This photo kind of has two backs. There is the original small 2-3/4” x 2” black & white (pictured above). Also, there is a blue-tinted printed copy of that same photo but only has the left inch, thus leaving out the daughter. However, the backs of the two are slightly different. One says, “Mrs. Carrie Johnson & daughter Lillie,” the other states, “Carrie Johnson Mrs. R. M. Johnson.”
A search for Carrie Johnson, with a spouse of R. M. and a child named Lillie, immediately found a 1910 Census record with Richard M. Johnson, head of household, Carrie E. Johnson, his wife, and Lillie R. Johnson, as a daughter. In 1910 they lived in Hallowell, Kennebec County, Maine.
Carrie E. (Murphy) Johnson – Family Search ID: 9XYH-Z1X.
Lillie Richardson Johnson – Family Search ID: G71N-9FJ.
Kenneth F Bartlett
The back of the photo says, “Kenneth F Bartlett.” The picture is by “Smith Photo Co, 27 Monument Sq., Portland, ME.”
There was a Kenneth F. Bartlett, born in Scarborough, ME, on 30 June 1905, the son of Ferdinand M. and Ruth E. Bartlett.
A review of potential other Kenneth Bartletts did not yield any other candidates.
The child appears to be between ½ to 1-1/2, and the photo style is consistent with approximately 1906. So, I believe this to be Kenneth Bartlett.
The back of the photo says, “Evelyn Ardelia Bragdon” The image is by the “Marshall Studio, Westbrook, ME.”
I have seen photos of Elsie and Evelyn Bragdon previously. A view of Evelyn on Family Search yielded another image of the same picture, so I did not upload my copy of the photo to Family Search.
It is a great day when you can identify all of the individuals in the photos you are reviewing. I am caught up on my Photo Identification Project, so it will be a while before I research any others.
One of my favorite, little known, websites is Fulton History, also known as Old Fulton Postcards. They have nearly 50 million newspaper pages. Besides searching on their site, there is a separate website, Fultonsearch.org, which can provide another, less cumbersome, search methodology. The site has lots more than just Fulton County or New York-specific materials, so I highly recommend adding it to your regular search processes.
Background
The “Chin Chin” show played in North Adams, MA, on May 14th and Pittsfield, MA, on May 15th, before backtracking nearly 400 miles west to Jamestown, NY, to play the Opera House there on May 16th.
Preshow Advertising
The first advertising for the show began on Thursday, March 11, 1920 in the Jamestown Evening Journal. Page Twelve included a regular Chin Chin ad with Walter Wills and Roy Binder sitting on the moon. There was also a photo of the Clown Saxaphone Band and an advertising article.
The Jamestown Evening Journal used this photo, however, due to the quality of the newspaper copy, this is a better quality image from jass.com.
THE FAMOUS CLOWN SAXAPHONE BAND IN “CHIN CHIN” TO BE PRESENTED AT THE OPERA HOUSE TUESDAY NIGHT, MARCH 16.
“CHIN CHIN” COMING TO THE OPERA HOUSE NEXT TUESDAY
Charles Dillingham’s musical comedy success “Chin Chin” is coming to the Opera House on Tuesday night, March 16, according to an announcement made this morning by manager R. C. Horning.
This play appeared first at the Globe theater in New York for two solid years, and is now on a transcontinental trip, touring the west for the first time.
In the leading roles will be seen Walter Wills and Roy Binder, who come to use with the stamp of approval won in such productions as The Wizard of Oz, The Red Mill, Hitchy Koo, etc., etc., etc.
The company comprising sixty-five people, mostly girls and Tom Brown’s Famous Clown Saxaphone band. Charles Dillingham’s name is associated with the biggest and best theatrical enterprises, such as the Hippodrome and Globe theater in New York some of his latest productions are Jack O’Lantern with Fred Stone. The Canary with Julia Sanderson and Joe Cawthorne. Hip Hip Hooray with 1,290 associates, and Everything which has surpassed all records at the New York Hippodrome during the season 1918-1919.
Chin Chin is a fantastic production rich in costuming. In seven sets, including the most startling surprises, ingenious trickery and grotesque dancing in plenty, affording an entertainment that is clean and wholesome proving hilarious amusement for both young and old, which qualities are the making of and particular success of the theatrical magnate, Charles Dillingham.
Chin Chin has previously appeared in Jamestown. The reputation made then will undoubtedly help it on its coming appearance.
On March 15th, the Jamestown Evening Journal ran an ad showing three of the women in the cast. I’ve seen the photo before but never saw it with all three of the women identified in the photograph. They are Ethel Lawrence, Norma Seller, and Marie Cavanah.
