Thursday, August 13, 2009

John Drew Jr (1853-1927)

John Drew was an actor and matinee idol - he was one of the great stars of his day. His parents were John Drew and Louisa Lane Drew. John Sr. was also a great actor of his day and died tragically young after a fall in his home in 1862. Louisa had been a prodigy actress as a child, getting her first great reviews as early as 1828 in Philadelphia. She later became the manager of the Arch Street theater in San Francisco which she ran successfully for thirty years. John was born November 13, 1853 - during these early days of the Arch Street Theater, around the same time that his mother was in the middle of renovations on the building. He was the older brother of Louisa, Sidney (adopted), Adine (adopted) and Georgiana Drew. Georgiana later married Maurice Barrymore, making John the uncle of the famous Barrymore's - John, Lionel and Ethel. By the 1880s, having literally grown up in the theater, he joined Augustin Daly's company in New York. His frequent leading ladies would Ada Rehan and Maude Adams.

John married in 1885 to Josephine Baker - who should not to be confused with the African-American exotic dancer of the next century. Josephine was briefly an actress herself and met John on the stage. Her parents, also well known actors in Philadelphia, were John Lewis Baker and Alexina Fisher. Alexina had been a childhood friend of Louisa, John's mother. They had one daughter, Louisa Alexia Drew - named after her two famous grandmothers. Josephine died at the Algonquin Hotel in 1918, and John followed her in 1927.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) - June 8, 1905

ad in the Oakland Tribune - June 15, 1905

JOHN DREW COMING

The midsummer engagement of John Drew and his splendid company in his greatest New York success, "The Duke of Killicrankle," will be held at the Macdonough Theater on the evenings of June 20, and 21. Although the last of the regular attractions for the season, it is by far the most important for Mr. Drew has scored a hit in the role everywhere and the play, which is by Robert Marshall, is considered the best he has ever had. Ferdinand Gottschalk, Margaret Dale and Fanny Brough share with the star the success of this delightful farcical romance. The prices will range from 50 cents to $2.00 and the sale of seats will begin next Monday morning at nine o'clock.

New York Times (New York, New York)
- August 13, 1918

Mrs. John Drew

Mrs. Josephine Baker Drew, wife of John Drew, the actor, died yesterday in her apartment at the Hotel Algonquin, after an illness of a year of a complication of diseases. The interment will be in Philadelphia, where Mrs. Drew lived before her marriage in 1885. She was a daughter of John Louis Baker, an actor and old friend of the Drews.

Mrs. Drew first met Mr. Drew on the stage, when she had a small part in a play in which Mr. Drew and his mother were appearing. A short time later they were married and Mrs. Drew retired from the footlights, never to return. Beside her husband, Mrs. Drew is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Louise Devereaux, who adopted a stage career at an early age.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Blanche Yurka (1887-1974)

Blanche Yurka was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 18, 1887 to Anton, a librarian, and Carrie Jurka. She had two sisters - Mila (Chicago, Dec 1873) and Rose (St. Paul, March 1882) and two brothers - Charles (St. Paul, July 1884) and Anton (St. Paul, July 1892). Sometime between 1900 and 1910 the family moved from St. Paul to 72nd St in Manhattan, either due to Blanche's career in the theater or due to Anton getting a new job as a librarian with public school system. Both brother later became dentists while Mila was a dressmaker and Rose a teacher. Carrie, Mila, Rose, Blanche and Anton all lived together in Manhattan in 1920. Anton Sr had died in 1917 and Charles had moved to Westchester with his wife, two kids, and mother-in-law. Their sister Mila died in 1927, and according to her obituary - her mother had also passed on by that time and there is no record of Anton after it. By 1930 only Blanche and Rose were still living on 72nd St. According to the marriage notices of his children, Charles also passed away sometime before 1941. Rose passed on September 22, 1964 - leaving Blanche as the last surviving member of her immediate family. However, she did have two nieces and a nephew from her brother Charles - both of whom married in the 1940 and had families of their own.

Blanche was an opera star before she became an actress. She made her Broadway debut in 1910 and established herself as a character actor, also appearing in several films. In addition to her many stage roles, including Queen Gertrude opposite John Barrymore's Hamlet, she was an occasional director and playwright. She remained active in theatre and film until the late 1960s. Her most famous film role is the vicious MAdame Defarge in MGM's 1935 version of "A Tale of Two Cities" (1935), but she was also the compassionate aunt in "The Song of Bernadette". Another memorable role was in "The Southerner". Once married to actor Ian Keith, she died June 6, 1974 in New York City. She was buried at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, Westchester, New York - she shares a grave with "Florence Reed (1880-1967).

4th Ward, St. Paul, Ramsey, Minnesota - May 8, 1885
State Census

Jurka, Anthony - wm age 45 born in Bohemia
Jurka, Carrie - wf age 37 born in Bohemia
Jurka, Milida - wf age 12 born in Minnesota
Jurka, Rosa - wf age 2 born in Minnesota
Jurka, Charles A - wm age 9 months, born in Minnesota

16 Doug Ave, 5th Ward, St. Paul, Minn - June 2, 1900
1900 US Federal Census

Jurka, Anton - b June 1846 in Hungary - clerk
Jurka, Caroline - b Nov 1848 in Hungary
Jurka, Mildred - b Dec 1873 in Illinois - seamstress
Jurka, Rosa - b March 1882 in Minnesota
Jurka, Charles - b July 1884 in Minnesota
Jurka, Blanch - b June 1887 in Minnesota
Jurak, Anton - b July 1888 in Minnesota

242 East 72nd St., Manhattan, NY - April 21, 1910
1910 US Federal Census

Jurka, Anton - wm 69, b Aus-Bohemia - librarian for public library
Jurka, Cari - wf age 61, b Aus-Bohemia
Jurka, Mildred - wf age 36, born Illinois - seamstress
Jurka, Rosie - wf age 27, born Minnesota - teacher
Jurka, Charles - wm age 23?, born Minnesota - dentist
Jurka, Blanche - wf age 22, born Minnesota - artist in studio
Jurka, Anton B. - wm age 18, born in Minnesota

242 72nd St., Manhattan, NY - June 16, 1920
1920 US Federal Census

Jurka, Carrie - wf 71 (widow), Nat 1858, born Bohemia
Jurka, Mila (dau) - swf 46, b Chicago, Illinois - dressmaker in shop
Jurka, Rose (dau) - swf 36, b Minnesota - teacher
Jurka, Blanche (dau) - swf 30, b Minnesota - actress
Jurka, Anton (son) - swm 28, b Minnesota - Dentist

US Passport Application - June 30, 1924

Rose Jurka - Passport photo, 1924

Rose Antoinette Jurka [Blanche's sister]
b. March 12, 1883 in St. Paul, Minnesota
father: Anton Jurka, born Bohemia, now deceased
father: immigrated from Bremen
plans: travel to Czechoslovakia and France
age: 41
mouth: medium
stature: 5 ft 10.5 inches
chin: round
forehead: medium
hair: brown
eyes: grey
complexion: fair
nose: medium
face: round
Distinguishing Marks: 2 stiff fingers on right hand.

New York Time (New York, New York) - December 2, 1926

MILA JURKA, a sister of Blanche Yurka, the actress, died at her home, 242 East Seventy-second Street, Tuesday. Besides her sister Blanche she is survived by a sister Rose, and two brothers, Dr. Charles Jurka and Anton B. Burka. Funeral services will be held at her late home at 1:30 tomorrow afternoon.

325 East 72nd St., 14th Ward, Manhattan, NY - April 10, 1930
1930 US Federal Census

Yurka, Rosa A - wf age 47, born Minn, pb Bohemia - teacher
Yurka, Blanche (sister) - wf age 41, born Minn, pb Bohemia - actress

SS Berengaria from Southampton to NYC - Nov 28th to Dec 4th, 1934

Yurka, Blanche - age 43, single, born June 19th, 1891 in St. Paul, Minn.
address: 325 E. 72 St., New York, N.Y.

New York Times (New York, New York) - September 24, 1964

JURKA - Rose A., on Sept 22, 1964, beloved sister of Blanche Yurka. Reposing at New York Funeral Service, 148 E. 74th St. Services at Jan Hus Presbyterian Church, 351 E. 74th St., Friday, 1:30 PM. Cremation at Fresh Pond Crematory.

New York Times (New York, New York) - June 7, 1974

YURKA - Blanche, on June 6, 1974. Aunt of Dr. Edith M. Jurka, Carol Jurka Coggeshall and Dr. Charles E. Jurka. Services at Universal Funeral Chapel, 52nd St and Lexington Ave, Saturday 11 AM in lieu of flowers, contributions to the Actors Fund, 1501 Broadway, New York, NY, 10036 would be appreciated.

Louisa Lane Drew (1818-1897)

Louisa Lane was born in Lambeth, London on January 10, 1820 to Thomas Frederick Lane, a theater manager and actor, and Eliza Trenter, an actress and singer. Her father died when she was still an infant, but he may have been able to see her on the stage for the first time. She was just nine months old when her mother carried her on the boards as "a crying baby". But she didn't cry! As her mother would later say, she was so enthralled by the lights and the audience that she only made sounds of joy. It is said that this was the only time that she didn't perform a role properly.

Her mother received word of a theater company on their way to New York in 1827, and she joined. They sailed on the "Britannia" arriving in New York on June 7, 1827. Louisa came with her. Following behind was actor John Kinlock who had seen Eliza sing previously in London. He met her again in New York and they were married in 1828. Their only daughter, Georgiana, was born in 1830. Just after she was born the family moved to Jamaica briefly where John died in 1831. Eliza moved her little family back to the states and eventually settled in Philadelphia.

Louisa continued her career on the stage become a well known actress, thought of as a prodigy for her ability to mimic and memorize lines quickly. She met and married Henry B. Hunt in 1836, but they later separate and divorced. He later died in 1854. She remarried to George Mossop in Albany in 1848 but he died on October 8, 1849. She married her third and final husband, the celebrated actor John Drew, on July 27, 1850. John and Louisa moved to Philadelphia were John took over the management of the Arch Street Theatre. They had two children - John and Georgie - before he died May 21, 1862. Louisa took control of the management of the theater and continued to do so for thirty years, making it one of the most prosperous theaters in Philadelphia. Louisa would eventually adopt Sidney White, possibly the son of Maria Drew White. She also raised her niece, Adene Stephens, as her own. Louisa died at the home of her son John in 1897.

Philadelphia
- Mon, January 6, 1829

CHESTNUT STREET THEATRE

Miss Lane. This astonishing little creature appeared at the Chestnut Street Theatre last evening. She is not more than ten years of age, and evinces a talent for and a knowledge of the stage beyond what we find in many experienced performers of merit. The entertainment of Twelve Precisely is well adapted to the display of the versatility of her power; and in the Irish Girl she may, with truth, be pronounced inimitably comic. Her brogue and manner are excellent. The Young Soldier was also admirably assumed; his coxcombical airs were natural, evinced astonishing observation in a child so young, and literally convulsed the house with laughter. Her performance of Little Pickle also possessed great merit, and the applause bestowed upon her throughout the evening bespoke the wonder and delight of the audience. Those who have a taste for the wonderful should not miss the present opportunity of gratifying it. We promise ourselves a treat of no ordinary kind when she appears as Goldfinch in the Road to Ruin.

