A Clay Cole Regular

Hi,

My name is Frannie (Cubitoso) Lester. I was a regular dancer on the Clay Cole show for more than 2 years--1960-62. Clay's show was broadcast from the mosque theatre in Newark, N.J. and during the summer months, from our beloved Palisades Park, N.J.

I, along with many others, have such wonderful memories of the show and the park:

I danced with Chubby Checker in July of 1960 in the drained-out largest salt water pool (done just for Clay's show.) Chubby Checker introduced the Twist on the show on that day!! Ask Clay Cole, he'll remember.

I also was a runner-up in Miss Teenage Palisade Park in 1960.

I also danced on the Ted Steele show which was broadcast from the park in the evenings.

Tony Orlando sang, "Bless You" to me on the show.

Danny was my partner; Marcia (Rabinowitz) and Pat Passa and Pete Salerno were also "regular" dancers. Pat and Pete got engaged on the show..... Marcia and I were in their bridal party. We were like family.

We traveled with Clay to the Dick Clark show in Philly, went to the world's fair grounds to do a show, danced for Neil Sedaka for a taping of his Germany show and did Thom Mccan shoe commercials... whenever or wherever clay needed us, his kids were there for him. We loved it!!!!!!!!!!

What fond memories of the show and that wonderful park. I still can't believe that my parents allowed me to travel by bus from Hoboken to the park every Saturday!!!!!!

I am very sad that I have not kept in touch with Clay, Marcia or Pat and Pete Salerno of Staten Island for all these years, but would love to get in touch with them again!!!!!!

I understand Clay is going to be on stage at the izod center in NJ on June 13th. for a doo wop show. Is there any way you can reach him for me or give him this letter or give me his email address? I would just love to chat with him and possibly see him after all these years!!!!!!!!!!

i also noticed you posted a letter from Pat Salerno in July 2008--perhaps you would have her email address.

Thanking you in advance,

Frannie, Clay Cole regular from Hoboken, NJ