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My name is Bruce Kipp. From 1988-1990 I attended the U.S. Army Russian Institute in Garmisch. While stationed there I became interested in the former Casa Carioca, the lavish AFRC night club next to the Olympic Ice Stadium in Garmisch that served US Forces.
The Casa Carioca was, at that time, USAREUR’s most famous night club. It was built by General George Patton Jr.’s Third Army engineers in August 1946 for the use of the troops visiting the then Third Army Rest Center. The Casa Carioca was destroyed by fire (possibly arson) in 1971.
I have been able to obtain on various auction sites copies of the Casa Carioca ice review programs for several years, mostly late 50s and early 60s. What I have not been able to obtain are photographs of the exterior and interior of the building. It is in the capacity that I hope you can help me. I am hoping that AFRC Europe may have a staff historian or staff archivist who may have some photos and/or other material pertaining to the Casa Carioca.
Would you please be so kind as to pass my request to the proper individual?
I am very grateful for any assistance you may be able to provide.
Sincerely,
Bruce E. Kipp
P.O. Box 62
Opheim, MT. 59250
Ph: (406) 762-9993
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Mr. Kipp: I will have a look through some of my old photo's from Garmisch & the Casa. I was stationed thee from 1952-1957 & 1962-1966. My wife was a Skater at the Casa. Her name was: Jacqueline (Jackie) King (now deceased) and she came from the UK. After we returned to the US we heared about the fire that you mentioned. Some did say that it was arson but I understand that it was never proven. Terry Rudolph was the Director of the Casa Ice Review for many years. I knew her well. As you may know, we had several active duty soldiers that were assigned to Garmisch that were skaters and their full time jobs were to skate (rough life) the daily shows. The Ice Show was great and thousand of military personell too advantage of it and most came back time and time again. The exterior of the Casa was not that impressive but the inside made up for that. The interior had a sliding floor over the ice that folks could dance on before the show started. Very impressive. At one time, the roof slid back to expose the guests to the stars during the summer month but it became to dangerous due to falling glass, so that was stopped. Good luck in your hunt. Bob Cole 480-895-7193 Luge64@aol.com
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Mr. Kipp: I will have a look through some of my old photo's from Garmisch & the Casa. I was stationed thee from 1952-1957 & 1962-1966. My wife was a Skater at the Casa. Her name was: Jacqueline (Jackie) King (now deceased) and she came from the UK. After we returned to the US we heared about the fire that you mentioned. Some did say that it was arson but I understand that it was never proven. Terry Rudolph was the Director of the Casa Ice Review for many years. I knew her well. As you may know, we had several active duty soldiers that were assigned to Garmisch that were skaters and their full time jobs were to skate (rough life) the daily shows. The Ice Show was great and thousand of military personell too advantage of it and most came back time and time again. The exterior of the Casa was not that impressive but the inside made up for that. The interior had a sliding floor over the ice that folks could dance on before the show started. Very impressive. At one time, the roof slid back to expose the guests to the stars during the summer month but it became to dangerous due to falling glass, so that was stopped. Good luck in your hunt. Bob Cole 480-895-7193 Luge64@aol.com
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Mr. Kipp: I will have a look through some of my old photo's from Garmisch & the Casa. I was stationed thee from 1952-1957 & 1962-1966. My wife was a Skater at the Casa. Her name was: Jacqueline (Jackie) King (now deceased) and she came from the UK. After we returned to the US we heared about the fire that you mentioned. Some did say that it was arson but I understand that it was never proven. Terry Rudolph was the Director of the Casa Ice Review for many years. I knew her well. As you may know, we had several active duty soldiers that were assigned to Garmisch that were skaters and their full time jobs were to skate (rough life) the daily shows. The Ice Show was great and thousand of military personell too advantage of it and most came back time and time again. The exterior of the Casa was not that impressive but the inside made up for that. The interior had a sliding floor over the ice that folks could dance on before the show started. Very impressive. At one time, the roof slid back to expose the guests to the stars during the summer month but it became to dangerous due to falling glass, so that was stopped. Good luck in your hunt. Bob Cole 480-895-7193 Luge64@aol.com
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Hi Bruce, Just a thought - perhaps this will help you locate photos. The link here has a photo or two of the Casa Carioca, as well as surrounding area and buildings. I was never at the Casa Carioca, but did spend many enjoyable days at Chimsee / Garmisch. http://www.usarmygermany.com/USAREUR_City_Garmisch.htm Hope this is of some value. Bruce US Army Ret.
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Hi Bruce, Just a thought - perhaps this will help you locate photos. The link here has a photo or two of the Casa Carioca, as well as surrounding area and buildings. I was never at the Casa Carioca, but did spend many enjoyable days at Chimsee / Garmisch. http://www.usarmygermany.com/USAREUR_City_Garmisch.htm Hope this is of some value. Bruce US Army Ret.
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Hi, I was in Garmisch the day the Casa Carioca burned down & the next day when we went to see, it was surrounded by armed police, I guess they hoped to find some documents about the scandal. I was there quite often as my girlfriend at that time Maureen McMahon was a waitress there. The story that came out was that the officer in charge & the management had employed fictitious employees way back to the 50s, & when that was published in the Stars & Stripes, practically the next day the Casa burned. I believe the major in charge absconded & was later arrested in Switzerland. Supposedly a couple of millions went missing. It was a great place, excellent steaks, & fun shows. I dont however think I have any photos, Drew Failes
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My father was stationed in Germany during the 50's. I have a program from the Casa Carioca Ice Revue “Happy Birthday” from Oct 20 1954 if you are interested in buying it.
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AFRC Garmisch still has some great old photo's of the place along with an original news cliping of Dwight visiting the place. Everytime I see Marrianna around town who was one of the original performers, now retired after working in the old class VI store I think of the place all though I never knew it, I know a lot of the old old :-) Garmisch's remember it with wonder!!
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AFRC Garmisch still has some great old photo's of the place along with an original news cliping of Dwight visiting the place. Everytime I see Marrianna around town who was one of the original performers, now retired after working in the old class VI store I think of the place all though I never knew it, I know a lot of the old old :-) Garmisch's remember it with wonder!!
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Some of the old stuff is on exhibition at the Eisenhower Museum in Oberammergau with Claus Gruendl. SInce his dad was one of the former Manager's at the Patton Hotel he saved some menues and pictures. I think there are also some pictures and programs from the Casa Carioca.
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