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Lou Swarz
This is a head image of Lou Swarz attending the Global News Service awards show
Swarz in 1953
Born
Lucille Henrietta Schwartz

May 1897
St. Louis, Missouri, US
Other namesLou LuTour
Linda Lou
Caol Wallis
Occupation(s)Actress, columnist, beauty consultant, radio show host, teacher
Years active1930s-1950s

Lou Swarz (born Lucille Henrietta Schwartz; May 1897 – date of death unknown) was an American actress who performed monologues in one-woman shows and featured in films during the 1930s through the 1950s. Her success drew an invitation from Eleanor Roosevelt to the summer White House. She also hosted radio shows and hosted performances at the 1939 New York World's Fair. She was also a teacher of theatre and beauty at Douglass University and other vocational schools, before becoming a sports columnist for The New York Age and having several syndicated columns.

Afterwards, she became a beauty consultant and then editor and director for the Global News Syndicate. She was simultaneously signed as a radio show host for her personal show, The Homemakers Club, that covered beauty tips, local news, and gospel music. She received multiple honors throughout her life for her community service work with her sorority Zeta Phi Beta and for her ongoing community engagement through her radio show, with her "La Cheerios" program sending positive cheer cards to people in hospitals and her "Teen Town" program to help reduce juvenile delinquency among African American teenagers being specifically praised.

Childhood and education

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Swarz was born in May 1897 in St. Louis, Missouri, to Amanda and Henry Boone Schwartz.[1][2][3] Given the name Lucille H. Schwartz by her parents, she went through a number of alternative stage names, shortening it to Lou Swarz before changing to Linda Lou and then Caol Wallis for a short time before returning to Lou Swarz and later, in the 1950s, changing to Lou LuTour.[4][5]

Career

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As a monologue performer

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In the mid-1930s, Swarz became a dean at Herman Dreer's Douglass University at its School of Expression based on theater and drama.[6] The same decade saw her begin her practice of skits and character acts in front of an audience, including drama monologues that involved using multiple different voices to play characters.[7] For these one-woman shows she performed as characterizations of figures such as Hattie Tyson from Zora Neal Hurston's novel Jonah's Gourd Vine, a French mademoiselle who falls for an American G.I. during World War I,[7] a gypsy fortune teller, Phillis Wheatley,[8] and Sojourner Truth. She was highly praised for her portrayal of Truth during her primary performance at the 1938 National Baptist Convention.[9] She also continued working in 1939 as a head English assistant in St. Louis for the Booker T. Washington Vocational Training School.[10]

While she had been doing her performances since 1933 in the Midwest and Southwest, her official debut in New York was not until July 1939 at The Town Hall.[10] From that point on, she became nationally known for her "One Woman Show" featuring monologue impressions of historic African Americans. Her shows garnered comparisons to the monologue work of Cornelia Otis Skinner.[10] The following months saw Swarz invited by Eleanor Roosevelt to perform at the summer White House and she took the opportunity to give two performances at the 1939 New York World's Fair.[11] Despite the sudden success of her show performances, Swarz had accrued debts over time and had to file for bankruptcy in February 1940.[12]

From 1942, Swarz began doing a series of shows for the United Service Organizations at various army camps throughout the country and bringing gifts for the soldiers.[13] This program was done in concert with Red Cross relief efforts.[14] Alongside her Zeta sorority, Swarz spent three to four days a month doing USO performance tours until the end of World War II.[15] She afterwards began doing a series of national tours in 1945, having added new monologues to her repertoire.[16] In addition to starring in films, she also became Director of Negro Publicity for Jack Goldberg's Herald Pictures in 1947 and obtained her own press secretary, Wanda Macy.[17] She further employed a personal assistant who was a fellow Zeta sorority member, Cecile Walker.[18]

Theodore Hubbard became Swarz's professional theatrical manager in the summer of 1947 and she later used her newspaper column to help reunite Hubbard with his long-estranged sister.[19] Swarz conducted another tour of shows across the Southern and Midwestern states in the final months of 1947, along with a stop in Hollywood,[20][21] and in North Carolina in early 1948, with her performances focusing on black colleges and universities throughout the states.[22]

As a columnist

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Swarz became a columnist for The New York Age newspaper in 1945.[23] She reported on sports events, including the August 22, 1945, Jimmy Bivins vs Archie Moore boxing match.[24] This made her the first black woman to be a sports reporter for a national press chain.[25] She later started her own newspaper column named "Lou Swarz' Jottings";[19] after the column obtained an international audience she considered renaming it "Around The Globe",[26] before deciding to call it "Global Jotting(s)".[27]