Reviews
In a rare review of a one night show, Donna is called out specifically.[i]
… Donna Montram [sic], a beautiful girl, beautifully dressed and with a sweet voice and manner made the part of the Goddess of the Lamp especially attractive…
Jamestown Opera House (aka Shea’s Opera House)
Jamestown Opera House (aka Shea’s Opera House) – Photo courtesy “Schlickrt” via Cinema Treasures.
Abner Allen built the opera house on Second Street in Jamestown in 1894. In 1898 he sold the theater to Charles Samuels. In 1919, the Samuel’s Opera House was acquitted by the Shea interest of New York City. They refurbished the opera house. “Chin Chin” played there after that refurbishment. In 1967, the Little Theatre of Jamestown purchased the property and began operations in 1969. The theatre was renamed the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown in 1991, after the local celebrity’s death.[ii]
Specifications for Shea’s Opera House
Seating Capacity: 1,287
Proscenium opening: 37 ft
Front to back wall: 36 ft
Between side walls: 60 ft
Between fly Galleries: 46 ft
To rigging loft: 60 ft
To fly gallery: 27 ft
There were three newspapers in Jamestown at the time, the “Journal,” “News,” and “Daily Sun.” I have only found articles from the Journal so far.
Today
The Lucille Ball Little Theater was in operation before the COVID-19 pandemic. I don’t know its current status. See https://www.lucilleballlittletheatre.org/ for details.
[ii] Internet: “History of the Theater’s Owners” – Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown – www.lucilleballlittletheatre.org/history-of-the-theaters-owners.html
Sanford is an English variant of Sandford that relates to geographical locations. Possibly refers to ancestors of the Sandford parishes in Devon and Oxfordshire, a township in Berkshire or Salop or other Sandford locations.[i]
Geographical
Today the vast majority of people with the Sanford surname live in the United States. It is most common in French Polynesia where one in 864 people have the surname.
In the United States, most people with the Sanford surname live in Texas and California while it is most common in Mississippi.
My Direct Sanford Ancestors
 Marion Sanford(1846- c. 1895) – 2nd great-grandmother.
Thomas Sanford (1607-1681) – 10th great-grandfather.
Historical
1880
In 1880 my 3rd great grandfather, William M. Sanford, was living in Saline, Washtenaw County, Michigan. Seventy-five other Sanfords were living in Washtenaw County at the time. His father had passed by then.
1840
In 1840, my 4th great-grandfather Ezra Sandford was living in Saline, Washtenaw County, Michigan, along with his wife and nine children. He was one of four Sanford households in the county.
1800
In 1800, my 5th great-grandfather, Ezra Clugston Sanford, was living in Pownal, Bennington County, Vermont, along with his wife and five children. He was one of four Sanford families in the county.
1760
In 1760, my 6th great grandfather, Amos Gilbert Sanford, was living in Newtown, Fairfield County, Connecticut. Ezra Clugston hadn’t been born yet, but Amos was married and had two children.
Before 1720
I haven’t had the opportunity to research my other Sanford ancestors. However, it appears that Thomas Sanford was born in Essex, England, and immigrated to the colonies in the 1600s. His son, Samuel, was born in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1643.
So, my Sanford relatives immigrated from Essex, England, and settled in Connecticut for several generations. They then moved west, to Vermont, then Michigan, and on to North Dakota in subsequent generations.
Thomas Sanford’s Descendants
My research has identified 777 descendants of Thomas Sanford, 78 of whom had the surname Sanford. Thomas Sanford was born in 1607, and the most recent Sanford that I have a birthdate for was born in 1846.
Ancestry ThruLines indicates 34 DNA matches with Marion Sanford for which there are family trees. There is another one matching with her brother, William A Sanford, and one more through Marion’s great aunt Sally Sanford. So, I have a lot of ThruLines results to analyze.
Sources:
Ancestry – Don Taylor’s Roberts-Brown tree on Ancestry.Com.
Donna Darling and her Jewel Revue – State Theater, Utica, New York.
Treasure Chest Thursday
by Don Taylor
For this week’s Treasure Chest Tuesday, I’m looking at a full-page of the Donna Darling Collection, which included five items..
First is a clipping showing, “The Scintillating Beauty, Donna Darling and Her Jewel Revue, Presenting Singing, Dancing, Comedy, Elaborate Costumes, Special Settings and Lighting Effects” at State Theater. Luckily, Donna handwrote on the clipping, “Utica Mar 18-19-20” which gives us the location and date for the show. Donna’s “Little Jewel Review” is known to have run from November 1925 to March 1926. So, it appears she was in Utica, New York, from March 18 through the 20th, 1926.
Key features:
The venue is the State Theater
The show is the “Donna Darling and Her Jewel Revue.”
