Thursday, January 5, 2023

JOEY GOUGENHEIM

Josephine Gougenheim
Source: Allister Hardiman via Australharmony

Joey Gougenheim
Source: Picture on wall of Gulgong Opera House

Josepheine and Adelaide Gougenheim
Source: NYPL Digital Gallery

BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
  • Joey (Josephine) GOUGENHEIM (later Mrs. Marmaduke CONSTABLE)
  • Actor, vocalist
  • Born London, England, c. 1833
  • Daughter of Augustus Manuel GOUGENHEIM and Sarah Theresa BOARDMAN
  • Travel: 
    • Arrived (1) Sydney, NSW, by October 1856
    • Departed (1) Melbourne, VIC, 31 July 1858 (per Glimpse, for California)
    • Arrived (2) Melbourne, VIC, 5 March 1862 (per Albrecht Oswald, from San Francisco, 16 January)
  • Married Marmaduke CONSTABLE, Dunedin, NZ, 8 July 1865 
    • he died in 1898 (NSW BDM 167/1898)
  • Died Darlinghurst, NSW, 13 September 1900 (NSW BDM 7930/1900)
  • Their children included:
    • Josephine - born 1862?: died 1940, Sydney (NSW BDM 21065/1940)
    • Marmaduke - born 1866; (VIC BDM 14540/1866); died xxxx.
    • Archibald - born 1868; died RNS hospital, aged 63 (BDM NSW5712/1931)
    • Adelaide Charlotte - born xxxx; died 1921 Sydney (BDM NSW 15476/1921)
Source: Australharmony and NSW BDM


Josepheine and Adelaide Gougenheim
Source: NYPL Digital Gallery
1856 - THEATRICALS.
By the late arrivals from San Francisco we have received some accessions to our histrionic corps. By the Starr King, which came into the harbour on Monday, two young ladies, the Misses Gougenheim have arrived. Their merits as actresses are highly spoken of in the California papers.

1856 - [PRE-PUBLICITY]
Before departing San Francisco for a tour of Australia in 1856, two sisters (or, more likely, their manager, Joseph French) printed the Histrionic Memoir of the Misses Adelaide and Joey Gougenheim. The publicity packet appears to have been intended for the Australian public, in anticipation of the performers' arrival to that continent. The Memoir quoted positive paper reviews from a range of San Francisco papers, all of which commented on the strengths and weaknesses of the sisters' performance, their physical attractiveness, and their "popularity!' ... The Memoir told the Gougenheim girls' story from a carefully constructed perspective and sought to disseminate that version around the globe in order to craft a consistent brand for the sisters, who came to San Francisco direct from Paris in late 1855.
Source: Amy K. DeFalco Lippert, Consuming identities: visual culture in nineteenth-century San Francisco (New York: Oxford University Press, 2018), 351-52

Other stage players who were very successful in burlesques and pantomimes were English-born touring stars Adelaide and Josephine Gougenheim (who appeared in Tasmania in 1857).

1865 - MARRIAGES
CONSTABLE—GOUGENHEIM.—On the 8th ult., at Dunedin, by the Rev. Donald Meiklejohn, Marmaduke, son of the late Archibald Constable, Esq., of Edinburgh, to Josephine, youngest daughter of Augustus Gougenheim, Esq., of New York.

Constable's Gold Mining Shares, 1865
Source: Sovereign Hill Gold Museum

1866 - FAMILY NOTICES
CONSTABLE.—On the 2nd inst., at Emerald-hill, the wife of Marmaduke Constable, Esq., of a son.
Source:  The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Wed 4 Jul 1866 Page 4

1871 - GULGONG VISIT
The talented and versatile Miss Joey Gougenheim is about paying a professional visit to Gulgong, where a theatre is either to be built or improvised.

Joey Gougenheim is appearing at Cogden’s Assembly Rooms for 3 Nights Only, in her show ‘Joey at Home’.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 29, September 2, 1871

Town Improvements
The Commodious Theatre at the rear of Ward’s Hotel is nearly ready for occupation, and has been leased by Miss Joey Gougenheim for a period, who intends to open it with a well chosen troupe of Sydney performers.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 31, September 16, 1871

Royal Theatre Proprietor Mr. Michael Ward
Lessee - Miss Joey Gougenheim - Grand Opening Night - This Evening Sat 23rd September.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 32, Septemberr 23, 1871


Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 35, October 14, 1871


1871 - THEATRICALS.
The principal feature added to the Theatre Royal company since my last has been the appearance of Miss Joey Gougenheim in several plays selected, not only to meet public taste, but the capacity and strength of the company. On Wednesday evening she appeared as Pauline in the "Lady of Lyons." This play was repeated on Thursday night with much success. Miss Joey was very well supported by Miss Crofton as Madame Deschappelles, Miss Morgan as Widow Melnotte, Mr. Hasker as Dumas, Mr. Flynn as Claude, and Mr. Stuart as Beauseant. The acting of all gave excellent satisfaction, and elicited much applause. On Friday evening "Aurora Floyd" was produced, and very well received, Miss Joey taking the leading part and most creditably supported by the whole strength of the company. On Saturday and Monday evenings "Nobody's Child" was put upon the stage in first-rate style to a crowded and enthusiastic house, Miss Gougenheim taking the leading part. The audience were pleased with the well selected farces, and the vivacity of Maggie Oliver, as well as the songs by Miss Saunders and Master Allan Cameron, during the week were received with much favour. Upon the whole the company appear to have a very successful season. This evening and to-morrow "Nell Gwynne" is to be produced.
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 4 Nov 1871 Page 7

1871 - SATURDAY NIGHTS
I saw Gulgong's Saturday night. It was, like on every diggings, where 8000 or 9000 people are congregated, a somewhat lively affair. The main street was tolerably crowded; the theatre, at which the evergreen Joey Gougenheim played (whose impersonation of pretty Nelly Gwynne affected me once more than anything I know of), was crowded to suffocation. The hotels, those especially in the heart of the business—Selff's, Harford's, Hill's, Driscoll's, and Tarrant's—were well patronised—the billiard markers were pretty busy, and here and there Cheap John men launched forth in tones of fervid eloquence on the excellence of their wares. "Prawns" were shouted as regularly as in the metropolis, and, to be sure, on the side of the street were to be seen the inevitable galvanic battery and the strength testing machine. The rifle was cracking at several galleries; and all the while the crowd swayed backward and forward —tramped with measured tread up and down the street.
1871 - Theatricals and Amusements
Mr. Tavares and Miss Surtees have just finished a highly successful engagement at Gulgong, and have been secured by Mr. Jones, of Auckland, to proceed there on a starring visit. Miss Joey Gougenheim and her clever company retain their popularity at the 'New Ballarat,' but are not to be allowed to have the place to themselves, as a second theatre is nearly finished there.

1871 - Prince of Wales Theatre
Joey Gougenheim has been performing at this theatre. 
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 44, December 16, 1871

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 44, December 16, 1871

1871 - GULGONG.
Good old Christmas with its train of holidays is fast approaching, and our Gulgongites are determined to give it a right good welcome. Our storekeepers are inviting inspection of their vast assortment of Christmas goods. O'Neill Brothers, of Queen Street, ever anxious to quell the cravings of the inner man, are manufacturing sweetmeats as if by steam, and at prices to suit all, both "hatter" and Benedict [unmarried, or married]. Miss Joey Gougenheim, of the Prince of Wales, intends giving us a treat in the shape of a pantomime, and our racing programme is very attractive. In fine, we anticipate that Christmas at Gulgong will not be the dullest.
Source: The Irish Citizen (Sydney, NSW : 1871 - 1872) Sat 23 Dec 1871 Page 8

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 49, January 20th, 1872

1872 - THEATRICALS.
Messrs. Charles Young and W. J. Holloway appeared at the Prince of Wales Opera House for the first time before a Gulgong audience, on Saturday evening. They were supported by the Star Dramatic Company including Misses Joey Gougenheim, Maggie Oliver, Morgan and Saunders; and Messrs. Flynn, Stewart, and others.
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 27 Jan 1872 Page 7
  
1872 - Theatricals and Amusements
From the westward we hear that Miss Joey Gougenheim is doing a splendid business in her new theatre at Gulgong, and that the appearance of two Sydney favourites — Messrs. Charles Young and W. Holloway — has proved a great attraction.
Source: The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912) Sat 27 Jan 1872 Page 109

1872 - Acknowledgement
THE Treasurer of the Gulgong Hospital begs to acknowledge the receipt of £26/16/-, being the nett proceeds of a Benefit given at the Prince of Wales Opera House on Friday evening 16th, by Miss GOUGENHEIM and the Star Company.
He also acknowledges the receipt of £13/15/9, being the proceeds of a Benefit given by Mr. JAMES ASHTON of the British and American Circus, on Friday evening, 23rd, in aid of the Hospital.
JAMES SELLMAN
Hon. Treasurer
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 56, February 28, 1872

1872 - Amusements.
At the Prince of Wales Opera House a variety of plays interspersed with songs and dances have been put upon the stage in a very creditable style. The manageress, Miss Joey Gougenheim, has been absent at Tambaroora, but ill during most of the time. She has returned, but an invalid confined to her room ever since. The leading parts have been taken by Mr. Holloway and Miss Morgan. The latter is wonderfully improved and has become a great favourite...

