My mother was teaching school in Nome, Alaska in 1933 when she became friends with Lulu Wong Ying, who was acting in the MGM film “Eskimo” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eskimo_(1933_film)), which was being filmed in the Nome area. I have several photos taken at the time that include Lulu. Also, letters Mom wrote to her mother that include references to Lulu. Sample:
“Feb. 26, 1933
“This morning we went out on the ice to watch them taking pictures, but didn't see much. They've finally given up getting any snow, so they're starting home this week, i.e. the first load of them will start to Fairbanks Tuesday. Some of the party are going north again to get some pictures of polar bears, & the rest will go back to Hollywood where they will have to manufacture the snow scenes. Lulu, the Chinese girl will be among the first to leave, & I've told her to look you folks up if it is convenient to do so when they go thru Ketchikan. Her full name is Lulu Wong Ying & she's a sister of Anna Mae Wong. You'll probably hear from her about the 15th or 16th of March, as they are supposed to leave Seward on the 12th. She's a very friendly girl & is one of the party who seems to be sorry to have to leave. I think the fact of the matter is, that she's welcomed here as a movie star, & is much more important than she is in Hollywood. It was her parka that I wore in the snapshot I sent you.”
My mother was teaching school in Nome, Alaska in 1933 when she became friends with Lulu Wong Ying, who was acting in the MGM film “Eskimo” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eskimo_(1933_film)), which was being filmed in the Nome area. I have several photos taken at the time that include Lulu. Also, letters Mom wrote to her mother that include references to Lulu. Sample:
“Feb. 26, 1933
“This morning we went out on the ice to watch them taking pictures, but didn't see much. They've finally given up getting any snow, so they're starting home this week, i.e. the first load of them will start to Fairbanks Tuesday. Some of the party are going north again to get some pictures of polar bears, & the rest will go back to Hollywood where they will have to manufacture the snow scenes. Lulu, the Chinese girl will be among the first to leave, & I've told her to look you folks up if it is convenient to do so when they go thru Ketchikan. Her full name is Lulu Wong Ying & she's a sister of Anna Mae Wong. You'll probably hear from her about the 15th or 16th of March, as they are supposed to leave Seward on the 12th. She's a very friendly girl & is one of the party who seems to be sorry to have to leave. I think the fact of the matter is, that she's welcomed here as a movie star, & is much more important than she is in Hollywood. It was her parka that I wore in the snapshot I sent you.”
charlieburrow@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing this incredible story with me. I will be in touch over email in the coming weeks!
Good detective work!
Great photos Katie and so many good details. Thanks!
They definitely were living better than some of us are living in 2021.