Born in 1882, Elsie had a musical ability at an early age. Her family were not wealthy, but when she was only ten years old, Elsie attended Miss Maude Grace’s Private School. The name of her teacher would later become important in her musical career, for she would take this name as her stage name, Grace Elton. At a vocal and dance entertainment in 1892, when she was only ten years old, it was reported she opened the program with a pianoforte duet.1 What would become a lifelong love of music was underway, but much more was to come.
In 1897, at a concert and dance at the Oddfellow’s Hall in Riverstone when she was only 15, Elsie Wiggins played the overture as well as a pianoforte duet.2 As early as 1898, Elsie had sat for music examinations and received Intermediate Honours in pianoforte with an Intermediate Pass in violin. In her later theatrical career, she would play up to 17 instruments, including cowbells, as well as sing. But her talents would not end there.
Elsie Wiggins, possibly around age 12
Wiggins Family photo
Elsie Wiggins, c.1901, aged around 19
Wiggins Family photo
In April 1899, a concert was held in Riverstone and said to be “The best local concert held here for some time past was under the efficient management of Miss Elsie Wiggins and was brought to a successful issue last Saturday night in the Oddfellow’s Hall.” 3 Her organisational abilities were now coming to the fore as well.
In August 1899 it was reported, “Miss Elsie Wiggins with her brother and Miss Sargent, attended the Oddfellow’s Ball on Wednesday night in Windsor and had a very enjoyable time. Miss Wiggins was attired in fancy costume, representing Home Rule and if the daughters of Old Erin only looked half as charming as the fair young dancer, there would be no fear of their not being instantly granted Home Rule in the Emerald Isle.” Which was quite a compliment to Elsie, who was only 17 at the time.4
The following month, the Windsor and Richmond Gazette reported on the establishment of the Riverstone Juvenile Variety Company by Elsie herself:
One of Riverstone’s most popular young ladies, Miss Elsie Wiggins, has organised a band of minstrels, with the object of giving periodical entertainments for the purpose of raising funds to assist those whom Fortune has dealt harshly with, or who have received rebuffs from the fickle goddess Fate. ... Charity is an attribute that is not in every person’s nature, … charity is a jewel rare and precious. Miss Wiggins and her company of juveniles are to be commended for the work they have taken up. Their first entertainment was given in the Riverstone Temperance Hall on the 19th ultimo, and notwithstanding that the weather was very unpropitious, success attended the efforts of the promoters. The concert was certainly one of the best ever given there by juveniles … well staged and the characters admirably sustained … We must not forget to mention that Miss Elsie Wiggins was the musical director and proved herself an accomplished pianist …5
In October 1899, the Company gave a concert, and the Gazette reported: “Riverstone Juvenile Variety Company. The performance given in the School of Arts, Windsor, on Wednesday night by the Riverstone Juvenile Variety Company in aid of Mrs Chisholm of Windsor, was a decided success. Throughout the program was bright and original, everyone sustaining their different roles most creditably. We must not forget to compliment Miss Elsie Wiggins on the clever and business-like way she accompanied the vocalists on the piano.” 6 Elsie was now becoming known outside of her home town, Windsor being the most important town in the Hawkesbury district of far western Sydney.
A grand benefit entertainment was held in aid of Mr George Reece by the Juvenile Variety Co on Saturday January 6, 1900. Elsie Wiggins was reported to be the promoter and was to direct the musical arrangements at the concert. Not only was she garnering recognition for her musical abilities, but as the organiser as well.7
In September 1900 it was announced that Elsie had been appointed organist to St Paul’s Church in Riverstone. In her later years she would play the organ at this church, the parishioners probably unaware of her earlier career.8
It is remarkable that a formal presentation was given to Elsie Wiggins at Riverstone when she was only 19 years of age. An inscribed gold watch and an illuminated address were given in recognition of her charitable work for the district. The Gazette reported:
Some short time ago, a concert was organised by the residents of Riverstone for the purpose of raising funds to make a presentation to Miss Elsie Wiggins, in recognition of her untiring work in all cases of need in the district. For all the worry and the work this talented young lady has done since her school days in the cause of charity, she would never accept fee or reward, always doing the work as a labour of love. On some occasions known to the writer she has had only a few weeks to prepare ten or twelve juveniles for concerts, yet with her skill and indefatigable efforts she was always equal to the occasion, and has provided not only some of the most successful, but also some of the most enjoyable concerts ever held in Riverstone. The nett proceeds of the concert were ten guineas, which were presented to Miss Wiggins on Saturday night last in the form of a gold watch and chain and an illuminated address. On the inner case were inscribed the words: “Presented to Miss Wiggins by the residents of Riverstone”, and on the outer case the initials of the fair recipient were engraved. The presentation was made at a social evening which took place in the Oddfellow’s Hall, at which a program of enjoyable dances was gone through …
Mr J.H. Cragg, JP, who performed the ceremony, said that Miss Wiggins was a native of Riverstone, and had lived in the one house with her parents since they came to the district, which showed the family were not of a roaming disposition. Miss Wiggins got her education at Riverstone, and ever since she left school her time has been devoted to educating the younger ones in the musical world. He intimated that the presentation was scarcely enough to pay off the amount of gratitude they owed Miss Wiggins, but hoped she would receive the present from the residents of Riverstone as a token of their esteem and regard for her kindness …
Miss Wiggins responded gracefully and said “Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I beg most respectfully to thank you most sincerely for the kind words that you have spoken of me, and also for the gold watch and chain and illuminated address which you have so kindly presented me with. Whatever I have done for charitable causes, it has always been a pleasure to me to be able to do so. In conclusion I again thank you.”
The address, which was executed in a most artistic manner by Mr Davis, was as follows:
“Dear Miss Wiggins—We, the undersigned, on behalf of the residents of Riverstone and district, who have so frequently experienced your kindness and generosity in the organising and conducting of charitable concerts, desire to express our recognition of your kindly disposition and musical abilities. As a small token of our esteem and regard, we present you with the accompanying gold watch and chain and beg to assure you that your welfare will ever be an object of solicitude to us, and that you may enjoy many years of health and happiness in the fervent wish of yours sincerely—A.W. Studdy, J. Cragg, M.W. Grigor, Committee: I. McCarthy, E. Cragg, E.C. Bray, E. Leury, E. Morrison, L.A. McCarthy, M. Johnston, V.A. Vidler, E. McCutcheon.” 9
This type of presentation was normally only given to a person in their senior years, and that it was given to a 19-year-old woman is a testament to the esteem in which she was held. In hindsight, the remark that the family “were not of a roaming disposition” is amusing, for Elsie herself was about to prove that comment very wrong.
The gold watch presented to Elsie Wiggins in 1901. Photos by Clarrie Neal, Riverstone and District Historical Society.
In January 1904 the Riverstone Juveniles were at the Oddfellow’s Hall for the purpose of assisting the Riverstone Junior Cricket Club to raise funds to purchase equipment. “Miss Elsie Wiggins has prepared the little troupe for the entertainment and viewing this from former entertainments given by the juvenile under Miss Wiggins’ direction, it should be well worthy going miles to hear.”10
In April 1904 Elsie took her juvenile troupe on a picnic to Eastern Creek, then a bushland area: “There were a large number of children present and everything was studied for their enjoyment.” Elsie was always looking after others, an aspect of her character which would never change.11
That same year it was reported: “A grand juvenile entertainment is to be given in the Oddfellows Hall tomorrow evening. Miss Elsie Wiggins is the promoter and has an excellent program arranged. It is hoped there will be a bumper attendance.”12
Elsie, as Grace Elton, began touring country areas in June 1905. Whether the theatrical company sought out Elsie because of her reputation in the local newspapers is not known. She was now 23 years old and must have found the prospect of interstate and overseas travel enticing and exciting. Her parents must have recognised her talents to allow her such freedom, unusual for a single young woman of those times. All her life, Elsie would remain close to her family.
“Miss Elsie Wiggins has gone on a three-month tour to Queensland with a theatrical company. We wish the young lady success,” reported the Gazette in June 1905.13 Elsie had joined the Elton Comedy Company, a small touring theatrical and comedy group. It is unclear if the principal, Fred Elton, was actually her uncle or her cousin. It is doubtful that her family would have allowed her to go on such a venture with a man who was not a relative.