1872 - AMUSEMENTS.
The Prince of Wales Opera House has been well patronised, the attraction being 'New York by Gaslight,' in which Miss Joey Gougenheim creates a great sensation as 'Peachblossom,' the New York Flower Girl. Messrs Carey and Holloway, gave excellent support as Byko and Snorkey. The London Music Hall at Binder's, has been filled nightly, when the lovers of fun have had the opportunity to witness the display of comic, sentimental, and philosophical abilities of Johnny Cown, Clara Seville, and other members of tho company.
Source:  Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 30 Mar 1872 Page 7

1872 - Theatrical and Amusements.
Mr. Carey has accepted an engagement from Miss Joey Gougenheim and has joined her theatre at Gulgong. The company also includes Messrs. Holloway, Power, Madame Milthorpe, Miss Morgan, and the talented directress.



Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 68, April 10, 1872

1872 - Prince of Wales.
At this theatre this evening Miss Joey Gougenheim will be tendered a complementary benefit, in recognition of her increasing effort to render this popular place of amusement one worthy of the patronage of the public. We seldom noticed theatrical performances, but the present is an occasion, when we deem it a duty to ask that a bumper house be accorded. There is an impression abroad which may militate against Miss Joey Gougenheim's appeal being as successful as it ought to be. It is stated that Miss Joey refused a deputation of gentlemen who waited upon her, to give Miss Morgan a benefit, and as Miss Morgan has a host of admirers, many of them feel much annoyed at the alleged refusal. We have the authority of the deputation to say that the benefit was not refused but deferred until a suitable occasion offered. Such being the case we hope as a matter of fair play to the manageress, that this explanation will be accepted. We are among those who believe that Miss Morgan is entitled to a benefit. She has steadily grown in public favour by her talent and industry, and in a manner that by perseverance promises a brilliant future in the profession, and we are glad to find that her efforts to please are so highly and widely appreciated. The public have no right to dictate to the management of a theatre who shall receive a benefit, and as in this case the benefit has not been refused, we hope that the effort of the management to please will be recognised in a fitting manner tonight. We believe in plain speaking in those matters as being most likely to clear away misapprehensions on all sides.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 70, April 17th, 1872

1872 - [MANAGERESS]
At the Prince of Wales Opera House, the lessee and manageress, Miss Joey Gougenheim, is catering nightly to the play-going public of Gulgong in a manner which ought to be much better appreciated.

1872 - [TALENTED DIRECTRESS]
Miss Joey Gougenheim's theatre at Gulgong is the only other theatre open in the colony, and as the talented directress has taken care to keep an excellent stock company, as well as securing any chance stars, she has received liberal support from the public. Mr. Holloway is leading gentleman.
Source:  The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912) Sat 27 Jul 1872 Page 111

1872 - Prince of Wales Theatre
Tonight the management gives a benefit to Mr. W. J. Holloway, who was formerly a member of the Prince of Wales company under the management of Miss Gougenheim.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 102, August 7, 1872

1872 - HOME RULE
Our population is about 7000, and daily increasing. The township extends over two miles. We have fine
hotels, stores, &c, and a large theatre is being erected by Mr. Manton, which Miss Joey Gougenheim has leased for twelve months.

1872 -  HOME RULE
The new theatre, owned by Messrs. Manton and Smith, is progressing fast, and is expected to open in a fortnight under the able management, of Miss Joey Gougenheim, who has secured a first class company from the principal theatres at Melbourne, Sydney, and New Zealand. It is to be hoped that she will be handsomely rewarded in catering for the public amusement of the inhabitants at Home Rule.

1872 - HOME RULE
The new Theatre at Home Rule was opened very successfully on Saturday evening, under the management of Miss Joey Gougenheim. The hospital ball last evening was a very great success.

The Royal Shamrock Theatre opened on Saturday evening last, under the able management of Miss Joey Gougenheim, who delivered a managerial address. The house was crowded and the performers acquitted themselves in a very creditable manner, the theatre-going people being much pleased with the entertainment given.

Theatrical matters are much the same. Messrs. Manton and Smith, the spirited proprietors of the Royal Shamrock Theatre, took a benefit on Tuesday evening last, which was well attended. Upon this occasion Mr. J. F. Byers appeared as Claude Melnotte, in the Lady of Lyons, and gave great satisfaction. Miss Joey Gougenheim played Pauline in her usual style. At Gulgong, Ward's Theatre Royal, and the Prince of Wales Opera House are drawing tolerably good houses.

