Today marks the passing of comedian Bob Hope, who died on July 27th, 2003 at the age of 100. Hugh Morton first photographed Hope in 1944 when he entertained troops during World War II on New Caledonia in the South Pacific. In Sixty Years with a Camera, Morton described his assignment to cover Hope’s tour as “three of the happiest days of my life.”
The photograph of Hope drinking from a dipper was likely made at Grandfather Country Club, which Hope visited twice in his life. Hope and Morton developed a friendship over the years, and currently there are twenty photographs of Hope represented in the online collection. The above photograph appears on a roll of film that includes a photograph (cropped by me) of Charlie Justice and Hope sharing their profiles for Morton’s camera.
The event also produced a photograph (not online) that depicts an unidentified person wearing one of the most outlandish sports coats I’ve ever seen! Can anyone identify the event?
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Processing the Hugh Morton Photographs and Films
The shot of Bob Hope with the dipper of water was indeed made at Grandfather Golf and Country Club. The shot of the guy in the “outlandish” sports coat was also made at GGCC, Bob was holding forth at a fund raiser for Gen. Westmoreland (R) who was running for Governor in his home state of South Carolina. Bob always traveled with a complete set of clothes in order to be ready for any occasion so driving him to the airport required a station wagon, or SUV as the case may be… Bob was at the Wstmorelands while the Watergate Hearings were taking place. Hugh was watching with them when Sen. Ervin was on camera and always loved quoting Bob who asked, “Is this guy for real?”. Hugh assured him that he would find out that he was.
Mom does not identify the guy in the sport coat! I’m afraid to take a stab at his name if mom didn’t. But seated on the far right is SC gubernatorial candidate Gen. William Westmoreland.
Also on this visit at the Westmoreland’s we the members of the Grandfather Mountain Cloggers were asked to perform. Being a young teenager this was the high light I have say in now my
51+ years. Meeting Bob Hope, who I idolized and General Westmoreland and families still brings pride in my life. There is a picture of the group with Mr. Hope that Mr. Morton captured. It was placed in newspapers. I have no idea where it is now. To the Morton’s I’ve never had the chance to express my deep gratitude of what the title and honor being a Grandfather Mountain Clogger bestowed. And to Alexanders for carrying us through. To all I say Thank You!! Also there are many pictures taken by Mr. Morton during Photo sessions that were a blast!!! God Bless