Charles "Tiny" Burnett photograph collection, approximately 1915-1972

Overview of the Collection

Collector
Burnett, Tiny, 1888-1974
Title
Charles "Tiny" Burnett photograph collection
Dates
approximately 1915-1972 (inclusive)
approximately 1915-1933 (bulk)
Quantity
244 photographic prints
3 pieces sheet music
1 membership card
1 caricature
Collection Number
PH0569
Summary
Photographs of vaudeville and stage performers, arranged alphabetically, and ephemera belonging to Charles "Tiny" Burnett
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Selections from the collection can be viewed on the Libraries' Digital Collections website. Permission of Visual Materials Curator is required to view originals. Contact Special Collections for more information.

Request at UW

Languages
English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Charles "Tiny" Burnett stands out in Seattle history for his popular orchestra leadership in the Orpheum Circuit vaudeville theaters here from 1915-1933. Known as "Tiny" because of his short stature, he was well-liked by performers on the circuit.

Charles Samuel Burnett, the son of Russian immigrants Thomas and Ida Burnett, was born July 25, 1888 in St. Joseph, Missouri. At the age of nineteen, he worked as an orchestra leader at the Crystal Theater in St. Joseph. In 1907, he led a concert orchestra at the Butler Hotel in Seattle, and in 1908, he became the manager of the Lois Theater in Seattle. In an interview in the Bremerton Sun in 1953, Burnett described working twelve to fifteen hour days as manager and making "no more money than when I was playing the piano and leading a band." According to Burnett, this situation led to his decision to go to Europe. He stayed there for two years studying music with Alberto Jonas. On his return, he worked as accompanist with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Henry Hadley.

Burnett's long career on the Orpheum Circuit began in 1915 when Carl Reiter, the manager of the Seattle Orpheum Theater, offered him the position of bandleader. Burnett undertook leadership of the orchestra with a twist; he decided to play the harmonium while conducting. In an interview, he described it this way: "I would lead the orchestra with my right hand, play with my left and pump with my feet." During this time, Burnett's parents moved from St. Joseph to Seattle, where his father owned a jewelry store on 4th Street.

Charles Burnett's energy was well-known. In the Seattle newspaper The Argus, a reporter wrote: "He does enough work for a half dozen men his size - or two of regular size." Burnett habitually conducted the orchestra from one o'clock p.m. to ten o'clock p.m. and then played other engagements with his own dance band into the small hours of the next morning.

Charles Burnett stayed with Orpheum Circuit vaudeville through its run in Seattle, as it moved from the Orpheum Theater to the Alhambra Theater, and then on to the Moore Theater. After the end of Orpheum vaudeville in 1933, Burnett moved to Hollywood to work for the Universal Studios music department. There he worked on soundtracks for "B" movies. These soundtracks were not original, but were cannibalized and spliced together from previously recorded tracks. While working for the studio, Burnett accompanied Deanna Durbin on her first film.

After two years in Hollywood, Burnett returned home to Seattle after the death of his mother. He later joined a friend named Henry "Doc" Schwartz in co-ownership of a Bremerton restaurant named "Tiny's." The restaurant closed in 1949. Burnett continued to do charitable work in Bremerton, coaching young musicians and maintaining his musical connections until his death in August 1974.

Over the years, Burnett amassed a large collection of souvenir photographs from the performers with whom he worked. Many of the photographs are studio portraits signed with fond notes by the performers, who range from novelty acts and circus attractions to opera singers and silent film actors.

Historical BackgroundReturn to Top

Vaudeville was the popular entertainment in the United States and Canada from the 1890s to the early 1930s. Theater-goers would see many different acts during a show, ranging from circus entertainment like jugglers, acrobats, and trained animals to novelty attractions like psychics. Vaudeville also incorporated performers from the high arts such as opera and serious drama (what was known as "the legitimate"). This form of entertainment allowed audiences of modest means to see famous performers for a very reasonable price.

In Seattle, the Orpheum Theater opened in 1911 (at 3rd Ave. and Madison St.), and was the home of Orpheum Circuit vaudeville in the city until May 1916. After the vaudeville summer hiatus, the new season started at the Alhambra Theater in the fall of 1916. That location was short-lived, however, and Orpheum Circuit vaudeville moved to the Moore Theater in September 1917. In 1927, the Orpheum Circuit moved its shows into the new Orpheum Theater, designed by B. Marcus Priteca and located at the intersection of Stewart St. and 5th Ave.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Photographs of theatrical and musical performers, arranged alphabetically.

Other Descriptive InformationReturn to Top

Researchers interested in the Orpheum Circuit's Seattle theaters and other Seattle theater history will find material of interest in the Carl Reiter Orpheum scrapbooks, which contain newspaper clippings related to many of the performers in the Burnett Collection. The J. Willis Sayre photograph collection also contains photographs of Orpheum Circuit performers.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Alternative Forms Available

View selections from the collection in digital format.

Restrictions on Use

Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

Donor: Barbara and Herman Kleiner; received 1999.

Processing Note

Processed by Elizabeth Russell; completed in 2010.

Separated Materials

The Burnett scrapbooks are shelved separately under Scrapbooks Burnett. A hardback copy of The Eternal Mirror by Oliver Wallace, inscribed to Charles Burnett, was transferred to Special Collections Rare Book Collection in 2010 (call number: PS3545.A5518 E8 1925).

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

 

Charles ("Tiny") BurnettReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder item
1/1 1
Charles Burnett as a young man
Shrader, St. Joseph, MO (photographer)
circa 1917
box-folder:oversize
2/1 2 circa 1917-1933
2/1 3
Charles Burnett
Bushnell, Seattle (photographer)
Written on verso: Hear "Tiny" Burnett and his Orpheum Theater Orchestra play all the latest Remick numbers at the New Orpheum Theater.
circa 1917-1933
2/1 4
Portrait of Charles Burnett
Bushnell, Seattle (photographer)
circa 1917-1933
Box/Folder
1/1 5
Charles Burnett at the piano with sheet music for "The Man I Love"
Bremerton Sun (photographer)
1953
1/1 6
Charles Burnett seated on piano bench
Bremerton Sun (photographer)
1953
1/1 7
Charles Burnett at the piano smoking a cigar
circa 1953
1/1 8
Charles Burnett with Henry Broderick in front of the Orpheum Theater
Walters Studio, Seattle (photographer)
Burnett and Broderick were at the Orpheum for a nostalgic visit prior to the demolition of the theatre. John J. Reddin covered the story in his column "Faces of the City" in theSeattle Times.
1967
1/1 9
Charles Burnett displaying his photo collection
Bremerton Sun (photographer)
The photo in Burnett's hand is of the younger sister of Gypsy Rose Lee, "Dainty June" (June Havoc).
December 1, 1972
1/1 10
Charles Burnett at the piano in his Bremerton home
Bremerton Sun (photographer)
December 1, 1972
1/1 11 undated
Charles Burnett Ephemera
box-folder:oversize item
2/2 12a
Sheet music for "Tiny" by Harold Weeks and Charles Burnett
Published by Echo Music Publishing Co., People's Bank Bldg., Seattle, Wash.
1919
2/2 12
Sheet music for "I Wonder If You're Wond'ring Too" "as played by Tiny Burnett's Orchestra"
Title page indicates Dave Pomerville and Raymond Gould wrote the song, and Gould Music Company, Seattle, published it.
1926
Box/Folder
1/1 13
Musicians Association Local 76 metal membership card of Tiny Burnett
Card indicates life membership in Local 76, A.F. of M., Seattle, WA.
January 1, 1933
box-folder:oversize
2/2 14 undated

