AL. JOLSON.
Mr. Oakland made his professional debut with George Primrose’s Minstrels in Rochester, N. Y., February, 1905, and continued with that company until he joined Lew Dockstader’s Minstrels in 1907; he remained with Mr. Dockstader two seasons, after which he joined Cohan and Harris’ Minstrels.
Early in 1910 Mr. Oakland joined Wm. H. Thompson in a high-class singing act, reviving a well-known trade-mark of two decades ago.
Will Oakland was born in Jersey City, N. J., January 15, 1883.
Julian Eltinge (Dalton) is usually billed as “the artist without a peer;” and you may believe it, every word.
The scion of an old Boston family, Mr. Eltinge adopted his present calling for the avowed purpose of “killing time;” that he made a “killing” there is no dispute.
He was a member of the First Corps Cadets in his native city, and when this notable organization produced “My Lady” in 1899, Eltinge was cast for the soubrette role.
In 1895 the play of “Miss Simplicity” was written around Mr. Eltinge’s talents; subsequently it became a vehicle for Frank Daniels; afterwards he appeared in “Baron Humbug” and other plays.
His first Metropolitan appearance was at the Bijou Theatre in New York City in 1903, with “Mr. Wix of Wickham.” Later, and until July 27, 1908, he played vaudeville engagements in the United States and Europe.
On the latter date he made his first minstrel appearance with the Cohan and Harris Company, at Atlantic City, N. J.; his success with this organization was nothing short of phenomenal; he remained the entire season, appearing with darkened features in the after-piece.