Minstrel Star, Dead
Another of Famous Group of Comedians
Dies at Shenango Hospital
As the culmination of a general breakdown two years ago, Matthew Diamond for years a favorite of the footlights and who retired from the stage only when compelled to by ill-health, passed from life yesterday evening.
Though suffering from asthma and a complication of ailments for many months he was not confined to bed and his death was quite unexpected. Less than a week ago he took sick and was taken to the Shenango Valley Hospital where he breathed his last yesterday. Until a few moments before dissolution even his relatives were unaware that there was any immediate danger and the public generally was surprised at the announcement of his death.
Born in this city 53 years ago and early evincing a talent for minstrelsy he was known by reputation, at least, to almost every person in New Castle. With his brothers Louis and Lawrence, he adopted the stage as a profession and the songs and dancing of the Diamond boys brought the trio considerable fame. They were members of the Al. G. Field minstrels and other well known companies and received generous praise for their clever acting. A few months ago Lawrence Diamond died.
Three brothers and two sisters survive, Albert, Louis [Lewis], Neil [Neal from Cornelius], Mrs. Frank [Hattie] Sullivan and Miss Daisy, all of this city. Mr. Diamond is also survived by a wife [Maude Mae (Baer) Diamond Tunison 1880–1963], two children by his second marriage, and a son [Lewis Baughman Diamond] born of his first union [with Edie Baughman]. His parents were Daniel and Hettie Diamond, who came from Ireland and located in New Castle many years ago.
Matthew Diamond was a member of St. Mary's church of this city and the funeral services will be held at that church at 9 o'clock Monday morning. Burial will be made in St Mary's cemetery.
New Castle Herald
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania
Saturday, June 15, 1907
Page 4
"The Diamond Brothers were well known as clever song and dance performers.
They generally played joint engagements, and at various times had been with such well known minstrel companies as McNish, Johnson and Slavin's, Primrose and West's, Haverly's Big Four, Gorton's, Hi Henry's, and Al. G. Field's; with the latter organization they had been associated several seasons. A few years prior to their deaths they headed their own organization."
Monarchs of minstrelsy, from "Daddy" Rice to date
Edward Le Roy Rice
Kenny publishing company, 1911 - Actors - 366 pages
Diamond Brothers' Minstrel Is Still Vividly Remembered By Many Of Older Citizens
(By JANET KISSINGER)
New Castle has given to the theatrical world, in the past years, a number of artists of remarkable ability.
Of these, Matt, Lawrence and Lou Diamond were the most outstanding performers in the minstrel line. All three were local boys. Friends and relatives of theirs live in this city at the present time.
Their lives were romantic ones. They rose to the height of fame, and later dropped entirely out of the picture. But, though they were forgotten by the fast moving and somewhat fickle public, the memory of their minstrel act still delights New Castle's older citizens.
The writer talked to several people in this city who were friends of the Diamond brothers.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hammond, of 1814 East Washington street, knew the boys well. They recalled the days when the public was so wild about minstrels. They told of the rise of Matt, Lou and Lawrence Diamond until they were considered among the best first class performers in their day. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond told of the days when the Diamond brothers were prominent performers in the minstrel show of Al G. Fields — which was then the world's greatest minstrel.
Another citizen who vividly remembers the Diamond Brothers Minstrel, is Henry Bryson, of South Croton avenue. Mr. Bryson recalls the act of the three black faced performers. He says that Matt and Lou were dancers and Lawrence was a tenor singer. He even remembers some of the song hits sung by Lawrence Diamond — "After the Ball," "Sheriff's Sale," "Apple Blossom," "Remember Poor Mother At Home," "Baggage Coach Ahead," and "The Light in the Window."
Most of the songs of that period were sentimental ones, according to Mr. Bryson. That was what the public wanted. Lawrence Diamond, at the peak of his career, had a fine voice for that type of singing, says Mr. Bryson.
Several other local lads were black faced comedians and dancers in a minstrel show at the same time the Diamond Brothers were. These local men were Johnny and Sammy Russell and John T. Horner. They were expert performers, also.
In their later years, the three Diamond Brothers were financed by Mr. McDermott, of Edenburg, and returned to the road.
But the minstrel didn't click. The brothers had gotten too old for minstrel work. Soon, the public had forgotten them.
But New Castle people, who ever saw these three brothers, have not forgotten them, and still get a kick out of thinking of the days when these brothers were the idols of the town.
