Volume I: Narrative History

Chapter 9: 1916 Minstrelsy

The Moving Picture World, April 22, 1916, told of a gala event:

Thanhouser Benefit Ball: Nucleus of a very commendable movement for film folk is the forthcoming Thanhouser Mutual Show and Ball at Germania Hall, New Rochelle, on Thursday, April 27. The proceeds of the affair will make the foundation for the Thanhouser Relief Fund. This fund will be in the custody of a committee of players and will be used for the relief of any players who in the course of their work at the New Rochelle studio are either incapacitated or otherwise in need of aid. The admirable feature of the plan is the helping hand does not confine to regular workers only. Should a "extra" be injured, or should the plight of anyone who only occasionally engages in the work call for succor, they will be given the same consideration as players who are on the regular payroll of the company. This is entirely separate and apart from any benefits that may include the performer by virtue by accident or liability insurance.

Florence LaBadie, escorted by Mayor Griffing of New Rochelle, will head the grand promenade, which will be made up of the film stars who will attend. She will also take part in an old time minstrel torchlight parade through the streets of New Rochelle the night before the ball. Gladys Hulette will be there in her usual radiance, and other players who will make the ball a memorable occasion are Grace DeCarlton, Kathryn Adams, Ethyle Cooke, Carey Hastings, Gladys Leslie, Doris Grey, Isolde Illian and Frances Keyes. The outlook for a good lump sum to found the fund is cheery. There is a large advance sale of tickets. Perry Horton, chairman of arrangements, promises a big time for the visitors. The show will be a surprise too. Lindsay Morison is stage and musical director, and a feature of the evening will be the playing of compositions by Frederick Sullivan, a Thanhouser director. Frank Grimmer, William Swan, respectfully treasurer and secretary of the fund, are hard at work getting things in shape. Captained by Lydia Mead, the prettiest girls available will cater to the guests.

The Evening Standard on the front page of its April 28th edition printed a detailed report of what happened, which began:

Germania Hall has never held a larger audience than that which crowded the hall last evening on the occasion of the Thanhouser Minstrels and Dance. Though the weather was threatening there was a constellation of stars, including many from other moving picture companies. Long before the curtain rose the hall was filled to its capacity and standing room was at a premium. Beautiful girls in beautiful gowns offered flowers, cigarettes and candy for sale and ushered the patrons. The minstrel was a great success though all agreed it was too brief....