10th Ward, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - June 16, 1860
1860 United States Federal Census

Drew, John - 33, actor, worth $6,000 - born Ireland
Drew, Louisa - 40, actress, worth $2,000 - born England
Drew, Louisa - 8 - born New York
Drew, John U. S. - 7 - born Pennsylvania
Drew, Georgianna E. - 5 - born Pennsylvania
Kinlock, Eliza - 64 - born England
Kinlock, Georgiana - 30, actress - born Massachusetts
Lynch, Catherine - 20, domestic - born Ireland
Welsh, Catherine - 24, domestic - born Ireland

28th District, 10th Ward, Philadelphia, PA - June 7, 1870
1870 United States Federal Census

Drew, Louisa - 50 - Manager Arch-St Theatre
--real estate $20,000, personal $10,000 born England
Drew, Louisa - 18, at home - born New York
Drew, John U. S. - 16, at home - born Pennsylvania
Drew, Georgianna - 15, at home - born Pennsylvania
Stevens, Adine - 10, at home - born in Australia
White, Sidney - 6, at home - born in New York
Kinlock, Eliza - 73, at home - born in England
Welsh, Catherine - 35, domestic, born in Ireland
O'Donnell, Mary - 23, domestic, born in Ireland

119 N. 9th St., Philadelphia, PA - June 1, 1880
1880 United States Federal Census

Drew, Louisa - wm age 60, theatrical manager, b Eng, pb Eng
Kinlock, Eliza - wf age 84 (mother), retired actress, b Eng, pb Eng
White, Sidney - wm age 16 (adopted son), no occ., b NY, pb Eng
Stephens, Adene - wf age 20 (niece), actress, b Aus, fb RI, mb MA
Thomas, Margaret - wf age 35 (servant), b Ire, fb Eng, mb Ire
O'Connell, Annie - wf age 24 (servant), b Ire, pb Ire.

New York Times (New York, New York)
- March 6, 1887

A DREW FAMILY REUNION

MRS. KINLOCK'S NINETY-FIRST BIRTHDAY
TO BE CELEBRATED TO-DAY

PHILADELPHIA, March 5 - There will be a family reunion to-morrow at the house of Mrs. John Crew, 140 North Twelfth-street, in honor of the ninety-first birthday of Mrs. Eliza Kinlock, Mrs. Drew's mother, who half a century ago was one of the most beautiful women on the stage. It will be 91 years ago on Monday since Mrs. Kinlock was born, but her birthday will be celebrated to-morrow, because some of the members of the family who are on the stage could not be present on any other day except Sunday. Mrs. Kinlock is a charming little old lady. Her maiden name was Eliza Trartner. She was born in London and began her professional career on the stage at an early age. While singing light operas her handsome face was the heart of Mr. Lane, who was an English actor and manner of prominence more than three score years ago. They were married, and after his death she came to this country. A year before she left England for America she met Mr. Kinlock, who was also an actor of note. He followed her to this country in 1828. They were married shortly afterward, and in 1831 Mr. Kinlock died. She retired form the stage more than 30 years ago.

Mrs. John Drew was seen at her home this afternoon and said the reunion would be a quiet little family affair. There will be a birthday dinner, and Mrs. Kinlock, who is a wonderfully active old lady, will occupy the head of the table. Her daughter, Mrs. John Drew, will sit on her right. Mrs. Hitchings, the only sister of the late John Drew, came over from New York last night with her daughter Emma, to be present at the dinner. John Drew, of Augustin Daly's company. Mrs. Kinlock's grandson; will be present with his wife, who was Josephine Baker, and was for years a popular member of the Walnut-Street stock company. Mr. and Mrs. John Drew's little daughter will be there, too. The mother of young Mrs. John Drew, Mrs. Alexina Fisher Baker, was was also a member of the Walnut-Street company, is ill in New York, and cannot be present. Sidney Drew, another grandson of Mrs. Kinlock, is playing in Chicago and cannot be present. His sister, Adine Drew, who is in the cast of "Ruddigore" at McCaull's Opera House, and his sister, Georgie Drew, will be there. Georgie Drew in private life is Mrs. Maurice Barrymore.

Maurice Barrymore, who is Modjeska's leading man, was playing in Baltimore to-night. After the performance he took the train for this city to take part in the little birthday party tomorrow. He will join his wife and his three chubby children at their grandmother's house this morning. Modjeska begins an engagement at Buffalo to-morrow night, and Mr. Barrymore must be there by 6 o'clock in the evening, so that he will only have a few hours' stay in this city. With Mrs. Kinlock and her daughter, and her grandsons and granddaughters, and her great-grandsons and great granddaughters, four generations will be represented at the birthday dinner to-morrow.

Mrs. Kinlock is quite active, and time has dealt so kindly with her that she looks nearer 61 than 91. She walks down to the Arch-Street Theatre occasionally and sits in her daughter's private box and watches the performance with much interest. Only a few days ago she made quite an extended shopping tour about town on foot, but when she got back home she admitted that she was tired and that it was plain to her now that she is not as young as she used to be. She has a good appetite, a retentive memory, and her conversation is a wealth of entertaining reminiscences of the stage when Edwin Forrest was a young man. Mrs. Kinlock is a wonderful old lady. She is proud of her daughter and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they are all very proud of her.

New York Times (New York, New York) - March 7, 1887

THE DREW FAMILY AT HOME

FOUR GENERATIONS HONOR MRS. KIN-
LOCK'S NINETY-SECOND BIRTHDAY.

PHILADELPHIA, March 6 - At 2 o'clock this afternoon four generations of Mrs. John Drew's family sat down to the birthday dinner of her mother, Mrs. Eliza Kinlock, who will be 91 years old to-morrow. The family reunion was at Mrs. John Drew's house, 140 North Twelfth-street. Mrs. Kinlock, looking the sweet old lady that she is, sat at her accustomed place, and on either side of her sat her chattering great-grandchildren, the boys and girls of young John Drew, of Augustin Daly's company, and of Maurice Barrymore, of Modjeska's company. Mrs. Kinlock, in her little lace cap and her golden-white curls; and with her face wreathed in smiles, received the congratulations of her daughter, who sat at the head of the table; of Georgie Drew, Maurice Barrymore's wife; John Drew and his wife, Josephine Baker and Adene Drew, of McCall's "Ruddigore" company. The grown folks and the children all wished the old lady a happy birthday and many more of them.

Mrs. Kinlock kissed her great-grandchildren, and her grandchildren, and her daughter and Mrs. Hitchings, the late John Drew's only sister, who came from New-York on Saturday with her daughter Emma, to be present at the quiet little family reunion. Sidney Drew, who is in Chicago, sent a telegram.

After dinner the old folks and the children went into the parlor, which had been made fragrant by the odor of half a dozen bouquets of beautiful cut flowers. Some of the flowers had been sent to the home in the morning by friends of Mrs. Kinlock, who had known her more than half a century ago, when she was one of the most beautiful women on the stage. There were a number of presents for Mrs. Kinlock, including a silk dress and a quantity of rich lace from Mrs. John Drew, and a beautiful decorative vase from the younger people, and a number of volumes of fiction.

When half past 3 o'clock came there was an abrupt interruption to the reunion. Actor Barrymore kissed the three pretty children and told his wife and Mrs. Kinlock and everybody that he must go. He has to be in Buffalo to-morrow to join Modjeska's company. So he was off and took the Buffalo express from the Ninth and Green streets station at 4 o'clock. Although his departure marred the happiness of the gathering, the reunion was kept all the afternoon, and Mrs. Kinlock was as happy as her great-grandchildren romping by her side.

Eliza Trenter Lane Kinlock (1796-1887)

Ship "United States" from Liverpool to New York - May 21, 1827

[There were no other "comedians" on this ship and anyone else that seems as if they may have been traveling with John - same last name, etc. Note: this is exactly a month BEFORE Eliza and Louisa arrived, contrary to later stories that said he followed her to America because of her beauty. It is possible that he came first to set up arrangements for the company. Eliza did say that she met John a year before they came to America.]

John Kinlock, age 30 (or 36?), male, comedian, British

Ship "Brittania" from Liverpool to New York
- June 20, 1827

I, Charles G. Marshall, do solemnly, sincerely and truly swear that the following List or Manifest of Passengers subscribed with my name, and now delivered by me to the Collector of the Customs for the District of New-York, contains, to the best of my knowledge and belief, a just and true account of all the Passengers received on board the Ship Brittania, whereof I am Master, from Liverpool - Sworn to, the 20 June 1927, before me [illegible], So help me God.

[I have only included those listed as "comedian" with the exception of the young Thomas Mitchell who seems to have been traveling withe Thomas and Sarah Mitchell - as they are the only other people with that surname and he was listed after all of the other "comedians". The entire group was listed together, exactly in this order, with no other passengers in between.]

John Hallam? - m 36? - comedian
Fanny Hallam - f 24 - comedian
Rachel Hansean - f 29 - comedian
Thomas Mitchell - m 34 - comedian
Sarah Mitchell - f 32 - comedian
William Henry Smith - m 22 - comedian
Thomas Grierson - m 28 - comedian
John Sefton - m 21 - comedian
William Wells - m 21 - comedian
Mary Wells - f 46 - comedian
Sarah Wells - f 17 - comedian
Eliza Lane - f 27 - comedian
Louisa Lane - f 7 - comedian
Thomas Mitchell - m 6

Ship "John W. Carter" - from Kingston, Jamaica to New York City
Arrived April 23, 1832

[most of the names on this record or illegible, passengers 2 to 9 are all women of various last names and include Eliza Kinlock and Louisa Lane. Three of the other women have notations as to the number of children (not listed) that are traveling with them. Eliza does not have such a notation, and yet her daughter Georgianna Kinlock should have been born 2 years before. Later stories of the trip by Eliza and Louisa also do not mention Georgianna. It would be curious to find out where she was at this time, or if she is actually the daughter of Eliza Kinlock at all.]

