This previously unknown video of the 1930 P-rade was sent to Princeton by Joe Tomelleri, an artist and film collector. He purchased the 16 mm original movie film on eBay with the description "some sort of parade." Although Joe and his son Sam have no affiliation with Princeton, via image searches of buildings they were able to identify Princeton as the location and learn that it depicted "an annual alumni parade." The film has been digitized by Sam.
Joe and Sam believe the film originated from an estate sale in Spokane, Washington. It came bundled with several other reels taken in Europe, including footage from Holland and, possibly, England. While they haven’t been able to identify the original cinematographer, they’re still hoping for clues, as the film shares characteristics with the others in the set—same era, same type of film cans.
Kodak’s date code on the film indicates it was manufactured in 1929. Joe and Sam believe for several reasons that it was shot in 1930. By examining the costumes, Princetoniana Committee member Tim Tulenko '67 is certain that it was filmed during the 1930 P-rade (see our reunion costume virtual collection for images and extensive research information). The marshal uniform with its distinctive DaVinci hat continues to this day.
Princetoniana wishes to thank Joe and Sam for their kindness in providing this video. Sam's digitized film collection may be viewed here. Joe's art may be found here
This previously unknown video of the 1930 P-rade was sent to Princeton by Joe Tomelleri, an artist and film collector. He purchased the 16 mm original movie film on eBay with the description "some sort of parade." Although Joe and his son Sam have no affiliation with Princeton, via image searches of buildings they were able to identify Princeton as the location and learn that it depicted "an annual alumni parade." The film has been digitized by Sam.
Joe and Sam believe the film originated from an estate sale in Spokane, Washington. It came bundled with several other reels taken in Europe, including footage from Holland and, possibly, England. While they haven’t been able to identify the original cinematographer, they’re still hoping for clues, as the film shares characteristics with the others in the set—same era, same type of film cans.
Kodak’s date code on the film indicates it was manufactured in 1929. Joe and Sam believe for several reasons that it was shot in 1930. By examining the costumes, Princetoniana Committee member Tim Tulenko '67 is certain that it was filmed during the 1930 P-rade (see our reunion costume virtual collection for images and extensive research information). The marshal uniform with its distinctive DaVinci hat continues to this day.
A history of the P-rade may be found here.
Princetoniana wishes to thank Joe and Sam for their kindness in providing this video. Sam's digitized film collection may be viewed here. Joe's art may be found here