The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-09-08
A CHRONICLE OF SOCIETY n

will be of interest to friends and
 former pupils of Mrs. Marie Kern
 Mullen to learn of her recent sue cess In letter received a few days ago. written from Sherman, Tex, she says True to my promise to send you some news from time to time, will tell you here with a few items. Have ac- cepted very flattering offer from the president of the International College of Music and Expression of Chicago to be their principal vocal teacher, and signed a contract for three years. Mme. Clark Mottl, the president, who heard one of our concerts during the Christmas holi- days in Chicago, seemed to take great interest and was very enthusiastic about our success. She entertained at a bril- liant reception and musicale in honor of Mime. Stephah the other singer) and myself at that time, several of Chicago's s musical and literary lights and others be. ing present.
 Our concert tour was simply glorious -l62 concerts in Wisconsin, North Da- kota, Montana, Minnesota, Michigan, H. linois, Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, d tour of two months 40 concerts, includ- ing the provinces of British Columbia, Alta, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba the larger cities being Vancouver, Vic toria, Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg beautiful towns and very interesting, in. deed. Everywhere we were enthusiastic ally received, the public being very kind and appreciative towards me- Encores were frequent. My request numbers gen. erally were: Dry Those Tears" with violin obligato, beautifully played by our great violiniSt, MT. Skorgaard using his own arrangement; rMother Macchree." and When the Boys Come Home" stirring patriotic song by Speaks, appro- pirate to the times. One of the main and unique features on the programmes were our duets, sung in costume, our voices blending perfectly, they scored tre- mendously. As they are distinctly Q novel feature, we intended to use them as special attraction in our recitals.
 Our last concert in Kent, O., at the big State Normal college, took place be- fore large and enthusiastic audience Of over 5000 teachers, packing the audi torium completely It was splendid finale. July 2 we returned to Chicago where we parted with regrets and mutual good wishes It was particularly gratify- ing to me that my voice held out per- fectly, did not miss one of the 163 con certs. Our manager found it remarkable, saying that my voice was at all times in excellent condition; in fact, still bet ter at the last than at the first, also strengthened and vastly improved.
 He expressed himself in an excellent testimonial to that effect. He said some of his former singers could not by far stand long, strenuous tour and the diff faculties in travelling, their healths break ing down and their voices going all 70 pieces in the middle of the tour some times.
 Have had a good necessary rest and recreation, notwithstanding the terrific heat this summer and am physically it to commence my new duties, which will be the 9th instant. The regular wall term at the college commences the 18th and it will be opened with brilliant fac ulty concert. Some important appoint nents make my presence in Chicago necessary before that date, however. Shall also have concert engagements, short tours and some war work.
 My only regret is that I cannot be in