America's Oldest · Founded 1808

Historic Photo Gallery: 1850 to 1899

1893

In January 1893 Irish tenor Chauncey Olcott made his debut at Walnut Street Theatre in Augustus Pitou's Irish drama, Mavourneen. Olcott was so successful in his role that he appeared regularly at the Walnut for over 20 years. He is known for writing some of the most familiar Irish melodies, including "My Wild Irish Rose" and "Mother Machree." Olcott also popularized "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" in a 1913 production of The Isle of Dreams.

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