New Castle News
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania
Thursday, January 30, 1930
Page 15
Another of Famous Group of Comedians
Dies at Shenango Hospital
As the culmination of a general breakdown two years ago, Matthew Diamond for years a favorite of the footlights and who retired from the stage only when compelled to by ill-health, passed from life yesterday evening.
Though suffering from asthma and a complication of ailments for many months he was not confined to bed and his death was quite unexpected. Less than a week ago he took sick and was taken to the Shenango Valley Hospital where he breathed his last yesterday. Until a few moments before dissolution even his relatives were unaware that there was any immediate danger and the public generally was surprised at the announcement of his death.
Born in this city 53 years ago and early evincing a talent for minstrelsy he was known by reputation, at least, to almost every person in New Castle. With his brothers Louis and Lawrence, he adopted the stage as a profession and the songs and dancing of the Diamond boys brought the trio considerable fame. They were members of the Al. G. Field minstrels and other well known companies and received generous praise for their clever acting. A few months ago Lawrence Diamond died.
Three brothers and two sisters survive, Albert, Louis [Lewis], Neil [Neal from Cornelius], Mrs. Frank [Hattie] Sullivan and Miss Daisy, all of this city. Mr. Diamond is also survived by a wife [Maude Mae (Baer) Diamond Tunison 1880–1963], two children by his second marriage, and a son [Lewis Baughman Diamond] born of his first union [with Edie Baughman]. His parents were Daniel and Hettie Diamond, who came from Ireland and located in New Castle many years ago.
Matthew Diamond was a member of St. Mary's church of this city and the funeral services will be held at that church at 9 o'clock Monday morning. Burial will be made in St Mary's cemetery.
New Castle Herald
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania
Saturday, June 15, 1907
Page 4
"The Diamond Brothers were well known as clever song and dance performers.
They generally played joint engagements, and at various times had been with such well known minstrel companies as McNish, Johnson and Slavin's, Primrose and West's, Haverly's Big Four, Gorton's, Hi Henry's, and Al. G. Field's; with the latter organization they had been associated several seasons. A few years prior to their deaths they headed their own organization."
Monarchs of minstrelsy, from "Daddy" Rice to date
Edward Le Roy Rice
Kenny publishing company, 1911 - Actors - 366 pages
Diamond Brothers' Minstrel Is Still Vividly Remembered By Many Of Older Citizens
(By JANET KISSINGER)
New Castle has given to the theatrical world, in the past years, a number of artists of remarkable ability.
Of these, Matt, Lawrence and Lou Diamond were the most outstanding performers in the minstrel line. All three were local boys. Friends and relatives of theirs live in this city at the present time.
Their lives were romantic ones. They rose to the height of fame, and later dropped entirely out of the picture. But, though they were forgotten by the fast moving and somewhat fickle public, the memory of their minstrel act still delights New Castle's older citizens.
The writer talked to several people in this city who were friends of the Diamond brothers.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hammond, of 1814 East Washington street, knew the boys well. They recalled the days when the public was so wild about minstrels. They told of the rise of Matt, Lou and Lawrence Diamond until they were considered among the best first class performers in their day. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond told of the days when the Diamond brothers were prominent performers in the minstrel show of Al G. Fields — which was then the world's greatest minstrel.
Another citizen who vividly remembers the Diamond Brothers Minstrel, is Henry Bryson, of South Croton avenue. Mr. Bryson recalls the act of the three black faced performers. He says that Matt and Lou were dancers and Lawrence was a tenor singer. He even remembers some of the song hits sung by Lawrence Diamond — "After the Ball," "Sheriff's Sale," "Apple Blossom," "Remember Poor Mother At Home," "Baggage Coach Ahead," and "The Light in the Window."
Most of the songs of that period were sentimental ones, according to Mr. Bryson. That was what the public wanted. Lawrence Diamond, at the peak of his career, had a fine voice for that type of singing, says Mr. Bryson.
Several other local lads were black faced comedians and dancers in a minstrel show at the same time the Diamond Brothers were. These local men were Johnny and Sammy Russell and John T. Horner. They were expert performers, also.
In their later years, the three Diamond Brothers were financed by Mr. McDermott, of Edenburg, and returned to the road.
But the minstrel didn't click. The brothers had gotten too old for minstrel work. Soon, the public had forgotten them.
But New Castle people, who ever saw these three brothers, have not forgotten them, and still get a kick out of thinking of the days when these brothers were the idols of the town.
