“Donna 100 years ago” is my reporting of events relating to my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran and Donna Darling) 100 years ago. Hers was the exciting world of 1920s vaudeville. She crisscrossed the country several times with her many shows.
In the 10 August 1921 edition, the New York Clipper, Page 15, top of column 3, gave a short and straightforward mention of Donna.
Donna Montran in the vaudeville act, “As You Like It,” by Hockey and Green, opens at Asbury Park this week; direction of Lee Stewart.
The first mention of “As You Like It” I have found was when she played at the State Theatre in Beacon, New York, from 30 June to 2 July.
Ashbury Park is a small coastal town on the Jersey shore, about 25 miles, as the crow flies, south of New York City (about 50 miles driving). At the time, there were five theaters, Lyric, St. James, Reade’s Savoy, Shubert, and Reade’s Rialto. The “Asbury Park Press was the newspaper at the time.
A review of the Asbury Park Press, August 1921[i], failed to yield any results for “Montran,” “As You Like It,” “Stewart,” or “Hockey.” The Lyric Theater mentioned they had “2 Other Big Acts – 7 acts in all.” The other theaters (Realto, Main Street, Saint James, and Savoy) all seem to have mentioned all of the shows at those theaters. Consequently, I suspect she was one of the unmentioned shows at the Lyric.
One hundred years ago, Donna played in her vaudeville act, “As you Like It” in Asbury Park, New Jersey, probably at the Lyric Theatre.
Future Actions
Learn more about Hockey & Green, the writers of “As You Like It.”
Maine’s early history is the story of Europeans coming to the new land to start anew. My understanding has always included the fundamental knowledge that the people settled along the rivers. Indeed, Scarborough and the entire Maine coast contains stories of the various plantations, proprietors, and pioneers. With my volunteer work at the Scarborough Historical Society, I’ve grown to know many of the stories of Scarborough, but I know little about any other places along the Maine coast. Consequently, I was excited to see Pioneers on Maine Rivers as a book to straighten out some confusing stories and provide the basics of many other colonization stories of Maine.
Summary of content
After the dedication and introduction, the author includes several background facts, such as the “Maine Visiting Lists before 1630,” “Proprietary Division,” and “The First Plantations. Then the book takes each river where settlements were established and works north from the Piscataqua River to the Machias River. Most of the settlement writeups include their history and quick identification of the early pioneers.
Analysis and evaluation of the book
To understand the accuracy and what the book can add to my knowledge and understanding, I immediately jumped to the “Scarborough River.” I had heard of the first settlers at Blue Point, Henry Watts and Richard Foxwell. I knew the first pioneers included Hilkiah Bailey and George Dearing, but I didn’t realize that Dearing’s widow married Jonas Bailey. A short subsection about “Stratton’s Islands” included dates of various individuals establishing settlements.
The next chapter in the book is the “Nonesuch River.” Surprisingly, this chapter included a few paragraphs regarding the Alger settlement at Dunstan (where I live on land that was once the Alger property). After the four pages of history about the settlements is a set of short paragraphs about the Pioneers. For example:
BAILEY, HILKIAH, employe or tenant of Richard Foxwell at Blue Point 1640; last mentioned, 1645.
The following chapter, SPURWINK RIVER[i], includes information about Richmond Island and Cape Elizabeth. Again, the Pioneers are listed, which includes Andrew Alger and Jonas Baily.
There are several appendixes, including on on Planters and another on Patents. However, “Appendix C” intrigued me. It is “Ancient Maps of Maine.” It provides a shortlist of maps that I will definitely seek to find copies of. I love maps. There is an index; the index does not include the individuals listed in the Pioneer sections, but otherwise, it is excellent.
Conclusion
I found the book helpful, and I am delighted to have it in my collection. Whenever I want to know the early history of Maine’s many river settlements, this will be my “go-to” book for gaining basic knowledge of Maine’s 17th-century settlements.[ii]
Spencer, Wilbur Daniel. 1995. Pioneers on Maine rivers: with lists to 1651 compiled from the original sources. Baltimore: Reprinted for Clearfield Co., Inc., by Genealogical Pub. Co., Inc.
Pioneers on Maine Rivers
Publication Date: 1930
Reprint Date: 1995
Pages: 414 pp.
This book is available at the Portland Public Library[iii], the University of Southern Maine Library[iv], and directly from the publisher.
[i] The Spurwink River provides some of the border between Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth. Today, Higgins Beach is on the western bank of the Spurwink River. Across the river, the eastern bank, is primarily farmland. Also see the area at the mouth of the Spurwink River (43°34’17.1″N 70°16’42.4″W) on Google Maps
[ii] I need to reread the chapter on the Saco River. It’s 20+ pages contained so much information my head is spinning.
