The Life of Madonna Mae Montran
(aka Donna Montran, Donna Darling, & Donna Kees)
The Early Years – Madonna
Short Biography – Madonna Mae Montran (1893-1976)
Feb 20, 1893 – Albion, Calhoun County, Michigan – Madonna Montran’s Birth
Oct 1, 1911 – Marriage to Chester Fenyvessey of Troy, New York, at Welland, Ontario, Canada.
The Early Career – Donna Montran (1914-1918)
Sep 1, 1914 – 100 Years Ago – Madonna Mae Montran.
1915
July 22-23, 1915 – Saugus, Mass. – Donna’s Biplane Flight (Boston Daily Globe)
– – – – – Route of Flight Changed.
SEP 5/1915-BOSTON
Sep 15, 1915 – She Kissed Polititians at Republican Banquet (Boston).
Nov 24, 1915 – Marriage to Thomas Valentine Rooney of Boston, Massachusetts, at Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
1916
Dec 1916 – Trys out for Preparedness Bazaar and “Miss Boston”
Beauties at City Hall, Boston, included Donna
1917
Jul 1917 – Madonna sang at the reopening of the Helen Keller House – See Pininterest
1918
JAN 27 – Boston Sunday Post – Play With Dolls To Banish Fatigue?
Feb 13 – Began appearing on the “United Time” with Arthur Daly in New York.
April 10, 1918 – Dinna [sic] Montran & George Kinnier form an act for the Moss and Loew Circuits.
General Information Regarding Donna
More Findings about Donna though Newspapers.Com
Early Vaudeville – Donna Montran – 1919-1920
Jan 31-April 25, 1919 – Donna Montran and Trixie Bressler in a new sketch by Roland West.
Aug.-Sep, 1919 – New York – Donna Montran – Charles Smith & Able Green
Sep. 15, 1919 – Lancaster, Colonial Theater.
Circa 1919 – Donna’s Leaving Hollywood (Based upon recollections from the 1960s)
Chin Chin
Oct 30, 1919 – Decatur, IL – Lincoln Square Theater – Donna joins “Chin Chin Cast.” – Callout.
Oct 31, 1919 – Urbana, IL – Illinois Theatre – “Chin Chin.”
Nov 1, 1919 – Bloomington, IL – Chatterton Opera House.
Nov 2, 1919 – Kankakee, IL – Majestic Theater – “Chin-Chin” In the News.
Nov 3, 1919 – Streator, IL – Plumb
Nov 4, 1919 – Dixon, IL – Dixon Opera House
Nov 5, 1919 – Cedar Rapids, IA – Greene’s
Nov 6, 1919 – Des Moines, IA – Berchel
Nov 7-8, 1919 – Omaha, Nebraska – Brandeis Theater
Nov 9-15, 1919 – Denver, Colorado – Broadway Theatre
Nov 16, 1919 – Trinidad, Colorado – Unknown Theatre – In the News
Nov 18, 1919 – Pueblo, Colorado – Grand Oprah House
Nov 19, 1919 – Colorado Springs, Colorado – Burns Theater
Nov 20, 1919 – Fort Collins, Colorado – Empress Theater
Nov 21, 1919 – Greeley, Colorado – (Sterling or Rex Theatre) See: In the News
Nov 22, 1919 – Cheyenne, Wyoming – Princess Theater
Nov 23, 1919 – Rock Springs, Wyoming – Grand Theater
Nov 24-25, 1919 – Nov 24-25, 1919 – Salt Lake Theatre, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Nov 26, 1919 – Orpheum Theater – Ogden, Utah – Callout!
Dec 1, 1919 – Lavering Theatre – Twin Falls, Idaho
Dec 2, 1919 – Burley Theatre – Burley, Idaho
Dec 3, 1919 – No Show – Girls at American Legion See Dec 4th for details.
Dec 4-7, 1919 – Pinney Theatre – Boise, ID – Callout!
– – – – – Donna at Owyhee Hotel
Dec 9, 1919 – Arcade Theatre – La Grande, Oregon
Dec 10, 1919 – Oregon Theatre – Pendleton, OR – Callout!
Dec 24, 1919 – Donna wishes Roehm & Richards a Merry Christmas
Dec 25-27, 1919 – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Avenue Theater – Callout!
1920
Jan 1-3 – Edmonton, Alberta Canada, Empire Theatre Chin-Chin starts the New Year.
– – – – – Chin-Chin in the News – 1 Jan 1920 – Edmonton, Alberta
Jan 5-6 – Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada – Empress Theatre – Callout!
Jan 7, 1920 – Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada – Majestic Theatre
Jan 8-10, 1920 – Calgary, Alberta, Canada – Grand Theatre
Jan 12-14, 1920 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada – Empire Theatre – Callout! – Donna in the News.
Jan 15-17, 1920 – Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada – Regina Theater – UPDATED 5 July 2020.
Jan 19-24, 1920 – Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada – Walker Theatre
Feb 1-7, 1920 – Minneapolis, MN – Metropolitan Opera House – Callout! – “In the News“
Feb 8 – Sunday
Feb 9 – Unknown
Feb 10, 1920 – La Crosse, WI – La Crosse Theatre – Donna in the News
Feb 11, 1920 – Chippewa Falls, WI – Rex Theatre
Feb 12, 1920 – Eau Claire, WI – Grand Theatre – Callout!
Feb 13, 1920 – Janesville, WI – Myers Grand Opera House (Myers Theater)
Feb 14, 1920 – Madison, WI – Fuller Opera House
Feb 15, 1920 – Fort Wayne, IN, Majestic Theater.
Feb 16-18 – Unknown
Feb 19, 1920 – Logansport, IN – Nelson Theater – Callout!
Feb 20-21, 1920 – Grand Rapids, Michigan – Powers Theater – Callout!
Feb 22 – Sunday.
Feb 23, 1920 – Muskegon, MI – Regent Theater
Feb 24 – Unknown
Feb 25, 1920 – Bay City, MI – Washington Theater
Feb 26, 1920 – Saginaw, MI – Auditorium Theatre – Callout!
Feb 27 – Unkinown
Feb 28, 1920 – Ann Arbor, MI – Whitney Theater
Feb 29 – Sunday.
