I recently gave you a snapshot look at Adele Blood Hope's life with the headline from her death.
Most of Adele Blood Hope's adult life can be followed through theatre play bills, newspaper headlines, and court documents. Adele was known as, "The Most Beautiful Blonde on American Stage."
Adele Mary Blood was born on April 23, 1886, in Alameda, California to her parents Ira and Frances Blood. In a San Francisco directory, her father is listed as an Insurance Agent. Adele was the only child born from this union. Her mother, Frances, was part of the Alameda school department. Adele's father, Ira, would pass away in 1892 when Adele was 6 years old. Adele was an accomplished equestrian in her youth and enjoyed fashion.
Adele first role was Marguerite in the benefit performance of Faust at the Historic California Theatre in San Francisco.
Adele left California after the San Francisco earthquake, April 18, 1906. Adele and her mother lost their home in the earthquake. Adele talked of being in the breadline after the earthquake. Adele boarded a train to New York City where she tried to break into the theatre business.
Adele would first meet her future husband at Oakland's Central Christian Church in San Franscisco. Adele was blond and a soprano in the church choir, and he was the former Reverend Calder "Edward" Davis now turned actor. New York is where she likely became reacquainted with the former Reverend now going by Edward Davis. Adele and Edward eloped in 1906. They were married November 25,1906 in Manhattan, New York. Edward is often quoted that he married Adele to protect her.
This was Edward's second marriage. Edward also met his first wife Alta Margaret Kingore, at church in the choir when he was the Reverend at Oakland's Central Christian Church. She was a blonde, and a soprano as well. Edward was known as a Poet Preacher and Talmage of the West. When Edward was a Reverend people flocked to see his sermon performances. Soon after marrying Alta, he left the ministry and started an acting career. They divorced in 1900. Alta divorced Edward on the grounds of desertion and failure to provide.
Once married, Adele and Edward would join various stock companies where they performed at many vaudeville venues and regular theaters across the country. On of their more famous performances was ""The Picture of Dorian Gray."
Adele would really achieve fame for her performance in "Every Woman" playing the title role. She became known as "The Most Beautiful Blonde on Stage."
Adele and Edward's marriage was turbulent. There were charges of infidelity and constant financial strain. Their union would end with scandal and accusations of adultery. Of course, their divorce case and Edward's involvement in another actress's divorce case made the headlines.
This is where I leave you. In part two I will discuss their highly publicized divorce.
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