The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-09-30
MEN, WOMEN
AND THINGS

Yes. know much was written about
Schumann-Heink, and 1 did my share
OF it, but find that the public is in
terested In her both as an artist and as
a woman.
This is my excuse for giving some more
intimate pictures of her and of her visit
to Birmingham. for while many got to
enjoy her public appearance I had the
privilege of seeing her off stage and
learning something of her as a mother
and grandmother.
Like all mothers, while fond of her own
children, she is wrapped up in her
ing me of being the guest of the Bagbys
in Marion, and how proud they were of
Just one little grandbaby, when 1 was
able to boast that 1 had 10. and every
one of them a Jewell
II Schumann-H eink made an impress
sion on Marion. 1t was no greater than
it made on her. for when she found out
that she had been among, my friends she
her visit, and how she had enjoyed every
minute of it but most of all to have been
entertained in the pastorium where she
got glimpse of true southern hospital
ity.
had seen DR.. Paul Bomar after her
appearance at the Judson and he had
told me of her great reception and OF
her wonderful appreciation of the col
lege and the town. Such a restful place,
an ideal spot for schools and such love-
ly people; and, oh, what a change from
the hustle of the great cities ana the
noise of the big hotels"
"Do you think am joking, but unless
something comes up to prevent 1t, l ex-
pect to have at least one grandchild get
it's education at Marion, for l am sure
it will be better than to place it at some
great school in one Of the metropolitan
cities. In Marion I found an air of re-
finement, and / learned the charm of the
old south as never before" Here she ran
out Of words. but soon got hold OF one
which semed to fit the case, as she said,
ITS just wonderful
oh, but such good joke, l got on
DR.. Bomar,' she said. DO you know
after the concert some of the townspeo-
pie came forward to meet me. He intro
duced me as Madame "Schumann-
Schink' Just think of it--'Schink' I Just
caught him by his arms and shook him,
and told him not to be Schinking' me.
for I wouldn't stand for it" She seemed
to enjoy his discontinue very much, and
able to report that he had done SO, for he
confessed, that he was as dumbfounded
and felt like bad boy caught in mischief
who was being publicly reprimanded.
Now. am sure Schumann- Heink will
excuse me for giving her away, but she
did such gracious act a. Marion that
want Alabamians to know about it. II
seems that she asked her hostess if she
had victrola. and on being told that
she did not possess one. said, We'll,
you just wait, I'll send you one and some
Of my records to play on it, SO that you
will keep me in mind when l am gone.
1 got this from my friend Paul Bomar,
and incidentally found out that one OF
here was to give an order for one to be
! shipped to Marion.
| I can understand how Schumann- Heink
can afford to be liberal in her gifts of
money, but the thing which surprised me
that she was so liberal in the gift of her
precious time. I was talking to her
after her recital at the jefferson and
she said, Come to the Tutwiler. and l
will sing for yon in my ROOM / didn't
have the least idea that 50 great an art
! list would be guilty of such q favor, and
so the next morning I went with few
friends and she sang for us as freely
as though she was but a mere debutante,
and we had dropped in for social call,
and had asked her to favor us with few
selections.
| I was afraid that her wonderful voice
she sang a lullaby which seemed as.soft
and low as that of a mother sitting
around the Preside grooming her babe to
| slep And then she sang a dramatic
piece composed by Frank La Forge, and
to mo it was greater than anything
As~hich she had sung at the Jefferson
When she finished the others applauded
but I stood with bowed head for she
had made me visualize the crucifxion as
never before, and was transhxed by the
i sight of Jesus on the cross It was a
wonderful bit of realistic picture-music
was alone with Schumann-H eink and
Frank La Forge. and | hope they will
judge ME lightly for giving this instance
1t seems that the accompanist was acting
treasurer for the current expenses. He
had placed before her small itemixec
statement. She looked up and said. but
do not see the amount for the dinner?'
Eowing heNreplied. But madame, you
/ were my guest" Not at ALL" she an
| swered. and where is the sum for the
movias?" He was clearly non -plussed
for he quickly said, "Oh, but must have
the privilege of at least paying for the
photo-play." Then I saw her give him q
push, as she frowned as though she were
, lecturing one of her own sons. for with
authority she shot at him. Look here
Frank La FORGE no more foO1i ehness