Mar 1, 1920 – Baltimore – Auditorium
March 4-6, 1920 – Rochester, NY – Lyceum Theater – Chin Chin – Newspapers
March 9, 1920 – Salamanca, NY – Andrews Theater (Fulton History)
Mar 12, 1920 – Franklin, PA – Franklin Opera House
Mar 15, 1920 – Oil City, PA – Oil City Opera House
Mar 16, 1920 – Jamestown, NY – Opera House. (Fulton History)
Mar 20, 1920 – Greenville, PA – Laird Opera House – Callout!
Mar 27, 1920 – Wheeling, West Virginia – Court Theatre – “Chin Chin.” – In the News
Mar 29, 30, 31 – Akron, OH – Grand Opera House.
April 1, 1920 – Canton, OH – Grand Opera House – Callout!
April 2-3, 1920 – Dayton, OH – Victory Theater – “Chin Chin” – Callout!
April 4, 1920 – Camp Sherman, OH – Liberty Theatre
April 5, 1920 – Sandusky, OH – Sandusky Theater
April 6, 1920 – Lima, OH – Faurot Opera House
April 8, 1920 – Youngstown, OH – Park Theatre
April 9, 1920 – Steubenville, OH – Victoria Theatre
April 10, 1920 – New Philadelphia, OH – Union Theatre
April 12, 1920 – Coshocton, OH – 6th Street Theater
April 13, 1920 – Zanesville, OH – Weller Theater
April 20, 1920 – Cumberland, MD – Maryland Theatre
April 21, 1920 – Winchester, WV – Empire Theatre (In the News)
April 22, 1920 – Frederick, MD – Frederick City Opera House
April 23, 1920 – Carlisle, PA – Carlisle Opera House
April 24, 1920 – Reading, PA – Rajah Theatre
April 26&27, 1920 – Pottsville, PA – Hippodrome
April 30, 1920 – Mannoy City – Family Theatre
May 2, 1920 – Allentown, PA – Lyric Theatre – Benefit for St. Catharine’s Church – Callout!
May 3, 1920 – Allentown, PA – Lyric Theatre – “Chin Chin”
May 4, 1920 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Grand Opera House – “Chin Chin”
May 7 & 8, 1920 – Paterson, NY – Lyceum Theater – Chin Chin – News – News 7/5/1920
May 10, 1920 – Albany, NY – Proctor’s – Harmanus Bleecker Hall
May 13, 1920 – Bennington, VT – Bennington Opera House – Chin Chin.
May 14, 1920 – North Adams, MA – Empire Theater – Chin Chin.
May 15, 1920 – Pittsfield, MA – Colonial Theater – Chin Chin.
May 16, 1920 – Jamestown, NY – Opera House – Chin Chin
May 17, 1920 – Johnstown, NY – The Grand – Chin Chin (via Fulton History)
May 18, 1920 – Oneonta, NY – Oneonta Theatre – Chin Chin.
May 19, 1920 – Mt. Carmel, PA
May 21, 1920 – Geneva, NY – Smith Opera House
May 22, 1920 – Elmira, NY – Lyceum Theatre – Chin Chin
May 28, 1920 – York, PA – Orpheum Theatre – News
May 29, 1920 – Lancaster, PA – Fulton Opera House – Chin Chin – News 7/5/19.
May 31 – June 1, 1920 – Bridgeport, CT – Park Theatre
June 5, 1920 – Meriden, CT, Poli’s – Final show of “Chin Chin.”
Map showing the cities that Donna played in Chin Chin – Nov 1919 to May 1920
Blue (Nov), Purple (Dec), Red (Jan), Olive Green (Feb), Brown (Mar), Yellow (Apr), Gray (May)
July 8, 1920 – Engaged for part in the Louise Hugg-Albert Capellani picture.
California Bathing Girls
July 14, 1920 – Bathing Girls show postponed.
Jul 26-Aug 29, 1920 – New York, NY – Moss’ Broadway at 41st – California Bathing Girls in “A Beach Promenade.”
– – – – – The Donna Darling Collection – Part 2
– – – – – The Donna Montran Collection – Part 42
Aug 09-21, 1920 – Philadelphia, PA – Metropolitan Opera House – Original California Bathing Girls.
– – – – – The Donna Darling Collection – Part 20
Sep. 6-13, 1920 – Coney Island, NY – Henderson’s Theater – California Bathing Girls
September 14-17 – Baltimore, MD – Pacy’s Garden Theatre – The California Bathing Girls – News
Sept 19-21, 1920 – Washington, District of Columbia – Cosmos – California Bathing Girls – Newspapers.com – GB
Sep. 22 thru 25 – Albany, NY – Clinton Theatre – The California Bathing Girls.
(Albany Awakens to the Benefits of Exploitation)
Sep. 27 thru Oct 3 – Philadelphia, PA – Allegheny Theater – California Bathing Beauties (Donna Darling Collection – Part 13)
Oct. 3 thru 10 – Philadelphia, PA – Globe Theater California Bathing Beauties
October 5-6, 1920 – Alexandria, IN – Liberty Theatre – California Bathing Girls.
October 14-16, 1920 – Camden, NY – The Towers Theatre – California Bathing Girls.
Oct 25-30, 1920 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Capitol – Donna Montran and her California Bathing Beauties.
Nov 1-3, 1920 – Pottsville – Hippodrome – “A Beach Promenade” (DDC)
Nov 4-6, 1920 – Reading, PA – Orpheum –
Nov 8-10 (Possibly later ) – Fay’s Theatre, Providence, RI – Donna Montran and Her Bathing Beauties. DDC
10 November (Possibly later) – Immediately after being at Fay’s in Providence) – Colonial Theater, Newport, RI.
(December 1, 1920 – Margaret Maley quit to get married.)
December 8, 1920 – Proctors, 58th Street – Donna Montran Beauties (New York)
December 19-22, 1920 – New Haven, CT – Bijou – California Bathing Girls – DDC-8 – News
December 22-25 – Palace Theater – Hartford, CT – California Bathing Girls.