Performers: A-BReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Irving Aaronson
Irving Aaronson (1895-1963) directed two big bands during the 1920s and 1930s; the first band was the Crusaders Dance Band, and the second was called Irving Aaronson and His Commanders. Artie Shaw and Gene Krupa were among the musicians who played with Aaronson and later became famous.
Box/Folder item
1/2 15
Irving Aaronson and his orchestra
G. Maillard-Kesslere, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
box-folder:oversize
2/3 16
Irving Aaronson
G. Maillard-Kesslere, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
box-folder:oversize item
2/3 17
Cliff Adams
Standiford Studio, Louisville, IL (photographer)
Written on photo: Hello Tiny. Pounding the Ivories is Ok but the Gypsy trail is better. Cliff Adams 9/23/23. Manila, P.I.
September 23, 1923
Box/Folder
1/2 18
Jeanette Adler
Silver, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Written on verso: Singer/comedian
undated
box-folder:oversize
2/3 19
DeLyle Alda
James Hargis Connelly, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
DeLyle Alda was a stage name of Delilah Alda Leitzel (1894-1927). She sang and acted in the theatre and in films.
1923
Box/Folder
1/2 20
Amelia Allen
Lewis-Smith, The Blackstone, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
1/2 21
Anne, Judy and Zeke Canova
Autograph on photo.
undated
1/2 22
Madame Donald-Ayer
James and Bushnell, Seattle (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
She performed with the Boston Grand Opera as well as singing in vaudeville, performing at the Seattle Orpheum in November 1915.
circa 1915
1/3 23
Ernest Ball
Apeda, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Ernest Ball composed many popular American songs in the early part of the 20th century. Among these were "Mother Machree," "Till the Sands of the Desert Grow Cold," "Love Me and the World Is Mine," and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." He played at the Alhambra Theater the week of Oct. 15, 1916. In performance, he played many of his own compositions on the piano.
October 1916
box-folder:oversize
2/3 24
Julia Ballew
Hixon-Connelly, Kansas City, MO (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Julia Ballew was part of an act with Bob Carleton, her husband.
September 1921
Ivan Bankoff
Ivan Bankoff trained at the Imperial Ballet Russe and arrived in the United States as understudy to Pavlova's partner Mordkin. When Mordkin could not perform because of illness, Bankoff got his start on the American stage. He then performed in vaudeville with partner Lola Girlie and an eight girl corps de ballet led by Madeleine Harrison. Bankoff's known appearances in Seattle include performances in April 1915, February 1916, and November 1916.
Box/Folder item
1/3 25
Ivan Bankoff
Autograph on photo.
February 1916
1/3 26
Ivan Bankoff and Lola Girlie
Autograph on photo.
Bankoff and Girlie played the Alhambra for a week's engagement beginning Nov. 26, 1916.
November 1916
Box/Folder item
1/3 27
Stuart Barnes
Apeda Studio, New YorkStacy, Brooklyn, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Apeda Studio order sheet is affixed to back of photo, but the photographer's mark for Stacy is printed on the front of the photograph.
November 26, 1915
1/3 28
Barry Girls
Hall, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
The Barry Girls were sisters who appeared in an act titled "Popular Melodies" for a week beginning April 31, 1917 at the Alhambra Theater.
April 1917
1/3 29
Lois Bennett
White Studio, Boston (photographer)
Written on photo: Remember the Rose" Mr. Comedian, Lois Bennett.
Lois Bennet performed in Seattle in February 1922.
circa 1922
1/3 30
Bonita
Lumiere, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Bonita was the stage name of Pauline des Landes, one half of a comedic duo with Lew Hearn (also in this collection). According to the Carl Reiter Seattle Orpheum scrapbooks, they performed in Seattle during March 1915 and April 1916.
1916
1/3 31
Jack Boyle
Delacroix, New York (photographer)
Written on photo: To all you you you's. Without the usual issue enjoyed this week. Sincerely yours, Jack Boyle.
Comedian Jack Boyle performed in Seattle in February 1915 with stage partner James Hussey.
circa 1915
1/3 32
Dorothy Buckley
Kyle, Winnipeg, Canada (photographer)
undated
1/3 33
Burley and Burley
Charles and Russell, Belfast (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Burley and Burley were comedians.
January 1916

Performers: C-DReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder item
1/4 34
Cameron Sisters
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Madeline and Dorothy Cameron were dancers. They performed in Seattle during January 1922.
1913
The Cansinos
Siblings Eduardo and Elisa Cansino had a dance act in vaudeville. They appeared several times in Seattle, including in November 1915 at the Orpheum Theater and in March 1917 at the Alhambra Theater. Eduardo Cansino's daughter was famous screen actress Rita Hayworth.
Note on back of item 35 is misleading: Elisa Cansino was Rita Hayworth's aunt, and not her mother.
Box/Folder item
1/4 35
Eduardo and Elisa Cansino
Floyd, New York (photographer)
Written on photo: The Cansinos = Nov 7 - 1915.Written on verso in pen: Eduardo and Elisa Cansino.Written on verso in pencil: Rita Hayworth Parents.
1914
1/4 36
Eduardo and Elisa Cansino
Floyd, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
1925
box-folder:oversize item
2/4 37
Bob Carleton
Hixon-Connelly, Kansas City, MO (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Written on verso: Married to Julia Ballew. Wrote JaDa-Jada.
Carleton wrote the popular song "Jada" in 1918 while working as a pianist in a nightclub. He performed in vaudeville with his wife Julia Ballew.
1921
Box/Folder
1/4 38
Emma Carus
Moffet (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Emma Carus was a headlining vaudeville singer. She appeared in Ziegfeld's first Folliesand was a member of the New York Stock Theater Company. She appeared in Seattle at least once, in April 1915 at the Orpheum Theater.
circa 1915
1/4 39
Lucille Cavanaugh
Autograph on photo.
Lucille Cavanaugh was a dancer. She performed at the Moore Theater in June 1918.
June 1918
box-folder:oversize
2/4 40
Jean Challon
Blancke-Harris, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Jean Challon was a singer. She appeared at the Orpheum for a week beginning on December 12, 1915.
December 18, 1915
2/4 41
Anna Chandler
Lumiere, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Anna Chandler (1884-1957) was a vaudeville actress and singer. She appeared at the Orpheum Theater in Seattle at least once, in December 1914.
circa 1914
Box/Folder
1/4 42
Lita Grey Chaplin
Kornman Bruno, Hollywood (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Lita Grey Chaplin, born Lillita Louise MacMurray (1908-1995) was an actress in silent films and was Charlie Chaplin's second wife. She married Chaplin at the age of sixteen, and appeared in uncredited roles in The Kid, The Idle Class, and The Gold Rush.
undated
1/4 43
Chung Hwa Four, a quartet of male singers, posed as if throwing dice
Parker, Canton, OH (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
A Seattle newspaper review from April 1917 describes these performers as a "singing male quartet of Chinamen" and as being native Chinese who sang in English.
April 14-17, 1917
1/4 44
Guido Ciccolini
Daguerre, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Ciccolini performed at the Seattle Orpheum Theater for a week beginning March 1, 1916.
undated
1/4 45
Eva Clark
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photoWritten on verso: singer comedian.
Eva Clark (sometimes spelled Clarke) is listed as a performer in several Broadway shows in the 1920s.
undated
1/4 46
Erwin Connolly
McAlpin (photographer)
Written on verso: Mr. & Mrs. Erwin Connolly.
Jane and Erwin Connolly are listed as performers on the Orpheum Circuit in the New York Times, 1919.
circa 1919
1/4 47
Corelli and Gillette
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Corelli and Gillette performed a knockabout acrobatic speciality. They performed in Seattle at least once, at the Orpheum Theater for a week beginning January 23, 1916.
circa 1916
1/4 48
Coscia and Verdi
Kyle, Winnipeg, Canada (photographer)
Autograph on verso: Phil Coscia & Al Verdi.
Coscia and Verdi played the violin and cello in their act "Stringing Comedy."
1924-1925
1/4 49
Richard Craig, Jr.
Mitchell, New York (photographer)
Written on photo: To Tiny "A Great Little Leader." My only wish is that there were more like you. Richard Craig Jr. Formally of Ziegfeld Follies Checkroom.
undated
1/4 50
James H. Cullen
Autograph on photo.The name James H. Cullen is written several times on verso as if to practice different handwriting styles.
1911
box-folder:oversize
2/4 51
Cecil Cunningham
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Cecil Cunningham (1888-1959) was an actress who appeared in many Hollywood films in small roles. Her known performances in Seattle include a week's engagement at the Orpheum Theater in December 1915.
1923
Box/Folder
1/5 52
Dainty Marie
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Dainty Marie was the stage name of Marie Meeker, a wire walker. Meeker's uncle was Seattle pioneer Ezra Meeker. She was apparently a dynamic presence in her interviews with the Seattle press: In an article in the Seattle Starnewspaper from October 19, 1915, Dainty Marie discussed her fervent Christian Scientist beliefs and according to the reporter, "preached" a sermon about the value of exercise and moral reform.
circa 1915
box-folder:oversize
2/5 53
Helene Davis
White, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
September 30, 1916
Box/Folder
1/5 54
Harry Delf
Strauss Peyton (photographer)
Photo signed by Harry Delf and many others.Much of the handwriting is illegible or obscured by damage on photo.
1922
box-folder:oversize
2/5 55
Harry Delmar
Hixon-Connelly, Kansas City, MO (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Harry Delmar (1892-1984) began as a song-and-dance man in vaudeville, then produced shows such as Harry Delmar's Revels, and later produced and directed films.
November 14, 1922
Box/Folder
1/5 56
Deno and Rochelle
Hixon Studio, Kansas City, MO (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
1925
1/5 57
Georgette and Capitola DeWolfe
Lumiere, New York (photographer)
Written on photo: To a dear little gentleman (and an artist) Mr. Burnett. From two little girls who appreciate your artistic rendition of our music. The DeWolfe Girls. Georgette and Capitola. 12/2/[year illegible].Written on verso: It would be extremely unjust to fail to mention how good the music was played when your brother was leading the orchestra Saturday night. The only thing missing [underlined] was your cute little presence. (So God bless your brother.) Georgette and Capitola.
undated
Diamond and Brennan
Diamond and Brennan played the Seattle Orpheum during the week beginning on November 7, 1915.
Stamped on verso: Jim - Diamond & Brennan - Sibyl in "Nifty Nonsense."
Box/Folder item
1/5 58
Sibyl Brennan
De Haven, Chicago (photographer)
circa 1915
1/5 59
Jim Diamond
De Haven, Chicago (photographer)
circa 1915
Box/Folder item
1/5 60
Rene Dietrich
Autograph on photo.
Rene Dietrich partnered with Horace Wright for a song and patter act. They played the Alhambra Theater in April 1917.
April 21, 1917
box-folder:oversize
2/5 61
Kitty Doner
Strauss Peyton, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Kitty Doner (1895-1988) was one of the most famous male impersonators in vaudeville. She began her career when her father, a performer who had wanted a son, declared that she had better appear dressed as a boy because she did not have the looks to be successful dressed as a girl; however, her acts often involved an appearance in both male and female clothes, and critics admired her graceful feminine performances as well as her skilled mimicry of male mannerisms.
1921
Box/Folder
1/5 62
Hester Dudley
Harris, Utica, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Stamped on verso: The Hedders.
undated
1/5 63
Mary Duncan
Morrison, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Mary Duncan was a singer. She appeared in an act called "Opera and Jazz Inc." with Gertrude Moody at the Moore Theater for a week beginning on February 16, 1921.
circa 1921
1/5 64
Brownie DuPont
Witzel, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Stamped on verso: Jesse L. Lasky Co.
Dupont, known as "the living Venus," appeared in an act where she posed against various scenes projected against a screen. She appeared in Seattle at least once, in September 1915.
circa 1915

