My grandmother was a vaudeville star and I am following her career, trying to learn of her many performances. In October 1919, she joined the cast of the Charles Dillingham production of “Chin-Chin” “Chin-Chin” played in the US and Canada until June 1920. I monitor several newspaper services watching for new venues that the show played while she was a cast member.
I recently received a notification from the folks at Elephind that they had added the “Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection to their searchable items. As such, I ran a quick search and had two new findings. The first entry is from the Denver Jewish News dated 5 November 1919. It was an ad for Chin Chin playing at the Broadway Theatre in Denver, a venue I had learned about previously.
The second article found was from the Walsenburg World dated 20 November 1919, Page 5, Column 3, Para 12, which read:
Walsenburg World – Nov 20, 1919 – Page 5, Column 3, Paragraph 12.
“Mr. and Mrs. George Blickhahn, Mr. and Mrs. James Flynn, Mrs. B. Gardner, Aldolph Unfug, Miss Clara Kincaid of La Veta, and Lois Sporleder all spent Sunday in Trinidad seeing ‘Chin Chin.’”
The previous Sunday would have been November 16, 1919. Trinidad is a small town about 40 miles southeast of Walsenburg and about 11 miles north of the New Mexico border.
It appears that the show may have been at West’s Theatre, however, I’ll need to confirm that with additional research. The show played in Denver from the 9th to the 15th, went south to Trinidad for the 16th then returned back north to Pueblo on the 18th and Colorado Springs on the 19th.
New Venue Added:
Nov 16, 1919 – Trinidad, Colorado – (Probably) West’s Theatre.
Appleton, Armstrong, Ames, August, and a crashed car.
Photo Friday
By Don Taylor
This week for Photo Friday, I identify five more envelopes of negatives from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection[i]. The images were converted to positives using a lightbox, a Nikon camera, and Adobe Photoshop Essentials.
Gail Appleton – ca. 1937.
Miss Gail Appleton
The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Gail Appleton – State Street Hospital – #662.”
The Portland, Maine, City Directory for 1934, indicates Gail Appleton residing at 166 Kelsey, South Portland.
The Portland, Maine, City Directory for 1935 indicates Gail Appleton is a student nurse at 62 State, Residence 52 State.
The Portland, Maine, City Directory for 1937 indicates Gail Appleton is a student nurse at 62 State, Residence 52 State.
The Portland, Maine, City Directory for 1938, indicates Gail Appleton is a nurse employed at 1151 Brighton Av and a nurse at 166 Kelsey, South Portland, and is residing at 166 Kelsey, South Portland.
These types of photos were typically taken about graduation, so I place the photo as circa 1937.
From these records and the 1930 and 1940 Census records, I’m sure this is Gail Appleton, Born 22 July 1915 in Augusta, Kennebec County, Maine, to Maurice Dwinell and Annie Belle (Grady) Appleton. On Family Search, she is ID: GM5T-D6P.
Mona Armstrong
Miss Mona Armstrong
This photo is from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection. The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Mona Armstrong – Nse. Gen Hospital.
Mona Armstrong is not listed in the 1934 Portland, Maine, City Directory.
The Portland, Maine, City Directory for 1935, indicates Mona Armstrong is a student nurse at 22 Arsenal, Residence (ditto).
The Portland, Maine, City Directory for 1936 indicates Mona Armstrong is a student nurse at 22 Arsenal, Residence (ditto).
The Portland, Maine, City Directory for 1937 indicates Mona Armstrong is a student nurse at 22 Arsenal, Residence (ditto).
The Portland, Maine, City Directory for 1938 indicates Mona Armstrong married Carl Matthews. I believe the photo to be circa 1937.
I am confident this is Mona Luella Armstrong (1914-2001), daughter of Orville George and Amber Flora (Rich) Armstrong. She married Carl Eugene Matthews on 24 January 1838. On Family Search, she is ID: G7LK-ZLL
Phillip Ames & Daughter – ca. 1934
Mr. Phil Ames & Daughter
The envelope this negative was in says, “Mr. Phil Ames – 92 Concord St. Portland – #440.”
