Paula Ming, Dancer

Paula Ming Norris was born Pauline Ming on May 11, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio. Her parents were Dea Him Ming and Jessie Wong. Dea was born in Kaiping (aka Hoiping), China on November 22, 1899 and passed away in April 1960 in San Francisco. For several years he was a Cleveland-based editor for the San Min Morning Paper in Chicago. According to the California Death Index at Ancestry.com, Jessie was born in Illinois on October 23, 1904 and passed away in San Francisco on July 4, 1962. They were laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery. 

Left: Photograph of Jessie in a letter, dated April 30, 1923, to Dea

1940 U.S. Federal Census

Address: 3900 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio

Name / Age / Occupation

Der H Ming, 38 [head waiter/restaurant]

Jessie Ming, 35

Pauline Ming, 14

Bobbie Ming, 9

Paula’s life was chronicled in the local newspaper. 

Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 22, 1929

Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 9, 1933

Child Actors Are Exposition Stars

Chinese and Ukrainian Juveniles Applauded at Ford Show.

The younger generation captured all honors at the opening presentation of the International Review last night at the Ford Cleveland Industrial Exposition at Public Hall.

In both Chinese and Ukrainian offerings, the children who performed captivated and drew enthusiastic applause.

Seven-year-old Pauline Ming sang an American popular song and danced a typically American tap danced to the unusual accompaniment of the ye-yan, which the Chinese think comparable to the violin, played by her uncle, Fred Wong.

Harry Wong played the woo-kum or bass viola and sang a selection from a Chinese operetta, accompanied by his brother, Fred, and by Ho Fook, who played the som-yin or banjo. Certainly none of the instruments looked or sounded like their American counterparts….

Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 14, 1934

Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 22, 1934

Pageant Includes Dance Spectacle

220 Dancers to Do Stuff on Three Special Stages at Court of Flags.

A regular three-ring circus of dancers, dancers in veils, dancers in fans, tap dancers, toe dancers, dancers in the garb of foreign lands and dancers in groups will feature the Plain Dealer Court of Flags Pageant to be staged at the night show which follows the opening day racing program of the National Air Planes at Cleveland Airport on Frida, Aug. 31.

…and Miss Pauline Ming, 8, of 2140 Rockwell Avenue N.E., who will present an oriental dance in costume….

Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 17, 1937

Three-Hour Show Is Planned for Chinese Relief Festival

An elaborate three-hour show, including a Chinese operetta and an American musical revue, three dance orchestras and a style show, is being staged at Public Hall Wednesday at 8 p.m. for the Chinese War Relief Fund.

… One of the Oriental novelties scheduled is a Chinese operetta, presented by the Hung Sing Co., a professional group of singers and actors from Chicago. There will be a style show by 10 Chinese girls, trained by Tony Marchetti, dance teacher.

Among the entertainers appearing in a variety revue are … Pauline Ming, one of their most promising tap students …

Cleveland Plain Dealer, February 11, 1941

Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 8, 1941

Swinging Up and Down the Avenue

Sixteen-year-old Pauline Ming, Tony Marchetti’s protege, who tapped her heels in the Chinese War Relief show last week, dances to Manhattan Labor Day to take a night club audition.

John Hay Ledger, March 13, 1942

(high school newspaper)

Femme Sports

The high scorers at the Trianon last bowling season were … Pauline Ming, 130 …

Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 22, 1942

Marchetti to Demonstrate New ‘MacArthur Dip’ Step

… There are three phases to the breezy number. They are highlighted by side two-steps, dips, some limber hip-pivoting, an amusing bit of business that used to be called the “jazz step,” followed by a gay game of “patty-cake” on your partner’s hands, a spinning airplane hop on the right foot, and winding up with a brisk military salute. If you have ever done the “Lambeth Walk,” the “MacArthur Dip” will seem even livelier in fun.

Marchetti taught it to his wife, his sister Julie, as well as Virginia Mangan, Mary Amata, Pauline Ming and Jerry Starr, all professional dancers….

Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 20, 1942

Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 17, 1942

Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 25, 1942

United Nations’ Flags Fly Today

Colors to Rise Daily on New Court on Square

Today in Public Square the flags of the 28 United Nations will be unfurled at 12:30 p.m. It is believed this will be the first such court of flags to be established in the United States….

…Music will be furnished by Lakewood Squadron No. 66. … The girls in native costumes and the nations they represent will be, as follows: …Pauline Ming, China …

Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 29, 1942

Cleveland Plain Dealer, September 3, 1942

Chinese Program Tonight

The Cleveland division of recreation will sponsor a Chinese program tonight at 7 at the Donald Gray Lakefront Gardens. There will be Chinese music by the Cosmopolitan Ensemble, American singing, dances by Pauline Ming ad a talk by Ben Seetoo.

Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 7, 1942

Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 20, 1942

Chinese Actress in Play

Pauline Ming, Chinese actress and dancer, has been cast in a Christmas play to be unveiled at the Cleveland Museum of Art auditorium today at 3 and 4 p.m. Written and directed by Dr. George R. Kernodle of Cleveland [illegible], the drama’s other leading players are Mary Ellen Miner, [illegible] Louie, Martin Buchanan, [illegible] Shannon, Helen Sharnoff Jaffe and Theresa Pebbles. 

Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 27, 1943

Marchetti’s Proteges Dance in Revue Today

“Variety Revue,” the seventh annual edition sponsored by Tony Marchetti’s Dance Studio, 1706 Euclid Avenue, will crowd the Little Theater’s stage at Public Hall with 200 dancers tonight.

This is the largest troupe of toe-and-heel artists Marchetti has ever trained for such a recital, the former vaudeville headliner and dance expert said. 

To lend more variety to his musical revue, he is sandwiching a dozen professional acts into it. … Pauline Ming in a Chinese tap novelty …

Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 25, 1943

Tap-stepping Pauline Ming, one of Tony Marchetti’s ace students who doubles as a junior hostess at the Stage Door Canteen, prances into Chin’s Golden Dragon Tuesday. She is hanging up her dance slippers in the fall to enroll at Miami University.

Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 6, 1943

Aid for China Relief Drive at Cain Park

When Cain Park Theater produces “Lost Horizon” next week, the local committee of United China Relief will be on hand to sell Chinese dolls, China Relief pins, China tea and toy pandas.

… Articles will be on sale at a booth near the theater entrance and during intermissions Chinese girls in native costumes will walk through the theater carrying their wares on trays hung from ribbons around their shoulders. This group will include Ruby and Lillian Hing, Mary Yee and Pauline Ming.…

Cleveland Plain Dealer, October 31, 1943

‘Blossom Time’ Stars Singing for Canteen

Shubert singers of “Blossom Time,” including Barbara Scully, Douglas LEavitt, Marion Bradley and Victor Morely, are preparing a miniature revue of show-tunes which they will present at the Stage Door Canteen today at 7 p.m….

…Tomorrow’s events for the canteen consist of radio’ Hank Keene, Pauline Ming in taps, Dr. Berger in magic, Peggy Scott, songbird; Jean Fallen, formerly “Miss Ohio,” and Verna Fix, with music by Gene Beecher.

At some point Paula moved to New York City. The New York, New York Marriage Index at Ancestry.com said Paula and Edward S. Yee obtained a license in Manhattan on February 13, 1945. The San Francisco Chronicle, November 13, 2016, said

they had three children: Terry, Donna and Barbara. 

In 1950, at age 25, her early ballet training, and love of dance, resulted in her first professional job at The China Doll, a night club revue in New York City. [The China Doll closed April 1951.] Ultimately, however, the family moved to San Francisco, where Paula had relatives, hoping for better schools and opportunity. 

Once settled in California she never left. She lived briefly in Southern California, but ultimately returned to the Bay Area. Her professional dancing career resumed at the famous Forbidden City on Sutter Street in San Francisco.

 

Above: Photograph and caption from Arthur 
Dong’s Forbidden City, USA (2014)

The Chronicle said Paula worked at United Airlines from 1956 to 1988. 

Her second marriage was to James Malcolm Norris who passed away April 20, 1995. 

Paula passed away October 16, 2016, in Sacramento, California. An obituary was published in the Chronicle, November 13, 2016. 

Further Reading and Viewing

Vimeo: Paula Ming Norris “A Celebration of Life 1925 – 2016”

The Pioneer Performers of the Forbidden City

Sun Dance History: Dorothy Sun Murray Reminisces on the Forbidden City
AsiaTown Cleveland: From Tong Wars to Dim Sum (2014): page 76, Jessie Ming’s restaurant; page 82, photograph, Dea Ming is at the head of the table. Jessie Ming is on the near side of the table, third from the end.; page 102, photograph of Pauline Ming (age five) and Phyllis Wong (age two).

(Next post on Friday: C.Y. Lee, 1916–2018)

Keye Luke in the Tolo 1923

Franklin High School, Seattle, Washington

(Next post on Friday: Paula Ming, Dancer)

Media Spotlight: Peg O’Wing, Actress

Library of Congress
Peg O’Wing  (above)
July 15, 1915, Bain News Service 

Evening Ledger

(Pennsylvania)
July 17, 1915Perfect American Man Wanted—by Peg O’Wing
She’s Chinese, But He Must Be Well Nigh Ideal to Qualify.