Performers: E-FReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Gracie Emmett
Comedienne Gracie Emmett (1862-1940) played Irish characters in vaudeville.
Box/Folder item
1/6 65
Gracie Emmett
The Siegel Studio, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
December 14, 1908
1/6 66
Gracie Emmett as "Mrs. Murphy"
The Siegel Studio, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Mrs. Honora Murphy was Emmett's most famous creation. She played the character over 5,000 times as a part of the short play, "Mrs. Murphy's Second Husband."
circa 1908
box-folder:oversize item
2/5 67
Sallie Fisher
White, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Sallie Fisher was an actress and singer. She performed in Seattle at least once, at the Moore Theater in May 1918.
circa 1918
Box/Folder
1/6 68
Lillian Fitzgerald
Autograph on photo.
Lillian Fitzgerald played the Seattle Orpheum Theater for a week beginning on February 13, 1916.
circa 1916.
1/6 69
Frank Fogarty
James and Bushnell, Seattle (photographer)
Written on verso: tap dancer.
Frank Fogarty, known as "the Dublin Minstrel" told Irish anecdotes in his act. He performed at the Seattle Orpheum Theater for a week beginning on January 8, 1916.
circa 1916
box-folder:oversize
2/5 70
Bobby Folsom
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Folsom was a female performer who appeared as a headlining single act. Advertisements in Seattle newspapers also describe her as appearing with Jack Denny and His Metropolitan Band in December 1922.
April 3, 1926
Box/Folder
1/6 71
Claire Forbes
Strauss-Peyton Studio (photographer)
Written on photo: To Mr. Charles Burnett with much thanks for his splendid operation in our music. Claire Forbes. Douglas Crane.
1920
box-folder:oversize
2/5 72
Frederic Fradkin
Mitchell, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Frederic Fradkin (1892-1963) was an American classical violinist born of Russian immigrant parents. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire and became concert master at the Boston Symphony in 1918. Following dismissal by the Symphony because of his union organizing activities, Fradkin worked as a radio orchestra musician and later opened a restaurant in New York. Fradkin performed at the new Seattle Orpheum Theater in 1927.
1927
Box/Folder
1/6 73
Anatol Friedland
White Studio (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Written on verso: Orpheum Week Oct. 5th 1920.
October 5, 1920
box-folder:oversize
2/5 74
Trixie Friganza
White, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Friganza's note to Burnett, "Come homesafe," may be a reference to Burnett being called up for service in WWI. There are newspaper clippings in the Carl Reiter scrapbooks related to Burnett being called up, but no information about any actual service.
Trixie Friganza (1870-1955) was born Delia O'Callahan. She became a well-known vaudeville singer-comedienne. Many of her comic bits hinged on references to her weight. Friganza participated in the women's suffrage movement. She acted in films during her later career, but in 1939 sold her possessions and retired to live in a convent until her death.Trixie Friganza appeared in Seattle at least once, during October 1917.
circa 1917