December 25, 1920 – Donna Montran Christmas Greetings through the New York Star. (DDC)
December 27-29, 1920 – “Donna Montran and Her ‘Bathing Beauties’” played Plaza-Let’s Go in Worchester, MA. – DDC-88 – GB
Dec 30, 1920, thru 1 Jan 1921 – Bridgeport, CT – Plaza Theater – California Bathing Beauties. (Bridgeport Telegram & Bridgeport Evening Farmer.
1921
Jan 12-15, 1921 – Paterson, New Jersey – Majestic Theatre – Donna Montran and her Bathing Beauties in a Beach Promenade – Donna in the News.
Jan 25-?, 1921 – Brooklyn, New York – Keeney Theatre – Donna Montran and her “California Bathing Beauties” News May 2019
January 31 – Feb 2, 1921 – Strand Theater (Amsterdam, NY) – Donna Montran and her “California Bathing Beauties.” DDC-70.
March 3-5, 1921 – The State Street Theatre, Trenton, New Jersey – “Tom Rooney’s and Earl Lindsay’s California Bathing Girls.” – News
March 14-16, 1921 – Cosmos Theater – Washington, DC. – California Bathing Girls – In the News.
March 20, 1921 – Baltimore, Maryland – Garden Theatre – “The California Bathing Girls with Donna Montran” – News
Unknown Date [Aug-Dec] 1920 – Unknown Location – Proctor’s – Donna Montran Bathing Beauties (also Eugene O’Brien and Annette Kellerman in “What Women Love.”
Donna was breaking in a new single “As you Like It.”
Before May 1921 and after July 1920 – Temple Theatre, unknown location. (See DDC-67)
Date unknown [May or June] – Donna Closed the Show for the Summer.
1921-1922 – Donna Darling & Boys – “As You Like It”
June 30 – July 2, 1921 – Beacon, New York, State Theatre, “As You Like It” with Donna Montran. [DDC-59]
July 4-6, 1921 – Red Bank, New Jersey, _____ Theatre, Donna Montran (probable) [DDC-59]
July 7-9, 1921 – Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, _____ Theatre, Donna Montran (probable) [DDC-59]
Donna open on the Sabolsky in Philadelphia Week of July 13
Donna plays in Wilkes Barre Next.
Donna Montran booked “Gee Williker” in New Britain, CT last half of next week (after the week of 7/27/1921)
Aug 10, 1921 – “As You Like It” – Asbury Park, NJ, this week. See: Donna 100 Years ago – 10 August 1921
Magds Major joined Donna Montran in “As You Like It.”
Aug 26, 1921 – Rehearsed with Lee Stewart.
August 28-30, 1921 – Keeney’s Theatre – Brooklyn, NY – Donna Montran.
September 21, 1921 – Donna Montran is playing Keeny’s Bay Ridge and the Alhambra, Brooklyn, this week.
October 5, 1921 – Donna Montran has two dancers from the former Crossen revue in her act, and is working up New York state.
October 13-14, 1921 – Reade’s Savoy Theatre – Asbury Park, New Jersey – Dona Montrim & Co.
November 1921 – 100 Years Ago
November 24-25, 1921 – Stroud Theatre – Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania – Dona Montrim & Co. – DDC-76.
Circa Oct-Nov 1921 – Strand Theater – (Unknown Location) Donna Darling “As You Like It.” DDC-70.
25 November 1921 – Variety’s San Francisco Offices reported that Walter Davis and Murray Walker were assisting in Donna’s “Bathing Beauty Revue.”December 28, 1921 – Donna Montran, with Murray Walker and Walter Davis, opened in Philadelphia, last Monday, in a song and dance skit.
1922
January 9-11, 1922 – Trenton, New Jersey – South Broad Theatre – “Donna Montram [sic] and Her Boys in “As You Like” – DDC-80.
January 11, 1922 – Walter Davis, formerly with the vaudeville turn of Donna Montran and Co., will team up with Jack Cook in a burlesque turn.
Jan 26, 27, 28 – Binghamton, New York – Binghamton Theater. Donna Darling and Boys. DDC-18 – One Hundred Years Ago
January 29-31, 1922 – Elmira, New York – Majestic Theater – Donna Darling & Boys – Newspapers – One Hundred Years Ago.
February 1922
Feb. 2, 3, & 4, 1922 – Ithaca, NY – Strand – Donna Darling & Boys – Newspapers.
Feb. 6, 7, & 8 – Sunbury, PA – Chestnut St. Opera House – Miss Donna Darling (Source: DDC-25) – 100 Year ago.
Feb. 9, 10, & 11, 1922 – Shamokin, PA – The Strand – Donna Darling – DDC-53.
Feb. 13, 14, & 15, 1922 – Olean, NY – Palace Theatre – Donna Darling & Co. – Newspapers, NewspaperArchive.
Feb. 16, 17, 18 – UNKNOWN
Feb. 20, 21, & 22, 1922 – Wheeling, WV – Unknown Theater – Donna Darling Boys DDC53
Feb. 23, 24, & 25, 1922 – New Castle, PA – Liberty Theatre – Donna Darling and Her Boys – Newspapers.
Feb. 26, 27, & 28, 1922 – Pittsburgh, PA – Harris Theater (100 Years Ago) – Donna Darling and Boys – Newspapers.
March 1922
March 12-18, 1922 – Canton, Ohio – Lyceum – Donna Darling – Genealogy Bank – DDC (Part 45), & Newspapers Archives.
March 27 – April 1, 1922 – Pittsburgh, PA – Sheridan Square – Donna Darling assisted by Murray Walker & Jack Finney in “As You Like It.” (See Newspapers.com)
April 1922
April 3-5, 1922 – York, PA – York Opera House – Donna Darling & Boys – News May 2019. DDC-56
April 6-8, 1922 – Harrisburg, PA – Majestic Theatre – Donna Darling & Boys (Murry Walker & Jack Finney) in “As You Like It.” – Genealogy Bank – DDC-56.
April 13-15, 1922 – Middletown, New York – Stratton Theatre – Donna Darling “As You Like It,” with Murray Walker and Jack Finney. – DDC-71.
April 17-19, 1922 – Lancaster, PA – Colonial – Donna Daring and Co., DDC – News 7/5/19.