1872 - Miss Joey Gougenheim
As this talented lady is compelled by ill-health to retire from the stage – we hope for only a short time – a number of the inhabitants of Gulgong have tendered her a benefit, which takes place this evening at Ward’s Theatre Royal, where will be produced the charming comedy of “Masks and Faces” in which Miss Joey will appear as Peg Wolfington – a character she has made her own. The old Gulgong favourite, Miss Maggie Oliver, will appear as Kitty Clive – both supported by the full strength of the talented company of the Theatre Royal. We sincerely hope that a bumper house will gather to say farewell to a lady whose professional ability has amused thousands, and has been a feature in theatrical amusements on Gulgong. We do not think we need urge the public to attend en masse, as the energetic committee who have taken this matter in hand, will do their duty.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 120, October 9, 1872

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 120, October 9, 1872

1872 - RETIREMENT
It is announced that Miss Joey Gougenheim will retire from the Gulgong stage. In view of this an influential committee of gentlemen have invited her to accept a complimentary benefit at Ward's Theatre Royal, tomorrow night. It is understood that her theatrical speculations upon this gold field have been anything but profitable. One reason of her determination to retire from the stage is said to be failing health. Miss Maggie Oliver has been playing at the Royal, and at the Home Rule since her return, and continues to be a great favourite. Miss Saunders sings her simple English ballads with much sweetness. Mr. Byers has taken the leading parts in the various dramas. Mr. Husker preserves his serio-comic countenance and voice, while Mr. Melville, a promising young actor, has become quite popular. At the Prince of Wales Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Holloway, flanked by Miss Anna Millner, Madame Roland, and Messrs. W. G. Carey, Harry Power, Harry Douglas, and others; continue to draw excellent houses about two evenings in the week. On every Saturday night the house is crowded and seats about 800 persons. The pieces are arranged and put before the public in a very superior style. The scenery by Mr. Kinchelar, and mechanical effects by the Messrs. Bolton are really splendid, and add much to the perfect manner in which the plays are produced. The singing of Miss Milner is much admired. As I close this letter on Tuesday afternoon the rain is pouring down in torrents, and there is every indication that we shall get sufficient water this time to fill the dams and creeks. The country in every direction is looking beautiful. Abundance of grass is rapidly springing and the season bids fair to be a favourable one.
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 12 Oct 1872 Page 7

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 121, October 12, 1872

1872 - AMUSEMENTS.
At the Royal Shamrock Theatre, under the management of Miss Joey Gougenheim, good houses are frequently obtained. Miss Maggie Oliver has completed her engagement, and will shortly be leaving for Sydney. Miss Joey is negotiating with some first class talent at Sydney and Melbourne, and no doubt the public will reward this spirited lady with their liberal support. This evening Messrs. Melville, Newton, and Dumar take their benefit, upon which occasion Mr. Joseph Moss, of the Ring of Bells Hotel, an old amateur, assisted by Miss Bessie Moss, have kindly volunteered their services. A bumper house is expected. At the Prince of Wales Opera House, Gulgong, immense attractions have been issued with much success, "Richelieu" having been performed to a good audience, and "Richard the Third" with five Richards, proving a great success.
Source:  Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875) Sat 26 Oct 1872 Page 4

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 140, December 18, 1872


1872 - [RE-APPEARANCE]
Warde's new Theatre opens on Saturday night for Millner's benefit, and Miss Joey Gougenheim makes her re-appearance.

1873 - Amateur Performance for the Benefit of the Gulgong Hospital.
As will be seen in the advertisement appearing this issue, it is contemplated by a number of amateur performers will be assisted by Miss Joey Gougenheim, this will take place on 12th February.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 152, January 29, 1873

1873 - CORRESPONDENCE
The Juveniles and the Amateur Performance [To the Editor of the Gulgong Guardian]
...In conclusion, I must say that I am both deeply pained and astonished at the unmanly rumour put in circulation by the Patricians to the effect that Miss Joey Gougenheim is not going to play. This statement is utterly false and the adoption of such dishonourable tactics will neither conduce to the credit of the perfor-mance nor the success of the entertainment. HENRY BEAL Hon. Sec.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 154, February 5, 1873

1873 - Amateur Performance
This performance in aid of the Hospital came off on Wednesday at Ward’s Theatre Royal and attracted a crowded and enthusiastic audience. It is of course un-fair that the efforts of amateurs to render their parts effectively should be criticized too closely. Old Crumbs [J. Miller] was particularly good, Master Matthews as Polly Briggs with fine make-up, puzzled many as to sex, for a few minutes. The rest of the cast were good. Miss Joey Gougenheim who ‘broke in’ the cast deserves great credit...
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 157, February 15, 1873