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 paid for the photos, not necessarily the individual portrayed in the image. As such, it is vital to analyze the pictures and information to identify the individual therein.[ii] Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the photos with family members who may have never seen the image.
Olive Gertrude Flagg, circa 1936
The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Gertrude Flagg, 73 Melbourne St, Portland – #644.”
Olive Gertrude Flagg, circa 1936
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1940 Portland City Directory indicates that Olive G. Flagg lived at 73 Melbourne.
The 1940 U.S. Census enumerated Olive G. Flagg as a 55-year-old single school teacher.
The 1920 U.S. Census enumerated the 43-year-old school teacher living with her mother Lenora Flagg at 73 Melbourne.
I am sure this is Olive about 1936, when she was about 60 years old.
Family Search identifies Olive Gertrude Flagg, born 18 June 1876, as ID LHVN-C6P.
Olive does not seem to appear in any ancestry trees.
Hilda Cecile Fitzgerald (later Thibeault), circa 1935
This negative envelope says, “Miss Hilda Fitzgerald, 66 Brown St, Portland #581.”
Hilda Cecile Fitzgerald (later Thibeault), circa 1935
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1935 Portland High School yearbook shows the same photo associated with Hilda Cecile Fitzgerald.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Hilda Fitzgerald living at 44 Brown. At the same address is Lottie Fitzgerald.
Hilda C Fitzgerald married Adrian R Thibeault in Portland on 29 June 1937.
S. World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947, include a card for Adrian Robert Thibeault, born 28 July 1916, whose next of kin was Hilda Cecile Thibeault. They lived in New York in 1940. The Massachusetts Death Index indicates Adrian died on 11 November 1983.
I have been unsuccessful in finding Hilda in the 1920 or 1930 Census records. Also, I have been unsuccessful in finding Hilda (or Adrian) in the Family Search Family Tree. Likewise, I have been unsuccessful in finding Hilda in Ancestry family trees.
I also uploaded one additional photo of Hilda Cecile Fitzgerald to my Flickr photostream.
Mary Patricia Flaherty, circa 1935
This negative envelope says, “Miss Patricia Flaherty – State St. Hospital – #653.”
Mary Patricia Flaherty, circa 1935
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1933 Portland City Directory lists Patricia M. Flaherty as a student nurse at 109 Emery, residing in the same place.
The 1938 Portland City Directory lists Patricia M. Flaherty as a nurse at 15 Mellen, residing at the same location. The 1943 Directory indicates she was still a nurse at15 Mellen. The ’43 directory also shows that 15 Mellen Street housed Russell-Altenburg Co dental supplies.
A fifteen-year-old Mary P Flaherty lives with her parents Edward A. and Mary A. Flaherty on Sheridan during the 1930 Census.
Further research in Ancestry Family Trees discovered Mary Patricia Flaherty, born 1 March 1915. She was a Nurse living in Boston in 1940 and lived with her parents, Edward Augustus and Mary Agnes (Lee) Flaherty, in Portland during the 1930 census. A further look at her in Ancestry Trees yielded a photo of Mary Patricia. That photo looks very much like the same person just a few years older.
I am confident that this is a photo of Mary Patricia Flaherty (later Feeney) about 1936.
Family Search does not appear to have a profile for Mary Patricia Flaherty; however, her father, Edward Augustus Flaherty, is GS1Y-997, and her mother, Mary Agnes Lee, is ID GS1Y-ZL8.Seventeen Ancestry Trees refer to Mary Patricia Flaherty, later Feeney.
I have uploaded two photos of Mary Patricia to Dead Fred.
Stephen J. Flaherty, circa 1935.
The envelope this negative was in says, “Mr. Stephen Flaherty, 24 High St, Portland #664.”
Stephen J. Flaherty, circa 1935.
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Stephen J and Pearl E Flaherty living at 24 High Street.
The 1940 U.S. Census lists Stephen J and Pearl E Flaherty living at 21 Grand Street in Portland. Stephen is 52 years old. Stephen was born in Maine.
New Hampshire Marriage records indicate Stephen J. Flaherty and Pearl E Caiazzo married on 25 October 1928 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. His parents were John J and Mary (Foley) Flaherty. It was the second marriage for both of them. Pearl’s father’s name was Asa L. Smith
Maine Birth records indicate Stephen J. Flaherty was born on 26 December 1885.
I am sure this is Stephen J. Flaherty about 1935 when he was about 50 years old.
Family Search identifies Stephen J. Flaherty, born 26 December 1884 as ID GMT8-5VH.
