Mary Goodall

A photo of the Decena sisters - left to right: Elizabeth, Encarnation and Mamie
People in photo include: Elizabeth Decena, Encarnation Decena, and Mamie Decena

A photo of Florence Annette Smithson (1882-1936) - British Soprano and Stage Actress - "The Welsh Nightingale" was born on 13 March 1882 in Leicester, Leicestershire to parents theatrical manager, William Smithson (1859-1927) (formerly Smith) and Laura Mary Courts (1865-1947). She was raised mostly in Wales where her father owned and managed the "New Theatre Royal and Opera House" in Merthyr Tydfil which opened in 1893.

After attending The London College of Music, Florence was performing with a small opera company in "La Fille Du Regiment" when she was spotted by impresario, Robert Courtneidge (1859-1939). She toured with his company as "Nanoya" in "The Cingalee" and made her London debut in 1905 at The Lyric Theatre as "Chandra Nil" in "Blue Moon". In what is regarded as the highlight of her celebrated career she appeared as "Sombra" in "The Arcadians" which ran for a remarkable 809 performances. Twice touring in Australia (1914 and 1923) she also visited South Africa in 1926. She formed her own theatre company in 1928 in a production called, "Evening Stars" and last appeared on stage in 1932.

Florence first married George William Robinson in 1901. They had one son William Robinson born in 1903. She then married comedic actor, Alfred Herbert Taylor aka Dan Rolyat (1879 – 1927) in 1904. They had one daughter Florence Lilian Rolyat born in 1907. Florence Smithson died following an operation on 11 February 1936 in Cardiff, Wales aged 53.

additional information

Thanks to enthusiasts, a number of Florence Smithson recordings can still be found on the internet including; The Waltz from Tom Jones, Temple Bell, Sings My Samisen and others.

I've "rescued" an old photograph of Opyl BLESSING which was taken at the Bryant's Studio in Indianapolis, IN in the early 1900's. Opyl appears to be less than one year old at the time. Based on limited research I was able to gather the following information regarding Opyl and her family:

OPYL BLESSING was b. 24 Feb 1903 in Marion, IN to parents William A. BLESSING (1869-1927) and Mary Grace STOUT (1876-1924). Opyl had one sister, Phyllis BLESSING (1905-1974). Opyl married Walter Edgel KIMSEY (1901-1988) and together they had four children including, Edgel D.; David Leon; Mary Ellen; and Esther A. KIMSEY, all born between 1923 and 1933. Opyl died 19 Apr 1978 in Pueblo, CO and is buried in the Imperial Memorial Gardens in Pueblo, CO. Her daughter Mary Ellen KIMSEY (1928-2016) is also buried in the same cemetery. It appears that Opyl may have been married more than once.

Census records provide the following details:

1910 census of Indianapolis, IN:

William BLESSING, age 40, married 9 years, born IN, parents born VA/KY, a School Teacher
M. Grace BLESSING, wife, age 32, married 9 years, 2 children/2 living, born IN, parents born IN
Opal BLESSING, dau, age 7, born IN
Phyllis BLESSING, dau, age 5, born IN

1920 census of Wayne, IN:

William A. BLESSING, age 50, born IN, parents born VA/KY, a Grade School Teacher
Grace BLESSING, wife, age 43, born IN, parents born IN
Opyl BLESSING, dau, age 16, born IN
Phyllis BLESSING, dau, age 15, born IN

I’m hoping to locate someone from this family so that the photograph can be returned to the care of her family. If you are a member of this family, or you know someone who might be, please contact me.

Thanks,
Shelley

A photo of women Christmas shopping in 1937 London. Love their coats! (And the dress in the window.)

A photo of Antoine "Fats" Domino Jr.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Fats Domino made his home there until hurricane Katrina flooded him out. During Katrina, he was initially thought to be dead but he and his family were actually rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter. They moved to nearby Harvey, Louisiana where he died on October 25, 2017 of natural causes at age 89.

A huge rock and roll star in the 1950's and '60's, with such hits as Blueberry Hill, Ain't That A Shame, The Fat Man, and Walking' to New Orleans, Fats never stopped playing his music. He had 35 records in the U.S. Billboard Top 40. His music was based in rhythm and blues and reflected his Creole heritage.

A photo of Leuwina May and Henrietta Georgina Sarah Hiam, sisters
People in photo include: Leuwina May Hiam

A photo of Sabina Ginzboreg. Sabina was only 5 years when she was sadly murdered during the Holocaust in 1943.

A photo of people collecting money for a Christmas dinner for the New York Home for Homeless Boys.

A photo of a lodging house in New York City at Christmas time.

A photo of women Christmas shopping in New York City in 1945.

This is my amazing grandmother's (Teresa Miketinac) wedding photograph. Knowing how hard her life was and how the family struggled, it's overwhelming to see her so beautiful.
People in photo include: Teresa Miketinac

Back of the photo reads, "Lambert Bishop Pickwick, six years old. Son of Eli Pickwick, Jr, principal of East Side High School where my Dad, Henry F. Pease, taught and Emily graduated." If you are related to him and want the photo, let me know. [contact link]

A photo of my great uncle Henry Hefty with Louise Grimm Hefty, Stillwater, MN. 1915 wedding.

My great uncle Frederick Rice Fear. 1892-1966. Baltimore,Md. He was the last child born to Boston Fear and his wife Elizabeth Lechner.

A photo of Alta Dillion's slumber party taken 28 Apr 1898 Prineville,Crook,OR.
back l-r: Hazel Pollard, Nettie Summers, Edra Williamson & Beulah Crooks
middle l-r: Louise Summers, Wilda Soloman, Ione Elliott, Elizabeth Powell, Gertie Hodges & Alta Dillon
front l-r: Verna Cline, Agnes Elliott, Maude Van Gesner & Winnie Lewis

People in photo include: Hazel Pollard, Nettie Summers, Edra Williamson, Beulah Crooks, Louise Summers, Wilda Soloman, Ione Elliott, Elizabeth Powell, Gertie Hodges, Alta Dillon, Verna Cline, Agnes Elliott, Maude Van Gesner, and Winnie Lewis

Woman modeling a frock of Du-Bel in 919

A photo of Harry L. Curran in a Staver automobile in the autodrome at Riverview Exposition, Chicago
People in photo include: Harry L. Curran

A photo of Mattie Jones Reid

A photo of Gertrude Gertie D. Fritz and her Family at their dinner table in their home in Cedarville, CA.