PLANET CHOCKO – art/music/movies/beyond » Paterson, NJ celebrates her native son – Lou Costello – 112th birthday party at the Paterson Museum

Paterson, NJ celebrates her native son – Lou Costello – 112th birthday party at the Paterson Museum

March 18th, 2018 by Mr. C

(The Paterson Museum)

(Outside of the Paterson Museum – Museum is housed inside a former erecting shop of the Rogers Locomotive & Machine Works)

(Lou, hummina hummina hummina… why are you looking at me like that? Is it my Yankee cap?! )

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Today, we attended an annual event that celebrated the life of Paterson’s own Lou Costello on his birthday. Though, Lou (born Louis Cristillo in 1906) died in 1959 – many still honor and pay tribute to Lou to recognize not only his Hollywood persona but more importantly, Costello’s humanitarian & herculean efforts and desire to help the needy, especially sick children. Being a big fan of Lou Costello only from his onscreen presence from Abbott & Costello, I honestly did not know too much of Lou’s charitable and selfless ways until I did a little more research. Also, watching “This is Your Life, Lou Costello” really explained a lot. I encourage you to spend a few minutes to watch this, too! It really shined a whole new spotlight on Costello which made me admire him even more!

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This celebration of Lou Costello was held at the Paterson Museum and it was the most perfect place to do so. Paterson itself has so much rich history, life, community, beautiful people, folklore, & Americana – it really explains why so many talented individuals rise from this City’s bosom. I would say about 150-200 people gathered today to remember the great diminutive one! There were many guests that attended including Lou Costello’s great grand daughter, Maryam Cristillo and Lou Costello’s daughter via conference call – Chris Cristillo. Sal Rinella (actor, producer, and founder of the volunteer group “Lou’s Angels”, a charitable organization in the name of Lou Costello to help keep Paterson clean in many ways) was the emcee/host of the event. He did a great job keeping things lively, funny, & flowing. Other notable guests included the President of Lou Costello’s Boxing gym in Paterson: Pierre Benoist, the Director of the Fort Lee Film Commission – Tom Meyers, and comedian from Saturday Night Live and the Friars Club – Bob Greenberg! The chosen Abbott & Costello impersonators were great in performing classic skits as well! Supposedly, Uncle Floyd recommended these two “Abbott & Costello” actors/re-creations to the Paterson Historical Preservation Society. Comedians Tom Mongelli and Doug Max were on-hand as well discussing their new online radio show “Funny Talk with mongelli and max.” Their podcast will showcase a number of legendary Hollywood icons whose talents and techniques helped shape the art of twentieth-century comedy. Of course the 1st episode of “Funny Talk” was about Lou Costello. Radio show guests included Costello’s youngest daughter Chris, great-granddaughter Maryam Cristillo, Sal Rinella, actor (Good Friday) and Jeff Solimando, Trentonian columnist. I’m looking forward to listening to Funny Talk!

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(Maryam Cristillo – great granddaughter of Lou Costello and Sal Rinella)

(Pierre Benoist – President of Lou Costello Boxing gym discusses the importance of the gym in Paterson and influence of Lou Costello. Coach/Trainer of gym looking on. On 5/21/18, the Lou Costello Sportsmen Club will be holding its annual Golf Tournament with attendance by former pro boxers Gerry Cooney & Bobby Czyz. Click HERE for more info. All proceeds from the event will go towards their youth boxing program and equipment.)

(Abbott & Costello in fine form!)

(“Funny Talk with mongelli and max” hosts)

(Comedian Bob Greenberg doing impersonations of Lou Costello, Jackie Gleason, Laurel from Laurel & Hardy, Curly from 3 Stooges)

(Curator of the Paterson Museum)

(Tom Meyer – director of the Fort Lee Film Commission discussing organizing more events to recognize our Jersey boys, Abbott & Costello. Tom mentions a film screening of Abbott & Costello meet Frankenstein sometime in August.)

(Lou’s Angels – a charitable organization in the name of Lou Costello to help keep Paterson streets clean)

(The Paterson Historical Preservation Society presenting a gift for Maryam Cristillo)

(Happy Birthday Lou!)

(Sal Rinella promoting his latest film – GOOD FRIDAY)

(Larry Doby – another Paterson bred – Legendary Professional Baseball player Negro Leagues & MLB)

(Paterson also manufactured Trains)

(Artifacts from Musuem)

(Paterson also manufactured a lot of firearms)

(Paterson was also known as silk city. Paterson had a huge fabric industry.)

(I took a stroll over at the Paterson Great Falls before attending the event)

(The Historic Hinchcliffe Stadium is right next to the Great Falls – was primarily a Baseball field but played host to other events. Abbott & Costello performed here as well. Currently in shambles but said to have funds to restore soon hopefully)

(Slideshow at event)

(I also took a quick walk by the Art Factory – a set/lot of well known art studios in Paterson close by the Museum. Not much has changed on the outside since I’ve been there last a few years ago it seems.)