When Tom Sawyer Came to SLC, 1938

Sometimes I come across unusual photos that I think WTF is this about? Sometimes I can track down the events in the photo through research in old newspapers.

Actor Tommy Kelly promoting his film "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" in 1938.
Image from UDSH. Colorization done by ColouriseSG.

This is a photo of when the actor Tommy Kelly visited Salt Lake City to promote the opening of the Technicolor movie, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, where he played the title character. Tommy was a kid from the Bronx who was selected to play Tom Sawyer out of 25,000 boys who auditioned for the role.

A large SLC crowd and a band gathered to greet Tommy when he arrived May 27 1938. Tommy made numerous appearances around SLC over the next four days. He was described as polite and gracious while he gave autographs to all who asked.

This photo was taken in 1938 in front of Scott Hardware at 168 S Main, now the US Bank Building.

Detail. Note the fish.