Author Archives: Don Taylor

Donna Darling’s Surprise Appearance in Portland, Oregon – May 26, 1924.

An exciting discovery from The Oregonian (May 26, 1924)!
My grandmother, Madonna Montran—also known as Donna Darling—was a surprise addition to the vaudeville lineup that week, performing alongside her two male dance partners. Described as “a darling maid,” Donna’s act was full of lively steps and charming group songs. It’s always a thrill to uncover new stories from Donna’s 1910s-1920s showbiz days! Continue reading

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Donna Darling at Imperial Theatre, Cleveland, OH, May 25-27, 1927.

Donna in the News98 Years Agoby Don Taylor “Donna in the News” reports newly found newspaper articles and advertisements regarding my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran and Donna Darling). I am always excited when I see a new venue … Continue reading

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Portraits and Performing Arts: More High School Graduates from the 1950’s and 60’s.

Gardner, Hanson, Hunter, McLaughlin, & Somma. Linwood Dyer Collection (Part 068)By Don Taylor Continuing with the Linwood Dyer Photo Collection – “High School Graduation Portraits from the 1960s,” this entry highlights five additional portraits. These graduates represent Deering, Falmouth, Gorham, … Continue reading

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New Faces from the 1960s: High School Graduation Photos

Chadbourne, Chapman, Hague, Kilmartin, & Regan. Linwood Dyer Collection (Part 067)By Don Taylor As I neared the end of the Willis Skillin Graduation Album, I found that the remaining images were, unfortunately, unlabeled and don’t appear to be student portraits, … Continue reading

Posted in Photo Identification, Portland History, Linwood Dyer Collection, High School Yearbooks, Maine History, Standish History, 1960s Genealogy, Family Photo Research, Faces from the Past, Educational Archives | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Montran Monday – A Watch Lost and Found in Pasadena, 1922

By Don Taylor As part of my ongoing “Montran Monday” series[i], I search historical newspapers for any mention of individuals bearing the Montran surname. Each small discovery helps me piece together the broader story of my maternal grandmother’s elusive father. … Continue reading

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