View Print Version

n a February evening in 1900, the Irish revolutionary and actress Maud Gonne was railing against the British to a large, sympathetic crowd at New York City’s Academy of Music. During an intermission in the program, someone spotted a famous singer among the audience and began to chant, “Olcott, Olcott!” He was chanting for Chauncey Olcott, the Buffalo-born tenor and a favorite of audiences throughout the United States. They wanted him to sing an Irish ballad – and he obliged the audience by singing two.

Portrait of Chauncey Olcott, ca. 1900, with a selection of his music. By 1900, Chauncey’s career as a songwriter and actor was well COURTESY THE HISTORY CENTER OF established. “My Wild Irish Rose,” for which he wrote the lyrics THE NIAGARA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, PRIVATE COLLECTIONS and music, had reached number one on the Billboard charts the previous year, and sold one million copies. By then he also had roles in five plays to his credit, appearing on stages in cities across the country. His most famous song, “When Irish Eyes Are Smil- ing,” was still more than a decade away. One historian has claimed he had already become the “most renowned Irishman” of his time, and upon his death The New York Times said he was “one of the most popular actors of his day.” Over the course of his career, Olcott amassed a large fortune. He was recognized not just for his acting, but also as a lyricist, composer and singer. How did a boy born over a stable in Buffalo reach such heights? And why did his name eventually fade into oblivion? Buffalo has a rich history in the arts, and Chauncey Olcott was one of its first stars on the national stage. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, there were a handful of people from the Queen City who “made it big” in the theater. Edwin Pearce (E.P.) Christy, founder of Christy’s Minstrels in Buffalo in 1842, preceded Olcott in fame. Like Olcott, Christy eventually left Buffalo for New York City in order to make his fortune. Michael Shea was a nationally known impresario during the Vaudeville era and built a fleet of theaters in Western New York. Shea, however, didn’t come close to Olcott’s fame. Katharine Cornell, who was raised in a wealthy family in Buffalo, was a star on Broadway by the 1920s. Cornell became one of Broad- way’s leading actresses of the 20th century, and is still known as Chauncey and his irish-born mother, Peggy (doyle) Brennan. Peggy “The First Lady of the Theatre.” But Olcott’s humble begin- was a saloon owner and operated a tugboat business in Buffalo. nings make his success much more improbable and worth AuThor’S ColleCTion exploring. Cork. Peggy was raised in a primitive cabin in an Irish shanty- town on Lockport’s West Genesee Street. She married Mellon Humble Childhood Olcott when she was just 16 years old. OnWESTERN July 21, 1858, Chauncey Olcott was reputedlyNEW born on YORKMellon Olcott’s saloon HERITAGE at Canal and State streets was in the second floor of his father’s horse stable in Buffalo. His bap- Buffalo’s rough-and-tumble canal district. Later, Peggy ran the tized name was Chancellor John Olcott, but he was soon called saloon for many years while Mellon pursued his interest in Chauncey. His father was Mellon Whitney Olcott, a Yankee training horses. Chauncey spent his earliest years in the Canal Protestant who owned a saloon in Buffalo, and his Irish-born District, where his neighbors were saloonkeepers, cooks and mother was Margaret “Peggy” Doyle from Killeagh, County sailors. During his teenage years, he and his mother lived at By Tim Bohen 14 Spring 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 15 50 Batavia Street (now Broadway) where she ran lillian russell selected olcott for the leading role of her own saloon. Pablo in the Broadway performance of Pepita, which launched his stage career. Besides Buffalo, Lockport also played an liBrAry oF CongreSS