University of Wyoming
Peggy Cornell Benline (1904–1986) was an American dancer known for her performances in Europe and later as a Ziegfeld dancer in the United States. Born on January 27, 1904, she studied dance with Isadora Duncan before moving to Europe in the early 1920s, where she performed at prestigious venues such as the Paris Opera and Berlin Opera. During her time in Europe, she also danced on the French Riviera and in Monte Carlo. Upon returning to the United States, she joined the legendary Florenz Ziegfeld's productions, including "Rio Rita" (1927), "Show Boat" (1932), and Irving Berlin's "As Thousands Cheer" (1933). In 1951, she married Captain Arthur J. Benline of the United States Navy Reserve and retired from dancing. From 1981 until her death on August 30, 1986, Peggy Cornell Benline served as co-president of the Ziegfeld Club, a charitable organization that supported women in theater.
Arthur J. Benline (1902–1986) was an American architect and engineer who served as New York City's Commissioner of Air Pollution Control. Born on October 30, 1902, Benline later earned degrees in engineering and architecture from New York University. Early in his career, he worked on the construction of theaters and commercial buildings, as well as city schools and hospitals under the Federal Public Works Administration. During World War II, Benline served as a captain in the U.S. Navy, leading a special assault battalion of Seabees and was wounded during the Battle of Okinawa, earning a Bronze Star for his service. Following the war, Benline transitioned to public service, working as a housing official under Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia, and held various city and state positions before being appointed as Commissioner of Air Pollution Control by Mayor Robert F. Wagner in 1960. During his tenure as commissioner, Benline became a vocal advocate for improving New York City's air quality and often drew attention for his innovative public awareness campaigns, including a memorable 1965 event where Rockettes launched balloons from 30 Rockefeller Plaza to trace pollution patterns. He retired from public service in 1966. Benline met his wife, Peggy Cornell Benline, through his involvement in the theater industry, and they were married for 35 years. The couple is buried together in Arlington National Cemetery.
The Peggy Cornell and Arthur J. Benline papers contain biographical material concerning her career as a Ziegfeld Club dancer, his career in public service, and their marriage. The collection includes scrapbooks of photographs and newspaper clippings documenting her career in the 1920s. The collection also contains programs, newsletters, sheet music, brochures, Benline family history, and correspondence.
There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.
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There are no known other archival collections created by Peggy Cornell and Arthur J. Benline at the date of processing.
Partial finding aid available in repository.
Collection material was received by Arthur J. Benline from 1988-1991, Lynne Page from 1992-1993, and Rennie Ellen Kane in 2008.
This collection was processed by Kail Moede in October 2024.
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.