Tommy "Butch" Bond

This filmography was made in collaboration with Matthew Lydick.

full name: Thomas Ross Bond
childhood nickname: Tommy
adult nickname: Tom
alternate nickname: Butch
born Sep. 16, 1926, in Dallas, TX
died Sep. 24, 2005, in Northridge, CA, of heart disease

Special note: There is some dispute about whether or not Tommy appeared in the Our Gang film "Spanky." If he did, then this would have been a full year prior to his joining the series as a regular member of the troupe. It's generally thought that one of the blackface kids in the film is Tommy, specifically the one with long blonde hair that is not only seen in near closeup lip-synching to the Negro spiritual, but also later seen operating the ice floes (while still in blackface makeup). Perhaps the strongest evidence supporting this view is the fact that Tommy himself considered this blackface kid to be him. However, in the opinions of the two of us who have prepared this filmography, that blackface kid is more likely to be the same one that played "Bobby" in "Readin' And Writin'." An analysis of the payroll ledger supports this view, as not only is Tommy absent from the ledger during the making of this film (first appearing a year later with the making of "Forgotten Babies"), but it's possible to isolate the names of the six kids in blackface, and realize that all six of them were in "Readin' And Writin'," including two that were named "Bobby." Also, a side-by-side comparison of "Bobby" with the blackface kid seems to simply be a better match than comparing Tommy with the blackface kid. It's also worth noting that in his book, Tommy states that the year was 1932 and his age was five-and-a-half when he made his journey to California, both of which would be too late for the making of "Spanky."

Also of special note: In his 1994 book Darn Right It's Butch, Tommy credits himself with voicing characters in several of the Warner Brothers cartoons made between 1934 and 1938, with IMDb actually added several more titles. While it does sound like Tommy's voice in a small handful of instances, it most often sounds like Jackie Morrow, the kid credited in IMDb with voicing Owl Jolson in "I Love To Singa." Because of this, we've omitted several titles from this filmography, pending better evidence. Of the seven cartoons listed in the filmography in Tommy's book, only "Don't Look Now" is included below, with Tommy definitely being the voice of the devil boy, and maybe that of the angel boy as well (as claimed by Tommy himself). In the case of "My Green Fedora" and "I Wanna Be A Sailor," these sound more like Jackie. When it comes to "I Love To Singa," it's been claimed that Jackie did the main Owl Jolson voice, while Tommy did the part where he sings "Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes." However, I think on closer inspection, this also sounds like Jackie. Not included in the filmography, but in the main text of the book, Tommy also mentions "Toy Town Hall," which reprises the title song from "My Green Fedora," but stills sounds like Jackie. In the case of "The Major Lied 'Til Dawn," Tommy would have to have done a very good impression of Freddie Bartholomew to be the voice in this one, and while there is some indication that he was capable of doing some impressions, the timbre of the voice doesn't sound quite right. His filmography also lists "Mr. & Mrs. Is The Name" and "I'd Love To Take Orders From You," which simply don't sound like him. Another 13 cartoons are listed by IMDb, with only three, "The Phantom Ship," "Alpine Antics" and "A Sunbonnet Blue," sounding like they could be Tommy. Most of the rest sound like Jackie Morrow, while a couple of the early Buddy cartoons sound like neither Tommy nor Jackie.

1931

Around the age of five, Tommy was recruited on the spur of the moment to sing a song at the Newman School of Dance in Dallas. The song was the Eddie Cantor hit "(Potatoes Are Cheaper - Tomatoes Are Cheaper) Now's The Time To Fall In Love," with Tommy doing his best Cantor impression.

1932

As Tommy tells it, a Roach talent scout spotted him on the streets of Dallas and suggested to his mother that she take him out to California to try out for Our Gang. It was his grandmother who made the journey with him, taking along an agent named P.B. Mahoney, who they had met when Tommy performed at the Newman School. The agent had no luck getting an appointment with Hal Roach, so Grandma took Tommy to the studio and announced in the middle of the casting office that a Roach talent scout in Dallas had promised an interview with Roach. This did the trick.
Judging by the payroll ledger, Tommy seems to have joined the Our Gang cast on December 4th of this year.
On December 14th, Tommy was signed to a five-year contract with Hal Roach Studios, to expire on Dec. 4, 1937.

1933

On March 2nd of this year, the Imperial Valley Press of El Centro, CA, reported the following: "Tommy Bond, member of 'Our Gang' comedies had luncheon in a local cafe Wednesday (Mar. 1st) with a party of three friends. He was en-route to Texas and said he would return again soon."
On April 14th, Movienews of Chicago, IL, reported the following: "Spanky and Tommy Bond are back in their home town, Dallas, Texas, enjoying the adulation of the folks."
On June 4th, The Enquirer of Cincinnati, OH, reported the following: "Spanky, chubby youngster of Our Gang, and Tommy Bond, the toothless songbird of the rascals, sent word to the Hal Roach Studios through their parents that thus far there has been no rivalry for popularity among the home-town folks in Dallas, Texas."
On July 1st, the Venice Evening Vanguard (CA) reported the following: "Tommy Bond, the curly-headed, toothless member of Our Gang at the Roach studio, celebrated the close of school with an outing which laid him in the hospital for an indefinite stay. He suffered a severe case of sunburn which will keep him out of pictures for several weeks."
On July 4th, Tommy was one of the featured stars that took part in the Fourth Of July Jamboree at the Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach, CA. This was an earthquake relief benefit.
On July 20th, Tommy was among several guests of honor at the July meeting of the International Women's club (Illinois California Women's Breakfast club) at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.
On July 23rd, Tommy attended the Hollywood Onion Soup Breakfast at Paramount Studios.
On August 5th, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "After being assured that their 'pitchurs' would go all over the world and perhaps even to the moon, tow-headed Tommie Bond, 6 years of age, and kinky-haired Matthew (Stymie) Beard, consented to have their photographs made in Superior Judge Wood's court yesterday. The youngsters went to court to have contracts with the Hal Roach Studios, Inc., approved, but the cases were continued until Tuesday (the 8th)." Stymie, of course, has a shaved head in the accompanying photo, despite the physical description.
On August 20th, the Chicago Sunday Tribune reported the following: "In Hal Roach's 'Our Gang' there is a little boy named Tommy Bond who sings. They call him Rommy Crooner. The other day his mother had him in court to have his contract approved. Mae Murray also was in the room on business concerning some one of her multitudinous legal actions. His mother, excited, nudged Tommy and said: 'That's Mae Murray, the big star.' Tommy screwed up his face and said: 'I don't like her looks, but she smells awful good.' " Could the name "Rommy" be a typo? If so, then it was repeated in other papers that carried this story.
On October 15th, Bob McGowan wrote an article for the Los Angeles Times Sunday Magazine in which he talked about the various Our Gang kids. He had this to say about Tommy: "Then one day little blonde Tommy Bond came to the casting window and said he wanted to be in the movies. He talked to the casting director himself and told him why he thought he would be good and sang him a song. I knew at first glance that he had a screen personality and inside of forty-five minutes I had him under contract. He did not know anything about the movies or know anybody connected with the industry. He just made up his mind he was going to be an actor and he did."
On October 21st, Tommy's contract with Hal Roach seems to have been terminated in favor of a series of one-picture deals.
On October 26th, Tommy was one of the many guests of honor at a meeting of the Women's Breakfast Club, Ltd., at the Shrine of Friendship in Los Angeles.
On October 30th, the "Gossiping With Gert" column in The Los Angeles Record reported the following: "Tommy Bond, aged, oh, somewhere about 3 years, a flaxen-haired youngster with great eyes and the airs and graces of a full-fledged trooper, is pretty nearly the latest addition to entertainment circles in L.A. Being trained, you know, to take some of the older child star roles and appearing occasionally at women's clubs. Has personality, all right. And what a voice for such a tiny. He steals the show wherever he goes. The grownup stars seem to enjoy the total eclipse as much as he does."
On November 5th, The Charleston Daily Mail reported the following: "When three principal members of 'Our Gang' - Spanky McFarland, Stymie Beard and Tommy Bond - were drafted for minor parts in a Charley Chase comedy, they seriously objected for two reasons. First, they asserted, they were stars in their own right. Second, the scene they were asked to work in was a school room. Their objections were overruled with the promise of a picnic with pony rides."
On December 8th, Tommy was scheduled to appear on the KFI (Los Angeles) quarter-hour radio program Your Pal Jimmy, which was aired over the Fox-West Coast Theaters network. The Post-Record of December 7th stated that this was Tommy's radio debut. The December 8th Illustrated Daily News reported that the "child Bing Crosby" would sing on the program, while on the same day the Hollywood Citizen-News reported that "Bing Crosby, Jr." would also "be initiated into the Birthday Club as an honorary member." The Birthday Club was apparently a regular feature of the program, which was sometimes referred to by that name.
Oddly, on December 22nd, The Southwest Wave of Los Angeles, CA, reported the following: "Tommy Bond, 6-year-old member of Hal Roach's 'Our Gang,' will appear on the radio broadcast of the Fox West Coast Theaters Birthday club over KFI today at 5 p.m. Because he is known as the best singer among his fellow players, Tommy was chosen to be the first of the 'Our Gang' players to be the guest of Your Pal Jimmy on the club program. He will be initiated as an honorary member of the Birthday club." So was Tommy unavailable for the Dec. 8th program, resulting in a rescheduling?

121. Forgotten Babies (small part): Mar. 11, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-14 - Our Gang series; Filmed Dec. 3 to 10, 1932. ©Mar. 13, 1933.
122. The Kid From Borneo (supporting role): Apr. 15, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-15 - Our Gang series; FIlmed Jan. 9 to 16, 1933. ©Mar. 13, 1933.
123. Mush and Milk (supporting role: Tommy): May 27, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-16 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 27 to Feb. 3, 1933. ©Apr. 17, 1933. Tommy sings "Just Friends (Lovers No More)" in this film.
Beauty And The Bus (role: Tommy): Sep. 16, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. A-17 - Thelma Todd & Patsy Kelly series; ©Sep. 12, 1933.
124. Bedtime Worries (small part): ©Sep. 26, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-17 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 9, 1933. Filmed July 20 to 31, and Aug. 12, 1933.
125. Wild Poses (small part): Oct. 28, 1933 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-18 - Our Gang series; Filmed Aug. 18 to 23, 1933. ©Oct. 20, 1933.

1934

A news item from January 8th of this year mentions a 20th anniversary party for Hal Roach Studios, which was to include Tommy on its guest list.
On March 17th, Tommy made a personal appearance at Figueroa theater as a guest of the Fox West Coast Theaters' Birthday club.
Probably on October 8th, Tommy did his last work, for the time being, with the Our Gang unit. He would, of course, return two years later.
On October 10th, the Hollywood Citizen-News included a photo caption which seems to make the point that Tommy would be taking part in a benefit for the Children's Convalescent Home in Hermosa Beach. This benefit was to take place on Saturday the 14th at the Beverly Theater in Beverly Hills. The caption refers to Tommy as "crooner of the Gang and a child radio star."

The Cracked Iceman (small part: student): Jan. 27, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. C-20 - Charley Chase series; Filmed in mid-Oct. 1933. ©Dec. 13, 1933.
126. Hi'-Neighbor! (supporting role): Mar. 3, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-19 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 20 to 30, 1934. ©Feb. 24, 1934.
127. For Pete's Sake! (supporting role): Apr. 14, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-20 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 23 to Mar. 3, 1934. ©Apr. 4, 1934.
128. The First Round-Up (supporting role): May 5, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-21 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 19 to 24, 1934. ©May 1, 1934.
I'll Take Vanilla (small part: Junior): May 5, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. C-22 - Charley Chase series; ©Mar. 2, 1934.
129. Honky-Donkey (supporting role: Tommy): June 2, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-22 - Our Gang series; Filmed Apr. 2 to 7, 1934. ©May 25, 1934.
130. Mike Fright (supporting role): Aug. 25, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-23 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Feb. 25, 1934. Filmed May 29 to June 7, 1934. ©July 25, 1934. Tommy takes part in singing "The Man On The Flying Trapeze."
Nosed Out (undetermined role): unreleased - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. E-2 - Irvin S. Cobb series; Filmed in July 1934, with Tommy's involvement taking place on July 23rd. Richard Lewis Ward's book lists this as unreleased, but IMDb gives the release date of Sep. 15, 1934. ©Sep. 30, 1934.
You Said A Hatful! (small part: boy with catcher's mask): Oct. 13, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. C-26 - Charley Chase series; ©Nov. 6, 1934.
Kid Millions (role: boy): Nov. 10, 1934 - Goldwyn/UA - 10 reels - Eddie Cantor feature; Filmed mid-Aug. to early Sep. 1934. ©Dec. 8, 1934. Partially filmed in 3-strip Technicolor. In this film, Harold Nicholas (of the Nicholas Brothers) sings a song called "I Want To Be A Minstrel Man." A reviewer in The Lewiston Daily Sun (ME) credited Tommy with singing the song, apparently thinking he was in blackface.
131. Washee Ironee (supporting roley): ©Nov. 13, 1934 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-24 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 29, 1934. Filmed Oct. 1 to 9, 1934.

