Sister Act of 1920’s

By: Suzy Dunning

At the Vigo County History Center there is a new exhibit on the 2nd floor that honors the 100-year history of the Community Theater of Terre Haute. The history of stage performance in Vigo County is a rich one full of wonderful stories that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Before the motion picture days there were Vaudeville acts at local theaters such as the Indiana and the Hippodrome Theater. The Hippodrome, located at the corner of 8th and Ohio was on the Keith Circuit, a chain of high-quality vaudeville theaters known for being clean, respectable, and family-friendly. The Keith Circuit was a powerful theater network in the U.S. during the late 1800’s and early 1900's. It was a nationwide network that allowed actors and actresses to perform from city to city on the same “chain” of theaters. It was in this way that many early-stage performers got their start.

For young Diana Hyland it was just the start she needed to quickly gain notoriety in big cities like Chicago. But Diana wouldn’t rise to stardom on her own. She was paired with Miss Emma Klatte. Both young ladies were from Terre Haute and had similar features so although they were not actually related, they formed a sister act –Diana was known as Jane and Emma as Jean. Together they were “The King Sisters”. They had both studied voice and Diana’s first made her radio appearance at the Pittsburgh Radio Station, WCAE.

It was in 1922 that the sisters performed as dancers in Chicago. They also made appearances in Terre Haute and surrounding towns. In addition to singing and dancing they also did musical comedy.

This week’s Historical Treasure is a framed photo of Diana Hyland - 1922 that was recently donated to the Vigo County History Center. The photo was taken by DeHaven, Chicago. A photographer in the heart of Chicago. The studio was located on the 5th floor of 144 Wabash Ave. Chicago- Not the Wabash Ave. in Terre Haute. DeHaven was a major photography business active in New York City from 1910 to the 1930's and they produced many promotional photographs for the Broadway theaters and the early screen performers. 

The photo will be displayed on the 2nd floor in the Arts and Entertainment exhibit along with other items from the museum’s collection from the Vaudeville era.