She will Long Remember Day The Beatles Appeared

 

She Will Long Remember Day The Beatles Appeared

By Karen Christianson

The Albert Lea Tribune

August 31, 1965

    (Karen Christanson, daughter of Mrs. Catherine Christanson of Albert Lea, a 1965 graduate of Albert Lea High School, was one of the lucky ones by teenage standards, to get a glimpse, to talk, and spend some time in Minneapolis when the Beatles appeared there recently. The account of her experience before and during the show starts today in a three-part Tribune series.)

 Part one of three.

     August 21 was a very special Saturday for 1000s of Minnesota teenagers. It was the day the Beatles arrived in Minneapolis to do a swingin' show at Met Stadium, and it was a day I will long remember.

     The Beatles were due to arrive at the old terminal building on Wold-Chamberlain field at 415 on Saturday afternoon. After my press card passed the inspection of five top security police, I was let through the gate onto the strip of field where the Beatles' plane would finally taxi to a halt. 

    My triumph was the fan's dismay. Screams of "Get her out of there!"  "How does she rate?" And "Don't let her near the Beatles!" pierce the air.

     One of the security police kiddingly told me that he was "my personal bodyguard."  At 3pm, many of the 3000-4000 fans had already gathered to welcome their idols, carrying large signs, reading, "Welcome Beatles," "We love the Beatles!" and  "Paul, Paul, Paul." They crowded against the heavy, spiked-topped fence, singing, "Help," the Beatles' current hit. 

    Several rescue squad ambulances were standing by in case of casualties and an estimated 95 tan uniform police were prepared to hold back the mob. Hoses were uncoiled in front of the fence. 

    Time slowly wore on. I became acquainted with Don Glass, a Canadian and personal friend of the Beatles who had acted as master of ceremonies during their highly successful Toronto performances. As we talked, he mentioned that he would be staying with the Beatles at their hotel. I asked him if there would be any chance for me to meet the Beatles. He said he would "think about it."

     A short time later, Mr. Glass introduced me to Chris Hill, who works for a Minneapolis radio station. He said that we could use her car and he would try to use his influence so that Chris and I could meet the Beatles.

     At 3:45, one of the policemen went to the center of the field with a loudspeaker and announced that The Beatles' plane would arrive four minutes earlier than scheduled. The announcement was greeted with screams and sighs. "If weather permitted", he continued, "The Beatles would pose for a 15-minute picture-taking session, as long as the fans stayed where they were. The minute any of you tried to climb the fence or make any move to get close to the Beatles", he said "they would have to leave."

     At 4:11 pm., approaching any plane or jet that passed overhead caused screams and shouts of "there they are! and They are early." One could almost feel the extreme tenseness in the air as police, firemen, ambulance squad, press, photographers, and fans strained for the sight of the Beatles' charter jet.

     I chatted with Bill Diehl of  WDGY and Ray Colihan, promoter of the Beatles show, for a few moments. Then, at 4:12, a huge silver jet taxied around the corner of a nearby hangar toward the waiting crowd. John, Paul, George, and Ringo had landed. Pandemonium broke loose. Girls screamed hysterically. Police sprang into action, and the press and photographers ran forward. 

    The door of the jet opened,  and the steps were put into place. Several men quickly left the jet when Ringo Starr appeared, wearing large sunglasses and a happy smile. He stood for a moment, surveying the fans, then he waved and descended the stairs. John, Paul, and George followed close behind.

     Everyone was jostled in the rush, and several girls were flung bodily away by the police. Despite this, I managed to take several pictures of the Beatles and escaped with badly bruised ribs.