New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-03-06
STREETS OF OLD LONDON.

| A DECADE-sITUATED IN ONE OF THE
STREETS OF OLD LONDON
Miss Fanny Brough. of the prime favortes
| OF the London stage. who is here now at the Ly
ceum Theatre playing the part of the mother-in-
law, Mrs Reginald Mainwaring. ST.. in My Daugh-
ter-in-Law," Is of the busiest in London.
when Tribune representative called at the West
| minister Hotel, where Miss Brough is living, she
was in the depths of her morning mail, but has
| tened forward with gracious welcome, looking
trim and tailor made In stylish gown of black
: vicuna, relieved by stock of rose color at her
throat and silver chatelaine at her belt.
Il thought was remarkably energetic she said
! aughingly. but l find myself. in comparison with
Americans. decidedly tame and slow.
Il had fully determined not TO be interviewed.
she continued but here In the meshes Yet
VIII tell you willingly everything about our Theat-
rical Guild In London. for | very keen that.
We are located centrally, at No. IS Russell-st,
Covent Garden, which lease from the Duke of
Bedford, and 1t is that portion of dear old London
where the march of time is gradually removing the
old houses and putting up ones. and so. I'M
fortunately, we only get quarterly lease. Yet
feel assured that house will be among the
last go.
Mrs. Charles l.. Carson is the founder and hon
orary secretary of the Guild and when organ
lied nine years met in Mrs. Carson's draw
ing room. which before many weeks not large
enough TO accommodate the interested women
And oh. how the men chaffed us at first! We were
there would be Scraps before many months They
called our gatherings "Tabby meetings. But those
very scoffers have remained praise and al
though men take part take their money.
Naturally, l feel very proud" continued Miss
Brough. Ito be the president of organization
having a membership of 800 and showing such
rapid development in a decade. 1t has social
side OF 1t, and has held benefits like enter
tainments a of revenue, but has lived
and thrived upon the gifts of Its honorary
members and interested friends.
THE Guild originally started to help the
working stsff in our profession. principally the
maternity of the wives of stage carpenters,
scene shifters. electricians and the like. 1t was all
women for women. but now it has so broadened In
its scope that benefited in the way OF
clothing and stage wardrobe.
We have beds in several lyng-in hospitals for
the maternity cases and the very best physicians
in London volunteer their services. All cases are
of course carefully investigated. and have a
sewing bee every Friday afternoon when layettes
and first short clothes for the babies are made
The short clothes given to the mother, but the
layette is expected be returned after the infant
has outgrown 1t. and do you know that in all
these years. l only recall about five cases
''Once year we have our annual general meet
ing usually in December and at the Lyceum Thea
Henry Irving. Then We have some guest of honor;
IN Dear G years ae Or r WAS w M
The BENEVOLENT fund dispenses deal OF charity in
Christmas dinners are sent out, each with joint
and a pudding and mince pies.
THE Guild is in constant receipt of caston cloth
ing the meanest of which is not despised. but
turned good account. Many people apologize for
what they send. but we always say: Send it along:
even if you think it rubbish, we will weed it out
The Guild has General Committee and an Elk
ecutive Committee of forty members. which meet
on the first Wednesday of each month. Those who
committees must pay guinea year, but
the general dues as low a shilling. There is
a dormitory at the top of the house. where young
actresses who strangers in town or those out
of engagements may get bed and breakfast for
a nominal sum: I'm fact merely the actual cost to
the Guild
Mrs. Carson is of the most indefatgable
workers in the organization Among the vice
presidents Mrs. Edward Compton. Miss Carotta
Addison and Miss Vane Featherstone.
There is not professional of note in Lon
don that has not the welfare of the Guild at heart
and among those who show substantial interest
Miss Ellen Terry. Mrs. Kendall Miss Julia
Nelson, Mrs. Beerbohm Tree, Mrs: Cecil Raleigh,
Miss Lily Hamburg Miss Farren. Miss Clio Graves.
Miss Winifred Emery. Mrs John Hare. Gertrude
Kingston, Cyril Maude and Frederick Harrison, of
the Haymarket Theatre, and long list of others;
There is woman of wealth in London" said
Miss Brough in conclusion. who has offered to
give a house in the principal part of London.
II is most commodlous in every way but that, you
know, means only four bare walls. and have
practsed caution SO far in all our moves. In this
matter our motto is 'festna lente.