1935

Was Tommy Bond at Game 3 of the World Series in Chicago? A short documentary about the series includes a brief shot of Tommy cheering in the stands. However, it has the look of a clip taken from a movie. Also in the shot is a boy that looks like Ronald Sinclair, who appeared in the Five Little Peppers series with Tommy, though it doesn't seem to come from any of those films. Information in the short about the owners of the Tigers would indicate that it was produced some years after 1935, and Tommy looks a bit older, so it stands to reason that it was made around 1940.

The Marriage Bargain (supporting role: Jimmy Sparks): Feb. 20, 1935 - Screencraft/Marcy - 7 reels - feature; ©Sep. 21, 1934, as Within The Rock. Starring Creighton Chaney and Lila Lee.
Alimony Aches (supporting role: Ronald): June 29, 1935 - Columbia - 2 reels - Andy Clyde series; ©June 18, 1935.
Gobs Of Trouble (undetermined role): July 12, 1935 - Columbia - 2 reels - Tom Kennedy & Monte Collins series; ©June 21, 1935.
Oh, My Nerves (undetermined role): Oct. 17, 1935 - Columbia - 2 reels - Tom Kennedy & Monte Collins series; ©Oct. 21, 1935.
The Calling Of Dan Matthews (role: Tommy): Dec. 10, 1935 - Principal/Columbia - 7 reels - Richard Arlen feature; ©Dec. 9, 1935.

1936

On January 15th of this year, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Since those plays at the Writers, everyone has been talking of the marvelous acting of Oliver Hinsdell's 8-year-old protege, Tommy Bond. Hollywood has quite a number of full-grown actors who never will learn to act as well as that child did in 'The Sweetmeat Game.' " This play featured only two actors: Anna May Wong and, as her son, Tommy Bond, who was made up to look Asian. The Sweetmeat Game was performed at Hinsdell's theater in Beverly Hills, which was presumably the Writers referred to in the article.
On February 7th, The Desert Sun of Palm Springs, CA, reported the following: "Tommy Bond, curly-haired blond juvenile screen star, is a guest at the Goff Hotel, being here with his grandmother, Mrs. Saunter."
On May 9th, the California Pacific International Exposition in San Diego held its Kids' Day, for which Tommy Bond was crowned Candy King with a candy crown. It was all a tie-in with the makers of Baby Ruth candy bars. He also crowned a girl named Geraldine Williams as Candy Queen.
On July 24th, the Hollywood Reporter reported the following: "Tommy Bond, 8-year-old film player, has been set to work with Bert Lahr on the Shell-NBC broadcast August 1. Sherill-Falkin agented."

Unrelated Relations (undetermined role): Jan. 9, 1936 - Columbia - 2 reels - Monte Collins short; ©Jan. 8, 1936.
Next Time We Love (role: pesky kid): Jan. 30, 1936 - Universal - 9 reels - Margaret Sullavan feature; ©Feb. 4, 1936.
The Phantom Ship (role: voice of Beans): Feb. 1, 1936 - Schlesinger/Warner Bros. - 1 reel - Looney Tunes series; ©Mar. 2, 1936. The voice of Beans in this cartoon sounds sufficiently enough like Tommy to warrant its inclusion here. Most other appearances of Beans seem to all use the voice of Jackie Morrow.
142. Divot Diggers (archival sound): Feb. 8, 1936 - Roach/MGM - 2 reels - prod. G-36 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 18 to 25, 1935. ©Feb. 6, 1936. The sounds of the kids yelling near the end of this short derive from "Washee Ironee," so presumably we're hearing Tommy somewhere in the chaos.
The Return Of Jimmy Valentine (role: listener): Feb. 22, 1936 - Republic - 7 reels - Roger Pryor feature; ©Feb. 28, 1936.
Alpine Antics (role: voice of Beans): Mar. 9, 1936 - Schlesinger/Warner Bros. - 1 reel - Looney Tunes series; ©Mar. 9, 1936. Again, the voice of Beans sounds enough like Tommy to warrant its inclusion here.
Silly Billies (role: student): Mar. 20, 1936 - RKO - 7 reels - Bert Wheeler & Robert Woolsey feature; ©Mar. 20, 1936.
Counterfeit (role: Dicky): May 25, 1936 - Columbia - 8 reels - Chester Morris & Margot Grahame feature; ©June 11, 1936.
The Final Hour (role: Mickey, the newsboy): July 7, 1936 - Columbia - 6 reels - Ralph Bellamy & Marguerite Churchill feature; ©July 6, 1936.
Mister Smarty (role: Bowser's shorter son): July 15, 1936 - Columbia - 2 reels - Andy Clyde series; ©June 30, 1936.
Libeled Lady (role: waif): prem. Oct. 7, 1936 - MGM - 10 reels - feature; Released Oct. 9, 1936. Starring Jean Harlow, William Powell, Myrna Loy and Spencer Tracy.; ©Oct. 5, 1936.
Don't Look Now (role: voice of devil boy): Nov. 7, 1936 - Schlesinger/Warner Bros. - 1 reel - Merrie Melodies series; ©Dec. 30, 1936. Apparently Tommy also did the voice of Cupid, though this doesn't seem particularly obvious. However, the devil boy sounds exactly like him.

1937

On January 11th of this year, filming started for "Glove Taps," which marked Tommy's return to the Our Gang series. For nearly the next three years, he would appear off and on as the character "Butch."
On March 1st, KFWB of Los Angeles aired the first episode of a new radio series, School Days Of The Air, which starred Gus Edwards and featured Tommy Bond as his junior emcee. Tommy was listed as a guest performer for this first airing, but if so, then he quickly became a regular on the show.
On March 10th, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Radio Row is buzzing with talk that Tommy Bond, youthful heckler of Gus Edwards on the latter's 'Schooldays of the Air' program, will be signed to replace Bobby Breen on the Cantor show - which seems to bear out our recent announcement that Master Breen will start an N.B.C. series."
On March 31st, Sid Shalit reported the following in his syndicated column: "Bobby Breen's contract with Eddie Cantor has been renewed for the run of the show, putting an end to all rumors that he was to be replaced by one Tommy Bond." This rumor may have grown out of the generally friendly competition between Cantor and Gus Edwards, the host of School Days Of The Air, on which Tommy was the junior emcee, essentially filling the same role that Breen had on Cantor's show. Tommy remembered in his 1994 book a particular show in which he imitated Breen, singing "Rainbow On The River," which Breen had made famous. Cantor immediately called the radio station, demanding to know what Breen was doing there.
Also on March 31st, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported that Tommy had attended the recent birthday party of Baby Patsy May, which was modified to include presents for Alfalfa Switzer and Buckwheat Thomas, both of whose parties had been cancelled due to a wave of influenza.
On April 5th, the Hollywood Citizen-News reported the following: "Mickey Rooney, young screen actor, will be the guest of Gus Edwards on his School Days program from KFWB at 8:15. Tommy Bond, the class rascal, will dedicate his song, 'Glory of Love,' to Sybil Jason."
On April 17th, Tommy took part in the Second Annual Radio Show at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
On April 26th, George Jessel was the guest star on School Days Of The Air, with Tommy appearing as one of "the youthful vocalists on the show."
On May 6th, Tommy took a trip to San Francisco with Harry Maizlish, the KFWB general manager. When they arrived, they learned of the Hindenburg disaster.
On June 3rd, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Fred Stone was yesterday's hero over at R.-K.-O. He was in a scene with Tommy Bond, 9, who was supposed to lean out of a window and nip off some gangsters for one of the sequences. The rifle little Tommy held was so heavy it would have pulled him out of the window had not Stone caught him in time by the seat of the trousers."
On June 6th, the Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star (NB) reported the following: "Ray Mayer is eating off the mantle this week. Working on 'House in the Country,' he was in a scene in which he had to stoop to pick up a suitcase and get shot in the pants by Tommy Bond's slingshot. There were seven retakes, and Tommy's aim was a bullseye everytime." "House In The Country" was the working title for "Hideaway."
On June 20th, the Oakland Tribune (CA) reported the following in an article about the Edwards show: "Tommy Bond, another of the pupils, has appeared in 'Our Gang' and other comedies in which children were featured. Several motion picture companies are reported interested in getting this promising youngster under contract."
On July 6th, Betty Klingensmith reported the following in her syndicated column: "A scene from 'Hideaway,' starring vehicle for Fred Stone, calls for nine-year-old Tommy Bond to futilely attack Paul Guilfoyle, husky heavy, who is threatening the life of Tommy's screen mother. Tommy went into such enthusiastic action that Guilfoyle was caught off balance, tripped over a foot-stool, and sprawled headlong into a chair. 'You're just a bully at heart,' the 'notorious gangster' told the boy."
On July 13th, The San Francisco Examiner reported the following: "Harry Maizlish, dynamic general manager of Warner Brothers' KFWB, in town with Tommy Bond, boy star of the air-lanes, and the nation's youngest master of ceremonies. Mervyn Leroy has just signed him under contract. He will make pictures exclusively for LeRoy following his first film, RKO's 'Hide-Away,' in which is co-starred with Fred Stone. Tommy hails from Dallas, Texas. He appears younger than Bobby Breen, has a shock of home-spun golden hair, is a regular boy. He appears on Gus Edward's program, 'School Days of the Air' "
On July 19th, School Days Of The Air began to be broadcast over the Columbia Pacific network, which was the west coast branch of CBS. According to Tommy, its previous status as a local program lasted for 13 weeks, but if this was the case then they must have taken some time off in the interim. On this date, the Morning Sun of Long Beach reported that Tommy was to share "top-billing" with Dorothea Fern, and that the program would be aired over KFOX, KNX and KFWB.
On August 1st, the Los Angeles Times carried a quote from Harry Maizlich, manager of KFWB: "Tommy Bond, juvenile star of the Gus Edwards School Days of the Air, will be 9 years of age in September." Of course, Tommy turned 11 in September, but it explains why his age is constantly underestimated in these newspaper articles. Even Tommy himself, in his 1994 book, states that he was 9 when he began working on Gus Edwards's show, and that it lasted for two years, which would mean that it ended during this year. Every other source, of course, shows that the program began during this year.
On August 23rd, Homer Caufield reported the following in his syndicated column: "Gus Edwards' 'Schooldays of the Air,' which is hardly deserving of your time, is mentioned only because of Tommy Bond, the veteran showman's 8-year-old protege. Last week Tommy made some recordings for eastern bigwigs. Rumor has it that he may be on Eddie Cantor's show next month, replacing Bobby Breen, who definitely will not be one of the Cantor cast." So was this a belated rehashing of the earlier rumor, or was Cantor really trying to get Tommy for his show this time? Tommy did appear as a guest on Cantor's show at some point, but I'm not aware of him ever being a regular.
On August 30th, the United Press reported the following: "Nine-year-old Tommy Bond went to work in the movies today under a contract that pays him $100 a week now, and may give him $1,000 a week 17 years hence. The curly-headed boy actor came into Superior Court to have the contract approved as required (for) under age players." On this same date, the Chicago Daily Tribune explained that the contract was with producer Mervyn LeRoy. In his 1994 book, Tommy explained that, even though LeRoy worked for Warner Brothers, his contract was with LeRoy himself. It appears that this deal lasted for about a year, and that Tommy went to school at Warners and was subject to being loaned out to other studios during the contract term. In fact, he didn't make any Warner Brothers films at all during this period.
On September 1st, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Tommy Bond, appearing weekly on Gus Edwards's 'School Days of the Air,' has been selected by International Boy, world-circulated magazine, as representing the typical American lad."
On September 9th, The Evening News of Harrisburg, PA, reported the following: "Eight-year-old children are not usually capable of exchanging quips with experienced comedians, but Tommy Bond, tiny star of Gus Edwards' 'School Days of the Air,' has been able to do remarkably well lately, with George Jessel and Eddie Cantor when they made guest appearances on Edwards' program."
On September 18th, The Brooklyn Citizen (NY) reported the following: "Since it became known that Tommy Bond, 8-year-old singer-comic heard on the 'School Days of the Air' show, was a rabid animal fancier, being proud owner of a guinea pig, ducks, fish, a dog and white mice, the youngster has been showered with 'bargain offers' from salesmen. What the would-be animal sellers don't know is that the film-radio star has an allowance of only fifty cents a week - and could hardly buy their wares even if he wanted."
On September 22nd, Earle Ferris reported the following in his syndicated column: "Tommy Bond, eight year old actor-vocalist heard on Gus Edwards' 'School Days of the Air,' is a privileged radio artist. Tommy is the only performer allowed to have his lunch served in the studio during a long rehearsal."
On September 30th, the Holyoke Daily Transcript and Telegram (MA) reported the following: "The distinction of being the youngest protege Gus Edwards ever had falls to Tommy Bond, 8-year-old singer and comedian of the noted star-maker's 'School Days of the Air' program. They are further remarkable in having no contract in writing, just a verbal understanding, and Tommy seeks advice from no one but his mother and the veteran showman."
At some point in the latter half of this year, Tommy was signed to work in the Wallace Beery film "The Bad Man Of Brimstone." He actually took the train journey out to Zion National Park, finding out just a few hours after arrival that he needed to return to Hollywood to do some retakes for "Rosalie." As a result, he never did appear in the Beery film. Oddly, though, his name appeared in some of the newspaper ads for this film when it came out in December.
On October 5th, The Daily Republican of Belvidere, IL, reported the following: "Tommy Bond, 8-year-old west coast star, was suddenly called upon to read lines on Gus Edwards' 'School Days of the Air' show without previous rehearsal, and made nary a mistake.'
On October 11th, The Evening News of Harrisburg, PA, reported the following: "Tommy Bond isn't going through the experiences that are thrust upon other child actors. The 9-year-old singing star of Gus Edwards' 'School Days of the Air' plays with children his own age, is interested in sports of all sorts, and has a yard full of pets. Too, despite the fact that he has a private tutor, Tommy has a ten-week summer vacation from studies, radio and screen, just like any ordinary school boy of his own age."
On October 12th, The Evening Banner of Bennington, VT, reported the following: "Tommy Bond's favorite pal accompanies the eight-year-old singer-comedian to the studio every broadcast day and waits around patiently from 10 in the morning till nine each night - without complaining. In fact, he yelps with joy upon seeing Tommy. The pal? 'Jiggs,' the youngster's pet cocker spaniel."
On October 15th, Murray Rosenberg reported the following in his syndicated column: "If Tommy Bond's mother has her way, her talented 9-year-old son will never be spoiled. Mrs. Bond never lets him see a fan letter, unless it's unusually interesting or safely free from too-lavish compliments, so that he won't suddenly begin to realize his importance. And all photographs of the little film-radio star must be procured through his discoverer, Gus Edwards."
Also on October 15th, The Daily Republican of Belvidere, IL, reported the following: "Tommy Bond, nine-year-old Gus Edwards protege, thinks Kenny Baker of the Benny programs is the top male singer and his ambition is to sing like Baker."
On October 29th, The Evening News of Harrisburg, PA, reported the following: "It isn't often that a 9-year-old radio actor can draw fan mail from adults, but Tommy Bond has the distinction of getting as many commendatory letters from grown-ups as from youngsters. In addition to his 'School Days of the Air' chore, Tommy will soon be seen in 'Why Was I Born?' his first movie under the Mervyn LeRoy aegis."
On November 5th, The Brooklyn Citizen (NY) reported the following: "The title of Tommy Bond's new picture, produced by Mervyn LeRoy, has been changed to 'Who Asked to Be Born?' and will give the youngster a buildup as the typical American boy. The script has just been completed." On November 13th, the Daily News of Los Angeles reported that the Dead End Kids and the Mauch twins would also be in the film, which appears to have never been made.
On November 12th, The Daily Republican of Belvidere, IL, reported the following: "Tommy Bond has been elected president of 'The Rollicking Rovers' - a neighborhood kids' club."
On December 2nd, The Daily Republican of Belvidere, IL, reported the following: "Tommy Bond is taking tap dancing lessons under the watchful eye of his radio mentor Gus Edwards."
On December 3rd, The Evening News of Harrisburg, PA, reported the following: "The candid camera craze has struck Tommy Bond, 9-year-old radio and screen performer, and he has a collection of choice shots of Hollywood celebrities that would draw high prices from the pictorial weeklies."
On December 4th, the Buffalo Evening News reported the following: "Tommy Bond, sensational 8-year-old singing star, was interviewed by a film magazine reporter the other day, and when asked what his life ambition was, startled everyone by saying: 'I want to be a chiseler!' His mother hastily explained that he had heard the expression in the radio studios when an artist was describing a certain comedian."
On December 12th, Norman Siegel reported the following in his syndicated column: "Tommy Bond, nine-year-old actor-singer, is to do a 'Lowell Thomas' on the airlanes soon. He has been signed to broadcast his comments on current happenings."
On December 18th, Tommy took part in the First Annual Crippled Children's Party, held on the Sunset lot of Warner Brothers.
On December 24th, Tommy was a guest on the KFWB radio program Let's Go Hollywood.
Among the guests that appeared on the Gus Edwards program during its run were George Burns & Gracie Allen, Milton Berle, Joe Penner, Joe E. Brown and Edward Everett Horton, who also had Edwards and Bond on their shows. Berle's program was called Gillette Community Sings.