Eliza Kinlock - age 30, female, no occupation, of Jamaica
Louisa Lane - age 15, female, no occupation, of Jamaica

10th Ward, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- June 16, 1860
1860 United States Federal Census

Drew, John - 33, actor, worth $6,000 - born Ireland
Drew, Louisa - 40, actress, worth $2,000 - born England
Drew, Louisa - 8 - born New York
Drew, John U. S. - 7 - born Pennsylvania
Drew, Georgianna E. - 5 - born Pennsylvania
Kinlock, Eliza - 64 - born England
Kinlock, Georgiana - 30, actress - born Massachusetts
Lynch, Catherine - 20, domestic - born Ireland
Welsh, Catherine - 24, domestic - born Ireland

28th District, 10th Ward, Philadelphia, PA - June 7, 1870
1870 United States Federal Census

Drew, Louisa - 50 - Manager Arch-St Theatre
--real estate $20,000, personal $10,000 born England
Drew, Louisa - 18, at home - born New York
Drew, John U. S. - 16, at home - born Pennsylvania
Drew, Georgianna - 15, at home - born Pennsylvania
Stevens, Adine - 10, at home - born in Australia
White, Sidney - 6, at home - born in New York
Kinlock, Eliza - 73, at home - born in England
Welsh, Catherine - 35, domestic, born in Ireland
O'Donnell, Mary - 23, domestic, born in Ireland

119 N. 9th St., Philadelphia, PA - June 1, 1880
1880 United States Federal Census

Drew, Louisa - wm age 60, theatrical manager, b Eng, pb Eng
Kinlock, Eliza - wf age 84 (mother), retired actress, b Eng, pb Eng
White, Sidney - wm age 16 (adopted son), no occ., b NY, pb Eng
Stephens, Adene - wf age 20 (niece), actress, b Aus, fb RI, mb MA
Thomas, Margaret - wf age 35 (servant), b Ire, fb Eng, mb Ire
O'Connell, Annie - wf age 24 (servant), b Ire, pb Ire.

New York Times (New York, New York)
- March 6, 1887

A DREW FAMILY REUNION

MRS. KINLOCK'S NINETY-FIRST BIRTHDAY
TO BE CELEBRATED TO-DAY

PHILADELPHIA, March 5 - There will be a family reunion to-morrow at the house of Mrs. John Crew, 140 North Twelfth-street, in honor of the ninety-first birthday of Mrs. Eliza Kinlock, Mrs. Drew's mother, who half a century ago was one of the most beautiful women on the stage. It will be 91 years ago on Monday since Mrs. Kinlock was born, but her birthday will be celebrated to-morrow, because some of the members of the family who are on the stage could not be present on any other day except Sunday. Mrs. Kinlock is a charming little old lady. Her maiden name was Eliza Trartner. She was born in London and began her professional career on the stage at an early age. While singing light operas her handsome face was the heart of Mr. Lane, who was an English actor and manner of prominence more than three score years ago. They were married, and after his death she came to this country. A year before she left England for America she met Mr. Kinlock, who was also an actor of note. He followed her to this country in 1828. They were married shortly afterward, and in 1831 Mr. Kinlock died. She retired form the stage more than 30 years ago.

Mrs. John Drew was seen at her home this afternoon and said the reunion would be a quiet little family affair. There will be a birthday dinner, and Mrs. Kinlock, who is a wonderfully active old lady, will occupy the head of the table. Her daughter, Mrs. John Drew, will sit on her right. Mrs. Hitchings, the only sister of the late John Drew, came over from New York last night with her daughter Emma, to be present at the dinner. John Drew, of Augustin Daly's company. Mrs. Kinlock's grandson; will be present with his wife, who was Josephine Baker, and was for years a popular member of the Walnut-Street stock company. Mr. and Mrs. John Drew's little daughter will be there, too. The mother of young Mrs. John Drew, Mrs. Alexina Fisher Baker, was was also a member of the Walnut-Street company, is ill in New York, and cannot be present. Sidney Drew, another grandson of Mrs. Kinlock, is playing in Chicago and cannot be present. His sister, Adine Drew, who is in the cast of "Ruddigore" at McCaull's Opera House, and his sister, Georgie Drew, will be there. Georgie Drew in private life is Mrs. Maurice Barrymore.

Maurice Barrymore, who is Modjeska's leading man, was playing in Baltimore to-night. After the performance he took the train for this city to take part in the little birthday party tomorrow. He will join his wife and his three chubby children at their grandmother's house this morning. Modjeska begins an engagement at Buffalo to-morrow night, and Mr. Barrymore must be there by 6 o'clock in the evening, so that he will only have a few hours' stay in this city. With Mrs. Kinlock and her daughter, and her grandsons and granddaughters, and her great-grandsons and great granddaughters, four generations will be represented at the birthday dinner to-morrow.

Mrs. Kinlock is quite active, and time has dealt so kindly with her that she looks nearer 61 than 91. She walks down to the Arch-Street Theatre occasionally and sits in her daughter's private box and watches the performance with much interest. Only a few days ago she made quite an extended shopping tour about town on foot, but when she got back home she admitted that she was tired and that it was plain to her now that she is not as young as she used to be. She has a good appetite, a retentive memory, and her conversation is a wealth of entertaining reminiscences of the stage when Edwin Forrest was a young man. Mrs. Kinlock is a wonderful old lady. She is proud of her daughter and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they are all very proud of her.

Saturday Herald (Decatur, Illinois) - August 11, 1887

Death of an Aged Actress

PHILADELPHIA, Aug 11. - Mrs. Eliza Kinlock, the mother of Mrs. John Drew, the actress, died at Long Beach this morning, aged ninety-one. Mrs. Kinlock was formerly an actress. Just a few days over sixty years ago she made her American debut at the Walnut Street Theater, and from that time filled an important place in the dramatic world until 1854, when she retired.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Maurice Barrymore (1849-1905)

Maurice Barrymore, a stage-name, was born Herbert Arthur Chamberlayne Blythe on September 2, 1849 at Fort Agra, India. He married Georgiana Drew (daughter of John and Louise Lane Drew of Philadelphia) on December 31, 1876 and had three children - Lionel in 1878, Ethel in 1879 and John in 1882. Georgiana died July 2, 1893 and he remarried a year later to Mamie Floyd.

Maurice was in the middle of performance in New York when he forgot his lines and started to talk and act erratically. He was sent to the Bellvue asylum in Amityville, New York where he was held under close care. In 1904 he began to refuse food and no longer recognized his nurse, thinking instead that he was a call boy at the theater, presumably to let Mr. Barrymore know how many minutes he had left until the curtain would rise. Maurice died at Bellvue on March 26, 1905 in New York. The cause was determined to by from syphilis. He was buried in a family plot in Philadelphia during a private ceremony. Only his children and an aunt attended.

New York Times (New York, New York) - May 14, 1882

Mme. Modjeska's actign in "Odette," recently brought out in London, is highly praised by the English journals. Mr. John Stetson, the actress's new American manager, is now forming a company to assist her in the country next season. The company - altough not yet wholly formed - includes Mr. Maurice Barrymore, Mr. Frank Clements, Mr. Norman Forbes, Mr. W. F. Owen, Mr. N. D. Jones, and Mrs. Clara Fisher Maeder.

New York Times (New York, New York) - August 13, 1883

THE EGYPT DELAYED IN THE BAY

The steam-ship Egypt, of the National Line, which arrived from Liverpool yesterday, met with an accident last Saturday night which delayed her several hours. One of her officers stated that when she took a pilot, outside the bar, at 6 o'clock in the evening the starting gear was found to be out of order. Capt. Sumner did not think it wise to enter port in the dark under the circumstances, and he gave orders to let go the anchor. The ship remained outside the bar until morning. The weather was then foggy and the Egypt did not start up the Bay until the weather was clear. She arrived and was moored at her pier at noon yesterday. Her cabin passengers were landed, but the immigrants remained on board, nad will be sent to Castle Garden this morning. Mr. Maurice Barrymore, the actor, and his wife were among the passengers. The starting gear of the vessel will be thoroughly repaired before she leaves port.

Maurice and Georgie - circa 1876

New York Times (New York, New York) - February 6, 1884

Mr. Maurice Barrymore, the author of the new play, "Nadyezda," which is to be produced on next Monday evening at the Star Theatre, and in which Mme. Modjeska will act the chief part, is well known here as an actor. He is now the leading actor in Mme. Modjeska's company, and he has prepared his play from step to step with her approval. The scenes of "Nadyeszda" are placed in Poland. The drama is in a prologue and three acts. In the prologue Mme. Modjeska will appear as a mother; in the three acts she will appear as the daughter of this woman. The life of the daughter runs in the shadow cast upon it by the life of the mother. The spirit of the play is tragic.

New York Times (New York, New York) - August 2, 1885

Mr. Maurice Barrymore's new romantic play, entitled "The Don," will be produced at the new Chicago Opera House on the evening of Oct. 4. Music has been written for the piece by Mr. Max Maretzek, and the scenery and dresses will be new and costly. Mr. Harry Lee, who has secured the American rights to "The Don," is to represent its principal personage.

New York Times (New York, New York) - March 6, 1887

A DREW FAMILY REUNION

MRS. KINLOCK'S NINETY-FIRST BIRTHDAY
TO BE CELEBRATED TO-DAY

PHILADELPHIA, March 5 - There will be a family reunion to-morrow at the house of Mrs. John Crew, 140 North Twelfth-street, in honor of the ninety-first birthday of Mrs. Eliza Kinlock, Mrs. Drew's mother, who half a century ago was one of the most beautiful women on the stage. It will be 91 years ago on Monday since Mrs. Kinlock was born, but her birthday will be celebrated to-morrow, because some of the members of the family who are on the stage could not be present on any other day except Sunday. Mrs. Kinlock is a charming little old lady. Her maiden name was Eliza Trartner. She was born in London and began her professional career on the stage at an early age. While singing light operas her handsome face was the heart of Mr. Lane, who was an English actor and manner of prominence more than three score years ago. They were married, and after his death she came to this country. A year before she left England for America she met Mr. Kinlock, who was also an actor of note. He followed her to this country in 1828. They were married shortly afterward, and in 1831 Mr. Kinlock died. She retired form the stage more than 30 years ago.

Mrs. John Drew was seen at her home this afternoon and said the reunion would be a quiet little family affair. There will be a birthday dinner, and Mrs. Kinlock, who is a wonderfully active old lady, will occupy the head of the table. Her daughter, Mrs. John Drew, will sit on her right. Mrs. Hitchings, the only sister of the late John Drew, came over from New York last night with her daughter Emma, to be present at the dinner. John Drew, of Augustin Daly's company. Mrs. Kinlock's grandson; will be present with his wife, who was Josephine Baker, and was for years a popular member of the Walnut-Street stock company. Mr. and Mrs. John Drew's little daughter will be there, too. The mother of young Mrs. John Drew, Mrs. Alexina Fisher Baker, was was also a member of the Walnut-Street company, is ill in New York, and cannot be present. Sidney Drew, another grandson of Mrs. Kinlock, is playing in Chicago and cannot be present. His sister, Adine Drew, who is in the cast of "Ruddigore" at McCaull's Opera House, and his sister, Georgie Drew, will be there. Georgie Drew in private life is Mrs. Maurice Barrymore.

Maurice Barrymore, who is Modjeska's leading man, was playing in Baltimore to-night. After the performance he took the train for this city to take part in the little birthday party tomorrow. He will join his wife and his three chubby children at their grandmother's house this morning. Modjeska begins an engagement at Buffalo to-morrow night, and Mr. Barrymore must be there by 6 o'clock in the evening, so that he will only have a few hours' stay in this city. With Mrs. Kinlock and her daughter, and her grandsons and granddaughters, and her great-grandsons and great granddaughters, four generations will be represented at the birthday dinner to-morrow.

