Category: Entertainers, Theater and Music
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May C. Korb Cronham McBath
1892-1978 Soprano who performed throughout the United States and Canada at least through the 1930s. She said, “I am a Newark girl through and through. I was born here and my father was…
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Curvin Family
The sisters of historian Robert Curvin. There were six daughters. They were born in Newark, but they grew up in Belleville. The family lived on Cottage Place and other addresses in Newark through…
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Dorothy Turpin Smith
1910-1987 An early Black teacher, hired in 1945 (see Timeline, bottom of page here). Was eventually appointed Supervisor of Music for Vocal Instruction for Newark. Retired after 30 years in 1975. Was an…
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Cabiria Assunta Polo Accarino
1914-2007 Lifelong Newark resident. Attended Barringer High and the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts. Ran for North Ward Council in 1962. Organized the Forest Hill Little Children’s Theater in 1959. Taught…
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Rose Danzis Parsonnett
c. 1900-2003 Duaghter of Max Danzis, a founder of Beth Israel Hospital and Jennie Danzis. Attended South Side High School and Wellesley College. Supporter of music and the arts. Taught piano, active in…
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Connie Francis
1937 (some sources say 1938)- Pop singer and chart topping vocalist. Connie was born Concetta Franconero in the Ironbound section of Newark. The family briefly lived in Brooklyn before moving to NJ. She…
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Miss Rhapsody Viola Wells
1902-1984 Photo from Barbara J Kukla Papers Born in Newark, Viola Wells, known as Miss Rhapsody was an internationally acclaimed jazz, blues and religious singer. In Newark, she sang for local jazz clubs…
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Myrtle C. Williams
1900- 15 Jun 1965 (?) Grew up in Newark on Chestnut St. First “colored girl” to finish a 4 year commercial course in 1919 when she graduated East Side High. Played a piano…