Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-10-25
The OLDEN DAYS.
"Reminiscences Of a Former Gen
Grafton.

Memphis theater goers Of more tina
twenty years ago well remember Mi
Mary E. Hill, then Ileading lady in III
stock company here, and will be interest
ed in conversation between her and
reporter OF this paper, reminiscent of thos
days and descriptive Of her subsequen
career.
my first engagement in this city, - sal,
Miss Hill, was at the old Memphis The
ater, on Washington street, originally
built for church, where came to play
the soubrettes; but soon attained 10 th,
roles Of leading business, and played tn,
opposite parts to Mr. james Charles, who
was a very popular leading man here
The theater was managed by Charles &
Asche. Occasionally Mr.. David Asche
assumed characters in full cast pieces.
when his services could be spared from
his managerial dut es
then,n
II was mere girl" answered Miss
hlll. 1t was my second year on the
stage, and my success in ginning the
favor Of the Memphis people established
my reputation in the business. That
did gain their favor / have this tangible
proof . and Miss Hill produced beauti-
ful gold watch, upon which is inscribed
ITO Mary L. Hill, from the citizens Of
Memphis"
You have possessed this valuable token
for long timer"
1T has been my constant companion
since 1t was presented to me at my fare
well benefit, and an ever present remind
or OF most pleasant associations with the
Memphis public. The watch was Sc
lected by Mr. f. H. Clark, the jeweler,
who also made the presentation speech.
| see Mr.. Clark's sign still remains on
Main street, but he himself has passed
away. In the many years that have
elapsed since this timepieoe became mine
1t has never required repair beyond ordi-
nary cleaning
Have you met many old friends during
your present sojourn herey'
No; of course the people Of that
period have scattered abroad far and widei
| have made some inquiries for familiar
names, but have seen few familiar faces.
i came very near becoming resident of
your city, through the solicitations of
clergyman who superintended ladies
seminary on Adams street, the Rev. Mr..
Mcpherson, who offered me advantageous
terms TO leave the stage and become nre-
ceptress of elocution in his college; but
the desire for histrionit fame was strong
then and | declined his proposition. After
closing my engagement here ! PLAYED a
season in. Nashville, where | was an
nounced as the daughter of Recorder
Hill, OF this city. | wrote 10 that gentle
man explaining how the mistake occurred
and apologizing for it, and received in
reply most kindly letter, stating that
the association Of names did no dishonor
to either of us. From Nashville | went
to Boston, where, after my first season, l
married the Hon. Wallace Thaxter.
editor of tile Boston Gazette, and retired
from the stage, as / then supposed, per-
manently. My last appearance there was
in London A ssuranee, and Messrs. John
Brougham and Il. L. Davenport came on
from New York to lend special eclat TO
the occasion"
"You finally found yourself again on
the boards, however,
Eyes; upon my husbands death his
affairs were found to be involved, and
from aflluence l found myself and our
son Charles, now rising artist in New
York, reduced to slight income, since
which time / have been constantly en-
gagged in my profession
You have not been q frequent visitor
TO Memphis2
mo; my engagements have mostly
been in Baltimore, Washington and New
York. Last season | travelled with the
Madison Square Theater Company in
Hazel Kirke,' and found that trav-
cling agreed with me; so am again
on the road this time with Miss Jeffeys
Lewis, with La Belle Russe.'n
"a an actress of long experience, what
is your judgment of La Belle Russe?"
81 believe it TO be the strongest play of
modern times, both in its construction and
in the treatment ofits subject, and as for
Miss Lewis in the title role--well, | have
played with every star OF note in the
country, but Miss Lewis has not peer in
this line of parts. But, then, perhaps
ought not to be so enthusiastic over an
organization of which | am myself q
member Yet / cannot allow the occa-
sion to pass without tribute to Miss
Jeilreys Lewis, as an artist and woman, .
and Miss Hill here expressed herself IN
most complimentary terms concerning the
popular star
Those of Miss Hills old friends who
have seen her Interpretation of Lady
Calthorpe in LA Belle Russo" have rec
ognized the same easy power which used
TO depict Mrs. Haller, Pauline, and Juliet
so gracefully, and have had many pleas
ant memories revived by the visit Of this
estimable lady to our city.