Lillie Hinton
She was “rapidly rising in public esteem,” “highly successful,” and “the coming great star of America.” Unfortunately, Lillie Hinton’s celebrity status lasted only seven years, cut short by pneumonia that…
Read MoreWilliam S. Fredericks
William’s given name was William Frederick Sheridan and was commonly known as Fred. He was the youngest of 21 children, born in County Antrim, Northern Ireland to an Episcopal clergyman…
Read MoreAnnie Kemp Bowler
The following story was provided by Peter Schmitt, adjunct professor at Temple University where he teaches courses in Theater History, and creator of the podcast, “Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia.” …
Read MoreJoseph Boggs Beale
Joseph Beale’s story is presented here under the category of entertainment because he was a popular illustrator of magazines, books, and newspapers before the technology was developed to publish photographs.…
Read MoreJeremiah “Jerry” Taylor
Named after his father but always known as Jerry, he was one of ten children, nine of them boys. The first four were named Andrew Jackson Taylor, Thomas Jefferson Taylor,…
Read MoreFrancis “Frank” A. Conly
Named after his father, Frank’s son was also given the name Francis, but they all were known as Frank. The first Frank was a carpenter who arrived in Philadelphia from…
Read MoreGeorge A. Conly
This gravestone describes George as “The Silent Singer,” because his musical talent and career in the opera was cut short by an accidental death. His parents were Francis and Mary…
Read MoreRobert “Bobby” Newcomb (aka Robert Hughes)
His given name was Robert Harvey Hughes but, like many entertainers, he changed it when he entered “the show business.” The earliest report of a performance by Bobby was recorded…
Read MoreRichard Risley Carlisle
Athlete, gymnast, postmaster and bounty hunter are just some of the ways to describe Richard Carlisle. He was born in the Bass River area of New Jersey near the coastal…
Read MoreCecilia, Ruth, Abeona, and Hannah Gale
On the evening of September 14, 1861, an audience of more than 1,500 filled The Continental Theatre on Walnut Street to see a performance of “The Tempest” produced by William…
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