April 20-22, 1922 – Hazleton, PA – Feeley Theatre – “As You Like It.” – DDC (Newspapers). 100 Year ago
April 27-30, 1922 – Pottsville, PA – Strand Theatre – “As You Like It.”
May 1922
May 6-8?, 1922 – Port Richmond (Staten Island) – Palace Theatre – Donna Darling & Boys in “As you Like It” – DDC-69.
May 10-12, 1922 – Perth Amboy – Crescent Theatre, Donna Darling & Company in “As you Like It” – DDC. Note: Possible conflict with B. F. Keith’s Greenpoint.
May 11-17, 1922 – Brooklyn, NY – B.F. Keith’s Greenpoint Theater (Conflict with Crescent?) (F/U)
May 18-20, 1922 – Yonkers, NY – Proctors Palace – “As You Like It.”
May 22-24, 1922 – F.F. Proctor’s 23rd Street Theater (at 6th Avenue) New York, NY – Donna Darling & Co.
May 25-26, 1922 – New York, New York – F.F. Proctors 125th Street (Park & Lex) -Donna Darling & Company
May 27-31, 1922 – B.F. Keith’s Vaudeville, Jersey City, NJ – Donna & Co. Genealogy Bank
June 1922
June 1-3, 1922 – F. F. Proctor’s 125th Street (Park & Lex) New York, NY – Donna Darling & Company.
June 2, 4-6, 1922 – F.F. Proctor’s 58th Street Theater, New York – Donna Darling & Company.
June 5-7, 1922 – Glens Falls, New York – Empire Theater – Donna Darling & Boys. (Conflict?)
June 7 until about July 10, 1922 – Donna goes to Detroit to have her tonsils removed and takes a vacation.
Donna Darling & Company – 1922-1923
August 1922
August 28-30, 1922 – Dayton, Ohio – B. F. Keith’s Strand Theatre – Donna Darling – “As You Like It.”
Aug 31-September 3, 1922 – Louisville, Kentucky – B.F. Keith’s National Donna Darling & Co.
September 1922
September 4-9, 1922 – Cincinnati, Ohio – Palace Theatre – Donna Darling – (100 Years ago)
September 11-13 – Lexington, Kentucky – Ben Ali – Donna Darling – Genealogy Bank
September 28-30, 1922 – Evansville, Indiana – Victory Theatre – “As You Like It.” – “Donna In the News.”
October 1922
October 1-4, 1922 – Richmond, Indiana – Murray Theatre – Donna Darling & Co. in “As You Like It” – Newspapers & Hoosier State Chronicles
OCT 7 1922 – FT. WAYNE, IN. – Palace Theater – Donna Darling & Co – Newspapers
Oct 10-11, 1922 – Lansing Michigan – Regent – Dona Darling “Orange Blossoms” – Newspapers
October 12-14, 1922 – Kalamazoo, Michigan – Regent – Donna Darling & Co. Genealogy Bank
October 15-18, 1922 – Flint, Michigan – Palace – Donna Darling – Genealogy Bank
OCT 21/1922–TERRE HAUTE, IN
OCT 27/1922-CLINTON, IN
November 1922
November 3-4, 1922 – Port Huron, Michigan – Majestic – Donna Darling and Company – Newspapers
NOV 9 1922 – SYRACUSE, N.Y.
November 16, 17, 18, 1922 – Binghamton, New York – Binghamton Theater – “Apple Blossoms” – In the News
November 23, Elmira, New York – Hebrew Center – Donna Darling – Newspapers
December 1922
December 3-5, 1922 – Paterson, NJ – Majestic Theatre – Donna and Boys – News May 2019
December 18-20, 1922 – Perth Amboy, NJ – Crescent Theatre – “Futuristic Review”- In the News.
CONFLICT?
December 20-22, 1922 – Asbury Park, New Jersey – Reade’s Main St. – Donna Darling & Co. Newspapers
December 1922 at The Majestic Theater in Paterson, NJ.
1923
January 1923
- January 8-10, Jefferson Theatre, Auburn, New York – Donna Darling and Company – “A Song and Dance Romance” – NYS Historic Newspapers – Donna In the News.
- January 11-13, 1923 – The Grand (Proctor’s Vaudeville), Albany, New York – Donna Darling & Co.
- January 16, 1923 – BRADFORD, PA
- January 19, 1923 – The Majestic Theatre, Hornell, New York.
- January 22-24, 1923 – The Palace Theatre, Olean, New York – Donna Darling & Company – Newspapers.com.
- January 31-February 2, 1923 – Lansing, Michigan – Capitol Theater – Donna Darling Co. – Newspapers.com.
February 1923
- February 13-16, Detroit, Michigan – Colonial Theater – Dona Darling & Co. – Genealogy Bank
- Feb 15, 1923 – New York City – Registers “Beautiful Mother of Mine”
April 1923
- April 7-9, 1923 – Minneapolis, Minnesota – New Palace – Dona Darling & Co.
- April 15, 1923 – Eau Claire, Wisconsin – Grand – Donna Darling – Newspapers.com
May 4-5, 1923 – Dixon, Illinois – Dixon – Dona Darling & Earle – Newspapers.com
May 12-13, 1923 – Winona, Minnesota – Strand Theatre – “Donna Darling and Earle” – News May 2019.
May 26-28, 1923 – Davenport, Iowa – Le Claire – Donna Darling & Earle – Newspapers.com
JUN 14-15, 1923 – MOBERLY, MO. – Grand – Donna Darling and Boys – Newspapers.com
June 23-?? – Kansas City, MO = Globe Theatre – Donna Darling and her Boys.
June ??-??, 1923 – Sedalia, MO
July 1, 2, 1923- Keokuk, IA – Regent – Donna Darling & Co.
