My grandmother was a vaudeville star. I am following her career and learning about 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 at while she was a cast member.
This week’s entry is from page 12 of The ZanesvilleSignal dated 9 April 1920 via Newspapers.Com.
“CHIN CHIN” WILL BE HERE TUESDAY
“Rich in color, pretty girls, artistic setting and the playfulness that goes with good musical comedy is “Chin Chin” which comes to the Weller theater on Tuesday evening.
The Zanesville Signal, April 12, 1920, page 9.
A testimony of its worth is supplied by its past record of a solid two year run at the Globe theatre in New York City, and the summing up of the box office receipts in both the Metropolis and on tour are convincing proofs of public estimation.
Ivan Caryll, composer of the music, is also responsible for the music of “The Pink Lady” and “The Little Café.” Anne Caldwell and R. H. Burnside wrote the libretto; Walter Wills and Roy Binder will be seen in the leading roles.
In this gigantic production of “Chin Chin,” Charles Dillingham the producer, offers more for the admission price than any other dozen musical shows ever seen.
New Venue Added:
13 April 1920 – Zanesville, OH – Weller Theatre, “Chin-Chin.” (In the News)
Donna Darling Vaudeville California Bathing Girls By Don Taylor
Thanks to my Uncle Russ’s research, we know Donna played in Rushville, IN, on March 26th, but we do not know where she was for the 10 days from the 27th to April 5th.
Preshow Advertising
The Sheridan News and the Noblesville Ledger advertised Donna’s show on April 3rd, reporting that the Wild Opera House would have her “Girl Revue” show on April 6th & 7th. The show featured “Donna Darling and her Life Guards,” 12 People, with “Singing, Dancing, and Music with Plenty of Comedy.” It is reported to be “one of the most Classy Girl Shows on the Road.”
Show Advertising
The April 5th Ledger had a large ad that included a photo of Donna (on the left) and named nine of the 12 people in the show.
It transitioned into a mix of live shows and silent films by 1925. The theatre transitioned to movies and was renamed the Wild Theatre in 1934. It closed as a movie theatre in 1936. In 1959, the city purchased the theatre and demolished it to make way for a parking lot.[I]
The location today
53 S. 9th Street, Noblesville, IN 4606
Endnotes
[i] Cinema Treasures – Wilds Theatre, https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/56860 [ii] The Julius Cahn–Gus Hill Theatrical Guide 1913-1914.
As part of my ongoing work with the Linwood Dyer Collection, I’ve recently identified individuals from a loose envelope from the Dyer House attic.” These people lived in Biddeford, Saco, & Scarborough, Maine, as well as Boston, Lexington, and Newton, Massachusetts. I aim to connect these historical photographs with descendants who may have never seen these images of their ancestors. The Scarborough Historical Society maintains the original pictures in the Linwood Dyer Photo Collection.
Marion Harriet Milliken (later Dow) – c. 1911.
Marion Harriet Milliken, circa 1911.
This photo is a profile of a young woman wearing a plaid dress with a bowtie in her hair. The studio, Brandt Studio, Biddeford, ME, is imprinted on the front. Handwritten on the back is “Marion Milliken Dow.”
The Brandt Studio operated in Biddeford in 1911.[i]
The 1910 US Census lists Marion H Milliken living in Scarborough, Cumberland, Maine, with her parents, Ezra C and Laura G Milliken. The 14-year-old has two brothers, Alfred (10) and Henry (19).
I am confident this is a photo of Marion Harriet (Milliken) Dow taken about 1911, when she was about 15 years old.[ii]
Harry Ansel Phelps (1876-1961), circa 1904
Harry Ansel Phelps circa 1904
This photo is of a young man, about 30. The picture was taken at Elmer Chickering studio in Boston. Handwritten on the back is “Harry Phelps m. Cora Milliken | Aunt Jane | Woodman Milliken.
Elmer Chickering Studio began business in Boston, MA, in 1884. Although Elmer died in 1915, his studio continued to operate for a few years after his death, closing around 1920.
FamilySearch suggests this is Harry Ansel Phelps (1876-1961). Harry was about 29 when he married Cora Cluff Milliken on 16 Sep 1905. Cora’s parents were Eliza Jane Spear and Woodman Sewall Milliken.
Harry was born in Lexington, MA, and lived in Boston in 1880 and 1900.
I am confident this photo is of Harry Ansel Phelps, circa 1905.[iii]
Cora Cluff Milliken (later Phelps), circa 1882.
Cora Cluff Milliken (later Phelps), circa 1882.
This photo is of a young teenage woman. The studio’s name, “Elmer Chickering,” and location, “21 West Street, Boston, are embossed on the front. Handwritten on the back is “Cora Milliken Phelps | daughter of Aunt Jane.”
The “Photographers’ Identities Catalog” at the New York Public Library indicates Walter Elmer Chickering’s studio was at 21 West Street, Boston, from 1882 to 1883, which dates the photo to 1882.