Mrs. Kinlock is quite active, and time has dealt so kindly with her that she looks nearer 61 than 91. She walks down to the Arch-Street Theatre occasionally and sits in her daughter's private box and watches the performance with much interest. Only a few days ago she made quite an extended shopping tour about town on foot, but when she got back home she admitted that she was tired and that it was plain to her now that she is not as young as she used to be. She has a good appetite, a retentive memory, and her conversation is a wealth of entertaining reminiscences of the stage when Edwin Forrest was a young man. Mrs. Kinlock is a wonderful old lady. She is proud of her daughter and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they are all very proud of her.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) - July 2, 1904

The Drew family of stage players, runs back into the mists of historic antiqutiy. John Drew's mother was for many years director of a leading Philadelphia theatre. Less than two decades ago the world, swayed by Uncle Sam, was talking of the brilliant actor, Maurice Barrymore, and his beautiful wife, Georgia Drew Barrymore, sister of John Drew.

Ethel Barrymore - Oakland Tribune, 1904

Today Maurice Barrymore, a modern Horace, in epigrammatic talent, is by a malevolent trade of Fate, a living, intellect-wrecked King Lear, and it was not so long ago that Georgia Barrymore, mother of Ethel Barrymore, died while tarrying at Santa Barbara.

Ethel Barrymore, she of the sweet face and dainty wave, will soon be a lure at a San Francisco drama-temple. Already a thespian star, it was but recently she gained much prestige by her essay in a boy's role, and by her indisposition to gratify wooing lords in London.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) - July 9, 1904

[The original article was much longer and was in regard to Ethel Barrymore, I have skipped to the part about her father]

Maurice Barrymore is now an inmate of a sanitarium in New York a mental wreck. The mind that once glittered in clubdom from New York to San Francisco is now a blank, and the handsome face that lured the matinee girl of two continents is now shouded in a long white Lear-like beard. Barrymore wanders about imagining he is writing a great play with God as the star part.

Georgie Drew Barrymore, the mother of Ethel Barrymore, died in this State after a protracted illness. It was during the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Barrymore at the old Baldwin Hotel that the father of Ethel sprung one of his famous bon mots. One night he came home a bit late. As he opened the door to his wife's bedroom, she said: "Is that you, Maurice?" And in that imperturbable way of his, Barrymore replied: "Whom did you expect, my dear?"

Barrymore used to sit up most of the night talking in the Lamb's Club of New York or the leading club in the town where he happened to be living and when the dawn came he would take a half dozen books to bed with him. These he would read sometimes for hours. Though not retiring until 6 or 7 o'clock in the morning he would frequently have to attend rehearsal at 9 or 10 o'clock. These rehearsal's sometimes consumed the entire day. Then he would go and play until 11 o'clock at night; then to the club; then to the books, and possibly an hour or two of sleep. Such a life could not help undermining the constitution and precipitating mental collapse.

Barrymore was always telling every one what he was going to do in the playwright way. It was from his play "Najesda," ordered at the Grand Opera House of this city with Madame Mojeska as the star, that Sardou stole the "La Tosca." "Najesda" was performed in this country five years before Bernhardt produced "La Tosca" in Paris. It was because of his explansive plans for the future that Wilton Lackaye wrote the following epitaph on Barrymore during a chat at the Lamb's Club.

"He talked beneath the moon
And he slept beneath the sun;
He led the life of going to do
And he died with nothing done."

Unfortunately, the jest has been realized.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) - October 31, 1904

MAURICE BARRYMORE SAID TO BE DYING

NEW YORK, October 31 - Maurice Barrymore, the actor, is said to be in a dying condition at the sanitarium in Amityville, L. I., where he has been for a number of years. It is feared that the end is only a few days off. His vitality has been marvelous, but is now at its last ebb. Of late the once famous entertainer has refused his food and does not recognize his nurse, mistaking him frequently for a call boy.


Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) - March 25, 1905

ACTOR'S FINAL ROLE

Maurice Barrymore Passes
Away in New York
Sanitarium.

NEW YORK, March 25 - Maurice Barrymore, the actor, died last night at a sanitarium at Amityville, L. I. Mr. Barrymore had been failing in health for several years. Of late he failed rapidly in mind as well as in body, and his last years were spent in the closest seclusion. Mr. Barrymore came of English parents in India 58 years ago. His real name, Herbery Blyeth, probably was known to comparatively few of the thousands who knew him as one of the most popular actors on the American stage.

Educated at Cambridge University in England, young Blyeth early prepared himself for the civil service in India, and later took up the profession of law. He was admitted to the bar, but soon forsook that pursuit for the dramatic stage. His first public appearance in America was at the Fifth Avenue theater in this city, many years ago, and since that time he had a leading part in many of the successes of the stage. He was at various times leading man for Modjeska and Lilly Langtry, and in many other prominent companies. Mr. Barrymore also was well known as an author and playwright. Among his plays were "Nadjeska," which was written for Modjeska.

In 1876 Mr. Barrymore married Georgia Drew, a daughter of Mrs. John Drew and sister of John Drew, the well known actor. Ethel Barrymore, the actress was the daughter and John and Lionel Barrymore his sons. His breakdown took place about four years ago while playing at a theater in this city, when he suddently lost his lines and began to talk incoherently. Later, he was removed to a sanitarium. Although he had been in poor health ever since his breakdown his death was unexpected.

Boston Daily Globe (Boston, Massachusetts) - March 28, 1905

BURIED IN PHILADELPHIA

Funeral of Maurice Barrymore to be Strictly Private

NEW YORK, March 27 - The funeral of Maurice Barrymore will be held Wednesday in Philadelphia. Burial will be in the family plot in Glenwood cemetery in that city. Lionel Barrymore, the actor's son, is expected here tomorrow from El Paso, Tex. Only Ethel, John and Lionel Barrymore and an aunt will attend the funeral. Neither the Lambs club nor any other organization will have a voice in the arrangements. At the Barrymore home, 94 Park av., John Barrymore said today that the family wished it distinctly understood that the funeral would be strictly private.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) - April 1, 1905

MAURICE BARRYMORE IS DEAD

On the eve of the first appearance of his eldest son, Lionel, as a star in this city, comes word of Maurice Barrymore's death in the sanitarium where his last years had been passed. Barrymore's career came to an end when he became the victim of paresis. I remember the night, many years ago, when Wilton Lackaye, Barrymore and some others members of the A. M. Palmer company, were gathered in the Baldwin bar, and Lackaye made the remark that most of his actor friends were going the pace so rapidly that of the leading men of the day he would soon be the only one left. He spoke truly, as he did when he penned his epitaph of his lazy, lovable friend who was always "going to do, and died with nothing done." Maurice Barrymore, newspaper man, playwright, actor and athlete, was a genius who might have accomplished great things, if he had not been too much of a "good fellow." He was everybody's friend and dissipation killed him. There never was such a story-teller as big, handsome Maurice. He had a way of pointing his tales with a shrug of his broad shoulders and a merry twinkel in his dark eyes. I could relate a whole string of his stories, some that I heard him tell, others that were told me by his friends. Modjeska was not the only one who rebuked Barrymore and received a bit of quotable repartee in return. When Barrymore was Lily Langtry's leading man in "As in a Looking Glass," in one of the scenes he had to help her on with her wrap. Once or twice he did his rather awkwardly and one night, after the curtain fell, the Lily turned to the actor and, with great indignation, said: "I see that you are not accustomed to assisting ladies." "My mother and my wife are the only ones that I was ever accustomed to assisting," he replied. "I said ladies," snapped La Langtry. "Oh," returned the actor, "I see. You refer to women of the demi-monde." Langtry, so the sequel goes, reported this to Freddy Gebhard, and told the latter it was his duty to chastise the actor, but Gebhard saw no occasion for attemption that feat.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) - June 29, 1919

Maurice Barrymore's insanity came gradually, during many months, and finally developed one day in the Lambs, to the great grief of his host of friends. His son John invited him for a dirve which ended in a Long island insane asylum. When he discovered that he had been tricked, his well known athletic strength asserted itself and it required the united efforts of three keepers to control him and lock him in his room. He was known as being the best boxer on the stage, and when opposed in any whim by his keepers, he would become violently aggressive, and the ensuing struggle would end in the straightjacket. But as as rule he was tractable, and nothing but his violent hatred for the male nurses could disturb his endless good nature. His insanity took the pleasant form of the writing of opera librettos, and many reams of paper were covered in the production of utterly incomprehensible manuscripts. He was always doubtful as to whom to select as the composer of his librettos, until Alfred Kline, brother of the dramatist, came to the asylum with an hallucination that he was a great musician. Then these two entered into a friendly collaboration that quieted both of them, and the companionship was encouraged, with attendants by to interfere in cases of any dispute. When Kline died, Barrymore pined away and soon followed him.

Blyth Daly (1901-1965)

Blyth Daly was born December 5, 1901 in London, England to Arnold Daly and Mary Blyth. Both of her parents, who were first married in 1900, were actors. They divorced in 1903 and remarried in 1905, but divorced again soon after. Her mother then remarried to Frank Craven in 1915, actor known for originating the role of the Stage Manager in "Our Town" on Broadway and in the original film. Mr. Craven often helped Blyth in her own career as an actress, producing several of her plays as early as 1919. Her father, Arnold, died in an apartment fire in 1927. Her step-father passed away in 1945 and her mother, Mary Blyth Craven, died in 1958.


Washington Post (Washington, D.C.) - June 11, 1905

Remarriage of the Dalys

An interesting object of comment developed on September 22, when the news of the remarriage of Arnold Daly and Mazie Blythe was made known. Two years previously there had been a divorce, and to Mrs. Daly was given the custody of their baby daughter. Following the separation many friends tried to bring the two together, but it was not until the summer of last year that success attended these offices. Miss Blythe at the close of her season with Nat Goodwin, went for a visit to friends at Santa Monica, Cal., and it was not long before news reached her that Arnold Daly had suddenly decided to take his company of "Candida" players tot he Pacific Coast. This cross-the-continent trip was really in the nature of a pursuit with intent to acquire, and at its conclusion its object fell in with the wishes of the organizer of the expedition, the second marriage taking place in San Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Daly had been together in many companies. They first met when she was a member of Mansfield's troupe, and later when playing in "Barbara Freitchic" in support of Miss Marlowe, they were married.

S. S. Mauritania from New York to Liverpool
-
Arrived April 8, 1913


Daly, Arnold - housewife? f age 29
Daly, Blyth - child age 11

S. S. Minnewaska from London to New York - October 10-19, 1914

Daly, Blyth - born Dec 3, 1901 NY - visiting father.

