Several hundred people crowd into the Laurel and Hardy Museum in Harlem after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The museum contains hundreds of Laurel and Hardy artifacts and allows fans to view movies on a big screen. JIM BLAYLOCK/STAFF

But Monday's pilgrimage to Harlem for the Laurel and Hardy Museum grand opening ranks first for him on a list that includes San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Chicago.

"This is a dream come true," said Mr. Calvert, of Yorkshire, United Kingdom. "If I had one chance to go to a place in the world, this would be it."

Hardy was born in Harlem on Jan. 18, 1892.

Once the ribbon was cut Monday, the newly renovated building quickly filled with admirers hoping to get a glimpse of the memorabilia on display and visit with other fans.

Much of the crowd arrived in buses driven from the Sons of the Desert International Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society convention in Nashville, Tenn.

"We've been waiting for this day for a long time," said Steve Brown, who served as convention host and is the official projectionist for the yearly Oliver Hardy Festival.

Former Laurel and Hardy movie actors Dorothy DeBorba (from left), Jean Darling and Jerry Tucker were on hand to sign autographs for the museum's grand opening Monday. JIM BLAYLOCK/STAFF

Also making an appearance were several actors who worked with Laurel and Hardy. Jean Darling appeared in the 1934 movie Babes in Toyland when she was 4 and said the trip allowed her a chance to see where one of her mentors was born.

"It's a great honor to have someone as famous as (Hardy) be born here," said Mrs. Darling, who as a child also appeared as one of the Little Rascals.

Now that the museum is up and running, some residents said they hope it will bring in the tourism dollars that council members said it would. If not, Robert Baldowski said, it will at least provide entertainment.

"It's a good clean event for people to bring their family to," Mr. Baldowski said. "It was funny then, and it's funny now."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Laurel and Hardy Museum

WHERE: 250 N. Louisville St., Harlem

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 1-4 p.m. Sunday

TO DO: Look at hundreds of artifacts and view Laurel and Hardy movies on a big screen

Reach Louie Villalobos at (706) 868-1222, Ext. 109, or ccchron@augustachronicle.com.