For this week’s Treasure Chest Tuesday, I’m looking at a clipping from the Donna Darling Collection with Donna in her fashion coat.
Donna Darling.
Bathing Beauties of Movies Here in Revue at the Lincoln.
Bathing girls from various California motion picture studios will make a personal appearance in a colorful Hollywood revue at the Lincoln. This revue is a clever musical and dancing number which will show patrons that these versatile girls can do other things than merely making poses before the camera. Miss Donna Darling, who comes direct from the Mack Sennet studios, is the charming star who introduces the bathing beauties dressed in bathing costumes dating from 1860 to the present day. Bettl [sic] Bryant is the “Miss America of 1925.’’ Bathing costumes of various countries and fashionable seashore centers are introduced. Chief among these number is Mildred O’Brian, who appears as the beauty from Palm Beach. Miss Darling’s life guards, Murry Earl and Al Ross, add comedy to the Egyptian dance, while Petite Clarice Allyn as the Chinese bathing girl enhances the program with clever toe dancing.
Elaborate costumes have been selected for this sparkling revue. The music is snappy and the production has brilliant scenic and lighting effects.
Key features:
The venue is the Lincoln; however, neither a city nor state is provided.
No date is provided; however, Betty Bryant is “Miss America of 1925” indicating that the show was in 1925.
Other cast members included
Betty Bryant
Mildred O’Brian
Murry Earl
Al Ross
Clarice Allyn
Analysis
Donna Darling and Girls is known to have played at the Lincoln Theatre in Belleville, Illinois, on 6 October 1925. She also played there in 1924 and 1926 with different shows, so the Lincoln Theatre in Belleville was well known to her.
The Belleville News-Democrat (Belleville, IL) paper dated 6 October 1925, Page 9[i], mentions Donna Darling and girls in their “Song and Dance Revue” were at the Lincoln.
A further review of Genealogy Bank, Newspaper Archives, Elephind, Chronicling America, and the Byron Public Library District at Advantage Preservation failed to provide any additional potential venues for Donna at “the Lincoln” during 1925.
Conclusion
Tentatively, I ascribe this clipping to her playing at the Lincoln in Belleville, IL, on 6 October 1925.
I synchronize my local Family Tree Maker (FTM) tree with an Ancestry tree. It is simple to set up and has the side benefit of generating changelogs for my work. As I review various records, I enter the sources in my FTM and then create facts based on my source’s points. I hold off syncing my tree until I’ve finished with a particular set of records. Then when I sync my tree to Ancestry, I can print[i] out all of the additions, changes, and deletions I entered since my last sync. Because of the process, I don’t need to keep a log of my findings; the printout of changes IS the log.
Creating the log using Family Tree Maker 2019 for Mac[ii] is quick and easy. Do your work until you are done with a set of records (or a day’s work), then….
Click “Sync Now.”
Assuming you receive a “green weather” notification, Click “Continue.”
On the Sync Change Log, select “View Report.”
In the Share box, select the method you would like to use. I always “Export to PDF” then “Share.”
I then change the “Save As” file name by adding the Tree this synchronization is from and the date. For example, “Howell-Darling” as a prefix and “2022-01-01” as a suffix making the file name, “Howell-Darling FamilySync® Change Log 2022-01-01.pdf.”
That is it, log done. Then just continue to sync the FTM tree to Ancestry[iii].
Example – Howell-Darling Change Summary.
For example, I recently reviewed a set of wills and probate records for my wife’s 4th great-grandparents, Samuel and Betsy Kinsey (Binford) Pankey of Virginia. Of course, just looking at the disposition of their property isn’t enough. Instead, I searched for wills and probate records for their extended family. I added 49 individuals in this recent activity and changed/updated 22 others. I had one deletion, but that was due to my merging two individuals. There were updates for 15 of my Binford ancestors, including several new siblings, aunts, and uncles.
Conclusion
Creating a log of your research activities is simple and easy. There is no reason not to keep a record of your actions this way. That way, if you need to back something out, the log will provide the information you need about what you did to get where you are.
Endnotes:
[i] I don’t usually print, rather I create a print file (PDF) that is searchable and can be printed if I want to.
[ii] Most major genealogy software programs that synchronize with Ancestry have a similar capability. Please consider indicating how your software can create a log of changes similarly in the comments below.