Passport Application - June 1919

Passport photo - 1919

Blyth Daly (single) born at London, England December 5, 1901
Father: P.C. Arnold Daly born Brooklyn, NY
Arnold now residing in London temporarily
Blyth previous abroad in Paris Feb 1911 to July 1914.
Residence: Great Neck, L.I., N.Y.
Occupation: actress
Going to England for Professional work
Plans to set sail July 3, 1919
Age: 17
Mouth: medium
Stature: 5 feet 3 inches
Chin: wide
Forehead: broad
Hair: blond
Eyes: Grey
Complexion: Fair

S. S. Lapland from Southampton to NY - Arriving September 25, 1919

Daly, Blyth - age 17, born "In England of American parents". Dec 5, 1902
Naturalization: #93059 [or 93054]
Address: Great Neck, Long Island.

Elm Point, Great Neck, North Hempstead, NY - February 12, 1920
1920 United States Federal Census

Craven, Frank - age 38, b MA, pb NY, actor
" , Mary (wife) - age 36, b CA, pb CA
" , John (son) - age 3 years & 6 months, b NY, fb MA, mb CA
Daly, Blythe (step-dau.) - age 18, immigrated 1902, b Eng, fb NY, mb CA
Mead, Nora (servant) - age 34, immigrated 1889, b Ire, pb Ire
Zteffen, Minnie (servant) - age 40, widow, immigrated 1903, b Bohemia
Keroes, Irene (servant) - age 22, immigrated 1913, b Hungary

The Indianapolis Star (Indianapolis, Indiana) - May 8, 1921

A Repertory Theater

Arnold Daly, who expects to spend the early summer months abroad, will come back to New York in the late summer to begin his season as an independent produced at the Greenwich Village thater on Oct. 10.

It is Daly's purpose to establish a repertory theater, with himself as the stellar attraction, and a company that will include his daughter; Blythe Daly, Phillips Tead, Sudney Carlyle and Walter F. Scott. It will mark the first time, incidentally, that he and Miss Blythe will have been seen on the same stage.

Carl Shoner's "The Children's Tragedy" has already been selected as the opening bill, the American adaptation being left to the pen of Benjamin Glaser, who made over "Liliom" and "The Master" for the English-speaking theater. Bernard Shaw's whimsical piece, "The Man of Destiny", will be used as a curtain-raiser. Later on in the season it is highly probable that Shaw's "Candida" will be revived, as will also Herman Bahr's "The Master", in which Daly was seen a few seasons back.

Lima News (Lima, Ohio) - December 2, 1921

Blythe Daly, daughter of Arnold Daly, stage celebrity, support Ernest Truex in "Little, But Oh My!"

S. S. Aquitania from Southampton to NYC - June 24 to July 1, 1923

Daly, Blyth - age 21, born Dec 1901
Passport by Parentage #237207, issued Dec 14, 1922
Address: Great Neck, Long Island, N.Y.

S. S. Belgenland from New York to Plymouth - Arrived April 18, 1926

Daly, Blyth - c/o Guaranty Trust Co, Kingway, London
1st Class ticket, actress age 27

S. S. DeGrasse from Le Havre to New York - June 26 to July 5, 1926

Daly, Blyth - age 24, born London Dec 5, 1901
Passport #177633, from american parents
Address: Great Neck L. I., N. Y.

S. S. Olympic from Cherbourg to New York - June 30 to July 6, 1926

Daly, Blyth of Great Neck, c/o Mrs. F. Craven, L. I.
[her name is crossed out, as if she did not board the ship, she seems to have purchased this ticket but changed her mind and left earlier, from Le Havre, on June 26th]


S. S. Berengaria from Southampton to NY - May 7-13, 1927

Daly, Blyth - passport by parantage
[name crossed out, as if she did not board]

S. S. Scythia from Liverpool to NY - September 29 to October 9, 1928

Daly, Blyth - age 26, address 42 W 59th St, New York
[Name is crossed out, as if she did not board the ship]

Modesto News-Herald (Modesto, California) - June 6, 1933

Blythe Daly and Jack Oakie having one grand time dancing in the Coconut Grove.

S. S. California from NY to LA - Feb 17 to March 3, 1934

Daly, Blythe - age 32
Registered at Birth, US Consulate, London
Address: 72 W 58th St., New York, NY

Brownsville Herald (Brownsville, Texas) - April 1, 1937

Blythe Daly, daughter of the great actor, Arnold Daly, was badly banged up in a cab crash over the weekend.

San Antonio Light (San Antonio, Texas) - March 9, 1941

[A great deal of general information, where Blyth is not mentioned, is in this article before this point. Basically, a man named George Tiffany, an aviation hero during WWI and son of dowager widow Mrs. Cameron Tiffany, is in a scandal where a woman named "Helen" claims to be his wife - that they took their wedding vows in a hotel room and exchanged rings. He denies this.]


George, through his lawyer, Maxwell Shapiro, denied that they took part in any ceremony in Baltimore, except the dog show, and produced a corroborating affidavit from the stage and screen actress, Blythe Daly, daughter of Arnold Daly and step-daughter of the vetern actor, Frank Craven. Blythe, he said, had accompanied them to Baltimore and been with them all the time.

"Blythe Daly was jealous of me," Helen replied, "and when we left for Baltimore she forced her way into the car. She suspected we were married or were going to be married in Elkton. George and I kept our secret. We finally gave her the slip and when we retired for the night of Jan. 27, Blythe Daly, who was intoxicated, actually forced her way into our room. George and I had difficulty in packing her off to her room.

"The same Blythe Daly, however, writes a letter to me... which states that while the defendant, she and I were driving from Elkton she was told that we were married there. Naturally, neither the defendant nor I could tell Blythe anything about our status, because she at all times believed that we were man and wife, and when she says in her affidavit that we were never married in Baltimore, she tells the truth, because she was not in on the secret."

And then, having disposed of Blythe Daly, Helen returns again to that ranking phrase, "convenience and choice," saying: "Was our living together a question of convenience and choice when, immediately after our marriage the defendant took me to live with his mother at her estate in Long Island, where I lived with the defendant as man and wife for more than a year in close contact and daily association, not only with his dear mother, but with the most intimate members of the Tiffany clan?"

In winding up her petition to the court, Helen gave some figures on the upkeep of prize dogs, seemingly with a view to providing a gauge for the award of alimony. "It costs about $40 to $50 a week to keep the dogs when traveling from dog show to dog show, besides paying for entry fees. The fees for entering from six to ten dogs would be about $100. Defendant is in possession of nine or ten dogs which he boards with people playing them about $100 a month.

George denis that he keeps "nine or ten dogs" - the number is seven, he says - as well as the incidental allegations of cruetly with which Helen opened the legal battle. Specifically, he says he never socked her in the eye on Long Island, bounced a water pitcher over her head in Atlantic City, or floored her with a flying tackle, also on Long Island. Oddly enough, all these incidents are alleged to have occured before gallantry left off and legality began.

Brownsville Herald (Brownsville, Texas) - April 9, 1945

Blythe Daly, the actress, is the latest to have her hair ruined (practically all of it gone) in a permanent wave gadget.

Cumberland Evening Times (Cumberland, Maryland) - July 12, 1967

Years ago, Blythe Daly, an actress, wishing to compliment Jessica Reed, a Ziegfeld girl, said: "Darling, you look like a piece of Italian renaissance." Jessica, having expected a put-down, snarled: "Yeah, and you don't look so good yourself, you bitch!"

Mary Blythe Craven (1882-1958)

Mary "Mazie" Blythe Daly Craven was an American actress best remembered for her husbands than her own work. She was born August 19, 1882 in Los Angeles, California. The only clue that we have to her family is that she was regularly described as "the niece of General La Grange of Los Angeles". This was Gen. Oscar Hugh La Grange (1837-1915), a Civil War hero and abolitionist born in Fulton, New York to Michael and Jane La Grange. He had three brothers (William Wallace born 1840; Andrew born 1844 and Burk born 1853) and two sisters (Mary Elizabeth born 1847 and Annette born about April 1850). His family moved to Green Lake, Wisconsin in 1845 were he received his general education and early war commissions. After the war he became a lawyer in Washington, DC before moving to California (about 1868) where he became Superintendent of the San Francisco Mint. He moved to Santa Monica, California (near Los Angeles) in about 1898 were he was Governor of the "National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers - Pacific Branch". He retired from that position in 1908 and moved to New York City were he died in 1915. However, in all this history I have not found any connection to Blythe other than general geographic location. It was most likely the General's home, in Santa Monica, that Mary visited when Arnold came to win her back in 1905 (see articles below). But her death index records her mothers maiden name as "Girard". Perhaps one of her aunts or uncles (none of which are known), remarried to one of the La Grange siblings? Only further research will tell.

General Oscar Hugh LaGrange - circa 1863

We do know that her first husband was Arnold Daly, the actor who catapulted George Bernard Shaw onto classic literature shelves. Their daughter, Blythe Daly, would become known as one of the "Four Riders of the Algonquin" along with Tallulah Bankhead, Estelle Winwood and Eva Le Gallienne. Mary divorced Arnold in 1903 and remarried him in 1905. They divorced again sometime afterward and remarried to Frank Craven, also a well known actor who later found his way into movies. They family moved from their home in Great Neck, Long Island to Hollywood in about 1934. Mary passed away February 13, 1958 in Los Angeles.

Washington Post (Washington, D.C.) - June 11, 1905

Remarriage of the Dalys

An interesting object of comment developed on September 22, when the news of the remarriage of Arnold Daly and Mazie Blythe was made known. Two years previously there had been a divorce, and to Mrs. Daly was given the custody of their baby daughter. Following the separation many friends tried to bring the two together, but it was not until the summer of last year that success attended these offices. Miss Blythe at the close of her season with Nat Goodwin, went for a visit to friends at Santa Monica, Cal., and it was not long before news reached her that Arnold Daly had suddenly decided to take his company of "Candida" players tot he Pacific Coast. This cross-the-continent trip was really in the nature of a pursuit with intent to acquire, and at its conclusion its object fell in with the wishes of the organizer of the expedition, the second marriage taking place in San Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Daly had been together in many companies. They first met when she was a member of Mansfield's troupe, and later when playing in "Barbara Freitchic" in support of Miss Marlowe, they were married.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) - May 9, 1914

MAZIE DALY WEDS FRANK CRAVEN

STAMFORD, Conn., May 9 - Mrs. Mazie B. Daly, the actress who was twice married to Arnold Daly and as many times divorced from him, was married by Justice of the Peace Tipper this afternoon to Frank Craven, the actor, at the residence of Leo Ditrichstein. Mrs. Daly has been living with Mrs. Ditrichstein here.

