SirGravesGhastly.com | Personal Appearances

Here you'll find my ongoing database of random Sir Graves personal appearance records (in chronological order wherever possible). Some of the entries came from fans who've written me, signed the guestbook, or posted on my message board. Others I culled from books, magazines, newspapers, the internet--wherever I can find it! By nature it will probably always appear a bit jumbled (almost like a sketchbook or grocery list), but I really feel it needs to be recorded.

This log started out as just my own personal list I was keeping on the computer so I could keep track of such things for myself, but then I thought it might also prove interesting here on the site--for those as interested as me in such things (god help you). Be sure and drop me a line or sign the guestbook (if you haven't already) and let me know if you know of any other places you might've seen (or even heard about) old Gravesy attend when you were a kid, or if you can add any details to the events/entries already here (specific dates, memorabilia, etc) so I can add it to the list!

Sir Graves Personal Appearance Log

1960's or early '70s - Movie theater, Livonia, MI: A Graves fan writes, "Sir Graves made a special appearance; everyone was real excited as to what movie he was going to show at the theater--turned out to be THE GHOST & MR. CHICKEN w/ Don Knotts!"
1967 (late July) - Detroit Riots of 1967, Downtown, Detroit, MI: A Graves fan writes, "I was fortunate enough to meet Sir Graves in 1967. We were looking over our shoulders as the 1967 riots had just finished. I brought him a tape of Leona Anderson's "Music to suffer by". He really enjoyed it."
1970's (December, exact date unknown) - London, Ontario: Santa Parade.
1970's (date unknown) - Windsor, Ontario: Lawson Deming was the Grand Marshal for a Parade in Windsor.
1970's - Main Theatre, Royal Oak, MI: After screening of DRACULA, PRINCE OF DARKNESS, Sir Graves was the star of a magic show.
1970's (date unknown) - Montgomery Wards store, MI: A fan reports meeting Sir Graves at a Michigan Montgomery Wards store in the '70s.
1970's (date unknown) - Pontiac, MI: A Graves fan writes, "Sir Graves opened the Great Scott Super Market in Pontiac--this would have been in the '70s sometime. I remember standing in line with hundreds of other kids to get a picture and meet Sir Graves. It seems like they had him set up in the frozen foods section."
1970 (April) - The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Parade, Winchester, VA: A Graves fan writes, "He was in a black Cadillac convertible (no it was not a hearse), but being tall for my age he told me I would grow up to be a tall vampire. And with those famous words I'll always remember ('Happy Haunting!'), he drove away."
1972 (Saturday, March 25) - The Grande Ballroom, Detroit, MI: Sir Graves was an MC for the "Nova '70 Benefit" rock show, with bands; The Third Power, The Frut, Harvey Khek, Virgin Dawn, Pegasus, East Side Pair and Bad Manners. Fellow MC's that night were, Dave Miller and Star Man.
1972 ( Friday, October 13) - Cobo Hall, Detroit, MI: Sir Graves appeared at "The Black Cat Caper" show (whatever that was).
1970's (mid) - Macomb Mall, Roseville, MI: A Graves fan writes, "I met Sir Graves at the Macomb Mall in the mid 70's and bought an 'I Dig Graves' t-shirt."
1975 ( Saturday, October 25) - Trenton, MI: Graves appeared at the Trenton Jaycees Haunted House.
1977 or '78 - State Wayne Theater in Wayne, Michigan: A Graves fan writes, "Does anyone out there remember seeing Sir Graves at a public appearance with THE HULK and THE MUPPETS at some theater around '77 or 78? I remember my mom taking me & my brother to this appearance. We were so excited because the advertisement had a photo of The Muppets, Lou Ferrigno as The Hulk, and of course Sir Graves. Unfortunately, when we arrived, we found out that The Muppets supposedly 'canceled', and when The Hulk took the stage it was just some guy in an AstroTurf covered cardboard suit!!! The best thing that came out of it was we got an autographed photo of Sir Graves. Anyone happen to know when and where this appearance might've taken place?"
