The other day I received a text message from my dear friend Eric, the Knott’s Berry Farm historian, informing me of an estate sale here in Anaheim of a former Knott’s employee, and that I might find some interesting stuff. Already en route to go thrifting that day, I abruptly changed course and made my way to a crowded cul-de-sac to scour through at large midcentury ranch and meet up with Eric, and a mutual friend. Little did I know I would find some unique items of Hollywood and Anaheim history!
A glittering sequin ensemble in one hand, a vintage Ouija board in the other, I stumbled upon a framed sketch of a woman in an over the top Marie Antoinette style ensemble, surrounded by signatures, and realized I was in the home of Jo An Burdick, beloved Anaheim baton twirling majorette, Knott’s Berry Farm can-can dancer, Las Vegas and Hollywood showgirl, and dance teacher.
Image may be NSFW.
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You never know what is going to change your life, but for Jo An and I it was the same thing, the Anaheim Halloween Parade. In the fall of 1939 a five year old Jo An saw a baton twirler in the Anaheim Halloween Parade, and it was that night she decided to become the “best darn baton twirler ever.” Unable to afford classes, she watched her friends practice and would watch movies featuring dancers, using a piece of bamboo as a baton. Eventually a cousin gave her a baton at age eight.
Meanwhile, she helped make ends meet with her family, waiting tables at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Little did she know she would be on to bigger things at Walter Knott’s little berry farm.
Jo An grew up, and attended Anaheim High School, and those days with the bamboo and hand-me-down baton paid off, performing her twirling throughout high school, becoming the head twirling majorette for the school’s band when she became a junior. Eventually she became what she saw when she was just five, leading the local school’s band, baton twirling high into the air in the Anaheim Halloween Parade. So also ran for Halloween Queen in 1950 as part of the event. From one parade, to another, Jo An also performed at the famed Rose Parade on multiple occasions.
Meanwhile at Knott’s Berry Farm, she moved from waiting tables to kicking up her heels, becoming one of the can can dancers at the saloon. She would later recall that Walter Knott was a humble man who remember the names of his employees. But soon she would take to an even bigger stage. In 1953 Las Vegas was glowing with neon as people tested their luck at the growing number of casinos. Jo An was just 19, but she became one of the chosen few when she auditioned and was cast to become a Las Vegas showgirl! From the humble streets of Anaheim (not yet the bustling tourist destination we know it as today) Jo An was now performing with Frank Sinatra at the iconic Sands! While there she rubbed elbows with celebrities like Danny Thomas, Bob Hope, and fellow Rat Pack members Dean Martin and Joey Bishop.
After her stint in Vegas, Jo An returned to California, and became a showgirl at the Moulin Rouge in Hollywood. Located in the former Earl Carroll Theatre, the Moulin Rouge.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
While there she was selected to be a part of the first color broadcast Emmy Awards, and donned a magnificent Marie Antoinette ensemble for the opening number with Jimmy Durante.
Despite the bright lights, movie stars, and offers, Jo An returned to Anaheim, opening up her very own dance studio to inspire future generations. Upon leaving she was gifted the costume sketch with notes of well wishes in her next adventure. In 1960 she married band leader Bernard Gottlieb, and the pair enjoyed a long marriage. Jo An maintained an active life until her death in 2023. She was even in the Anaheim Halloween Parade as the Grand Marshal in 2019! I had the pleasure of meeting Jo An and handful of times at our warehouse, but wasn’t aware of her colorful life until after he passing, if only I had known, the questions I would have asked!
I’m so glad to own a piece of her amazing story and Anaheim history, and look forward to reframing her beautiful sketch with its heart warming messages and hang it in our home. I also stumbled upon a photo of her in the costume I purchased and will keep a copy with the costume.
Sources
“Jo An Burdick Gottlieb – Class of 1951” Anaheim High School Alumni Association, 26 May 2021.
Merritt, Christopher and Lynxwiler, J. Eric., Knott’s Preserved. Santa Monica, Angel City Press, 2015. Print
“Three Times a Charm 1950” Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade, 23 October 2020.
“‘Topnotchers all’ 1950” Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween parade, 30 October 2020.