Elm Point, Great Neck, North Hempstead, NY - February 12, 1920
1920 United States Federal Census

Craven, Frank - age 38, b MA, pb NY, actor
" , Mary (wife) - age 36, b CA, pb CA
" , John (son) - age 3 years & 6 months, b NY, fb MA, mb CA
Daly, Blythe (step-dau.) - age 18, immigrated 1902, b Eng, fb NY, mb CA
Mead, Nora (servant) - age 34, immigrated 1889, b Ire, pb Ire
Zteffen, Minnie (servant) - age 40, widow, immigrated 1903, b Bohemia
Keroes, Irene (servant) - age 22, immigrated 1913, b Hungary

42 W. 58th St., Wyndham Apt, NYC, NY - May 3, 1930
1930 United States Federal Census

Craven, Frank - 48, 1st m at age 32, b MA, pb NY, actor
" , Mary (wife) - 45, 1st m at age 17, b CA, pb NY
" , John (son) - 13, single, b NY, fb MA, mb CA

California Death Index - February 13, 1958

Name: Mary Blyth Craven
Birth Date: 19 Aug 1882
Birthplace: California
Death Date: 13 Feb 1958
Death Place: Los Angeles, California
Mother's Maiden Name: Girard
Father's Surname: Blyth

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Arnold Daly (1875-1927)

Peter Christopher Arnold Daly was born October 4, 1875 in Brooklyn, New York to Joseph and Mary Daly - and died January 13, 1927 in New York. He married Mary Blyth on July 1, 1900. They had one daughter - Blyth Daly - born December 5, 1901 at in London.

Arnold started his stage career as early as 1889 at the age of 14 with William Gillette's company and continued with a basic career until 1904 when he produced "Candida" by George Bernard Shaw. Arnold's parents had been long friends with Bernard's parents - making them well acquainted. Only one other had produced a Shaw play in America prior to Daly taking on the task. They didn't understand it, the hero being a dentist and the entire first scene taking place in a dentists office. He alone seemed to understand Shaw's philosophy and produce them properly. He produced at one theater, and then another until it became a permanent attraction through more than one season. When it was over he immediately produced a second Shaw play, "You Can Never Tell", which he promised would be an even greater hit than "Candida". Both plays were subsequently published and read by thousands.

Documents and Articles:

16 Rush St., Brooklyn, Kings, New York - June 10, 1880
1880 United States Federal Census

Daley, Jos. - age 41, Lumber Merchant, b Ireland, pb Ireland
" , Mary - age38, Keeping House, b Ireland, pb Ireland
" , Jos Jr - age 8, son, b NY, pb Ireland
" , Walter - age 6, son, b NY, pb Ireland
" , Peter - age 4, son, b NY, pb Ireland
" , Mary - born May 1880 in NY, pb Ireland

[Only a fragment of Rush Street still exists today and there are no buildings left older than half a century. 16 Rush would have been located very close to a wharf, on the corner of Kent Ave, along the shore of the East River. This would have been an ideal location for a lumber merchant, who would have wanted to be close to the wharves.]

New York Times (New York, New York) - April 6, 1889

The American Line steamer St. Louis will carry as passengers to-day the second company to leave this country for London under Charles Frohman's management, whose object is to present a thoroughly American play - that of William Gillette's company. It comprises Miss Ida Conquest, Miss Kate Meek, Sam Reed, Hope Ross, Arnold Daly, James Brennan, Joseph Franscover, Robert Hickman, Arthur Brown, Emerson Solle, James Rickards, four colored chorus men, a carpenter, and a property man. The company expects to open at the Garrick Theatre Saturday, April 16, with "Too Much Johnson".

New York Times (New York, New York) - October 8, 1891

"PUDD'NHEAD WILSON" AGAIN
Frank Mayo and the Mark Twin Play
at the Herald Square Theatre.

"Pudd'nhead Wilson" returned to the Herald Square Theatre last night, after a successful tour of the country. Frank Mayo, who adopted Mark Twain's story for the stage, still takes the part of Pudd'nhead. He has surrounded himself with a competent company. Although the play is long - a prologue and four acts - it is hard to indicate where elimination could be had without destroying its effectiveness, or robbing the play of some of the interest, which is sustained from the beginning. Humor and pathos alternate with that frequency which prevails in life that is picturesque, and the characters are well defined, some lovable and some despicable, as they should be in all good plays.

Frank Campeau take the place of E. J. Henley, as Tom Driscoll. Miss Eleanor Marotti has the difficult part of Roxy, the while slave, formerly filled by Miss Shaw, and is conscientious and convincing. Other new-comers are Frank E. Aiken, as York Driscoll; Emmott C. King, as Howard Pembroke, and Arnold Daly, as Chambers.

Miss Lucille Laverne, the Patsy, and Miss Frances Grahame, the Rowy, remain to delight the audiences with their acting of two interesting characters. The twins are now portrayed by Adolph Klauber and George Hallton, and Newton Chisnell is seen as Blake, the Sheriff.

Trenton Times (Trenton, New Jersey) - April 15, 1895

The Elks expect a big house at their annual benefit when "Aristocracy" will be played by one of Frohman's companies. Bronson Howard, the writer of the play, also wrote "The Banker's Daughter" "Old Love Letters," "Young Mrs. Winthrop," "The Henrietta" and "Shenandoah." Extracts from the play's programme follow.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

A newly-rich family of San Francisco
Jefferson Stockton ------------------------- Forrest Robinson
Virginia ------------------------------------ Alberta Gallatin
Diana -------------------------------------- Laura Alberta
Sheridan ----------------------------------- Arnold Daly

American Aristocracy of New York
Mr. Hamilton Stuart Lawrence ------------- Neil Warner
Katherine TenBroeck Lawrence ------------ Evelyn Pollock
Stuyvesant Lawrence ---------------------- Louis Dutton

Aristocracy of Europe
Prince Emil van Haldenward, Vienna ------- Frank Lyman
Octave, duc de Vigny - Volante, Paris ------ George W. Barnum
Marquis of Normandale, London ----------- Walter Howe
Earl of Cayston-Leigh, London ------------- Gilmore Scott
Grunthope --------------------------------- Frank Battin
Martin ------------------------------------- W. H. Hanna

250 Gratiat St., Mt. Clemens, Macomb, Michigan - June 15, 1900
1900 United States Federal Census

Cammeron, William - b. July 1859, b NY, fb NY, mb Ire - theatre manager
" , Pauline - b. Dec 1861, m 18 years, b NY, fb Ger, mb Fra
Viertue?, William A - b March 1849 in NY, pb CA - retired actor
Cooper, Samuel - b April 1860 in Vir, pb Vir. - theater manager
Vernan, Jeramie - b Apr 1870 in MA, pb Eng - actor
Vernon, Robert C - b March 1865 in Eng, pb in Eng - actor
Irvin, Steven P - b July 1867 in MA, fb RI, mb CA - actor
Daly, Arnold - b Oct 1875 in NY, pb in Ire. - actor

New York Times (New York, New York) - February 22, 1903

ACTOR'S WIFE SEEKS DIVORCE

Mrs. Arnold Daly Is Known on the Stage
as Mary Blyth

Justice MacLean of the Supreme Court has designated ex-Senator John F. Ahearn to act as referee and take testimony in the divorce action brought by Mary Blyth Daly against Arnold Daly. The referee will start with the case on Wednesday.

Arnold Daly is an actor who has been popular on Broadway for several seasons, his last appearance being at the Bijou Theatre in "The Bird in the Cage," which concluded its engagement on Feb. 14 and then start on tour. Daly played the part of the unprincipled younger brother. His wife, known on the stage as Mary Blyth, at present is playing at the Savoy Theatre with Clara Bloodgood in "The Girl with the Green Eyes." They were married July 1, 1900, and separate two years later. They have one child.

Stephen Callaghan, attorney for Mrs. Daly, has secured for her a temporary alimony allowance of $30 weekly, together with $100 cousel fees.

Washington Post (Washington, D.C.) - March 5, 1905

An important presentation of Goldsmith's sterling comedy, "She Stoops to Conquer," will be made at the New Amsterdam Theater April 17. The character of the presentation will perhaps be best indicated by the somewhat remarkable cast, it being understood, of course, that the production and all accessories will be in consonance. The principles in the cast will include Miss Eleanor Robson as Kate Hardcastle, Miss Clara Bloodgood as Miss Neville, Mrs. Charles Calvert as Mrs. Hardcastle, Mr. Kyrle Bellew as Young Marlow, Mr. Arnold Daly or Mr. Henr E. Dixey as Tony Lumpkin, Mr. Louis James as Hardcastle, Mr. Frank Mills as Hastings, and Mr. J. E. Dodson as Figory.

New York Times (New York, New York) - April 16, 1905

Arnold Daly's long and popular engagement at the Garrick in "You Never Can Tell" will terminate with the performance of Saturday, April 20.

New York Times (New York, New York) - April 23, 1905

PLAYS THAT HOLD

This is the last week of the long run of Arnold Daly in "You Never Can Tell" at the Garrick, the entire engagement numbering sixteen weeks. Mr. Daly goes immediately to London to consult with George Bernard Shaw about his plans for next season.

Washington Post (Washington, D.C.) - April 29, 1905

ARNOLD DALY, THE STRENUOUS,
AND HIS STRENUOUS IDEAS

You should never think of interviewing Arnold Daly in the usual manner. In order to understand his method of being interviewed you must understand him - his impetuosity, his enthusiasm, his impatience - in a word, the characteristics of the Celt. His entrance is abrupt, and he tempers it with an apology for being late. As he is two minutes ahead of time this might appear unnecessary, but you must remember again that the apology of the Celt is never made for real sins, but merely to establish at once the pleasant relationship which comes from being able to forgive somebody something. Having disarmed criticism with one diplomatic stroke, he begins to talk, a talk punctuated at times by impatient movements about the reception room of his apartment, by making wild thrusts at an imaginary enemy in midair; by pounding the table, as if it represented the pulput edge. He has the eloquence of the Celt; he never hesitates for an idea.


"Yes, I have been taking a rest," he says. "I have to break away every little while. Just get out of town and forget everything for a day or two." He takes a bottle of medicine from his pocket, places it on the table, take it up, shakes it vigorously and replaces it. "You see the doctors have given me some dope medicine to take. I ought to have rested another day. There is nothing in the world quite so insidious as work. You begin and little by little you work more and more. You have enthusiasm and ambition and the work comes easy. You add another obligation and another ambition to the load as easily as if they were straws. You see men and women breaking down all about you; you laugh and say 'Not for me. I am made of different clay from that.' You go on.

Finally Nature Says "Stop"

"You notice that one or two familiar faces are gone and you hear So and So has had heart failure or met with an accident, and still you smile in a superior way. Finally Nature puts in a word. She says, 'All right, old chap, you go right on if you want to, but I stop. Do you understand? I stop.' Perhaps you laugh again, perhaps you do go on after Nature has put in her word of warning. If you do, you do it at your peril. You think I am staying this because I have had a day's illness? Not at all. I am saying it because the idea came to me as I was hurrying back from the theater to meet you here for this interview. I know you don't expect me to sit up and say clever things. I believe you want me to express just what is in my mind at the moment: and, crossing the street, dodging two huge automobiles, which nearly knocked me over, I thought: 'What and where are we going? What do we stand for at this moment in the eyes of eternity?' When you see a man, disguised behind a pair of huge goggles, hurling himself through space at the rate of a mile a minute, in a machine which looks like a cross between a demon and a spider, what does it signify? When you go a mental step further and realize that this man represents his day and his type, what is the conclusion?'

