Madame Modjeska, collage, old photo & digital |
Want music?
Click here for Krzysztof Krawczyk - Bo jestes ty (Polish)
then click back on this blog tab or here to listen as you browse, or not?
Yesterday, here, my artwork then, as today's is of
In response to a few inquiries and ...
always needing a blog, I will go there.
I know just a little about her, but I can google.
Helena was beautiful, talented, and dedicated to her craft,
and was soon recognized as an actress of substance.
Born in Krakow, Poland, Helena grew up in a household
of six talented children, of whom four became actors.
She made her amateur acting debut at age 20, and
soon joined a company of strolling players managed by
Gustave Modrzejewski, who fathered her two children,
Rudolf (Ralph) & Marylka.
In 1868, she married Karol Bozenta Chlapowski,
an actor/director who skillfully managed his wife's career
for 40 years.
(Ultimately he became known in the U.S. and other
English-speaking countries as Count Bozenta.
They also anglicized Modzejewska to the more
pronounceable Modjeska.)
Arden, was their beautiful home in Orange County's
Santiago Canyon, where they would rest and recuperate
and plan the next season's schedule of productions.
Modjeska wrote a friend of her home, Arden,
“a beautiful and quaint old town which was still
untouched by the
feverous breath of civilization,
where no one worked very hard, where fruit and songs
were the nourishment of the young and old.”
Arden |
On May 2, 1905, she gave a Jubilee Performance in
New York City, then toured for two years before
ending her acting career. After she appeared
only occasionally in support of charitable causes.
She died April 8, 1909, at 68, in Newport Beach, CA.
Her remains are buried in Rakowicki Cemetery
in Krakow, Poland.
It wasn't until
after her death in 1909 that a portion
of the canyon was renamed
Modjeska Canyon.
At the same time, the north peak of Saddleback Mountain
was named Modjeska Peak. Her home, Arden is now
a registered National Historic
Landmark.
book by Beth Holmgren |
A few years ago I visited her home nearby.
Well worth the drive & wonderful to walk through history.
If you're in SoCal, it's so doable. Reservations advised.
For reservations,
contact the South County Historical Parks office
(949) 923-2230 or heritagehill@ocparks.com.
Park Brochure
Park Map
Park Brochure
Park Map
TMI?
A smile for Wednesday ...
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