Updated 4/19/05! I recently got a great e-mail from a fan named, Jim Kessler, who also attended this event as a kid, and gave me the following update: "I just wanted to add some information to the Sir Graves Personal Appearance section of your fantastic web site. The '77-'78 (I'm really going to have to guess '78) appearance that S.G. made was at the State Wayne Theater. On the bill with the ghastly one was supposed to be Bob from Sesame Street performing along with a Children's Choir, if I remember correctly, and of course the worst looking Hulk costume known to man (it was big, bulky and hollow). The Sesame Street gang had to cancel their appearance due to weather conditions (snow?). I think this may have taken place during the winter time. I believe they may have been replaced with a magic act of some sort. I would have been 9 or 10 at the time, and was accompanying my younger brother and a cousin to the event. The highlight of the event for me was to actually meet Sir Graves and get an autographed photo (and the line was huge--kinda like seeing Santa in 'A Christmas Story')! When all else failed, Sir Graves came through!!! Hope this helps, keep up the great work on your site!" Thanks, Jim! This does help a lot and I thank you for taking the time to clear it up for us. I went on to ask Jim more about what exactly this event was (I assumed it was for a movie premiere tie-in or something similar), and here's what he added: "The theater (State Wayne) had stopped showing films a few months earlier and was trying to become a live entertainment venue. Bob / Sesame Street was the headline act. I suspect Sir Graves and the Hulk were on hand to get the bodies in the door. The theater was NOT showing films at that time (it has flip-flopped to the live theater format throughout it's history). I also seem to remember that 'Dr. Hook' was to be playing there at an upcoming engagement." Great details! In the future, I hope to be able to update this entry with a definitive date.
1978 (Saturday, exact date unknown) - Livonia Mall, Livonia, MI: A Graves fan writes, "I worked at Livonia Mall as a security officer. I had the honor to not only meet Mr. Deming, but to drive him around the mall in his own red Audi!!!! No kidding!!!! He was scheduled to do an appearance at the mall on a Saturday afternoon, and he arrived at the door where the Coney Island was, (this was in 1978), and I met him there. He was supposed to come in at the exit G door, so he announced to me that he was lost and was trying to flind the exit G door. I said that I would show him and he gave me the keys to his red Audi (nice ride), and asked if I would drive him. I was speechless!!!! Here I grew up with this guy, and I am driving him (in his car) around the mall, to the other side (south side) of the mall. I then took him in where he was supposed to go and I don't know if you ever met Sir Graves, but he is very short!! Probably about maybe, 5' tall, if that!!! I then obtained an autographed photo."
1978 (October) - Pizzeria Halloween Party, MI: A Graves fan writes, "My sister took me to a Halloween party at a local pizzeria that was to feature food, games, movies, a costume contest, and an appearance by Sir Graves Ghastly. I was cool with everything but the appearance by Sir Graves. I watched (or should I say attempted to watch) his show each week, but never made it through a whole show without getting scared. She assured me that there was nothing to worry about and I probably wouldn't even get close to him. The big day came and the party was lots of fun (the scary movie turned out to be a 16mm print of the Flintstones episode where Fred dresses up as a Godzilla-like monster). Then it was announced that Sir Graves had arrived. I was really nervous but had no time to react because he stormed into the room and was just like he was on TV, snarling laugh and all. Before any of the kids could get up and mob him it was announced that he would visit every table and sign autographs for every kid in the place!!! (There were at least 60 or 70 kids there, probably more!) I didn't know how to react. As he approached, I noticed that he wasn't as tall as I thought he'd be. He didn't seem to loom as large as I thought a 'monster' would. When he sat down at my table, he was the nicest man you could meet. I don't know why I expected him to be so scary. He was very patient and was 'on' the entire time. He laughed and interacted with us just like a grandfather would. He took an interest in all of our costumes and talked individually with each of us as he signed our pictures. His attention seemed very genuine and real. I still can't believe he was as involved as he was. I worked at a record store and saw many 'personal' appearances that were about as impersonal as it could get--'hand me the record, your name, thank you, next'. Sir Graves must've been there for at least two hours. It was hot in the place, too, and he was in his full costume. The guy was a true professional; the kind our likes won't likely see much of anymore. I'll never forget that day. From that moment on, I was never afraid of monsters again. I also never missed another episode of Sir Graves. I would still get scared by a movie, or a weird commercial, but never had to hide my face. Sir Graves served as the buffer to the horror and was a great 'friend' throughout the rest of my childhood. It pained me when he went off the air. Many thanks to Lawson Deming for ushering me into the 'reel' world of monster movies."