Also in June 1905, it was advertised that Elsie and Fred Elton were at the School of Arts, Casino, as part of Berkeley and Elton’s Dramatic and Comedy Co, with Elsie, now known as Grace Elton, as contralto. Why she took the stage name is not known. Perhaps it sounded more professional, or it was to stop tongues wagging about a single young woman touring with an older man.14
Casino and Kyogle Courier, Wednesday 14 June 1905
In July 1905 Grace and Fred were still part of the Berkeley and Eltons Dramatic and Comedy Co, performing at the Mechanics Institute, Maclean for two nights. They followed that with performances at Lawrence and Harwood, near Grafton.15
In August 1905 the company were at the Theatre Royal in Kempsey, again as Berkeley and Elton’s Musical Comedy Co.16 That same month it was reported that Grace was at the Raleigh Hall, to be followed by performances at Nambucca Heads and Bellingen.17 The company was certainly moving around the far north coast of NSW.
Raleigh Sun, Friday 4 August 1905
In September 1905 the Gazette commented “Miss Elsie Wiggins, who went away a few months ago as a pianiste to a travelling troupe of theatricals, returned home on Saturday. During her travels, Miss Wiggins visited Brisbane and all the important towns on the northern rivers.”18
Only a few months later, the Elton Comedy Company was playing Aberdeen, Scone and Muswellbrook, but not re-playing at Barraba, due to excessive rental charges there. (!)19 In June 1906 the company was in south-east Queensland at the School of Arts, Boonah.20
Fassifern Guardian, Saturday 23 June 1906
In 1906 it was commented that Fred Elton and his “merry little quintette, billed as the Elton Comedy Company, is marching north to Cairns and will play all North Queensland towns, returning to Sydney, and thence to New Zealand for a Christmas date. The latest and smallest addition to the company is Bertie Elton, aged four and a half years, a ‘comedian and dancer’, who is said to be a very clever little chap.”21 Another report states that the company was playing at Esk, Allora, Clifton and “other towns along the line to Sydney. The company includes Miss Elton, sketch artists, violinist, pianist and dancer.”22 These were places Elsie had probably never heard of, let alone thought she would play in.
December 1906 saw Elsie spending a short holiday with her parents, while her theatrical company rested in the city. She had started with the Maurice Berkley and Elton Company of Theatricals for the Philippine Islands some five months earlier and toured the whole of the Philippines, returning to Sydney the week before. “She speaks in glowing terms of the Islands, and of the treatment meted out to the members of the company during their visit there, and greatly enjoyed the trip. She expects to sail for New Zealand next week. Miss Wiggins brought home many curios from the islands.”22
In September 1907 it was reported that “The Fred Elton Comedy Co which has been doing good business in the Whangani district, are now doing the suburban halls around Auckland City”.23
In January 1908 Fred Elton’s Comedy Co and Bellringers featuring Grace Elton, “the most charming of actresses and player of 17 instruments”, were at Katoomba, Mt Victoria, Blackheath, Penrith, Windsor and Richmond.24 The last named three towns were very close to her home town of Riverstone.
Elsie took a step upwards when she was performing at the prestigious Melbourne Opera House for Harry Rickards’ New Tivoli Company in March 1908.25 Harry Rickards operated a vast vaudeville circuit, considered one of the best in Australia, and the Melbourne Opera House was one of the most important in that city.
The Herald, Saturday 28 March 1908
Among Harry Rickards’ new artists for next Saturday is Miss Grace Elton, of the Fred Elton Comedy Co, who is aptly called “The Versatile”, for she is balladist, serio, comedy and dramatic sketch artists,“cap and gown” for cornet, violin and piano, besides playing nine other instruments. Her first turn at the Opera House is a musical one, playing eleven pieces of kauri wood, called a home made Xylophone, bellringing on ordinary cowbells, and a wonderful acrobatic violin performance, playing not only in the first, second and third positions, but also in ten others. Fred Elton (one time manager of Princess’ Theatre) went to Europe per SS Bremen last Tuesday in search of theatrical novelties for his new comedy company.26
Elsie was still performing there in April 1908.27
Rickards’ Opera House, Melbourne, where Elsie performed in 1908. The Melbourne Opera House was one of the city’s major theatres. It would later be known as the Tivoli.
