Norm Grabowski

Junior · February 14, 2011, 09:09:39 AM

One of the most interesting fellow "citizens" I worked with was a guy named Norm Grabowski. He and his nephew Norm had a cute little act they performed at the outdoor theaters on park for a couple of years, probably about 1981 and 1982. One would play guitar, the other banjo, and they would sing and tell jokes. The act was called "Norm and Norm." Norm was and still is active in the Hot Rod world...he designed the Kookie car for a 1950's TV series, and his hot rods were featured on the cover of national magazines. Norm used his connections with TV and film to become an actor, and was in two or three Elvis movies, and a bunch of films for Disney. You might remember the Burt Reynolds movie "HOOPER" about stuntmen. Norm played a notable character in that film called "Hammerhead." That was his last film. He is also a woodcarver. He's known for his skull carvings. Does anyone remember the Norm and Norm act? The two men later had a gig for a summer, probably in '82 or '83 on the old Lake Queen excursion boat in downtown Branson. They did the Norm and Norm act for the cruises on Lake Taneycomo. The thing I remember fondly about Norm Grabowski is that he saw me perform as Junior Dugan, and after we met only once, he was able to remember my name, and he was very encouraging every time I spoke with him on park. He complemented me more than once about the acting work I did. If you watch the old Beverly Hillbillies show, there was an episode where a cat burglar attempted to break into the Clampett Mansion, and was caught in a big net in front of the home. That was Norm! I have included some links here so you can see Norm's website, and the "Rumpsville" web site about Hot Rods. Norm is famous enough to have his own page in the Wikipedia Encyclopedia on the internet, too. So check them out. Norm was a silly, crazy guy, very likable and warm hearted. I enjoyed working with him very, very much. God bless him. (He still lives and works out of Lead Hill, Arkansas, near Harrison just south of Branson!)

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norm_Grabowski

www.normsnews.com

www.rumpsville.com/contents/normindex.html

Joy · February 14, 2011, 12:35:26 PM

O. M. G. I recognize him! He played Norman in The Misadventures of Merlin Jones! I grew up watching that movie!

That is so awesome that he used to perform at SDC. Interesting to note that he's listed on IMDb as playing a mugger in the Beverly Hillbillies episode "The Clampetts in New York" and the following episode, 'cause those are the episodes that led off of the SDC episodes!

rubedugans · February 14, 2011, 01:02:54 PM

I know him from his cars. He has done some amazing work. He appeared on an episode of Monster Garage (With Jesse James on Discovery Channel) where they chopped and dropped a 54' Chevy. I am an owner of a 1950 Pontiac, and this body style is very similar, I was in awe to the amount of expertise they were able to get into that room. Norm 'El Polacko' and his theatrics were evidant. Norm's shin was cut by a raised edge on the car lift, and did not do much the rest of the build.

Junior · February 14, 2011, 04:47:16 PM

Norm always had a great sense of humor and was very friendly and outgoing and approachable. Rodney Dillard came to work at the city around the same time, doing a bluegrass show with fellow "Dillards" member Dean Webb, who previously worked at SDC in the "Swing and Turn Jubilee" (Featured on the Sounds of SDC album) and although I had a nice conversation with Rodney once, he was less approachable than Norm. I do wish I would have gotten to know Rodney better. I must tell you, I was just glad to get to see him perform on a regular basis. His group played on the old Dockside Theater stage across from the diving bell for a couple of years, probably around 81 and 82.

History Buff · February 14, 2011, 05:07:37 PM

Steve, I'm thinking there needs to be a page on the Wiki for "Notable Figures from SDC".

Junior · February 14, 2011, 06:15:28 PM

Wow, I like that idea! Shad, Terry, DA, Rex B, Bonnie Jean, Wayne Milnes, Dan Embry, Jack, Pete, Mary, Don Richardson, the list goes on...

Zephon · February 14, 2011, 09:10:12 PM

I've often wondered what Norm was doing. Looks like he's pretty busy. You're right Junior, he's a pretty cool guy. We had a lot of fun together back in the day. I went to a party at his home in Tucker Holler, AR once. Least I think that's where it was, down on Bull Shoals. He had the unique talent of being able to whistle just about any tune with his mouth practically closed, remember that? Always good for a laugh. Great guy. Enjoyed your links.

Junior · February 15, 2011, 08:25:40 AM

Zephon, glad you enjoyed the links. I hope anyone who has a chance to meet Norm will take advantage of the situation and do that. Norm is one of those unique individuals who added much flavor to SDC in the old days.

rubedugans · October 24, 2011, 11:35:26 AM

The cartoon logo of Norm from his letterhead...
How did I get this you may ask?
More exciting details to come soon!!!

Junior · October 24, 2011, 12:18:52 PM

Hmmmm....I can hardly wait for the details, Rube! Norm is a great guy. I enjoyed working with him back then.

MissinTheGreenTrams · October 24, 2011, 12:32:37 PM

That sounds like alot of fun! I really regret being so young sometimes.......

Duelist · October 24, 2011, 05:00:38 PM

Did they play at the Lumbercamp and do requests for Bluegrass songs? If so, I remember one of them saying we're not the best musicians but we make a whole lot of money. Very funny!

Junior · October 24, 2011, 05:32:11 PM

Norm and Norm played at several of the little theaters spread around park in the old days. Seems like if I remember correctly Swing and Turn Jubilee, Calton Family, Norm and Norm, Dillard, Web, and Friends, Horse Creek Band, and the other groups at the time played each day on a circuit. Once at the gazebo, next time at Valley Theater, at the Lumbercamp, then the theater across from the diving bell which was called various things from season to season, eventually becoming the Dockside Theater, home to the River Rat Rowdies.

Avalanche04 · October 24, 2011, 07:24:29 PM

wow thanks for that post. i remember the act but was more interested in riding rides when they were there, i was 12/13 or so wish i would have pay more attention back then.

Junior · October 27, 2012, 06:11:25 PM

SAD NEWS, reporting a bit late, though: former SDC "citizen" Norm Grabowski passed away on OCTOBER 12th, 2012. Go to the links posted at the top of the thread and get an update. Sad news, I worked with Norm and he was one of those great, cool guys from my time on park, a funny and talented entertainer. Rest in Peace, Norm! God Bless, and all best wishes to your family!
--
I've added a cartoon drawing and a photo of Norm to my Flickr site if you want to take a look. The cartoon was, I think, used as his logo. Both images lifted from the Internet. Looks like the photo is from a hot rod appearance he made some time ago where he had a table and was signing autographs: http://www.flickr.com/photos/juniordugan