Dance Till You Drop: The First & Last Walkathon
Today the word “walkathon” brings to mind a long distance, noncompetitive fundraising walk. In the 1930s, “walkathon” had a very different meaning: months-long human endurance dance contests.
When the Great Depression hit, the Roaring 20’s came to a screeching halt. Life was no longer carefree, and survivability became an everyday thought for many who had not had to worry before. In search of escape from the new reality, walkathons rose in popularity. This American phenomenon was exciting entertainment, and also what many considered to be cruel exploitation. Local dancers and trained marathoners from across the country came to dance, shuffle, or drearily wander across the stage for spectators in hopes of winning a cash prize. As the craze spread through the nation, city governments began to ban such events. Walkathon organizers began seeking “virgin cities,” places where such an event had never been done.
Photograph of the crowd of spectators surrounding the walkathon stage, Great Falls, Montana, 1934.
Great Falls was hit with the walkathon craze in October 1934. The promise of a $500 cash prize (close to $10,000 today) attracted competitors from as far away as New York City. Residents from all over the county formed massive crowds in awe of the 1930’s version of a reality television show.
Ad from the Great Falls Leader, October 4, 1934, “How Long Can They Go?”
Diamond Cab Co. ready at the entrance to the Walkathon at the North Montana Fairgrounds, Great Falls, Montana
Photograph of Frankie Little, one of the 5 Masters of Ceremony with written caption “Swell entertainer and sure was comical”
Rules Governing Contestants, including strict rules to behave “as proper ladies and gentlemen,” to be “neat and clean", to refrain from smoking or chewing tobacco (except for when dancers were on their 15 minute break each hour), and that contestants must “promptly and cheerfully obey” the organizers, hosts, and medical staff.
Great Falls Tribune advertisements promised “fascinating entertainment at all times,” and the KFBB radio station gave updates 3 times a day on the progress of the contest. Two weddings were performed during the competition, one for a dance couple on October 22nd and another November 13th.
“Nothing like this has ever been attempted in north Montana”
“Walkathon Wedding, The Most Brilliant Theatrical and Social Event of the Season Culminating the Romance of Jack and Beverly, Couple No. 2,” Great Falls Tribune Ad, October 21 1934. Local brands placed ads that boasted the walkers were fueled by their products.
Wedding of Laverne Hinkley - Tiny Peterson, Walkathon Great Falls, Montana Nov 13, 1934
“How Long Can They Go? Determined Couples Battling for Fame and Fortune”
The First Wedding Couple, Beverly and Jack
Jack Parr and his partner Laura Pitzer
Helen Ehnot and her partner Vernie Flom
Dancers changed partners as people were disqualified or fell out. By the end, Helen Ehnot (Enott) of Great Falls had become partners with Jack Parr, the one-armed dancer, taking second place. Winners Earl Horton and Leona Barton went home with the big cash prize. After 1,250 hours of dancing, the walkathon finally ended on November 25th.
On November 27th, the City of Great Falls approved Ordinance 704 which banned all walkathons, or similar endurance contests lasting over 24 hours within city limits, unless a license fee for $10 (close to $200 today) was paid to the city. Violators of the new ordinance could by punished by a fine of $200 to $300, by imprisonment for 60 to 90 days, or by both. This event was the first and last walkathon to grace Great Falls.
Ordinance 704 was later repealed in 1976, perhaps allowing for a walkathon to be held today. The record for Great Falls walkers is set at 52 days of dancing (or perhaps weary shuffling).
The photo album by contestant Helen Ehnot which documents the 1934 Walkathon is housed in The History Museum Archives, accession number 2015.034.