Les Tod Collection
In August 1908 saw Fred and Elsie give a concert in the Oddfellow’s Hall in Riverstone. Fred must have returned from his overseas trip. The Gazette reported:
Miss Elsie Wiggins’ (Grace Elton) Concert. The arrival of the American Fleet and the departure of over 150 people from Riverstone last Saturday to view the celebrations seemed to have little effect on the size of the audience at the above concert, for the Oddfellow’s Hall was almost full, and from 8 till 10.30pm they were highly entertained by a unique comedy program and surprised beyond words to find it staged by two people only—Grace and Fred Elton ... The program presented by these two versatile artists was a splendid one in song and story, jest and dance … The Riverstone lady is indeed a credit to her town—as an actress and singer, good; as a serio soubrette, excellent; and as a musician and player of 13 different instruments—including bells, xylophones etc—really wonderful, and in her acrobatic violin playing the audience were almost carried away with enthusiasm and vociferous applause greeted her every new move. Miss Wiggins should indeed have a great future before her, and with the humorous Fred Elton, already seems able to satisfy big audiences in big theatres in big towns. We wish them a successful New Zealand tour, which they have undertaken shortly for a second time, their first being almost a triumph.28
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, Saturday 15 August 1908
Moving Pictures were being shown by Elsie Wiggins and her brothers in Riverstone from around 1909, according to theatre historian, the late Kevin J. Cork. Elsie now had experience in show business as a member of Mr Elton’s travelling show, which featured both live performers and pictures. There is a reference in the Gazette, 17 April 1909, for the Grace Elton Comedy Company [Miss Elsie Wiggins] appearing at the Windsor School of Arts. 29
Kevin Cork wrote that the hall seated about 150, was of weatherboard construction and had a galvanised iron roof. Its interior was unlined and there was a supper room attached to one side of the building. This room became the engine room where a French De Dion motor chugged away to generate power for the hand projector and the hall lights. The projector was housed in an operating box which the Wiggins family built above the front entrance door, on the inside of the hall. Elsie Wiggins accompanied the silent films on the piano whilst Alf, Bert and Bill Wiggins, at various times, cranked the projector. A person was employed to walk the streets, ring a bell and shout ”Pictures Tonight” The films came by train from Sydney and as Bert Wiggins recalled in 1981, westerns were extremely popular.30
January 1909 saw Elsie back in New Zealand where it was commented that “Fred Elton was doing remarkably well in Maoriland, and that Grace Elton, actress, serio, dancer, musician and balladist is proving a draw.”31 Elsie was proving so much of a draw that the name of the company was now Grace Elton’s Comedy Co.
In October 1909, the Grace Elton Comedy Co were performing at Taylor’s Hall in Queenstown, Tasmania [formerly the Academy of Music, but little more than a wooden shed]. This was followed by Gormanston, Linda, Strahan, Zeehan.32
Zeehan and Dundas Herald, Friday 29 October 1909
It was around this time while touring in Tasmania, that the Eltons encountered Frank Thring, a young man starting out as an exhibitor of travelling silent pictures, using the title “World’s Pictures”. Sometimes he used the title “Will’s Pictures” (his middle name). Thring and the Eltons joined forces to provide moving pictures as part of the Eltons’ variety act, and this continued to Launceston later that month. We don’t know how long Thring and the Eltons were together—it may have been only a few months. Frank Thring would later become more than an exhibitor—he helped to establish the massive Hoyts Theatre company and build a chain of magnificent Regent Theatres in capital cities. He then resigned from Hoyts and began making his own independent films in the 1930s until his death in 1936.
There can be no doubt that the Eltons’ experience with Frank Thring and his films influenced them into introducing silent biograph films into their act, and in late 1910, even opening a cinema in Launceston. This experience would also later influence the astute Elsie into purchasing land in Riverstone on which she would later build a picture theatre, the Olympia.
In November 1909, The Eltons were performing at Zeehan’s large Gaiety Theatre, along with The World’s Pictures, provided by Frank Thring. 33
Zeehan and Dundas Herald, Friday 5 November 1909, p.1
The huge Gaiety Theatre at Zeehan was built during the gold rush days, and included a hotel at the upper front section. The theatre has been restored and is still in use today. Image: courtesy Mike Trickett, Cinema and Theatre Historical Society Inc.
After Zeehan, Elsie and Fred were performing at the Empire Theatre in Launceston in November 1909, with Elsie billed as the Musical Marvel. 34 They were still at the Empire in January 1910.35
The Eltons finished their tour of Tasmania in February 1910 at the Empire Theatre, and returned to Sydney in March, but only for a few months respite before returning again to Tasmania.
