| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
muzTV
Starting Member
2 Posts |
 Posted - 29 May 2012 : 02:34:28 AM
|
I was hoping you might be able to help me.
My name is Chris Murray, I live and work just outside London in the UK.
I am trying to trace the history of my great grandfather. His name was Thomas Doherty (B. June 1896) and he emigrated from Aberdeen in Scotland to Elizabeth, Union NJ between 1922 and 1933. He later moved to Newark NJ. He then fell very ill with a brain tumour and returned to Aberdeen where he died at the age of 37.
He worked as a machinist at the Weston Electrical Instrument Company - 73 Weston Avenue, Newark NJ.
I know his address in 1928 was 828 Jackson Avenue, Elizabeth and I know he performed in amateur theatre like myself.
I am aware of a theatre company that existed as early as 1919, The Cranford Dramatic Club. Can you tell me if that was the only established theatre society in New Jersey between 1922 and 1932? If my great grandfather lived in Elizabeth and Newark could he have been a part of any other societies in existence at that time?
All I have as a record to my great grandfather's performing is one cast photo. It has no information regarding date or what the production was. Do you have any information on the amateur dramatic societies that were performing in Newark and Elizabeth between 1922 and 1932?
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
|
|
|
zadodci
Advanced Member
406 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2012 : 9:27:00 PM
|
Dear Mr. Murray:
As A New Jersey Theatre Person and a Family historian myself I consider it my duty to help you!
I found something in the US Census for 1930 that maybe helpful. But The forum doesn't allow me to attach it to my post. In a nutshell, It mentions Thomas Doherty (age 33/34), wife Ethel(age 24), Daughter Ethel E. Doherty (Age 2 1/2), Son Thomas P Doherty (age 0),Sister in Law Isabella Silver (age 43). The two childern were born in New Jersey so they were US Citizens. The others were born in Scotland. Housed in 838 Jackson Avenue Elizabeth, Union, New Jersey USA.
Unfortuately, Community Theatres (Amauteur Theatres)in New Jersey are many and everywhere. Some old enough for them to have been around in your greatgrandfather's time. Still others were closed and went out of business later on during the years since. (esp. during the Great Depression of the 1930's) My recommendation is look at the city directories for the towns of the counties of Union, Essex, and Hudson these are the most likely places. This would include the Cites of Newark, Elizabeth, and Jersey City. But look at organizations with the words in the name:club, Commuity Theatre, or players. Sadly, the term Theater or Theatre can be a movie theater, a professional theatre (ie. a professional stage co), a community(Amateur)theatre group, or even a night club or dinner Theatre. 
Best of luck on your Genealogical search.
David M. Cicchelli
When Wilt Thou Save the People? O God have mercy when?- Godspell |
Edited by - zadodci on 03 Jun 2012 9:49:05 PM |
 |
|
|
muzTV
Starting Member
2 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jun 2012 : 04:41:18 AM
|
Thank you very much for your reply David.
And yes, that is my family you found on the 1930 census.
I am trying to track down the photo that exists of my grandfather and his theatre company that I have so that I can scan it into my computer and post it on here.
Hopefully someone on here may be able to identify the show, location or any of the other performers in the picture!
No luck on any other front at the moment... |
|
|
|
zadodci
Advanced Member
406 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jun 2012 : 09:02:16 AM
|
Dear Chris:
I will be happy to help any way I can. Sadly with a production that far back it would be hard to find out information about a particular production; even if the theatre company still exists. Also,I think you will have trouble attaching the picture to a posting here. However, feel free to email it to me. I will use my local Theatre connections to ask around. But unfortunately, I can't make any promices. I wish you luck on your search. BTW I was,
in London in January of Last year. I loved it there. My Email is TheatreDMC@gmail.com .
David M. Cicchelli
When Wilt Thou Save the People? O God have mercy when?- Godspell |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Help Finding Greatgrandfather's Theatrical Past