Unknown Child, possibly related to Mrs. George W. (Catherine E.) Fleming née Cockburn, circa 1936.
The envelope this negative was in says, “Mrs. Geo W Flemming, 50 Bradley St, Portland # 1060 – DSCN3293PR.”
Unknown Child, possibly related to Mrs. George W. (Catherine E.) Fleming née Cockburn, circa 1936.
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1936 Portland City Directory lists George W. and Catherine E Fleming living at 50 Bradley St.
In 1930, there was a 33-year-old George W Fleming lodging at 37 Casco Street. He was a salesman in the radio industry. George was born in Massachusetts.
The 1932 Portland City directory indicated that George W Fleming was a salesman at 195 Forest Avenue. The various city directories suggest George and Catherine lived in Portland from 1932 until 1935.
George and Catherine E. Cockburn married on 6 June 1931 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. George was 34, and Catherine was 27. George was born in Manchester, and Catherine was born in Clinton, Mass. George’s parents were William K and Alice (Wiggins) Flemming. Catherine’s parents were William and Jessie (Spence) Cockburn.
The 1940 Census appears to find George W. Fleming, married, as a lodger in Augusta, Kennebec County, Maine. George’s wife and daughter do not appear on the page.
William Cockburn’s Naturalization Record indicates that Catherine E. Fleming was born in Clinton, Mass, on 13 July 1902 and resided in Bridgton, Maine, in 1937. Also living in Bridgton was her brother David H. Cockburn.
The 1940 Census enumerated Catherine Fleming living in Naples, Cumberland County, Maine. She was a teacher lodging with George and May Russell. No children were enumerated at that address.
I am very confident that Mrs. Geo. W. Flemming of 50 Bradley Street is Catherine Cockburn, daughter of William and Jessie (Spence) Cockburn. However, I can find no birth record for a child of George W. and Catherine E (Cockburn) Fleming. The child may be a niece or other close relative. Alternately, she could be their child who died young, but again, I can find no record of such a child.
In either event, without determining a name or relationship for the child, I am unable to post the photo to Family Search or Dead Fred. Besides this image, I also uploaded this image to my Flickr Photostream.
Conclusion
I fully identified two individuals whose photos I posted to Family Search
I identified two individuals without Family Search profiles, so I posted those photos to Dead Fred.
I failed to identify one child’s photo; consequently, I only posted her photo here and to my Flickr Photostream.
Final Note
If any of these photos are of your family member, I would love to hear your reaction. Especially if this photo is of a loved one for whom you hadn’t seen this photograph before.
Endnotes
[i] The Wight Studio was in Portland, Maine. Many thanks to Ethel Wight’s family for access to and permission to use the collection of their great aunt.
[ii] These images were converted to positives using a lightbox, a Nikon camera and computer software.
“Donna in the News” is my reporting of newly found newspaper articles and advertising regarding my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran and aka Donna Darling). I am always excited when I find a new venue for my grandmother’s exciting show business career of the 1910s and 1920s.
This week’s clipping is from The Evening Telegraph (North Platte, Nebraska), dated May 3, 1930.
Article
My knowledge of the twilight of Donna’s career is minimal, so it was exciting to find an article about her performing in May 1930. It is just a quick mention, but it provided the name of a new show she was in, a new venue, and information about one of her final performances. It reads:
The Evening Telegraph North Platte, NE – 3 May 1930
FOX OFFERS BIG VARIETY
Sunday and Monday the Fox theatre presents another great program on both stage and screen. The R-K-O vaudeville is headed by Taflan’s Unique Review, a company of six young men and women with special costumes and scenery, featuring Miss Dona Darling.
This clipping provides a hint regarding what Donna did after she returned from Panama. We know Donna was in Panama during her birthday, February 20, 1930. She also left Panama on March 27 and arrived in New York on April 8, 1930. Donna and Sammy had become estranged when they left Panama, so she no longer had a show with Sammy. Consequently, I’ve known nothing about her career from her return until she played in Terre Haute, Indiana, in September or October 1930, when she and Sammy were supposed to open a show again. (Although I have not been able to confirm they did perform together.) Now, I can further research “Taflan’s Unique Review” during 1930 and see where it and Donna may have appeared.
New information added to her career list:
May 4, 1930 – Fox Theatre – North Platte, NE – “…six young men and women…featuring Miss Dona Darling.