A review of the Portland City Directories found:
1934 Portland, Maine, City Directory, Page 121 – Philip L (Madeline V) prop 12 Monument Square Room G, home 92 Concord.
Which confirms that Philip L lived at 92 Concord. The 1935 directory indicates that Philip and Madeline lived at 27 Crosby, suggesting the photo was taken in 1934.
The 1940 Census indicates that Philip Ames lived at 119 Leland St. with his wife Madeline; Daughter, Donna (age 7); Son, Alan (age 4); and daughter, Dian (Age 8/12). So Donna would have been 1 to 2 years old in 1934, dating the photo to ca. 1934.
No other Philip Ames lived in Portland during this time.
Philip Linwood Ames has a Family Search ID LKZT-11B
Edith August circa 1936
Miss Edith August
The envelope this negative was in says, “Mrs. E. August – 16 Salem St, Portland – #322.”
The Portland, Maine, City Directory for 1936 indicates that Adolph J. August and his wife, Edith C. lived at 16 Salem in Portland.
The 1940 Census indicates that Adolph August and his wife Edith were living at 35 Taylor Street. With them is a 9-year-old daughter, Edith, who this appears to be a photograph of.
There is not a profile for Edith August on Family Search. It appears that four trees on Ancestry include Edith in their tree. I will contact them with a link to these photos after it posts to this blog.
No People – Just a Damaged Car
The envelope this negative was in says, “B. Applebaum – 58-60 Howard Ave, Roxbury, MA – #93.”
When I first saw this envelope, I thought how odd that a Roxbury person would have their photos taken in Portland. Then I looked at the photo and realized that it was clearly a photo of a car which recently was in an accident and there were a couple of photos of probably the road where the accident occurred.
A sign on the garage where the car is at says Vesta Batteries. To the left of the Car is a sign which reads “RUSCO.” I don’t know my auto makes, so I don’t know what kind of car it is. If you know, I’d be interested in learning the make/model.
Final Note
So, it was a good week. Five photos – five people were identified.
Endnotes
[i] The Wight Studio was in Portland, Maine. Many thanks to Ethel Wight’s family for access to and permission to use their great aunt’s collection.
Don Taylor in uniform, Barracks, Naval Station Treasure Island (San Francisco) ca. May 1969.
Today, I remember my ancestors that served in the military. I served during Vietnam and my ancestors served during every generation and many of our wars – Korea, both World Wars, the Civil War, the War of 1812, Revolutionary War, the French and Indian War, and even peacetime. I know of seven ancestors who served during the Revolution and four who served during the Civil War for the Union.
To all veterans, “thank you” for taking the oath. It is one of the most life-changing events of your life, I remember mine, and I’m sure you remember yours. I encourage everyone to use Veterans Day as a motivation to learn more about your ancestors that have worn the uniform of the United States.
New
In the past year, I’ve learned of another ancestor that served, my 2nd great-grandfather, Franklin E Barber (1836-1917). He served for the Union during the Civil War with the 6th Michigan Heavy Artillery.
Korean War
My Uncle – Russell Kees (1927-2016) fought during the Korean War.
World War II
My stepfather, Edgar Jerome Matson fought in Europe during World War II
1928-1931 – Peacetime Service
Clifford (Dick) Brown – 3rd from left, back row – Corozal (Panama) Basketball Champions – 1928.jpg
My Grandfather – Richard Earl Brown (aka Clifford Durwood Brown, aka Richard Earl Durand) (1903-1990) My maternal grandfather “Dick” served in the Army. Little is known about his peacetime military service.
In 1928, he was in the army stationed in Panama. He was a member of the base’s champion basketball team (See: Article).
In 1930, he met my Grandmother in Panama. It appears that he was discharged in 1931.
World War I
My step-grandfather Sammy Amsterdam served during World War I.