“Miss Elsie Wiggins, of Riverstone, returned from Tasmania on Saturday after a very successful tour with her company. Miss Wiggins announces in this issue that she will open a skating rink in Riverstone at 10.30am on Monday.”36 The rink was actually in the Oddfellow’s Hall, and advertised three sessions daily. Skating was enjoying a resurgence in popularity and Elsie obviously decided to expand her interests, as she would some years later when moving pictures became more popular.
Windsor and Richmond Gazette, Saturday 19 March 1910
In August 1910 she and Fred were running their circuit back in Tasmania, including Ulverstone, Latrobe, Devonport, with New Pictures and Specialties Weekly. Tasmania would have been cold, even freezing, with snow at that time of year.
North West Post, Wednesday 31 August 1910
By September 1910 she was still touring the little towns of Tasmania as the “Marvellous Elton’s” accompanied by Elton’s flickerless Peerless Pictures and Graceful Grace Elton, musical marvel. The towns included Devonport, Penguin, Burnie, Wynyard, Stanley and Smithtown.37 Note that the show now included moving pictures, something which would take Elsie’s attention more and more as its popularity increased.
In September 1910 it was remarked “The Elton Comedy Co is shaking Tasmania to its previous foundations. The company, which includes Fred and Grace Elton, and some moving pictures, is cruising from town to town in two motor cars.”38
On Tuesday, 4 October 1910, the Eltons opened their own open air theatre, called Elton’s Garden Theatre, in Launceston’s Cameron Street park.39 Probably influenced by Frank Thring and his World Pictures, they were now moving into the moving picture field but retaining vaudeville as well. It was stated there would be a constant change of vaudeville and the latest pictures:
Daily Telegraph, Saturday 1 October 1910, p.4
In October 1910 at the Garden Theatre, vaudeville was still the main attraction, although Elton’s Pictures were also on the program. It was stated that “Miss Grace Elton was, as usual, heartily encored for her performances on a great variety of musical instruments.” It added that there was an excellent attendance at the matinee—this is peculiar, as films in those days could not be shown in daylight. Perhaps they were using a marquee.40
In January 1911 Messrs Elton and Sculthorpe filmed scenes of Launceston, and these were shown at the Garden Theatre a few nights later. Some 1,000 people attended, probably wanting to see the novelty of themselves or others on the screen.41 This was a common novelty of picture show proprietors in order to boost attendances at their shows. The Garden Theatre at Launceston may have been doing good business, but the approach of the colder months would mean as an open air venue, it would have to close.
Elsie was performing with Fred at the Elton’s Garden Theatre, with the slogan “Elton Means Excellence” in mid-January 1911.42 They were still at that venue at the end of the month.43
In March 1911, Fred Elton was back in Sydney, managing the Standard Theatre in Castlereagh Street. One of the acts was “The Eltons in comedy, ‘Jones and Son’”. Elsie had usually been part of that comedy. At the end of the advertisement it states “Invitation to all poor children, with card from school-master or clergy, Deaf and Dumb Asylum, and Sobraon Boys.” Presumably this was for free admission.
By August 1911 Elsie was performing at Hatte’s Picture Palace, with a continuous show and a musical program by Grace Elton. The advertisement allowed admission by half price.45 Hatte’s Picture Palace was an unsuccessful venture in Hatte’s Arcade in King Street, Newtown, poorly patronised and poorly located, which would explain the admission by half price. It was used both for silent pictures and live performance but only had a short life.
On the move again, in September 1911, Grace was in Bathurst, at the School of Arts, now advertising as “her company”, giving a benefit to her cousin, Claude O’Dea. Why Mr O’Dea needed a benefit is not known.46 Her brother Oswald was also performing. It was stated that Mr O’Dea had been bedridden for a long time and the proceeds would help purchase a wheel bed so that he might be able to inhale the fresh air and bask in the sunshine.47
National Advocate, Friday 15 September 1911
National Advocate, Saturday, 16 September 1911
In June 1912, the Eltons were in Wellington, New Zealand: “Fred Elton writes from Wellington (New Zealand) in connection with the Grace Elton Comedy Company: “We are returning to Sydney from New Zealand after a successful tour of eight months. We go to South Australia and Broken Hill. We have now played before three Governors, so are under vice-regal patronage.”48
The following month finds Grace and Fred at Wellington NSW in the Oddfellows Hall:
Wellington Times, Thursday 11 July 1912
A few weeks later, they were at the Stadium Picture Theatre in Cobar, far western NSW:
Cobar Herald, Tuesday 23 July 1912
In August 1912 Elsie performed at the Protestant Hall in Dubbo: “Startling Theatrical News! Grace Elton Comedy Co … Grace Elton, the most beautiful and versatile of all the actresses, player of 17 instruments.”49 The Protestant Hall in Dubbo later became the Roxy Theatre and the building still stands, albeit as retail and offices.
