her short white flannel skirt. But once in the kennels where the puppies were playing, Jean was so entranced and her attention so engrossed with their antics that she did not realize she had even been spoken to or that she was about to be introduced to other visitors.
Liked Puppies.
The squirming tiny puppies, in her opinion, were better than dolls, and she attempted vainly to make them perform as live dolls might, placing them on the radiator and at the wheel of Mickey's toy automobile while having her picture taken with the dogs. Pet names, childish exclamations of joy, and frantic attempts to keep two or more puppies in her arms at once, or after having a clever pose of star and dogs ready for the camera, an excited plea of "Wait a minute jes' a minute please" while something new that had occurred to her was attempted with the puppies, made the visit a delight to view.
Jean, who is ten years old, has been in the movies since she was three. During that time, she has never had a double, although at times some of the rough and tumble scenes among the gang in which she becomes involved would lead one to believe that might be necessary. The boys are very careful, her mother said, and precautions are taken by the director that she is not hurt. She has been hurt only once, when a ladder accidentally fell, bruising her back. However, it just skimmed across her back and no serious injury resulted.
Luncheon Guest.
Jean left shortly afterward for the hotel and the theater, where she rehearsed for her act to be given at the theater today, Wednesday and Thursday, but not without some reluctance at leaving the puppies. A short trip through the city parks preceded her arrival at the hotel.
This noon, her mother and she were guests at a reception and lunch at the home of Hannibal Choate and at 1:30 p.m., she made her first appearance at the H. Choate and company store, where she gave to her young friends who came accompanied by older persons pictures of herself. At 2:45 p.m. she visited The Republican-Herald office and this evening, she will have dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Tom Roberts at the Winona Country club.
A special children's matinee was a feature of today's program in addition to her evening appearances during her three-day stay here. She will also appear at Choate's store each afternoon from 1:30 to 2:15.