All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise—without prior written permission from the
publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts.
––––
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Theresa Vaughn,
The Broadway years
Vol.2 A continuation of the “Miss Theresa Vaughn” book.
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Welcome to the magic of old Broadway!
1820. One of New York’s many “pleasure gardens”.
William Niblo’s Garden was demolished in 1895
Courtesy Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Prints and
photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
3
After I wrote “Miss Theresa Vaughn” I soon became inspired to write this book
“Theresa Vaughn, the Broadway Years”. I believe it gives much more perspective
and a better understanding of Theresa and the onset of 20th century with its many
changes. Changes to our music and to just about everything else.
I recently found this great summary of the 19th century in general and its evolution
to the 20th century. This link helps us to understand the 19th century.
http://faculty.ucc.edu/egh-damerow/19th_century.htm
This book looks focuses on the musical - cultural thread in the weave that was a
very wonderful century. At the end of this book I will try to describe how Theresa
likely played those 1880 Buckbee banjos. I believe she must have had a unique,
different approach to banjo. Just playing some of her tunes with a Buckbee in
double B tuning … will soon clarify the only - best ways to play them … Many
people today are familiar with Appalachian, minstrel, frailing, claw hammer,
classical and bluegrass styles. The Appalachian, minstrel, frailing and claw
hammer styles were popular when Theresa was a young girl. She performed in
those styles and was very good at the doggerel singing that went along with them.
It was said her doggerel sounded believable and even seemed to make sense. Later
when Theresa was on Broadway she began to perform very romantic, beautiful
ballads. Note the first 4 songs at: http://TheresaVaughn.com ).
At the end of the 19th century Theresa revisited the banjo music of the minstrel
shows that were becoming popular again after many years of dormancy. At that
time, she also performed “Sweet Alice Ben Bolt”, an old (1848), sentimental,
emotional, classic folk song on Broadway. A small, very light, bit of that tune was
sung by Scarlet O’Hara in the movie “Gone With The Wind”... You can view the
video clip at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sEbTn7DSze2jUvKM3qdaCw?feat=embedwebsite
Theresa and the Buckbee banjo was a very perfect match that produced a special,
beautiful effect. I will try to explain this.
Buckbee banjos are very light and easy to hold, even without a strap.
They are sensitive and can produce many voicings and tones. A light, simple touch
can produce beautiful ringing sparkling notes and sounds. Old newspaper
articles about banjo often made a point about those many voicings They described
it as … running water, bells etc. etc. In addition those banjos also were visually
sparkling. All the metal parts were nickel plated and would gleam in the very
bright electric arc stage lights. I like this analogy to help explain some stage
“magic”. Imagine a Disney cartoon with a fairy waving a magic wand … as she
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moves the wand glitter and sparkles trail off the tip. Theresa on the stage
performing, with her remarkably sweet voice and her Buckbee banjo likely
produced a similar wonderful visual-auditory effect. It must have been stunning ..
other worldly- psychedelic. At the end of the book I will explain more about
playing the Buckbee.
As the 20th century rolled on in we soon had very new media: movies, recordings,
television and computers. We also soon had new people and corporations that
controlled the new media … and …. our culture.
Reading the newspaper clippings in this book helps to illuminates the changing of
ways and attitudes. Snarkiness and disrespect was beginning. Broadway shows
became more risqué.. more skin was showing. The art of music was soon to
became the music business .. now it’s the music industry…. yet another big
corporate thing …. “Big music”
The world viewed through the lens of my previous book “Miss Theresa Vaughn”
was natural, homemade, handmade, pleasing, beautiful, and innocent. … Organic.
It was the “good old days”.
After Theresa’s great career hit (1893 ) in E.E Rice’s show “1492 Up To Date ”
she lost her husband W.H.Mestayer and soon after lost her very close brother
Joseph Ott. They along with Theresa were all very good comedians and often
performed together in shows. This along with ending of the 19th century was sad.
Travel was difficult. Much of it was by horse and wagon and some by rail, not as
easy as getting on a plane. Theresa’s performance work schedule was heavy and
soon her health would give way. Sadly, her life and work would be cut short. I
believe the cultural changes as the 19th century ended added to her difficulties.
Probably for survival, in the shifting sands of her world, Theresa entered the newly
evolving world of vaudeville. This was not ideal but likely a survival choice.