Dubbo Liberal, Friday 9 August 1912
In September that year, it was reported that a six-room house was being built at 31 Mill Street, Riverstone, for Miss E. Wiggins. Elsie may have been travelling, but obviously believed that she needed to have a home of her own and that it would be in Riverstone. Her business acumen has to be admired. 50
In November 1912 the Gazette reported that Elsie was opening a picture show in Riverstone: “The Elton Company are starting a picture show in Riverstone, commencing this Saturday night. They will show regularly in the old Temperance Hall, which has been renovated and enlarged.”51
In February 1913 the Grace Elton Comedy Co, with Grace Elton, “the most beautiful and versatile actress”, were at the Centennial Hall at Moss Vale.52
Scrutineer and Berrima District Press, Saturday 8 February 1913
By July 1913 Grace and Fred were back on the road, this time at the Walhalla Hall in Toowoomba. The advertisement is somewhat of a puzzle:
The Eltons at Walhalla Hall. Many old playgoers will remember the late Billy Elton, leading comedian with J.C. Williamson for over 10 years, and his nephew and niece (Fred and Grace) with the above company, carry on his humour with, it is said, just as much vivacity and mirth. A Comedy Company—dancers, vocalists, players of 17 instruments, Bellringers, Comedians and Acrobatic Violinists—they are indeed a versatile combination. In conjunction with Cook’s Pictures, they appear next Saturday and Monday …53
Grace [Elsie] is said to have been Billy Elton’s niece. This raises the question of just who Fred Elton was—possibly her cousin? Her uncle? Her maiden name was Wiggins but she took the stage name of Elton, possibly to ensure there were no whispers concerning her respectability.
In July 1913 Elsie was performing in Dalby, Qld, with “The Elton Comedy Concert Co, featuring Grace Elton, Musical Marvel, Player of 17 Instruments. Lady Champion Xylophonist and Fred Elton, Actor, Whistler, Dancer, Comedian and Female Impersonator. Surprisingly, also on the program was Ossie Wiggin, “Silvery Voiced Tenor”. Ossie was Elsie’s brother.54
August 1913 finds the company at Cook’s New Palace Theatre in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, advertised as the first appearance of the Elton Comedy Co and featuring Grace Elton and Ossie Wiggins.55
Toowoomba Chronicle, Saturday 20 September 1913, p.6
In September 1913 it was reported that Fred and Grace had opened their own picture palace in Toowoomba, known as Elton’s Variety and Pictures. The theatre—an open air show—opened on Saturday 18 October 1913. The Chronicle reported “Elton’s Variety and Pictures. A Bright Entertainment. Elton’s Elite Picture Gardens, which received such an instantaneous success on Saturday night, was again patronised by a large audience last evening. … Miss Grace Elton, who has already established herself a firm favourite with her refined musical act, supported by Mr Fred Elton (who supplies the comic element) proved the gem of the evening …” 56
Of the opening night, it was reported:
Eltons’ Variety and Pictures—a Packed House. It is something novel for local pleasure seekers to be able to sit in the open air and witness an entertainment such as was afforded them on opening on Saturday night of Elton’s Elite Variety and Picture Garden. It must have been most gratifying to the management, who have spared neither expense nor efforts for the consideration of the comfort for patrons, who responded most liberally. The audience was a very large one, in which the gentler sex were much in evidence, and despite the extensive seating accommodation, comprising 100 deck or verandah chairs (overshadowing ordinary seating for comfort) 200 American tip up chairs and a gallery with a seating capacity for 450, standing room was only available. A special feature which appealed to all was the clear and unobstructed view of the stage obtainable from any part of the structure. On entering the first thing that strikes one is the excellent appointments, the fine stage, with its pleasing garden effects, palms of variety … The musical arrangements are under the direction of Miss Grace Elton, whose wide knowledge of music enables every justice to be done to this most important part of the program. The moving picture machine is of the latest and most modern type … In the variety party of the program a number of artists appeared. These were headed by Miss Grace Elton, whose musical ability acted as a most pleasing tome to the large audience. This talented lady plays almost any instrument, which are altogether too numerous to describe, and the number of difficult positions in which she plays the piano is really amazing. At the end of every item Miss Elton was loudly applauded, and deservedly so, as hers was the star feature of the evening… 57
