Five Bragdon Photos

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Don Taylor

Linwood Dyer Collection – Part 009
Photo Friday
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.

This week for Photo Friday, I’m looking at five photos with identifying comments indicating Bragdon. The 1920 US Census indicates there were 27 people with the surname in Cumberland County, so I hope this group will be easy to identify. They come from Linwood Dyer Collection, which includes hundreds of photos, documents, and genealogies of people who lived in Scarborough, South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, and Westbrook. My desire is to analyze the images and reunite the photos with family members who may have never seen the image. The originals in this collection are held by the Scarborough Historical Society.

Elsie Louise Bragdon, 1919.

The photo identifying information includes:

  • On the back, “Elsie Bragdon, Westbrook High School, 1919.
  • The Photographer is Fenley (Studio), Portland, Maine.
Photo of Elsie Bragdon, circa 1919.
Elsie Bragdon, circa 1919.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1920 US Census lists the Minnie E Bragdon family living at 319 Warren Ave in Westbrook[i]. The family includes:
    • Minnie Bragdon, Head, Widow, Age 50.
      • Ralph M Bragdon, Son, Age 22.
      • Harold L Bragdon, Son, Age 19
      • Elsie L Bragdon, Daughter, Age 18
      • Evelyn A Bragdon, Daughter, Age 14
      • Philip O Bragdon, Son, Age 8
      • Marr Charles A Bragdon, Father, Age 82
    • And two boarders, Walter H Miller, Age 22, and Ralph E Miller, Age 21.

I am confident this is the high school graduation photo of Elsie Louise Bragdon taken in 1919.

Ancestry has 29 public trees that refer to Elsie Louise Bragdon, daughter of George and Minnie (Marr) Bragdon. Family Search has profile 9F3M-HNW for Elsie Louise Bragdon (1901-1976).

Evelyn Ardelia Bragdon, circa 1923

Photo of Evelyn Ardelia Bragdon, circa 1923
Evelyn Ardelia Bragdon, circa 1923

The photo identifying information includes:

  • On the back, handwritten it says Evelyn Ardelia Bragdon
  • The photographer was The Marshall Studio, Westbrook, ME.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The FamilySearch Profile, LYRK-419, has this photo. The photo there is a little askew, but the same.

I am confident this photo is of Evelyn Ardelia Bragdon taken about 1923 in Westbrook, Maine.

Elsie & Evelyn Bragdon, circa 1910

The photo identifying information includes:

Photo of Elsie & Evelyn Bragdon, circa 1910.
Elsie & Evelyn Bragdon,
circa 1910.
  • On the back is written “Evelyn Bragdon – Elsie Bragdon | of Westbrook.
  • The photographer is Stone Studio – Boston & Portland, ME.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1920 US Census lists
    • Elsie L Bragdon, Daughter, Age 18
  • Evelyn A Bragdon, Daughter, Age 14

The younger of the two girls, Evelyn, appears to be about 4 years old, suggesting the photo was taken circa 1910.

Harold Bragdon, circa 1918.

Photo of Harold Bragdon, circa 1918.
Harold Bragdon, circa 1918.

The photo identifying information includes:

  • Handwritten on the back, “Harold Bragdon.”
  • The photographer is Fenley Studio, Portland, Maine.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1920 US Census lists the Minnie E Bragdon family living at 319 Warren Ave in Westbrook[ii]. The family includes:
    • Minnie Bragdon, Head, Widow, Age 50.
  • Harold L Bragdon, Son, Age 19

I am confident this photo is of Harold Bragdon, son of George and Minnie (Marr) Bragdon, circa 1918.

Philip Osgood Bragdon, circa 1929.

The photo identifying information includes:

Photo of Philip Osgood Bragdon, circa 1929.
Philip Osgood Bragdon, circa 1929.
  • Handwritten note on Back: Philip Osgood Bragdon | Westbrook High School | Class of 1929.
  • Handwritten note below photo: Best Wishes P. O. B.
  • The photographer is The Albert Studio, 463 Congress St. Portland, ME.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1920 US Census lists the Minnie E Bragdon family living at 319 Warren Ave in Westbrook[iii]. The family includes:
    • Minnie Bragdon, Head, Widow, Age 50.
    • Philip O Bragdon, Son, Age 8

I am confident this photo is of Philip Osgood Bragdon, son of George and Minnie (Marr) Bragdon, circa 1929.

Conclusion

I identified all four of the individuals in this photo group. All are from the same family and were taken between 1910 and 1929.

I would love to hear your reaction if any of these photos are of your family member. Especially if this photo is of a loved one for whom you hadn’t seen this photograph before.