[iii] Note: It is important to not let your trees get to far out of sync. I am slow in my incorporating sources to people and events. As such, I need to synchronize every day or two. Also, I never make changes on my Ancestry tree directly. I make all changes to my FTM tree and synchronize those changes to my Ancestry tree.
Bradley-Hingston Project
Bradley-Hingston Line
By Don Taylor
Freke W Hingston was born on 29 October 1859 in Ireland, the son of Ellen and William. He immigrated to the United States in July 1879. He married Annie Smythe on 2 September 1884 in Peabody, Massachusetts. Freke and Annie had six children in 11 years. He died on 2 January 1899 in Peabody, Massachusetts, and was buried there at the age of 39.
1st Great-grandfather: Freke W. Hingston (1859-1899)
2nd Great-grandfather: William Hingston (___-___)
Freke W. Hingston (1859-1899)
Birth
Freke was born in County Cork, Ireland, on 29 October 1859, to William and Ellen (Wolfe) Hingston.
Immigration
The 19-year-old Freke immigrated to the United States, arriving in New York on 15 July 1879. 1879 was the second year of the Irish “Mini-famine” of 1878-1880. In Ireland, the potato harvest was significantly reduced and the peat and cereal crops were too wet to Harvest.[1]
Marriage
Freke married Annie Smyth (or Smith) on 2 September 1884 in Peabody, Essex County, Massachusetts.
The six children of Freke W. and Annie (Smyth) Hingston.
Name
Born
Married
Died
Mary Ellen
7 October 1884
Martin Joseph Quinlan
July 1969
(No Name)
11 March 1888
n/a
Stillborn
William Robert
29 January 1889
Florence Reid
8 February 1954
James Edward
6 July 1890
9 April 1913
Joseph Freke
19 November 1894
16 November 1976
Florence Louise
5 August 1896
FNU Atwood
2 August 1948
All children were born and died in Peabody, MA.
Adulthood
Freke filed his intention to become a US Citizen in Essex County, MA, on 28 September 1886 and became a citizen on 3 October 1888. He worked as a bleacher.
Death/Burial, etc.
The Massachusetts Death Records indicates he died on 2 January 1899 at 40 years of age, one month, and 17 days, suggesting his birth was either 15 or 16 November 1858. Freke W. Hingston is buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody, Massachusetts.
The following names and dates are on his Family Marker:
Birth
Name
Death
Relationship
1858
Freke W. Hingston
1899
Self
1960
Anne S. Hingston
1912
Wife
1890
James E. Hingston
1913
Son
1896
Florance Atwood
1948
Daughter
1879
Martin J Quinlan
1951
Son-in-law
1884
Mary Ellen Quinlan
1969
Daughter
1920
Lawrence M Quinlan
1989
Grandson.
Hingston/Quinlan Marker (front) – FaG – photo courtesy Thomas F. Scully.
Hingston Quinlan/Marker (front) – FaG – photo courtesy Thomas F. Scully.
Conflicts
Freke’s marker and his Death Record indicate he was born in 1858. However, his naturalization record indicates his birthdate as 29 October 1859. Because the naturalization records were seen by Freke and signed as accurate by him, I accept the 29 October date as the most accurate.
Further Research
Although Freke arrived in the United States in 1879, I have been unable to find anyone with the Hingston (or Kingston) surname that appears to be Freke in the 1880 Census. When I research his father, hopefully, I will encounter him and, possibly siblings, in other records.
Events by Location
Ireland                              1859 (Birth)
New York, New York                1879 (Immigration)
Massachusetts, Essex, Peabody         1884 thru 1899 (Marriage, residence, death, & burial)
Sources
Find a Grave Memorial, Find a Grave, Freke W. Hingston – Memorial 222462334. Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/222462334/freke-w-hingston: accessed 25 December 2021), memorial page for Freke W. Hingston (1858–2 January 1899), Find a Grave Memorial ID 222462334, citing Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody, Essex County, Massachusetts, USA; Maintained by Thomas F. Scully (contributor 46818179).
Massachusetts Births, 1841-1915, Family Search, Florence Louise Hingston – 5 August 1896. “Massachusetts Births, 1841-1915,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FXXZ-4JJ: 20 February 2021), Florence Louise Hingston, 5 August 1896, Peabody, Massachusetts; citing reference ID #Vol. 457, Page 539, Massachusetts Archives, Boston; FHL microfilm 1,843,692.
“Massachusetts Deaths, 1841-1915, 1921-1924,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N71W-B96: 2 March 2021), Freke W. Hingston, 2 January 1899; citing Peabody, Massachusetts, v 492 p 611, State Archives, Boston; FHL microfilm 961,528.