A few weeks later, in October,
A new bill is presented at the above garden theatre tonight. A half brother, or double one (“Carl”) a bicycle equilibrist, makes his appearance tonight … Grace Elton appears in new turns, and Bert Edwardes in new comicalities … In these prosaic times one can hardly imagine a pleasanter way of spending an evening than in a deck chair, a pipe well underway, in gorgeous surroundings, taking the Elton’s first class entertainment in style and comfort. The management desire it known that they are always willing to give benefit performances, for any local charity in need of funds, and from their sacred concerts held on Sundays, will donate a percentage to the hospital. The Garden Theatre is commended to all playgoers. 58
Grace [Elsie] was also prepared to earn some money on the side by teaching music:
Toowoomba Chronicle, Tuesday 28 October 1913, p.1
The Windsor and Richmond Gazette often followed Elsie’s career as she moved around Australia and New Zealand. In January 1914 it reported:
No doubt the Riverstone public will be pleased to hear that Mr Fred Elton is recovering after a serious operation, which has incapacitated him for some weeks in the Dalby Hospital, Queensland. Miss Elsie Wiggins, better known in the theatrical world as Grace Elton, has been leading the orchestra at the Elite Picture Gardens, Toowoomba, which Mr Elton started on their Queensland tour. Mr Elton and Miss Wiggins for some time past have had their passages booked for England … they expect to sail on February 11… Miss Wiggins and Mr Elton are to start on the Moss and Stoll tour of England and we feel sure that Miss Wiggins, with her great talents, will make a big name for herself. 59
Moss and Stoll was a major British theatrical company, much like J.C. Williamson’s in Australia.
In May 1914 the Gazette reported “From Cairo, Egypt, we have received a mail message from Mr Fred Elton and Grace Elton (Miss Elsie Wiggins). They have been appearing at the Casino de Paris, and were billed as the Australian Eltons, musical artists, and have met with much success.” 60 In those times, because of the lengthy sea voyages, it was quite normal for theatrical companies to spend a few days in Cairo, and performing there.
By October 1915 Elsie was back in her home town: “Miss Elsie Wiggins, after a lengthy tour of many parts of the world, arrived home by HMS Osterley a few weeks ago. Miss Wiggins (piano) and Miss Elvie Rothsay (violiniste of Sydney] will play at the Elect Pictures every three nights.” 61 The Elect Pictures were in a local hall at Riverstone.
In 1916 some locals were startled when it was reported that “Miss Elsie Wiggins has bought from Mrs Aird, that block of land next door to Skinner’s Shop and intends building a very up to date picture theatre. The land has a frontage to the main business street of 45 feet with a depth of 180 ft.” 62
Again, Elsie’s business acumen comes to the fore. She had already built a house in Mill Street, and now acquired land in the main street of Riverstone for a theatre. No doubt she had been influenced by what she had seen in the rising popularity of moving pictures and her association with Frank Thring. But Elsie did not actually build her new theatre until 1920, after her marriage to Robert Harper.
In May 1916, the death of Fred Elton was reported:
Many Riverstone people will be sorry to hear of the death of Mr Fred Elton, the well known comedian, which took place in Allasio on the 24th February last. The remains were cremated in Genoa (Italy). Mr Elton and Miss Elsie Wiggins practically toured the world as theatricals, and were travelling round for ten years. The late Mr Elton was a great helper in charity, and in every boat trip he and Miss Wiggins gave a concert for the Seamen’s Orphanage Fund, and up to the last concert, on the way to England, the total proceeds amounted to the respectable sum of £425/6s 6d. The deceased was 51 years of age, and had suffered ill health for many years. 63
Fred’s death explains why Elsie [Grace] was performing and living in Toowoomba by herself for the next few years. But why he had chosen to go to Italy is not known.
To be continued ...