1979 (Saturday, June 16) - Northland Center, Southfield, MI: Sir Graves appeared with Digger Deeper, in the Penney-Hudson Square area of the mall.
1979 - Jerry Lewis MD Telethon, Southfield, MI: 1979 is definite, but I also know that he generally attended the event almost every year throughout the 1970's, so this isn't the only time he was there "working the fishbowl" to help collect donations.
1970's (late) - Kennedy Junior High School, St. Clair Shores, MI: A Graves fan writes, "I went to Kennedy Junior High School in St. Clair Shores. My teacher played trombone in a brass band. It was a benefit of some sort, and Sir Graves Ghastly was there. The whole class went, and I had the pleasure along with other classmates of mine, to meet Sir Graves. He was in full costume. It was something that I will always remember. They even had the casket there!"
1980 (date unknown) - Garden City, MI: Sir Graves was spotted by a fan at a car dealership in Garden City.
1980's (early) - Erie, MI: A Graves fan writes, "Back in the early '80s, there was a police officer (I think his name is Phil) who produced a magic show in Erie, MI for 3 or 4 years. Sir Graves was the MC."
19?? (date unknown) - Farmington Hills, MI: A Graves fan writes, "Once when I was a kid I met Sir Graves at a personal appearance at the Farmington Founder's Day Festival"
19?? (date unknown) - Fairlane Shopping Center, MI: A Graves fan writes, "I actually met him once when I was maybe 7 or 8 years old. He appeared at a March of Dimes fundraiser at the Fairlane shopping center. I was like the kid from A CHRISTMAS STORY--completely mute and dumb. I could barely manage to shake his hand. Just stood there drooling like a cretin until my mother dragged me away."
19?? (date unknown) - Lawson Deming relates: "The Junior Chamber of Commerce (in Detroit) would call and ask me to appear at their haunted houses." We can assume then, that he did appear at various Detroit area haunted houses over the years.
19?? (date unknown) - Detroit, MI: Graduation ceremony for Immaculate High School in Detroit.
19?? (date unknown) - Oxford, MI: Sir Graves appeared (at least once) at a Halloween haunted house in Oxford.
19?? (date unknown) - Farmington Hills, MI: A Graves fan writes, "My family and I met Sir Graves at the Farmington Hills Summer Celebration. My brother Chris and I received his autograph and pic. Chris even got to do his impersonation of Sir Graves. It was a blast and a memory we both remember fondly."
19?? (date unknown) - High School fundraiser event (city unknown): A Graves fan writes, "I not only got to meet Sir Graves Ghastly, I rolled him out on stage in a coffin! I grew up in a rural area, and our high school drama department wanted to do a fundraiser to buy new curtains for the stage. One of our supporters in the drama department was a lifelong friend of Sir Graves, and invited him to come to town. I remember the gymnasium in our middle school was packed with Moms and kids. My job was to roll Sir Graves out in a coffin, but, as I recall, to pretend it was empty, and we didn't know where Sir Graves was. Of course, he eventually opened the coffin to a wild round of applause. The two things I remember the most are watching him climb into the coffin, lie down, close his eyes, and say, 'Hey, this is comfortable'. Then he became (pardon the pun) deathly quiet. Afterwards, I saw him without his make-up, and his laugh was EXACTLY the same as when he was in costume! Overall, a delightful man and very entertaining personality. He signed a lot of autographs that day, and posed for dozens of pictures with the kids."

* * *

While we will probably never really know all the dates for every public appearance Sir Graves made over the years (both in Michigan and elsewhere), a few generalizations can be made, in addition to the list above. We do know that he definitely attended many of the following events during his reign (and even after his TV2 departure):

School parties/dances/Commencements/fundraisers Local community paradesStore Grand OpeningsHalloween Haunted Houses - Sir Graves attended many of these over the years! Lawson Deming has said that the Junior Chamber of Commerce (in Detroit) would often call and ask him to appear at their various haunted houses. He appeared at many in the metro Detroit area (and into Cleveland/Toledo areas, as well as around Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland viewing areas, when his show was airing there on WTOP-TV in the early '70s).
Shopping mall/store autograph sessions

More as I dig it up!
Please let me know if you have further info to add to this list.