Massachusetts Marriages, 1841Â-1915, Family Search, Freke Hingston – Annie Smith – 2 September 1884. “Massachusetts Marriages, 1841-1915,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NWYV-2HT: 10 March 2021), Freke Hingston and Annie Smith, 2 September 1884; citing Peabody, Essex, Massachusetts, United States, State Archives, Boston; FHL microfilm 1,432,997.
“Massachusetts Marriages, 1841Â1915,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N46BÂ91L: 18 January 2018), William R Hingston and Florence Reid, 24 February 1914; citing Peabody, Essex, Massachusetts, United States, State Archives, Boston; FHL microfilm 2,409,947.
Massachusetts, State and Federal Naturalization Records, 1798-1950, Ancestry.Com, Freke Hingston. First District Court, Essex County, Salem Petitions For Naturalization, V 3, No 4692-1xv3, 1886-1889.
Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1841-1910, American Ancestors, Line 111 – William Robert Hingston – Freke & Annie – Occupation Bleacher Ireland She was born in England. Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1841-1910. (From original records held by the Massachusetts Archives. Online database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1841-1910 Historic Genealogical Society, 2004.) Accessed 2018-03-14. https://www.americanancestors.org/DB191/i/10729/367/122175087.
Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1841-1910, American Ancestors, Line 249 – Joseph Freke Hingston – Birth. Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1841-1910. (From original records held by the Massachusetts Archives. Online database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2004.). https://www.americanancestors.org/DB191/rd/9558/514/122792283.
The United States, New England Petitions for Naturalization Index, 1791-1906, Family Search, Freke W Hingston. Accessed 3/14/2018. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VXRM-SYV.
Endnotes
[1] Wikipedia – “1879 in Ireland.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1879_in_Ireland
The primary purpose of my blog is to help me understand my genealogical findings. It is like a diary or journal that focuses me on what I know. It helps me to stay focused not to become distracted. As time has passed, it has become more and more a vehicle for me to share some of what I’ve learned and what I am working on. I think both are important. I would like to remind readers that I do accept guest submissions. If you would like to write something, particularly of interest to readers in my six primary topics (Brown, Darling, Howell, and Roberts lines as well DNA discoveries or understanding and Donna Montran’s vaudeville career), I’ll be happy to consider your submission as a guest post.
What I do.
I am the Historian and the “genealogy & technology guy” for the Scarborough Historical Society. As the “technology guy,” I manage their web page and regularly post to their website. Before Covid, I also recorded monthly presentations and edited them for uploading to YouTube.Â
I am a past president and regularly participate with the Greater Portland Chapter of the Maine Genealogical Society.
My big project is my “Photo Friday” project using negative images from the Ethel Wight Collection. I was given access to and was able to photograph the negatives. I edit them to make positives, and then, using my genealogical skills, I identify the individuals in the photos and share them with likely family members.
I think the most touching story was from a man in his 80s, whose photo of him sitting with his mother when he was a small child he had never seen. His stepmother threw away all the pictures of his mother, and the photo from the Collection was one of two photos he has of his mother.
Another story was of a photo of a man’s father he had never seen. His father died during WWII.
I am so looking forward to eliminating Covid-19 protocols so that all these groups can return to regular meetings. I miss my genealogy friends; Zoom meetings are just not the same.
2020 Website Statistics.
I wrote 146 posts during the year, up from 138 in 2020. Â My goal was to post, at a minimum, once every three days, so I made my goal.
The number of “likes” has gone up substantially over the past two years, as have the number of comments. (If you like my page and work, please like the page or add a comment. I love hearing from you.)
I currently have 506 direct subscribers, plus the folks that receive updates from Facebook (249), Twitter (201), Google, and other feeds. If you do not subscribe to dontaylorgenealogy.com, please do so.
Referrals to my site are, as I would expect, from various search engines. Google is, by far, the most significant referrer. Bing is a distant 2nd and third was DuckDuckGo. Facebook is the biggest non-search engine referrer, followed by Twitter.  My old Blogspot site still referred individuals 15 times, so I guess I still can’t delete it.
My number 2 & 3 articles were My Genealogical Process – Part 1 and Part 2. That article’s success and several of my other “Tuesday’s Tips” convinced me to do more “General Help” postings.