As a beauty consultant

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Swarz held a School of Charm in St. Louis, and taught "Charm and Personality Development" classes in 1947 for the Sepia Hollywood Modeling Group.[28] She also acted as beauty consultant for Global News Syndicate through 1951,[29] before becoming associate editor for the company[30] and then associate director by 1955.[31] At the same time, she had an ongoing newspaper column called "Charm.." that covered beauty, fashion, and other tips on how to portray oneself.[32]

As a radio host

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Before moving to New York for her theatre debut in 1939, Swarz had run a radio show in her home town of St. Louis.[33] In September 1952, Swarz was given her own daily radio show on the WWRL station in New York. Her show, The Homemakers Club, ran daily during the work week at 9 am, focusing on presenting recipes, beauty tips, general news, and different special features each day of the week involving community figures.[30] The immediate success of the show resulted in her being signed to a daytime radio program with the WHOM station before the end of September. This new program was expanded to broadcast from Monday through Saturday for an hour and a half in the afternoon. The first half hour had the same segments and specials as Swarz's WWRL program, but the following hour was entirely gospel music in a program titled the Gospel Songfest where Swarz acted as disc jockey.[33]

Awards and honors

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In June 1938, Swarz was awarded an honorary master's degree in drama by Douglass University, making her the youngest at the time to receive one and the first solo actress and third actress to receive one.[34] In 1939 the St. Louis branch of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks gave Swarz an award, a wooden plaque replica of her own image, for her sorority and civic work.[35] The Lou Swarz chapter of the Women's Defense Corps was named in her honor for her efforts to support the US military during World War II, and she personally received the citation given to the unit in July 1944.[36] An award in recognition for her radio work was given to Swarz in May 1953 by the Vocational Guidance and Workshop center in New York.[37] The St. Louis Argus presented her with one of their annual awards in 1964 for her humanitarian work with her sorority to help cheer up people in hospitals.[38]

Personal life

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In 1938 Swarz helped to create the Vogue League of Expression, an organization for speakers and monologue performers on stage.[6] As a member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Swarz was involved in community outreach and social improvement projects. She acted as a member of the Xi Zeta chapter and began in the 1930s with the rank of Basileus. A "6 Point" program was organized by Swarz in November 1938 to focus on particular avenues of activity for the sorority, including educational, civic, social, charitable, cultural, and spiritual outreach branches.[39] She presented a number of new projects in 1939 involving creating and expanding recreational centers and nurseries in "neglected localities" in major cities.[40] By 1942, she had been promoted to the rank of national Epistoleus in the sorority.[41]

A program started by Swarz in the mid-1940s and made an official program for the Zeta sorority in 1947 was the "La Cheerios" group that involved sending cheer cards to hospitals across the country every month and especially around holidays.[42] Another program established by Swarz around the same time was the "Teen Town" system,[43] which focused on reducing juvenile delinquency around New York where she first created it.[44] She created the program in collaboration with the Salvation Army Red Shield Club.[45] Swarz left her position as publicity director for the sorority in 1953 after starting her radio show in New York.[46]

Swarz acted as the leader of the women's group in the J. Finley Wilson Elks club.[47]

She had three sisters, Pearl Schwartz, Sarah Schwartz, and Vernedine Jennings.[23]