	Personal Appearance Log
		Here you'll find my ongoing database of random Sir Graves personal appearance records (in chronological order wherever possible). Some of the entries came from fans who've written me, signed the guestbook, or posted on my message board. Others I culled from books, magazines, newspapers, the internet--wherever I can find it! By nature it will probably always appear a bit jumbled (almost like a sketchbook or grocery list), but I really feel it needs to be recorded. This log started out as just my own personal list I was keeping on the computer so I could keep track of such things for myself, but then I thought it might also prove interesting here on the site--for those as interested as me in such things (god help you). Be sure and drop me a line or sign the guestbook (if you haven't already) and let me know if you know of any other places you might've seen (or even heard about) old Gravesy attend when you were a kid, or if you can add any details to the events/entries already here (specific dates, memorabilia, etc) so I can add it to the list! Sir Graves Personal Appearance Log 1960's or early '70s - Movie theater, Livonia, MI: A Graves fan writes, "Sir Graves made a special appearance; everyone was real excited as to what movie he was going to show at the theater--turned out to be THE GHOST & MR. CHICKEN w/ Don Knotts!" 1967 (late July) - Detroit Riots of 1967, Downtown, Detroit, MI: A Graves fan writes, "I was fortunate enough to meet Sir Graves in 1967. We were looking over our shoulders as the 1967 riots had just finished. I brought him a tape of Leona Anderson's "Music to suffer by". He really enjoyed it." 1970's (December, exact date unknown) - London, Ontario: Santa Parade. 1970's (date unknown) - Windsor, Ontario: Lawson Deming was the Grand Marshal for a Parade in Windsor. 1970's - Main Theatre, Royal Oak, MI: After screening of DRACULA, PRINCE OF DARKNESS, Sir Graves was the star of a magic show. 1970's (date unknown) - Montgomery Wards store, MI: A fan reports meeting Sir Graves at a Michigan Montgomery Wards store in the '70s. 1970's (date unknown) - Pontiac, MI: A Graves fan writes, "Sir Graves opened the Great Scott Super Market in Pontiac--this would have been in the '70s sometime. I remember standing in line with hundreds of other kids to get a picture and meet Sir Graves. It seems like they had him set up in the frozen foods section." 1970 (April) - The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Parade, Winchester, VA: A Graves fan writes, "He was in a black Cadillac convertible (no it was not a hearse), but being tall for my age he told me I would grow up to be a tall vampire. And with those famous words I'll always remember ('Happy Haunting!'), he drove away." 1972 (Saturday, March 25) - The Grande Ballroom, Detroit, MI: Sir Graves was an MC for the "Nova '70 Benefit" rock show, with bands; The Third Power, The Frut, Harvey Khek, Virgin Dawn, Pegasus, East Side Pair and Bad Manners. Fellow MC's that night were, Dave Miller and Star Man. 1972 ( Friday, October 13) - Cobo Hall, Detroit, MI: Sir Graves appeared at "The Black Cat Caper" show (whatever that was). 1970's (mid) - Macomb Mall, Roseville, MI: A Graves fan writes, "I met Sir Graves at the Macomb Mall in the mid 70's and bought an 'I Dig Graves' t-shirt." 1975 ( Saturday, October 25) - Trenton, MI: Graves appeared at the Trenton Jaycees Haunted House. 1977 or '78 - State Wayne Theater in Wayne, Michigan: A Graves fan writes, "Does anyone out there remember seeing Sir Graves at a public appearance with THE HULK and THE MUPPETS at some theater around '77 or 78? I remember my mom taking me & my brother to this appearance. We were so excited because the advertisement had a photo of The Muppets, Lou Ferrigno as The Hulk, and of course Sir Graves. Unfortunately, when we arrived, we found out that The Muppets supposedly 'canceled', and when The Hulk took the stage it was just some guy in an AstroTurf covered cardboard suit!!! The best thing that came out of it was we got an autographed photo of Sir Graves. Anyone happen to know when and where this appearance might've taken place?" Updated 4/19/05! I recently got a great e-mail from a fan named, Jim Kessler, who also attended this event as a kid, and gave me the following update: "I just wanted to add some information to the Sir Graves Personal Appearance section of your fantastic web site. The '77-'78 (I'm really going to have to guess '78) appearance that S.G. made was at the State Wayne Theater. On the bill with the ghastly one was supposed to be Bob from Sesame Street performing along with a Children's Choir, if I remember correctly, and of course the worst looking Hulk costume known to man (it was big, bulky and hollow). The Sesame Street gang