Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Nov. 9 is the sesquicentennial of the birth of one of Cobourg’s most distinguished citizens, and the Marie Dressler Foundation board of directors invites you to her birthday party.
This has been a banner year for the foundation, president and chair Rick Miller said in the press release.
“Over the past several months, we have hosted a number of unique events, inviting residents and visitors to Cobourg to learn more about Marie Dressler and her very special place in the history of early Hollywood,” Miller stated.
Dressler started life as Leila Von Koerber, born in the northeast room of the Ontario cottage her family was renting from John Field for $8 a month. That house (located at 212 King St. W.) would later trade on Dressler’s glamour to become one of the town’s ritziest eateries. Following its reconstruction after a catastrophic fire, it is now a museum that celebrates her life and achievements.
Dressler would go on to a stage career, but really hit her stride in the movies. She became one of Hollywood’s top box-office draws and (along with Mary Pickford, Norma Shearer and Anna Pacquin) would become one of only four Canadian women to win an Oscar.
Little wonder Hollywood turned out in force for her 65th birthday in 1933, and this extravaganza is part of the story on view at the Art Gallery of Northumberland, where an exhibition called Cobourg’s Sweetheart” Celebrating Marie Dressler is on until Nov. 11.
Also little wonder that Cobourg’s mayor and town council declared Nov 9 as Celebrate Marie Dressler 150 Day.
The birthday celebration in honour of the big day will run from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Art Gallery of Northumberland (located on the third floor west at Victoria Hall, 55 King St. W.). It’s a family event, with the kids invited to make a birthday card for Marie at the event (and also to receive a gift from Marie for this special occasion).
The La Jeunesse Choir will provide music, and refreshments will be served.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
