Guestbook

Hi Lou
Long time since we’ve seen each other. You came to mind today so I Googled you and here you are with your own page. Congrats.
In case you don’t remember, we worked together from ’74 to ’76. I was the sound engineer for many shows at the Imperial Room. I will never forget my first show there when I was very green. Marlene Dietrich was about to make her grand entrance when you dimmed the lights and my sound console went completely dead. Needless to say I panicked and probably not very politely asked you to turn the lights back on until I could find another power source to power the console other than the outlets controlled by the house dimmer. The show was magnificent despite the poor start.
Seeing your website has brought back many fond memories.
I hope you are enjoying great health a much happiness.
Cheers,
Paul Harvey

Hi Mr. Jannetta:
My brother, Tony Hauth, worked at the Royal York for many years and I understand that both of you knew each other well. He is currently residing at Sheppard Terrace, an entity of Sheppard Village at 3760 Sheppard Avenue East in Toronto. I happened to visit the main mezz at the Royal York and was pleased to see the many pictures. My father also worked at the Royal York until his death in 1955 as did Arno Castione. I am sure you also knew Arno.
Tony’s wife Jessie passed away in 2005, but Tony is doing very well in the assisted living centre of Sheppard Terrace. He does not have a phone, however, if you care to contact me I will let him know that we were in touch. His mental capacity is diminishing somewhat, however, he loves to hear from people about the Royal York.
I, too, have very wonderful memories of my visits to the Royal York, especially as a child at the Royal York’s famous Christmas parties.
Take care of yourself, and I am very glad that I contacted you.

Hello Louie.

I just found out about your website. How wonderful. We go back a long time. My mother used to babysit you and always called you Luciano. I never drive by 56 Mansfield without thinking of you and family. When I was a kid, I thought your family was rich because they had the first pop-up toaster in the neighbourhood and used sliced bread. My parents often told me about how close your family came to living next door to us on Dundas. Your dad didn’t have $4000.00 for the down payment.

I found your book fascinating. Just one question. Do you eat bananas today?

Cheers and all the best.

Hello Columbus Boys Club 110 Pound Junior Toronto Football Association Centre Lineman from Eddie Jakubowski your halfback who successfully gained so many yards because of the “hole” you made for me playing against our “arch” enemies St. Michael’s High School, even thought your Columbus Club kidney pads didn’t fit too well. Coach Carmen Bush fixed it. Happy upcoming Birthday, Louis. I love you, and all the memories I have of our days at Columbus Boys Club on Bellwoods Avenue. Keep Well, Louis, Eddie (Jakubowski)Jackson.

Dear Mr. Jannetta: My wife, Louise, and I spent a delightful day today reminiscing about Old Toronto and in fond recollection of the Imperial Room. I am 74 and have been a prof jazz drummer for 60 years. I was engaged at the Royal York many times at Lights and corporate parties. We searched the Internet, found your wonderful site and want to thank you for being a fond personage in our collective memory. We sincerely send our thanks and best wishes for health and happiness.

All the best,

Norman Marshall Villeneuve

Finished the book last night.
Thank you for bringing back so many wonderful memories.
These were great times I spent with my parents, every memory so precious.
Wish there was a “classy” place these days, I could take my family.

Regards

Mark

Hello Mr. Jannetta,
You went to school with my late father, Ralph Dimarco (chuckalo) and grew up in Dad’s old neighborhood as a kid (Clinton and College). I called you many years ago to put together a surprise anniversary weekend for my parents at the Royal York. You were very hospitable to Mom and Dad. They saw Burton Cummings. Thank you for the memories. Deborah

Mr. Jannetta, your book is wonderful. I loved all of the behind-the scenes anecdotes. Many years ago I went with a friend to see Gloria Loring perform the dinner show and we were allowed to stay for the 2nd show without paying another cover charge — we really appreciated that. I was in the Toronto production of Jesus Christ Superstar with Patti, so I really enjoyed your stories and comments about her as well. I’m so glad you wrote this book!

Karen Gold

Hi Louis. It was great reading your book and looking at all the well known people you have met. I enjoyed it very much. It’s a unique collection and qiute nostalgic, something you must be proud of. Great meeting with you and having the chance to get to know you a bit better. I’ll look forward to another book if you write one. Blessings to you Louis. Gil

Hello Louis,
Great website – congratulations.
Love
Vance

Hello Louis!!! 🙂
Great to see you with your own website…I bet it was a wonderful surprise! It was such a pleasure working with you and your family on your book of memories. I will treasure my copy forever and always keep it in a safe place. It brings a big smile to my face every time I look at it or show it off to my family and friends. 🙂

My mom and I often talk of finally getting our passport and visiting with you and your family. Maybe someday, we can make that a reality.

Love to you and your family from ours, would love to catch up sometime soon!
Love,
Kara & Family

Hi Lou

Good to see you with your own web. I cant wait to pick up the book. We should do coffee soon.

My best to your wife. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Rino

Ciao and Congratulations Mr. Jannetta. I am so happy to see this site and I definitely want to read your book. You are a Toronto Icon and our city would not have such a History if it was not for people like you, who were THERE when Toronto was, in my humble opinion, at it’s cultural peak, musically speaking. The Royal York spelled Class, and the unforgettable nights of stellar talent will never be repeated. Wish we could have caught them on tape.. but we have YOU to tell us the stories in your own irreplaceable way and that’s good enough for this Toronto girl.
Bless you and your family,
Sincerely,
Cathy Young

What a wonderful site! I hope you post more stories…It must have been amazing to meet and get to know the “who’s who” of the entertainment industry. Thanks for sharing!

I’ve shared this on my Facebook and twitter pages,Best Wishes,
Mark Fox(UK)

Hello Lou, my father inlaw is Lawrence Poulin , old friend and co-worker of yours. We have also met a few times at LaVilla bakery. Just wanted to let you know what a fun and interesting site you have here. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Your book was amazing louis! I had the privilege of meeting you and getting my copy signed this past September and you were an absolute gentleman. I wish you and your family all the best.

Louis

It has been an honour to have worked with and to know you, Louis.

You are “gentleman’s gentleman”

The very best to you always

Fred Lawlor

Your website is great and so is your book which you so thoughtfully inscribed for me. Your wonderful son-in-law and I both work for BD although I am stationed in the US and he is in Canada (but I speak fluent Canadian, eh). We keep in touch and he has forwarded several nice pictures with you and the great Tony Bennett. I was a good friend to Maxene Andrews of the Andrews Sisters for the last twenty years of her life and I met Patty several times but I don’t think they were at your club. I also met all the King Sisters and am still in touch with the youngest, Marilyn. Unfortunately I will not able to attach a picture of her with me from a few years ago on your guestbook page. I sent it to Dave, eh.
If you ever come to New Jersey I can introduce you to our local diva, Marlene VerPlanck, another excellent singer!
All the best to you and your family for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Joseph

Hi Dad,

We hope you like your new web-site!
Mike Bellissimo has shared his time, talent and passion to make it so great!
Hoping many people who have wanted to keep in touch and share their stories about you, stories about the Royal York or the dignitaries and stars they met, will contact you through this site.
Love you!
Your family xoxo