“Bond Bombshell” Dorothy Lamour Visits in 1942

The barely legible inscription in the upper left corner reads, “To Trooper … In sincere appreciation Dottie Lamour.” On the back of the framed portrait a note on torn paper says “Rockingham Hotel, Portsmouth, NH September 16th 1942.”  Since every picture tells a story, I bought it.

Born Mary Leta Dorothy Staton (1914-1996), the popular actress brought what the New York Times called “her sarong-draped charms” to Portsmouth as part of a national campaign to sell war bonds for World War II. Events included a dance at Fort Constitution in New Castle, NH, a sewing bee at the Methodist Church, and a woman’s badminton tournament at the YMCA. But the highlight of the fundraiser was an appearance by Dorothy Lamour, then best known for the first three (eventually seven) “On the Road” movies with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Lamour was scheduled to arrive in town at 10:30 a.m. with NH Governor Robert O. Blood, according to the Portsmouth Herald. She signed autographs in Market Square from 12:30 to 2:30 pm.

An advance newspaper promotion from the U.S. Treasury told Portsmouth residents, “IT’S YOUR MOVE NOW.” Ms. Lamour was to make her public appearance during “Bond and Stamps Day” on Wednesday, September 16. Locals were urged to shop in Portsmouth stores that agreed to donate 50 percent of their cash sales for the day to purchase war bonds and stamps. A list of participating businesses was included.

“The people of Portsmouth must now do their part in this effort,” the newspaper ad announced, and make this “an important buying day” so that stores can do “an exceptional business.”

Digging through online newspaper archives, I also discovered a follow-up report on the success of Portsmouth Victory Day. Sales of war bonds from the appearance of Dorothy Lamour and receipts from retailers totaled $133,500. The “bond bombshell” is credited with raising $300 million in war bonds during her career. In an accompanying Portsmouth Herald article, however, New Hampshire Gov. Blood was quoted as telling a gathering of women that “a woman’s place is in the home.”

Dorothy Lamour’s career included 50 films, countless magazine pin-ups, and a lifetime of supporting charitable causes. Although she never considered herself  an accomplished singer or actor, Lamour remains an iconic celebrity of the war era. “Glamour is just sex that got civilized,” she once quipped.

Copyright J. Dennis Robinson