About 1876 he went to fill a two weeks’ engagement at Flood’s New Park Theatre, Curtis Bay, Md. He remained there until the time of his death, nearly a quarter of a century, and he had the distinction at that time of being the oldest active banjoist and vocalist before the public, retaining his vivacity all the while.
John H. Carle was born at Portland, Me.; he died at Curtis Bay, Md., September 20, 1900; age 75 years.
“Punch” Collins (W. Pearson Collins), the well-known comedian of the early minstrel days, first appeared prominently with Sam Sanford’s Minstrels April 1, 1850, at the Astor Place Opera House, New York City, and was at the opening of the first theatre ever built expressly for minstrelsy, also by Sanford, August 1, 1853; subsequently he was with Earl Pierce’s Minstrels in New York in 1855; on August 3, 1857, he opened in London, England, with Raynor and Pierce’s “Christy” Minstrels. This was the first minstrel organization that ever played in England under the title of “Christy.”
After the death of Earl Pierce Mr. Collins occupied the end chair formerly occupied by Pierce.
| EDWIN BOOTH | JAS. A. HERNE | P. S. GILMORE | EDWIN FORREST |
| BARNEY WILLIAMS | JOS. JEFFERSON | WM. CASTLE | TONY PASTOR |
| DAN. DALY | P. T. BARNUM | RICHARD GOLDEN | HARRY KERNELL |
| DAN. RICE | J. W. KELLY | NEIL. BURGESS | J. K. EMMETT |
FAMOUS ARTISTS OF THE PAST—THEY ALL BLACKED UP.
Mr. Collins later withdrew from this company, and with “Tony” Nish organized another “Christy” company, opening in London, England, at Her Majesty’s Concert Hall Monday, March 18, 1861; subsequently he sold his interest in this company, returned to London, and organized another troupe; they played at Polygraphic Hall as early as April 14, 1862.
In September, 1863, he sailed for India, playing the principal cities. In July, 1866, he returned to America, later going to England, where he married; subsequently he returned to Pittsburgh, where he remained until his death. He had not appeared professionally for several years prior to that.
Mr. Collins did an “end”, a stump speech and a female impersonation equally artistic.
W. P. Collins died at Pittsburgh, Pa., November 1, 1881; age about 55 years.