New York, July 17.—Wanted—a perfect American man! Applicants may apply at the studio at 124 west Twenty-third street where sitting cross-legged on a silken prayer rug waits pretty Peg O’Wing, a Chinese miss of 17 years. Peg O’Wing, whose real name is Mai Wing, looks more like Eva Tanguay in her prime than a doll-like Chinese, according to her admirers.

“I want a perfect American man,” lisped Peg today. “He must be temperamental, but he must not boss me, nor swear, nor drink, nor smoke, and he may squeeze my hands only at proper intervals. He must be perfect and above all an American.”

The Saratogian
(Saratoga Springs, New York)
July 17, 1915Wanted: A Perfect Man
She’s Chinese, But He Must Be Well Nigh Ideal to Qualify.
New York, July 17.—Wanted—a perfect American man! Applicants may apply at the studio at 124 west Twenty-third street where sitting cross-legged on a silken prayer rug waits pretty Peg O’Wing, a Chinese miss of seventeen years. Peg O’Wing, whose real name is Mai Wing, looks more like Eva Tanguay in her prime than a doll-like Chinese, according to her admirers.

“I want a perfect American man,” lisped Peg today. “He must be temperamental, but he must not boss me or swear, not drink nor smoke, and he may squeeze my hands only at proper intervals. He must be perfect and above all an American.”

New York Call
July 18, 1915
Pretty Chinese Maiden Waits for Perfect American Man
Wanted, a perfect American man. Applicants may apply at the studio at 124 West 23d street where sitting cross-legged on a silken prayer rug waits pretty Peg O’Wing, a Chinese miss of 17 years. Peg O’Wing, whose real name is Mai Wing, looks more like Eva Tanguay in her prime than a doll-like Chinese, according to her admirers.

“I want a perfect American man,” lisped Peg today. “He must be temperamental, but he must not boss me, nor swear, nor drink, nor smoke, and he may squeeze my hands only at proper intervals. He must be perfect—and above all, an American.”

Alexandria Times-Tribune
(Indiana)
July 19, 1915
Wanted! A Perfect American Man by Pretty Peg O’Wing
(By United Press)

New York, July 17.—Wanted: A perfect American man! Applicants may apply at the studio at 124 West Twenty-Third street where sitting cross-legged on a silken prayer rug waits pretty Peg O’Wing, a Chinese miss of 17 years. Peg O’Wing, whose real name is Mai Wing, looks more like Eva Tanguay in her prime than a doll-like Chinese, according to her admirers.

“I want a perfect American man,” lisped Peg today. “He must be temperamental, but he must not boss me, nor swear, nor drink, nor smoke, and he may squeeze my hands only at proper intervals. He must be perfect and above all, an American.”

Springfield Union
(Massachusetts)
July 19, 1915

Would Be Chinese Bernhardt
Peg O’Wing, native of Pekin, China, aspires to be known as the Chinese Sarah Bernhardt. She is a modest Chinese girl, speaks English without an accent, dances and sings charmingly and is a striking type of Chinese beauty. She was discovered in Chinatown, N. Y., where her name is Mai Wing, by Mrs. Jean White, who is the only white woman in New York who speaks Chinese.

Peg O’Wing says she has refused to marry sic young Chinese men her father picked out for her and thinks she will marry an American when she does marry. 

(In the above caption Peg O’Wing is described as “a modest Chinese girl”. The following newspaper said she is “a modern Chinese girl”.)

Duluth Herald
(Minnesota)
July 20, 1915
Chinese Beauty Would Wed American
Peg O’Wing, native of Pekin, China, aspires to be known as the Chinese Sarah Bernhardt. She is a modern Chinese girl, speaks English without an accent, dances and sings charmingly and is a striking type of Chinese beauty. She was discovered in Chinatown, New York, where her name is Mai Wing, by Mrs. Jean White, who is the only white woman in New York who speaks Chinese. Peg O’Wing says she has refused to marry sic young Chinese men her father picked out for her and thinks she will marry an American when she does marry. 

Kansas City Star
(Missouri)
July 23, 1915
Want a Chinese Bride?
Pretty Peg O’Wing Is Seeking an American for a Husband.
The Oriental Has His Good Points, But This Fair Young Maid Doesn’t Like His Attitude Toward Women.

From the New York Evening World.