Performers: G-HReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
box-folder:oversize item
2/6 75
Jack E. "Happy Jack" Gardner in blackface makeup
Wright, Toledo, OH (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
"Happy Jack" began his career in the 1880s. As a singer and comic, he often performed in blackface. He and his wife were members of the Muskegon Actors' Colony (1908-1938), where vaudeville performers such as Buster Keaton took summer retreats. Gardner died in 1929 at Muskegon.
undated
Box/Folder
1/7 76
Al Gerrard and Sylvia Clark
Floyd, New York (photographer)
Writing on verso could be an autograph by Gerard and Clark or a notation by Burnett. It reads: Al - Gerrard & Clark - Sylvia. "Modern Vaudeville Frolics."
Clark and Gerard (also spelled Gerrard) appeared at the Orpheum Theater in October 1915. A newspaper account describes Clark as being born in Jerusalem, Palestine.
circa 1915
1/7 77
Irene Giersdorf holding violin
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
November 10, 1923
1/7 78
Billy Glason
Hixon-Newman, Kansas City, MO (photographer)
Written on verso of cardboard frame: writes material in Variety.
Glason was a singer, comedian and songwriter.
1924
1/7 79
Kitty Gordon
Autograph on photo.
undated
1/7 80
Henrietta Gores and Charles Reisner
Autograph on photo.
Reisner's name was sometimes spelled Riesner, as it appears on this photo. After time in vaudeville as a "bag puncher," in an act demonstrating various methods of hitting a punching bag, Reisner became a director of such films as Buster Keaton's Steamboat Bill Jr.Henrietta Gores had a roller skating act, and was married to Reisner at one point, according to an account by Reisner's son Dean (from another marriage).Gores and Reisner played the Seattle Orpheum Theater for a week beginning on February 13, 1916.
February 19, 1916
1/7 81
Caricature of Harry Green printed on publicity card
Autograph on card.
Harry Green performed in Seattle several times, including a week's engagement at the Seattle Orpheum Theater in March 1916. The Daily Wirelessnewspaper account of the March 1916 performance describes Green as a "young Jewish actor" in a playlet "The Cherry Tree" about "George Vashington Cohen" who "never told a lie."
March 4, 1916
1/7 82
Gerald Griffin
Progress, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Written on verso: The International Singing Star.
January 2, 1926
1/7 83
Charles C. Grohs and Sonia Baraban
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Written on photo: To Lamon not Lemon. To a good-looking classy bunch of fiddlers etc. Chas. Grohs. Sonia Baraban. March 1915.
Grohs and Baraban were dancers who performed modern dances such as the foxtrot. They performed at the Seattle Orpheum Theater in March 1915.
March 1915
1/8 84
Paul F. Haggerty
Autograph on photo.
1923
Lou Handman
Box/Folder item
1/8 85
Lou Handman
Written on photo: To Jack and Mrs. Stern. Good luck to you both my good friends. Sincerely yours, Lou Handman.Photo torn in half at some point and arrived in collection with two pieces taped together.
December 19, 1925
1/8 86
Lou Handman
Autograph on photo.
undated
Box/Folder item
1/8 87
Marion Harris
Richard Beghtol, Denver, CO (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
The singer Marion Harris was an early popularizer of blues and jazz who recorded for the Victor and Columbia record labels. She toured the vaudeville circuit as well as performing in Florenz Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic. Later in her career, she appeared in films.
undated
1/8 88
Orville Harrold
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.A cookie recipe is written on verso.
Orville Harrold was an opera singer discovered while singing in a vaudeville act by producer Oscar Hammerstein.
undated
box-folder:oversize
2/6 89
Marie Hartman
Strauss-Peyton Studio, (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Marie Hartman was a comedienne. She performed at the Orpheum Theater for a week's engagement in March 1923.
1921
2/6 90
Sessue Hayakawa
Hixon-Wiese, Kansas City, MO (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Sessue Hayakawa (1889-1973) achieved fame as a silent film star through his role in Cecil B. DeMille's controversial 1915 film The Cheat, which told the story of a white woman's passionate affair with an Asian ivory merchant. The movie was a huge box office success and turned Hayakawa into the first Japanese matinee idol in Hollywood history. Hayakawa remained popular through the 1910s, but a rise in racism in the U.S. sparked by anger over immigration ended his stardom in 1922. In the 1920s, Hayakawa began a new career in Europe, acting in the French and British movie industry. He tried but failed to regain his career as a star in the U.S., which can be partly attributed to the revelation of his heavy accent after the advent of "talking" pictures. After WWII, Hayakawa turned himself into a character actor, which led him to play the POW camp commander in David Lean's Bridge over the River Kwai(1957). For this role, he was nominated for an Academy award for best supporting actor, making him one of the only eight actors of Asian descent to date to be nominated for an Academy award in an acting category.
undated
Box/Folder
1/8 91
Lew Hearn
Lumiere, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Lew Hearn (1882-1965) was a comedian and singer who started his career in burlesque and then moved into vaudeville. When not a solo act, his stage partner was Bonita (Pauline des Landes). Before breaking into show business, Hearn earned his living entertaining drunk audiences in a Pacific Northwest honky-tonk.
circa 1915
1/8 92
Frankie Heath
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Frankie Heath performed at the Moore Theater for a week's engagement beginning on September 27, 1917.
1917
1/8 93
Josie Heather
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Josie Heather was an English comedienne.
1916
1/8 94
Ruby Helder
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Singer Ruby Helder performed at the Seattle Orpheum Theater for a week's engagement beginning on December 19, 1915.
circa 1915
1/8 95
Hirschel Hendler
Smith, St. Louis (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Hendler played the Alhambra for a week's engagement beginning on March 24, 1917.
March 1917
box-folder:oversize
2/6 96
Herb and the Boys
Autograph on photo.
Herb and the boys, as the signature on this photo reads, are probably Herb Wiedoeft and the Cinderella Roof Orchestra. They were a popular band during the 1920s, particularly on the West Coast, where they typically played at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. Herb Wiedoeft played the trumpet. Wiedoeft died in 1928 in a car accident.
undated
Box/Folder
1/8 97
Harry Hines
The monologuist Harry Hines performed at the Seattle Orpheum Theater for a week's engagement beginning on March 1, 1916. From newspaper descriptions, it appears his act included songs and patter.
1916
1/8 98
Harriet Hoctor
G. Maillard Kesslere (photographer)
Written on photo: To Tiny, Whose music is the most inspiring I've ever danced to. Best wishes always, Harriet Hoctor.
Nicknamed the "lady who never smiles" for her serious facial expression while dancing, Harriet Hoctor danced in vaudeville and burlesque and later performed as a featured dancer for the 1929 Ziegfeld Follies. She opened her own ballet school in Boston in 1941.
undated
1/8 99
John B. Hymer
Autograph on photo.Photographer's mark partially obscured; may be Strauss-Peyton, Kansas City.
John B. Hymer performed on the stage, but the bulk of his credits are for writing plays. He is the father of actor Warren Hymer.
undated