had to cancel their appearance due to weather conditions (snow?). I think this may have taken place during the winter time. I believe they may have been replaced with a magic act of some sort. I would have been 9 or 10 at the time, and was accompanying my younger brother and a cousin to the event. The highlight of the event for me was to actually meet Sir Graves and get an autographed photo (and the line was huge--kinda like seeing Santa in 'A Christmas Story')! When all else failed, Sir Graves came through!!! Hope this helps, keep up the great work on your site!" Thanks, Jim! This does help a lot and I thank you for taking the time to clear it up for us. I went on to ask Jim more about what exactly this event was (I assumed it was for a movie premiere tie-in or something similar), and here's what he added: "The theater (State Wayne) had stopped showing films a few months earlier and was trying to become a live entertainment venue. Bob / Sesame Street was the headline act. I suspect Sir Graves and the Hulk were on hand to get the bodies in the door. The theater was NOT showing films at that time (it has flip-flopped to the live theater format throughout it's history). I also seem to remember that 'Dr. Hook' was to be playing there at an upcoming engagement." Great details! In the future, I hope to be able to update this entry with a definitive date. 1978 (Saturday, exact date unknown) - Livonia Mall, Livonia, MI: A Graves fan writes, "I worked at Livonia Mall as a security officer. I had the honor to not only meet Mr. Deming, but to drive him around the mall in his own red Audi!!!! No kidding!!!! He was scheduled to do an appearance at the mall on a Saturday afternoon, and he arrived at the door where the Coney Island was, (this was in 1978), and I met him there. He was supposed to come in at the exit G door, so he announced to me that he was lost and was trying to flind the exit G door. I said that I would show him and he gave me the keys to his red Audi (nice ride), and asked if I would drive him. I was speechless!!!! Here I grew up with this guy, and I am driving him (in his car) around the mall, to the other side (south side) of the mall. I then took him in where he was supposed to go and I don't know if you ever met Sir Graves, but he is very short!! Probably about maybe, 5' tall, if that!!! I then obtained an autographed photo." 1978 (October) - Pizzeria Halloween Party, MI: A Graves fan writes, "My sister took me to a Halloween party at a local pizzeria that was to feature food, games, movies, a costume contest, and an appearance by Sir Graves Ghastly. I was cool with everything but the appearance by Sir Graves. I watched (or should I say attempted to watch) his show each week, but never made it through a whole show without getting scared. She assured me that there was nothing to worry about and I probably wouldn't even get close to him. The big day came and the party was lots of fun (the scary movie turned out to be a 16mm print of the Flintstones episode where Fred dresses up as a Godzilla-like monster). Then it was announced that Sir Graves had arrived. I was really nervous but had no time to react because he stormed into the room and was just like he was on TV, snarling laugh and all. Before any of the kids could get up and mob him it was announced that he would visit every table and sign autographs for every kid in the place!!! (There were at least 60 or 70 kids there, probably more!) I didn't know how to react. As he approached, I noticed that he wasn't as tall as I thought he'd be. He didn't seem to loom as large as I thought a 'monster' would. When he sat down at my table, he was the nicest man you could meet. I don't know why I expected him to be so scary. He was very patient and was 'on' the entire time. He laughed and interacted with us just like a grandfather would. He took an interest in all of our costumes and talked individually with each of us as he signed our pictures. His attention seemed very genuine and real. I still can't believe he was as involved as he was. I worked at a record store and saw many 'personal' appearances that were about as impersonal as it could get--'hand me the record, your name, thank you, next'. Sir Graves must've been there for at least two hours. It was hot in the place, too, and he was in his full costume. The guy was a true professional; the kind our likes won't likely see much of anymore. I'll never forget that day. From that moment on, I was never afraid of monsters again. I also never missed another episode of Sir Graves. I would still get scared by a movie, or a weird commercial, but never had to hide my face. Sir Graves served as the buffer to the horror and was a great 'friend' throughout the rest of my childhood. It pained me when he went off the air. Many thanks to Lawson Deming for ushering me into the 'reel' world of monster movies." 