1873 - Farewell Benefit of Miss Joey Gougenheim
We would call the special attention of our readers to the advertisement in another column, announcing a
benefit for this lady, at the Prince of Wales Opera House, tomorrow evening. On it being known that Miss Gougenheim was about to leave for Queensland, a number a lady and gentleman amateurs decided
to tender her a complimentary benefit. Miss Joey has been to the forefront in providing benefits and charitable performances for the suffering and destitute. We hope to see a house crowded to the ceiling to witness her last appearance on stage at Gulgong and show their appreciation. She has been a favourite where ever she has appeared – having received the highest accolades from the most critical audiences of England and America, while in Australia her admirers are numerous and enthusiastic.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 164, March 12, 1873

1873 - [PREPARATIONS]
Great preparations are making for Miss Joey Gougenheim's benefit to-night, and also for the athletic sports on St. Patrick's Day.

1873 - AMUSEMENTS.
At the Royal Shamrock Theatre [Home Rule] on Saturday evening, our old favourite Miss Joey Gougenheim took a complimentary benefit, tendered to her by a number of gentlemen amateurs from Gulgong. On the occasion the house, although not a bumper, was a fair one, considering the short notice given and the absence of many of the lady's friends, who were at the new rushes. The beautiful comedy of the "Rivals" was produced, and the performance on the whole was well put on the stage. The impersonation of Mrs. Malaprop by Master Allan Cameron is deserving of special notice, as he was highly successful in the part, and received a vast amount of applause.

1873 - Prince of Wales Theatre.
It will be seen by our advertising columns that the above place of entertainment is to be reopened again tonight under the leadership of Messrs Brown & Medus, two energetic and persevering young men. It will also be noticed that the talented artiste – Miss Joey Gougenheim – it to appear, supported by the old veteran, Mr Alex Thompson, and others.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 175, April 19, 1873

1873 - THEATRICAL.
The principal event in theatrical circles has been the leasing of the Prince of Wales Opera House by theproprietor. Mr. J. H. Cogdon, to Messrs. Charley Brown and Walter J. Medus, and Henry Liddle, as manager. To add to the eclat of this occasion, on last Saturday evening the re-appearance of Miss Joey Gougenheim, re-engagement, of Miss Lizzie Dixon, and first appearance of Miss Amelia M'Kenzie, a young lady of great personal attractions and promising intellectual power and taste—added to enticing plays were announced. In the "Jealous Wife," Miss Joey appeared as Mrs. Oakley, supported by Alic Thompson, as Mr. Oakley. The other characters were well taken by Messrs. C. Brown, J. Greville, W. Templeton, J. Lloyd, Lizzie Dixon, and Miss M'Kenzie. There was an interlude of singing and dancing, and the finish was made with "Cool as a Cucumber." There was a fair audience and everything passed off pleasantly.

1873 - [MISTAKEN]
A writer, in the, Melbourne Express says —I took up a small sheet the other day, the Gulgong Advertiser. In it was a name once popular which attracted my attention. How has the mighty fallen! At the Princess Theatre who do you think was performing? Joey Gougenheim, dear, brilliant Joey, as Martha in All that Glitters is not Gold. Can this be the real Joey, once the admired of Melbourne—the saucy, the piquante—performing in out of the world Gulgong?
[We are in a position to state that it is the veritable Josephine, but instead of being in indigent circumstances she is rapidly making a fortune among the diggers on the flourishing goldfield of Gulgong. She built the theatre in which she is now performing. — Ed. T.]

1873 - [SYDNEY ADVERTISEMENT]
RACE WEEK ! RACE WEEK ! RACE WEEK
GREATEST ATTRACTION FOR THE WEEK
Appearance for SIX NIGHTS only of the world renowned artiste,
Miss JOEY GOUGENHEIM,
commencing on SATURDAY. Full particulars in future advertisements
J. H. RA1NFORD, Manager. THEATRE ROYAL, YORK-STREET.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Thu 28 Aug 1873 Page 8

1873 - [SYDNEY ADVERTISEMENT]
RACES. RACES. RACES. - The only legitimate Dramatic Attraction for the RACE WEEK, commencing on SATURDAY, the 30th, at the MASONIC HALL.
Miss JOEY GOUGENHEIM, the world renowned artiste, in two of her inimitable impersonations, assisted by the following talented company:
Miss MAGGIE OLIVER
Mrs. P. HILTON
Mrs. F. MURRAY
Mr. FRANK STUART
TOM LACY
J. HASKER
F. W. O'BRIEN
E. DUMAR
F. HILTON
J. H. RAINFORD.
Miss JOEY GOUGENHEIM, as LADY AUDLEY.
Miss JOEY GOUGENHEIM as SATANELLA.
Prices of Admission: Front chairs (reserved), 3s; body of hall, 2s; gallery, 1s.
MASONIC HALL. 
Ladies and gentlemen will meet at Rehearsal at 11 sharp.
J. H. RAINFORD, Manager.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Fri 29 Aug 1873 Page 8