Measles Era of Creation

"Do you suppose for a moment that God had such a world in view in his great scheme of creation - a world of fiendish hits of iron and steel, each trying to get nowhere in the quickest time? A city full of men and women whose greatest prayer of thankfulness is uttered because they get across a street without being knocked down? Are people sane who have such points of view?

"Of course they are not! They are mad, mad as March hares! When I got to Lakewood and breathed the deitetous air, looked at the majestic cathedral pines towering to the sky, felt the repose and serenity of the place. I realized that that was life, the life we all ought to lead. Then I came back - back to a madhouse, and it is in the stress of moments like these, moments of contrast, that in spite of yourself you stop and think and question.. Perhaps in 500 years, perhaps in 5,000, men, wise men, will look back at this time and call it the measles era of creation. That is exactly what it is, and there is about as much real happiness and satisfaction as there is for the child who is passing through the measles epoch. He will get beyond it and look back and laugh at it and be thankful that it was a childish disease and soon over.

What People Want on the Stage

"For the stage what the majority of people seem to want is a locomotive engineer to arrange matters for them. A stage manager who knows his business is not desired. They want noise and a glare of color and electric lights, all red and green and yellow - they are so pretty, you know, like fireworks. Once, long ago, I was putting on a musical comedy called "The Girl from Dixie". For weeks I worked hard on the details of that little, insignificant piece, for I wanted it to be real, I wanted to work out the great desire for truth, and I tried my best to infuse a little of the languor and the relaxation of a Southern atmosphere. I was laughed at by everybody about the stage, and I shall never forget my feelings that first night when from my dressing room I heard the wild whoop which sounded like Indians executing a war dance, and was told that my nicely trained chorus had broken loose and was giving the audience what they wanted, and, incidentally, what the chorus wanted, as well. When they got through there was just about as much Southern languor left as would stock the head of a pin.

Shaw's Plays Not a Fad

"That is why I like Shaw's plays, that is why I play them. Not because they are a fad. They are not a fad. They are destined to endure. He is the only man I know who writes with a truthful regard for literary values and dramatic construction. Browning had literary value, but, poor old gentleman, he had absolutely no idea of construction. The method of procedure of the playwright, the popular playwright, is this: He says to himself: 'The people want sentiment, they want lovemaking, perhaps some obstructions, and a fourt act which ends happily, ending them away from the theater feeling pleasantly disposed to the world at large.' Shaw differs from the rest in this, that the man has something to say, something real, something valid, something absolutely worth while. He takes the tricks in the trade of the playwright to say that something. He does not simply put the trick together cleverly to hide the fact that he has nothing at all to say.

"In "You Never Can Tell" much discussion has been raised in regard tot he ending, where Valentine, after he has gained the girl's consent to marry him, is not elated by the victory, but is, on the contrary, rather depressed as he faces the matrimonial problem which means to every man the loss of his freedom. Why should there be any discussion? Simply because people don't know the truth when they hear it. It has been one of the accepted traditions of life, just as it has been of the stage, for a man to believe that he really is happy when he comes up face to face with that great change in his life. It would be absurd to say that he was miserable. He is not, but is he happy? I leave that to the man to answer. I don't believe he is. The happiness comes after, when the transition stage has been passed, and life has settled down into its routine, but at the moment - bosh! It is all on a par with the belief that a man marries the woman he wants to marry, and the woman simply sits and waits for him to ask her. Nothing of the kind! You know just as well as I do that if a woman did not want to marry a man he could woo her through all eternity and she would not change her mind, and we both know that if a woman wants to marry a man and has any opportunity at all he can't escape.


"The stage is encumbered with all sorts and kinds of traditions that noboby except men like Shaw - and they are few enough, I can think only at the moment of Ibsen and August Strindberg - have ever brushed aside to look truth squarely in the face. I believe that the men or women who wantonly destroy the ideals of a child, who take away from it the belief in Santa Claus, the fairies and brownies, and all those delicious illusions should have their head deliberately cut off, firmly, without pity or remorse. I believe, just as sincerely, that any body who deliberately panders to the infantile mental development of adults is equally at fault. Responsibility consists in throwing over ideals. They are necessary to the child, they are encumbrances to the man. Face the truth and stop clinging to moth eaten beliefs because it is easy and the other is difficult. We are all mental loafers. Mark that, mental loafers. We want success, but we want to get it with the ingredient nearest at hand.

"If the touch of pathos comes easy to us we say: 'Let us use that pathos, we only have to stretch out our hands a little way and it is right there, no matter if the sentiment is false.' But to thrust aside that sentimentality, to rouse ourselves from mental sloth and look facts squarely and uncompromisingly and make others look with us, that means strenuous work, unremitting labor, but it means success as well. A man should be just as ashamed of making money out of the incredulity of grown up children, as he should be of begging. One is no more disgraceful than the other. The stage is encumbered with men and women, all striking false noises and all knowing it, going on season after season playing playing with the same primitive abilities, never improving, never changing. It is only the mental actor who improves - and he must improve, he cannot help it. Every year will find him a better actor, for the quality of mentality does not stand still.

"But to go back to Shaw. People are always putting him and Ibsen in juxtaposition and asking you to differentiate. I do not know why, except, that they are both men who are telling great truths, tearing down sophistries and falsities, making the public, in spite of themselves, see human nature as it really is.

Why Shaw Excels Ibsen

"Both have the gift of dramatic construction. I consider 'Candida' almost perfect in its construction. I consider 'Ghosts' equally so, but I do think that Shaw has the advantage over Ibsen in this - that Shaw is a Celt and Ibsen a Norwegian. That means that when Ibsen wants to emphasize something he pauses and gives a grunt. Shaw emphasizes with a laugh, and personally I prefer the laugh. I think most of us do; certainly Anglo-Saxons do. There are lots of stories afloat about Bernard Shaw, all of them with the same amount of truth that you would expect. The real fact is that Shaw lives the life of a saint. He would be canonized by the church if he had been born in another age.

"When I saw that, I mean that he does nothing that his conscience could condemn him for. I believe that Tolstoi is another man of the same type. They are men whose lives are simple, sincere, with no taint of profligacy. Shaw does not drink, he does not take drugs, he does not even take coffee or tea, save rarely. He depends on no false stimulants for his inspiration. He has often said to me that he found all the excitement, all the exhilaration that he wanted in the church. A Romanist would know exactly what I mean. There is a stimulus that comes, you know, from relaxation, from absolute repose, and that stimulus for our work the Catholic Church gives us.

Shaw and the Church

"I have been asked the attitude of the church toward Shaw, and I do not know that it has ever found it necessary to adopt any attitude. Shaw scoffs, as all thinking men do, at many of the tricks and subterfuges the church resorts to for its children. It does not use them for adults, unless they, too, are mentally infantile. We had our dolls, and now we laugh at them, and so the church provides toys for those who need them - that is all. To go to any other church is like going to see bad acting. Next year I intend to bring out 'John Bull's Other Island.' In this Shaw takes a fling at Catholicism, at Protestantism, and at several social evils of the day.

"It would be absolutely ridiculous to bring such subjects up in a play unless a man was clever enough to present them in such a way that people would be entertained for two hours and a half. He has done it, I believe, very successfully, but, of course, the public will have to decide that for themselves. I have no fear, however, in regard to its popularity, for it is one of the best plays he has done.

"I want, too, to bring out 'Mrs. Warren's Profession' a few times - not for a long run. On account of the construction, which I think ranks it next to 'Candida,' it certainly should be well received, although the subject is, perhaps, rather too strongly favored for the average mind." The interview ends thus. "If the church did right by him they would canonize him now and call him St. George."

Washington Post (Washington, D.C.) - June 11, 1905

Remarriage of the Dalys

An interesting object of comment developed on September 22, when the news of the remarriage of Arnold Daly and Mazie Blythe was made known. Two years previously there had been a divorce, and to Mrs. Daly was given the custody of their baby daughter. Following the separation many friends tried to bring to two together, but it was not until the summer of last year that success attended these offices. Miss Blythe at the close of her season with Nat Goodwin, went for a visit to friends at Santa Monica, Cal, and it was not long before news reached her that Arnold Daly had suddenly decided to take his company of "Candida" players to the Pacific Coast. This cross-the-continent trip was really in the nature of a pursuit with intent to acquire, and at its conclusion its object fell in with the wishes of the organizer of the expedition, the second marriage taking place in San Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Daly had been together in many companies. They first met when she was a member of Mansfield's troupe, and later when playing in "Barbara Freitchie" in support of Miss Marlowe, they were married.

Anaconda Standard (Anaconda, Montana) - November 1, 1905

POLICE OF NEW YORK CALL HALT ON PLAY
"Mrs. Warren's Profession" Too Much For Gothamites

GARRICK THEATER IS DARK

Dramadic critics of the city at man-
ager's request constitute jury and
they say it is unfit for produc-
tion - McAdee sees the play.

New York, Oct 31 - The police today stopped the production of George Bernard Shaw's play, "Mrs. Warren's Profession," by arresting Samuel Gumpertz, manager of the Garrick theater, in which the play made its first New York appearance last night, on a charge of offending public deceny in sanctioning the performance. Police Commissioner McAdee ordered that all further performances of the play should cease.

Manager Gumpertz was paroled on his promise to bring with him to court to-morrow all the members of the company, including Mary Shaw, Arnold Dally, Chrystal Herne, John Findley, Fred Tyler and George Warren, and also former State Senator W.H. Reynolds, owner of the Garrick theater.

McAdee a Witness

Police Commissioner McAdee saw the play last night, and conferred with Mayor McClellan to-day before issuing his order. The warned the company that any one participating in further performances of this play would be arrested. While the money will be refunded for seats purchased, many persons will be losers through having purchased tickets from speculators. Arnold Day made a statement this afternoon, saying:

Daly's Word Made Good

I announced in the beginning that I would constitute the dramatic critics of New York a jury to pass on the fitness or unfitness of "Mrs. Warren's Profession." Their verdict was rendered to-day. It was against the piece and I will stand by my word. I will make no attempt to repeat the performance to-night. I do not consider it dignified on my part to seek an Injunction in view of my announcement made before the opening performance. The Garrick will be dark to-night." It is said that Mr. Daly has spent $19,000 preparing "Mrs. Warren's Profession" for production.

Try "Candida"

This notice, signed "Arnold Daly" was posted outside the Garrick theater to-night: "Further performances of "Mrs. Warren's Profession" will be discontinued, owing to the universal condemnation of the press." A large force of policemen was at the theater and had difficulty in keeping an immense crowd that had gathered in order. The theater was closed and two men in the box office were busy refunding money paid for tickets. The management announced that the theater would be opened to-morrow with another of Shaw's play, "Candida."