Pretty Peg O’Wing, wistful Chinese miss of seventeen summers, has ransacked Manhattan and a part of New Jersey for a husband, and she can’t find one to suit her. She has passed up a dozen young Chinese suitors and half a dozen American men. With ruthless cruelty she turned them all down.

A Chinese husband for Peg? Well, not if she can help it. She doesn’t want much. Oh, no! She wants an American beau. He may be a hyphenated American, but he must be a suitor par excellence—more perfect than the most perfect husband any of Peg’s American sisters hope for.

Reg, whose real Chinese name is Mai Wing, is called Maudie by her papa. The Gaelic “O” in her Americanized name stands for the “Oh!” that everybody exclaims on first catching sight of the winsome Peg.

Peg Is a Suffragette.

A reporter who wished to do all he could to aid Peg in her search (but who threw up the job when he learned the requirements she imposed) found the slant eyed maid in Mrs. Jean White’s studio, 124 West Twenty-third Street.

He found a modern young Chinese woman dressed in pink satin dancing sippers and a beautiful brocaded blue silk mandarin coat. Her jet black hair was as fluffy as Eva Tanguay’s, so different from the sleek and shining hair dress of her country women.

Peg planted herself on a divan, sat there tailor fashion and recounted her experiences with the poor young fellows who hoped to, but couldn’t win her hand.

“I won’t marry a Chinese,” she said. “I am a modern Chinese girl, and, mind you, a suffragette. (She didn’t exactly say suffragette. Her pronunciation was more musical—‘suf-frey-set-tee’). Chinese men all treat women as if they were toys. I’m no toy. Chinese men are nice, but I don’t like their attitude toward women.”

Each Suitor Had Some Fault.

She told about an impulsive young Italian-American suitor who was all right until, in pressing his proposal, he told her he would kill her if she didn’t marry him. That was his cue for an exit.

“Now, just to show you how he did not keep his promise,” said the coy Peg, “I’m still alive. I don’t like men who don’t keep their promises.”

There was a gay young Frenchman. He was too explosive, too dandified and too shallow, she explained, and after he wore out the knees of his breeches proposing she dropped the curtain on him and zip!—he was shut out.

And then there was a young German-American, attentive, polite and reserved. Everything went well with Peg and him for a long time. But he had big fat hands. Also he had some strength. In his excitement during his last proposal (he had many) he squeezed poor little Peg’s tiny hand so hard that it hurt. He squeezed himself out of her heart immediately.

Here Are the Requirements.

A sad eyed young American was the last one to propose. He was too sad eyed, and one night he cried in proposing to her, and his tears washed away all of Peg’s admiration for him.

“And now,” Peg concluded, “I want a man who won’t boss me, who is temperamental, who doesn’t swear, smoke or drink, who wouldn’t object to his wife riding a horse bareback down Broadway. He may squeeze my hand, but only at the proper moment. He mustn’t fuss around the kitchen, but he must know the difference between a ham and a porterhouse steak. He must be absolutely perfect—and an American.”

“And you haven’t found him yet?’ asked the reporter.

“No,” said Peg.

Rocky Mountain News
(Colorado)
July 23, 1915
Chinese Maid Wants a ‘Man’
Pretty Peg O’Wing Says He Must Be Perfect and an American.
New York, July 22.—Pretty Peg O’Wing, wistful Chinese miss of seventeen summers, has ransacked Manhattan and a part of New Jersey for a husband, and she can’t find one to suit her. She has passed up a dozen young Chinese suitors and half a dozen American men. With ruthless cruelty she turned them all down.

A Chinese husband for Peg? Well, not if she can help it. She doesn’t want much. Oh, no! She wants an American beau. He may be a hyphenated American, but he must be a suitor par excellence—more perfect than the most perfect husband any of Peg’s American sisters hope for.

Peg, whose real Chinese name is Mai Wing, is called Maudie by her papa. The Gaelic “O” in her Americanized name stands for the “Oh!” that everybody exclaims on first catching sight of the winsome Peg.

The reporter who wanted to do all he could to aid Peg in her search (but who threw up the job when he learned the requirements she imposed) located the slant-eyed maid in Mrs. Jean White’s studio, No. 124 West Twenty-third street, today.

He found a very modern young Chinese lady indeed, dressed in pink satin dancing sippers and a beautiful brocaded blue silk mandarin coat. Her jet black hair was as fluffy as Eva Tanguay’s—so different from the sleek and shining hairdress of her countrywomen.

Peg planted herself on a divan, sat there tailor fashion and recounted her experiences with the poor young fellows who hoped to, but couldn’t, win her hand.

