Joseph Bernier was born in Tupper Lake NY to Peter Bernier and Georgianna Collins..
From 1917 until 1919 he served overseas with the Army's 66th Division. On his return, instead of folowing his trade as a shoemaker, he descided to go into show business under the stage name "Al Barney".
Joseph Bernier was in show business for over 50 years ranging from medicine shows, minstrel performances, solos, night clubs to vaudeville. In his performing days he was also featured as "Little Joe".
In the 1940's, Joseph-then living in Cheektowaga NY-made frequent performances in the Buffalo area as a comedian, clown or Santa Claus. He formed a small theater group named the Tiorunda Players, in which he worked as an actor, producer and director.
While living in Buffalo he also worked at the Curtiss-Wright Co. and Westinghouse.
Joseph worked for the Honeyboy Minstrels, the Pelham Players of Erie P.A. and was a member of Mother of Divine Grace Church.
His Wife.....Grace Dupont Bernier
His Children....Robert, Thelma, Ernest, Jaqueline(Jackie) & Marie....
From 1917 until 1919 he served overseas with the Army's 66th Division. On his return, instead of folowing his trade as a shoemaker, he descided to go into show business under the stage name "Al Barney".
Joseph Bernier was in show business for over 50 years ranging from medicine shows, minstrel performances, solos, night clubs to vaudeville. In his performing days he was also featured as "Little Joe".
In the 1940's, Joseph-then living in Cheektowaga NY-made frequent performances in the Buffalo area as a comedian, clown or Santa Claus. He formed a small theater group named the Tiorunda Players, in which he worked as an actor, producer and director.
While living in Buffalo he also worked at the Curtiss-Wright Co. and Westinghouse.
Joseph worked for the Honeyboy Minstrels, the Pelham Players of Erie P.A. and was a member of Mother of Divine Grace Church.
His Wife.....Grace Dupont Bernier
His Children....Robert, Thelma, Ernest, Jaqueline(Jackie) & Marie....
Joseph Bernier was born in Tupper Lake NY to Peter Bernier and Georgianna Collins..
From 1917 until 1919 he served overseas with the Army's 66th Division. On his return, instead of folowing his trade as a shoemaker, he descided to go into show business under the stage name "Al Barney".
Joseph Bernier was in show business for over 50 years ranging from medicine shows, minstrel performances, solos, night clubs to vaudeville. In his performing days he was also featured as "Little Joe".
In the 1940's, Joseph-then living in Cheektowaga NY-made frequent performances in the Buffalo area as a comedian, clown or Santa Claus. He formed a small theater group named the Tiorunda Players, in which he worked as an actor, producer and director.
While living in Buffalo he also worked at the Curtiss-Wright Co. and Westinghouse.
Joseph worked for the Honeyboy Minstrels, the Pelham Players of Erie P.A. and was a member of Mother of Divine Grace Church.
His Wife.....Grace Dupont Bernier
His Children....Robert, Thelma, Ernest, Jaqueline(Jackie) & Marie....
From 1917 until 1919 he served overseas with the Army's 66th Division. On his return, instead of folowing his trade as a shoemaker, he descided to go into show business under the stage name "Al Barney".
Joseph Bernier was in show business for over 50 years ranging from medicine shows, minstrel performances, solos, night clubs to vaudeville. In his performing days he was also featured as "Little Joe".
In the 1940's, Joseph-then living in Cheektowaga NY-made frequent performances in the Buffalo area as a comedian, clown or Santa Claus. He formed a small theater group named the Tiorunda Players, in which he worked as an actor, producer and director.
While living in Buffalo he also worked at the Curtiss-Wright Co. and Westinghouse.
Joseph worked for the Honeyboy Minstrels, the Pelham Players of Erie P.A. and was a member of Mother of Divine Grace Church.
His Wife.....Grace Dupont Bernier
His Children....Robert, Thelma, Ernest, Jaqueline(Jackie) & Marie....
Gravesite Details
I was told that the the portrait of Bert in the very professional looking studio portrait was taken on the same day in the same studio as when the picture was taken of him as a clown!