Civil War – Grand Army of the Republic
My 2nd great-grandfather, Franklin E Barber (1836-1917), enlisted for three years into Company I, 6th Michigan Heavy Artillery on 22 February 1864. He mustered out on 20 August 1865 at New Orleans.
My 2nd great-grandfather – John William Manning(1846-1888).
On 29 Aug 1863, John enlisted in the GAR, at the age of 17, into the 45th Regiment of Kentucky. His father, Enoch Mannin, gave his consent for young John William to enlist. Sometime between May and June of 1864 he was captured by the South (Morgan).
He mustered out on 30 Dec 1864.
My 3rd great-grandfather – Enoch Mannin (1823-1907)
On 29 Aug 1863 – Enoch enlisted (at the same time as his son John) in the 45th Regiment of Kentucky.
Between May and June of 1864, he was captured by the South (Morgan)
He was discharged on 29 Dec 1864 at Catlettsburg, KY.
My 2nd great-grandfather – Asa Ellis Roberts (1835-1887)
On 15 Aug 1861, Asa Joined the Union – Company I, 31st Regiment, Illinois Volunteers for 3 years. He was discharged early due to chronic pericarditis.
War of 1812
My 4th great-grandfather – Jacob Lawson (1800-___)
2nd Regiment (Lillard’s) East Tennessee Volunteers.
Was a private in Captain Waterhouse’s Company Tennessee Volunteers Florida.
15 Star flag War of 1812
My 3rd great-grandfather –John Calvin Roberts (1795-1873)
John C. Roberts was a veteran of the War of 1812, serving in Captain Chiles & Lieutenant Conway’s Company of Tennessee Militia. He enlisted Sep. 20, 1814 at Kingston, TN and was discharged there on May 1, 1815, serving 224 days. He received a pension for his War of 1812 military service.
Revolutionary War
My 7th great-grandfather – Grover Buel (1732-1818)
Revolutionary War (DAR – Patriot # A016639
He was a soldier of the Dutchess Co. New York Militia 6th Regiment.
He received Land Bounty Rights after the war.
My 6th great-grandfather – John Maben (1753-1813)
(DAR – Patriot # A072838) Private – 1st Claverack Batt, 9th Regt.
Private – Capt Hawley, Col Van Ness; Albany Co. Mil/New York
My 6th great-grandfather – John Parsons, Sr (1737/1738-1821)
DAR – Patriot# A088240
Lieutenant – Second LT in Capt Samuel Wolcott, 10th Co, 1st Berkshire Cnty Regt of MA Militia.
Lieutenant – Also Lt. Cap. Elijah Daming, Col Ashley.
My 6th great-grandfather – Wicks Weeks Rowley (1760-1826)
(DAR – Patriot # A09932). Private – New York Militia.
Minute Man – Lexington, Massachusetts
My 6th great-grandfather – Stephen Taft (1710-1803).
Stephen was a Lieutenant of Massachusetts Militia. He was a Minute Man at the Lexington Alarm.
My 5th great-grandfather – Silas Taft (1744-1822)
Serviced under Capt. Bezaleel Taft and Col. Nathan Taylor. He responded to the “Lexington Alarm.”
My 6th great-grandfather – Samuel Wolcott (1736-1802)
(DAR Patriot # A127434)
Captain – 10th Co, 1st Regt, Berkshire Co Militia; Col Hopkins Regt to Highlands.
French and Indian Wars
Colonial Ensign
My 8th great-grandfather – Samuel Wolcott (1679-1734)
“He commanded a military company.”
According to “The Family of HENRY WOLCOTT” by Chandler Wolcott. See: https://archive.org/details/wolcottgenealogy00wolc “He probably served in either King Williams War 1688-1697 or Queen Ann’s War (1702-1713). These wars were the first two of the four French and Indian Wars, which pitted New France against New England.
I know I have more to discover and more to learn about their service, but 18 veteran ancestors is a great beginning.
I consider free genealogy websites in three different categories. First are sites that have data that are sources for facts. The second are sites that provide links to sites that have the data. In other words, referrers to sites. Third are training and general information websites, which include Blogs. All three are essential but are used differently.
