PAUL VERNON CHESTER

Manouche Maestro

Django in Detroit - 6/7th December 1946

The Masonic Temple is one of the most complicated buildings ever erected in the United States. In the ritualistic tower but four columns extend in a vertical line from the basement to the roof, the other great columns being staggered involving eccentric loads which must be carried by proper steel fabric. Many mammoth trusses are used throughout the structure; two Pratt trusses 39 feet in depth and 78 feet in length support three floors at the top of the ritualistic tower. Above the Consistory Cathedral carrying the Commandery and other apartments between the third and sixth floors two immense plate girders are used weighing twenty tons each. These girders are 18 feet in depth and 78 feet in length. The Drill Hall and the Main Theatre are supported by eight immense Pratt trusses 18 feet in depth and 76 feet in length, the upper cord of these trusses supporting the Drill Hall and from the lower cord is suspended the ceiling of the Main Theatre.

The stage of the auditorium is the second largest in the United States, having a width between walls of 100 feet and a depth from curtain line of 55 feet. It is equipped with a counterweight system of 90 sets of lines and a remote control four colour pre-set switchboard. Supported from the gridiron are two structural steel bridges for carrying border and other lamps. The proscenium arch is 64 feet wide and 32 feet high. There are 23 well furnished dressing rooms, both the individual type and those for ballet and chorus groups, these being on three levels are served by elevator.

A 3rd auditorium is located on the 7th floor but remains unfinished, however, due to lack of funds. Had this room been completed, the Masonic Temple of Detroit would have been the only building in the world to house 3 theatres under one roof.

 - Duke Ellington drew a near capacity house of 4,400 people at Masonic Temple Auditorium Saturday (7). Gross was $ 9.546."ELLINGTON 9 1/2 G - 21 Dec 1946 Billboard

(Masonic Temple Auditorium is situated in Detroit at 500 Temple Street)

This last date should have been Django's last concert with Duke Ellington. After the tour Django worked at "Cafe Society" with Edmond Halls Band before returning to France on the 21st December 46 allegedly taking the Epiphone with him.  Was it the Billiard Game, his 60 day visa, the lack of gig offers, or Christmas in France that induced Django to leave.  New York can be very cold at that time of Year. (The above dates don't support this claim.) Dregni claims Django returned by Liner on 6th February 1947

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Last modified: 13/09/2011