NBC Memories 1942 - 1964
by Bill Roddy

Chapter Nine of TwelveI

Other Bands, Other Hotels, 1946

The St. Francis Hotel
I would walk to the St. Francis on Union Square from NBC at Taylor and O'Farrell to announce the great dance bands. The Mural Room was the spot to dance and to be seen. It was beautiful.

And it is where on April, 1946 I took a close friend I had known for years, Kristine Miller.
She was an actress who appeared in a number of movies, including Too Late for Tears, and From Here to Eternity.

The manager of the hotel was Dan London, always impeccably dressed, an elegant and friendly man. He later was an honorary consul for a nation I've forgotten. His daughter, Mimi, is a nationally known interior designer.
Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiians was my favorite orchestra. Harry was a wonderful person.
He opened every broadcast with his theme song, "Sweet Leilani," which he wrote for his daughter.
Hilo Hattie was his star attraction and a great entertainer.

Chapter Ten: Our Favorite Hangout