July 7-9, 1923 – St. Louis, Missouri – Grand – Donna Darling – Newspapers.com
– News 7/5/19
July 22-27, 1923 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Majestic – Donna Darling with Murray Earle. Genealogy Bank
July 29, 1923 – Racine, Wisconsin – Rialto – Donna Darling with Murray Earle – Newspapers.com
August 2-4, 1923 – South Bend, Indiana – The New Palace – Newspapers.com
September 15-20?, 1923 – Buffalo, New York – Layfayette Square Theater – Donna Darling
October 4-6, 1923 – Ithaca, New York – Strand – Donna Darling Revue – Newspapers.com
October 10, 1923 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Sheridan Square – Dona Darling – Newspapers.com
October 19, 1923 – Winston-Salem, North Carolina – Auditorium – Donna Darling’s Review – Genealogy Bank
October 21-23, 1923 – Ashville, North Carolina – Auditorium – Donna Darling and Earle. – Newspapers.com
October 25-26, 1923 – Columbia, South Carolina – Columbia Theatre – Dona Darling // Donna Darling – Genealogy Bank.
November 15-17, 1923- New Orleans, Louisiana – Palace – Donna Darling & Boys – Genealogy Bank
November 18, 1923 – Shreveport, Louisiana – Grand – Donna Darling – Newspapers.com
November 19-20 – Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Columbia – Donna Darling – Genealogy Bank
November 26-28, 1923 – Nashville, Tennessee – Princess – Donna Darling – Newspapers.com
December 3-5, 1923 – Wichita, Kansas – Orpheum – Donna Darling Revue – Newspapers.com.
December 9, 1923 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Orpheum – Donna Darling and her Revue.
December 13-14, 1923 – Tulsa, Oklahoma – Broadway Orpheum – Donna Darling and Revue. Newspapers.com
December 20-22, 1923 – Little Rock, Arkansas – Majestic – Dona Darling // Donna Darling – Genealogy Bank
1924
A 1924 Playbill of the show indicated the cast included:
- Donna [Darling] in “Donna” and “Donna Darling’s Jazzo Bathers”
- Murry Earle in “Egypt,” “Mlle. Falloffsky,” “Donna,” and “Murry Earle”
- Al Ross in “Egypt,” “Mlle. Falloffsky,” and “Beach Chicks”
- Clarice Allyn in “China,” “Mlle. Petite,” and “Beach Chicks”
- Betty Bryant in “Miss America”
- Jeanette Mills in “The Blue Bather”
- Alice Louise in “Egypt,” “Hawaii,” “Land of Mare,” and “Beach Chicks”
- Marsites in “Land of Mare”
- Mildred O’Brien in “Bowery”
FEB 1 1924 – BRIDGEPORT, CT – Polis – Donna Darling and Boys – Newspapers.com
February 14-16 – Salisbury, Maryland – Arcade Theatre – Donna Darling and her Boys – Newspapers.com
February, 1924 at The Majestic Theater in Hornell, NY
March 10-12, 1924 – Detroit, Michigan – Cinderella Theater – Donna Darling and her Boys – Newspapers.com – Genealogy Bank
March 20-22, 1924 – South Bend, Indiana – Blackstone Theater – Donna Darling and Boys – Newspapers.com.
March 25-26, 1924 – Chicago – Logan Square – Donna Darling – Newspapers.com
March 29, 1924 – Rock Island, Illinois – Fort Armstrong – Donna Darling & Company. Newspapers.com
March 30-April 2, 1924 – Moline, Illinois – Fort Armstrong – Donna Darling – Newspapers.com
April 8,, 1924 – Indianapolis, Indiana – Lyric Theater – Donna Darling – Newspapers.com
May 17-18, 1924 – Billings, MT – Babcock Theatre, Donna Darling and Company in “Novel Song and Dance Revue”
May 26, 1924 – Portland, Oregon – Hippodrome – Donna Darling – Genealogy Bank
June 1 – San Francisco – State Theater – Donna Darling – Genealogy Bank
JUN 2 1924 – OAKLAND, CA. – State Theater 0 Donna Darling & Company – Newspapers.com.
June 3-7, 1924 – Sacramento, CA – Hippodrome – Donna Darling & Co. Genealogy Bank – In the News.
June 28-29, 1924 – San Bernadino, California – Opera House – Donna Darling “As you like it”- Newspapers.com
June 30, 1924 – Whittier, CA – Scenic Theatre – Donna Darling and Company presenting “As You Like It.” – In the News
July 3, 1924 – (Probable) – Fullerton, CA – Mission Court Theater – Donna Darling Music Revue – DDC-62
July 5, 1924 – Santa Ana – Yost Theater – Donna Darling & Company – Newspapers.com
July 6, 1924 – World Theater, Omaha, Nebraska- Donna Darling – Genealogy Bank
July 14-19, 1924 – Kansas City, Mo – Pantages Theater – Donna Darling & Company – (Genealogy Bank)
Circa July 25, 1924 – Left LA (per “In the News” Sept 6, 1924)
Jul 20-26, 1924 – Dallas, TX – Melba Theatre – “Donna Darling & Earl in a Song and Dance Romance” Also Genealogy BankJul 28-Aug 2, 1924 – Memphis, TN – Pantages Theater – Donna Darling & Earle – Song and Dance Romance. Donna In the News.
August 16, 1924 – Mattoon, Illinois – Mattoon Theater – Donna Darling & Earle – Newspapers.com
August 23-25, 1924 – Saint Louis, Missouri – Grand Opera House -Donna Darling with Ted Earle – Newspapers. com
Probably August 1924 – Louisville, Kentucky – Photo Donna Darling and Earle.
Probably August or September – Unknown Location – Indiana Theatre – Donna Darling and her Bathing Girl Review – See: Donna Darling Collection #43
(Probably Fall 1924 or Spring 1925) – Danville, IL – Terrace Theatre – DDC78 – Hollywood Revue of Bathing Beauties and Terrace Theatre – Beautiful Bathing Girls – DDC79
September 4-5-?, 1924 – Columbia, MO – Columbia Theater – (Bathing Beauties & Earle) – In the News.
September 8-9, 1924 – Kirksville, MO – Princess Theatre – Moving Picture Bathing Girls – News
September 23-24, 1924 – Belleville, Illinois – Lincoln Theatre – Donna Darling Motion Picture Bathing Beauties – Genealogy Bank
September 25, 1924 – Alton, Illinois – Hippodrome – Donna Darlings Bathing Girl Revue.
September 29-October 1, 1924 – Mattoon, Illinois – Mattoon Theatre -Donna Darlings Bathing Girl Revue. Newspapers.com
Would be working in Chicago starting October 1st. (Per “In the News,” Sep 6, 1924.)