Performers: J-LReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder item
1/9 100
Eddie Jackson
Autograph on photo.
Jackson was a crooner who appeared as a sidekick to comedian Jimmy Durante.
undated
Dorothy Jardon
Dorothy Jardon, an opera singer, performed in the Seattle Orpheum Circuit theatres at least twice, at the Orpheum Theater in February 1916 and the Alhambra Theater in February 1917. A newspaper account from the Seattle press describes her allegedly diva-like behavior, including her claim that she bathed in perfume and had at one time required a massage with tiger fat from her maid prior to each performance.
Box/Folder item
1/9 101
Dorothy Jardon
Campbell Studio (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
February 1917
1/9 102
Dorothy Jardon
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
Box/Folder item
1/9 103
Jeane Jayson
Progress, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
1/9 104
Jerry and Her Baby Grands
Kyle, Winnipeg (photographer)
This was an act featuring four female pianists on four baby grand pianos. In this postcard for the act, the pianists are identified as Jerry, Mollie, Mary, and Genevieve.
undated
1/9 105
Jeanne Jomelli
Autograph on photo.
Jomelli sang at the Metropolitan Opera Company. She performed at the Seattle Orpheum Theater in January 1915. This picture may have been signed for Burnett at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, where he worked with the orchestra during the summer hiatus of the Seattle Orpheum Theater in 1916.
July 1916
1/9 106
Alberto Jonas
Elite, Berlin (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Jonas was a Spanish pianist. Burnett studied with him in Europe.
undated
Nellie and Josephine Jordan
The Jordan sisters were members of the Flying Jordans, an acrobatic and trapeze act, begun by their parents Lew and Mamie Jordan. In advertisements for their engagement at the Moore Theater for a week beginning on September 27, 1917, the name of their act is the "Jordan Girls," which indicates that the sisters were not appearing with the rest of the Flying Jordans.
Box/Folder item
1/9 107a
Nellie and Josephine Jordan
Gerhard Sisters, St. Louis (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
October 1917
1/9 107b
Josephine Jordan
Gerhard Sisters, St. Louis (photographer)
: Hand-tinted
Autograph on photo.
circa 1921
Simeon Karavaeff
Simeon Karavaeff was a dancer who appeared in the Ziegfeld Folliesas well as other musical revues.
Box/Folder item
1/9 108
Simeon Karavaeff
Kyle, Winnipeg (photographer)
Karavaeff is advertised on this postcard as a "Son of the Steppes."
undated
1/9 109
Simeon Karavaeff
De Haven, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
November 14, 1925
Box/Folder item
1/9 110
Mary Kelly
Autograph on photo.
Mary Kelly performed in Seattle on the Orpheum Circuit for a week's engagement beginning October 12, 1921.
circa 1921
1/9 111
Mazie King with another performer
La Pine, Seattle (photographer)
Autograph on verso.
King's talent was toe dancing, as represented in this photo. She appeared at the Seattle Orpheum Theater in October 1915.
circa 1915
Kouns Sisters
According to the New York Times, July 1, 1917, the Kouns sisters were daughters of Charles Kouns, the general manager of the Santa Fe Railroad. In vaudeville, they were advertised as concert soprani.
Box/Folder item
1/9 112
Nellie Kouns
Strauss-Peyton, Kansas City, MO (photographer)
Autograph on photo signed November 4, 1917.
1917
1/9 113
Sara Kouns
Strauss-Peyton, Kansas City, MO (photographer)
Autograph on photo signed November 4, 1917.
1917
box-folder:oversize
2/6 114
Nellie and Sara Kouns
Strauss-Peyton Studio (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
La Graciosa
La Graciosa was the stage name of Florence Ewer. She was the sister of two other performers, Mildred (La Regaloncita) and Lenora (La Preciosa). In 1894, the sisters performed in E.E. Rice's burlesque, 1492. Because they were children at the time, their performance was protested by the Gerry Society in New York. The Acting Mayor of New York, George B. McClellan Jr., allowed them to perform if they posed but did not dance. As an adult, La Graciosa performed as a single act. From these images, it seems likely that La Graciosa posed against scenes projected onto a screen.
Box/Folder item
1/10 115
La Graciosa
Miller, Minneapolis (photographer)
Autograph on photo by Claude and Gertrude Rinaldo.
Clyde Rinaldo produced La Graciosa's "Visions in Fairyland."
April 1, 1917
1/10 116
La Graciosa
Postcard advertises La Graciosa in an "Electro-Scenic Production" called "Visions in Fairyland."
undated
Box/Folder item
1/10 117
La Scala Sextet
Hartsook Photo, San Francisco and Los Angeles (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
This group sang excerpts from opera.
June 20, 1916
1/10 118
Lamberti
S. Lanc[illeg.], Glasgow (photographer)
Autograph in French on photo.
Lamberti's act included musical impersonations, performed on violin, piano, and cello. One engagement in Seattle occurred in March 1915 at the Orpheum Theater.
1916
1/10 119
Laurie and Bronson
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Laurie and Bronson were the married couple Joe Laurie Jr. and Aleen Bronson. They were divorced by 1922. After the dissolution of the partnership of Laurie and Bronson, Laurie went on to perform as a solo act as a monologist. He wrote the "Letters to Lefty" column in Varietyfor many years, and from 1950-51, he appeared on the ABC show "Can You Top This?" as a panelist. Laurie co-wrote the book "Show Biz: From Vaude to Video" (1951) with Abel Green and wrote Vaudeville: From the Honky-tonks to the Palace(1953).Aleen Bronson's name appears in the Library of Congress copyright catalog as one of the authors of the one-act comedy Two-Gat Maguire(1930).
April 22, 1916
1/10 120
Le Hoen and Dupreece
Lumiere, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Max Le Hoen and Mademoiselle Dupreece were sharpshooters. They performed at the Seattle Orpheum Theater for a week's engagement beginning December 12, 1915.
1915
1/10 121
Billy Lee
Fink (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Autograph lists Parlor Bedroom and Bathunder Lee's name. This is the title of a hit play from 1917 by C.W. Bell and Mark Swan.
undated
Lee Sisters
Jane (1912-1957) and Katherine (1909- ?) performed in many silent films as child stars. They also performed in a vaudeville act together. After growing up as child performers, Jane and Katherine Lee continued in the business as young women, mostly continuing on together as a sister act, but also performing in films. In the 1950 film Cheaper by the Dozen, Jane Lee has an uncredited role as a teacher.Jane and Katherine Lee performed in Seattle at least twice, for a the week beginning October 30, 1921, when they were children, and in February 1931, when they were in their twenties.
Box/Folder item
1/10 122
Jane Lee
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
circa 1921
1/10 123
Jane and Katherine Lee
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
circa 1921
box-folder:oversize
3/1 124
Jane and Katherine Lee
Mitchell, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo: To "Tiny" - "My how we've grown!
February 1931
box-folder:oversize item
3/1 125
Lila Lee
Edwin Bower Hesser, Hollywood (photographer)
Autograph on photo: In memory of "Cuddles."
Silent film actress Lila Lee (1901-1973) was born Augusta Appel and known as "Cuddles" to her colleagues. Paramount studio head Jesse L. Lasky discovered Lee and featured her in many films, beginning in 1918. Lee appeared in the well-known silent film Blood and Sand(1922). She married film star and silent film director James Kirkwood, with whom she had a son, James Kirkwood Jr., before the marriage ended in divorce. James Kirkwood Jr. wrote the musical A Chorus Line.Lee appeared in an act with Georgie Price at the Moore Theater in September 1917. Seattle newspaper accounts put her age in 1917 at twelve, which suggests that she may have been pretending to be younger than she actually was for her stage roles.
undated
3/1 126
Sammy Lee
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Sammy Lee (1890-1968) started in vaudeville as a child, and then paired up with Ruby Norton for a double act. He turned to choreography in the 1920s, becoming dance director of the 1927 Ziegfeld Follies. In 1929, he contracted with MGM as a choreographer for musicals, but by the end of his career, he had worked on the films of many other studios.
September 17, 1921
Box/Folder
1/10 127
Tina Lerner
Kyle, Winnipeg (photographer)
Autograph on verso.
Tina Lerner was a Russian pianist. She divorced her first husband in 1915 and married Vladimir Shavitch; this photo is autographed Tina Lerner-Shavitch.
1918
Florrie LeVere
LeVere was the wife of Lou Handman, also in this collection.
Box/Folder item
1/10 128
Florrie LeVere
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
December 18, 1925
1/10 129
Florrie LeVere
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo made out to Mr. and Mrs. J. Stern.
December 18, 1925
Box/Folder item
1/10 130
Ben Lewis and Jol Altee
Age-Lis, Rochester, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
1/10 131
Maxine Lewis
Mitchell, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
1/10 132
Jess Libonati
Autograph on photo.
Jess Libonati was a ragtime zylophonist. According to the Carl Reiter Orpheum scrapbooks, he appeared at the Orpheum Theater for a week beginning April 29, 1916 and at the Moore Theater for a week beginning Oct. 24, 1917.
circa 1916 - 1917
1/10 133
Guy Livingstone of "Woodman and Livingston"
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Annette Woodman and Guy Livingston were dance partners. Livingston also appeared at the Seattle Orpheum Theater in November 1915 with dance partner Bessie de Voie.
circa 1914
box-folder:oversize
3/1 134
Alice Lloyd
MarceauNew York and Philadelphia (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Alice Lloyd was a British singer who was a popular performer in the United States between 1906 and 1927. She was the sister of the famous British music hall star Marie Lloyd. Both sisters were known for songs with suggestive lyrics. She performed at the Seattle Orpheum Theater in December 1914. Seattle newspaper accounts describe her singing of "It's a Long Way to Tipperary," the iconic British song often sung during WWI. This was a controversial choice because the United States had yet to enter the war, and President Wilson had enjoined Americans to be neutral in the conflict. Although the audience applauded, they reportedly would not join in the chorus with Lloyd.
circa 1914
Box/Folder
1/10 135
Nick Lucas
Sussman, Minneapolis (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Written on verso: he was 1931.
Nick Lucas was a pioneering guitarist and singer. In his vaudeville act, he accompanied himself on the guitar. The first guitarist to have a guitar custom-made using his name (by Gibson), Lucas became popular as a radio crooner as well as a guitarist in jazz bands.
March 3, 1929
1/10 136
George Lyons of "Lyons and Yosco" with his harp
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
George Lyons and Rocco Giuseppe Iosco (Bob Yosco) were a harpist and mandolinist (or violinist) respectively. Yosco was born in Italy in 1874 and died in New York in 1942. Lyons and Yosco composed the song "Spaghetti Rag" in 1910. According to Seattle newspaper accounts, the act "Lyons and Yosco" featured the two performers singing and playing the harp and violin. They performed in Seattle in October 1921.
circa 1921

