The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1875-04-29
About Lolita. the Little Actress.

Miss Crabtree, the ssLittle Nell'' OF early
fame and now "Lotta,' was born in New
York, possibly as early as l848-but IN
this matter of the lady's age the writer
only ventures guess; Of course ne mas
no positive information. Her parents
soon after removing to San Francisco, she
was there in the early days Of immigra'
ton to that State and, babies and little
girls being not over plenty there then'oe-
came ouite well known among the Ayers,
and those who came after them for the
nevt few wears. so that she was
unite well known and already a
iavorite among the miners when she MADE
her debut on the stage in San Francisco
in 1852, taking little parts in which she
could sing. dance and play the banjo.
She Quickly achieved = great local reputa-
ton and SO delighted the people. especial
" the miners, that they showered geid
upon her with more freedom than ever q
St. Paul audience rained boquets
upon an actress or singer. 1t was way
thew had, those old.timers Of California
to be prodigal Of their gold; and as for
the little girl, she fairly earned their en-
thusiastic admiration. In 1854 she came
cast, first appearing at Niblo's Salon, New
York. in "Nan the Good for Nothing
kns.d sJenny Lind after which she made
~ extensive tour through the
5bvntry, playing s'Tartarine" in the
Sc !, en- Sisters' and "Topsy" in 'Uncle
Tom CABIN making great hit in the
latter About this time John Droughaln
dramatized Dickens Curiosity Shop,
under the title of ''Little Nell and the
Marchioness." In. this drama, playing
both "Little Nell" and "The Marchion-
ess" she added largely to her popularity.
but from i. she learned to desire line OF
characters entirely her own,-that IS
especially adapted to her own peculiar
style as well as her talents, acquired and
natural. The result Of this was her own
plavs.-"Fire.Fly," .Heart 's--Ease. .
.Rainbow," Little Detective" Zip,
.tc.. in which she holds
the stage without rival and
steadily gaining, as she extends her trav.
els, popularity which is very near II
not quite love-for everybody who secs
her on the stage seems to have real al
lection for the charming, happy Creature
whose ways are all delightful, se ap'
pears to be.
Miss Crabt1 ee is one of the fortunate
few Of ladies on the stage who have escap
ed evil report, both in the green room and
galleries. Her travelling companion IS hel
mother, and, except what they see of hen
on the stage, the public knows OF her, be
sides that she is devoted to her profession
and prettily proud Of the commendation'
she wins from all her audiences, only thai
she is charitable and generous lady, q
has been shown in many unestsntatiou'
acts Of kindness. Her gratitude to hel
early friends and her love for the grea
hearts she knew there is shown by he
gift Of a splendid drinking fountain
to be placed ct the corner Of Kearney and
Market streets in San Francisco, which
in course of construction and will cos
some $4,000. TWAS originally des'gnet
to reproduce the lighthouse scene II
Zip" but the plans, on being submitted
to the donor, we're considerable.
modified, SO as to exclude tn
lighthouse idea. The structure vii
be Of iron, resting upoa . grant
, base, finished in stone imitation, witt
prefuse ornaments, including the seal Q
the city, marine and land products q
California, and symbols Of the industric
and commerce Of that State. Many u
, old Californian, as he quafs cool waite
from this fountain, will drink to the mem
. ory and good fortune Of the little gil
whom he used to applaud SO HEARTH
when she sang or danced or played he
, banjo, and who grew to be . famous q
. tress in . few short years.