“I won’t marry a Chinese,” she said. “I am a modern Chinese girl, and, mind you, a suffragette. (She didn’t exactly say suffragette. Her pronunciation was more musical—‘Suffrey-set-tee’). Chinese men all treat women as if they were toys. I’m no toy.”

West Virginian
(Fairmont, West Virginia)
July 23, 1915
What’s in a Name? Peg Is Chinese, Not Irish
Peggy O’Wing
Miss Peg O’Wing who is from China not from Ireland has come to America to make her debut on the stage. It’s Peg’s ambition to become the “Bernhardt of China.”

The Day Book
(Chicago, Illinois)
July 24, 1915
What’s in a Name? Peg Is Chinese, Not Irish
Peggy O’Wing
Miss Peg O’Wing, who is from China not from Ireland, has come to America to make her debut on the stage. It’s Peg’s ambition to become the “Bernhardt of China.”

Rock Island Argus
(Illinois)
July 24, 1915
Chinese, Wants American Husband
New York, July 24.—For all of her Irish name, Peggy O’Wing has never seen Ireland, nor for that matter have her father and mother had any Irish ancestry. Peg is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wing Bock of Newark, N. J. Of course one wonders why, if her father’s name is Bock she is called O’Wing. The Chinese do things which we Americans are often puzzled over. It is because her father and mother are Chinese that her name is O’Wing. That signifies daughter of Wing—Wing being Mr. Bock’s surname.

Though she is thoroughly Americanized, some of the Oriental ways which she has not forsaken, add charm to the fair Celestial maiden who is seeking a husband. Peg is, according to her manner of Chinese reckoning, 18 years old, but only 17 according to the American method. Now 18, in China, is considered an old age for an unmarried girl, and her father has endeavored in every possible way to aid Dan Cupid. Chinamen by the score have come to the Bock home and have been captivated by the charm of the fair maid, but she would have none of them, because she has made up her mind to have none but an American husband. Her charming features resemble those of a Spanish beauty, and that is saying something for when a Spanish girl is a beauty she is “some pippin.”

Peg O’Wing has other aspirations beside obtaining an American husband, for she aspires to be the Sarah Bernhardt of her own race. It was against the wishes of her father, who is a prominent merchant, that she studied for the stage, for in China the parent of a girl frowns on any attempt of his child disporting herself for the admiration of the crowd. Consequently a stage life for the Chinese woman is never encouraged. So rare is the Chinese actress in China that men often play the roles of women.

Miss O’Wing will be the only Chinese actress in the United States. Her three sisters are praying that she will meet with the success they think she deserves on her initial appearance in New York. She speaks Italian, Chinese, German and French as well as English.

The Fort Wayne News
(Indiana)
July 30, 1915
Chinese, Wants American Husband
New York, July 30.—For all of her Irish name, Peggy O’Wing has never seen Ireland, nor for that matter have her father and mother had any Irish ancestry. Peg is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wing Bock of Newark, N. J. Of course, one wonders why, if her father’s name is Bock she is called O’Wing. The Chinese do things which we Americans are often puzzled over. It is because her father and mother are Chinese that her name is O’Wing. That signifies daughter of Wing—Wing being Mr. Bock’s surname.

Though she is thoroughly Americanized, some of the oriental ways which she has not forsaken, add charm to the fair Celestial maiden who is seeking a husband. Peg is, according to her manner of Chinese reckoning, eighteen years old, but only seventeen according to the American method. Now eighteen, in China, is considered an old age for an unmarried girl, and her father has endeavored in every possible way to aid Dan Cupid. Chinamen by the score have come to the Bock home and have been captivated by the charm of the fair maid, but she would have none of them, because she has made up her mind to have none but an American husband. Her charming features resemble those of a Spanish beauty, and that is saying something, for when a Spanish girl is a beauty she is “some pippin.”

Peg O’Wing has other aspirations besides obtaining an American husband, for she aspires to be the Sarah Bernhardt of her own race. It was against the wishes of her father, who is a prominent merchant, that she studied for the stage, for in China the parent of a girl frowns on any attempt of his child disporting herself for the admiration of the crowd. Consequently a stage life for the Chinese woman is never encouraged. So rare is the Chinese actress in China that men often play the roles of women.

Miss O’Wing will be the only Chinese actress in the United States. Her three sisters are praying that she will meet with the success they think she deserves on her initial appearance in New York. She speaks Italian, Chinese, German and French as well as [English].