Possibly it was the only option she had and was steps down from the artistry she
was capable of. Modernism, progressivism and leftism was soon to be in full
bloom … it took hold like a weed. Modernism, progressivism and “leftism was
soon in full bloom … it took hold like a weed. The jazz age was on. These words
from the 1934 Cole Porter tune “Anything Goes”, sums it all up.
…… In olden days, a glimpse of stocking
Was looked on as something shocking
But now, God knows
Anything goes
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Good authors too who once knew better words
Now only use four-letter words
Writing prose
Anything goes …….
It’s beneficial to connect with the past. A few minutes of Theresa’s songs at
http://TheresaVaughn.com is good medicine. You don’t have to sell your car and
buy a horse. This is an internal, mental, spiritual adjustment.
Theresa’s name was Theresa Ott. She used the stage name “Miss Theresa Vaughn”
for most of her career.. till ~1896 even though she was married since she was 1516 yrs of age.
This painting shows what some early Broadway productions where like. The Black
Crook was a monumental production that was popular about 7 years before
Theresa starred in the E.E.Rice’s 1492Up To Date” show (see page 7).
Kiralfy Bros grand production, “Black Crook” finale 1886
Courtesy Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Prints and Chronicling
America. Prints and photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
6
“1492 Up To Date” , was a comedy / fantasy to commemorate / celebrate the
Quadricentennial of Columbus’s discovery of America, when it was still loved and
appreciated. In the play Christopher revisits 1892 America to look around. Theresa
Vaughn’s “Waif” performance (upper right on this image) was a major Broadway
success in 1893.
The Illustrated American September 30, 1893
Courtesy N.Y.York State Education Library
Broadway 1892, Reality
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1892 Broadway from Union Square to Madison Square, New York, U.S.A
Courtesy Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Prints and
photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA
8
Theresa Vaughn ~1894, age~27
Courtesy: The Billy Rose Theatre Div. N.Y.Public library for the performing arts
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Theresa Vaughn ~1894 age~27
Courtesy: The Billy Rose Theatre Div.,N.Y. Public library for the performing arts
A closer look at Theresa’s early years before Broadway at age 19.
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The Sunday Herald.,Washington D.C March 14, 1886
Theresa at age 21
"One of the loveliest homes owned by professionals is that of W. A. Mestayer
and Theresa Vaughn in Redbank, N. J. Situated on high ground, sloping directly to
the banks of the Shrewsbury River, it commands view of the entire surrounding
country, and is to be seen for miles on the opposite bank. It was
bought by them about two years ago, shortly after the immense success of
“We, Us Co." The house, which was an old homestead, has been remodeled and
modernized, the grounds embellished and stables added, until nowthere is little
to be done to add to its beauty. Since the failure of “The Kitty" last winter the
Mestayers (who have the reputation of always paying 100 cents on the dollar, even
to the sacrifice of personal comfort, as in the case of Madame Piper)
have been resting and living on their income, By judicious investments this
is now more than sufficient for them, and were it not for Mrs. Mestayer's ambition
they would retire into private life on it, Mrs. Mestayer is one of the finest
horsewomen in the country, and drives dainty little turn-out for hours each day
over the magnificent Seabright and Long Branch roads. The Mestayers also keep
small fleet of boats and valuable kennel of English setters. The bulk of this and
something more has been made out of two successful plays, “Tourists" (which they
will revive next season) and “We,Us Co."
NY Public Library, NY Amusement Gazette Aug 27,1888
Courtesy Library of Congress, Chronicling America
11
T
heresa at age 22
The evening world.,NY.November 16, 1889, LAST EDITION, Page 3
Courtesy Library of Congress, Chronicling America
Theresa at age 23
The Democratic press., (OH) February 05, 1890
Courtesy Library of Congress, Chronicling America
12
Courtesy Tom Boblitt
http://www1.coe.neu.edu/~dan/N284ns/go-act.html
The Sun (NY) March 04, 1894 2 Page 3
Courtesy Library of Congress, Chronicling America
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The Sun (New York [NY]), September 27, 1896, 2, Page 3
Courtesy Library of Congress, Chronicling America
Photos, Prints, Drawings 1896
Courtesy Library of Congress, Chronicling America
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