Endnotes

  1. [i] Family Search – 1920 US Census – Elsie L Bragdon – https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFZN-FY5.
  2. [ii] Family Search – 1920 US Census – Harold L Bragdon – https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFZN-FYP.
  3. [iii] Family Search – 1920 US Census – Philip O Elsie L Bragdon – https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFZN-FYP.
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Donna & Riviera Theatre – In the News – 10 Apr 1925

Posted on April 8, 2024 by Don Taylor

Donna Darling at the Riviera Theatre, Anderson, IN, 8, 9, & 10 April 1925.

Donna in the News
99 Years Ago
by Don Taylor

“Donna in the News” is my reporting of newly found newspaper articles and advertisements regarding my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran and 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 from the Anderson Herald (Anderson, Indiana) newspaper dated April 5th, 1925, I learned that Donna and the “Hollywood Motion Picture Bathing Girls” played at the Riviera Theatre in Anderson, Indiana.

Donna Darling and Bathing Girls to Appear at Riviera

BATHING GIRL REVUE COMING TO THE RIVIERA THEATRE WED­-
NESDAY. THE ORIGINAL PEOPLE IN PERSON FROM
THE MOVIES.

Article from the Anderson (Indiana) Herald, Apr 5, 1925. Headline: Donna Darling and Bathing Girls to Appear at Riviera.
Anderson (Indiana) Herald,
April 5, 1925, Page 2.

Bathing Girls from the Western Motion Picture Studios will make a personal appearance at the Riviera Theatre for three days, starting Wednesday, April 8th. The star of this spectacular Hollywood Revue Is Miss Donna Darling, a winner of numerous beauty prizes in Madison Square Garden, The Hippodrome Theatre, New York and Boston. She played the principal role in the late musical comedy success, “Chin Chin.” Miss Darling is not only beautiful; she can sing and dance with unusual ability, and her presentations are so charming that she has been j justly called, “The Girl With the Million Dollar Personality.”

Before Miss Darling left the California Studios, she selected several accomplished Motion Picture Bathers to accompany her on her brief | tour of the eastern states. Tiny Anita Walker sings as well as she wears a stunning black and white satin bathing suit. Todd Watson and Clarice Allyn, as gypsy dancers, entertain with a difficult and spectacular number,  which is followed by an acrobatic novelty by the talented movie star, Gerry Gene. Al Ross, one of the life-guards, is an eccentric dancer who also appears with Alyce Louyse in the comedy number, “1900 Bathers.” Alyce Louyse is at her best in the Hawaiian dance. Mildred O’Brien is a beach flirt who does a nifty song and dance.

This revue displays the different styles of bathing suits from Grand­mother’s day in which Miss Darling appears in an elaborate silver and ! orchid gown; a comedy number of 1900, and on to the present day bather when Betty Bryant, late of Ziegfield Follies, appears in a scarlet bathing suit as “Miss America of Today.”

Much time and effort has been spent in selecting the stage settings and the elaborate lighting effects of this revue, and the management of the Riviera Theatre is to be congratulated for his ability to offer his patrons entertainment of such clean and enjoyable nature. In addition to the unusual attraction, a picture of rare merit completes the program.

FIRST TIME THE ORIGINAL BATHING GIRLS HAVE APPEARED! ON A STAGE IN ANDERSON DIRECT FROM HOLLYWOOD AND THE MOTION PICTURES. REMEMBER, WAIT AND SEE THE ORIGINALS IN PERSON AT THE RIVIERA WEDNESDAY.

Anderson (Indiana) Herald, April 5, 1925, Page 2.

Because of those newly available online articles, I was able to add another venue for Donna’s exciting vaudeville career.

New information added to her career list:

April 8-10, 1925 – Anderson, IN – Riviera Theatre, “Hollywood Motion Picture Bathing Girls.”

Endnotes

My thanks to Newspapers.com for providing access to this clipping.

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What is Timothy Daly’s Birthdate?

Posted on April 6, 2024 by Don Taylor

Welch-Harris Project
Welch-Daly Line
Conflict Resolution
By Don Taylor

There are conflicting records regarding Timothy Daly’s birthdate. Which date, March 1866 or 21 February 1867, is correct?