Knee Action (supporting role: Rudolf): Jan. 9, 1937 - Columbia - 2 reels - Andy Clyde series; ©Dec. 28, 1936.
Champagne Waltz (role: Otto): prem. Jan. 20, 1937 - Paramount - 10 reels - Gladys Swarthout & Fred MacMurray feature; ©Jan. 29, 1937. Released Feb. 5, 1937.
152. Glove Taps (featured role: Butch Raffety): ©Mar. 9, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-6 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Feb. 20, 1937. Filmed Jan. 11 to 30, 1937.
155. Rushin' Ballet (featured role): Apr. 24, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-9 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 9 to 13, 1937. ©Apr. 22, 1937.
Married Before Breakfast (role: Baglipp's kid): June 18, 1937 - MGM - 7 reels - Robert Young & Florence Rice feature; ©June 15, 1937.
Hideaway (role: Oscar Peterson): Aug. 13, 1937 - RKO - 6 reels - Fred Stone feature; Filmed in June/July 1937. ©Aug. 13, 1937. Working title: House In The Country.
A Sunbonnet Blue (featured role: voice of Johnny Mouse): Aug. 21, 1937 - Schlesinger/Warner Bros. - 1 reel - Merrie Melodies series; ©Dec. 1, 1937. The voice of Johnny Mouse sounds sufficiently enough like Tommy to warrant its inclusion here.
158. Fishy Tales (featured role: Butch): Aug. 28, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-12 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 26 to Aug. 2, 1937. ©Sep. 8, 1937.
159. Framing Youth (supporting role: Butch McGann aka Mr. Butch): ©Sep. 21, 1937 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-13 - Our Gang series; Also listed for Sep. 11, 1937. Filmed Aug. 19 to 25, 1937.
Rosalie (role: Mickey): Dec. 24, 1937 - MGM - 13 reels - Nelson Eddy & Eleanor Powell feature; ©Dec. 20, 1937. Tommy hums "The Wedding March" during the finale.

1938

On January 8th of this year, Gus Edwards was the guest composer on Hollywood Melody Shoppe, a KNX radio program hosted by Ted FioRito. Joining them were others from Edwards' program, including Tommy Bond. According to Tommy, he left the show when he couldn't get a raise, and the program only lasted six weeks without him. He said the show lasted for a total of two years, but the newspaper references dry up after only one year.
On January 16th, The Detroit Free Press (MI) reported the following: "When Tommy Bond reaches the gangly stage, and his voice jumps an octave every time he opens his mouth, there will still be a place for him in the theatrical firmament. The lad is getting expert vocal instruction from Andres Di Segurola, famous vocal teacher, who will see to it that Tommy's enunciation is all that it should be, and watch his singing voice to insure its proper placement as adolescence approaches. Training in other theatrical arts is being given the nine-year-old boy at an accredited professional school in Hollywood." Ads in the Los Angeles Times during this period reveal that the proper spelling of the vocal instructor's name was Andres de Segurola.
On April 24th, the Los Angeles Times reported that production had started on "City Shadows," which was a working title for "City Streets." Tommy was listed among the cast.
On August 1st, Edith Fellows served as a guest writer for the vacationing Hollis Wood in his column. She wrote the following: "Tommy Bond, who has been a friend of mine for a long time, was in this picture ('City Streets'). The name of the character he played was Tommy, and so when I talked to him in the picture it was perfectly natural. It was really too natural, because he would call me 'Edith,' and in the picture my name was Winnie. He did that a couple of times and Al Rogell - that's our director - had to take the scenes over. So I finally told Tommy my name was going to be Winnie off the set as well as on until the picture was over. After that, when we were playing between scenes I wouldn't pay any attention to what he said unless he called me Winnie. He soon got used to it and that problem was solved."
Back to the topic of vocal training, on August 6th, The Daily Republican of Belvidere, IL, reported that Edward Novis had trained Tommy at some point in the past.
On September 8th, The Van Nuys News (CA) reported the following: "Tommy 'Butch' Bond, juvenile actor who won such prominence in the screen play 'City Streets,' is the youngest recruit to the motion picture colony in San Fernando Valley. Tommy has purchased an acre on Zelzah avenue close to Ventura boulevard and near Spencer Tracy's estate, according to Bob Whitworth, of the Good Earth company, and is having plans prepared now for a $10,000 residence on the property."
On September 26th, the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune reported the following about the filming of "City Streets": "(Director) Rogell had mounted his cameras on a set representing a busy street corner. He explained to chubby little Tommy Bond, member of the cast supporting Edith Fellows and Leo Carillo, 'You and those other boys are playing ball. Suddenly you throw a wild pitch.' 'I get it,' Tommy grinned. His eyes widened to take in a big plate glass window, which fronted the grocery store where Leo Carrillo shelters Edith Fellows. Rogell nodded. 'The first scene will show you throwing. Then we'll have the ball come from offstage and smash the window.' The first scene went perfectly. Then came the suppressed desires.
"Carrillo walked up to Tommy where, out of camera range, he was ready to pitch again. 'I'll give you five dollars to let me break it,' Leo offered. Dick Curtis looked longingly at the expanse of glass. 'I'll give you six. Besides,' he mused reminiscently, 'I played one summer in the Three-Eye League.' Arthur Loft and George Humbert were others to remember juvenile athletic prowess. The bidding was becoming spirited when Rogell ruled, 'Since the ball's got to have a lot of force and most of you work in the scene, I'll throw it myself.' He was the boss, so reluctantly Tommy handed over the ball.
"There was a brief rehearsal. Then Rogell wound up and threw. Two sound men, on the tale-gate of a sound truck nearby, ducked as the ball went wide and crashed through a glass panel in the truck. Without a word Rogell started the scene again and handed the ball to Tommy, who threw a perfect strike through the window."

166. Came The Brawn (featured role: Butch): Apr. 16, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 1 reel - prod. K-19 - Our Gang series; Filmed Feb. 21 to 25, 1938. ©Apr. 12, 1938. Tommy's voice can also be heard in the puppet animation version of this short produced in 1966.
City Streets (featured role: Tommy aka Thomas Francis Devlin): prem. June 1938 - Columbia - 7 reels - Edith Fellows & Leo Carrillo feature; Filmed during the late spring of 1938. ©June 27, 1938. Earliest verified screening: June 20, 1938. Released July 1, 1938. Working title: City Shadows.
The Magician's Daughter (supporting role: Harry Murdock): July 16, 1938 - MGM - 2 reels - Miniature Musicals series; ©July 20, 1938. Starring Eleanor Lynn, Frank Albertson and Maurice Cass.
170. The Little Ranger (featured role: Butch aka Butch Dalton): Aug. 6, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2566 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 20 to 25, 1938. ©Aug. 10, 1938.
Block-Heads (role: the neighbor's football-playing son): Aug. 19, 1938 - Roach/MGM - 5 reels - prod. F-22 - Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy feature; Filmed June 1 to July 1, 1938, with added scenes July 27 and 28, 1938. ©Aug. 17, 1938. This film was reissued in the early '50s as a two-reeler entitled Better Now. Oscar nominee for Best Original Score.
171. Party Fever (featured role: Butch): Aug. 27, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2568 - Our Gang series; Filmed July 5 to 9, 1938. ©Aug. 25, 1938.
174. Football Romeo (supporting role: Butch aka Butchy-Wutchy aka Captain Butch): Nov. 12, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2589 - Our Gang series; Filmed Sep. 19 to 24, 1938. ©Nov. 16, 1938.
175. Practical Jokers (featured role: Butch aka Tommy aka Tommy "Butch" Bond): Dec. 17, 1938 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2595 - Our Gang series; Filmed Oct. 24 to 27, 1938. ©Dec. 20, 1938.

1939

On July 20th of this year, The Van Nuys News (CA) reported the following: "Tommy Bond, talented 11-year-old son of the Ashley R. Bonds has been given a three-series contract by Columbia Studios. At the present time he is working in the production of 'The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew', taking the part of Joey. The picture will be released in September."
On August 2nd, The Birmingham News (AL) reported the following: "Edith Fellows had a narrow escape while enacting scenes for 'Five Little Peppers and How They Grew.' Coming down a hill in a coaster wagon she crashed into a curb, catapulting little Tommy Bond, Ronald Sinclair and herself out on the street. Two hours later, she was munching sandwiches and engaged in a spirited outdoor game of bowling with her co-workers."
On August 25th, the Evening Vanguard of Venice, CA, reported the following: "Eddie Gribbon, Tommy Bond and Jack Foss are cast in 'Fast and Furious,' featuring Ann Sothern and Franchot Tone, with Busby Berkeley directing for MGM." Apparently, Tommy never wound up in the finished film.
On November 17th, shooting wrapped for "Bubbling Troubles," Tommy's last Our Gang film.