New Castle News
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania
Thursday, January 30, 1930
Page 15
Minstrel Star, Dead
Another of Famous Group of Comedians
Dies at Shenango Hospital
As the culmination of a general breakdown two years ago, Matthew Diamond for years a favorite of the footlights and who retired from the stage only when compelled to by ill-health, passed from life yesterday evening.
Though suffering from asthma and a complication of ailments for many months he was not confined to bed and his death was quite unexpected. Less than a week ago he took sick and was taken to the Shenango Valley Hospital where he breathed his last yesterday. Until a few moments before dissolution even his relatives were unaware that there was any immediate danger and the public generally was surprised at the announcement of his death.
Born in this city 53 years ago and early evincing a talent for minstrelsy he was known by reputation, at least, to almost every person in New Castle. With his brothers Louis and Lawrence, he adopted the stage as a profession and the songs and dancing of the Diamond boys brought the trio considerable fame. They were members of the Al. G. Field minstrels and other well known companies and received generous praise for their clever acting. A few months ago Lawrence Diamond died.
Three brothers and two sisters survive, Albert, Louis [Lewis], Neil [Neal from Cornelius], Mrs. Frank [Hattie] Sullivan and Miss Daisy, all of this city. Mr. Diamond is also survived by a wife [Maude Mae (Baer) Diamond Tunison 1880–1963], two children by his second marriage, and a son [Lewis Baughman Diamond] born of his first union [with Edie Baughman]. His parents were Daniel and Hettie Diamond, who came from Ireland and located in New Castle many years ago.
Matthew Diamond was a member of St. Mary's church of this city and the funeral services will be held at that church at 9 o'clock Monday morning. Burial will be made in St Mary's cemetery.
New Castle Herald
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania
Saturday, June 15, 1907
Page 4
"The Diamond Brothers were well known as clever song and dance performers.
They generally played joint engagements, and at various times had been with such well known minstrel companies as McNish, Johnson and Slavin's, Primrose and West's, Haverly's Big Four, Gorton's, Hi Henry's, and Al. G. Field's; with the latter organization they had been associated several seasons. A few years prior to their deaths they headed their own organization."
Monarchs of minstrelsy, from "Daddy" Rice to date
Edward Le Roy Rice
Kenny publishing company, 1911 - Actors - 366 pages
Diamond Brothers' Minstrel Is Still Vividly Remembered By Many Of Older Citizens
(By JANET KISSINGER)
New Castle has given to the theatrical world, in the past years, a number of artists of remarkable ability.
Of these, Matt, Lawrence and Lou Diamond were the most outstanding performers in the minstrel line. All three were local boys. Friends and relatives of theirs live in this city at the present time.
Their lives were romantic ones. They rose to the height of fame, and later dropped entirely out of the picture. But, though they were forgotten by the fast moving and somewhat fickle public, the memory of their minstrel act still delights New Castle's older citizens.
The writer talked to several people in this city who were friends of the Diamond brothers.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hammond, of 1814 East Washington street, knew the boys well. They recalled the days when the public was so wild about minstrels. They told of the rise of Matt, Lou and Lawrence Diamond until they were considered among the best first class performers in their day. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond told of the days when the Diamond brothers were prominent performers in the minstrel show of Al G. Fields — which was then the world's greatest minstrel.
Another citizen who vividly remembers the Diamond Brothers Minstrel, is Henry Bryson, of South Croton avenue. Mr. Bryson recalls the act of the three black faced performers. He says that Matt and Lou were dancers and Lawrence was a tenor singer. He even remembers some of the song hits sung by Lawrence Diamond — "After the Ball," "Sheriff's Sale," "Apple Blossom," "Remember Poor Mother At Home," "Baggage Coach Ahead," and "The Light in the Window."
Most of the songs of that period were sentimental ones, according to Mr. Bryson. That was what the public wanted. Lawrence Diamond, at the peak of his career, had a fine voice for that type of singing, says Mr. Bryson.
Several other local lads were black faced comedians and dancers in a minstrel show at the same time the Diamond Brothers were. These local men were Johnny and Sammy Russell and John T. Horner. They were expert performers, also.
In their later years, the three Diamond Brothers were financed by Mr. McDermott, of Edenburg, and returned to the road.
But the minstrel didn't click. The brothers had gotten too old for minstrel work. Soon, the public had forgotten them.
But New Castle people, who ever saw these three brothers, have not forgotten them, and still get a kick out of thinking of the days when these brothers were the idols of the town.