Performers: M-NReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
box-folder:oversize item
3/1 137
Jessie Maker
White Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
A vaudeville actress.
undated
3/1 138
Maryland Singers
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
The Maryland Singers were one of several acts produced by Ralph Dunbar, a theatrical producer based in Chicago. The act featured four young women and one young man with a banjo playing songs of the American South. In the Seattle advertisements for this November 1916 engagement, the group is called the "Ralph Dunbar Singers."
November 1916
Box/Folder
1/11 139a
Estelle Mattern
NuArt, Spokane (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Mattern was an "adagio dancer" originally from Omaha, Nebraska. She appeared during January 1930 at the Orpheum Theater, then known as the RKO Orpheum. The three other performers in the quartet dance act were Stuart Farrington, George Spanover, and Fred Taggart.
January 3, 1930
1/11 139b
Raymond Matthews
Progress, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
1926
1/11 140
Stella Mayhew and Billee Taylor
La Pine, Seattle (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Stella Mayhew was a long-time performer in vaudeville and in Broadway musicals and revues. She began her career singing in blackface before breaking into more mainstream roles. After marrying Billee Taylor, a vaudeville song-and-dance man, the two performed as a couple. Between 1909 and 1912, Mayhew made several cylinder recordings for Edison.
April 7, 1916
Mayo and Tally
Harry Mayo and Harry Tally were originally part of a vaudeville singing group called the Empire City Quartet. They also recorded five records together as a tenor-bass duo. Tally, the tenor, made many recordings as a solo artist. The duo performed at least once in Seattle, at the Orpheum Theater for a week beginning on December 19, 1915.
Box/Folder item
1/11 141
Harry Mayo
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
December 1915
1/11 142
Harry Tally
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
December 1915
box-folder:oversize item
3/2 143
George MacFarlane
Strauss-Peyton, Kansas City, MO (photographer)
Autograph on photo. Signed January 8, 1921
Canadian-born baritone MacFarlane (circa 1877-1932) performed in operettas, Broadway musical theatre, and feature films. He recorded songs for the Victor and the Columbia record labels.
1914
Box/Folder
1/11 144
Paul McCarty and Mabelle Lewis
Moody, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
McCarty (also spelled McCarthy in newspaper advertisements) and Lewis appeared at the Orpheum Theater in October 1915 in an act called "Dainty Different Doings."
circa 1915
1/11 145
McIntyre and Heath
Smith, St. Louis (photographer)
Autograph on photo signed on December 20, 1917.
James McIntyre and Thomas Heath were famous for their long-running blackface minstrel comedy act between 1874 and 1924, in which Heath was the straight man. There were rumors that the two did not speak to each other when not on stage; however, this was disputed by McIntyre and Heath.
1915
Marguerite McNulty
Marguerite McNulty was an actress in at least one silent film, Ermine and Rhinestones(1925). For a week's engagement beginning on October 13, 1916, she was part of the Wilkes Players on the Alhambra Theater playbill.
Both photos autographed.
Box/Folder item
1/11 146
Marguerite McNulty
Bushnell, Seattle and Portland (photographer)
1916
1/11 147
Marguerite McNulty
Floyd, New York (photographer)
1916
Box/Folder item
1/11 148
Artir Mehlinger
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Artir "Artie" Mehlinger performed a "musical melange" at the Alhambra Theater for a week in April 1917.
April 7, 1917
1/12 149
Florrie Millership
White Studios, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Singer Florrie Millership performed at the Seattle Orpheum Theater for a week's engagement beginning November 28, 1915 and at the Moore Theater in September 1918.
December 4, 1915
1/12 150
George Austin Moore
Autograph on photo.
George Austin Moore appeared several times on the Orpheum Circuit in Seattle. He was married to his vaudeville partner Cordelia Haager. The two had a song and dance act.
December 14, 1915
1/12 151
Patti Moore
Autograph on photo.Stamped on verso: Patti Moore and Her Song-Dance Revue.
undated
1/12 152
Polly Moran
Moffet (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Silent film actress and comedian Polly Moran appeared in the Sheriff Nellfilm serials. She performed at the Moore Theater in April 1919.
April 1919
1/12 153
Rosita Moreno
Autograph on photo.
Rosita Moreno was born in Spain in 1910. She started in vaudeville and Spanish films, and then appeared in Hollywood films such as Ladies Should Listen(1934).
1928
1/12 154
Jim and Betty Morgan
Lumiere, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Betty Morgan was a singer. She performed at the Moore Theater in December 1917.
circa 1917
1/12 155
Joe Morris of "Morris & Campbell"
Lumiere, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Joe Morris and Flossie Campbell were a comedy duo. They performed at the Alhambra Theater for a week beginning December 24, 1916 in a comedy skit called "The Avi-ate-her."
December 1916
1/12 156
Frankie Murphy
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo in which Murphy thanks Burnett for transposing all his music "to save my act."
Murphy, advertised as Master Frankie Murphy, was a child performer. He appeared in Seattle for a week's performances beginning on February 13, 1916.
February 19, 1916
1/12 157
Murray and Alan
Strand, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Murray and Alan were comedians who performed a novelty act set 3,000 years in the past.
December 21, 1925
1/12 158
Natalie Sisters
Sid Whiting, St. Louis (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
A story in the Seattle Post-Intelligencerfrom March 2, 1916 relates that while the Natalie Sisters were in Seattle to perform at the Orpheum Theater on their American debut tour, they performed their act for patients at the Firland Sanatorium. The three sisters were Hungarians who trained in Vienna, and included Clara (20) on piano, Ethel (19) on cello, and Lilly (18) on violin.
circa 1916
1/12 159
Phyllis Neilson-Terry
Bakody Berger, Cleveland, Ohio (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Neilson-Terry (1892-1977) was born into British theatrical royalty. Her aunt was Dame Ellen Terry, and her parents, grandparents and many other relatives were successful actors. Neilson-Terry played many of Shakespeare's heroines in the United Kingdom and toured in North America, performing on the American vaudeville circuit in 1917. Her tour included a week's performances at the Seattle Alhambra Theater beginning on December 31, 1916.
1917
box-folder:oversize
3/2 160
Daisy Nellis
Hixon-Connelly, Kansas City, MO (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Daisy Nellis was classical pianist on the vaudeville circuit.
undated
Nellie V. Nichols
Nichols (1885-1971) was a singing and dancing comedian in vaudeville and in films. She was known for songs and dances impersonating ethnic characters and for parodic interpretations of popular songs. Nichols performed in Seattle several times, including an engagement at the Orpheum Theater in September 1915. She also performed at the Alhambra Theater in December 1916 in her act, "Will Someone Name My Nationality?"
box-folder:oversize item
3/2 161
Nellie V. Nichols
Delux Studio, Denver, CO (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
circa 1916
Box/Folder
1/12 162
Nellie V. Nichols
Lumiere, New York (photographer)
circa 1916
1/12 163
Nellie V. Nichols
Floyd, New York (photographer)
1916
Nonette
Nonette was a vaudeville violinist. She was married to the lyricist, playwright and director Alonzo Price. Nonette appeared several times in Seattle, including in November 1915.
Box/Folder item
1/12 164
Nonette
Sykes, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
box-folder:oversize
3/2 165
Nonette
Strauss-Peyton, Kansas City, MO (photographer)
1917
Karyl Norman
One of the premier female impersonators of the vaudeville era, Karyl Norman billed himself as "The Creole Fashion Plate." His act borrowed from the conventions of blackface performers, who often appeared in drag in their acts. Norman was born George Francis Peduzzi (or Peduzze) in 1897 and is thought to have died circa 1947. Norman performed in Seattle at least once, in September 1922.
box-folder:oversize item
3/2 166
Karyl Norman
James Hargis Connelly, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
circa 1922
3/2 167
Karyl Norman dressed as a woman for his act
James Hargis Connelly, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo made out to "Seattle Orchestra."
circa 1922

Performers: O-RReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
box-folder:oversize item
3/2 168
Vivien Oakland
Strauss-Peyton Studio (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Written on verso: McFarland and Oakland.
Vivien Oakland (1895-1958), born Vivien Anderson, appeared in a number of silent film comedies of the 1920s for Hal Roach Studios. She performed in Seattle for a week's performances beginning near the end of the month of February 1924.
March 1, 1924
Box/Folder
1/13 169
Neta Orlob
Russell, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
February 7, 1920
1/13 170
Jack Osterman
Sussman, Minneapolis (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
A comedian, Osterman was called the "Bad Boy of Broadway," in part because of his drinking problem. He debuted in Jerome Kern's 1917 musical, Oh Boy, and by the 1920s he headlined in vaudeville shows and in revues. He died in 1939 at around the age of 37 (his date of birth is not known).
undated
1/13 171
Patricola
De Haven, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Isabella Patricola, known professionally as Miss Patricola, was a vaudeville violinist. Critics and audiences liked her performances, and Patricola reached the heights of vaudeville, headlining at the famous Palace Theater in New York for four separate engagements.
May 7, 1916
1/13 172
Fred D. Pattgen
La Pine, Seattle (photographer)
Autograph on verso underneath two measures of a tune: "Tiny" In memory of "The Little Nut House All Our Own."
March 7, 1916
Daphne Pollard
Daphne Pollard (1892-1978) performed in musical theatre and on the vaudeville circuits between circa 1907 - 1924, and acted in silent and talking pictures between 1927 and 1943. Born Daphne Trott in Australia, she took the name Pollard after joining the Pollard Lilliputian Opera Company at the age of six with her sister Ivy.
box-folder:oversize item
3/3 173
Daphne Pollard with spray of flowers
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
3/3 174
Daphne Pollard
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Written on verso: From Australia - family in pictures.
October 2, 1910
Georgie Price
Vaudeville headliner George E. Price (1901-1964) was a song-and-dance man and impressionist. He began as a child performer, at one point in an act with Lila "Cuddles" Lee.
box-folder:oversize item
3/3 175 undated
3/3 176 undated
Box/Folder item
1/13 177
Eddie Prinz
Bloom, Chicago (photographer)
Written on photo: To "Tiny" Burnett a Prince from Home - From a Prinz from home. Eddie.
Edward Prinz appeared in dance films of the 1930s and beyond in small roles and then worked as a choreographer. He started in vaudeville and theatre.
undated
1/13 178
Ralph Dunbar's Singing Bell Ringers
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
This group performed in Seattle at least once, at the Seattle Orpheum Theater for a week's performances beginning December 26, 1915.
circa 1915
1/13 179
Jessie Reed
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Jessie Reed appeared in the Florenz Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic(1919) and in the Ziegfeld Folliesas a featured performer (1921-1924). In the 1920s, Reed's succession of marriages to two millionaires and then the heir to a fortune gained her notoriety as a gold digger. In all, she married five times (twice to fellow performers), but none of the marriages lasted long. Reed died in poverty at the age of 42. Her daughter Ann de Brow became a Ziegfeld girl after her mother's death.
September 15, 1922
1/13 180
Julia Ring
De Haven Studio, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
box-folder:oversize
3/3 181
Ruth Roland
Strauss Peyton (photographer)
Autograph on photo includes the note: In remembrance of a most pleasant week at Seattle Orpheum.Written on verso: big star married to Ben Bard.
Ruth Roland (1892-1937) starred in silent films and performed in vaudeville. Beginning as a young child in vaudeville, she performed under the name "Baby Ruth." As an adult, she acted in many silent films and then became a producer of a series of films starring herself. Roland's life ended early from cancer, but she succeeded in becoming a star and a very successful business woman in her short life.Roland performed at the Moore Theater in August 1923.
1922
Ryan and Lee
The duo Ryan and Lee performed in Seattle for at least two week-long engagements, at the Orpheum Theater beginning December 5, 1915 and at the Alhambra Theater beginning February 5, 1917.
Box/Folder item
1/13 182
Harriet Lee
Apeda Studio (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Harriet Lee sang the blues. She can be heard on the soundtrack of the 1945 film Ziegfeld Follies.
February 1917
1/13 183
Ben Ryan
La Pine, Seattle (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Ben Ryan performed in vaudeville from a young age, and wrote skits and songs. He wrote comedic material for comedians including Jack Benny and Groucho Marx.
February 1917