1873 - [SYDNEY ADVERTISEMENT]
VICTORIA THEATRE.—SPECIAL NOTICE. TUESDAY NEXT.
ENGAGEMENT for FIVE NIGHTS only,
Miss JOEY GOUGENHEIM
TUESDAY, AURORA FLOYD.
Remember, Miss JOEY GOUGENHEIM on TUESDAY NIGHT ONLY.

1874 - MISS JOEY GOUGENHEIM
The friends and admiirers of that popular and gifted actress, Miss Joey Gougenheim, will be gratified to hear that she has been playing to well-fitted houses; and what is more essential, in public fame in a series of well played dramas in Brisbane. The sensational drama of "East Lynne," in which Miss Joey Gougenheim is so great in the dual characters of Lady Isabella and Madame Vine was produced for her benefit, and the Victoiria Theatre was crowded to a most inconvenient extent. We are not surprised to hear therefore that the piece ran for several nights afterwards. The prose is enthusiastic in her favour, and also, speaks highly of the efforts of Miss Harwood and Clara Wilson.
Source:  Miners' Advocate and Northumberland Recorder (Newcastle, NSW : 1873 - 1876) Wed 8 Apr 1874 Page 3

1874 - FRAUD
The 'D. D. Gazette' says:—At the Toowoomba Police Court, John Farjeon, alias John Howe, apprehended at the instance of Josephine Constable, otherwise Joey Gougenheim, was charged that at Toowoomba he did, by means of a false or fraudulent representation, impose upon the proprietors of the 'Darling Downs Gazette' newspaper, by having bills, &c., printed, and charged to the account of the said Josephine Constable, without her authority. After evidence had been taken, and a very lengthy discussion by the Bench, the Police Magistrate said they were unable to agree, and therefore the case would be dismissed. The P.M. and Mr. Spiro composed the Bench.

1898 - [DEATH OF JOEY'S HUSBAND]
MR. M. CONSTABLE. Mr. Marmaduke Constable, who was knewn in business circles in Sydney in the early 'fifties,' and was connected for upwards of 40 years with mining pursuits in the colonies, died yesterday. The deceased was the only surviving son of the late Mr. Archibald Constable, the well-known publisher of Edinburgh. Mr. Constable owned the district on which the suburb of Burwood now stands.

1898 - DEATH OF MR. MARMADUKE CONSTABLE.
On Monday afternoon Mr. Marmaduke Constable, a well-known resident of Sydney, died at his residence, "Tara," Craigend-street, Darlinghurst, at the advanced age of 74 years. The deceased gentleman was the last surviving son of Archibald Constable, in whose publishing business Sir Walter Scott was a partner. Mr. Constable was married in 1866 to Miss Joey Gougenheim, who attained wide popularity on the stage.
Deceased was a cousin of the late Bishop of Sydney, Bishop Barry. His career was a remarkable one. Arriving in Australia in the fifties he commenced business in Sydney, but later turned his attention chiefly to mining in this and other colonies. In New Zealand he was associated with the late Baron Hirsch in erecting large smelting works for the treatment of refractory ores. Mr. Constable was the first white man, after the Trappist Bros., to sail round the whole of New Caledonia. About 10 years ago the deceased gentleman erected works for the treatment of cobalt at Balmain, in connection with a company, but owing to differences among the directorate the enterprise did not turn out successfully. Mr. Constable had large interests in several mines, and discovered and owned the Chrome property at Gundagai. Deceased was buried at the Waverley Cemetery yesterday afternoon. The service was conducted by the Rev. E. Lampard, of St. John's Church, Darlinghurst. The funeral was of a private character.
Source: The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) Wed 2 Feb 1898 Page 5