Endnotes
1. Windsor and Richmond Gazette, Saturday 17 December 1892
2. Ibid. Saturday 28 August 1897
3. Ibid. Saturday 22 April 1899
4. Ibid. Saturday 5 August 1899
5. Ibid. Saturday 2 September 1899
6. Ibid. Saturday 28 October 1899
7. Ibid. Saturday 30 December 1899
8. Ibid. Saturday 8 September 1900
9. Ibid. Saturday 9 March 1901
10. Ibid. Saturday 9 January 1904
11. Ibid. Saturday 16 April 1904
12. Hawkesbury Herald, Friday 29 April 1904
13.Windsor and Richmond Gazette, Saturday 24 June 1905
14. Casino and Kyogle Courier, Wednesday 14 June 1905
15. Clarence River Advocate, Tuesday 4 July 1905
16. Macleay Chronicle, Thursday 3 August 1905
17. Raleigh Sun, Friday 4 August 1905
18. Windsor and Richmond Gazette, Saturday 2 September 1905
19. The Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 18 November 1905
20. Fassifern Guardian, Saturday 23 June 1906
21. Brisbane Courier, Saturday 4 August 1906
22. Windsor and Richmond Gazette, Saturday 15 December 1906
23. The Theatre, Vol. 5, No .10, 2 September 1907
24.The Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 25 January 1908
25.The Herald, Saturday 28 March 1908
26. Punch, Thursday 26 March 1908
27. Ibid. Thursday 2 April 1908
28. Windsor and Richmond Gazette, Saturday 29 August 1908
29. Kevin J Cork, “Riverstone Picture Shows, Part 1”, Blacktown and District Historical Society Journal, Summer 1995, Vol. 15, No. 1.
30. Ibid
31. Referee, Wednesday 20 January 1909 p12
32. Zeehan and Dundas Herald, Friday 29 October 1909
33. Ibid. Friday 5 November 1909 p1. See also “Movie Mogul Thring: The Early Years, Part 2” by David Coles, article in CinemaRecord, September 2025, No 127. Journal of the Cinema and Theatre Historical Society, Inc.
34. Launceston Examiner, Saturday 20 November 1909
35.Ibid. Monday 10 January 1910
36. Windsor and Richmond Gazette, Saturday 19 March 1910
37. North West Advocate, Saturday 10 September 1910
38. Punch, Thursday 29 September 1910
39. Daily Telegraph, Saturday 1 October 1910
40. The Examiner, Monday 24 October 1910
41. Daily Telegraph, Thursday 12 January 1911
42. The Examiner, Friday 13 January 1911
43. Ibid. Wednesday 25 January 1911
44. Daily Telegraph, Saturday 11 March 1911
45. Ibid. Wednesday 9 November 1911
46. National Advocate, Saturday 16 September 1911
47. Ibid. Wednesday 13 September 1911 p2
48. Referee, Wednesday 26 June 1912
49. Dubbo Liberal, Friday 9 August 1912
50. Windsor and Richmond Gazette, Saturday 28 September 1912
51. Ibid. Saturday 9 November 1912
52. Scrutineer and Berrima District Press, Saturday 8 February 1913
53. Toowoomba Chronicle, Friday 18 July 1913
54. Dalby Herald, Wednesday 23 July 1913
55. Daily Standard, Friday 15 August 1913
56. Toowoomba Chronicle, Tuesday 21 October 1913, p.6
57. Ibid. Monday 20 October 1913
58. Ibid. Wednesday 22 October 1913
59. Windsor and Richmond Gazette, Friday 30 January 1914
60. Ibid. Friday 8 May 1914
61. Ibid. Friday 22 October 1915
62. Ibid. Friday 21 April 1916
63. Ibid. Friday 5 May 1916
Acknowledgements to Trove newspapers of the National Library, which enables researchers to follow a person’s career through newspapers; Riverstone and District Historical Society, Clarrie Neal and Alan Strachan, The Wiggins Family of Riverstone; the late Kevin J Cork; “Movie Mogul Thring: The Early Years, Part 2” by David Coles, article in CinemaRecord, journal of the Cinema and Theatre Historical Society, Inc; Mr John Hanna; State Archives of NSW, divorce papers and Probate records; National Archives of Australia; and The Les Tod Theatre Collection.
Rosemary Phillis is the Secretary of the Riverstone and District Historical Society, and Les Tod OAM is a theatre researcher and author of several books on Australian theatre and cinema history.