I’m not sure where I want my genealogical activities will take me in 2022. Indeed, my Ethel Wight Photo Identification Project will be a constant source of work. I am also doing more with several projects that include Maine ancestors, keeping me busy. Finally, I want to create some “Location Guides” for some of my research areas. I’ll publish them on my General Help pages as I make them.
By the way, Nasi is a great typest. She’s just a poor speller. She like to help me a lot.
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 of 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.
Lynette Hodgins, circa 1934
The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Lynette Hodgins, 96 Morning St, #184.”
Miss Lynette Hodgins, circa 1934.
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1934 Portland City Directory lists Lynette G. Hodgins as a clerk who moved to Brewer. There was an Ardra Hodgins who resided at 13 Lewis.
The 1933 Portland City Directory does not list Lynette. I have been unsuccessful in finding Lynette G. Hodgins in any Census records or other documents in further research.
Neither Family Search nor Ancestry trees appear to include Lynette Hodgins.
I have uploaded one photo of Lynette to Dead Fred.
The 1934 and 1935 Portland City Directories list Mildred Hoffses as a student nurse at 79 Bramhall, residing at 804 Congress.
The 1936 Portland City Directory lists Mildred S Hoffses as an Assistant Tech at 79 Bramhall, residing at 792 Congress.
The 1937 and 1938 Portland City Directories list Mildred Hoffses as a supervisor at 79 Bramhall, living at 804 Congress.
According to the 1937 Portland City Directory, 79 Bramhall was the Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary address.
The 1930 US Census lists Mildred S Hoffses, a 17-year-old Maine-born woman boarding at 226 Capisic Street in the household of Henry and Marion Chapman.
The 1930 Deering High School includes a photo of “Millie” Mildred Susanna Hoffses, whose ambition was to become a nurse. She is noted as, “A girl who came from way down east to get an education at Deering.”
Ancestry family trees indicate Mildred Susanna Hoffses was born 10 August 1912 in Jonesport, Washington County, Maine.
This photo was taken about 1936 when Mildred graduated from nursing school.
Family Search identifies Mildred S Hoffses, born 10 August 1912, as ID L8MY-T3C. Thirty-three public trees at Ancestry refer to Mildred Susanna Hoffse.
This photo is from the Ethel Wight Studio, Portland, Maine.
This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Helena Hodsdon, 217 Stevens Ave #71 – Mural for Empire Theater.”
In this case, the photo is not of a person; instead, it is the photograph of a mural of Portland Head lighthouse that was once at the Empire Theatre.
The Empire Theatre was at 68 Oak. Converted from a horse stable, which later became a roller skating rink, the Empire Theatre opened 8 October 1913. It was renamed the Paris Cinema. It was demolished in the early 1980s.[iii]
Helena Susan Hodsdon, 1935.
This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Helena Hodsdon, 217 Stevens Ave #547.”
Helena Susan Hodsdon, 1935
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1937 Portland City Directory lists Helena C. Hodsdon, the wife of Herbert S Hodsdon, living at 217 Stevens.
The 1930 US Census lists Herbert S Hodsdon, his 39-year-old wife Helena C., and his daughter seven-year-old Helena S. Hodsdon renting at 237 Brighton.
The individual in the photo is not in her 40s, so it must be their daughter Helena.
Ancestry Family Trees suggest their daughter, Helena Susan Hodsdon, was born on 8 September 1922 in Yarmouth. A photo of Helena from 1935 is clearly of the same young woman, she is even wearing the same dress.
This photo is of Helena Susan Hodsdon, from 1935, probably the same sitting.
I fully identified three of the four individuals. They had profiles at Family Search, so I uploaded their photos to Family Search
Other than the name of the person who paid for the photograph and name confirmation, I could not identify one of the individuals. I posted her photo to Dead Fred.
A fifth image was of a mural at the Empire Theatre and not the photo of an individual, so I only posted that photo here.
For all of the Ethel Wight Collection analysis, please see here.
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.
[iii] Cinema Treasures – Paris Cinema, 68 Oak Street, Portland. Today it is the home of The Oak Street Lofts – 37 efficiency apartments designed specifically with local artists in mind.
I synchronize my local Family Tree Maker (FTM) tree with an Ancestry tree. It is simple to set up and has the side benefit of generating changelogs for my work. As I review various records, I enter the sources in my FTM and then create facts based on my source’s points. I hold off syncing my tree until I’ve finished with a particular set of records. Then when I sync my tree to Ancestry, I can print