Cora Cluff Milliken was born on 15 Feb 1866 in Newton, MA, the daughter of Eliza Jane (Spear) Milliken. In 1883, she would have been about 17 years old, which fits the age of the person in this photo.[iv]
Frank & Calesta Morse’s Children, Christmas 1910.
Frank & Calesta Morse’s Children, Christmas 1910.
This photo of five children of various ages was taken at Brandt Studio, Biddeford, ME. Handwritten on the back is, “With love to Aunt Laura and Uncle Ezra. 25 Dec, 1910. In another hand, written on the back is “Children of Catherine & Frank Morse.”
The Brandt Studio operated in Biddeford in 1911,[v] which is consistent with a Dec 1910 photograph.
Ezra Carter Milliken (1852-1925) had two siblings:
Harriet Milliken (1850-1875) only had one child.
Joshua D Milliken (1854-1927) appears to have had only one child.
Laura Georgieanna Morse) 1859-1915) had seven siblings:
Emma Augusta Morse (1861-___) does not appear to have had any children.
Alfred Otis Morse (1865-1889) does not appear to have had any children.
Frank E Morse (1867-1953) married Calesta Milliken on 23 Nov 1896 in Portland, ME. They had five children:
Dorothy Martha Morse (1893-___).
Donald C Morse (1896-1969)
Ruth Edna Morse (1898-1917)
Katherine E Morse (1903-1980)
Phyllis Frances Morse (1909-___)
Emma Boyden Morse (1867-1926) appears to have had one son, Walter George Talbot.
William H Morse (1869-___) had no children
Robert Henry Morse (1874-1935) had one son, Robert Sibley Morse (1898-1952)
Curtis Gay Morse (1875-___) had no children.
Laura and Ezra would be the aunt and uncle to any of Frank & Calista’s five children[vi]. I am confident this Christmas 1910 photo depicts:
Dorothy Martha Morse (1893-___) seated.
Donald C Morse (1896-1969) standing.
Ruth Edna Morse (1898-1917) standing back row.
Katherine E Morse (1903-1980) standing middle row.
Phyllis Frances Morse (1909-___) seated in front.
I believe the second writing on the back is in error, and it should read “Children of Calista” rather than “Children of Catherine.”
Invitation
I would be delighted to hear from anyone who recognizes these individuals as their ancestors, particularly if these photographs represent previously unseen images of your family members. Please feel free to incorporate these photographs into your genealogical research, citing “Photo Courtesy: Scarborough Historical Society.”
[i]McArthur Library Archives & Special Collections – Photographers + Studios – BRANDT, E.R. 169 Main Street, Biddeford – 1911 [ii] See FamilySearch profile LBNM-9JZ Marion Harriet Milliken of Scarborough & Saco Maine [iii] See FamilySearch profile 9W18-CH5 – Harry Ansel Phelps of Lexington, Boston, & Newton, Mass. [iv] See FamilySearch profile 9492-FJS – Cora Cluff Milliken of Newton, Mass. [v]McArthur Library Archives & Special Collections – Photographers + Studios – BRANDT, E.R. 169 Main Street, Biddeford – 1911 [vi] See FamilySearch profiles GV4X-J2R, LT2Y-GZJ, LT2B-MSR, LT2Y-GB4, & LT2B-C6L.
Identifying Historical Photographs from Portland, Scarborough, and Cape Elizabeth, Maine
By Don Taylor
As part of my ongoing work with the Linwood Dyer Collection, I’ve recently identified five individuals from “Attic Photo Album 1.” This remarkable collection encompasses hundreds of images, documents, and genealogical records of people who lived in Portland, Scarborough, South Portland, and Cape Elizabeth, Maine. My mission is to connect these historical photographs with descendants who may have never seen these images of their ancestors. The Scarborough Historical Society maintains the original photographs in the Linwood Dyer Photo Collection.
Ernest H. Dyer & a One-Horse Open Sleigh
A professionally mounted 4″ × 6¼” photograph depicts two men in an open sleigh, with a label reading “ERNEST H DYER & unidentified.” From previous research, I’ve established that Linwood D. Dyer’s grandfather was Ernest Howard Dyer (1878-1962), though I cannot determine which of the two men is Ernest without additional reference photographs.
Ernest Howard Dyer was born in Cape Elizabeth (later South Portland) and resided there through the 1900 Census, later living in Portland and Scarborough. This charming winter scene captures a moment of Maine’s transportation history, and I will add it to my Flickr archive and the Linwood Dyer Collection family tree on Ancestry.
Chandler R. Dyer (circa. 1851)
Page 3 features a 5½” × 7″ tintype, apparently hand-cut from a whole plate, showing a man approximately 30 years of age. A label beneath identifies him as “CHANDLER R. DYER 1-4-3-6-1-1.”
