burlesque

Another photo of Charlotte Davies:

Rennold Wolf in The Green Book Magazine of July, 1914: AWFUL MOMENT AT HAMMERSTEIN'S EVEN the placid William Hammerstein almost gave way to an outburst of emotion at the Victoria Theatre one afternoon this spring when a harrowing incident, which might have fractured all three of the dramatic unities, took place. The headliner for the week, if you please, was none other than Charlotte Davies, who first gained fame by posing for the picture of "Innocence" which now adorns art store windows, and subsequently clinched her distinction by becoming a party in a divorce action. That combination was irresistible to Hammerstein, and, although Miss Davies had never before been on the stage, he engaged her at a large salary, and gave her prominence over a half-dozen seasoned and popular veterans on the bill. Miss Davies had no further contribution to offer art. apparently, than the curves which had gained her success in the pose of "Innocence." A platform, velvet curtains and a pink union suit were her other accoutrements. Thus equipped, Mr. Hammerstein bade her to sprawl twice a day upon the carpeted floor of the platform, in a series of misnamed poses under the guise of art, and to call at the manager's office Saturday night for her hire. There were unholy and unregenerate persons in the audience whose appreciation of art was not so keen as Mr. Hammerstein's, and they displayed a tendency to snicker at the ever broad ening revelations of the model, as she struck first one, and then another position best calculated to exhibit her charms. It was, therefore, in sight of an audience almost on the verge of an outbreak that Miss Davies, in one of her most generous poses, was horrorstricken by the appearance of a mouse that had wandered from his hidingplace to the platform, quite unmindful that he was menacing the cause of uplift. There was a moment of awful suspense, suffered most intensely by the model. It was her duty to be statuesque, but the quiver that ran over her frame showed its undulations even through the union suit. Her attitude—that of a Roman maiden gazing into a bath—was not one to make escape easy. The mouse crept nearer, and again the wavy motion of the union suit betrayed Miss Davies' emotion. He gathered himself together is if to spring; the statue began to wobble, when— Excelsior!—from the wings came Loney Haskell, the Victoria's general factotum and handy man, armed with a broom, and the rascally rodent fled. The velvet curtains were drawn amid thunders of applause. Art had triumphed again at Hammerstein's. books.google.com/books?id=qX8hAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA76#v=onep...

Art Siegel Absolutely worthy of a Wikipedia entry, I say. Let's have a look... → None yet.

6/3/20 I was just forwarded this from my sister-in-law. What a surprise! Charlotte was my Grandmother! I knew she had an "artsy" background, but never heard of this incident. Wow...Thanks much for discovering this. Ken Carter ( 76 yrs) knecarter@aol.com Mtn View, Cal.

I also just learned of this information. Miss Charlotte Davies was my great grandmother. I wish to include more information about my gr grandmother. She was married very young and had one daughter, Jewell. Charlotte's husband left her as a single mother in her late teenage years. I know of Charlotte's extreme devotion to her daughter (my grandmother). My grandmother deeply loved her mother and was raised with honor and access to a wonderful life where she found love, marriage, a beautiful home and family with two sons, George Carter (my father) and Ken Carter (my uncle). I have learned of the struggles a single mother faced during those days and I understand Charlotte was a strong survivor and did all she could to provide a very safe/secure life for Jewell. Charlotte was very beautiful and like many women in our history.......this became an asset to acquire money through film and photography. I understand these photos of Charlotte would be considered in poor taste (an understatement) during those times. However, Charlotte had great pride and integrity. She was exceptionally smart and had tremendous charm and high personal integrity with class. These photos should not be a reflection of the true personality of Charlotte, but a reflection of the times and the plight of single mothers/women. I wish more people knew the true story of Charlotte. This would be an opportunity to gain insight of those times in society and the fight many women endured. Julie Carter-Williams

See, these women had talents even with their clothes on! :-)

this is great! i love it ♥

Chester the molester enjoying the show...

The Rutland State Fair girlie show lasted into the early 80's before it was shut down. It became extremely raunchy towards the end of its run (even I was shocked!)

Great image,Depth and expression of the human condition travling with a Carni in the 40's was a harsh life.The detail in these images brings to life so well those days of doubt and mystery.Very powerful.