The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-12-02

H;txH;N
Chicago, Dec. Mrs. George Henry
Gilbert, the oldest actress on the Amer
lean stage, died in her rooms at the
Sherman House today, shortly after she
had suffered a stroke of apoplexy. The
bert was alone with her maid, The
maid first sought to lift her onto a
couch but realizing that Mrs. Gilbertss
attack was a grave. one, the maid left
her where she had fallen and summoned
the house physician. -. - .'.r-s =,
Mrs. Gilbert died Of cerebral apo.
plexy. She lived but an hour and a
half after being stricken. The attack
is said by the attending physicians to
cold water bath. ~: o.. 80. - :.
in Clyde Fitch s play "Granny,o writ
ten for her, began at Powers theatre
last Monday and until today, the ven,
cradle actress had appeared to be in her
usual health. The company was organ
lied by Charles Frohman and the play
to Mrs. Gilbert's long career ON the
stage. Mrs. Gilbert played" Granny, ;,
for three weeks in New York city, and
when she started to tour the country sit
was the intention to present the play IN
every city where she had played during
her career and at the conclusion OF
the long trip she was to retire from the
stage. =. =
appearance in New =. York at the first
night, of the play was remarkable ana
| pathetic one and the old lady :Was$over-
! come by the warmth OF her .greet!ng.
Fears were entertained at that time
that Mrs. Gilbert was not strong, enough
for the long tour, but she assured the
manag cement Of her good health AND the
trip was started.
| Mrs. Gilbert was born in England 80
Years ago and came to this country
with her, husband who was a dancer IN
l849. She was a member OF Augustln
Daly's company from 1862 until Mr.
Daly's death. Since then she has ap.
peared under the managenaents OF
Charles Frohman. ~,
For more than a generation MIS-. I'll
tions of the New York theater-goine
public. She appeared at Days in most
of the plays produced there, and Ehel
work gained for her considerable proml
nence,( altho it was not until this year
destined to be the last of her life, that
eNI The piay in Which She: had the leading
part was written especially for her bJ
Clyde Fitch. It gave her opportunities
to use her abilities to good advantage
and, despite her great age, she TOOK
keen and Intelligent interest ms pre9par
ing it for presentation. &, . .ssrs& $50
H.. Mrs.: Gilbert,, as an epllog for. he]
b farewell play Of &C ranny, n each NIGH
4 gave the following lin es;ssa 'ssssssssa
'EDear friends in front: The curtain mus
f., = not fall
Until a grateful woman says good-by,
to ALL .rs - . :
Just, think of all the Kindness that Nv!
got Of you'll. ut; o. o. J. Z;
I'd like to be the granny Of the lot Of you
Old age to bear becOmesta hapyp load 6
When love and friendship lines the length
ening road. j
And as I've lived long years in this dea
land g.. .-.
: I've never lacked the pressure Of you
: Nor missed your smile the times I've trie
| to jest, !;
r Nor wanted for tear when tears wer
best.
So when the curtains down, the footlight
L, out, = >..&r5 l2srs L m, =
:. Once and for all for me, I'll turn about
2 And in my memories live again each da
:. Your hand and hearts made, glad for. m
;. the way. .... *
t Good bye, old friends in front, my childre
9 every one of you
8 Listen, for it's true, I love each mother
son Of you.
t For wealth, for fame, my goodness, don
d care Hilbert. r..E H.. =.
t It's only in your hearts you'll keep oil
t Mrs Gilbert. e.