178. Duel Personalities (featured role: Butch): Mar. 11, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2610 - Our Gang series; Filmed Jan. 22 to 26, 1939. ©Mar. 9, 1939.
Happily Buried (bit part: kid giving hotfoot to Prince Manusha): Apr. 14, 1939 - MGM - 2 reels - MGM Special; ©Apr. 14, 1939. Starring Rita Oehmen, Anthony Allan and Benny Rubin.
180. Cousin Wilbur (featured role: Butch): Apr. 29, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2618 - Our Gang series; Filmed Mar. 13 to 17, 1939. ©May 4, 1939.
Now It Can Be Sold (supporting role): June 2, 1939 - Columbia - 2 reels - Andy Clyde series; ©May 22, 1939. Filmed Jan. 9 to 12, 1939.
182. Dog Daze (small part: Butch aka Honest Butch): July 1, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2631 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 1 to 5, 1939. ©July 13, 1939.
Career (role: boy with firecracker): July 7, 1939 - RKO - 80 min. - feature; ©July 7, 1939. Starring Anne Shirley, Edward Ellis, Samuel S. Hinds, Janet Beecher and Leon Errol.
183. Auto Antics (featured role: Butch): July 22, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2632 - Our Gang series; Filmed May 15 to 19, 1939. ©July 26, 1939.
Five Little Peppers And How They Grew (featured role: Joey Pepper): Aug. 22, 1939 - Columbia - 6 reels - Five Little Peppers feature; Filmed in July 1939. ©Aug. 24, 1939. Tommy sings "Happy Birthday To You," along with Edith Fellows, Charles Peck, Jimmy Leake and Dorothy Anne Seese.
184. Captain Spanky's Show Boat (featured role: Butch): Sep. 9, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2640 - Our Gang series; Filmed June 19 to 23, 1939. ©Sep. 6, 1939.
Static In The Attic (role: Tommy Catlett): Sep. 22, 1939 - Columbia - 2 reels - Walter Catlett series; ©Sep. 14, 1939. Filmed Mar. 21 to 24, 1939.
Let's Talk Turkey (role: Little Otto): Oct. 28, 1939 - MGM - 1 reel - Pete Smith Specialty; ©Oct. 11, 1939.

1940

On January 19th of this year, the International News Service reported the following: "The 'Five Little Peppers' set is perhaps the most informal in Hollywood. The children romp at will. Edith Fellows was encouraged to bring down her pet spaniel. Tommy Bond, who likes to paste boxers' pictures on his bedroom wall, was allowed to do the same in his dressing room."
On March 26th, the Encino PTA presented an "Americanism program." The Van Nuys News (CA) of April 1st reported on it and had this to say: "Tommy Bond, a student, entertained with two vocal numbers, 'A Gold Mine in the Sky' and 'God Bless America', accompanied by Parrish Williams." Since Tommy's San Fernando home was in the Encino neighborhood, it stands to reason that this is him, especially in light of the June 21st entry below.
On June 21st, the Parish Williams voice scholarship contest was held at the Milton H. Berry School in Encino. Tommy was one of two radio and screen juveniles who appeared as a guest artist.
On June 25th, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Gloria Jean will have a boy friend in Universal's 'A Little Bit of Heaven.' Tommy Bond is elected. He's 12 years (old) and played in 'Five Little Peppers' at Columbia."
On August 16th, Tommy appeared on KFWB's Gus Edwards Salute, a special broadcast.
On October 10th, The San Fernando Valley Times published a letter to the editor from Florence Corby: "One summer, two years ago, my boy and a fine lad named Tommy Bond struck up a friendship at Catalina where you 'summered' (for two weeks!). Tommy, it developed, was a movie child and is now playing 'Joey' in the Five Little Pepper series. He also plays opposite Gloria Jean in 'A Little Bit of Heaven' which is soon to be released. We see Tommy frequently. On September 16, he gave a birthday party in the patio of his mother's residence in Reseda. Gloria Jean, Edith Fellows, Darla Hood, Dicky Jones; in fact, all of the children present were movie children and my son Frank was the only child there who could lay no claim to fame! All those children without exception, had the poise and conversational powers of an intelligent and gracious adult. It was charming - and slightly disconcerting! Tommy is a lovable boy and more than that, he is a brilliant and interesting PERSON." She goes on to say that Tommy's sister had gotten her a job with a newspaper in Tarzana, but that her real aspiration was to work for The San Fernando Valley Times.
At some point during this period, Tommy participated in the semi-annual Bud Murray Juvenile Revue.

Five Little Peppers At Home (featured role: Joey Pepper): Feb. 8, 1940 - Columbia - 7 reels - Five Little Peppers feature; Filming in Jan. 1940. ©Feb. 4, 1940. Tommy sings "Be Firm And Be Faithful," along with Rex Evans and Edith Fellows.
188. Bubbling Troubles (small part: Butch aka Butchy): May 25, 1940 - MGM - 1 reel - prod. 2668 - Our Gang series; Filmed Nov. 8 to 17, 1939. ©May 29, 1940.
Out West With The Peppers (featured role: Joey Pepper): June 30, 1940 - Columbia - 6 reels - Five Little Peppers feature; ©June 29, 1940.
Five Little Peppers In Trouble (featured role: Joey Pepper): Sep. 1, 1940 - Columbia - 7 reels - Five Little Peppers feature; ©Aug. 24, 1940.
A Little Bit Of Heaven (small part: Jerry): Oct. 11, 1940 - Universal - 10 reels - Gloria Jean feature; Filmed in July 1940. ©Oct. 15, 1940.

1941

On February 18th of this year, The News of Los Angeles, CA, reported the following: "Five of the most talented movie juveniles will be seen in 'Senate Page Boys.' They are Dickie Jones, Charlie Smith, Charles Lind, Billy Dawson and Tommy Bond." This was a working title for "Adventure In Washington."
On April 29th, The Scranton Times (PA) reported that Tommy had attended Gloria Jean's 13th birthday party at Universal the previous week.
On June 24th, the first episode of A Date With Judy aired on NBC. Tommy was a regular during the first season of this radio series. As The Fresno Bee of June 22nd said: "Beginning Tuesday, Ann Gillis, 14 year old screen star, will be heard in the starring role of a new radio program, A Date With Judy, which will be broadcast each Tuesday at 6 P.M. while Bob Hope and his associates are on vacation. A Date With Judy is the story of Judy Foster and her family, with Paul McGrath, stage and screen actor, in the role of the father, Melvin Foster; Margaret Brayton, radio actress, as Mrs. Foster; Mercedes McCambridge, as Judy's girl friend and Tommy Bond, a graduate of Our Gang comedies in the role of Judy's brother, Randolph. Wilbur Hatch will direct the orchestra and Bill Goodwin, Hope's announcer, will remain on the program to take care of the commercials."
The film "Yankee Doodle Dandy" went into pre-production in the latter part of this year. Tommy auditioned for the part of George M. Cohan as a boy, but walked out because of how impolite director Michael Curtiz was. The part wound up going to Douglas Croft.
As his film jobs got sparser, Tommy spent more of his time away from the school at Columbia and more time in public schools, including LeConte Junior High in Hollywood.

Adventure In Washington (small part: Peewee Haynes): May 29, 1941 - Columbia - 10 reels - feature; Filmed in Feb. 1941. ©May 30, 1941. Starring Herbert Marshall and Virginia Bruce.
New York Town (small part: Willie): Oct. 31, 1941 - Paramount - 8 reels - feature; ©Oct. 31, 1941. Starring Fred MacMurray, Mary Martin and Robert Preston.

1942

During this year, Tommy was enrolled at Canoga Park High School, but only stayed for one semester. Canoga Park was in a rural setting, and he preferred to attend a high school in the city.

1943

During this year, Tommy started attending Van Nuys Senior High School, where he went for the next two years. One of the drawing cards was that Van Nuys offered ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps.), which would be a benefit when he was later drafted.
On November 18th, the Valley Times of North Hollywood, CA, reported on an Armistice Day assembly called "This Is Our Country," a presentation that had taken place in Van Nuys. Tommy Bond sang "America, I Love Thee." On the same day, The Van Nuys News reported that the presentation had taken place "last Thursday," which would mean that it happened on the 11th. It stated that Tommy "Sinatra" Bond was among the top school entertainers, and that the whole thing was put on by the Civics Club of the high school he attended.

This Land Is Mine (role: pug-nosed school bully): May 7, 1943 - Renoir-Nichols/RKO - 103 min. - Charles Laughton & Maureen O'Hara feature; ©Apr. 5, 1943.

1944

On February 18th of this year, Tommy sang at a Mardi Gras dance at the Van Nuys Women's Club.
On September 29th, Van Nuys Senior High School staged a "kick-off" dance for the opening of the football season. Among the student body members involved in organizing the event was Capt. Tommy Bond of the R.O.T.C.

Man From Frisco (supporting role: Russ Kennedy): prem. May 1944 - Republic - 10 reels - Michael O'Shea & Anne Shirley feature; ©Apr. 17, 1944. Earliest verified screening: May 17, 1944. Released June 15, 1944. This was Tommy's favorite film that he did.

1945

Early this year, Tommy graduated from Van Nuys High School as an ROTC captain and battalion adjutant. He then joined the Navy Air Corps, reporting to Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, and went onto to Memphis for boot camp. After this, it was 25 weeks of mechanics' school in Norman, OK. Because of his ROTC background, he became commander of Company 40. He was then hospitalized for 10 weeks due to an ear infection and missed his training with Company 40, but was reassigned to Company 50. Meanwhile, Company 40 moved on to Pensacola, and on December 5th, they became lost over the Bermuda Triangle. This was the same company that was fictionalized in "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind."
After the war, Tommy was sent to Chicago for Storekeepers School, and then to Terminal Island, CA; "They had me drive an ambulance in Long Beach, then sent me to the National City repair base where I disposed of surplus war material. I was able to spend weekends at home."

Twice Blessed (small part: Horace): May 31, 1945 - MGM - 8 reels - feature; ©May 29, 1945. Starring Preston Foster, Gail Patrick and The Wilde Twins.
The Beautiful Cheat (small part: Jimmy): July 20, 1945 - Universal - 59 min. - Bonita Granville & Noah Beery, Jr. feature; ©July 27, 1945.

1946

On July 11th of this year, The Van Nuys News (CA), in a story titled "Five Local 'Tars' Released by Navy," reported the following: "Capt. E. W. Irish, USN....announces the separation of Thomas R. Bond, seaman, first class, son of Mrs. A. R. Bond, 4742 Fulton Ave., who will return to his profession of motion picture actor..."
After his discharge from the Navy, Tommy enrolled at Los Angeles City College on the G.I. Bill with a major in theater arts. Students were required to do a weekly 6-minute scene in front of the class and the instructor. Tommy remembered that the best part he played during this period was as George in Our Town.
On October 10th, the Valley Times of North Hollywood, CA, reported the following: "Tommy Bond, a former Van Nuys high school student, is working as stage hand in the 'little theater district' of LACC's campus."

1947

On May 15th of this year, Gene Handsaker reported the following in his syndicated column: "At least two members of the Our Gang comedies, Hal Roach's popular early-day series, are still in pictures. Carl Switzer, 19, and Tommy Bond, 20, are among the so-called Gas House Kids in a comedy mystery, 'It's Moider!' now shooting." This brought about a rekindling of Tommy's friendship with Alfalfa. The two would occasionally go coon hunting in Topanga Canyon together.
On June 7th, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "Tommy Bond, who belonged to the second group of Our Gang kid comedians and who was in the Navy for three years, will enact the unusual role of a mute character in 'Big Town Scandal,' to be produced by Pine & Thomas."
On November 20th, the Valley Times of North Hollywood, CA, reported the following: "Playing a leading role in 'Elizabeth the Queen' a new production at the Vermont avenue campus, is Tommy Bond. A graduate of Van Nuys High, Tommy was formerly a member of the 'Our Gang' series." Elizabeth The Queen was performed at Los Angeles City College, which Tommy was attending.

Gas House Kids Go West (featured role: Chimp): July 1947 - PRC - 62 min. - Gas House Kids feature; Filmed in April 1947. ©June 28, 1947. Release date published as June 12, 1947, but earliest verified screening was July 20, 1947. Also featuring Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer.
In Hollywood (featured role: Chimp): Sep. 1947 - PRC - 62 min. - Gas House Kids feature; Filmed in May 1947. Release date published as Aug. 23, 1947, but earliest verified screening was Sep. 3, 1947. ©Sep. 8, 1947 as The Gas House Kids In Hollywood. Also featuring Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer. The opening title card puts quotations around the words "In Hollywood." The film is usually referred to by its copyright title. Working titles: It's Moider! and Help, Moider, Police.