Also, on the bill:
Williams & Perry – Colored Entertainers Singing, Dancing
Lone & King – In Songs and Comedy
Cosmopolitan Trio – In a Song Offering
Chick and Dog – A Clever Canine Novelty
The Movie showing was Evelyn Brent in “Queen of Diamonds”
Two Advertising Clips
The first advertising clipping focuses upon “Queen of Diamonds,” but includes”
From advance reports of the vaudeville bill to be offered in today’s program, it appears the patrons will not be disappointed. Heading the list is Donna Darling and “Her Jewel Revue” in songs dances and comedy. Lowe & King….
The second clipping indicates,
The Darling Revue is listed as the headliner and deserves that title through virtue of its all-around excellence. A decided feature of the act are the dance numbers. These include toe, clog, gypsy, and Charleston novelties. Some well-received songs are also offered.
Two Photos
Finally, on the page are two lively little photos. One is clearly Donna in a stylish, bedazzled skirt and a long headscarf with a beaded cap.
The second photo is of an unknown man in a shirt and tie. The photo was taken outdoors so doesn’t appear to be related in time or place to Donna’s photo. The young man’s pants appear to be kaki and his tie is square cut on the bottom. Also, it looks (to me) that he has a garrison cap tucked into his waist, suggesting it is a soldier. Hopefully, I will be able to identify him later.
Conclusion
I added the following to Donna’s Itinerary:
March 18-20, 1926 – “Donna Darling and her Jewel Revue” – State Theater, Utica, New York – DDC-73.
Chin Chin played at the Smith Opera House in Geneva, NY, on May 21st. The troupe then traveled the 60 miles south to Elmira, and two shows at the Lyceum Theatre. This showing had more advertising articles than most shows. Sadly, my grandmother, Donna, isn’t mentioned by name, however, her role, “Goddess of the Lamp” is mis-mentioned as the “Goddess of the Light.”
Advertising
On May 18th, the Star-Gazette ran the following advertisement on Page 13:
“Chin Chin” Saturday Matinee and Evening
Melodious, artistic and diverting is “Chin Chin” scheduled for the Lyceum this Saturday Matinee and evening. To Walter Wills and Roy Binder are entrusted the principal parts, supported by a company of clever comedians and a beautiful chorus. In their song “The Chinese Honeymoon,” “Go Gar Sig Gong-Jue,” and “Temple Bells,” the two clever comedians Wills and Binder make a decided hit and are always recalled again and again. In this charming fantasy with a Chinese atmosphere there are also a score of other songs that are the fascinating, whistling kine, and several unique dances that carry the snappy comedy along delightfully. This is a great play for the children matinee prices 50c, 75, $1, $1.50. Evening: 50c. $1.00, $1.50, $2.00. Seat sale Thursday morning. Phone 411.—Adv.
On May 19th, the Star-Gazette ran the following advertisement on Page 16:
“Chin Chin” Saturday
Caption: The Evening Times (Sayre, Pennsylvania), May 19, 1920 – Page 2
“Chin Chin” comes to the Lyceum on Saturday matinee and evening, and is a musical comedy, or concoction, that turned them away on a previous engagement. Charles Dillingham thought it over and resolved that he had a piece of theatrical property far too valuable to pack away in the storehouse. He had no concern about its fate if he could get a pair of comedians with enough talent to play the parts of the two Chinese. Walter Wills and Roy Binder came up to the specifications, and so the new “Chin Chin” with as much pains taken upon it as the original production, was sent on tour.
Yet, “Chin Chin” does not depend wholly upon the chief comedians, its melodies, already familiar every are ingratiating: “The Good-bye Girs” [sic] song. “The Love Moon” and other numbers are delightfully tuneful, and the sprightliness of the complete story is fetching.
When Mr. Dillingham puts on a play there is not a shabby spot showing anywhere, but every detail of costume and scenery is perfected to suit the most discriminating taste. Matinee 50c, 75, $1, $1.50. Evening: 50c. $1.00, $1.50, $2.00; Seat sale tomorrow.-Adv.
On May 20th, the Star-Gazette ran the following advertisement on Page 13:
LyceuM
“CHIN CHIN”
Caption: Star-Gazette (Elmira, New York) · Thu, May 20, 1920 · Page 11
Coming to the Lyceum on Saturday is Charles Dillingham’s “Chin Chin” the musical comedy which is one of those tales of live and wishing common to the Arabian Nights. All impossibilities are crowded into it jumbled together like the figures in a dream and in the end it resolves itself into a vehicle for the display of the clever grotesqueries of the two clever “turn” artists. Walter Wills and Roy Binder. Mr. Wills, whose body seems made of rubber, and whose facial expressions change as quickly as the wheel of fortune, gives us Chin Hop Hi, Paderewski, Mlle. Falloffski, a Gendarme and a ventriloquist, transformations accompanied by such curies tricks and poses, such tumbling, dancing, imitating, such a running fire of jokes and fun-making that the audience fairly screams with laughter. Mr. Binder gives us in rapid succession Chin Hop Lo, the widow, a Coolie and the Ring Master, lightening changes of mood, manner and get-up that provoked the audience to mirth. No more diverting and entertaining “comics” have come this way for many seasons. George Usher makes an agreeable and picturesque Aladdin.
