The Washington herald., 1910-10-30

Weldon Grossmith was born in London
and educated al simpsons School, Hamp-
stead. After graduation ne attended the
West London School of Art, and later be-
came a successful portrait painter, and
frequently had the distinguished honor
OF exhibiting his paintings at the Royal
Academy and the Grosvenor Gallery.
Following his success as a painter he
adopted the stage as a profession, joining
Rosina Vokes' company in 1855, and came
with her TO America. on returning TO
London he returned 10 his studio work.
Later Sir Henry Irving offered him the
part of Jacques Stup In Robert Macaire"
and he was so successful in this role that
Richard Mansfield offered him a part in
Prince Karl" then running al the
Globe Theater. London. At the Haymar-
ket Theater he distinguished himself as
Percy Palfreman in Wealth" After
that he had great success in THE Cabi-
net Minister" The Volcano" and "A
Pantomime Rehearsal" In lS94-e6 Mr..
Grossmith was managerial lessee of the
Vaudeville Theater, London, where THE
New Boy" ran for year and half, and
he there produced play written by him
self called The Night OF the Party
and IN which he made an American tour.
playing a long run in the piece at the
Princess Eheater, New York. In 1854 he
appeared IN ''The Lady OF Leeds" and in
1906 In "The Duifer," a play written by
himself In 1895 he married May Palfrey,
of London. Mr.. Grossmith is a member
OF the Beefsteak, Garrick, Savage. and
Art Students clubs. OF London. and the
Lambs and the Players, OF New York.
Mr. Weldon Grossmith is a younger
brother of George GrOssmith, and uncle
of George GrOssmith, jr., the musical
comedian so well known in this country.
Denman Thompson. known from one
end OF the country to the other as dear
old Uncle JOSH" is not the only men,
Der of the original cast of The Old
Homestead" who is now before the Wash
ington public With him are at least
two other oldtimers, notably Annie
Thompson. daughter of Denman, and
Gus Kemmerlee. who were in the origi-
nal east when the play was first pre-
scented at the Boston Theater in April,
1885 just twenty-five years ago. Gus
Kemmerlee played the role then of Henry
AANEAAAAas ~ tAo EltN up with Uncle
Joshua on the farm at Swanzey, n. H;
who migrated TO New York City and
there became a millionaire doing moth
ing" as Uncle Josh facetiously remarks
TO the policeman in the play He was
also a member OF the original "Old
Homestead" quartet. and is still mem
Der of it. Miss Thompson plays the part
of Annie Hopkins as or yOTe-
Gus Kemmerlee in all these years has
remained true 10 The Old Homestead q"
hut there have been many changes Of
east.
one other very old member OF the pres
ent company is our familiar friend,
Charley Park, who plays in his lnimitable
manner one of the odd boys" Seth Per
kins. The Cy Prime is a newcomer, Wat
ter +. Kelley by name, hut oldtimers will
see such familiar faces as Fred Glare
the happy Jack; Maggie Breyer, the Aunt
Matilda; Anita Fowler, the Rickety Ann;
George L. Patch, the postman, and Hec-
tor Dion. who is Judge Patterson.
mr. Kemmerlee. besides claiming equal
credit with Denman Thompson for being
one OF the original cast. also shares with
him in the newly acquired hOnOrs OF be-
ing IA grandfather. Denman Thompson
has a grandson. born last April, who is
now travelling with his parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Franklin Thompson. in "The Old