The Madison Journal
(Tallulah, LA)
August 7, 1915
Seeks Fame on the Stage
Chinese Girl Aspires to Be the Sarah Bernhardt of the Oriental Race
For all of her Irish name, Peggy O’Wing has never seen Ireland, nor, for that matter, have her father and mother had any Irish ancestry. Peg is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wing Bock of Newark, N. J. Of course, one wonders why, if her father’s name is Bock, she is called O’Wing. The Chinese do things which we Americans are often puzzled over. It is because her father and mother are Chinese that her name is O’Wing. That signifies daughter of Wing—Wing being Mr. Bock’s surname. Though she is thoroughly Americanized, some of the oriental ways which she has not forsaken, added charm to the fair Celestial maiden who is seeking a husband. Peg is, according to her manner of Chinese reckoning, eighteen years old, but only seventeen according to the American method. Now eighteen, in China, is considered an old age for an unmarried girl, and her father has endeavored in every possible way to aid Dan Cupid. Chinamen by the scores have come to the Bock home and have been captivated by the charm of the fair maid, but she would have none of them, because she has made up her mind to have none but an American husband. Her charming features resemble those of a Spanish beauty, and that is saying something, for when a Spanish girl is a beauty she is “some pippin.” Peg O’Wing has other aspirations besides obtaining an American husband, for she aspires to be the Sarah Bernhardt of her own race. It was against the wishes of her father, who is a prominent merchant, that she studied for the stage, for in China the parent of a girl frowns on any attempt of his child disporting herself for the admiration of the crowd. Consequently a stage life for the Chinese woman is never encouraged. So rare is the Chinese actress in China that men often play the roles of women. Miss O’Wing will be the only Chinese actress in the United States. Her three sisters are praying that she will meet with the success she deserves on her initial appearance in New York. She speaks Italian, Chinese, German and French as well as English, and she feels that an American of her ideal type will appreciate her more as a wife, than a Chinaman.

Buffalo Courier
(New York)
August 8, 1915
Chinese girl who aspires to be Bernhardt of her race, seeks American husband.
For all of her Irish name, Peggy O’Wing has never seen Ireland, nor, for that matter, have her father and mother had any Irish ancestry. Peg is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wing Bock of Newark, N. J. Of course, one wonders why, if her father’s name is Bock, she is called O’Wing. The Chinese do things which we Americans seem to be puzzled over. It is because her father and mother are Chinese that her name is O’Wing. That signifies daughter of Wing—Wing being Mr. Bock’s surname. Though she is thoroughly Americanized, some of the Oriental ways which she had not forsaken, add charm to the fair Celestial maiden who is seeking a husband. Peg is, according to the manner of Chinese reckoning, eighteen years old, but only seventeen, according to the American method. Now eighteen, in China, is considered an old age for an unmarried girl, and her father has endeavored in every possible way to aid Dan Cupid. Chinamen by the score have come to the Bock home and have been captivated by the charm of the fair maid, but she would have none of them, because she has made up her mind to have none but an American husband. Her charming features resemble those of a Spanish beauty, and that is saying something, for when a Spanish girl is a beauty she is “some pippin.” Peg O’Wing has other aspirations beside securing an American husband, for she aspires to be the Sarah Bernhardt of her own race. It was against the wishes of her father, who is a prominent merchant, that she studied for the stage, for in China the parent of a girl frowns on any attempt of his child disporting herself for the admiration of the crowd. Consequently a stage life for the Chinese woman is never encouraged. So rare is the Chinese actress in China that men often play the roles of women.

Perth Amboy Evening News
(New Jersey)
August 9, 1915
Seeks Fame on the Stage
Chinese Girl Aspires to Be the Sarah Bernhardt of the Oriental Race
For all of her Irish name, Peggy O’Wing has never seen Ireland, nor, for that matter, have her father and mother had any Irish ancestry. Peg is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wing Bock of Newark, N. J. Of course, one wonders why, if her father’s name is Bock, she is called O’Wing. The Chinese do things which we Americans seem to be puzzled over. It is because her father and mother are Chinese that her name is O’Wing. That signifies daughter of Wing, Wing being Mr. Bock’s surname. Though she is thoroughly Americanized, some of the oriental ways which she has not forsaken, added charm to the fair Celestial maiden who is seeking a husband. Peg is, according to the manner of Chinese reckoning, eighteen years old, but only seventeen according to the American method. Now eighteen, in China, is considered an old age for an unmarried girl, and her father has endeavored in every possible way to aid Dan Cupid. Chinamen by the scores have come to the Bock home and have been captivated by the charm of the fair maid, but she would have none of them, because she has made up her mind to have none but an American husband. Her charming features resemble those of a Spanish beauty, and that is saying something, for when a Spanish girl is a beauty she is “some pippin.” Peg O’Wing has other aspirations besides obtaining an American husband, for she aspires to be the Sarah Bernhardt of her own race. It was against the wishes of her father, who is a prominent merchant, that she studied for the stage, for in China the parent of a girl frowns on any attempt of his child disporting herself for the admiration of the crowd. Consequently a stage life for the Chinese woman is never encouraged. So rare is the Chinese actress in China that men often play the roles of women. Miss O’Wing will be the only Chinese actress in the United States. Her three sisters are praying that she will meet with the success she deserves on her initial appearance in New York. She speaks Italian, Chinese, German and French as well as English, and she feels that an American of her ideal type will appreciate her more as a wife, than a Chinaman.