October 16, 1924 – Chicago, Illinois – Empress Donna Darling’ Bathies Girl Revue – Newspapers.com
October 31, 1924 – Jackson, Michigan – Capitol – Donna Darling Bathing Girl Revue – Genealogy Bank
NOV 10 1924 – ALTON, IL (SAMMY ONLY)
NOV 22-23, 1924 – SHEBOYGAN, WI. – Vaudeville Opera House – Donna Darling & Co. – Newspapers.com
NOV ?? 1924 – EMPORIA, KS.(SAMMY ONLY)
November 27-29, 1924 – Racine, Wisconsin – Orpheum – Bathing Beauties with Donna Darling. Newspapers.com – DDC-68
DEC 1-3 1924 – APPLETON, WI. – Fischer’s Appleton – Donna Darling and Her Live Savers – Newspapers.com – DDC-72
December 8-9 – Neenah Theatre, Neenah, Wisconsin – Bathing Beauties featuring Donna Darling – Newspapers.com
December 12-14, 1924 – Wausau, Wisconsin – Grand Theater – Bathing Beauties featuring Donna Darling. Newspapers.com
DEC 18 1924 – WAUKESHA, WI.
December 28, 1924 – Freeport, IL – The Lindo Theatre – Donna Darling and her Bathing Girls Review in “A Beach Promenade.” – Donna “In the News.”
Between September and December (Fall) 1924 – Cecil Theater – Mason City, Iowa “Donna Darling and Girls” (Based on DDC Part 24)
1925
January 5-6, 1925 – Baraboo, Wisconsin – Al Ringling Theatre – Bathing Beauty Revue Featuring Donna Darling and Murry Earle. – In the News.
January 7-10, 1925 – La Cross, Wisconsin – Rivoli – California Bathing Beauties Revue – Newspapers.com. – DDC-61.
January 11-15, 1925 – Madison, Wisconsin – Parkway – Hollywood Bathing Beauties featuring Donna Darling – Newspapers.com – DDC-60
January 21-23, 1925 – Milwukee, Wisconsin – Alhambra Theatre – The Bathing Beauty Revue featuring Donna Darling (Mack Sennett’s Prize Winner) and Murray Earle (From Geo. White’s Scandals) as well as “her 10 bathing beauties from the Hollywood Studios” – Genealogy Bank
January 25-29, 1925 – Decatur Daily Review (Decatur, IL) – Hollywood Motion Picture Bathing Beauties – Donna Darling. (5 days)
February 1-7, 1925 – Apollo Theater, Peoria, Illinois – Hollywood Motion Picture Bathing Beauties featuring Donna Darling. Part 1 of 2.
– – – – – February 1-7, 1925 — Bathing Girl Is Kidnaped or Just Kidding
Feb 9 & 10, 1925 – Gayety Theatre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. “The California Bathing Beauties”
FEB 24 1925 – KOKOMO, IN.
Feb 26-28, 1925 – Hollywood Bathing Beauties, Family Theatre, Layfayette, IN (In the News).
MAR 2/1925-HAMILTON, OH
March 9-11, 1925 – Huntington Theater, Huntington, IN.
March 15, 1925 – Muncie, Indiana – Star Theater – Hollywood Motion PictureBathing Girls featuring Donna Darling – Newspapers.com
March 22-25, 1925 – Palace Theater, Hamilton, OH – California Motion Picture Bathing Girls
MAR 26 1925 – RUSHVILLE, IN.
May 18-19, 1925 – Elwood, IN – Alhambra – Donna Darling and her Bathing Girl Revue – Newspaper.com
MAY 21-23, 1925 – LOGANSPORT, IN. – Luna – Donna Darling and her Bathing Girl Revue – Newspaper.com
May 24-??, 1924 – South Bend, Indiana – Blackstone, – Donna Darling and her Bathing Girl Revue. Newspapers.
July 23-25, 1925 – Olean, New York – Palace Theater – Donna Darling and her Bathing Girl Revue – Newspaper.com
July 26, 1925 – Decatur Daily Review (Decatur, IL) – Bijou Continues Regular Schedule – Sammy Clark & Donna Darling.
July 27-Aug 2 – Buffalo, New York – Lafayette Square – Donna Daring and Bathing Girl Revue
Vaudeville News & New York Star, 30 July 1926, page 49.
AUG 28, 1925 – MIDDLETOWN, N,Y, (SAMMY ONLY)
Aug 1925 to Aug 1926 – Unknown Theatre in the Orpheum Vaudeville Circuit, Unknown City/State with Paul Braden – DDC-63.”
(Probably August) 1925 – Unknown Location – Orpheum Theatre – Donna Darling’s Review (on stage with Meyers & Nolan and Tom Calloway). DDC-58
September
September 6 -9 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Donna Darling and Girls, “Songs and Steps.” –DDC-51.
September 10-12, 1925 – Tulsa, OK – Orpheum Theatre – Donna Darling & Girls in “Songs and Steps.” – In the News
SEP 20, 1925-SEDALIA, MO – Sedalia – Donna Darling and Girls present “Her Little Revue” – Newspapers.com.
September 21-22, 1925 – Columbia, MO – Columbia Theater – “Donna Darling & Girls” – In the News.
Sep 26-28, 1925 – Alton, Illinois – Grand Theater – “Donna Darling and Girls”
September 25, 1925 – Omaha, Nebraska – Moon – Dona Darling and girls – Genealogy Bank
TBD – Probably Sept or Oct 1925 – East Saint Louis, Illinois – Lyric Theatre – Donna Darling and Girls presenting Her Little Revue. DDC-72.
October 5-7, 1925 – Belleville, Illinois – Lincoln – Donna Darling & Girls in “Her Little Revue” – Genealogy Bank – DDC-85 – Newspapers.com.
October 12, 1925 – Carlinville, Illinois – Theater unknown Part of the Elks’ carnival – Genealogy Bank
TBD (Between Sep 1925 and June 1927)- Donna Darling Review, Savannah, GA.
