Author Archives: Don Taylor

Donna 100 Years ago – Binghamton Theater, Binghamton, New York

Posted on January 26, 2022 by Don Taylor

100 Years Ago Donna Darling & Boys By Don Taylor [“Donna 100 Years Ago” is my reporting of items relating to my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran and Donna Darling). Hers was the exciting world of 1920s vaudeville. She … Continue reading →

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Grandparent surnames in the 1940 Census

Posted on January 22, 2022 by Don Taylor

[Last Saturday, Randy Seaver, in his blog Genea-Musings, suggested looking at grandparent surnames and seeing how many are in the 1940 Census. He also asked if we had done a “one-name search” for any of those surnames.] My four grandparents … Continue reading →

Posted in Brown-Montran, Darling-Huber, Howell-Hobbs, Montran Project, Roberts-Barnes | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Ethel Wight Collection – Part 64

Posted on January 21, 2022 by Don Taylor

Huston, Hutchins, Hybers, Hysom, & née Winslow Photo Friday Ethel Wight Collection By Don Taylor This week, for Photo Friday, I identify the people in five more envelopes from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection[i]. The envelopes contain the names who … Continue reading →

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Gateway and Immigrant (Original) Ancestors

Posted on January 20, 2022 by Don Taylor

By Don Taylor My local Genealogy Group[i] recently met via Zoom and discussed “Gateway Ancestors” and “Immigrant Ancestors.” A Gateway Ancestor is one that you find that can be the individual that, once you have a direct connection to that … Continue reading →

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Chin Chin at Chatterton Opera House, Bloomington, IL – 1 Nov 1919

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Don Taylor

Vaudeville Chin Chin By Don Taylor Donna joined the “Chin-Chin” show on 30 October 1919 and found no let up. Travel, show, then travel again to the next venue. It was a non-stop different town every night. On Oct 30, … Continue reading →

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