1898 - Mr. Marmaduke Constable. - A MINING KING DEATH IN SYDNEY.
Mr. Marmaduke Constable, a gentleman well known in business circles in Sydney as far back as the early fifties, and connected for upwards of forty years with mining pursuits in New South Wales, died at his residence, Tara, Craigendstreet, Darlinghurst, yesterday afternoon. The deceased was the only surviving son of the late Mr. Archibald Constable, the well-known publisher of Edinburgh, in which business Sir Walter Scott was a partner, and from whose establishment the whole of "Wizard's" works were issued.
By the way, it might be mentioned that on the death of the great publisher the business was carried on by his son, Thomas, and at his decease it fell into the hands of the latter's sons, who are now carrying it on in London. They it was who gave Nansen, the Arctic explorer, the sum of £10,000 for the rights of publishing his "Farthest North."
Mr. Marmaduke Constable, instead of entering his father's business, engaged in mercantile pursuits, and established houses in Singapore, Calcutta, and London. He came to New South Wales with a large fortune, about the year 1852, and securing offices in Bridge-street at a rental of £1600 or £1800 a year, opened a branch establishment, which he caried on for a number of years. Growing tired of the colony, he wound up his business about 1856, with a view of returning to London. The gold fever was raging
at the time, and he was seized with the mania.
He equipped a party of men and horses, which he dispatched to the Ovens district in Victoria, and since that time he has been engaged in mining pursuits. He was a distinguished metallurgist, and was recognised as an expert in mining matters. He never dabbled in mining scrip, but went straight for any property that he considered likely to prove remunerative. He was the first person to discover the Crow Mountain Mine, which he owned and worked up to his death. At one time the Crow returns yielded him about £120 per week, but of late years the returns had not been so good. He spent about twenty years prospecting for wolfram, a mineral largely used in the manufacture of steel, but had never found it in sufficient quanuties to pay. Quite recently he discovered a mine of tungstate of iron and manganese near
Glen Innes, in the New England district, and on Sunday week had arranged to leave Sydney with his son for the purpose of making a further inspection. He contracted a cold about that time, and his wife persuaded him to postpone the trip until he was well again. The visit was deferred, word being sent to the son, who had actually arrived at the Redfern Station to proceed on the journey. Mr. Constable, who never knew what a day's illness was, thought lightly of his sickness; but he gradually grew worse, and passed away about 4 o'clock on Monday afternoon. He was attended by Drs. McCormack and Wright,
who discovered that he was suffering from an internal disease, which might have been cured had
he consulted a doctor in time. The Rev. Mr. Lombard, of St. John's, Darlinghurst, administered the last rites of the church to Mr. Constable, and, with the doctors, was untiring in his attentions to him.
At one time Mr. Constable owned the whole of the district upon which Burwood now stands; but it slipped from his possession through no fault of his own.
The deceased was a High Churchman, as also were his parents and brothers and sisters. His brother John was the rector of Frome, in Somersetshire (Eng.), and a number of his nephews are connected with the Anglican ministry. He was a cousin of Dr. Barry, late Bishop of Sydney, and also related to Colonel White Thompson, who visited the colonies some four or five years ago. A niece of his is the wife of Admiral Sir James B. Erskine, of the English Navy, and another is the wife of a son of Sir Edward Hodson, who owns extensive station property at Eton Vale, Queensland.
Mr. Constable was married to Miss Joey Gougenheim; daughter of a French barrister, and a popular actress on the Australian stage about forty years ago, in Dunedin (N.Z.), in 1866, when his wife retired from the stage. He leaves a widow, and four children—two sons and two daughters. The deceased was an exemplary husband and father, and neither smoked nor drank. The remains will be interred at the Waverley Cemetery this afternoon.

1900 - DEATH OF MISS 'JOEY' GOUGENHEIM.
There passed away, through failure of the heart's action, at her residence, 73C Darlinghurst-road, Darlinghurst, at an early hour this morning, in the person of Mrs. Marmaduke Constable (nee Miss 'Joey' Gougenheim), one of the most gifted and popular actresses that ever trod the Australian stage. The deceased, whose father, Augustus Gougenheim, a Frenchman, and a solicitor by profession, was born in Dublin, and, at an early age, in conjunction with her sister, Adelaide Gougenheim, adopted the stage as a profession. After causing a great sensation as a high-class comedy actress in the United States, Miss 'Joey' Gougenheim made her first appearance in London at the Lyceum Theatre in 1864, as Norah Merrion, in the 'Irish Heiress,' creating a very favorable impression upon a large and enthusiastic audience. After playing with pronounced success for some weeks in London, Miss 'Joey,' accompanied by her sister, revisited the United States, where she gained fresh laurels, and, after a sojourn there of about a year, came to Australia, where she at once established herself a warm favorite with theatre-goers, in such plays as 'The Woman in White,' 'Ticket-of-leave Man,' 'Lady of Lyons,' and 'Court and Stage.' She played short seasons in the principal cities of Australia, which she re-visited a year or two later. In the early seventies she retired from the stage, at the height of her popularity, and married Mr. Marmaduke Constable, an Irish merchant, who carried on business in Sydney, and was well known in mining circles for many years. Mr. Constable died about two years ago. Miss Gougenheim made a brief return to the stage some few years after her marriage, playing with success in this colony, Queensland, and Victoria. She has been in indifferent health for some time past, and leaves surviving her two sons and two daughters, all grown up. Her remains will be interred in the Waverley Cemetery to-morrow morning.