important part in his life. His boyhood summers were spent there with his Irish mother’s family. It was from his Doyle grandparents, immigrants from Ireland, to pursue a career in her tug business and that young Chauncey heard the romantic promised him that someday he would stories of the Emerald Island. And it was be the captain of his own tug. He half- from them that his love for his ancestral heartedly worked on one of her tugs as a homeland was nurtured. This love for his fireman until one day, while shoveling Irish ancestry had a profound influence on coal into its engine, his shirt caught on his career. fire. Interpreting this as a sign that he Young Chauncey’s domestic life was was supposed to do something different, marked by tragedies and losses. When he was Chauncey told his mother that he was finished young, his father either died or abandoned the with waterfront work and would pursue a career family. This forced his mother to support the family on stage. by running the saloon. Chauncey also lost his brother, William, to an illness at age five. His grandfather Doyle, with whom he was very close, drowned while working on the canal locks at Lockport. As a result of all of these tragedies, Chauncey olcott and gail Kane in the Broadway performance of Macushla in 1912. AuThor’S ColleCTion Chauncey became very attached to his mother. In fact, the theme of mother- Blackface Minstrel and Broadway Debut hood was prominent in many of his plays and songs. As an aspiring stage performer from the working class, Chauncey had limited Chauncey attended Buffalo Public options for breaking into the performing arts. Blackface minstrelsy was one path Schools, finishing his studies at 13. He that many Irish Americans pursued. wasn’t a remarkable student but he loved Chauncey left Buffalo in 1879 after be - singing, a gift he exhibited at an early ing spotted in a tavern by Billy Emerson, age. At the age of four, he sang an Irish a prominent minstrel company owner. ballad to a crowd at St. Michael’s School He quickly joined Emerson’s Minstrels and the audience burst into wild cheers. in Chicago and later performed with His talent caught the attention of a Mr. the well-known Haverly’s Mastodon Baker, the Buffalo Public Schools’ super - Minstrels. In a short time, his minstrel visor of music. Baker encouraged his career took him from Chicago to Lon- singing, and provided him with oppor- don, where the Prince of Wales, later tunities to display his talents at building King Edward VII, was so impressed dedications or when dignitaries visited with his performance that he requested Buffalo. On the Fourth of July in 1869, Chauncey visit him in his private box. 11-year-old Chauncey was mentioned in Eventually, however, Olcott soured on the Buffalo Courier for singing in front of the idea of performing in blackface. a large crowd of spectators at Franklin Whether he found it re pugnant in its Square. By 17, however, like many of his demeaning portrayal of African Ameri- counterparts, Chauncey was “working cans or if he simply desired to perform on the lakes.” in a more “respect able theater” is At this point, Olcott’s enterprising unknown. But to make the move, he mother owned a small tugboat business needed someone to discover him. on Buffalo’sWESTERN waterfront. Eventually she NEW YORK HERITAGE His luck came in 1886 when one of met and married Patrick Brennan, the the leading ladies of the stage, Lillian superintendent of the Buffalo Water Russell, recognized his talent after Works and a fellow immigrant from watch ing one of his minstrel perform- Ireland. They eventually settled at ances. Russell selected him to star oppo- 662 West Avenue, on the city’s west Chauncey’s breakout role occurred in Mavourneen, the play that launched his career as site her in the leading role of Pablo in side. Chauncey’s mother urged her son America’s irish Tenor. liBrAry oF CongreSS the comic opera, Pepita, performed at

16 Spring 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 17 50 Batavia Street (now Broadway) where she ran lillian russell selected olcott for the leading role of her own saloon. Pablo in the Broadway performance of Pepita, which launched his stage career. Besides Buffalo, Lockport also played an liBrAry oF CongreSS important part in his life. His boyhood summers were spent there with his Irish mother’s family. It was from his Doyle grandparents, immigrants from Ireland, to pursue a career in her tug business and that young Chauncey heard the romantic promised him that someday he would stories of the Emerald Island. And it was be the captain of his own tug. He half- from them that his love for his ancestral heartedly worked on one of her tugs as a homeland was nurtured. This love for his fireman until one day, while shoveling Irish ancestry had a profound influence on coal into its engine, his shirt caught on his career. fire. Interpreting this as a sign that he Young Chauncey’s domestic life was was supposed to do something different, marked by tragedies and losses. When he was Chauncey told his mother that he was finished young, his father either died or abandoned the with waterfront work and would pursue a career family. This forced his mother to support the family on stage. by running the saloon. Chauncey also lost his brother, William, to an illness at age five. His grandfather Doyle, with whom he was very close, drowned while working on the canal locks at Lockport. As a result of all of these tragedies, Chauncey olcott and gail Kane in the Broadway performance of Macushla in 1912. AuThor’S ColleCTion Chauncey became very attached to his mother. In fact, the theme of mother- Blackface Minstrel and Broadway Debut hood was prominent in many of his plays and songs. As an aspiring stage performer from the working class, Chauncey had limited Chauncey attended Buffalo Public options for breaking into the performing arts. Blackface minstrelsy was one path Schools, finishing his studies at 13. He that many Irish Americans pursued. wasn’t a remarkable student but he loved Chauncey left Buffalo in 1879 after be - singing, a gift he exhibited at an early ing spotted in a tavern by Billy Emerson, age. At the age of four, he sang an Irish a prominent minstrel company owner. ballad to a crowd at St. Michael’s School He quickly joined Emerson’s Minstrels and the audience burst into wild cheers. in Chicago and later performed with His talent caught the attention of a Mr. the well-known Haverly’s Mastodon Baker, the Buffalo Public Schools’ super - Minstrels. In a short time, his minstrel visor of music. Baker encouraged his career took him from Chicago to Lon- singing, and provided him with oppor- don, where the Prince of Wales, later tunities to display his talents at building King Edward VII, was so impressed dedications or when dignitaries visited with his performance that he requested Buffalo. On the Fourth of July in 1869, Chauncey visit him in his private box. 11-year-old Chauncey was mentioned in Eventually, however, Olcott soured on the Buffalo Courier for singing in front of the idea of performing in blackface. a large crowd of spectators at Franklin Whether he found it re pugnant in its Square. By 17, however, like many of his demeaning portrayal of African Ameri- counterparts, Chauncey was “working cans or if he simply desired to perform on the lakes.” in a more “respect able theater” is At this point, Olcott’s enterprising unknown. But to make the move, he mother owned a small tugboat business needed someone to discover him. on Buffalo’s waterfront. Eventually she HisWESTERN luck came in 1886 when one of NEW YORK HERITAGE met and married Patrick Brennan, the the leading ladies of the stage, Lillian superintendent of the Buffalo Water Russell, recognized his talent after Works and a fellow immigrant from watch ing one of his minstrel perform- Ireland. They eventually settled at ances. Russell selected him to star oppo- 662 West Avenue, on the city’s west Chauncey’s breakout role occurred in Mavourneen, the play that launched his career as site her in the leading role of Pablo in side. Chauncey’s mother urged her son America’s irish Tenor. liBrAry oF CongreSS the comic opera, Pepita, performed at

16 Spring 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 17 6S`SF[^^ag8[`W3dfe

;EPXIV+EVZIV ;LMXI+MERXWSMPSRFSEVH ;I¸ZI1SZIH

illustrated sheet music and songs from some of the 20 plays in which Chauncey olcott starred. &Y]7IPP%TTVEMWI AuThor’S ColleCTion, PAul PASquArello PhoTogrAPh, 2017 0EVKIWIPIGXMSRSJ ÿćXL ĀþXL'IRXYV] *MRI%VX Actor and Composer ÿĂąĆ,IVXIP%ZIRYI In a 1909 interview, Olcott explained his life’s mission in the arts as “trying to help &YJJEP&YJJEPS2I[=SVOÿĂĀÿĄ the world along with the genius of Ireland.” Detailing the numerous accomplishments ąÿĄĆăĂăĀĆă of the Irish in all aspects of life, he felt the negative theatrical stereotypes denied [[[HEREXMPPSYJMRIEVXWGSQ lockport’s 2,000-seat hodge opera house was a regular stop for Chauncey olcott when he returned to perform in Western new york. the Irish an equal place in America. He liBrAry oF CongreSS went on to outline how the Irish were not inferior to other groups: the Union Square Theatre in New York a tenor role in the comic opera Miss Grover Cleveland became a fan of Olcott, The Irish gentleman is as fine an City. Performing with Russell had the Decima at the Prince of Wales Theater. and arranged for him to dine and sing ideal as his British, French, or Ger- potential to launch a career on Broadway It was in this comic role – as an Irish at the White House. Pitou had promised man counterpart; the belle of wealthy for this 28-year-old waterfront worker adventurer posing as a Spanish bull- Olcott that he would trans form him from Irish society will compare with her from Buffalo. Unfortunately, Olcott was fighter trying to win the heart of a Span- an ordinary opera singer into an Irish sister in New York, London or Paris; soon dismissed when Russell’s husband, ish girl – that he finally found his calling. star. He certainly kept his promise. the village priest is as interesting, the producer of the play, found a note in He was perfectly suited to the dual roles Mavourneen was just the beginning benevolent, and devout as any of the Lillian’s handwriting asking to have din- of a romantic Irish ballad singer and a for Olcott on his meteoric rise to fame. clerical roles which have been drawn ner with handsome Chauncey. This was comedic stage actor. Olcott now clearly Over the next three decades, he would be from other lands. just one of the many setbacks Olcott en - saw his path to stardom. the lead actor in at least 20 major plays. countered on his journey to stardom, Along the way, he helped transform the With the help of writers from Tin Pan but he was undeterred. He went on to A Star is Born roles that Irish-American male actors Alley in New York City, Olcott helped perform in New York productions of played, as well as how Irish-Americans change the image of the stage Irishman. H.M.S. Pinafore and The Mikado before In 1893, Olcott caught another break. were portrayed in the American theater. One historian claimed he perfected it. embarking on his next major venture. At that time, America’s leading Irish Prior to the 1890s, Irish male characters, Olcott worked with songwriters and play- Forsaking Broadway for the moment, tenor was William J. Scanlan, star of often “Paddy,” were stereotypically de - wrights such as Ernest Ball, George M. the restless Chauncey decided to pursue the play Mavourneen. But the handsome, picted as drunks, fighters, mischievous Cohan and Rida Johnson Young to create a career as an opera singer by taking angelic-voiced Scanlan suffered from and lacking in intelligence. These per - songs and plays with themes aligned to voiceWESTERN lessons in Milan, Italy. On his earlyNEW dementia, which YORK forced him to re - sistHERITAGE ent stereotypes dated back to the his vision. In 1897, he married Rita 1890 voyage to Italy, however, fate inter- tire at the young age of 37. Augustus Elizabethan-era theater and followed the O’Donovan from San Francisco, a fellow vened. After a terrible sea crossing, he Pitou, the producer of Mavourneen, Irish across the Atlantic to the American theater enthusiast. She played an impor- demanded that he be let out in England. urged Olcott to take Scanlan’s place. theater. As the audience of Irish- tant role in his career and they collabo- There he enrolled in voice lessons in Within days, Chauncey proved to be American theatergoers grew, however, rated on several plays. She was also the London to improve his diction. While an audience favorite and his reputation they rejected these stereotypes and inspiration for at least one of his biggest living in London, he was chosen for spread far and wide. Even President de manded something different. hits: “My Wild Irish Rose.”

18 Spring 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 19 6S`SF[^^ag8[`W3dfe

;EPXIV+EVZIV ;LMXI+MERXWSMPSRFSEVH ;I¸ZI1SZIH

illustrated sheet music and songs from some of the 20 plays in which Chauncey olcott starred. &Y]7IPP%TTVEMWI AuThor’S ColleCTion, PAul PASquArello PhoTogrAPh, 2017 0EVKIWIPIGXMSRSJ ÿćXL ĀþXL'IRXYV] *MRI%VX Actor and Composer ÿĂąĆ,IVXIP%ZIRYI In a 1909 interview, Olcott explained his life’s mission in the arts as “trying to help &YJJEP&YJJEPS2I[=SVOÿĂĀÿĄ the world along with the genius of Ireland.” Detailing the numerous accomplishments ąÿĄĆăĂăĀĆă of the Irish in all aspects of life, he felt the negative theatrical stereotypes denied [[[HEREXMPPSYJMRIEVXWGSQ lockport’s 2,000-seat hodge opera house was a regular stop for Chauncey olcott when he returned to perform in Western new york. the Irish an equal place in America. He liBrAry oF CongreSS went on to outline how the Irish were not inferior to other groups: the Union Square Theatre in New York a tenor role in the comic opera Miss Grover Cleveland became a fan of Olcott, The Irish gentleman is as fine an City. Performing with Russell had the Decima at the Prince of Wales Theater. and arranged for him to dine and sing ideal as his British, French, or Ger- potential to launch a career on Broadway It was in this comic role – as an Irish at the White House. Pitou had promised man counterpart; the belle of wealthy for this 28-year-old waterfront worker adventurer posing as a Spanish bull- Olcott that he would trans form him from Irish society will compare with her from Buffalo. Unfortunately, Olcott was fighter trying to win the heart of a Span- an ordinary opera singer into an Irish sister in New York, London or Paris; soon dismissed when Russell’s husband, ish girl – that he finally found his calling. star. He certainly kept his promise. the village priest is as interesting, the producer of the play, found a note in He was perfectly suited to the dual roles Mavourneen was just the beginning benevolent, and devout as any of the Lillian’s handwriting asking to have din- of a romantic Irish ballad singer and a for Olcott on his meteoric rise to fame. clerical roles which have been drawn ner with handsome Chauncey. This was comedic stage actor. Olcott now clearly Over the next three decades, he would be from other lands. just one of the many setbacks Olcott en - saw his path to stardom. the lead actor in at least 20 major plays. countered on his journey to stardom, Along the way, he helped transform the With the help of writers from Tin Pan but he was undeterred. He went on to A Star is Born roles that Irish-American male actors Alley in New York City, Olcott helped perform in New York productions of played, as well as how Irish-Americans change the image of the stage Irishman. H.M.S. Pinafore and The Mikado before In 1893, Olcott caught another break. were portrayed in the American theater. One historian claimed he perfected it. embarking on his next major venture. At that time, America’s leading Irish Prior to the 1890s, Irish male characters, Olcott worked with songwriters and play- Forsaking Broadway for the moment, tenor was William J. Scanlan, star of often “Paddy,” were stereotypically de - wrights such as Ernest Ball, George M. the restless Chauncey decided to pursue the play Mavourneen. But the handsome, picted as drunks, fighters, mischievous Cohan and Rida Johnson Young to create a career as an opera singer by taking angelic-voiced Scanlan suffered from and lacking in intelligence. These per - songs and plays with themes aligned to voice lessons in Milan, Italy. On his early dementia, which forced him to re - sist ent stereotypes dated back to the his WESTERN vision. In 1897, he married Rita NEW YORK HERITAGE 1890 voyage to Italy, however, fate inter- tire at the young age of 37. Augustus Elizabethan-era theater and followed the O’Donovan from San Francisco, a fellow vened. After a terrible sea crossing, he Pitou, the producer of Mavourneen, Irish across the Atlantic to the American theater enthusiast. She played an impor- demanded that he be let out in England. urged Olcott to take Scanlan’s place. theater. As the audience of Irish- tant role in his career and they collabo- There he enrolled in voice lessons in Within days, Chauncey proved to be American theatergoers grew, however, rated on several plays. She was also the London to improve his diction. While an audience favorite and his reputation they rejected these stereotypes and inspiration for at least one of his biggest living in London, he was chosen for spread far and wide. Even President de manded something different. hits: “My Wild Irish Rose.”

18 Spring 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 19 other great Irish ballad singers in his day, Singer and Songwriter with songs such as “I Love the Name for the entire year in 1913. And for the but Chauncey stood out for being multi- of Mary,” “Where the River Shannon entire decade of the 1910s, his rendition talented. Not only did he write songs that Unfortunately, there is neither film of Flows,” “A Little Bit of Heaven” and of “My Wild Irish Rose” ranked as the emotionally connected with his audience, Chauncey’s acting nor extant copies of “ Tis An Irish Girl I Love.” His re - sixth big gest hit. In his day, Chauncey he sang these songs in a manner that mes- many of his plays. Instead we remember cording of James R. Shannon’s “Too-Ra- was so famous, his name even appeared merized them, while also charming fans him through the songs he wrote or Loo-Ra-Loo-Ra (That’s an Irish Lull- in the lyrics of a 1904 number one hit with his acting and comedy. Reviewers helped popularize in his plays. Hit songs, aby),” hit number one for a short period song called “Bedelia,” written by William noted the multiple encores demanded such as “My Wild Irish Rose” and in 1913. Jerome and Jean Schwartz. after his performances, or described how “Mother Machree,” were among his In fact, his songs often reached num - The chorus of the song began with: the audience wept as he sang songs such compositions, and he co-wrote the lyrics ber one on the music charts: “My Wild as “Mother Machree.” to “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” Irish Rose” in 1899, plus “Mother Bedelia, I want to steal ye, Some of the plays in which he per- He also introduced and made famous Machree” and “I Love the Name of Bedelia I love you so, formed enjoyed exhausting two-year several of the classics of the Irish- Mary” in 1911. “When Irish Eyes Are I’ll be your Chauncey Olcott runs. As an example, between 1908- American canon. Olcott was associated Smiling” enjoyed its number one ranking If you’ll be my Molly O’ 1909, he starred in his play, Ragged Robin, which toured 66 cities across the U.S. and Canada in an era before air more than a dozen postcards were made of Chauncey and rita olcott’s estate in Saratoga travel. In some cities, he performed on Springs, ny. This one shows the impressive estate house, ca. 1910. AuThor’S ColleCTion multiple nights. By 1909, it was esti- mated that Olcott appeared in 3,000 Chauncey helped popularize the handsome, witty and sentimental – stage performances and had entertained genre of Irish romantic comedies and always triumphed and won his blue-eyed over seven million people. He kept up sentimental operettas with Irish themes. colleen. In later years, Olcott starred in this hectic pace for close to 30 years. The plays he wrote or starred in were plays focused on a romantic longing to Buffalo and Lockport were obviously frequently infused with comedy, often return to an idyllic Ireland. regular stops on his theater tours, where taking place in the pre-Famine period to As an actor, Chauncey was con - he performed in front of sold-out crowds avoid focusing on the humiliation of the sidered good, not exceptional. He was, at Peter Cornell’s Star Theater in Buffalo Famine and years after. The scenery and however, an excellent singer, and was and the 2,000-seat Hodge Opera House costumes were rich and beautiful. The known both in the U.S. and in Europe in Lockport. When he was in town, he Irish hero was often cast opposite a as “the Irish Tenor.” Newspaper writers also spent time performing recitals in British or Anglo-Irish character who and reviewers also referred to him as private residences. Not surprisingly, most was attempting to swindle him. Of “the Irish Thrush,” describing his “silver Western New York newspapers claimed course, the Irish hero – who was often tongue” or “golden voice.” There were he was one of the area’s favorite actors. With over 150 years of experience, our team is proud to be part of Western New York’s heritage.

360 Delaware Avenue, Suite 230 tel. 716.362.0170 Buffalo, NY 14202 fax. 716.362.0189 www.jmlvwealthplanning.com 1.866.552.4196

WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE Financial Planning Investment Management

360 Delaware Avenue, Suite 230 tel. 716.362.0170 Buffalo, NY 14202 fax. 716.362.0189 www.jmlvwealthplanning.com 1.866.552.4196

WESTERNFinancial Planning NEW Investment YORK Management HERITAGE

Securities and advisory services offered through SII Investments, Inc. (SII), Member FINRA/SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor. SII and Jensen, Marks, Langer & Vance LLC are separate and unrelated companies. Chauncey olcott’s name was used in product endorsements and appeared in memorabilia. The W. mulford & Son company’s best-selling product was its 10-cent “Chauncey olcott” cigar. AuThor’S ColleCTion 20 Spring 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 21 with pernicious anemia at his Monaco an Oscar-nominated film starring Dennis Morgan called My Wild Irish Rose – a biopic villa in the early hours of March 18, of Olcott’s life based on Rita’s book. Chauncey is perhaps the only Buffalonian who Fallingwater 1932. It was a fitting day for the Irish has had a major Hollywood movie devoted entirely to his life. Interested listeners can tenor to expire. As some of his friends also hear his voice on digital recordings online or by purchasing old vinyl records. observed, due to the time zone differ- In 1970, Olcott was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The ence, it was still St. Patrick’s Day back Recording Industry Asso ciation ranked Olcott’s recording of “When Irish Eyes Are in Buffalo and New York City. As the Smiling” as one of the greatest songs of all time. They placed it ahead of songs like Nat revelers made their way home, possibly King Cole’s “Mona Lisa” and Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” humming Olcott’s “When Irish Eyes Recently, in his native Buffalo, there have been a few memorials erected in his honor. Are Smiling” or “My Wild Irish Rose,” A granite plaque is embedded on Elmwood Avenue near Bidwell Parkway on the Buf- no one yet knew that the Irish legend falo Cultural Walk of Fame, and a carved, wooden statue of Chauncey Olcott fittingly would be forever silent. resides in front of the Irish Center in South Buffalo. In 2016, New York State Senator His obituary in The New York Times Tim Kennedy initiated a resolution in the State Legislature honoring the life and credited Olcott with creating a new stage legacy of Olcott for his contribution to our nation’s rich cultural life. style that included weaving Irish Chauncey Olcott’s songs and melodies will continue to be sung and listened to for melodies into plays. The writer went on generations to come. While Olcott would be pleased to know that he continues to to say that Chauncey was “perhaps as entertain people, he would be prouder of his efforts at changing the image of the Irish widely known as any player on the – both on the stage and off. Perhaps something grander should be done to commem- American stage.” The Buffalo Courier orate this golden-tongued tenor and entertainer who was born in a Buffalo stable, declared him the premier singer of Irish raised in a working-class family and reached such great heights in the world of Amer- ballads. In addition, The Irish-American ican entertainment. G Advocate claimed, “no Irish actor ever The 1947 Warner Brothers movie “my Wild irish rose,” was a screen biography of Chauncey olcott and starred dennis morgan (center) as olcott. here he is flanked by co-stars Arlene dahl reached the pinnacle of popularity that (rose donovan) and Andrea King (lillian russell). CourTeSy WArner BroTherS he did, and no Irish singer (with the Tim Bohen is the author of Against the Grain: The History of Buffalo’s First Ward. His exception of John McCormack) ever had article “Emily McDonnell: A Monumental Woman” appeared in the Spring 2015 issue of Western New York Heritage. He would like to thank his editor Phil Nyhuis, his wife Kim- Reservations essential Generous Celebrity the heart-appeal of the Irish people as also appeared on playing cards, trays and strongly as Olcott.” berly Blessing and Ann Marie Linnabery at the Niagara County Historical Society. Fallingwater.org Chauncey amassed a fortune from other memorabilia. Olcott remained in the public eye for the sales of his songs and his box office Perhaps as a result of his humble some time after his death. In the 1930s, success. He and Rita owned a beautiful beginnings in Buffalo, Chauncey re - the legendary Irish tenor John McCor- town house in a section of Manhattan mained grounded throughout his star- mack brought Olcott’s songs to a global near the East River (worth about $8 mil- dom. He was a generous man even while audience, while Bing Crosby kept them lion today). Chauncey also owned a enjoying the finer things in life. During alive during the 1940s, on the radio and writing studio in New York City where World War I, he donated half of his in movies. Crosby’s recordings and per- he composed his songs. The Olcotts earnings to the war effort and performed formances of “When Irish Eyes Are wintered in, and eventually retired to, in charity benefits. In addition, Olcott Smiling,” “My Wild Irish Rose” and their villa in Monte Carlo overlooking hosted an annual fundraiser in New York “Mother Machree” cemented them into the Mediterranean. While there, they City to benefit the Franciscan friars and the mainstream of American popular travelled in style in a Rolls Royce, com- travelled to Buffalo to offer free fund - culture. plete with driver. They also owned a raising concerts for Holy Angels Church At some point after World War II, large estate in Saratoga Springs, NY, on Porter Avenue. The childless Olcotts however, Olcott began to fade from pub- where they spent their summers. The also adopted a young girl and piano lic memory. This is due, in large part, to && &&- & + &&- & +,,& & ,+ &. ,+ &. ' ' ,),) estate was surrounded by beautiful prodigy, named Janet, whom they met the fact that the type of theater in which '' &+ &+ *+.& *+.& ,,, , ,,,** &,** & gardens, which included a replica of the at a Catholic girls’ academy in Monte he performed fell out of favor. To keep Irish cottage where his mother was born. Carlo. his memory alive, his wife wrote his + ) + ) )),,,,)), , ++,, ,, ,(,( Non-musical passions included golf, biography, A Song in His Heart. Years horse racing and gardening. He and Death and Legacy later, in 1947, Warner Brothers produced his wife also accumulated an important %% && %% && collection of early American antiques On October 30, 1925, while playing ' ' ( & ( &))*&*& and furniture,WESTERN as well as medieval tapes- hisNEW dream role of Sir YORK Lucius O’Trigger HERITAGE tries, ceramics, paintings and a fine in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The library. Olcott’s name was so well known Rivals, Olcott fell ill and wasn’t expected !"#$!"#$ that he even received product endorse- to survive. He eventually recovered, but ments. The W. Mulford & Sons cigar it was the last time he appeared on stage. company named their number-one- Almost seven years later, Chauncey selling cigar after him, while his name finally succumbed to his chronic bout PrivATe ColleCTion

22 Spring 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 23 with pernicious anemia at his Monaco an Oscar-nominated film starring Dennis Morgan called My Wild Irish Rose – a biopic villa in the early hours of March 18, of Olcott’s life based on Rita’s book. Chauncey is perhaps the only Buffalonian who Fallingwater 1932. It was a fitting day for the Irish has had a major Hollywood movie devoted entirely to his life. Interested listeners can tenor to expire. As some of his friends also hear his voice on digital recordings online or by purchasing old vinyl records. observed, due to the time zone differ- In 1970, Olcott was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The ence, it was still St. Patrick’s Day back Recording Industry Asso ciation ranked Olcott’s recording of “When Irish Eyes Are in Buffalo and New York City. As the Smiling” as one of the greatest songs of all time. They placed it ahead of songs like Nat revelers made their way home, possibly King Cole’s “Mona Lisa” and Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” humming Olcott’s “When Irish Eyes Recently, in his native Buffalo, there have been a few memorials erected in his honor. Are Smiling” or “My Wild Irish Rose,” A granite plaque is embedded on Elmwood Avenue near Bidwell Parkway on the Buf- no one yet knew that the Irish legend falo Cultural Walk of Fame, and a carved, wooden statue of Chauncey Olcott fittingly would be forever silent. resides in front of the Irish Center in South Buffalo. In 2016, New York State Senator His obituary in The New York Times Tim Kennedy initiated a resolution in the State Legislature honoring the life and credited Olcott with creating a new stage legacy of Olcott for his contribution to our nation’s rich cultural life. style that included weaving Irish Chauncey Olcott’s songs and melodies will continue to be sung and listened to for melodies into plays. The writer went on generations to come. While Olcott would be pleased to know that he continues to to say that Chauncey was “perhaps as entertain people, he would be prouder of his efforts at changing the image of the Irish widely known as any player on the – both on the stage and off. Perhaps something grander should be done to commem- American stage.” The Buffalo Courier orate this golden-tongued tenor and entertainer who was born in a Buffalo stable, declared him the premier singer of Irish raised in a working-class family and reached such great heights in the world of Amer- ballads. In addition, The Irish-American ican entertainment. G Advocate claimed, “no Irish actor ever The 1947 Warner Brothers movie “my Wild irish rose,” was a screen biography of Chauncey olcott and starred dennis morgan (center) as olcott. here he is flanked by co-stars Arlene dahl reached the pinnacle of popularity that (rose donovan) and Andrea King (lillian russell). CourTeSy WArner BroTherS he did, and no Irish singer (with the Tim Bohen is the author of Against the Grain: The History of Buffalo’s First Ward. His exception of John McCormack) ever had article “Emily McDonnell: A Monumental Woman” appeared in the Spring 2015 issue of Western New York Heritage. He would like to thank his editor Phil Nyhuis, his wife Kim- Reservations essential Generous Celebrity the heart-appeal of the Irish people as also appeared on playing cards, trays and strongly as Olcott.” berly Blessing and Ann Marie Linnabery at the Niagara County Historical Society. Fallingwater.org Chauncey amassed a fortune from other memorabilia. Olcott remained in the public eye for the sales of his songs and his box office Perhaps as a result of his humble some time after his death. In the 1930s, success. He and Rita owned a beautiful beginnings in Buffalo, Chauncey re - the legendary Irish tenor John McCor- town house in a section of Manhattan mained grounded throughout his star- mack brought Olcott’s songs to a global near the East River (worth about $8 mil- dom. He was a generous man even while audience, while Bing Crosby kept them lion today). Chauncey also owned a enjoying the finer things in life. During alive during the 1940s, on the radio and writing studio in New York City where World War I, he donated half of his in movies. Crosby’s recordings and per- he composed his songs. The Olcotts earnings to the war effort and performed formances of “When Irish Eyes Are wintered in, and eventually retired to, in charity benefits. In addition, Olcott Smiling,” “My Wild Irish Rose” and their villa in Monte Carlo overlooking hosted an annual fundraiser in New York “Mother Machree” cemented them into the Mediterranean. While there, they City to benefit the Franciscan friars and the mainstream of American popular travelled in style in a Rolls Royce, com- travelled to Buffalo to offer free fund - culture. plete with driver. They also owned a raising concerts for Holy Angels Church At some point after World War II, large estate in Saratoga Springs, NY, on Porter Avenue. The childless Olcotts however, Olcott began to fade from pub- where they spent their summers. The also adopted a young girl and piano lic memory. This is due, in large part, to && &&- & + &&- & +,,& & ,+ &. ,+ &. ' ' ,),) estate was surrounded by beautiful prodigy, named Janet, whom they met the fact that the type of theater in which '' &+ &+ *+.& *+.& ,,, , ,,,** &,** & gardens, which included a replica of the at a Catholic girls’ academy in Monte he performed fell out of favor. To keep Irish cottage where his mother was born. Carlo. his memory alive, his wife wrote his + ) + ) )),,,,)), , ++,, ,, ,(,( Non-musical passions included golf, biography, A Song in His Heart. Years horse racing and gardening. He and Death and Legacy later, in 1947, Warner Brothers produced his wife also accumulated an important %% && %% && collection of early American antiques On October 30, 1925, while playing ' ' ( & ( &))*&*& and furniture, as well as medieval tapes- his dream role of Sir Lucius O’Trigger WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE tries, ceramics, paintings and a fine in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The library. Olcott’s name was so well known Rivals, Olcott fell ill and wasn’t expected !"#$!"#$ that he even received product endorse- to survive. He eventually recovered, but ments. The W. Mulford & Sons cigar it was the last time he appeared on stage. company named their number-one- Almost seven years later, Chauncey selling cigar after him, while his name finally succumbed to his chronic bout PrivATe ColleCTion

22 Spring 2017 WESTERN NEW YORK HERITAGE 23