05/02/2026
Ubly Jubilee
Story by K VanErp
As it states in the Ubly 1896-1976 book “ A tradition was born with the suggestion that a minstrel show might be a good fundraising program.
Bud Day, AH Mac Eachen, and Ralph Haist contacted Dian Holdship in 1957 and asked her if she would write and direct this project. Calls went out to local citizens to come to rehearsals. The only requirement was “if anybody is walking, talking, and breathing, bring them!“
The first show was “Dixie Scandals “ It ran two nights with about 60 cast and crew members. Praise for the show spread throughout the area, and the “Alabama Jubilee “ was born. Dian’s talent turned a small minstrel show into a Broadway-like production. She took on the role of coordinating and directing everything. But her greatest talent was her use of psychology to keep the multitude of personalities happy.
Their second show “The Gay Nineties Revue”, had four performances planned, but they ended up doing eight. To satisfy the public! This show had 178 cast and crew members
Next came “Vaudeville Scandals “ with nine performances. They were asked to travel to Croswell, where they presented for two nights. In those two nights, 12,000 people attended.
After six years and six consecutive shows they took a much deserved rest.
Ten years later “ the itch came back “. 190 people signed up for “ The Big Circus “. There were families with three generations involved. “ The Big Circus “ sold out fourteen performances, playing to more than 11,000 people, traveling from all over the state.
“The Season Swing” with 279 cast and crew came together for one of the biggest shows Ubly ever undertook.
Men and women worked for months behind the scenes. Publicity, tickets, advertising, costumes ( all made locally), wiring, lighting, sound system, dressing room attendants, etc were all done by local people. The whole show is created in three months by local citizens, after Dian had it on paper.
People viewing the show truly were not aware of all the behind the scenes work it takes to present these spectacular shows
And of course, we can’t go without mentioning “The Ubly Belles”. An all men course line, dressed as women. Their singing and danced routines were spectacular. They were the hit of the show!
Watch out Rockettes!
The word “amateur “ should never be used when describing “ The Alabama Jubilee “
This concludes this series of stories. It’s time to get back out in the Barn and prepare for this coming season of events.
Can’t wait to see you all out at the Barn!