New Castle News
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania
Thursday, January 30, 1930
Page 15
Another of Famous Group of Comedians
Dies at Shenango Hospital
As the culmination of a general breakdown two years ago, Matthew Diamond for years a favorite of the footlights and who retired from the stage only when compelled to by ill-health, passed from life yesterday evening.
Though suffering from asthma and a complication of ailments for many months he was not confined to bed and his death was quite unexpected. Less than a week ago he took sick and was taken to the Shenango Valley Hospital where he breathed his last yesterday. Until a few moments before dissolution even his relatives were unaware that there was any immediate danger and the public generally was surprised at the announcement of his death.
Born in this city 53 years ago and early evincing a talent for minstrelsy he was known by reputation, at least, to almost every person in New Castle. With his brothers Louis and Lawrence, he adopted the stage as a profession and the songs and dancing of the Diamond boys brought the trio considerable fame. They were members of the Al. G. Field minstrels and other well known companies and received generous praise for their clever acting. A few months ago Lawrence Diamond died.
Three brothers and two sisters survive, Albert, Louis [Lewis], Neil [Neal from Cornelius], Mrs. Frank [Hattie] Sullivan and Miss Daisy, all of this city. Mr. Diamond is also survived by a wife [Maude Mae (Baer) Diamond Tunison 1880–1963], two children by his second marriage, and a son [Lewis Baughman Diamond] born of his first union [with Edie Baughman]. His parents were Daniel and Hettie Diamond, who came from Ireland and located in New Castle many years ago.
Matthew Diamond was a member of St. Mary's church of this city and the funeral services will be held at that church at 9 o'clock Monday morning. Burial will be made in St Mary's cemetery.
New Castle Herald
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania
Saturday, June 15, 1907
Page 4
"The Diamond Brothers were well known as clever song and dance performers.
They generally played joint engagements, and at various times had been with such well known minstrel companies as McNish, Johnson and Slavin's, Primrose and West's, Haverly's Big Four, Gorton's, Hi Henry's, and Al. G. Field's; with the latter organization they had been associated several seasons. A few years prior to their deaths they headed their own organization."
Monarchs of minstrelsy, from "Daddy" Rice to date
Edward Le Roy Rice
Kenny publishing company, 1911 - Actors - 366 pages
Diamond Brothers' Minstrel Is Still Vividly Remembered By Many Of Older Citizens
(By JANET KISSINGER)
New Castle has given to the theatrical world, in the past years, a number of artists of remarkable ability.
Of these, Matt, Lawrence and Lou Diamond were the most outstanding performers in the minstrel line. All three were local boys. Friends and relatives of theirs live in this city at the present time.
Their lives were romantic ones. They rose to the height of fame, and later dropped entirely out of the picture. But, though they were forgotten by the fast moving and somewhat fickle public, the memory of their minstrel act still delights New Castle's older citizens.
The writer talked to several people in this city who were friends of the Diamond brothers.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hammond, of 1814 East Washington street, knew the boys well. They recalled the days when the public was so wild about minstrels. They told of the rise of Matt, Lou and Lawrence Diamond until they were considered among the best first class performers in their day. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond told of the days when the Diamond brothers were prominent performers in the minstrel show of Al G. Fields — which was then the world's greatest minstrel.
Another citizen who vividly remembers the Diamond Brothers Minstrel, is Henry Bryson, of South Croton avenue. Mr. Bryson recalls the act of the three black faced performers. He says that Matt and Lou were dancers and Lawrence was a tenor singer. He even remembers some of the song hits sung by Lawrence Diamond — "After the Ball," "Sheriff's Sale," "Apple Blossom," "Remember Poor Mother At Home," "Baggage Coach Ahead," and "The Light in the Window."
Most of the songs of that period were sentimental ones, according to Mr. Bryson. That was what the public wanted. Lawrence Diamond, at the peak of his career, had a fine voice for that type of singing, says Mr. Bryson.
Several other local lads were black faced comedians and dancers in a minstrel show at the same time the Diamond Brothers were. These local men were Johnny and Sammy Russell and John T. Horner. They were expert performers, also.
In their later years, the three Diamond Brothers were financed by Mr. McDermott, of Edenburg, and returned to the road.
But the minstrel didn't click. The brothers had gotten too old for minstrel work. Soon, the public had forgotten them.
But New Castle people, who ever saw these three brothers, have not forgotten them, and still get a kick out of thinking of the days when these brothers were the idols of the town.
New Castle News
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania
Thursday, January 30, 1930
Page 15
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