1948

During this year, Tommy entered the television department at Los Angeles State College and earned a degree in theater arts.

Big Town Scandal (supporting role: Waldo "Dum Dum" Riggs): prem. Apr. 1948 - Pine-Thomas/Paramount - 7 reels - feature; Filmed in June/July 1947. Earliest verified screening Apr. 20, 1948. Released May 27, 1948. ©July 30, 1948. Reissued as Underworld Scandal. Starring Philip Reed and Hillary Brooke. Also featuring Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer.
Superman chapter 1: Superman Comes To Earth (small part: Jimmy Olsen): prem. July 2, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©July 15, 1948. Released July 15, 1948.
Superman chapter 2: Depths Of The Earth (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): prem. July 2, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©July 22, 1948. Released July 22, 1948.
Superman chapter 3: The Reducer Ray (small part: Jimmy Olsen): July 29, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©July 29, 1948.
Superman chapter 4: Man Of Steel (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): Aug. 5, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Aug. 5, 1948.
Superman chapter 5: A Job For Superman! (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): Aug. 12, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Aug. 12, 1948.
Superman chapter 6: Superman In Danger! (small part: Jimmy Olsen): Aug. 19, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©July 15, 1948.
Superman chapter 7: Into The Electric Furnace! (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): Aug. 26, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Aug. 26, 1948.
Superman chapter 8: Superman To The Rescue (small part: Jimmy Olsen): Sep. 2, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©July 15, 1948.
Superman chapter 9: Irresistible Force! (small part: Jimmy Olsen): Sep. 9, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©July 15, 1948.
Superman chapter 10: Between Two Fires (featured role: Jimmy Olsen): Sep. 16, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Sep. 6, 1948.
Superman chapter 11: Superman's Dilemma (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): Sep. 23, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Sep. 6, 1948.
Superman chapter 12: Blast In The Depths (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): Sep. 30, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Sep. 6, 1948.
Superman chapter 13: Hurled To Destruction (featured role: Jimmy Olsen): Oct. 7, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Sep. 27, 1948.
Superman chapter 14: Superman At Bay (featured role: Jimmy Olsen): Oct. 14, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Sep. 20, 1948.
Superman chapter 15: The Payoff (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): Oct. 21, 1948 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Oct. 5, 1948.

1949

On December 9th of this year, the Valley Times of North Hollywood, CA, reported the following: "Tommy Bond, Jack Hartman and Frank Granville, Valley collegians on the Los Angeles City college campus, are appearing this week in a student show, 'Persian Perversion,' an original satire, concluding its four-day run in the campus Little Theater tomorrow night. Action in the comedy is around an alchemist in Seventh Century Persia who makes gold from pure black earth. The play is under the direction of Don Antaky, student-director. Bond, who handles the lead as Sadig, the slave, recently appeared in 'Battleground.' He also had a role in 'Tokio Joe' and 'Any Number Can Play' and appeared in 'Our Gang' comedies for eight years."

The Lucky Stiff (small part: newsboy): prem. Jan. 22, 1949 - Amusement Enterprises/UA - 99 min. - feature; ©Feb. 11, 1949. Released May 26, 1949. Starring Dorothy Lamour, Brian Donlevy and Claire Trevor.
Any Number Can Play (small part: Mike): prem. June 30, 1949 - MGM - 112 min. - Clark Gable & Alexis Smith feature; ©May 25, 1949. Released July 15, 1949.
Intruder In The Dust (undetermined minor role): prem. Oct. 10, 1949 - MGM - 87 min. - feature; ©Sep. 27, 1949. Starring David Brian, Claude Jarman, Jr., and Juano Hernandez.
Tokyo Joe (small part: fingerprint sergeant): prem. Oct. 26, 1949 - Santana/Columbia - 88 min. - Humphrey Bogart feature; ©Nov. 1, 1949. Released in November 1949.
Battleground (small part: runner): prem. Nov. 9, 1949 - MGM - 118 min. - feature; ©Oct. 19, 1949. Released Jan. 20, 1950. Starring Van Johnson, Joan Hodiak, Ricardo Montalban and George Murphy. Also featuring Scotty Beckett.

1950

On May 1st of this year, The Van Nuys News (CA) reported the following: "Tommy Bond, 4742 Fulton Ave., appears in 'The Male Animal,' comedy of campus life, which opens Thursday (May 4) for a two-week run in the Los Angeles State and City colleges' Bungalow Theater....Two successive week end runs are scheduled for May 4, 5, and 6, and 11, 12, and 13 at 8:30 p.m. No matinees will be given."

Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 1: Superman Flies Again (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): prem. June 24, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; Filmed started by Feb. 1, 1950. Released July 20, 1950. ©July 19, 1950.
Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 2: Atom Man Appears! (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): prem. June 24, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©July 26, 1950. Released July 27, 1950.
Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 3: Ablaze In The Sky! (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): Aug. 3, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©July 3, 1950.
Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 4: Superman Meets Atom Man! (small part: Jimmy Olsen): Aug. 10, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©July 7, 1950.
Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 5: Atom Man Tricks Superman (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): Aug. 17, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©July 18, 1950.
Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 6: Atom Man's Challenge (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): Aug. 24, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©July 24, 1950.
Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 7: At The Mercy Of Atom Man! (small part: Jimmy Olsen): Aug. 31, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Aug. 8, 1950.
Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 8: Into The Empty Doom! (featured role: Jimmy Olsen): Sep. 7, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Aug. 8, 1950.
Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 9: Superman Crashes Through! (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): Sep. 14, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Aug. 15, 1950.
Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 10: Atom Man's Heat Ray (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): Sep. 21, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Aug. 22, 1950.
Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 11: Luthor's Strategy (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): Sep. 28, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Aug. 22, 1950.
Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 12: Atom Man Strikes! (small part: Jimmy Olsen): Oct. 5, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Sep. 5, 1950.
Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 13: Atom Man's Flying Saucers (small part: Jimmy Olsen): Oct. 12, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Sep. 13, 1950.
Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 14: Rocket Of Vengeance (supporting role: Jimmy Olsen): Oct. 19, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; ©Sep. 19, 1950.
Hot Rod (role: Jack Blodgett): Oct. 22, 1950 - Monogram - 61 min. - James Lydon feature; ©Oct. 22, 1950.
Atom Man Vs. Superman chapter 15: Superman Saves The Universe (small part: Jimmy Olsen): Oct. 26, 1950 - Katzman/Columbia - 2 reels - Superman serial; Filming finished by mid-Apr. 1950. ©Sep. 26, 1950.

1951

Tommy did TV appearances once a week on KHJ in Los Angeles, much like the KFI appearance listed below.
During this year, Tommy graduated from Los Angeles State College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Two weeks later, he got a job as a stage hand at KTTV Channel 11 in Los Angeles. The first show he was involved with was You Asked For It. Initially a part-time employee, he soon went full-time as a prop man's assistant and set decorator, and eventually became head of the property department, which remained his job for the rest of his time at KTTV. Also, moonlighting wasn't a problem, since he could work anywhere else he wanted as long as he worked his contractual forty hours a week at KTTV.
Tommy was offered the role of Jimmy Olsen in the TV series "Adventures Of Superman," but turned it down.

Call Me Mister (small part: little soldier): prem. Jan. 31, 1951 - 20th Century-Fox - 96 min. - Betty Grable & Dan Dailey feature; ©Jan. 31, 1951. Also starring Danny Thomas. Filmed in Technicolor.
Bedtime For Bonzo (small part: student reading newspaper): prem. Feb. 15, 1951 - Universal-International - 83 min. - Ronald Reagan & Diana Lynn feature; ©Jan. 9, 1951. Released Apr. 5, 1951.
Guest Book episode: Let's Go To College (co-director): Apr. 10, 1951 - LASC/KFI-TV - 60 min. - TV special; Local program. Musical comedy performed by students of Los Angeles State College. Tommy directed this 15-minute segment of the episode along with Mme. Ethel Leginska.
You Asked For It (stage hand): 1951 to 1959 - ABC - 30 min. - TV series; The debut of this show took place prior to Tommy's arrival at KTTV. The final episode was aired on Sep. 27, 1959, while Tommy was still working there.
Range Riders Movie Roundup (stage hand): 1951 to 1952 - KTTV - 90 min. - TV series; Local program in Los Angeles. Hosted by Walkin' Charlie Aldridge, it appears to be a program that screened western features. The show already existed prior to Tommy's involvement, and appears to have lasted until March 1952.
The Dude Martin Show (stage hand): Sep. 12, 1951, to Jan. 6, 1954 - KTTV - 60 min. - TV series; Local program out of Los Angeles. It was replaced by a weekday show, which lasted at least into 1955, though I don't know if Tommy worked on that version.

1952

On April 19th of this year, Tommy married Pauline "Polly" Goebel, a former Miss California. The official papers actually give the date as April 18th, since it happened at 2 a.m. Polly was the first runner-up in the Miss America Pageant of 1945.
Shortly after getting married, Tommy was put in charge of Polly's show at KTTV.

Your Jeweler's Showcase episode: Like The Rich People (undetermined role): Nov. 11, 1952 - Flamingo-Screen Associates-Soverign/CBS - 3 reels - TV episode; ©Jan. 27, 1952 (in notice: 1951).

1953

Tommy was offered the role of Hot Shot Charlie in the TV series "Terry and The Pirates," but turned it down in favor of a steadier income.

1955

Tommy took part in an Our Gang reunion for TV Guide, which was the subject of an article in the May 14th to 20th issue of this year, complete with photos.

MGM Parade episode (archival): Nov. 23, 1955 - MGM/ABC - 30 min. - TV episode; Includes footage from "Let's Talk Turkey."

1957

In December of this year, Tommy was involved in the first of several annual Christmas pageants for Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

1958

On November 22nd, 23rd and 24th of this year, Emanuel Lutheran's Christian Drama group performed a Marge Wold play called A Penny For A Sparrow, which was directed by Tommy Bond. The Valley Times of North Hollywood, CA, reported this on Nov. 14th, and described Tommy as a director for KTTV.

1960

On April 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th of this year, Purple Sackcloth, another Marge Wold play presented with Tommy Bond's involvement, was performed at Emanuel Lutheran Church.
As Tommy stated in his 1994 book: "I helped in the production of Father Bud Kaiser's Insight, a weekly half-hour drama on KTTV." This program, from Paulist Productions, started in 1960, with Tommy decorating the sets.

1963

During this year, the last Insight episode was aired. There were about 150 in total.
Also during this year, the Los Angeles Times sold KTTV to Metromedia. The TV studio became Metromedia's Hollywood Production Center, which served many outlets all over the country, but the call letters stayed the same.
Around this time, Tommy began moonlighting for Hughes Sports Network; "As coordinator, my job was to go to the home base station that aired the game and also ran the commercials. There I had to screen the commercials prior to airing, to make sure they were in order and would be properly aired. Hughes flew me to San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle to cover games."
Somewhere along the line, Tommy served as the stage manager for George Putnam And The News at KTTV. This was a one-hour program that ran for virtually the entire time Tommy worked for KTTV, but it isn't clear just when he was involved with it.

The Danny Kaye Show (stage manager): Sep. 25, 1963, to June 7, 1967 - Dena/CBS - 60 min. - TV series

1964

On August 12th of this year, Thomas R. Bond II, better known as Butch Bond, Jr., was born.

1965

Winchell-Mahoney Time (prop manager): 1965 to 1968 - Metromedia - 60 min. - TV series
Sheriff John's Lunch Brigade episode: Journey To Bethlehem (producer/director): Dec. 24, 1965 - Emanuel Lutheran Church/KTTV - 60 min. - TV episode; Credited as Thomas Bond. This Christmas pageant was repeated Dec. 25, 1965, as part of Ralph Williams' Saturday morning program.

1967

The Danny Thomas Hour (prop manager): Sep. 11, 1967, to June 3, 1968 - Thomas-Spelling/NBC - 60 min. - TV series; The Fresno Bee of April 27, 1989 stated: "Tommy Bond remembered working on a series of Danny Thomas variety specials during the 1960s." This series seems to fit the bill.
The Carol Burnett Show (assistant director/prop manager): starting Sep. 11, 1967 - Burngood/Banner/CBS - 60 min. - TV series; Presumably, Tommy's involvement with this series ended when he left Metromedia circa 1972.

