Dixie Blandy Papers
Scope and Content
The Dixie Blandy Papers span the years 1940-1973. The bulk of the material is comprised of newsclippings, photographs and advertisements, loose and in a scrapbook, and report the major events of his career, his motivation for flagpole sitting, and the promotional aspects of his employment. The loose items are arranged chronologically by type of document, excepting the scrapbook, which is maintained in tact.
The scrapbook contains news articles, promotional ads for contests and appearances, and programs, sketchily documenting the years between 1940 and 1958. Individual newsclippings span the later years, 1964-1973. These materials contain brief information concerning exhibitions, mishaps, fans, marriage proposals, contests and his thoughts on life. In addition, the collection includes still publicity photos, and a typical performance contact and accompanying rider. Promotional brochures of the 1950s and 1960s can be contrasted to demonstrate the evolution in approach to attracting sponsors and fans.
The reason for the gap in the scrapbook collecting of newsclippings prior to 1958 and the loose clippings after 1964 is not apparent, although the later new articles appear to recall the intervening period to a minimal extent. In total, the collection begins to document a colorful Daytonian and provides insights into an entertainment attraction, its promotion and appeal, spanning and reflection this aspect of American culture through four decades.
Dates
- Creation: 1940-1973
Creator
- Blandy, Dixie, 1902-1974 (Person)
Restrictions on Access
There are no restrictions on accessing materials in this collection.
Restrictions on Use
Copyright restrictions may apply. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.
Biography of Dixie Blandy
Richard Blandy was born in 1902 and raised in Vieux Carre, Louisiana. He was a Creole, five feet, four inches tall, and generally maintained a weight of 150 pounds. Various accounts recall his experience as a circus worker, boxer, house painter, Merchant Marine, riveter, steeplejack, flagpole painter and salesman.
Blandy had six wives, having been divorced three times and widowed three times. He was known to meet his younger wives through telephone conversations with fans on the ground during his many flagpole sitting exhibitions. Johnny Carson interviewed him while he was sitting on a 155 foot pole for television's Tonight Show in the mid-1960s.
As others broke his records, he dismissed their attempts since they had built elaborate sitting platforms, while he continued to use a small seat as his primary vehicle.
Blandy made his winter home in Dayton, Ohio, for over 60 years, bartending to make ends meet. Known as "Dixie-on-the-Ball" and "Buckeye Dixie", he wanted his epitaph, to read: "The World Super Champion Flagpole Sitter and a good American." He was survived by his son, Richard, a high school principal living in Tampa, Florida
Timeline
- 1902
- Birth
- 1929
- First flagpole sitting in answer to Goodrich Rubber Co. and Texaco advertisement.
- 1933
- Claimed title as champion flagpole sitter during 77 days and nights at the Chicago World's Fair.
- 1954
- Set flagpole standing record after 10 days at the Michigan State Fair.
- 1960
- Established bicycle record for 13 days and nights atop a 50-foot pole in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
- 1964
- Broke 1933 sitting record on the Steelpier in Atlantic City, New Jersey after 78 days.
- 1965
- World title at Grona Luid Amusement Park (Stockholm, Sweden) after sitting 125 days 200' up.
- 1974
- May 6, died at 72 years when flagpole collapsed in Chicago.
Extent
0.5 linear feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Papers document the life of Dayton flagpole sitter, Dixie Blandy. The bulk of the materials is comprised of newspaper clippings, photographs, advertisements, and promotional materials.
Statement of Arrangement
The papers are arranged chronologically.
Acquisition Information
The papers were donated to the Wright State University Archives on March 13, 1979, by his son, Richard Blandy.
- Title
- Guide to the Dixie Blandy Papers (MS-80)
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Patricia R. Shama, 1981
- Date
- 2015
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Repository
Wright State University Libraries
Special Collections and Archives
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy
Dayton OH 45435-0001 USA
937-775-2092
library-archives@wright.edu
