I was contacted in preparation for the 2008 reunion by a lady with the following story about our Queenie Smith.

My mother has a photo album that belonged to her mother, Ethel Fleming. Ethel sang and danced in the first company of ‘No No Nanette” in 1925. My grandmother was also in ‘Hit The Deck,' another Vincent Youman musical. Among her mementos, is a black and white photo of a blonde and darling young woman on her toes. She signed this photo “To Ethel, With Sweetest Thoughts, Queenie Smith.” The photo had to have been taken prior to 1934. I know this because Ethel died while giving birth to her second daughter, my aunt. In Queenie Smith's bio, it says she was also in “Hit The Deck”. Now I know the connection of these two women!

I must admit, the name itself, Queenie Smith is one you never forget. I know I didn't. I grew up out of Los Angeles (1966 – 1988) and would have given anything to meet Ms. Queenie Smith. Coincidently, we lived 1 hour from Los Angeles . Very close to your school where Queen taught.  SHE KNEW MY GRANDMOTHER !!!! Tragically, my mother, who is named Nanette, was motherless by the age 4.  All we have of Ethel is this book of photo collections. How wonderful it would have been to meet this lady.

Both Queenie and my Grandmother, Ethel worked on the stage in NYC together! Queenie must have meant something very special to my Grandmother. It is the only signed photo of someone in her Broadway photo album.

My mother who now lives in Missouri sent this photo of Queenie Smith for you to enjoy. She has done this for you in memory of her mother, Ethel.  Finally, someone who may remember Queenie will get the chance to see this fabulous photo! We believe this was a promo photo for her 1925 musical, “Tip Toes.' We are not 100% sure. 

My grandmother died so young that little is know about her. I grew up wondering about Queenie, I would sit and look at her photo and wondering who she was.  This lady must have been very special.  Her smile is radiant!  I wish I could have met her.    Wonder if there is anyone who could furnish anything about her.

I so enjoyed reading about your school's history and the important role it played in young actor's lives.  Fantastic! 

Go and have a wonderful reunion!

All the best,

Nanette & Barbara

Queenie Smith taught Drama at my Mother's theatre Building (the Coronet Theatre) to children from the late 40's to the mid 50's.
She was a delight. She loved the plays Joan of Arc and the Little Princess or also known as Sara Crew.
She had us children practicing tongue twisters and I still say them to this day. In later years I went to her house for private acting lessons.
She was warm and delightful.

Petrie Gellis- Robie