Young Shirley Jones recording

In 1950, my grandfather, Homer Wagner taped the Western District Chorus concert held at Canonsburg High School (Pennsylvania) where some of his children attended school. One of the soloists was a young Shirley Jones (of Broadway Musical and Partridge Family fame), a sophomore in high school. Her voice, even as a teenager, was astounding.

The Daily Courier, Connellsville, Pennsylvania, 27 Apr 1950, Thu • Page 20

Born in 1934 in Charleroi, she grew up as a tomboy in small-town Smithton, where her family moved when she was a toddler. Her grandfather founded Jones Brewing Company, maker of Stoney’s Beer. The family ran Sweeney’s Lounge on Route 51 in Belle Vernon.

She won a 2yr scholarship to the #Pittsburgh Playhouse, $500, and a gold charm bracelet. She finished 2nd in the Miss Pennsylvania contest.

Miss Pittsburgh 1952: