HOLYOKE STARS OF THE SILENT SCREEN
From an original concept by MIFA in a film by PorterHouse Media and Zach MacDonald (Milltown Productions). A part of Holyoke: Points of View
In Holyoke Stars, PorterHouse Media and Zach MacDonald (Milltown Productions) have collaborated to create an audio/visual composition highlighting three famous stage and silent film actresses: Eva Tanguay, Ormi Hawley, and Pauline Curley. All three hailed from Holyoke. MIFA brought the idea for Holyoke Stars to PorterHouse Media as part of MIFA’s ongoing research into Holyoke artists and celebrities. The video compilation is a mix of original sounds and images from rare footage and recordings blended artistically with a modern approach.
Holyoke Stars:
Eva Tanguay
(1879-1947) born Helene Eva Tanguay. Moved to Holyoke in 1883 and at the age of 8 began her stage career at Parson’s Hall. “The Queen of Vaudeville” performed on stage and film. She died in 1947 in Hollywood, CA.
Ormi Hawley
(1889-1942) Born Ormetta Grace Hawley in Holyoke, Massachusetts, she began her acting career in live theatre before turning to the new silent film industry in 1911 with Lubin Studios in Philadelphia, She died in 1942 in Rome, NY.
Pauline Curley
(1903-2000) born in Holyoke as Rose Pauline Curley. She began her professional career as a child stage actress at age five. Her first film role was in 1912. She appeared in her final film in 1929. She died in 2000 in Santa Monica, CA.