1979 (Saturday, June 16) - Northland Center, Southfield, MI: Sir Graves appeared with Digger Deeper, in the Penney-Hudson Square area of the mall. 1979 - Jerry Lewis MD Telethon, Southfield, MI: 1979 is definite, but I also know that he generally attended the event almost every year throughout the 1970's, so this isn't the only time he was there "working the fishbowl" to help collect donations. 1970's (late) - Kennedy Junior High School, St. Clair Shores, MI: A Graves fan writes, "I went to Kennedy Junior High School in St. Clair Shores. My teacher played trombone in a brass band. It was a benefit of some sort, and Sir Graves Ghastly was there. The whole class went, and I had the pleasure along with other classmates of mine, to meet Sir Graves. He was in full costume. It was something that I will always remember. They even had the casket there!" 1980 (date unknown) - Garden City, MI: Sir Graves was spotted by a fan at a car dealership in Garden City. 1980's (early) - Erie, MI: A Graves fan writes, "Back in the early '80s, there was a police officer (I think his name is Phil) who produced a magic show in Erie, MI for 3 or 4 years. Sir Graves was the MC." 19?? (date unknown) - Farmington Hills, MI: A Graves fan writes, "Once when I was a kid I met Sir Graves at a personal appearance at the Farmington Founder's Day Festival" 19?? (date unknown) - Fairlane Shopping Center, MI: A Graves fan writes, "I actually met him once when I was maybe 7 or 8 years old. He appeared at a March of Dimes fundraiser at the Fairlane shopping center. I was like the kid from A CHRISTMAS STORY--completely mute and dumb. I could barely manage to shake his hand. Just stood there drooling like a cretin until my mother dragged me away." 19?? (date unknown) - Lawson Deming relates: "The Junior Chamber of Commerce (in Detroit) would call and ask me to appear at their haunted houses." We can assume then, that he did appear at various Detroit area haunted houses over the years. 19?? (date unknown) - Detroit, MI: Graduation ceremony for Immaculate High School in Detroit. 19?? (date unknown) - Oxford, MI: Sir Graves appeared (at least once) at a Halloween haunted house in Oxford. 19?? (date unknown) - Farmington Hills, MI: A Graves fan writes, "My family and I met Sir Graves at the Farmington Hills Summer Celebration. My brother Chris and I received his autograph and pic. Chris even got to do his impersonation of Sir Graves. It was a blast and a memory we both remember fondly." 19?? (date unknown) - High School fundraiser event (city unknown): A Graves fan writes, "I not only got to meet Sir Graves Ghastly, I rolled him out on stage in a coffin! I grew up in a rural area, and our high school drama department wanted to do a fundraiser to buy new curtains for the stage. One of our supporters in the drama department was a lifelong friend of Sir Graves, and invited him to come to town. I remember the gymnasium in our middle school was packed with Moms and kids. My job was to roll Sir Graves out in a coffin, but, as I recall, to pretend it was empty, and we didn't know where Sir Graves was. Of course, he eventually opened the coffin to a wild round of applause. The two things I remember the most are watching him climb into the coffin, lie down, close his eyes, and say, 'Hey, this is comfortable'. Then he became (pardon the pun) deathly quiet. Afterwards, I saw him without his make-up, and his laugh was EXACTLY the same as when he was in costume! Overall, a delightful man and very entertaining personality. He signed a lot of autographs that day, and posed for dozens of pictures with the kids." * * * While we will probably never really know all the dates for every public appearance Sir Graves made over the years (both in Michigan and elsewhere), a few generalizations can be made, in addition to the list above. We do know that he definitely attended many of the following events during his reign (and even after his TV2 departure): School parties/dances/Commencements/fundraisers Local community paradesStore Grand OpeningsHalloween Haunted Houses - Sir Graves attended many of these over the years! Lawson Deming has said that the Junior Chamber of Commerce (in Detroit) would often call and ask him to appear at their various haunted houses. He appeared at many in the metro Detroit area (and into Cleveland/Toledo areas, as well as around Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland viewing areas, when his show was airing there on WTOP-TV in the early '70s). Shopping mall/store autograph sessions More as I dig it up! Please let me know if you have further info to add to this list. All content & graphics ©2005 Keith Milford. All Rights Reserved.