The danseuse par excellence is Irene McKay, and astonishing acrobatic and step performer whose twinkling feet are full of speed and syncopation, her number with Mr. Wills entitled “Dance Poetic” is a remarkable performance ending with a surprise to the audience.
The favorite songs are “The Chinese Honeymoon,” “Good-bye Girls, I’m Through,” “Violet.” “The Gray Dove,” and “Love Moon.” The most recalled dance and song numbers are the “Teddy Bear Dance.” (without words), “Go Gar Sig Gong-Jue,” “Temple Bells,” “The Rag of Rags,” and “Bally Moony.”
The clever Saxophone Sextette by Tom Brown’s Clown Band is one of the most amusing and delightful hits of the play. The company is acceded to be the largest organization presenting a musical comedy on the road today, there are girls, and girls and girls. Extra musicians are carried by the company assuring patrons of the correct interpretation of the excellent musical score. Matinee 50c, 75, $1, $1.50. Evening: 50c. $1.00, $1.50, $2.00. Seats now selling.—Adv.
Advertising for the show continued every day in the Elmira Star-Gazette. Additionally, the Sayre, PA, Evening Times (about 20 miles from Elmira) ran advertising articles daily including the following the day of the show.
“CHIN CHIN” IN ELMIRA TONIGHT
Chin Chin, a musical comedy in three acts and seven sets of scenery, which has won an international reputation as one of the biggest musical comedy successes of recent years, is scheduled for an appearance at the Lyceum Theater, Elmira this evening. Catchy song numbers abound with delightful melody, lavish scenery, costumes of the Oriental and Old English style, a chorus of over thirty sprightly girlies, hilarious comedy and pantomimic work introduced by a number of clever comedians with Walter Wills and Roy Binder in the lead, all combine to afford a capital evening’s entertainment of good, clean fun.
In the first act, we have Aladdin and Violet Bond, a charming young American girl in search of a magical lamp which has the power to grant any wish of the owner. They meet at the toy shop of Abanazer, and the remaining acts and scenes are brought about gb [sic] the magical properties of the lamp found in the tea shop of Widow Twanke. In succession foll such characters as Fan Tan, the Goddess of the Light, Chin Hop Hi, Chin Hop Lo, Paderewski, the Ventriloquist and many others too numerous to mention. Evening prices $2, $1.50, $1, 50c.
Post Show Info
There is a five-day gap in my records of the Chin Chin show, but I know the show played at the Orpheum Theatre in York PA on May 28th. So, I suspect that the show played in New York or Pennsylvania during the 23rd to the 27th. I definitely need to search the New York and Pennsylvania newspapers of May 1920 searching for the show appearances.
Lyceum Theatre
Lyceum Theatre – Elmira, NY Photo source “Texas2step” via Cinema Treasures
In 1866, Henry S. Gilbert and Daniel R. Platt formed the “Lake Street Building Association” to build a public hall, the Elmira Opera House.  In 1898 the hall was remodeled and renamed the Lyceum Theatre.[i] On March 6, 1904, a fire erupted which destroyed the theatre.[ii] Two theaters and six stores were destroyed in the inferno. On October 19, 1905, the New Lyceum theater opened. The theater operated until 1926 when it closed. The building was finally demolished in 1949.[iii]
Specifications for the Lyceum Theatre, Elmira
There is some conflict regarding the seating capacity. The 1921 Juliua Cahn-Gus Hill theatrical guide reports a seating capacity of 1,576[iv] and the 1913 Julius Cahn-Gus Hill guide reports 100 more, 1676. LL.F. 566, Bal 438, Gal 600, Boxes 72. In any event, it was the second largest theatre in Elmira at the time. (The Colonial seated 1816.)[v] However, the Lyceum had the largest stage in town with a proscenium opening of 38 x 28 feet. Other theater specifications include:
Front to back wall: 40 ft
Between side walls: 68 ft
Apron 2 ft
Between fly girders: 50 ft
To rigging loft: 58 ft
To fly gallery: 28 ft
Today, 150 Lake Street, Elmira, New York is occupied by a Five Star Bank branch office.
Further Research
Review newspaper sources for other venues for “Chin Chin” to have played between May 23rd and May 27th.
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