The Linwood Dyer genealogy collection references several children of Chandler Dyer:
Lizzie Daggett married Leonard Knight Dyer 1-4-3-6-1-1-5 in 1884
Nettie R. Daggett married Leonard Knight Dyer 1-4-3-6-1-1-5 in 1886
Hattie E. Dyer married Joseph R. Dyer 1-4-3-6-1-1-3 in 1877
Through FamilySearch, I identified Leonard Knight Dyer (1857-?), who:
Married Elizabeth Doggett in 1884
Married Nettie Doggett in 1886
He had a brother, Joseph R. Dyer, who married Hattie E. Dyer
Their father was Chandler Reuben Dyer (1820-1898), and their mother was Elizabeth Chute. While I have not yet established the precise relationship between Chandler Reuben Dyer and Linwood D. Dyer, I am confident this photograph depicts Chandler R. Dyer around 1851 when he was approximately 30. I’ve added this image to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree on Ancestry.
Elizabeth Chute Dyer & Child (c. 1853)
Page 4 contains a 5½” × 7″ tintype of a woman with a child. Taped to the back is a note reading “Mother Dyer & | (?son?) | Elizabeth Chute Dyer.”
Elizabeth Chute (1829-1891) married Chandler Reubin Dyer in 1849, and I believe this photograph captures her. However, the identity of the child remains uncertain. The child appears to be a girl, suggesting it might be Orinda Darling Dyer (1849-1920). If the notation “and son” is accurate, it likely depicts George W. Dyer (1850-?). I’ve added this photograph to Elizabeth (Chute) Dyer’s profile in my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree on Ancestry.
Nathan Randall Dyer (c. 1900)
Page 5 contains two 4¼” × 6½” cabinet cards. One is labeled “Nathan Randall Dyer | 1-3-5-5-11-1” and was taken by Lamson Studio at 5 Temple St., Portland, Maine. Handwritten on the reverse is “Marie’s grandfather Dyer.”
Lamson Studio operated at this address from approximately 1883 to 1907, dating the photograph to around 1900. Research revealed Nathan Randall Dyer (1832-1915) married Julia Warner Reed (1831-1904) in 1858. Born in Cape Elizabeth, he later resided in South Portland after its incorporation. Nathan Dyer (1802-1879) and Eliza Ann Woodbury (1808-1865) were his parents.
Nathan and Julia had six children:
Alvin W. Dyer (1861-1863)
Albert Elmer Dyer (1863-1938) – Married Mary D. Spear; they had five children
Eliza Horton Dyer (1865-1960) – Married Edward Everett Pittee; they had three children
Frank Joseph Dyer (1867-1907) – Married Edith Elizabeth Stanford (1871-1905); they had four children, including Marie Adelaide Dyer
Harry Warner Dyer (1870-1953) – Married Lillian Adelia Brackett (1872-1960); they had two children
Emily R. Dyer (1872-1879)
I am confident this photograph depicts Nathan Randall Dyer, Marie Adelaide Dyer’s grandfather, and I have added it to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree on Ancestry.
Julia Warner (Read) Dyer (c. 1900)
The second cabinet card on Page 5 shows a woman of approximately 50 years standing outside a house. Labeled “Julia Warner Read Dyer | 1-3-5-5-11-1” with “Marie’s grandmother Dyer” handwritten on the reverse, this image has no photographer attribution.
FamilySearch profile KHSZ-3GT identifies Julia Warner Read as born on September 1, 1831, in Windham, Cumberland County, Maine. She lived in Windham, Portland, South Portland, and Cape Elizabeth before she died in South Portland. Her parents were Nathan Read (1795-1878) and Ruth (Horton) Read (1791-1886). She had four siblings—Emily, Emily, Joseph, and Charles—and six children, including a granddaughter named Marie Adelaide Dyer.
Julia died circa 1904, placing this photograph within a four-year window around 1900. I’ve added this confirmed image of Julia to my Linwood Dyer Collection family tree on Ancestry.
Connection Invitation
I would be delighted to hear from anyone who recognizes these individuals as their ancestors, particularly if these photographs represent previously unseen images of your family members. Due to software limitations, the photos uploaded to Ancestry and Flickr are higher quality than those linked here. Please feel free to incorporate these photographs into your genealogical research, citing “Photo Courtesy: Scarborough Historical Society.”
In the rich tapestry of early 20th-century entertainment, vaudeville performers like my grandmother Madonna “Donna” Montran carved out vibrant careers that often went unrecorded beyond local newspaper archives. Recently, I discovered a fascinating glimpse into her professional life through a Muskegon Chronicle clipping documenting a performance at the Jefferson Theatre.
The newspaper’s description paints a vivid picture of the era’s entertainment: “A dazzling dance fantasy… the last work in syncopated terpsichore interspersed with melody songs.” The review highlights the performance’s artistic elements, noting the “beautiful setting and attractive costumes” that elevated the miniature production.
DONNA DARLING & BOYS with Murry Earle & Tod Watson.
A dazzling dance fantasy as presented by these clever artists is the last work in syncopated terpsichore interspersed with the melody songs. A beautiful setting and attractive costumes enhance the beauty of this miniature production.
This archival discovery adds another rich detail to understanding the dynamic world of 1920s vaudeville performance, showcasing the creativity and artistry of traveling entertainment troupes during a transformative period in American show business.