Celina Democrat
(Ohio)
August 13, 1915
Seeks Fame on the Stage
Chinese Girl Aspires to Be the Sarah Bernhardt of the Oriental Race
For all of her Irish name, Peggy O’Wing has never seen Ireland, nor, for that matter, have her father and mother had any Irish ancestry. Peg is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wing Bock of Newark, N. J. Of course, one wonders why, if her father’s name is Bock, she is called O’Wing. The Chinese do things which we Americans seem to be puzzled over. It is because her father and mother are Chinese that her name is O’Wing. That signifies daughter of Wing, Wing being Mr. Bock’s surname. Though she is thoroughly Americanized, some of the oriental ways which she has not forsaken, added charm to the fair Celestial maiden who is seeking a husband. Peg is, according to the manner of Chinese reckoning, eighteen years old, but only seventeen according to the American method. Now eighteen, in China, is considered an old age for an unmarried girl, and her father has endeavored in every possible way to aid Dan Cupid. Chinamen by the scores have come to the Bock home and have been captivated by the charm of the fair maid, but she would have none of them, because she has made up her mind to have none but an American husband. Her charming features resemble those of a Spanish beauty, and that is saying something, for when a Spanish girl is a beauty she is “some pippin.” Peg O’Wing has other aspirations besides obtaining an American husband, for she aspires to be the Sarah Bernhardt of her own race. It was against the wishes of her father, who is a prominent merchant, that she studied for the stage, for in China the parent of a girl frowns on any attempt of his child disporting herself for the admiration of the crowd. Consequently a stage life for the Chinese woman is never encouraged. So rare is the Chinese actress in China that men often play the roles of women. Miss O’Wing will be the only Chinese actress in the United States. Her three sisters are praying that she will meet with the success she deserves on her initial appearance in New York. She speaks Italian, Chinese, German and French as well as English, and she feels that an American of her ideal type will appreciate her more as a wife, than a Chinaman.

Dresden Enterprise and Sharon Tribune
(Tennessee)
August 20, 1915
Seeks Fame on the Stage
Chinese Girl Aspires to Be the Sarah Bernhardt of the Oriental Race
For all of her Irish name, Peggy O’Wing has never seen Ireland, nor, for that matter, have her father and mother had any Irish ancestry. Peg is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wing Bock of Newark, N. J. Of course, one wonders why, if her father’s name is Bock, she is called O’Wing. The Chinese do things which we Americans seem to be puzzled over. It is because her father and mother are Chinese that her name is O’Wing. That signifies daughter of Wing, Wing being Mr. Bock’s surname. Though she is thoroughly Americanized, some of the oriental ways which she has not forsaken, added charm to the fair Celestial maiden who is seeking a husband. Peg is, according to the manner of Chinese reckoning, eighteen years old, but only seventeen according to the American method. Now eighteen, in China, is considered an old age for an unmarried girl, and her father has endeavored in every possible way to aid Dan Cupid. Chinamen by the scores have come to the Bock home and have been captivated by the charm of the fair maid, but she would have none of them, because she has made up her mind to have none but an American husband. Her charming features resemble those of a Spanish beauty, and that is saying something, for when a Spanish girl is a beauty she is “some pippin.” Peg O’Wing has other aspirations besides obtaining an American husband, for she aspires to be the Sarah Bernhardt of her own race. It was against the wishes of her father, who is a prominent merchant, that she studied for the stage, for in China the parent of a girl frowns on any attempt of his child disporting herself for the admiration of the crowd. Consequently a stage life for the Chinese woman is never encouraged. So rare is the Chinese actress in China that men often play the roles of women. Miss O’Wing will be the only Chinese actress in the United States. Her three sisters are praying that she will meet with the success she deserves on her initial appearance in New York. She speaks Italian, Chinese, German and French as well as English, and she feels that an American of her ideal type will appreciate her more as a wife, than a Chinaman.