Performers: S-TReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Umberto Sacchetti
Tenor Umberto Sacchetti sang for both the Boston and Metropolitan Opera Companies. A competition for opera singers in Bologna, Italy bears his name. He appeared in Seattle at least once, during the week beginning on February 20, 1916.
Box/Folder item
1/14 184
Umberto Sacchetti
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
February 26, 1916
1/14 185 undated
Box/Folder item
1/14 186
Marie Bishop Sale
Autograph on photo signed as Marie Bishop Sale.
Marie Bishop was a violinist. She was the wife of Charles "Chic" Sale, who even though he died at the age of fifty-two, was noted for playing the part of an old man in vaudeville and then in films. Marie Bishop is mentioned as playing a violin solo at the National American Woman Suffrage Association convention in Seattle on July 2, 1909. She and "Chic" Sale performed in separate acts in a week's performances beginning January 2, 1916 at the Seattle Orpheum Theater.
January 8, 1916
Rae Samuels
Rae Samuels (1887-1979) was the child of Welsh immigrants, known in vaudeville playbills as "the blue streak of vaudeville." She started in vaudeville as a young girl and worked her way up to a successful single act performing comic, ethnic, and "rube" songs. She headlined several times at the Palace Theater in New York, and was the first performer to sing Irving Berlin's "Oh How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning" (1918). Her husband and manager, Marty Forkin, managed famous tap dancer Bill Robinson's career. Samuels worked in vaudeville through the early 1930s.Samuels (her name spelled Ray Samuels in advertisements) appeared in Seattle theatres several times. Her Seattle Orpheum Circuit appearances include performances in February 1915 at the Orpheum Theater and in November 1916 at the Alhambra Theater.
Box/Folder item
1/14 187
Rae Samuels
La Pine, Seattle (photographer)
Her demure appearance in this photograph contrasts strongly with later photographs where she appears as a flapper sophisticate.
November 1916
1/14 188
Rae Samuels wearing large hat with streamers
Hixon-Connelly, Kansas City, MO (photographer)
undated
box-folder:oversize
3/4 189
Rae Samuels wearing cloche hat and furs
Butler, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Written on verso: 167 -Dennick Ave. Youngstown, Ohio. "Mrs. George Goldberg" Mildred Land, Rae Samuels.
undated
3/4 190
Rae Samuels in print dress and straw hat, posed against studio backdrop
Hixon-Connelly, Kansas City, MO (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
Box/Folder item
1/14 191
Zelda Santley
Nasib, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Zelda Santley was a singer and performer. She appeared in Frivolities of 1920on Broadway.
undated
1/14 192
Henri Scott
Daguerre, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Grand opera basso Henri Scott made his professional debut with the Manhattan Opera House in New York in 1909. Subsequently he sang for the Chicago Opera Company for three years; in 1911, the Metropolitan Opera Company hired him as a leading basso. He then sang in vaudeville.
May 22, 1920
1/14 193
Blossom Seeley
Harrington-Smelser, Springfield, IL (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Blossom Seeley, the "Queen of Syncopation" rivaled Mae West as a singer with sex appeal. Her stage partner (from circa 1921 onwards) was her husband Benny Fields, although Seeley was the star of the act. The two appeared in George Gershwin's short jazz opera Blue Mondayat Carnegie Hall in 1925. Paramount Studios produced a film of Seeley and Fields' life story called Somebody Loves Me(1952). The couple appeared regularly on the Ed Sullivan Show.
undated
box-folder:oversize
3/4 194
Sadie Sherman
Bushnell, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, and Oakland (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Written on verso: Sadie Sherman at the photographers.
Sadie Sherman performed southern dialect stories and character impersonations.
undated
Box/Folder
1/15 195
J.D. Simpson
Autograph on verso.
From photo, Simpson appears to have had a one-man percussion act involving at least drums, cymbals, and zylophone.
undated
box-folder:oversize
3/4 196
Slivers the Clown
Edwards, Houston (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Slivers was the famous stage name of Frank Oakley (1871-1916). He performed for Ringling Brothers, the Barnum and Bailey Circus, and headlined at the New York Hippodrome. His most well-known act featured a one-man baseball game with Slivers playing all the positions. Slivers committed suicide by gas asphyxiation. In newspaper accounts, his motivation for suicide was attributed to heartbreak over a rejected proposal of marriage. The proposal was an attempt to parole Viola Stoll, a young vaudeville actress, from the Bedford Reformatory where she was imprisoned after allegedly stealing the jewelry of Oakley's late wife. Slivers' may have been further motivated by the decline in his career after the popularity of films starring silver screen clowns such as Charlie Chaplin.
undated
3/4 197
Luise Squire
James Hargis Connelly, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Note on photo indicates name of act as "[illeg.] and Squire '25."
Luise Squire was a vaudeville performer and early silent film actress.
1925
Aileen Stanley
The Victor Record Company gave the nickname "Victrola Girl" to Aileen Stanley in 1926. Stanley (1893-1982) was born Maude Elsie Aileen Muggeridge, but took her brother's first name as her stage name. She became one of the most popular female singers of the 1920s, performing in vaudeville, appearing in Broadway revues, and making at least 215 recordings. Stanley's Broadway shows were: Silks and Satins(1920), Pleasure Bound(1929), and Artists and Models of 1930.
Box/Folder item
1/15 198
Aileen Stanley
De Haven, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
January 15, 1917
1/15 199
Aileen Stanley
Celebrity, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
September 1921
box-folder:oversize
3/4 200
Aileen Stanley
Butler, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
Box/Folder item
1/15 201
Max Steindel
Todd Studios, St. Louis (29342-16) (photographer)
Autograph on photo places the signing of this photo in St. Louis, Missouri.A green one cent George Washington stamp is attached to the back of this photo.
Max Steindel was principal cellist for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
September 1951
1/15 202
Edwin Stevens
Apeda Studio (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Edwin Stevens acted and sang in operas, dramas, musical comedies, and classical plays, appearing on Broadway and in vaudeville. He was born in 1860 and was educated at the University of California before becoming a professional actor. He performed in Seattle at the Orpheum Theater in January 1915.
circa 1915
1/15 203
Belle Story
Campbell Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Belle Story (sometimes spelled Storey) was a headlining opera singer in vaudeville. She appeared at the Alhambra Theater for a week's performances beginning April 31, 1917.
April 31, 1917
1/15 204a
Two of "The Three Leightons" posed against the set for their act
Acts featuring siblings, or acts featuring performers pretending to be siblings, were common in vaudeville. The Three Leightons, a "brother act," featured brothers Bert and Frank Leighton, who were joined circa 1906 by Joe Leighton, who was probably no relation. They had a singing and dancing minstrel act including skits involving blackface comedy routines.
November 6, 1915
box-folder:oversize
3/5 204b
Alba Tiberio
Autograph on photo is in Italian.Tiberio was an Italian actress and singer.
undated
Box/Folder
1/15 205
Jim Toney and Ann Norman
Autograph on photo.
Toney and Norman had a comedy act with Toney as the comedian and Norman as the "straight woman."
January 2, 1916
1/15 206
Toto the Clown
Stanley Park, Vancouver, Canada (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Toto's real name was Alfonso Novello. He was born in Genf, Switzerland in 1888. He starred in comedic shorts for filmmaker Hal Roach, and started in vaudeville in 1918. His act included a dog named Whiskey, who rode along with Toto in his clown car. Toto headlined at the New York Hippodrome and the Palace Theater. He died in 1938 while in the process of suing the New York Daily Mirrorfor mistakenly reporting his death.
undated
1/15 207
Elsie Travers
Majestic Melrose Studio (photographer)
Autograph on photo notes that Elsie Travers belongs to the "Lane and Travers Co."
undated
1/15 208
Tuscano Brothers
Mayer Studios, Hamilton, OH (photographer)
Probable identification based on Carl Reiter Orpheum Theater scrapbooks.
The Tuscano Brothers juggled battle axes. They performed at the Orpheum Theater during a week in early January 1916.
January 1916
1/15 209
The Two Pucks
Otto Sarony Co, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Harry and Eva Puck were a brother and sister act between circa 1898 and 1911, when Eva left the act to marry.Eva Puck (1892 -1979) married Sammy White, and they formed the act "Puck and White." In the original production of Show Boat, Puck and White played Frank Schultz and Ellie May Chipley. The Puck and White routine "Opera versus Jazz" was filmed by Lee De Forest in the Phonofilm sound-on-film process (1923), and is now preserved in the Library of Congress. Eva Puck also appeared in many Broadway musicals as a solo act.Harry Puck (1891-1964) composed songs such as "My Parcel Post Man" (1913), in honor of the U.S. Postal Service's introduction of parcel post service, and "The Foot-Warmer" (1914). Like his sister, he appeared in many Broadway shows as a solo performer.
November 15, 1908

