TWO PHOTOS: AMERICA'S YOUNGEST EVANGELISTS, AGES 9 AND 11: TWO, SIGNED 10" x 8" 1929 PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE VAN GUNDY EVANGELIST TEAM
Los Angeles, CA: F.C. Dando, 1929. Photographs. Two black and white photographs, 10 in. x 8 in., produced, as indicated by the image's signature, by "DANDO. L.A.": one each of the proclaimed "World's Youngest Evangelists." A few small brown spots across bottom inch of the photo of Jack.
On the back of each photo in identical child's handwriting is the name of the child, followed by "One of Worlds Youngest Evangelist. Bible Standard Temple Oct. 20, 1929, to" The receiver's name is not indicated. Presumably, these photos were pre-inscribed to be sold at the revivalist event, with the name of the purchaser to be written in at the time of purchase. Very Good. Item #87624
Violet Van Gundy (1918 - 2010) was born in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of George Van Gundy and Virginia Troutman Van Gundy. Her brother, Jack Warren (now deceased) was born in 1920.
When Violet was very young, her parents moved to Hollywood, California, where her family met Hal Roach, the producer of “Our Gang”, which later became “The Little Rascals”. She starred as “Baby Violet” on the show for over four years. During her time in Hollywood, she assisted Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin and others.
As teenagers, she and her brother, Jack, converted to Christianity and formed Van Gundy’s Evangelist Team and subsequently joined Billy Graham’s Youth for Christ Ministry. Through this ministry, P.D. Fulwood, Sr. asked them to come to Tifton, Arizona. Services at the Methodist Church were so highly attended, they were asked to come back for a week-long tent revival. It eventually went on for three weeks. Her Christianity and her work for the Lord is how Violet wanted to be remembered.
The Van Gundy’s fell in love with Tifton and the community and decided to stay. For approximately 55 years, Violet and Jack were owners and operators of Van Gundy’s Motor Court, now Town Terrace Motel (“The Pink Motel”).
The photographs have the imprint of F.C. Dando, of Lamson Studios in Los Angeles.
Price: $250.00