The Republican Journal
(Belfast, Maine)
September 2, 1915
Seeks Fame on the Stage
Chinese Girl Aspires to Be the Sarah Bernhardt of the Oriental Race
For all of her Irish name, Peggy O’Wing has never seen Ireland, nor, for that matter, have her father and mother had any Irish ancestry. Peg is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wing Bock of Newark, N. J. Of course, one wonders why, if her father’s name is Bock, she is called O’Wing. The Chinese do things which we Americans seem to be puzzled over. It is because her father and mother are Chinese that her name is O’Wing. That signifies daughter of Wing, Wing being Mr. Bock’s surname. Though she is thoroughly Americanized, some of the oriental ways which she has not forsaken, added charm to the fair Celestial maiden who is seeking a husband. Peg is, according to the manner of Chinese reckoning, eighteen years old, but only seventeen according to the American method. Now eighteen, in China, is considered an old age for an unmarried girl, and her father has endeavored in every possible way to aid Dan Cupid. Chinamen by the scores have come to the Bock home and have been captivated by the charm of the fair maid, but she would have none of them, because she has made up her mind to have none but an American husband. Her charming features resemble those of a Spanish beauty, and that is saying something, for when a Spanish girl is a beauty she is “some pippin.” Peg O’Wing has other aspirations besides obtaining an American husband, for she aspires to be the Sarah Bernhardt of her own race. It was against the wishes of her father, who is a prominent merchant, that she studied for the stage, for in China the parent of a girl frowns on any attempt of his child disporting herself for the admiration of the crowd. Consequently a stage life for the Chinese woman is never encouraged. So rare is the Chinese actress in China that men often play the roles of women. Miss O’Wing will be the only Chinese actress in the United States. Her three sisters are praying that she will meet with the success she deserves on her initial appearance in New York. She speaks Italian, Chinese, German and French as well as English, and she feels that an American of her ideal type will appreciate her more as a wife, than a Chinaman.

Illustrated World
October 1915
A Style from the Chinese
“Trousers for women!” The idea brings up thoughts of the pampered and imprisoned beauties of the Oriental harem, and of the bizarre attempts of Occidental women to be different; but when worn by those who are accustomed to them, trousers acquire a beauty and charm that does not at all accord with the popular ideas. Occidental styles offer nothing more simple and graceful than the trousers worn by Miss Peg O’Wing, the talented young Chinese actress, as shown the photograph reproduced on this page. 

American adaptations, as exemplified in the picture to the left, in all probability, are responsible for the masculine smiles which greet the adoption of the idea by our women. Perhaps the comparison may not be just; but somehow it does seem to the untutored masculine mind that the style has lost in grace, utility, and charm by transplantation into alien fashions.

Bridgeport Chronicle-Union
(California)
December 4, 1915
Seeks Fame on the Stage
Chinese Girl Aspires to Be the Sarah Bernhardt of the Oriental Race
For all of her Irish name, Peggy O’Wing has never seen Ireland, nor, for that matter, have her father and mother had any Irish ancestry. Peg is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wing Bock of Newark, N. J. Of course, one wonders why, if her father’s name is Bock, she is called O’Wing. The Chinese do things which we Americans seem to be puzzled over. It is because her father and mother are Chinese that her name is O’Wing. That signifies daughter of Wing, Wing being Mr. Bock’s surname. Though she is thoroughly Americanized, some of the oriental ways which she has not forsaken, added charm to the fair Celestial maiden who is seeking a husband. Peg is, according to the manner of Chinese reckoning, eighteen years old, but only seventeen according to the American method. Now eighteen, in China, is considered an old age for an unmarried girl, and her father has endeavored in every possible way to aid Dan Cupid. Chinamen by the scores have come to the Bock home and have been captivated by the charm of the fair maid, but she would have none of them, because she has made up her mind to have none but an American husband. Her charming features resemble those of a Spanish beauty, and that is saying something, for when a Spanish girl is a beauty she is “some pippin.” Peg O’Wing has other aspirations besides obtaining an American husband, for she aspires to be the Sarah Bernhardt of her own race. It was against the wishes of her father, who is a prominent merchant, that she studied for the stage, for in China the parent of a girl frowns on any attempt of his child disporting herself for the admiration of the crowd. Consequently a stage life for the Chinese woman is never encouraged. So rare is the Chinese actress in China that men often play the roles of women. Miss O’Wing will be the only Chinese actress in the United States. Her three sisters are praying that she will meet with the success she deserves on her initial appearance in New York. She speaks Italian, Chinese, German and French as well as English, and she feels that an American of her ideal type will appreciate her more as a wife, than a Chinaman.


(Next post on Friday: Keye Luke in the Tolo 1923)