Nov 26, 1925 – Kenosha, Wisconsin – Orpheum Theater – Donna Darling and girls present “Little Jewel Revue” (Donna in the News)
Nov 28, 1925 – Green Bay, Wisconsin – Orpheum -Donna Darling and Girls present “Little Jewel Revue” – Newspaper.com
December 11, 1925 — “Donna Darling and Girls have finished their western tour and are going to spend Christmas at Miss Darling’s home in Detroit, Mich. (Vaudeville News 11 Dec 1925, Page 8)
1926
January 2, 1926 – Port Huron, MI – Majestic Theater – Donna Darling and Her Girls.
February 8-13 – Capitol Theater – Toronto, Ontario – Donna Darling “Donna’s Little Jewel Revue.”
Between 17 Feb 1926 and 4 April 1926 – Unknown Location – State Theater – Darling Review. DDC-48
February 25-27 – Loew’s Theatre – London, Ontario – Donna Darling in “Her Jewel Revue” – DDC-46
February 28-March 3 – Colonial – Detroit, Michigan – “Donna Darling And Her Jewel Box Revue.”
March 4-10, 1926 – Capitol theater – Lansing, Michigan – Donna Darling and “Little Jewel Review.”
March 18-20, 1926 – “Donna Darling and her Jewel Revue” – State Theater, Utica, New York – DDC-73.
APR 4/1926-BLUEFIELD, W.VA
1926 – Donna Darling Revue with Sammy Clark
See DDC Part 91
April 8, 1926 – Keeney’s Livingston Theater, Brooklyn, NY – Donna Darling Revue – DDC-48.
April 19, 1926 – Marriage to Samson Clark Amsterdam of Brooklyn, New York, in Manhattan, New York.
May 1926 or later – Temple Theatre, Unknown City/State. DDC-63 – A Novel Revue in Five Scenes entitled From Heaven to Hades – Singing–Komedy–Dancing – Direction Lew Holleb, Lew Goldburg Office, Chicago.
May 3, 4, 5 – Broadway Theater, Long Branch, NY – Darling Clark Revue. Ref: DDC-20
June 6-12(?) – Fox Washington Theatre, Detroit, Michigan – Donna Darling’s Metropolitan Five. Ref: DCC-Part 36.
June 21, 22, 23 – Capitol Theater, Kitchener, Ontario – Darling & Clark – Metropolitan Revue.
June 24, 25, 26 – Loew’s Theatre, London, Ontario – Darling & Clark Revue. – DDC-47
JULY 4 1926 – DECATUR, IL. Bijou Theater – DDC-47
July 23 thru July 31 – Swiss Gardens, Cincinnati, OH See Illinois Digital Newspaper – DDC-54
August 1926
(August or September) 1926 -Novelty Theatre, Topeka, Kansas – DDC-89
Aug 1 – Racine, Wisconsin – Rialto – Donna Darling & Co. with Sammy Clark Newspapers.com – DDC-54
AUG 2-5, 1926-Freeport, Illinois – The Lindo Theatre – Donna Darling Revue – Newspaper Archives. Newspapers.com, In the News.
August 8-11, 1926 – Tulsa, OK – Orpheum Theatre – “Darling Revue” – DDC-68 – In the News.
August 12, 1926 – Oklahoma City, OK – Orpheum Theater. Newspapers.com
August 20, 1926 – Chicago, Illinois – American Theatre – DDC-54
August 21, 1926 – Belleville, Illinois – Lincoln Theatre – Dona Darling Revue – Genealogy Bank
August 25-26, 1926 – Hall Theater, Columbia, MO – Donna Darling Revue – In The News
Sept 2, 1926 – Mattoon, IL – Mattoon Theater Donna Darling Revue, ” Novel Revue”
SEP 7, 1926 – ALTON, IL. Newspaper Archives.
Sept 17, 18, 1926 – Colorado Springs, CO – Burns Theatre – Donna Darling Review (Discovered)
September 19 & 20, 1926 – The Palm Theater, Pueblo, Colorado – “The Donna Darling Revue with Sammy Clark.” – DDC-74.
September 25-26, 1926 – The Grand Theater, El Paso, Texas – Donna Darling Revue with Sammy Clark. Donna & Her Cloak – Part 1 – DDC #83 – Newspapers.com
September 27, 1926 – The Grand Theater, Douglas, Arizona – “The Donna Darling Revue with Sammy Clark.” – DDC-74.
September 29 – Tucson, Arizona – Rialto – Donna Darling Revue with Sammy Clark. Newspapers.com
September 30 – October 3- Phoenix, Arizona – Columbia – Donna Darling Revue with Sammy Clark. Newspapers.com
October 7-9, 1926 – Santa Ana – Yost Broadway Theater – Donna Darling Revue – Newspaper Archives. Newspapers.com – DDC-62
October 15-16, 1926 – Santa Barbara. CA – Mission Theatre – Donna Darling Review – News
October 19, 1926 – Porterville, CA – Monache Theatre – Donna Darling Revue – DDC-50
Experienced the Monterey Earthquake of October 22, 1926.
October 23, 24, 25, 1926 – San Jose, CA – American Theatre – Donna Darling Revue
OCT 30 1926 – Modesto, California – Modesto Theater – Donna Darling Revue – Newspapers.com
(circa) November 1, 1926 – Chico, California – National Theater – Donna Darling Revue with Sammy Clark – DDC-64.
November 3, 1926 – Medford, Oregon – Hunts Craterian Donna Darling Review Newspapers.com
November 4, 1926 – Eugene, Oregon – Heilig Theater – Donna Darling Review – Newspapers.com
November 5, 1926 – Salem, Oregon – Elsinore theater – Donna Darling Revue Newspapers.com
November 6, 1926 – Portland, Oregon – Donna at Davis Studio – Donna and the Balalaika – 1926
November 6-8, 1926 – Portland, Oregon – Rivoli Theatre – Donna Darling Review with Sammy Clark – Genealogy Bank
November 12-13, 1926 – Olympia, Washington – Liberty Theater – Donna Darling Revue – DDC-96.
November 16-17, 1926 – Aberdeen, Washington – D & R Theater – Donna Darling Revue with Sammy Clark (DDC).