Albert S. Bodge was born in South Windham, Cumberland County, Maine, on 2 August 1838[i]. He was the youngest of five children of John and Betsy (Mathew) Bodge. His four older siblings were:
John Bodge M 55 Maine – Farmer, Real Estate Value: $2,000
Betsey Bodge F 50 Maine
Mary E Bodge F 22 Maine
John P Bodge M 19 Maine Attending School
Eunice Bodge F 16 Maine Attending School
Louisa Bodge F 14 Maine Attending School
Albert Bodge M 11 Maine Attending School
1860 Census – John Bodge, Head
John Bodge M 66 Maine Farmer – Real Property Value: $3,000, Personal Property value: $500
Betsey Bodge F 62 Maine
Eunice C Bodge F 26 Maine Teach Com School
Louiser Bodge F 24 Maine Teach Com School
Albert C Bodge M 21 Maine Farm Laborer
It is unclear what may have happened to Mary or John, but neither were enumerated here with the John Bodge household. Further research should determine where Mary and John lived.
1863 Civil War
Of the 348 young men who registered for the 14th Sub-District of Cumberland County draft, 107 names were drawn, and Albert Bodge’s name was one of them. However, the law allowed for individuals to send a substitute in their place. The drafted person gave the substitute $300 (the equivalent of $5,000 today), and the substitute served in their place. Albert’s substitute was William Blake. William Blake of Portland mustered-in in August 1863 and mustered out on 1 September 1866.
After the end of the Civil War (1865) and 1877, Albert moved several times and had several different occupations. It doesn’t appear that marriage affected his trying different places or occupations.
Marriage
After the war, on 2 April 1867, Albert married Mary Elizabeth “Lizzie” Mayberry. At the time, Albert was living in Portland, and Lizzie was living in Gorham. Shortly after their marriage their first child was born, Bertha.
Adulthood
1870 Census – Albert Bodge, Head
Westbrook, Cumberland County, Maine.
Albert S Bodge, M 31 Maine Teamster
Lizzie M Bodge F 32 Maine
Berta A Bodge F 1 Maine
By 1872, when daughter Minnie was born, the family had moved to Lewiston. They lived in a house on Bridge Street near Winter. Albert was an operative at the Androscoggin mill (a cotton mill). By 1876, they removed to Gray, Cumberland County, Maine. (He probably worked at the Mayall’s Mills.) He was also in Gray when he sold 200 acres of land he inherited from his father to his brother, John.[iii] He also sold an additional 7 acres to John.
The following year, 1877, Albert and his family moved to Westbrook, where he would live for the next 20 years. He worked for S. D. Warren & Co., a paper mill in Westbrook.
By 1880, the family appears to have broken up. I have not found either Albert’s wife, “Lizzie,” or his daughters, Berta or Minnie, during the 1880 Census. I suspect that “Lizzie” died, and the children were scattered. In 1880, Albert was living in a rooming house near the paper mill. The Census recorded him as single, so it may be that he and “Lizzie” had divorced. I may learn more when I research Lizzie.
Albert’s Second Marriage
By 1885, Albert and Emily Leighton got together. I am yet to find a marriage record for them; however, in 1886, they had a daughter, Hattie Louise Bodge.
Two of Albert’s Children Marry
On 12 June 1886, Albert’s oldest child, Bertha, married Charles A. Blanchard in Deering[iv], Maine.
On 14 December 1886, Albert’s middle child, Minnie Mabel, married Frederick W. Blanchard. Frederick’s older brother, Charles A Blanchard, is probably the same Charles that Bertha married. So, it appears to be another case of two sisters marrying two brothers.
Albert’s Third Marriage
Emily and Albert separated (or divorced). On 28 October 1894, Albert married Hattie Simpson.
Historical Event – Flood of Westbrook
S.D. Warren Mill following 1896 Flood – Photo Courtesy Walker Memorial Library via Maine Memory Network
In March 1896, Westbrook experienced a major flood. Melting snow caused the Presumpscot river to rise rapidly. Two bridges washed away, followed by the Westbrook electric light station washed away, causing Westbrook to lose lighting and power. The gatehouse at S. D. Warren (where Albert worked) and other damage threw 2500 people out of work. Other bridges and infrastructure were destroyed as well, including bridges in Gorham and Saco.
Death
Albert S. Bodge died at the age of 59 on 10 August 1897 in Westbrook, Cumberland County, Maine, of valvular heart disease. His funeral was held on 23 August 1987 at the Advent Church in Westbrook.
Event’s after Albert’s Death
Albert’s youngest daughter, Hattie, married on 9 May 1916, 19 years after Albert’s death. Hattie’s mother had also passed before Hattie’s marriage to Harry Eugene Maxim.
Events by Location
Albert is known to have lived in five locations, all within 35 miles of each other.
Research where Mary and John Bodge (Albert’s siblings) were during the 1860 Census.