Performers: V-WReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder item
1/16 210
Eileen Van Biene
Autograph on photo.
An actress and singer who appeared on Broadway as well as in vaudeville, she was the daughter of actor and cellist August Van Biene.
1925
1/16 211
Gertrude Vanderbilt
Otto Sarony, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Gertrude Vanderbilt was a dancer and singer. She performed in many Broadway shows, was a featured performer in the 1914 Ziegfeld Folliesand became a business executive after she left the stage.
undated
box-folder:oversize
3/5 212
Vannessi
DeBarron Studios, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
One-named performer Vannessi is listed in the cast of several Broadway musicals from 1924 through 1945.
undated
Oliver Wallace
Oliver Wallace (1887-1963) composed film scores and conducted for Walt Disney Studios, beginning in 1936. Among his film scores are those for Dumboand Lady and the Tramp, and he worked as musical director on Cinderella. He was a close friend of Charles Burnett.
Box/Folder item
1/16 213 circa 1930s
1/16 214 circa 1950s
1/16 215 circa 1950s-1963
box-folder:oversize
3/5 216
Portrait of Oliver Wallace holding program
Autograph on photo.
circa 1950s-1963
Box/Folder item
1/16 217
Child performer Joy Ward holding lasso
Ber [illeg.] (photographer)
undated
Warren and Conley
Effie Conley Warren sang and danced in vaudeville along with her husband Fred Warren.
Box/Folder item
1/16 218
Effie Conley Warren
Orpheum Studio, South Bend, IN (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
March 11, 1916
1/16 219
Fred Warren and Effie Conley
Unity, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Note in autograph has name of act "When You're Married!"
March 11, 1916
box-folder:oversize
3/5 220
Effie Conley Warren
James Hargis Connelly, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
1923
Box/Folder item
1/16 221
Guy Weadick and Flores La Due
Foster, Richmond, VA (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Married couple Guy Weadick (1886-1953) and Flores La Due (1883-1951) were rodeo and vaudeville performers. Weadick produced the first Calgary Stampede in 1912.
undated
1/16 222
Eddie J. Weber
Hixon-Connelly, Kansas City, MO (photographer)
Autograph on photo signed with note: Director for Karyl Norman "Nobody Lied."Written on verso is a partially illegible and mispelled note including the words "mississipi" and "zigfield."Written on verso: Sophie Tucker piano player.
undated
1/16 223
Collage photograph of two images of Walter Weems, one showing Weems wearing blackface makeup
Autograph on photo.
Walter Weems performed a blackface monologue in vaudeville and then became a screenwriter in Hollwood.
March 30, 1917
Frances White
Frances White (born Seattle in 1896 or 1898, died 1969), performed in many musical comedies and revues including the Ziegfeld Folliesof 1916 and Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic(1919). At one time, she was the partner of William Rock. Rock and White performed at the Orpheum Theater for a week in January 1916.
box-folder:oversize item
3/5 224
Frances White
Mitchell, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Stamped on verso: Miss Frances White: "The Diminutive Musical Comedy Star."
circa 1916
3/5 225
Frances White
James Hargis Connelly, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo signed under married name: Frances White Donnelly.
undated
Box/Folder item
1/16 226
Winston's Water Lions
California Photo Co (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
H.W. Winston had a performing sea lion act. He owned Curley the sea lion, who worked for Paramount Studios and appeared in Doctor Rhythmand Spawn of the North.
April 24, 1916
1/16 227
May Wirth
Hartsook Photo (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
May Wirth (1894-1978) was an Australian-born circus rider who performed with her adoptive family, "The Royal Wirth Family" and as a solo act.
undated
1/16 228
Swan Wood
Otto Sarony (photographer)
Autograph on photo.Print is a reproduction by Unity Photo Co., New York.
Swan Wood was a dancer. She performed at the Seattle Orpheum in November 1915 accompanied by eight barefoot dancing girls in an act called "Ballet Divertissement."
circa 1915
1/16 229
"Wee" Georgie Wood
Campbell's, Winnipeg (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
British comedian Wood (1895-1979) was born George Bramlett. He began his career at the age of six, and played child roles throughout his career because of his stunted height. He debuted in American vaudeville in 1915.
May 1924
1/16 230
Horace Wright
La Pine, SeattleApeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
Horace Wright was a tenor known for singing Italian character songs. He partnered with Rene Dietrich for a vaudeville act.
April 21, 1917

Performers: Signed by first name onlyReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder item
1/17 231
Beatrice
James Hargis Connelly, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
1/17 232
"Connie"
Moody, New York (photographer)
Autograph on photo.
undated
1/17 233
Gene
Autograph on photo.
undated
1/17 234
"Mildred"
Bloom, Chicago (photographer)
Autograph on photo.This is possibly silent film actress Mildred Harris or silent film actress Mildred Davis.
undated

Performers: UnidentifiedReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder item
1/17 235
not used
1/17 236
Man
DeBarron, New York (photographer)
Illegible autograph on photo.
undated
1/17 237
not used
1/17 238
Three male performers in band uniforms and three female performers
Apeda Studio, New York (photographer)
Written on verso: Musical [illeg.]
undated
1/17 239
Woman
Autograph on verso reads: To my very favorite coach Tiny Love [illeg.].
November 1950
1/17 240
Woman
: Hand tinted
undated
1/17 241
Woman wearing hat
Illegible autograph on photo.
undated
1/17 242
Woman
: Hand tinted
[illeg.] de Regis (photographer)
undated
1/17 243
Woman seated on table and posed against studio backdrop
National, New York (photographer)
Written on verso: Conrad Week Nov. 7.This is possibly a photo of Birdie (or Bertie) Conrad of the team Conrad and Conrad. They performed in Seattle in November 1915.
undated
box-folder:oversize
3/6 244
Woman holding rose
Peyton ? (photographer)
undated
3/6 245
Woman in profile
Lothrop, Seattle (photographer)
undated

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Vaudeville
  • Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)

Geographical Names

  • Seattle (Wash.)

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Connelly, James Hargis (photographer)
    • De Barron (photographer)
    • Hixon, Orval (photographer)
    • Kesslère, G. Maillard (George Maillard) (photographer)
    • Mitchell, Herbert, 1898-1980 (photographer)
    • Sarony, Otto (photographer)
    Corporate Names
    • Apeda Studio (New York, N.Y.) (photographer)
    • James and Bushnell (Seattle, Wash.) (photographer)
    • La Pine Studio (Seattle, Wash.) (photographer)
    • Strauss-Peyton (New York, N.Y.) (photographer)
    • White Studio (New York, N.Y.) (photographer)