Theater

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Radio

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Filmography

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References

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  1. ^ "1900 US Census, Saint Louis, Missouri". FamilySearch. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. June 6, 1900. p. 3B. NARA microfilm series T623, roll 893, lines 90-93. Retrieved December 8, 2021.(subscription required)
  2. ^ "Mother To Lou Swarz Is Dead". The Pittsburgh Courier. December 17, 1938. Retrieved December 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "Pearl Schwartz Bride of Mr. Collins In Elaborate wedding in St. Louis". The Pittsburgh Courier. June 28, 1947. Retrieved December 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Latour, Nick (September 17, 1949). "Theatrical Data..." Chicago World. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "Thanks". The Huntsville Mirror. November 29, 1952. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ a b "Organize Expression League". California Eagle. March 31, 1938. Retrieved December 1, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b "Tulsa Zetas To Present Famous Lou Swarz". The Pittsburgh Courier. April 9, 1938. Retrieved December 1, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Great Enthusiasm Shown at Swarz' Drama Recital". Alton Evening Telegraph. May 1, 1942. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Lou Swarz Performs For Nat'l Baptist Delegates". The Pittsburgh Courier. September 24, 1938. Retrieved December 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ a b c "Negro Teacher Wins Success in Own Plays". St. Louis Globe-Democrat. July 30, 1939. Retrieved December 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "St. Louis Negro Tells of Visit to Hyde Park". St. Louis Globe-Democrat. September 17, 1939. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "'One Woman Show' Bankrupt". California Eagle. February 15, 1940. Retrieved December 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ Woods, Howard (July 4, 1942). "Actress Lou Swarz Scores Before White USO Camp Audience". The Detroit Tribune. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Lou Swarz Program At Armory April 2". The Tri-City Independent. March 23, 1944. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "Zeta Artists Aid Soldier's Morale Building Program". The Pittsburgh Courier. May 20, 1944. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "Savannah Daily Critic Lauds Artistry of Miss Lou Swarz". California Eagle. December 20, 1945. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "Actress-Writer To Handle Publicity For Herald Pictures". Alabama Tribune. January 24, 1947. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "Zeta Sorors Team For Success". California Eagle. April 10, 1947. Retrieved December 6, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ a b "Brother Meets Sister Through Newspaper Column After 17 Years". Alabama Citizen. February 14, 1948. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ "Southern Students Go for Lou Swarz". The Pittsburgh Courier. December 6, 1947. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ "Most Versatile Sepia Actress Returns". The Weekly Review. November 15, 1947. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ^ "Another Artist To Appear Here In February". Rocky Mount Telegram. January 21, 1948. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ a b "Lou Swarz's Father Dies". The New York Age. August 4, 1945. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ "To Witness Boxing Bout". The New York Age. August 25, 1945. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "Actress Becomes First Of Fair Sex To Do Sports For National Press". The Weekly Review. September 15, 1945. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ Swarz, Lou (April 5, 1952). "Lou Swarz' Jottings". The Pittsburgh Courier. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ Swarz, Lou (June 21, 1952). "Global Jotting". The Huntsville Mirror. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ "Lou Swartz On Modeling Staff". California Eagle. November 20, 1947. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ Cromer, Lucille (December 1, 1951). "Conversing with Lucille Cromer". The New York Age. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ a b Douglas, Larry (September 13, 1952). "Global Associate Lands Own Radio Program". The Huntsville Mirror. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ "To Speak At Global's Press Awards Dinner". The New York Age. June 4, 1955. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ Swarz, Lou (December 29, 1951). "Charm." The Detroit Tribune. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ a b "Lou Lutour Scores Radio Success; Moves To WHOM, For Longer Daily News". The Huntsville Mirror. September 27, 1952. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ "Awarded Degree From Douglass University". The Pittsburgh Courier. July 16, 1938. Retrieved December 1, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Daughter Elks Honor Teacher". California Eagle. May 25, 1939. Retrieved December 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ "WDCA Chapter Receives Citation From Army". The Weekly Review. July 29, 1944. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ "Vocational Center Cites Award Winners Sunday". The New York Age. May 2, 1953. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ "St. Louis Argus To Pay Honor To Lou Lutour". Alabama Tribune. May 1, 1964. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "Zetas Adopt 'Six-Point' Program By Lou Swarz". The Pittsburgh Courier. November 5, 1938. Retrieved December 4, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ "Zetas Urge Additional Recreational, Nursery Centers; More Defense Bond Purchases, Too". The Pittsburgh Courier. December 27, 1941. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ "Gang Praises Lou Swarz". The Pittsburgh Courier. February 14, 1942. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  42. ^ "Zetas in Spotlight at Annual Boule in N.O." The Pittsburgh Courier. January 13, 1951. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  43. ^ "Women's Section NCNW Salutes Swarz". Alabama Tribune. August 11, 1950. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. ^ "LuTour Honored By Zetas in N.Y." California Eagle. March 22, 1951. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  45. ^ "Brooklyn Zetas To Start Teen Town". Alabama Tribune. June 16, 1950. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ^ "Zetas Announce New Appointments". The Pittsburgh Courier. April 11, 1953. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  47. ^ "J. Finley Wilson Elks Club Feted". The Pittsburgh Courier. May 10, 1952. Retrieved December 7, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  48. ^ Hogan, Walter H. (July 22, 1940). "Appear in 'Wingless Victory' Opening Tonight". Iowa City Press-Citizen. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  49. ^ Izzy (October 26, 1946). "'Lysistrata' Waste Of Time, Says Izzy". The Pittsburgh Courier. Retrieved December 1, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  50. ^ "Black Spider Drama". St. Louis Globe-Democrat. April 19, 1942. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  51. ^ Pitts, Michael R. (April 25, 2019). Astor Pictures: A Filmography and History of the Reissue King, 1933-1965. McFarland & Company. p. 42. ISBN 9781476676494.
  52. ^ "Audience Enjoys Lou Swarz With Moreland In "Tall, Tan & Terrific"". The Weekly Review. January 25, 1947. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  53. ^ Richards, Larry (September 17, 2015). African American Films Through 1959: A Comprehensive, Illustrated Filmography. McFarland & Company. p. 85. ISBN 9781476610528.
  54. ^ "Hot Off The Griddle". California Eagle. July 11, 1946. Retrieved December 5, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
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