It turns out that there were two New York City actresses named Dolly Adams. I will tell you the story of both of them. Each actress made sensational headlines. The first Dolly Adams that I describe had an interesting and unique wedding experience. The second Dolly Adams described is Dolly Adams “The Water Queen”. It is her photograph that accompanies this blog entry.
The New York Times of September 21, 1897 reports that Emma Viola Street a variety actress, known as Dolly Adams; and Frederick Hillmeyer, the son of a well-to-do hotel proprietor, were married in a Harlem, New York, prison. They had to be married by a clergyman because a court room judge refused to perform the ceremony because he thought “the marriage could not turn out happily”. The reason why Hillmeyer was in court was because he was accused by Ms Adams of stealing jewelry and cash from her Park Avenue flat. Ms Adams requested that the judge withdraw the charges but he refused to do so, causing the actress to have an “epileptic” fit.
Dolly Adams, the “Water Queen” lived a very interesting life. She was born Ellen Loretta Callahan in 1860 in New York. Her parents were from Ireland. Her father, a longshoreman, died when Dolly was young. Dolly’s mom went to work and Dolly received little supervision and a age sixteen was working as a prostitute in a New York parlor house. During her youth she used to swim at the New York Aquarium with a group of other girls. She was a talented swimmer and received special training and learned to hold her breath under water for an extended period of time. She eventually became an underwater performer and was given the title “Water Queen”. Dolly moved to San Francisco, accompanying a couple of madams out west. She lived on the wild side in California. She became famous when she attended the Policeman’s Ball dressed as Cupid and ran up to President Grant and pinned a lily on the lapel of his coat. Observers stated that President Grant, a man who didn’t flinch in battle, appeared shocked upon this floral assault by Miss Adams. She also won first place for her costume. Dolly Adams returned to New York City where she continued to live a life full of drama and travail. She died in 1888 aboard a steam ship which was to take her on a tour of the orient. The cause of death was the impact of syphilis, opium addiction and pneumonia. (SOLD)
A handsome young man in western clothing, poses for his portrait at the studio of Samuel Sharpsteen, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The gentleman in this photograph is identified on the reverse of the image as Walter Robinson. He is dressed in what appears to be old west attire. Note the unusual way that he is wearing his tie. Is he a cowboy? Is he a farmer? Samuel Sharpsteen was born in 1850 near Battle Creek, Michigan. His parents were native New Yorkers who were among the early settlers of Michigan. He was educated in Battle Creek’s public schools and at age 20 left home to apprentice in photography. He then went off to Owosso, Michigan, where he and his older brother opened a gallery. After six months, his brother left the partnership; and Sharpsteen stayed in Owosso until 1882. He also married his wife there. His wife’s name was Nattie Tuttle, and she was from Cleveland, Ohio. His next location was Ionia, Michigan, where he stayed 8 years. An 18 month stint in Detroit was followed by his move to Grand Rapids. His gallery was in Grand Rapids from 1888 until , at least, 1903. His studio moved around a lot. Research located nine different Grand Rapids locations over the years that he was there. In addition, he had a partner in 1890 and their studio was known as Sharpsteen & Andrews. The Bulletin of Photography (1916) announced Sharpsteen’s death. He died in Grand Rapids at age 71. SOLD
This cabinet card photograph captures baby sitting comfortably in a luxury baby carriage. There will be no discomfort from the sun for this cute baby; courtesy of the large umbrella built into this Rolls Royce of baby prams. The photographer is Tresize,of Germantown, Ohio. Research reveals that Ohio had a number of photographers named Tresize, and it is unknown which Tresize is responsible for this image? Dayton, Ohio was the home of The Tresize Brothers Studio as well as photographer S. P. Tresize. Samuel P. Tresize was a photographer located in Logan, Ohio. J.Q. A. Tresize was a photographer in Zanesville, Ohio and a partner in the Photography Studio named Jaquary and Tresize. William C.Tresize was a photographer in McConnelsville, Ohio. Suffice it to say, it is unknown which Tresize photographed this image. To see other photographs of baby carriages, click on this site’s category “Baby Carriages”. SOLD
This vintage real photo postcard features French glamour star Herito (Mlle Hero). She was a celebrated actress and dancer of her era. Although she was a popular subject of photo postcards, this particular postcard is not very common. The postcard was published by Rotophot Berlin (RPH). Rotophot made it’s debut in Berlin, Germany around the turn of the century (1900). The company had other European offices including London and Budapest. They published many different postcard topics including stage stars. Many of their early postcards were tinted. Eventually Rotophot morphed into “Ross Verlag” a postcard company that collectors know for the many postcards they produced featuring actors and actresses. (SOLD)
An older man, looking quite intense, poses for his portrait at the studio of La Tier, in Waterloo, Iowa. The gentleman is named Albert G. Porter and he was born in 1816. His place of birth was Seneca, New York. His identification information is derived from an inscription on the reverse of the card. The date 1892 is written on the front of the card (center bottom) and this is likely the date that the photograph was taken. The photographer, James D. La Tier, was the first president of the Photographic Association of Iowa. During his career he operated studios alone, as well as part of Simmons & La Tier, as well as Simmons, La Tier, and King. La Tier is mentioned in a number of photographic publications (1890 & 1898).