1968

Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (assistant director/prop manager): Jan. 22, 1968, to Mar. 12, 1973 - Schlatter-Friendly/Romart/NBC - 60 min. - TV series

1969

On December 13th of this year, the Hollywood Citizen-News (CA), reported the following: "You need not cross the ocean to get here. All will be welcome, performances will be given nightly at 8 p.m. beginning Wednesday, Dec. 17 through Dec. 23 at 11919 Oxnard St., North Hollywood. During the past few weeks the town of Bethlehem has been recreated on the athletic field located across from the May Co. parking lot, Oxnard side. For the 11th consecutive year the Emmanuel Drama Committee will present the hour-long Christmas drama entitled 'Journey To Bethlehem.' This authentic moving drama is given each year to help keep the emphasis of 'Christ' in Christmas by depicting the beautiful scriptural story of his birth. Audiences see Roman soldiers on horseback, led by a Centurion riding in a chariot, gallop through the city gates to deliver a message from Caesar.
"Nearby, on a hillside, live sheep are tended by shepherds. As the scriptures unfold, Mary is carried to the inn on the back of a burro named Bernadette with Joseph leading the way. Under the expert direction of Tommy Bond, this unique production has made Christmas more meaningful for thousands. Many whole families participate in the cast of 80. Bleachers have a seating capacity of 1,000 and all attending are advised to dress warmly. If you have not had the opportunity to make this 'Journey to Bethlehem' with the thousands each year who do, plan to bring your family and friends and come this year. All this is given to the public by Emmanuel Lutheran Church as a Christmas gift."
On December 16th, the Los Angeles Times reported the following: "With a flourish of trumpets and sounding of bells, a horse-drawn chariot will charged into 'Bethlehem' Wednesday at 8 p.m. and start one of the Valley's oldest Christmas pageants. The chariot sortie will open the 11th annual telling of the Christmas story by Emmanuel Lutheran Church at its school athletic field, 11919 Oxnard St. The event, with 80 cast members and a 400-foot stage depicting the city of Bethlehem, will be held through Dec. 23. Admission is free and there is bleacher seating for 1,000. As many as 10,000 persons have attended the annual production, says Allan Fackler, assistant director of the pageant. The low mark probably occurred last year when rain and fog limited patronage to 2,500. Fackler said 1,400 persons waited an hour and a half for the fog to lift one night. It was canceled. To avoid any weather problems this year, Fackler said, persons planning to attend should call the church to make sure the show is going on.
"The show again will feature 'Bernadette,' the church's burro which has performed in all the plays. Bernadette is one of six animals participating, including three sheep and two quarter horses to pull the chariot. Richard Ruwe will play Joseph, with Mary played by Mrs. Fackler. Thomas Bond, who was 'Butch' in the 'Our Gang' radio comedy series, will direct. Harold Haaland supervised contruction of the stage. Fackler said the idea originated 12 years ago with the church's drama committee under the leadership of Mrs. Erling Wold, whose husband was pastor. The committee, which had put on several other programs, was hunting for something to produce outdoors. 'Mrs. Wold wrote a script for the pageant, had members tape record it and the church agreed to put it on in 1959,' Fackler said. 'We have been holding it ever since.' "

The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour (assistant director): Jan. 29, 1969, to June 13, 1972 - Glenco/CBS - 60 min. - TV series
Jimmy Durante Presents The Lennon Sisters Hour (assistant director): Sep. 26, 1969, to July 4, 1970 - Maryco/ABC - 60 min. - TV series

1970

During this period, Tommy served as an assistant director on some of the Emmys broadcasts.

The David Frost Show episode (property manager): May 18, 1970 - Group W - 90 min. - TV episode; Jack Benny was the guest on this show. A photo in Tommy's book reveals his involvement behind the scenes. It isn't clear how often he worked on the Frost program.

1971

During this year, Butch Jr. briefly served as one of the anchors on a KTTV news show for kids.

Pillsbury's Magic Circus (assistant director): 1971 to 1973 - 60 min. - TV specials; Six of these specials aired.
The Sonny And Cher Comedy Hour (property manager): starting Aug. 1, 1971 - Blye-Bearde/Sun Joe/Humbug/CBS - 60 min. - TV special; Tommy's involvement with this show would have presumably ended when he left KTTV circa 1972.
The Love Machine (property manager/small part: stagehand): prem. Aug. 6, 1971 - Sujac/Columbia - 108 min. - feature; Released Aug. 27, 1971. Starring Dyan Cannon, Robert Ryan and Jackie Cooper. Filmed in Eastmancolor.
Soul Train (assistant director): Starting 1971 - Cornelius - 60 min. - TV series; Shooting switched to Metromedia during this year, so presumably Tommy got involved at this point, and remained on the crew until his departure from Metromedia circa 1972.

1972

Tommy's job title over the years varies depending on the source, but during this period he was listed as a prop master, a production manager, and a program manager, among other things. One of the shows he worked on over the next year was "I've Got A Secret."
At some point, either at the end of this year or shortly thereafter, Tommy left his job at Metromedia (KTTV) and moved to the San Joaquin Valley. However, he commuted to Los Angeles to continue his work with Hughes Sports Network.
Since he was a member of I.A.T.S.E., the theatrical stage hands' union in L.A., Tommy was able to get a week or two's worth of work now and then on the local Fresno stations, KMJ (Channel 24), KFSN (Channel 30), and KJEO (Channel 47).

I've Got A Secret episode (guest appearance): Sep. 21, 1972 - Goodson-Todman - 30 min. - TV episode; Syndicated program. Tommy was one of the guests with a secret. Nanette Fabray was one of the panelists, and made it clear that she was never in the series, contrary to popular belief at the time (but she was actually in one of the silent episodes)

1973

Part of the confusion surrounding the timing of Tommy's departure from Metromedia comes from a couple of newspaper items, from January 21st and July 26th of this year, which state that he was still working there. It may be that the writers simply hadn't updated their bio info, though.
Butch Jr. appeared in the United Cerebral Palsy telethon in Fresno, probably during this year, the first of three occasions he did this.

1974

A press item from July 1st of this year states that Tommy, currently working as a "properties staffer," now owned a 140-acre ranch in Dunlap, CA, near Fresno.

Tony Orlando And Dawn (property manager): July 4, 1974, to Dec. 28, 1976 - Ilson-Chambers/CBS - 60 min. - TV series

1975

On February 12th of this year, the Shreveport Journal described Tommy as a "retired television executive in Fresno," suggesting that perhaps he hadn't gone full-time at KFSN yet.
On April 28th, Newsday of Hempstead, NY, described Tommy as a "rancher in Durland in central CA," and that he was a "freelance director of sports shows for the Hughes Television Network." When asked about the old days, he said it was "just a part of my life that quickly passed and I went on with the process of growing up." It went on to say that "Bond said that he hasn't been in touch with any of the others during the years and that he has not much more than a passing interest in where they were."
During this year, Tommy began working for KFSN-TV (Channel 30) in Fresno. He started in a part-time position, but eventually went full-time, working as a stage manager and assistant director, in addition to producing children's shows. "I was an assistant director responsible for news shows, talent, and all location productions for commercials. I was also in charge of all the stages. Compared to KTTV, KFSN was a smaller station, so I wore several hats. For example, I was in charge of incoming merchandise and commercial props and called painters and carpenters under my control when we needed sets built. I also ran chyron, the character generator that identified at the bottom of the TV screen who was being interviewed during a news report."
Tommy also worked in advertising with Al Case, generating commercials for products such as Maxwell House Coffee, Gallo Wines, and Fredelis Frozen Dinners. Somewhere along the line, he also did a commercial for General Electric, as well as one featuring the Dancing Raisins.

The Little Rascals Family Theater episode (appearance): Circa 1975. During this year (by the end of May), The Little Rascals Family Theater debuted in sydication. It was hosted by Jackie Lynn Taylor and her husband, Jack Fries, and featured Little Rascals episodes interspersed with interview segments. It was still airing in the early 1980s, but this was after it had ceased production. At least one of the episodes was co-hosted by Tommy, but it appears that he may have been involved with several. As he said in his 1994 book: "After a period of time, she came and interviewed me, and used clips of the interview on her show...Again I heard nothing from her for years. Her next call was an invitation to participate in a new series she was putting together for a Reno station. It would consist of nineteen shows...'We could do the outside stuff at your ranch and then we'll go to Reno and tape the studio stuff there,' she said. 'It'll air in Reno.' That sounded okay to me. They came down, we taped all the exteriors, and three weeks later she asked me to bring my family to Reno. Polly, Butch, and I went, and over a week's time I helped her with ten shows in a recreated Clubhouse."

1976

From January 5th of this year, until July 1, 1977, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman aired. IMDb lists Tommy as working in props management for this show. However, it's inclusion seems a bit odd since Tommy was in Fresno by this time.
On March 28th, The Fresno Bee published an article about Tommy. He was now floor manager at KFSN. Funnily enough, it mentions that "Bond started out as a character named Tommy, replacing the first Butch when the actor outgrew the role." It also talked about Tommy's current situation: "A little over a year ago, Bond left the smog and the rat race of LA for the calmer life in the Valley. The family lives on a 140-acre ranch in the Dunlap area where his nephew raises cattle. 'They told me in LA I was crazy to come up here, but I love it. The people here are great. It's like KTTV was 24 years ago, less people and not a factory.' " It also mentioned that Tommy had made a local commercial with Butch Jr., and that they had been on the recent Cerebral Palsy telethon.
On April 18th, The South Bend Tribune erroneously stated that Tommy's ranch was in San Diego, where he worked in TV.

1977

On the weekend of March 5th and 6th of this year, the United Cerebral Palsy telethon aired over KSFN, as well as Bakersfield station KBAK. Butch Jr. took part in this, singing and playing guitar.
In October 1977, Butch Jr., at age 13, started his media career with a 30-minute weekly show on public radio station KVPR. He was doing interviews with local people until his father got him his first celebrity interview with Frank Gorshin. This according to The Fresno Bee of July 30, 1980.

1978

Rascal Dazzle (archival): 1978 - King World/Picture Scores - 93 min. - documentary feature; ©1978. Seems to have debuted on TV, followed by a theatrical release in late 1979. Includes footage from "Mush And Milk," "Hi'-Neighbor!" "For Pete's Sake!" "Mike Fright," "Washee Ironee" and "Rushin' Ballet."

1979

In January of this year, with the help of his father and KFSN announcer-director Robbie Robinson, Butch started his television career with "Butch's Corner." It was at this time that Butch started doing phone interviews. This according to The Fresno Bee of July 30, 1980. "Butch's Corner" was initially part of Al Radka's show "Saturday Children's Showcase."
The L.A. Weekly of November 23rd to 29th reported the following: "On December 8, there will be an Our Gang reunion, with Hal Roach, creator/producer of the series. Roach was also responsible for bringing Laurel and Hardy together on the screen and discovered Harold Lloyd's daredevil comic talents. Gang members Jackie Cooper (tentative), Joe Cobb, Tommy 'Butch' Bond and the film wives of Laurel and Hardy, Anita Garvin and Dorothy Granger, will appear." This took place at the Crown Theatre in Pasadena. Oddly, the Times-Advocate of December 13th reported that this was to take place on Saturday the 15th, so perhaps it was delayed for a week.
On December 3rd, "The Little Rascals' Christmas Special" was first aired on NBC. Included among the characters in this animated special was Butch, though, since he had no dialogue, he wasn't voiced by anybody.

1980

According to The Fresno Bee of July 30th of this year, Butch Jr. started a weekly radio show in March. Every Sunday night KARM aired a three-part program that he put together. The show included an editorial, a taped interview with a local public figure or a national celebrity, and a human interest story. On March 20th, he interviewed Barbara Mandrell.
On April 10th of this year, United Press ran an article about Butch Jr., explaining that he had a Saturday morning TV show called "Butch's Corner" and also a Sunday evening radio program called "News, Views And Interviews." His celebrity interviews also could be heard occasionally on radio station KARM on Saturday afternoons. These were all local programs out of Fresno. Butch Jr. was known professionally as Butch Bond and was 15 at the time.
On July 13th, United Press ran an article about George Hayes, Jr., who claimed to have played "Butch" in the Our Gang series. At the time, he was professionally known as Tommy Bond, the article says. It also mentions his work as a stuntman later in life and the fact that he changed his name to Jay Roberts so as not to cash in on his famous father's name (Gabby Hayes). Gabby did indeed have a same-nicknamed son who was a stuntman, but I can't tell whether or not this part of the guy's story has any merit. His claims of being Butch, of course, are erroneous. In his 1994 book, Tommy says the following about Gabby Jr.: "Gloria Moraga, a feisty newswoman who liked me, was our weekend anchor and wanted to set things straight. She called the TV station in Denver and asked about the man who claimed to be both Gabby Hayes' son and me. They gave her his phone number. She called him. 'Hello. Is this Tommy Bond? You're Gabby Hayes' son? Your name is really Tommy Bond and you were Butch in the Little Rascals?' He answered 'yes' to all her questions. Then she let the other shoe drop. 'That's funny. I have the real Tommy Bond standing next to me, and he'd like to have a few words with you.' The poor fool started babbling and mumbling, and she followed up with a right cross. 'If we ever, ever hear of any more impersonation, you will be prosecuted.' She wasn't finished. 'Now, when I get through talking to you, I'm going to call the Denver press and TV and set them straight.' She did just that and we never heard another word about it."
On July 16th, Associated Press took their turn at being fooled by Gabby, Jr.
Tommy attended the Second International Convention of Sons of the Desert, which was held at the Los Angeles Hilton from July 30th to August 3rd, and included the largest-ever Our Gang reunion, which apparently took place on July 31st. As he said in his 1994 book: "Bob Satterfield called to invite me to the reunion. Dwelling on the past never was my cup of tea, but he persisted. Polly and I agreed to go. Butch was in the middle of his Valley Main Street show, so we went on the premise that he would conduct interviews with the Gang attendees and air the clips on his program." Tommy apparently had a good time, as he rekindled his friendships with Spanky McFarland and Sid Kibrick, and stayed in touch with them, until Spanky's, and later Tommy's, deaths.
On September 6th, Valley Main Street premiered on Channel 30 in Fresno. Butch Jr. co-hosted it with Al Radka. This show replaced Radka's earlier show "Saturday Children's Showcase." This new show continued to include "Butch's Corner." Tommy Bond was the producer, and the show lasted for 26 episodes.