The Anaconda Standard (Anaconda, Montana) - November 12, 1905


Arnold Daly and Bernard Shaw pretend that "Mrs. Warren's Profession" is a picture of real life, and for that reason is intolerable to the persons who have condemned the play. It abounds in foulness and immoral and degenerate characters. It defend immorality and glories in debauchery. In the play the leading roles are two young sweethearts, and an old title rake proposes for the maiden's hand and is refused. He then tell the girl of her mothers' partnership in a nefarious "profession" that has brought her so much wealth. The young lover enters, ride in hand, to kill the old rogue, and the latter [?] at the youth the fact that he and his sweetheart are half-brother and sister, a clergyman being their father. And this is the sort of indecent rot that Shaw and Daly say is "a true picture of life as it really exists." The answer to the assertion is an expression of wonderment as to the atmosphere a man has been reared in to absorb such an idea of "real life".

The Anaconda Standard (Anaconda, Montana) - November 8, 1906

ACTORS IN A FIGHT

New York, Nov. 7 - Arnold Daly and Alfred Hickman, actors, were suspended from the Lamb's club following a fight. Both are exponents of George Bernard Shaw, and there has been some jealousy between them. The two men met in the Larchmont club house and Daly started his attack. Hickman threw beer on Daly, who gave the other two minutes to apologize. The apology was not forthcoming, and soon they were rolling on the floor. Friends intervened. The fight will come up for final action before the club council in a few days.

Anaconda Standard (Anaconda, Montana) - September 29, 1907

Arnold Daly has a clever baby daughter, named Blythe, after her mother. Although only 6 years old, her infant mind is busy thinking up questions for her parents to answer. Her latest problem advanced for her parents' solution was the matter of relationship. Such questions as "What relation is papa to you, mother?" and "What is you to he?" and "What are he to I?" almost drove Mrs. Daly distracted.

Trenton Evening Times (Trenton, New Jersey) - March 22, 1912

ARNOLD DALY ILL

Arnold Daly, who was booked for a special matinee at the Walnut in Philadelphia yesterday afternoon, was unable to appear owing to sudden illness. His physician, Dr. W. A. Alton, has ordered all his engagements canceled, and Daly's Philadelphia performance has been temporarily postponed. The management of Daly's company is arranging his route, so that he can postpone his appearance until after East. The immediate cause of the star's breakdown is overwork. For a week previous to the present tour he was acting with Madame Simone in "The Return from Jerusalem," directing the production of "Half a Husband" for the Liebler company and arranging the details for his matinee recitals.

Anaconda Standard (Anaconda, Montana) - June 12, 1914

HIS FIRST APPEARANCE IN THE PHOTO DRAMA

Arnold Daly marked his first appearance in the photo drama with a splendid success, "The Port of Missing Men," the Famous Players' production running at the American theater. At no time does this tense drama of love and conspiracy lose its firm grasp on the interest of the beholder. Victor Von Syrobel, who has come to America and taken the less aristocratic name of John Armitage, is the protector of the heir to the throne of a European principality, according to the story. Frederick, the heir apparent, accompanies him to the land of the free and it is at this point that their adventures commence.

Armitage is kept busy between his lady love and the machinations of the spurious claimant to the throne, who has some trusted conspirators on his track. He proceeds to secrete the rightful heir until the time when he can present his claims to the throne. During the course of the action, John Armitage risks everything, life, fair name and liberty itself. In the end he triumphs, sets Frederick upon the throne and claims his American sweetheart. For her he elects to forego the foreign titles that are offered him and settles down to the life of an American gentleman.

World War I Draft Registration - September 12, 1918

#4243 - Arnold Daly of 22 East 62nd St., New York, NY
Age 43, born October 4th, 1875
Occupation: Actor
Next of kin: Miss Blythe Daly (daughter)
- of Great Neck, Long Island, NY
Height: Medium
Build: Stout
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Dark Brown

US Passport Application - March 15, 1921

1921 Passport Photo

Arnold Daly, born Brooklyn, NY on October 4, 1875
Father: Joseph J. Daly, born in Ireland, deceased
--arrived from Ireland about 1850 and resided in US 40 years.
Arnold previously in England and France from Dec 1919 to April 1920
Residence: 2 West 50th, New York, occupied in theater.
Intends to return to US after four months.
Going to England, France, Wales? for travel and pleasure
Intends to leave New York May 12, 1921.
Last passport obtained in Washington Dec 1919 - lost.
Age: 45
Mouth: medium
Statue: 5 feet 8 inches
Chin: thin
Forehead: medium
Hair: brown
Eyes: green grey
Complexion: Ruddy
Nose: Straight
Face: tall
Distinguishing marks: mole on back
Identifying Witness: Warren Eddinger?, theatrical, Rands? Club, NY City

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) - October 21, 1925

Arnold Daily Back Home and 'Broke'

NEW YORK, Oct. 21. - (AP) - Arnold Daly is back from gay Paree broke and wearing a monocle.

Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) - January 13, 1927

Was Friend of Bernard Shaw

Peter Christopher Arnold Daly was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., October 4,m 1875. His parents, Joseph J. and Mary Daly, were great friends of the parents of George Bernard Shaw, the Irish playwright, and it was in the latter's plays that the son was to achieve most of his success.
Daly was educated at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Brooklyn. While still in this school he acted as "call boy" at the old Lyceum theater. His first appearance in a play was as a butler in a drama in which Fanny Rice was starring. Following this engagement he played minor parts with several companies and finally received marked recognition for his interpretation of the part of "Chambers" in "Pudd'nhead Wilson." He then appeared in "Because She Loved Him So," "The Bird in the Cage," "Barbara Fritchie," "Self and Lady," "Are You a Mason?" "When We Were Twenty-One," "Cynthia," "The Girl From Dixie" and "Secret Service."

Produced Many of Shaw's Plays

On December 9, 1903, he produced the Shaw play, "Candida," following which, in company with Winchell Smith, he staged a number of Shaw's works, including some that the author had written expressly for him. In the fall of 1907 Daly founded the "Theater of Ideas" at the Berkeley Lyceum, New York, where he was the first to produce the short play bill now so much in vogue. He was unsuccessful in the venture from a financial standpoint and finally gave it up.

He had numerous similar experiences up to 1916, when, in December of that year he produced "The Master," creating perhaps the most wonderful characterization of his career. On January 9, while playing in this production at the Bandbox theater, New York City, he was stricken with an attack of peritonitis, but insisted on finishing the performance. As soon as the curtain was rung down on the last act of the play, Daly was rushed to the Roosevelt hospital and on Janurary 10 his physician announced there was little chance of his recovery. He leaves a wife, formerly Mary Blythe, a niece of General La Grange of Los Angeles, whom he married July 1, 1900, and once child, Blyth Daly. Daly was a member of both the Lambs and the Players club.

[This article is a bit interesting as it suggests that Mr. Daly died of peritonitis - inflamation of the abdominal wall, usually due to some sort of infection caused by lose bile, urine or other liquid. But he clearly died in an apartment fire. From the information in this article, and other notations of illness going back to 1905, he likely that he would not have lived much longer after the fire. In fact, men in his condition today have about a 50% chance of survival from peritonitis - especially if not treated, as he did not. With the medical knowledge of 1927, his life expectancy may have been reduced a great deal.]

The Bridgeport Telegram (Bridgeport, Connecticut) - January 14, 1927

ARNOLD DALY DIES IN FLAMES; NOTED STAGE CAREER ENDS

Distinguished Actor, Once an
Office Boy, Perishes in
Apartment Fire

NEW YORK, Jan. 13 - (AP) - Flames that stole upon him like the villain in a melodrama today ended the life of Arnold Daly, who rose from obscurity as an office boy to international fame as an actor. Trapped in his apartment in west Fifty-first street on the fringe of Broadway where he had received the plaudits of thousands only a few blocks from the site of the old Herald theatre where he made his New York debut in 1895, Daly was burned to death.

Fireman who rescued others, hacked their way into his fourth floor apartment to find his burned body lying beside an arm chair in which he had been seen a short time before reading a book. Although known to thousands, Daly could not be identified for several hours; the face that had recorded a multitude of real and simulated emotions was a charred mask. Absolute identification was made by two bunions known to Frank Whitcomb, his attorney, but not to others viewing the body.

Five Persons Rescued

The fire in which Daly died was featured by thrilling rescues by firemen who carried to safety two women who lived on the fourth floor. A father and mother on the fifth floor carries their three children to safety over roofs. Mr. Daly lived alone, his daughter Blythe Daly being on tour. He was divorced from his wife, who was Miss Mary Blythe of Los Angeles, and now Mrs. Frank Craven.

Was Frohman Office Boy

Daly died in his fifty-first year. He was born in Brooklyn and was educated in Sacred Heart academy. When he left the academy he became office boy Charles Frohman, producer. He first sprang into prominence with his production of plays by George Bernard Shaw. Then he turned actor playing in "The Jolly Squire" with Fannie Rice in 189[?]. Subsequently he went on tour in "Married Not Ma[?]ed," "La Bolle Marie," "Aristocracy" and "The Girl I Left Behind Me." His New York debut was made the Herald Square theatre three years after his first stage appearance, "Pudd'n-Head Wilson" being the vehicle and Chambers his role. He made his London debut in 1898, playing Henry Mackintosh in "Too Much Johnson" His greatest fame as an actor came from his roles in Shaw plays such as "Arms and the Man, "Candida" "Mrs. Warren's Profession".

He was last seen on the legitimate stage in "Juarez and Maxmillian" produced by the Theatre Guild last November while playing in that place. Mr Daly fell after a visit to Texas Tommy Guinan's playground, a night club suffering a slight fracture of the skull. He was in a hospital for several weeks and friends said he never fully recovered. He also turned his hand to literature, publishing in 1921 "The Dominant Male". He also produced and acted a role in his own play, "Democracy's King" produced at the Cohan theatre in 1920. He appeared in nearly 60 roles in American and England during his career ofttimes being producer and manager as well as actor.

Decatur Evening Herald (Decatur, Illinois) - January 17, 1927


Arnold Daly, famous actor and manager, was burned to death in a fire which swept the five-story studio apartment building in which he lived at 28 West 51st., New York. Fireman had great difficulty fighting the blaze as may be seen from this picture. They found Daly's charred body an hour after flames had been extinguished.

Coshocton Tribune (Coshocton, Ohio) - January 20, 1927


Stupified by fear, or overcome by illness, Arnold Daly, the actor, sat in the chair in his New York apartment while fire, starting several floors below, crept up to kill him. Conscious, he could have easily escaped through the window.

Ogden Standard Examiner (Ogden, Utah) - February 17, 1933

Anent George Bernard's visit to New York is this unpleasant story. When Arnold Daly perished in a horrible rooming house fire, S. Jay Kaufman, his most intimate friend, cabled Shaw for some expression. Mrs. Daly, now Mrs. Frank Craven, was largely instrumental in bringing Shaw to the front theatrically. Kaufman's cable read: "Arnold Daly died in room house fire." Shaw replied: "It must have been spontaneous combustion." All of which moved the usually-jesting Bugs Baer to remark: "Anyone can become sarcastic toward a dead man."