Temple Tuesday: The Honorary Colonel

In the 1935 movie, “The Little Colonel,” Shirley Temple’s character (shown above) is made an honorary colonel. In a case of art imitates life, Shirley herself became an honorary colonel courtesy of the American Legion in January 1935. From the vintage publicity blurb that accompanied the photo below:

A little colonel. Popular little American film actress Shirley Temple has been made an honorary colonel of the American Legion. Colonel Barlow presents little Shirley Temple with the certificate and medal.



Which came first? According to the AFI website, production on “The Little Colonel” took place from late November until January 9, 1935. Most likely Shirley’s film inspired this highly publicized event.



Shirley’s cap survived until after her death, when it was auctioned off by Theriault’s for $1500. From the catalog description:

Shirley Temple's Honorary Colonel Medallion and Cap for Hollywood American Legion

The 11" black wool cap with yellow piping is embroidered "Hollywood 43" on one side and "California" with state emblem on the other, and has an attached medallion reading "Honorary Colonel Post 43 Shirley Temple" with center cameo star pin of the American Legion. The reverse of the medallion is inscribed "From Your Big Brothers Hollywood Post 43 1-21-35".

Theriault’s also auctioned off the below coat for $2,400. From the catalog:



Woolen Coat with Eagle Emblem Worn by Shirley Temple in the Film "Stand up and Cheer"

Of rich brown cashmere wool, with brown silk lining, the unique coat was designed to be worn as either a double-breasted style with brass buttons and military like lapels, or in stylish manner with folded-over front flaps, and has rolled cuffs, breast pockets, two well-tailored open flap pockets, and is decorated with a gold embroidered eagle on the sleeve. Included is a matching beret. Both coat and beret have the label of De Betty Alden Shoppe Los Angeles. The costume was worn by Shirley Temple in various scenes in her 1934 film, "Stand Up and Cheer" and at various events including her 1935 induction as America's youngest honorary colonel in the American Legion, and in publicity photographs, one depicting Shirley with her 1934 co-star Madge Evans and the other posed with Tillie the cow, which was an unexpected gift to young Shirley from an enthusiastic fan.



The coat matches the “Stand Up And Cheer” photo, but not the American Legion Shots, which show Shirley wearing a coat with a different style of button. Below, she is with a somber Commander Louis J. Canepe, who officiated the ceremony.



The emblem on the sleeve is also different. Oops.



It does appear that Shirley wore the same American Legion coat to her meeting with Tillie the cow, though, as the sleeve emblems match on those two.



Edited from an April 28, 2016 article on the American Legion website:

In 1935 the Fox Film sensation Shirley Temple became a ‘little sister’ to members of the American Legion Post 43 when she was commissioned Honorary Colonel, a title bestowed upon top Hollywood talent who showed support for military veterans.



Shirley Temple was commissioned as a Colonel in the American Legion, an honor extended to her by the Hollywood Post 43. (photo above) Shirley is shown with Colonel Reginald Barlow, left, and Commander Louis J. Canepe. Shirley Temple became a ‘little sister’ to members of American Legion Hollywood Post 43 after a ceremony during which she was commissioned an honorary Colonel.



A close-up of the certificate she received:



Shirley Temple also received a certificate from Hollywood Post 43 member Colonel Reginald Barlow.

It was only fitting that the 2016 Shirley Temple stamp be unveiled with members of the American Legion, Post 43. Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Megan J. Brennan along with family members including Shirley’s oldest daughter, Susan, and distinguished guests unveiled the Shirley Temple Forever stamp (photo below by Clemente Bogle).



Edited from the American Legion website:

Shirley Temple, child actress and youngest Honorary Colonel of The American Legion, is featured on a Forever stamp issued on April 18 as part of the Legends of Hollywood series. An American Legion color guard opened the ceremony where distinguished representatives of the entertainment industry and politics joined family members as the U.S. postal service unveiled the 20th stamp in the Legends of Hollywood series.



The Forever stamp features a Tim O’Brien painting based on a 1935 image from Temple’s iconic role in “Curly Top.” The name Shirley Temple conjures memories of 54 perfect curls, a contagious smile, and the bright personality of the adorable little girl who starred in “Curly Top.”



The name Shirley Temple Black represents a respected diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia. Megan J. Brennan, postmaster general of the United States Postal Service, introduced the stamp at a first day of issue dedication at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. “That’s what I see in the image, a young girl with a knowing, confident smile who represents the potential of our nation and who, in real life, lived up to our highest expectations,” Brennan said. Brennan quoted President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s description of “Little Miss Miracle” during a time of economic hardship when he said, “As long as our country has Shirley Temple, we will be all right.” It was first as an actress that Shirley Temple won all of America’s hearts, but it was as a determined diplomat that Shirley Temple Black earned admiration. Norman L. Eisen, former United States ambassador to the Czech Republic, remarked, “Her diplomacy, like her film career, was characterized by her optimism, her drive, and her ability to connect with anyone, anywhere in the world. She used those talents to play a critical role in helping Czechoslovakia transition from communism to democracy. From being an adversary of the United States to that nation becoming one of our closest allies anywhere. That legacy is hers today.” Isaacs described how Shirley Temple watched from a hotel room in Prague in 1968 as Soviet tanks rolled in and an unarmed woman below was shot and killed for exercising free speech. The lessons were seared into Shirley Temple that difficult day. It was a conviction she carried in her conscience for another quarter century until she returned to Prague as United States ambassador. At just 5-foot-2-inches tall, she stood tall as a giant in solidarity with the brave activists of the velvet revolution who took to the streets to finally make Czechoslovakia free. Eison read a letter from President Barack Obama that complimented the formidable diplomat and beloved child-star, “She is remembered as a face of hope during the Great Depression, as an undeniable presence during the Cold War, and for a resilient personality that enabled her to carry forward an enduring grace.” President Obama said.

Few people realize that Shirley gave a lifetime of service (and happiness) to this country, which is a shame.

See more Shirley Temple photos at my main website.