November 24, 1926 – Anaconda, Montana – Broadway Theater – Donna Darling Revue Newspapers.com
November 26-27, 1926 – Great Falls, Montana – Grand Theater – Donna Darling Revue Newspapers.com – DDC40
November 28, 1926 – Helena – Marlow Theater – Donna Darling Revue Newspapers.com
Between 25 and 30 November 1926, Butte, MT at the Broadway Theater. – Ref: DDC-20
NOV 27 1926 – HELENA, MT. Newspaper Archive
DEC 4 & 5, 1926 – LACROSSE, WI – Majestic Theatre – Newspaper Archive & 2.
Dec 9, 10, & 11 – Clinton, IA – Orpheum – Archives.Com
December 12-15, 1926 – Dubuque, IA – Majestic Theatre – Donna Darling Revue – Newspaper Archive – DDC-55
December 16-18, 1916 – Donna and Sammy were in Chicago doing their Christmas Shopping.
December 19, 1926 – Detroit, Michigan – Colonial – Donna Darling Revue – Genealogy Bank – DDC
December 24-27, Rockford, Illinois – Palace Theater – Donna Darling Revue – Genealogy Bank
1927
January 2-5, 1927 – Des Moines, IA – Orpheum – Donna Darling Revue – Newspapers.com – Archives.Com DDC-68.
January 6-8, 1927 – Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Majestic – Donna Darling Revue with Sammy Clark – DDC-92
JAN 13-15, 1927 – DAVENPORT, IA, Capitol. Newspaper Archive –Archives.Com
January 13-15, 1927 – Moline, IL – Capitol – Donna Darling Revue – Newspapers.com – Archives.Com
January 16-19 – Clinton, IA – Orpheum Theater – Archives.Com
January 22, 1927 – Port Huron, MI – Majestic – Donna Darling Revue
January 24-26 – Kitchener, Ont. Capitol Theater – Archives.Com
January 27-29 – Brantford, Ont. Temple Theater – Archives.Com
Feb 7, 8, & 9 – Jersey City, N.J. Keith’s Jersey City – Donna Darling Revue with Sammy Clark
Feb 10, 11, 12, & 13 – New York, New York – Loew’s Greeley Square – Donna Darling Revue with Sammy Clark
According to a Variety article on 16 Feb 1927, Donna had played in 40 of the 48 states in the previous 10 months [April 1926?-February 1927] not playing in AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN. & VA. I have her in, CA, IA, IL, MT, NJ, NY, WI, and WV. So I am looking for her showing in at least 32 more venues during that period.
February 24-26, 1927 – Lyric Theatre, Hackensack, New Jersey, Donna Darling & Co. Newspapers.com
March 10-11, 1927 – Charlotte, North Carolina – Carolina Theatre – “Donna Darling Revue” with Sammy Clark – Genealogy Bank – Donna In the News.
March 15, 1927 – Raleigh, North Carolina – State Theater – Donna Darling – Genealogy Bank
March 14-18, 1927 – Macon, Georgia – Grand – Donna Darling and Co. – Genealogy Bank
MAR 25/1927-DOTHAN, AL – Weekly Eagle https://newspaperarchive.com/dothan-weekly-eagle-mar-25-1927-p-2/
April 1-3, 1927 – Montgomery, Alabama – Grand Theater – Donna Darling Revue with Sammy Clark,
April 7-10, 1927 – New Orleans, Louisiana – Palace – Donna Darling Revue – Genealogy Bank
APR 22/1927-FINDLEY, OH
April 24, 1927 – Detroit – Roosevelt Theater – Donna Darling Revue – Newspapers. com
APR 29/1927-NEWCASTLE, PA
APR 22/1927-FINDLEY, OH
APR 29/1927-NEWCASTLE, PA
According to Variety on
MAY 12-14, 1927 – WARREN, PA – Library Theatre – Donna Darling Revue – Newspapers.com
May 20-22, 1927 – Cleveland, Ohio – Hilliard Sq – Dona Darling//Donna Darling Revue – Genealogy Bank
Jun 30 – Jul 2, 1927 – Bridgeport, CT – Poli’s Palace & Majestic Theater – Modern Vaudeville Frolics
July 3-6, 1927 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Palace – Donna Darling Revue – Genealogy Bank
Later Show-Business Years – Donna Kees – 1928-1932
1928
Apr 20, 1928 – Mount Carmel, PA (See: Newspapers.com, Mount Carmel Item)
May 5, 1928 – Brooklyn, New York – Majestic Theatre – Donna Darling and Sammy Clark – News May 2019 – News 7/5/19
May 6-12, 1928 – Atlanta, Georgia – Capitol Theater – Darling & Clark – Newspapers.com
May 14-16, 1928 – Chattanooga, Tennesee, Tivoli Theater – Donna Darling & Sammy Clark – Newspapers.com
May 25, 1928 – Montgomery, Alabama – Grand – (Not on Subsequent Bill)
June 10-11, 1928 – Detroit – Oriental – Donna Darling & Sammy Clark “The Princess and the King” Newspapers.com
DEC 16-19, 1928 – FITCHBURG, MA – Lyric Fitchburg – Donna Darling & Sammy Clark “The Princess and the King” Newspapers.com – Genealogy Bank
1930
1930 – Panama – A “Cabaret Girl” at the Fort Amador Beach Club in Panama.
Feb 20, 1930 – Happy “25th” Birthday Donna – Hotel Metropole – Panama City, Panama – 20 Feb 1930 – DDC Part 52.
May 4, 1930 – Fox Theatre – North Platte, NE – “…six young men and women…featuring Miss Dona Darling. Donna In the News.
September or October 1930 – Terre Haute, Ind. – ( per the Fitchburg paper)
Life After Show-Business – 1932-1976
Memories of 1961 – Kid Shows and Poker with Grandma.
Short Biography – Madonna Mae Montran (1893-1976)
Side investigations.
- Investigate the life of Thomas Valentine Rooney from about 1900 until about 1930.
- Investigate the life of George Kennier from about 1903 until about 1933.
- Lives of Alice Dean, Alice Eldridge, Dorothy Smith, Lola St. Clair, Helen Travisand, Marie Thompson, Adrian Wally, Bobby Tremaine, and Earl Lindsay. Ref: DDC-20.
