The quintessential blonde bombshell

Q: I have several questions about actress Jayne Mansfield. Was Mansfield her birth name or married name? Did she turn down a role for a TV sitcom? How old was she when she died in a car accident? ‘ G.B.L., Orangeburg, S.C.
A: Vera Jayne Palmer entered the world on April 19, 1933, in Bryn Mawr, Pa. In 1950, at the age of 16, she married Paul Mansfield. The two later divorced, but she liked the sound of her last name and decided to keep it. She turned down the role of Ginger Grant in ‘Gilligan’s Island.’ She died in a car accident in Slidell, La., at the age of 34.
Q: Several years ago, my husband and I were touring an art colony. In one of the studios, the artist created beautiful pictures using pieces of ground-up glass and glass powder. When finished, the picture was placed in a kiln; the fused glass produced an incredible image. There is a name for this process. Do you know what it is? ‘ J.T.E., Mankato, Minn.
A: The crushed-glass pieces are called ‘frits,’ and the process is called ‘fritography.’ A skilled artist can create photorealistic artwork with this process.
Did you know … actor Paul Newman’s middle name is Leonard?
Q: The New York Yankees play their final season in Yankee Stadium this year. Starting in 2009, they will play in a new state-of-the-art stadium across the street from their current home. Is Yankee Stadium the oldest stadium in the major leagues? ‘ G.L., Yardley, Pa.
A: Though its days are numbered, Yankee Stadium is not the oldest ballpark in the majors. The House That Ruth Built opened April 18, 1923, but there are two ballparks with a longer history. Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, debuted in 1914, and Boston’s Fenway Park opened in 1912, making it the oldest park.
Q: Over the years, I’ve heard and read the term ‘grouch bag.’ I vaguely recall my grandfather having one. I have no idea what it is. Can you help me out? ‘ P.N., Winchester, Va.
A: ‘Grouch bag’ is possibly a carnival term that originated in the early 1900s. It’s a drawstring bag worn around the neck to keep a person’s money safe. Money saved in such a bag was often called ‘grouch money,’ and the person doing the saving was a ‘grouch.’ I have also read that the bag originated with actors. I have not been able to find a reasonable explanation for the unusual name of the bag.
Q: Every once in a while, I get a mail offering of lithographic prints. Some of those prints may be bought with a ‘remarque.’ Other than costing a lot more money, I have never been able to figure out what a remarque is. ‘ P.T.L., Memphis, Tenn.
A: A remarque is a small pencil drawing or sketch, usually in the lower margin of the print. Apart from increasing the cost of the print, the remarque adds a personal touch to the piece of art and possibly, in time, a lot of value.
Q: The American flag is flown at half-staff to mourn a loss. Why? ‘ M.V., Ames, Iowa
A: According to legend, the losing forces after a battle would lower their flag to make room for the victors to fly their flag above theirs. Around the 17th century, it was custom to lower the ship’s flag at half-mast when a crewmember was lost. The lowered flag made room for the invisible flag of the Angel of Death.
Q: In the National Basketball Association, what are the fewest points scored in a game? ‘ E.C., Pittsfield, Ill.
A: On Feb. 27, 1955, Milwaukee and Boston combined for a total of 119 points. Boston won the game, 62-57.

(Send your questions to Mr. Know-It-All, c/o United Feature Syndicate, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016.)