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This vintage divided back real photo postcard features an adorable little boy. He is wearing a sailor outfit. Note his socks. There is a bow at the top of each sock. Also note the message on the reverse of the postcard is written in Hebrew. The card is dated 1924. The photographer of this child’s portrait is Max Simon. Simon was extremely likely, a Jewish man. He operated a studio at 331 Grand Street in New York City. (SOLD)
This French vintage risque real photo postcard features a pretty young woman modeling for an artist. This photograph is meant to titillate. The young woman is scantily dressed and showing much of her bare legs. One side of the hem of her undergarment is lifted. The model is displaying an alluring expression. The artist appears to be intensely concentration on his painting. He is holding a brush and palette. Some of the artist’s work is strewn on the floor. This risque photographic portrait was published by celebrated photographer, Jean Agelou (1878-1921), as part of a series (No.089). Agelou was a French photographer of the 1910’s and 1920’s who is best known for his erotic and nude photographs. He was born in Egypt and not much is known about his private life. Agelou generally used models between the age of 20 and 24 years-old. Although the 1900’s was the “golden age” of erotic photograph, photographers who took such risque photos had to use discretion. As a result, Agelou signed his work “JA”. In 1908, nudity in photographs was banned in France and photographers had to cover nude women images with strategically placed undergarments or other materials. Nude images had to circulate on the down low. They were sent in the mail inside of envelopes. Jean Agelou died in 1921; the result of a car accident. His brother George, who managed Jean’s business, also was killed in the crash. SOLD
This vintage linen postcard features the United States Post Office located in Huntington, New York. The Treasury Department constructed the building in 1939. It was located on Carver Street in the village of Huntington. The post office moved to a new and larger building in 1978. The building seen on this card was sold to a private insurance firm. (SOLD)
This vintage real photo postcard features acclaimed theater actress, Miss Ellaline Terriss (1871-1971). Ellaline Terriss was a British actress and singer who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ellaline was the daughter of leading actor William Terriss. He was murdered in 1897 by a deranged actor. She began her acting career in the 1880s. She was best known for her roles in musical comedies and her performances in popular shows such as “The Shop Girl” (1895) and “The Circus Girl” (1896). Terriss was also a talented singer, and her beautiful voice and charming personality made her a popular figure on the London stage. She was considered one of the leading actresses of her day and was known for her versatility, grace, and style. Throughout her career, Terriss appeared in numerous productions in London and on tour in Britain and the United States. She was also the wife of actor and producer, Seymour Hicks, who was a leading man in his own right. She continued to perform and was a prominent figure in the theatrical world until her retirement in the 1920s. Toward the end of her career, Terriss appeared in silent films and made a successful transition into talkies. This cabinet card portrait was taken by celebrated photographer Napoleon Sarony. He was based in New York City. A hand stamp on the reverse of the photograph identifies Siegel-Cooper Company. This firm was a department store in Chicago, Illinois. The store had it’s own photo studio and one wonders if this photograph was an item for sale within that studio. SOLD
This vintage real photo postcard features Italian stage and silent film actress, Vera Vergani (1894-1989). The IMDb reports that Vergani had 13 film credits between 1916 and 1922. She retired from acting upon her marriage. She came out of retirement to earn another film credit in 1965. This vintage postcard is in very good condition (see scans).The reverse of the card has the stamp of Milan photographer Badodi (1880-1967). He was a talented and very successful photographer of European celebrities. His photos immortalized many actors and actresses. He also did portraits of Benito Mussolini. SOLD
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