THESPIAN: Back 100 years ago, a performer on a local stage garnered a bit of notice for his talents.

“As a fiddler, Bob Stewart, 70, of East Bradford was good enough to attract the attention of Henry Ford and be invited to play for the world’s greatest motor king. And as an actor appearing at Shea’s this week, Bob is knocking ’em off their seats. That’s what the old-time musician did at the premier show.

“Manager Pierce asserts that the local man is getting more applause than his four regular acts. Stewart played the fiddle, the accordion and guitar and promises to bring along more instruments to play. He will appear at a Jamestown vaudeville house at the last half of the week.”

Remember this is back in the days when Bradford had entertainment venues, like The Keeney Theater, which later became the Adams Theater, Shea’s and The Grand.

At the same time as Bob Stewart’s musical talents, Shea’s was showing the motion picture “The American Venus” with Esther Ralston, Ford Sterling, Lawrence Gray, Miss America 1925 Fay Lanphier, and The Atlantic City Bathing Beauties.

Later that week was Lou Davidson and his orchestra presenting Miss Bobbie Greiss, with the biggest musical treat in years; Grace Leonard and Dolly St. John, The Reel Kids in a singing and comedy skit; Bob Bollinger with a comedy gymnastic novelty show; Phil Peters & Co. in “The Hold Up;” and a film “Sackcloth and Scarlet” with Alice Terry.

At the state Armory, in February, presented by C.L. White Ford Motor Co. Inc. was Henry Ford’s Old Fashioned Dance and Fiddlers Contest. Music was by Husted’s Syncopators. Tickets were sold for dancing and for spectating.