The 1880 Census recorded Albert as single. It may be that he and “Lizzie” had divorced. Research Mary Elizabeth “Lizzie” Bodge.
Research Emily Leighton, Albert’s 2nd wife and their daughter Hattie Louise Bodge.
Research Hattie Simpson, Albert’s 3rd wife
Perform a 2nd level research of Albert S. Bodge.
Sources
1840 Census
1840 Census, Various, John Bodge – Windham, Cumberland, Maine.
1850 Census [Source includes media item(s)] 1850 Census, Family Search, John Bodge, Head – Maine, Cumberland, Windham. United States Census, 1850. https://(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/ 61903/1:1:M6JL-SLK.
1860 Census 1860 Census, Family Search, John Bodge. “United States Census, 1860”, database with images, FamilySearch : 18 February 2021), John Bodge, 1860. https:// familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MDHJ-FT4.
1870 Census
1870 Census, Albert S Bodge, Head, Westbrook, Cumberland, Maine . “United States Census, 1870”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ ark:/61903/1:1:M6DF-CTZ : 29 May 2021), Albert S Bodge, 1870.
1880 Census
1880 Census, Albert S Bodge – Westbrook, Cumberland, Maine. “United States Census, 1880,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/ 61903/1:1:MF3V-YQT : 19 February 2021), Albert S Bodge in household of Mary A Berry, Westbrook, Cumberland, Maine, United States; citing enumeration district ED 64, sheet 529D, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm 1,254,478.
Cumberland County Register of Deeds Internet
Cumberland County Register of Deeds, Internet, Deed – Doc# 3143 – Albert S Bodge to John I Bodge – 27 June 1876.
Cumberland County Register of Deeds, Internet, Deed – Doc# 3143 – Albert S Bodge to John J Bodge – 12 June 1876.
Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921
Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921, Family Search, Birth – Minnie M Bodge – 24 March 1972. https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2HVQ-8PJ.
Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921, Family Search, Death – Albert S Bodge – 1897. “Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921,” database with images, FamilySearch (https:// familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VZ38-DTH : 2 March 2021), Albert S Bodge, 19 August 1897; citing Westbrook, , Maine, United States, multiple sources, Maine; FHL microfilm.
Maine, Marriage Index, 1892-1966, 1977-1996 Maine, Marriage Index, 1892-1966, 1977-1996, Family Search, Albert S Bodge – Hattie Simpson – No Image – 28 October 1894. Maine State Archives, Augusta, via Family Search. https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KCJN-TCJ.
Maine, U.S., Marriage Records, 1713-1922 Maine, U.S., Marriage Records, 1713-1922, Ancestry, Albert Bodge & Lizzie
Maybury . Maine State Archives; Cultural Building, 84 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0084; Pre 1892 Delayed Returns; Roll Number: 10.
Portland Daily Press Portland Daily Press (Portland, Maine, ), Genealogy Bank, 1863-08-14 – Albert S. Bodge.
Portland Daily Press (Portland, Maine, ), Genealogy Bank, 1897-08-24 – Westbrook – Funeral of Albert Bodge.
Portland Weekly Advertiser Portland Weekly Advertiser (Portland, ME), Genealogy Bank, 1863-07-25 – The Draft – Windham.
U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995 U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995, Ancestry, Lewiston, Maine – 1872 – Page 24 – Albert Bodge.
U.S., Adjutant General Military Records, 1631-1976 U.S., Adjutant General Military Records, 1631-1976, Ancestry, Page 23 – Windham – Albert S. Bodge.
U.S., Civil War Draft Registration Records, 1863-1865 U.S., Civil War Draft Registration Records, 1863-1865, Ancestry, Albert S Bodge
Endnotes
[i] Some records, such as his death recording, indicate that Albert was born in Westbrook, however, earlier records indicate he was born in South Windham. Additionally, the Bodge family farm (over 200 acres) was in Windham.
[iv] Deering was a town in Cumberland County, incorporated 1871. Before 1871 it was a part of Saccarappa. In 1899, the town was annexed by the City of Portland and is today a neighborhood of Portland. (Ref: Wikipedia – Deering, Maine)
[v]Potential Residence Year begin in the year Albert is known to have lived before the location and ends the year Albert is known to have lived after the location. These are the years Albert could be found in the location described.
“Donna 100 years ago” is my reporting of events relating to my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran and Donna Darling) 100 years ago. Hers was the exciting world of 1920s vaudeville. She crisscrossed the country several times with her many shows.
Donna Montran in the vaudeville act, “As You Like It,” by Hockey and Green, opens at Asbury Park this week; direction of Lee Stewart.