1981

On October 4th of this year, The Tennessean reported that Tommy had retired, though Valley Main Street continued to air at least until October 31st. He wasn't retired from KFSN yet, but perhaps this was old info regarding his departure from KTTV.

1982

On September 5th of this year, an animated series called "The Little Rascals" debuted on ABC, and continued for about a year. Among the characters was Butch, voiced by B. J. Ward.
On November 4th, The Selma Enterprise (CA) reported the following: "A videotaping of 'Clingon's Junction,' a television pilot production, is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 6, at 9 a.m. at Pioneer Village. The director of the production is Tom Bond and the producer is his son, Butch Bond, who wrote the story. They hope to sell it to a television network and report that CBS seems to be interested. The story is about a colonel in the Civil War who loses his way en route to the Battle of Gettysburg and winds up in a ghost town in California, which he thinks is Gettysburg. He settles down in the town. Pioneer Village was selected for filming because of its resemblance to an 1864 California town. According to Bond, there will be lots of extras and costumes used in the filming. Museum equipment will be used to simulate Civil War era implements." In his book, Tommy calls it Clingan's Junction, and says it was shot in 14 days over a period from 1982 to 1984. As of November 13, 1982, it was reported to be still filming.

1983

On April 15th, The Fresno Bee reported that Butch Jr. had just finished Clingon's Junction.

Clingon's Junction (director): prem. Feb. 1983 - Bond - TV pilot

1984

On February 27th of this year, Tommy, along with Jackie Taylor and Richard and Robert Smith, was made an honorary deputy of Fresno County.

Our Gang: Inside The Clubhouse (interview appearance/archival): May 8, 1984 - Lang/Camellia City Telecasters - 93 mins. - TV documentary; Tommy was interviewed for this documentary. Includes footage from "Mush And Milk," "Hi'-Neighbor!" "For Pete's Sake!" "Mike Fright," "Glove Taps," "Rushin' Ballet," "Framing Youth" and "The Little Ranger," as well as footage taken at the 1980 Our Gang reunion.

1985

On March 17th of this year, a fire destroyed Tommy's home at his 129-acre ranch in Dunlap, as well as an adjacent mobile home. Along with the house went personal souvenirs of his film past, including scrapbooks dating back to 1933. According to The Fresno Bee of March 21st, "They were able to salvage some tape of 'Valley Main Street,' a children's show Butch (Jr.) used to host for Channel 30, and a film project they have been working on for a couple of years." Two rental homes on the property were not damaged, and the family subsequently moved into these. The master for Clingon's Junction was destroyed in the fire. Not long after this, the family moved to Fresno.
At some point during this year, Tommy was inducted into the Sons of the Desert.
On October 11th, The Sun of San Bernardino, CA, reported that Tommy had been "a recent guest at a student assembly in which he told of his experiences with the 'Our Gang' comedies."

1986

On January 25th of this year, Tommy attended the Our Gang reunion organized by Sid Kibrick at his Desert Shadows R.V. Resort in Cathedral City, CA. Among the activities was the placing of handprints in concrete.
According to Tommy, there was a second reunion during this year, this one in San Antonio. Also in attendance were Spanky and Porky. The three former Gangsters put their handprints in concrete at the Westlake Theater.

The Laurel And Hardy Show episode (archival): 1986 - RHI/CBN - TV episode; Includes footage from "Block-Heads."

1987

On April 26th of this year, Tommy made a personal appearance at the Laurel & Hardy/Little Rascals Film Festival at the Pacific Grove Middle School Auditorium in Salinas, CA.
During this year, Tommy attended another Our Gang reunion organized by Sons of the Desert.
Also during this year, Tommy moved from Fresno to rural Madera County, north of Fresno.
On October 25th, The Fresno Bee published an article about Ron Genini. When asked what future projects he'd like to do, one of them was helping Tommy Bond write his memoirs. The resulting book was published in 1994.

1988

On June 29th of this year, the Daily News of New York, NY, reported the following letter from reader Paul Volpe: "Whoever is in charge of the obituary column made a big goof. They printed an obituary for a Virgil Oliver, and claimed that he played Butch and Tuffy in silent 'Our Gang' movie shorts. But the fact is that Tuffy was played by Johnny Downs, and Butch was played by Tommy Bond in the 'Our Gang' talkies. I don't know who this Virgil Oliver is, but he was never one of the members of 'Our Gang.'
During this year, Tommy attended the Golden Anniversary of Superman, which was also attended by Noel Neill, who had played Lois Lane.

Superman 50th Anniversary: A Celebration Of The Man Of Steel (acknowledgment): Feb. 19, 1988 - Guber-Peters/CBS - 60 min. - TV special

1989

On January 14th of this year, Tommy was floor director of the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon at KFSN, Channel 30.
Also during this year, Tommy attended the 25th annual Cinecon convention and posed for a picture with Porky.
Also during this year, Tommy met Kirk Alyn at a Superman revival in Knoxville. Alyn had played the title role in the serial.

3rd Degree! (stage manager): Sep. 11, 1989, to June 8, 1990 - Kline & Friend/Burt & Bert - 30 min. - TV series.; Syndicated program.

1990

From April 26th to 28th, the Knoxville Western Film Caravan took place at the Knoxville Convention Center - Holiday Inn (TN). Tommy was among the celebrity guests, along with Porky Lee. Tommy and Porky got around to travelling to several of these types of events together.
On October 21st, The Fresno Bee reported the following: "Fresno's Tommy Bond - who played tough-guy Butch on the 'Little Rascals' comedy series - was awarded $2.6 million Friday by a Los Angeles jury. The jury ruled that companies who own the rights to the 'Little Rascals' and 'Our Gang' movies should pay Bond for using his likeness in various merchandising operations." Later in the same article: "Bond was paid about $50 a week. He worked without a contract and never waived his rights for future residuals, attorney Dale Blickenstaff said. In the 1950s, according to the lawsuit, the rights to 'Our Gang' and 'Little Rascals' were sold to Kings(sic) World Syndicate and to Turner Enterprises, respectively. Both are listed as defendants in Bond's lawsuit. According to the lawsuit, the companies began using Bond's likeness for commercial ventures on T-shirts, plates, buttons, calendars and other similar items. In addition, Bond never received compensation from profits earned by showing the series on television. 'I just got sick of it,' Bond said. 'It just didn't seem right. The companies were making millions and millions of dollars.' The jury awarded Bond $1.3 million from each defendant, although the decision may still be appealed."

1991

Around this time, Tommy retired from KFSN-TV in Fresno. This is esimated based on later articles that say how long he worked there and how long it had been since he retired. There isn't very good consistency in the information, though, as 1990, 1991 and 1992 can all be arrived at this way. In his book, Tommy states that it was 1991.

1992

In mid-July of this year, Tommy was a guest celebrity at the Sons of the Desert convention in Las Vegas.
On September 12th, Tommy was among hundreds of celebrities (including Spanky McFarland, Robert Blake, Dick Moore, Dorothy DeBorba and Mary Ann Jackson) who took part in The Ninth Annual American Cinema Awards at the The Beverly Hilton Hotel. Honored in the ceremony were Frank Sinatra, Jack Valenti and Whoopi Goldberg.
On November 5th, Tommy attended Hal Roach's funeral in Westwood, CA. Also present were Dorothy DeBorba, Spanky McFarland, Eugene Jackson and Darwood Kaye.

1993

During this year, Tommy attended a reunion of the cast of the Superman serial at the Anaheim Convention Center. Also present were Kirk Alyn and Noel Neill.
Also during this year, Tommy worked behind the scenes at the United Cerebral Palsy Telethon in Fresno.
On November 28th, Tommy, along with Porky Lee, appeared at the 8th Annual Fall Sports Collectors Show at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, MI.
On December 12th, Tommy was at the Kings Mall in Hanford, CA, shooting footage for "Bob's Night Out." According to The Hanford Sentinel of December 13th: "Bond (Jr.) is producing the film with his father, Thomas Bond Sr., who played Butch on 'The Little Rascals' and Jimmy Olsen in the original 'Superman' television series. The film is being distributed by The Biograph Co., the second motion picture company in existence. The company closed down in 1917 and has been revived." The production first came to Hanford in November, according to The Hanford Sentinel of May 29, 1994. This article also explained that the Bond family had purchased the Biograph studio brand.

1994

On May 14th of this year, Tommy took part in Kings County's 67th Homecoming Parade in Hanford, CA.
In May, Morgin Press published Darn Right It's Butch, written by Tommy "Butch" Bond and Ron Genini.
On May 22nd, shooting for "Bob's Night Out" was finished.
From June 9th to 12th, the Superman Comes Home Convention took place in Metropolis, IL, as part of their 16th annual Superman celebration. Tommy, along with Phyllis Coates (of the TV version of Superman), signed autographs and posed for photos on June 9th, 10th and 11th. Kirk Alyn, who played Superman in the serials, also took part in the convention, bringing about a reunion with Tommy.
On July 20th, Tommy made a guest appearance on the WNYU radio program The Amusement Park in New York.
On July 30th, The Fresno Bee reported that Tommy was the spokesman for Cabin Fever Entertainment's Little Rascals video collection.
On August 3rd, Tommy signed photos at Coconuts Video store on Sixth Ave. in New York
On August 5th, a feature film called "The Little Rascals" was released. Among the characters was Butch, played this time by Sam Saletta.
On August 6th, The Los Angeles Times reported the following: "'The Little Rascals' feature film was released this week. Many former members were upset that they weren't included in the film. Director Penelope Spheeris: 'To my knowledge only two are still living, Butch and the Woim. Spanky McFarland died just as we got under way. There had been some discussion about (using him). I did not use Butch and the Woim because I heard there was a lawsuit between one of them and one of the companies involved.' In 1990, Bond brought suit against King World and MGM for alleged unauthorized use of his image. He settled out of court nearly four years ago with King World, and still had a suit pending against MGM. 'I did get a lot of letters from relatives of actors that had been involved. We'd tell them they were welcome to come to visit the sets, but we couldn't justify including relatives of actors in the movie.' She said that she had cordial encounters with Buckwheat's son when he visited the set, and Stymie's brother at a recent screening. She said she regreted if she had offended anyone. If any of the surviving principles had contacted her, she said, 'I would have done something. I do understand how they must have felt, having been so close to it. The last thing I want to do on making a movie on this subject is make anyone unhappy.' (Bond talked to Buckwheat's son after the latter's visit to the set, who indicated to Bond that involvement in the film was unlikely.) Mel Jasgur, who played Junior and Slapsy from age 18 months to 3 years before permanently retiring from show business, bares no ill-will toward the new film's makers. Says the 58-year-old owner of Encino's Jack Rabbit Press, 'I don't really have any feelings one way or the other.' "
On August 13th, Tommy did a meet-and-greet at the Fig Garden Bookstore in Fresno.
On October 13th, Tommy did a meet-and-greet at Borders Books and Music in Bryn Mawr, PA.
In October, Tommy appeared at the Hollywood Collector's Show and Auction.
On October 29th, Tommy was in Berkeley, CA, discussing his autobiography at 2352 Shattuck Ave.
On November 12th, Tommy appeared at Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Oakland, CA.

