Bob Hope Kuchinka Collection

The Bob Hope Kuchinka Collection consists of more than 100 black and white photographs showing the visit to Bellaire, Ohio,  of the noted entertainer, movie star and comedian Bob Hope on November 27, 1951.  The collection contains contact sheets of the photographs taken by the Life Magazine photographer who accompanied Hope and his troupe of stars to Bellaire for the premiere of the new movie “My Favorite Spy” featuring Hope and Hedy Lamar.   The photographs show Hope’s arrival at the Wheeling Ohio County Airport; the parade through the streets of Bellaire; the appearance at Nelson Field with his troupe; the live taping of Hope’s radio show from the Bellaire High School Auditorium; the preparations made during the day for the Hope visit; the meal and premiere viewing of the film in Kuchinka’s home in Belview Heights; the throngs of people who crowded the streets, Nelson Field, and the Kuchinka Home to see Hope.  The photographs also show the motorcade of stars who appeared with Hope, including Gloria Graham, Jerry Colonna, Jan Sterling, Susan Morrow, Mary Murphy, and Marilyn Maxwell.  Also appearing with Hope was band leader Les Brown and his “Band of Renown”.  Guests at the home photographed in the scenes are State Representative A. G. Lancione, Times-Leader photograph Boyd Nelson, and author Francis Wallace.  Numerous photographs show the interaction of the Kuchinka Family and Pilot Club International members with Hope and those of his troupe, The photos are dated November 27, 1951  Other photographs of the Kuchinka family are included in the collection, including Anne Kuchinka, her husband  Dr. Michael Kuchinka, and her son William Kuchinka.  Copies of the Parade Lineup, the schedule for the activities of that day, and a script of the announcement of the contest by Hope and moderator are a part of the collection, along with an audio recording of the live radio show broadcast nationwide.  Also included is a PowerPoint presentation of the photographs contained in the collection that was prepared for public presentation on February 1, 2023 by Attorney Daniel L. Frizzi, Jr.