Author Archives: Don Taylor

Portland High School Students of 1918 (Part 1).

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Don Taylor

“Portland High School Students of 1918 (Part 1),” showcases 18 graduation portraits from the Linwood Dyer Collection, taken at Adams Studio in Portland, Maine. Through inscriptions and a 1918 newspaper listing graduates, Taylor identifies students like Lucille Brackett and Herbert Manchester, preserving their legacies Continue reading →

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Joseph A. Holdsworth: A Tangle of Business, Bankruptcy, and Betrayal.

Posted on June 2, 2025 by Don Taylor

The story of great-grandma Ida’s third husband, Joseph A. Holdsworth, is a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century business and scandal. From managing a major paint company’s expansion to facing bank fraud charges and bankruptcy, Holdsworth’s tale is a lesson in ambition, deception, and downfall. Continue reading →

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Preserving Legacies: Blackstone, Bourgoin, Johnston, Skillings, & Stevens

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Don Taylor

Linwood Dyer Collection (Part 069)By Don Taylor Continuing with the Linwood Dyer Photo Collection, two photos are from “High School Graduation Portraits.” I have a handful of other pictures from that group that require further work to identify, because the … Continue reading →

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

Posted on May 26, 2025 by Don Taylor

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.

Posted on May 25, 2025 by Don Taylor

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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