List of Grandparents

  • Paternal Grandfather: Francis A. Welch (004)
  • 1st Great-grandmother: Julia Anne Daley (009)
  • 2nd Great-grandfather: Timothy Daly (018)
SourceSuggested BirthdateIndicated Birthdate
1900 US Census [i]March 1866March 1866
1910 US Census [ii]Age 43 on 15 April 1910Bet. 16 Apr 1866 – 15 Apr 1867
1920 US Census [iii]Age 52 on 1 January 19201867
Find-a-Grave [iv]Marker says born in 18671867
Naturalization Record [v]21 February 186721 February 1867

Conclusion

The 1900 Census indicates that Timothy Daly was born in March 1866. His Naturalization Record from 1890 is the record closest to the event of his birth and indicates his birthdate as 21 February 1867. All documents other than the 1900 census are consistent with his birth being 21 February 1867. As such, I believe the 1900 Census is incorrect, and his birthdate of 21 February 1867 is correct.

Endnotes/Sources

[i] “United States Census, 1900,” accessed 23 November 2022, Timothy Darley, Biddeford city Ward 2, York, Maine, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 224, sheet 25A, family 424, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,602.

[ii] “United States Census, 1910,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MR3L-CZP : accessed 23 November 2022), Timothy Daley, Biddeford Ward 2, York, Maine, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 228, sheet 6B, family 91, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 547; FHL microfilm 1,374,560.

[iii] “United States Census, 1920″, , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MF84-3D1 : Sat Mar 09 19:00:25 UTC 2024), Entry for Timothy Daly and Mary E Daly, 1920.

[iv] Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/154681457/timothy-daly: accessed March 29, 2024), memorial page for Timothy Daly (1867–19 Jan 1923), Find a Grave Memorial ID 154681457, citing Saint Marys Cemetery, Biddeford, York County, Maine, USA; Maintained by Suki Davey (contributor 47883436).

[v] Maine, Cumberland County, Portland, Superior Court Naturalization Records – V 8, Petition No. 1-275 B, ca. 1890-1891. Film # 007351086 – Image 385, 386, & 387 of 825. Timothy Daly – Citizen – 4 Sep 1890.

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Donna & the Wild Opera House In the News

Posted on April 4, 2024 by Don Taylor

Donna Darling at the Wild Opera House, Noblesville, IN, April 6-7, 1925.

Donna in the News
99 Years Ago
by Don Taylor

“Donna in the News” is my reporting of newly found newspaper articles and advertisements regarding my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran and 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, from the Sheridan News (Noblesville, Ind.) dated April 3, 1925, I learned that Donna and her Bathing Girl Review played at the Wild Opera House on April 6th and 7th.

Ad for the Wild Opera House from the Sheridan News, Noblesville, Ind. dated 3 April 1925.
The Sheridan News (Noblesville, IN)
Apr 3, 1925.

Wild Opera House

Wild Opera House
Noblesville, Ind.
Monday and Tuesday April 6th and 7th
Personal Appearance from the Motion Picture Studios
Donna Darling Bathing
12 People “GIRL REVUE” 12 People
Featuring Donna Darling and her Life Guards
Fast   –   Furious   –   Refined
Singing, Dancing, and Music with Plenty of Comedy.
This is one of the most Classy Girl Shows on the Road
In connection with Screen production Thomas Meigham in
“Coming Through”
Prices  10¢  –  25¢  –  40¢

Because of this newly available advertisement, I was able to add another venue for Donna’s exciting vaudeville career.

April 6-7, 1925 — Noblesville, IN — Wild Opera House – Donna Darling Bathing “Girl Revue.”

Endnotes

My thanks to Newspapers.com for providing access to this clipping.

Posted in 99 Years Ago, California Bathing Girls (1925), In the news, Vaudeville | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

In the News – Francis Welch Celebrates

Posted on April 1, 2024 by Don Taylor

In the News” is my report of newly discovered newspaper articles and advertising regarding ancestors I am researching. The information found in newspapers ofte provides fresh insight to understanding an ancestor’s life.

This week’s news is from the Biddeford Saco Journal (Biddeford, ME), dated Feb 24, 1922.

MASTER WELCH CELEBRATES.

Little Friends Join In Observing the Day at Home of Grandparents.

Image of newspaper article

   Master Francis Welch, son of Mr. and Mrs. Welch of Shevenell’s court, celebrated his fourth birthday last night at the home of his grandparents, Mrs. and Mrs. Timothy Daley of Pool street. During the evening a handsome birthday cake was cut by Master Francis. The table was prettily decorated in pink and white. Dainty refreshments were served and Master Francis received many nice gifts.

I confirmed Francis Welch’s birth as Feb 1918.

I also learned that he and his parents lived at Shevenell’s court. That is across the street and down three houses or so from 30 Green Street where the Welch’s were living in the 1920 Census.

It also confirms that Timothy and Mary (Lyons) Daley/Daly lived on Pool Street in 1923 (The 1920 Census placed them at 73 Pool Street.)

Endnotes

Thank you Newspapers.Com for access to this clipping.

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