After searching for facts in my paid sites and the free sites I mentioned in Part 1, I begin looking for places that have facts I might not use regularly or don’t know about. By this time, I typically know about the individual I am researching’s vital records and where he or she lived. Referrer sites (or links sites) provide the ideas of where to look next. They are usually free and can be a significant help in providing insight into additional areas to research
The Ancestor Hunt – I find that newspapers provide texture to an ancestor’s life. The Ancestor Hunt has provided me with reliable links to such newspapers. Over the past few years, Kenneth R. Marks has added much to the website, including links to Directories, Yearbooks, and Obituaries. There is a Location feature available, so if I was looking for Maine Divorce Records, I could see an index to Cumberland County divorces before 1892. Likewise, you can learn that Family Search has Scarborough Town and Vital Records from 1681-1893 that are searchable.
Family Search Wiki – I find the Family Search Research Wiki to be incredibly useful and easy to use. For example, if you are researching ancestors who lived in Scarborough, Cumberland, Maine, just enter that in the search box. That will take you to the page that provides links to town records, histories, newspapers, and much more. By the way, I maintain the Scarborough Page and update it when I find new information about Scarborough of genealogical interest.
Cyndi’s List – Cyndi’s List is amazingly good for several reasons. First and foremost, she uses tags really well. In most referrer sites, you have to have a pretty good idea of what you are looking for. On Cyndi’s List, you can follow here categories to links that will help. For example, I can go to United States – Maine – Religion & Churches and learn there is a link to United Methodist Church, which has a search page to find what churches exist in Scarborough, Maine.
Family Tree Magazine – Every year, Family Tree magazine does an article about the 101 Best Genealogy Websites of the year. I might not know all 101 of the websites, but I look closely at the list every year to know what kinds of things I might be missing. When researching my ancestor’s military service, I might remember Fold 3 and the DAR websites, but forget the American Battle Monuments Commission site. It is a great site to help remind me of what sites exist that I should look at. If it is in the Family Tree Magazine 101 best sites, you should know about the site.
Other Sites – There are a plethora of websites that provide links for you to consider.
This week for Montran Monday[i], I found the following article:
This week’s entry is from the Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, NY) 17 May 1933 via Newspapers.com
Midweek Junior Eagle
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle – May 17, 1933.
If you are planning a trip in the near future, do not be like the man in the ten-credit puzzle that appeared in the Junior Eagle on May 7, and at the last minute find you have mislaid something. The man is searching for his “wallet.” When he finds it, the family will start. The five-credit puzzle in which you had to piece out the linoleum was easy, for you just had to cut through the squares that were misfits and then turn your square around. In the picture to color, the maid’s feather duster was missing. Next Sunday you will find something new on the back page of the Junior Eagle with which to win credits. Work it out and mail you finished work to me for credits. In next Sunday’s Junior Eagle the pupils of Public School 55 will find their school Honor Roll. If your name appears in the list today, underline it, cut out the list and mail it to me for your credits.
Aunt Jean
….
20 CREDITS
… Charlotte Montran….
PUZZLE CLUB
… Charlotte Montran…
I learned:
There was a young girl nameed Charlotte Montran who lived in New York, probably Staten Island[ii], in 1933, and she may have attended Public School 55.
[i] Montran Monday – My grandmother’s father was John Montran. She used the surname, as a young child and again when she began in show business. The name is uncommon and most of the Montrans I see in the newspapers are my grandmother during her early vaudeville career. However, with the constant flow of newly digitized material, I often learn of new articles which contain the Montran name. I pay attention to the finding and try to determine a possible relationship of any Montrans to Donna’s father, John Montran.
My 7th great-grandfather – Grover Buel (1732-1818)
I consider free genealogy websites in three different categories. First are sites that have data that are sources for facts. The second are sites that provide links to sites that have the data. In other words, referrers to sites. Third are training and general information websites, which include Blogs. All three are essential but are used differently.
