This small home sits off main Street in Independence, Missouri. While it looks similar to the homes around it, this house is very different for it is the birthplace of Hollywood Star Ginger Rogers. For several years in the 1930s and 40s, she was the top female Box office champion. Ginger Rogers was a “triple threat” She could sing (she was the original ‘Roxie Hart’ made famous in the musical ‘Chicago’) She could act (winning the 1940 Oscar for Best Actress), and she could dance, and I mean really dance (She made nine movies with Fred Astaire) Actually she was a quadruple threat since she was stunningly beautiful as well,
Today, she is best known for her dancing with Fred Astaire. A quote attributed to Miss Rogers was “I do everything Fred Astaire does but backward and in heels.” Whether or not she actually said that is hard to tell. She was known for her sharp wit, so it is altogether possible. It is indisputable that she and Astaire had real chemistry and seemed to have an innate understanding of each other when they danced.
The Ginger House is closed during the Autumn and Winter months so in April when the house opens we will do a followup story and show you inside the house. I am told they also have some of Miss Rogers personal items that were donated as well. I will also do a more in-depth bio on this extraordinary woman and her remarkable career.
I didn’t know of this house. Thanks for posting.
A lot of my friends who live in KC area said the same. From what I read it has been a one woman operation and she did it as a tribute to Miss Rogers. I am glad it’s starting to get some attention.