The six members of "Our Gang," Hal Roach's "rascals," were feted last night at the Leverich Towers at a dinner celebrating the fact that they have become members of the Happy Timers Club.
From Jean Darling, the pink-and-white little American beauty down to the baby, plumb little Bobby Hutchins, known as "Wheezer," they proudly displayed their membership cards.
Off stage the members of the gang are normal everyday children, although little 6-year-old Jean is an infant prima donna. She discarded the figured gingham play frock of the stage and dressed for dinner in black velvet with a white lace front.
With all the poise of a grown-up, she chattered gaily with her dinner companions.
Dog Wins Cups
"Do you know that out in Hollywod, I've a dog named Pally. He'll probably have a lot of cups when I get home."
Which meant that Pal has been entered in a number of dog shows during his little mistress' absence and has already won several cups.
Mary Ann Jackson, who sat next to Jean, is not the saucy little imp she is portrayed on the screen. Dressed in the clothes in which she appeared at Loew's Metropolitan Theatre, a pink gingham and white organdie dress, she was demure and well-behaved.
Joe Cobb, the fat boy, had been told that Jack Dempsey would be present and most of the evening he spent anticipating the arrival of the heavyweight.
Harry Spear, the freckled youngster with the long hair, in his raggedy shirt and trousers, was master of ceremonies. Farina, the little colored lad, was not present because he did not feel well, it was explained.
"Pete, the dog, the sixth member of Our Gang is under the table," he announced solemnly.
Pete, forthwith, the brown-and-white bulldog with an accentuated ring around his right eye, made an appearance and "took a bow."
Some of the Visitors
The gang is on its first tour of the country. They are traveling in a special Pullman equipped with unbreakable furniture. With them is their teacher, Mrs. Fern Carter. They have three hours of school daily.
Merry Mystery of the Happy Timers' Club presented the elder members each one of her books. To "Jo" Cobb, who said he likes poetry, she gave "Wild Flowers and Elves," To Farina, who sings and dances, a book of stories and songs, "Merry Menagerie," and to Harry Spear, who requested a picture book, "Old Fables and Pictures."
Fifty members of the Happy Timers' Club, who were faithful during the summer and prize winners in August, went backstage at the matinee performance and met each of the members of the gang.