Blossom Chan

Daisy “Blossom” Chan

born July 6, 1915, Chicago, Illinois

(Cook County, Illinois Birth Certificate Index)

1920 United States Federal Census
Name / Age

Frank Chan 32 (born in China)
Brita Chan 28 (born in Sweden)
Gustave Chan 6
Daisy Chan 4
Cecilia Chan 1

824 California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

1930 United States Federal Census
Name / Age

Frank Chan 42
Brita Chan 38
Gustaf Chan 16
Daisy Chan 16 [sic; 14]

3152 Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

Illinois State Journal
(Springfield, Illinois)
August 12, 1933
“Just a Second”
by David V. Felts
...Unfortunately, from the standpoint of publicity, Springfield became aware of Daisy Chan, daughter of an influential Chinese resident of Chicago, only when the little Oriental dancer had completed her local night club engagement...

This Week in Chicago

June 10, 1934

The Chicago Tribune
July 1, 1934
“Streets of Shanghai”
Olive Young Lum

The Vidette Messenger
(Valparaiso, Indiana)
July 9, 1934

Terril Record
(Iowa)
July 26, 1934

Cleveland Plain Dealer

(Ohio)

December 17, 1934

Cleveland Plain Dealer

(Ohio)

December 28, 1934

Cleveland Plain Dealer

(Ohio)

January 1, 1935

“Footlights and Bright Lights”

by Glenn C. Pullen

...That Blossom Chan, bubble dancer at Cotton Club, spent all of her pocket money playing Santa Claus to destitute Chinese families here?...

The Writer’s Monthly
1935
Show Girl, 82 W. Washington, Chicago, Ill., Monthly, 25c; $2.50. Editor, Blossom Chan. Breezy stories of 1000 words relating to show girls, dancers, singers, etc. Brief, illustrated, fashion articles. Could use a column on make-up. All material must be written from the angle of the show girl.

Brooklyn Daily Eagle
(New York)
December 8, 1937
“Broadway Newsreel”
by Hy Gardener
...Tip to Stage Door Frankies: Blossom chan, Orientalented dancing star at Leon & Eddie’s is the wife of Chicago columnist, Herb Jones...

Brooklyn Daily Eagle
December 11, 1937
Leon & Eddie Add Chan
Blossom chan, beautiful Chinese dancing girl who hails from the West Coast where she entertained the stars of the screen, is the latest addition to the big revue that Leon and Eddie, the famous Gold Dust Twins are offering at their popular rendezvous.

Richmond Times Dispatch
(Virginia)
December 14, 1937
“Walter Winchell On Broadway”
...Blossom Chan, the Orientla dancer at Leon & Eddie’s, and her Chicago columnist-groom have parted...

Brooklyn Daily Eagle
December 17, 1937
“Broadway Newsreel”
by Hy Gardner
...Blossom Chan’s hubby, Herb Jones, flew in from Chicago to refute rumors of a rift in their romance....

Syracuse Journal
(New York)
December 17, 1937
“Walter Winchell On Broadway”
...Blossom Chan’s husband phoned. Says they are apart because of his ill health, but that she will join him soon...

Brooklyn Daily Eagle
December 31, 1937
Fulton Royal Plans Festive Celebration
With reservations exceeding by far those of last year, the new Fulton Royal, Flatbush Ave. Extension, stands prepared to cater to one of the gayest New Year's Eve parties in the borough. The floor show will be headed by Blossom Chan, exotic Chinese dancer who comes to Brooklyn direct from Hollywood. Additional entertainment will include Jean Blane, songstress; Ethel Wright and Leon Eddie, dancers, and Ken and Roy Paigne, comedians. Music by Allan Leafer and his broadcasting orchestra.

Life
July 20, 1942
photograph of Blossom and an impression of her lips

The Zanesville Signal
(Ohio)
July 24, 1942
“Walter Winchell On Broadway”
...Blossom Chan, whose “perfect lips” are on Life mag, is Mrs. Tim Gayle—he edits Baton the mag...

The Zensville Signal
July 29, 1942
“Walter Winchell On Broadway”
...Blossom Chan, described as Mrs. Tim Gayle, divorced him and has remarried another lad...

(Next post on Friday: The Citizens’ Committee to Welcome Madame Chiang Kai-shek)