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New York circa 1921. "Bacon family." One of nine similar photos. Who can put a first name to Papa Bacon? Bain News Service glass negative. View full size.
I have no doubt that Frank was having a good day hanging out with his grandaughters.
Seems to have started a family rather late in life.
[Frank Bacon's children were adults at the time. His son Lloyd's credits also include directing the Busby Berkeley musical extravaganzas 42nd Street and Footlight Parade. - tterrace]
That's Frank Bacon, noted vaudeville actor and San Jose's favorite son. He created the then-famous Broadway character of Lightnin' Bill Jones, and after playing the character for several decades wrote a book based on the play. His fantastic autobiography, "Barnstorming," is a great look at what it took to become a vaudeville actor and make a name for one's self at the turn of the century.
Frank died the year after this photo was taken. Frank's son, Lloyd Francis, was also a successful actor and director, and appeared with Charlie Chaplin and Broncho Billy Anderson in several Essanay films in Niles, near the family's home in San Jose. Lloyd later directed "Knute Rockne, All American" with "The Gipper" himself.
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