Bucks
Dear Friends,
Good morning. “The unique thing about me is, I’m the most inexpensive costumer in the world,” Antony (not Anthony) Townsend laughed when the interview about the 10,000 costumes in his Pipersville barn began. For decades, “Tony” Townsend has provided costumes for Broadway shows and Hollywood stars. His barn is filled with photos of the famous.
I first heard about “Tony” Townsend from Margaret Anderson, the costume designer from Haycock Township who created the costumes for Crayola. I wrote about her in the Herald’s April 24 edition. Margaret thought that Tony would make a good subject for a column. She was right.
Tony’s been on the stage as an actor, dancer and singer since the age of 13…that was 54 years ago. Born and raised in Saratoga Springs, New York, as a youngster, Tony studied art on the Skidmore College campus on Saturday mornings for 25 cents! Summers found him on the stages of Saratoga. He’s been in showbiz ever since.
Tony’s appeared with the famous…he was particularly fond of Celeste Holm and Luther Adler.
Tony became a costumer accidentally in 1962. He was performing with the United Service Organization, which is known for its theatrical appearances in support of America’s troops. USO was touring in Alaska when Tony received a call from a friend who had a connection to Cargill Productions, the famous theatrical company that produced shows all over the country. At its height, Cargill produced Ziegfeld Follies type shows with 100 in its cast and employed 29 choreographers.
Cargill needed people to sew costumes. Tony got the job and stayed with the Cargill Company to this very day. From assignments in sewing, Tony moved up the corporate ladder to finally become its President.
Cargill Productions stored its costumes in Upper Black Eddy until Tony moved the company to Pipersville in 1991. He also keeps 2,000 additional costumes in facilities in Georgia and Ohio.
In addition to the costumes, the 1740 barn is a treasure trove of memorabilia. Show cards dating to 1917 hang on the walls with photos of Tony’s showbiz friends. There’s a letter from President Harry Truman. Nearby is a headdress of the London Bridge with lights.
A photo of the 36 “Rockettes” at Radio City Music Hall with signatures from each of the dancers caught my eye. Pictures of Tallulah Bankhead, Betty Grable, Joan Crawford, Irene Ryan, and Mae West adorn its walls.
Tony spoke warmly about Jerome Cargill, the founder. “Jerome Cargill’s first show was in 1917 during World War I,” Tony told me. “He was raising money for French war orphans.
“I love what I do,” Tony continued, “but I need another barn.” He’s run out of room.
Locally, he’s provided costumes for the Tinicum Art Festival [50 years], Parry Mansion events in New Hope, the Bucks County Playhouse, and the Pennsylvania Dance Theater. Tony spoke fondly about Eleanor “Mouse” Miller who produces shows at Phillip’s Mill. He’s worked with “Mouse” since 1957.
We reminisced about the Van Horn Costume Company in Philadelphia, a former competitor. Its President, Arthur Gerold is an old friend of Tony’s. Fifty years ago, I wore Van Horn costumes when I performed with Penn’s Mask and Wig. Years later, Mighty Betsy and I often met up with Arthur Gerold…what a charmer!
But I stray.
Many of the theater curtains that Tony Townsend created are stored in that historic barn. He laughed when he showed the Vic Damone curtains with its two-foot high letters of the singer’s initials, which shouted, “V.D.”
Margaret Anderson found Tony when she was working with costumes at the Main Street Theater in Quakertown. It was through her that Tony became involved with the Crayola firm in Easton. When Crayola needed costumes for its 100th Anniversary celebration and a big parade, he provided them.
Tony finds time for an interesting hobby. He’s a member of the Rug Hooking Guild in Hunterdon County, near Flemington, New Jersey. He’s one of two men and 80 women. (I like those odds.)
At 67, Tony is still performing. He’s appearing in “The Last Night at USO,” with six performances at the Senior Citizen Center in Doylestown.
Cargill Production’s fees vary depending upon the number of costumes required and the time spent on readying them. For example, Tony told me that a Junior League extravaganza in New York City could cost $8,000 but a local high school show with fewer requirements would cost $800.
He smiled as he added, “Pretty women with sad, appealing eyes get the best deals!”
Boy does he have that right.
Sincerely,
Charles Meredith