The Our Gang Story (archival): 1994 - Film Shows/GoodTimes - 120 min. - video documentary; Includes footage from "The Kid From Borneo," "Hi'-Neighbor!" "Glove Taps," "The Gas House Kids In Hollywood" and a trailer for the 1948 "Superman" serial.
CBS This Morning episode (appearance): July 12, 1994 - CBS - 120 min. - TV episode
Good Morning America episode (appearance): Aug. 1, 1994 - ABC - 120 min. - TV episode; Also appearing were the cast members of "The Little Rascals," the new feature film that revamped the original series.
Live At Five episode (appearance): Aug. 1, 1994 - WNBC-TV - 60 min. - TV episode; Local program in New York.
Late Night With Conan O'Brien episode (appearance): Aug. 3, 1994 - NBC - 60 min. - TV episode

1995

On February 10th and 11th of this year, Tommy was in Memphis, TN, to promote the Cabin Fever set.
On February 10th, Tommy promoted the Cabin Fever set at Kroger Video in Collierville, TN.
On February 11th, Tommy signed copies of the Cabin Fever set at three more Kroger Videos, two of which were in Memphis, and the other in Cordova, TN.
On February 14th, Tommy signed copies of the Cabin Fever set at three separate video stores in Tennessee: Movie Gallery in Gallatin, Video Check-Out in Donelson and Movie Gallery in Nashville.
On February 15th, Tommy signed copies of the Cabin Fever set at two video stores: Video Check-Out and Movie Gallery, both in Murfreesboro, TN.
On February 19th, Tommy took part in the 19th annual South Florida Autograph Show at Joe Robbie stadium in Miami Gardens, FL.
On April 1st and 2nd, Tommy, along with Dorothy DeBorba, signed autographs at the Hollywood Collector's Show at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn in North Hollywood.
On June 24th, Tommy, along with Dorothy DeBorba, attended the Hollywood Collector's Show at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn in North Hollywood.
Some time during this year, Tommy promoted the Cabin Fever videos at the USDA Convention at the Dallas Convention Center (TX). A photo exists of him hamming it up with Jackie Cooper, but it isn't clear whether Jackie is taking part in the promotion, or just happened to also be there.
On July 10th, Tommy, slong with Dorothy DeBorba, Shirley Jean Rickert, and Jerry Tucker, attended a dinner at the Fox Hollow Inn in Woodbury, NY, sponsored by the local chapter of Sons of the Desert.
On July 14th, Tommy did a meet-and-greet at the grand opening of Video Watch in Appleton, WI.
On October 6th, Tommy appeared at Kroger Video in Greenfield, IN.
On October 25th, Tommy signed copies of the Cabin Fever set at the East Coast Video Show in Atlantic City, NJ.
On December 15th, Tommy appeared at the Video Warehouse in Des Moines, IA.

Music City Tonight episode (appearance): Feb. 15, 1995 - TNN - 90 min. - TV episode

1996

On May 9th of this year, Tommy signed copies of the Cabin Fever set at the Jitney Premier (presumably a video store) in Jackson, MS, and then moved on to the Jitney Premier in Brandon, MS, for the same purpose.
On July 19th, the Bradenton Herald (FL) reported the following: "The magic of Hollywood comes to Manatee County with two public appearances by former child star Tommy Bond today....Bond is considering donating memorabilia to the $25 million National Comedy Hall of Fame museum being considered adjacent to the Manatee Convention and Civic Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto. He is spending the early part of the day reviewing progress of the proposed museum. At 4:30, Bond will attend a free Children's Celebrity Hour sponsored by the Palmetto City Council and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Children of all ages can hobnob with the retired actor and get autographs from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Palmetto City Hall, 516 Eighth Ave. W., Palmetto. Our Gang films will be shown, prizes will be given away and refreshments served. Palmetto Mayor Pat Whitesel will present Bond with a key to the city....At 5:30 p.m., Bond will be at the convention center for a reception with members of the Palmetto-North Manatee County Enterprise Zone Development Agency, Palmetto City Council, the Manatee County Economic Development Council, local, state and federal elected officials - who are all working to bring the museum to Palmetto."

1997

On February 15th and 16th of this year, Tommy appeared at the Central California Science Fiction and Comic Book Festival at Buchanan High School in Fresno.
On February 22nd, Tommy signed copies of his book at the Hanford Mall in Hanford, CA. The Hanford Sentinel of February 24th reported that Tommy and Polly were currently living in Madera and that he had just been nominated to be a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
On March 16th, Tommy appeared at a comic book, science fiction and toy show at the American Legion hall in Ventura, CA.
On March 24th, Tommy attended an Awards Gala in Hanford, CA, an event "designed to bring together video store owners from around the Valley to watch the Oscar awards live," according to The Hanford Sentinel.
On May 10th, Tommy appeared at Pizza Con 9 at Shakey's Pizza in Visalia, CA.
On June 28th, Tommy attended the Way Out West 30th Anniversary Banquet at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, along with several other Our Gang kids.
During this year, the "Darn Right It's Butch" fan club was formed.
From July 3rd to 6th, Tommy attended the Edgar Kennedy celebration in Monterey, along with Dorothy DeBorba.
On July 19th, Tommy did a meet-and-greet at Fergie's '50s Diner in Madera, CA.
On September 14th, Tommy, along with a recent version of Pete the Pup, did a meet-and-greet at the Suncoast Motion Picture Company (a video store) at the Mall of America Rotunda in Bloomington, MN. This was to promote the release of the VHS tape For Pete's Sake. Tommy is also featured as the host on the VHS tape, along with Pete. During his visit to the Twin Cities, he also dined at Planet Hollywood in Minneapolis.
On October 19th, The Fresno Bee reported that Tommy had, within the last month, been interviewed on CNN, E! Entertainment and Fox News.
On October 26th, Tommy appeared at the Funtastic Collectors Bonanza at the Sequoia Mall in Visalia, CA.
On October 31st, Tommy appeared at the Halloween Sportscard and Comic Show at the Sequoia Mall in Visalia, CA.

1998

On January 13th of this year, The Tampa Tribune (FL) ran an article about the upcoming National Comedy Hall of Fame in Palmetto. They quote Tommy as saying that he was to be "the goodwill ambassador at the hall of fame. He'll greet people, introduce shows, 'be a nice guy,' as he explains it."
On January 23rd, Tommy, along with Dorothy DeBorba, attended "An Evening With Our Gang" at the Towe Ford Museum in Sacramento. Originally Jackie Taylor was scheduled to attend, but when she couldn't make it, Dorothy replaced her.
On May 9th, Tommy, along with Dorothy DeBorba, attended the Laurel and Hardy Festival at the State Theatre in Modesto, CA, which was organized by the Them Thar Hills tent of Sons of the Desert.
From June 19th to 21st, Tommy appeared at the Father's Day Media Extravaganza at Manchester Center in Fresno.
From July 31st to August 2nd, Tommy appeared at the Star Trek Convention & Collectibles Super Show at Manchester Center in Fresno.
On August 16th, Tommy appeared at Comic-Con International at the San Diego Convention Center, where he talked about his role as Jimmy Olsen in the Superman serials.
On September 4th, Tommy, along with Porky Lee, appeared at DD Collectables shop at the St. Pete Pier in St. Petersburg, FL.
On September 5th, Tommy and Porky appeared at the rotunda at the St. Pete Pier in St. Petersburg.
From October 23rd to 25th, Tommy appeared at the Halloween festivities going on at Manchester Center in Fresno.
On November 7th, Tommy appeared at the grand opening of the Java Cafe in Fresno.
On November 14th and 15th, Tommy appeared at the Edwards Fresno Stadium 21 Cinema, introducing screenings of "The Wizard Of Oz."

1999

On April 11th of this year, Tommy appeared at the Beanie Baby Collectible Show at Modesto Centre Plaza (CA).
On May 23rd, Tommy, along with Porky Lee, appeared at the BabyBoombazaar Collectibles Show at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg, FL.
On May 29th and 30th, Tommy and Porky, made repeat appearances at the BabyBoombazaar Collectibles Show in St. Petersburg.
On June 8th, Tommy signed autographs at Rosa's Italian Restaurant in Pismo Beach, CA.
On August 27th, Tommy made appearances at two Video Choice locations in CA: first at the one in Arroyo Grande and then the one in Pismo Beach.
On November 13th and 14th, Tommy appeared at November Fest 1999 at Manchester Center in Fresno.

E! Mysteries & Scandals episode: Alfalfa And The Gang (interview appearance): Jan. 4, 1999 - E! Entertainment - 30 min. - TV episode

2000

During this year, Tommy attended the Way Out West 33rd Anniversary Banquet at the 94th Aero Squadron in Van Nuys, along with a handful of other Our Gang kids.

E! Mysteries & Scandals episode: The Little Rascal: Stymie (interview appearance): Apr. 24, 2000 - E! Entertainment Television - 30 min. - TV episode

2001

From April 20th to 22nd, the Del Mar Antique Show took place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, CA. Tommy, along with Porky Lee, appeared at this event with an updated version of Pete the Pup.
On April 23rd of this year, the Daily News of New York reported the following: "At least one of his fellow Little Rascals is sticking by Robert Blake. Tommy Bond, otherwise known as 'Butch' from the 'Our Gang' shorts, believes that the L.A.P.D. is railroading Blake, who was arrested last week in the murder of his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. 'I'm like all the Gang: I stand up for any of the kids who are in trouble,' said Bond. 'I'm upset with the L.A. Chief of Police (Capt. Jim Tatreau),' Bond tells us. 'He said, "We solved the case and (Blake) is guilty." You can't do that. This is the United States, not Nazi Germany. Aren't we innocent until proven guilty?' Bond, who's known Blake for 50 years, says he still believes the 'Baretta' star is innocent. 'He said, "Honest to God, I didn't do it, but they're after me," ' says Bond. 'Bobby is the kind of guy who would not kill anybody. He might shoot himself, but not anyone else.' Bond added, 'There's a lot of people who were after (Bakley) who could have shot her. She did not have a good reputation at all with people.' Indeed, he's still conducting a personal probe of the 1959 death of his best friend, Carl (Alfalfa) Switzer, who was shot by a man who claimed the former child star attacked him with a knife. The shooting was later ruled a 'justifiable homicide,' but Bond claims Alfalfa was framed."
On May 20th, the Daily News of New York reported the following: "A former 'Our Gang' child actor who's known Robert Blake for 60 years says he believes the actor is innocent in the shooting death of his wife, Bonny Bakley. Tommy Bond, who played the bully Butch, says he's coming forward now because the 'Our Gang' kids made a pact: 'If any of the kids got in trouble, we'd all defend him,' Bond tells us. 'But I just don't believe he's guilty. That's my gut feeling. I've been worried in the past couple (of) weeks that he might commit suicide. He's capable of doing that, but he's certainly not capable of murder. He was a nice kid, a very quiet kid, and over the years I'd see him at "Our Gang" reunions with Darla, Spanky, Buckwheat and Porky. He was still a quiet guy. And he's very deep. He feels things deeply.' Bond, who had only a short overlap with Blake when he joined 'Our Gang,' said producer Hal Roach and the directors were very kind to the child actors - kindness Blake didn't find at home. 'He revealed to us that both his parents abused him pretty badly,' Bond says. How did he hook up with a scam artist like Bakley? 'She was a climber,' says Bond. 'And he was gracious enough to give her a house in his backyard. Kill her? I don't think he had it in him.' "
On October 21st, the Orlando Sentinel reported that Tommy was on the board of directors of the Comedy Hall of Fame that was planned for Palmetto, FL, and that he was planning to soon move to Florida.
On October 27th and 28th, Tommy appeared at Uncle Al's Time Capsule in Mount Dora, FL, as part of the 16th annual Mount Dora Craft Festival.
On October 30th, Tommy was a guest speaker at a meeting of the Mount Dora Rotary Club at the Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora, FL.

Headliners & Legends With Matt Lauer episode: Robert Blake (interview appearance): Aug. 8, 2001 - MSNBC - 60 min. - TV episode

2002

On September 28th of this year, Tommy was the celebrity host at Saint Clare's Home's annual Angels In Action gala at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in Rancho Bernardo, CA.

Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story (appearance): Feb. 5, 2002 - Jones/TCM - 89 min. - TV documentary; Includes footage from "Hi'-Neighbor!"
E! True Hollywood Story episode: Curse Of The Little Rascals (interview appearance): Nov. 24, 2002 - E! Entertainment Television - 60 min. - TV documentary

2003

On June 17th of this year, The Salt Lake Tribune (UT) reported the following: "A Hollywood filmmaker is about to set up the first movie studio on the moon. Tommy Bond, Jr., who owns Biograph Studios, has just received nearly 2,000 acres of the prime lunar real estate and plans to use it as the moon's first studio lot. The land was donated by Hope Enterprises, a company that sells lunar real estate, and, in October, Bond plans to place a marker on his lunar lot via a commercial space travel company. Bond also wants to place a digital camera at the site to grab shots of the Earth that can be used as stock footage. It may be a while before actors get to shoot a film on the lot but Bond vows he'll make it happen."

2004

On January 20th of this year, Tommy attended the Way Out West meeting at the Mayflower Club.
On March 26th, The Clovis Independent of Fresno, CA, reported that Tommy would be one of 10 upcoming inductees into the Hall of Fame of Clovis, CA. The ceremony was set to take place on June 17th.

Bob's Night Out (executive producer/role: crazy neighbor): 2004 - American Mutoscope & Biograph - 120 min. - feature; Directed by Thomas R. Bond II. If this film did indeed come out in 2004, then its released was delayed for quite a while, as shooting was apparently finished in 1994.
The Rascals (host): 2004 - American Mutoscope & Biograph - 60 min. - video documentary; Directed by Thomas R. Bond II.