WEEK 2 – Favourite Photo(s) Dorothy Loftus (Vaudeville Showgirl)

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

This year, I’ve decided to participate in “52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks” Genealogical Challenge (#52Ancestors). This is a way of chronicling my ancestors and getting the information out of my filing cabinet and out to friends and family.

If you can add to the information or have your own stories, please feel free to add them in the comments. Who knows, perhaps you’ll help me break through a few of my brick walls.

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#52Ancestors in 52 Weeks

WEEK 2 – Favourite Photo(s) Dorothy Loftus (Vaudeville Showgirl)

Many of us can usually find a celebrity hanging in our family tree. No Doubt, Dorothy Loftus had been bitten by the showbiz bug at an early age and dreamed of fame and fortune. Though she never would become a household name, these photos of her limited career as a showgirl in New York's Vaudeville have forever captured her short time in the "Big Show".

Dorothy Florence Gladys Loftus was my 1st Cousin twice removed. She was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on 22 February 1906 to Sydney Loftus and Emma Cockburn (My Great Grandfathers younger sister).

In the early 1920's Dorothy or Dottie, as she is referred on her photos, moved to New York City with her parents and two brothers.

If was here that she would became a Vaudeville Showgirl.

Dottie Loftus (2nd from the end) with the Rainbow Girls

I find these photos fascinating. Definitely risqué at the time, they also show a fun-loving, playful side of Dottie, in a very uncommon profession. Whatever your opinion of these photos, you have to agree, they are very unique.

Dottie in a Provocative Promo photo.

Dottie in another costume.

It is assumed that Dottie hung up her dancing bloomers when she married Edward Foot, an Insurance Clerk in September 1929.