1900 - AN AUSTRALIAN ACTOR
...WITHIN the last few weeks, and separated only by a brief interval, two estimable ladies, whose names have long been associated with the drama in Australia, have obeyed the irrevocable final summons which we must all receive at the hands of Death — 'Joey' Gougenheim and Mary Ann Melville. In the simple announcements of their decease no reference was made to the age that either lady had attained; but when we remember that they played full forty-five years ago, it follows that they must have well nigh, if not fully, completed the biblical sum of three score years and ten. During the whole of the long period that they were before the public they led exemplary lives; earned the respect and admiration of their theatrical patrons, and the love and esteem of their associates.
'Joey' Gougenheim (Mrs. Constable) had retired from the stage for many years, and spent the evening of her widowed life in the bosom of her own family. Mary Ann Melville, on the contrary, played up to within a short time of her death, which was rather unexpected. Not only in the metropolis, but in many a provincial town in New South Wales, was 'Joey' a prime favorite, and many who were on Gulgong and Lambing Flat in their palmy days will remember her with fond recollections of her vivacious and finished performances. She was an inveterate advocate for the proprieties of the theatre, and would not permit a coarse allusion to be made on any play when she was at the head of affairs. So particular was she that in burlesque her costumes were always of the most modest design; and I do not remember ever seeing her in a pair of tights. Her performances have been fully dealt with in these papers. Peg Woffington, in 'Masks and Faces,' was one of her best efforts and she has left behind her a name that will be still long remembered as that of an accomplished actress, a true and generous friend, and a devoted mother in her private domestic life. Her memory demands such a humble tribute to her worth, inadequate though it may be.
Source: Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931) Sat 29 Sep 1900 Page 4

COGDON'S THEATRE
John Hart Cogden, a member of a band of minstrels, was one of the many people who flocked to the new goldfield of Gulgong toward the end of 1970. Cogden had toured many of the diggings throughout NSW and Victoria and was well aware that there were plenty of riches to be had in the entertainment business rather than scratching around in the red clay soil for the elusive metal.
He purchased an allotment fronting Mayne Street, and erected a rough building of bark and poles known as Cogden's Assembly Room". The building also doubled for a time as the court house, where Thomas Browne, the local magistrate, would use the piano as his office desk to conduct his legal duties.
There were two other entertainment venues in town not more than a hundred yards apart. The London Music Hall, part of Binder's Star Hotel (now the Commonwealth Bank), and the Theatre Royal, at the rear of Ward's Turf Hotel, but neither was a true theatre such as Cogden's. The fact that Cogden's theatre was not part of a hotel certainly did not leave patrons on the dry side, as there were no less than eight other hotels within 60 yards.
With the breakup of his minstrel group, Cogden became Gulgong's entrepreneur and his Assembly Room was conducting a roaring business with nightly performances of visiting artists, some of world renown.
The attraction of artists to Gulgong, where they performed under primitive conditions, is inexplicable but nevertheless they came in droves. The conditions within the bark and pole monstrosity must have sent a shiver down their spine and that was not just from the cold winter winds that would rip through  the cracks in the bark walls.
Rivalry between the three theatres to stage one of the best shows, and entertain throngs of miners that roamed the streets looking for somewhere to spend their new-found wealth, would eventually out the two hotel theatres out of business.

Josephine Gougenheim
During Cogden's association with this building, many famous people graced the stage. But it was probably his engagment to Josephine Gougenheim that put his Assembly Hall on the map and started a flood of great performers, singers, musicians and actors, and the theatre flourished.
Josephine Gougenheim ("Joey") and her sister Adelaide sailed for Australia in 1856 after their debut in London's Olympic Theatre and an American tour that took in Broadway, Philadelphia and California. They arrived in Melbourne and opened at the Princess Royal Theatre in May, 1875. Within one year the sisters were managing the Princess Royal. Five years later Joey had resumed her overseas career, then returned to Australia to manage Sydney's "Prince of Wales Opera House".
It was in late August 1871 that Josephine Gougenheim arrived in Gulgong to perform at Cogden's for three nights with her one woman show "Joey at Home". Her performance was a huge success, which made the actress aware of the potential of the goldfield. The success prompted her to hurry back to Sydney where she assembled a company, "The Star Dramatic Company", and headed back to Gulgong. 
She managed to convince Cogden to rebuild the hall, install herself as manageress and change the name to "The Prince of Wales Opera House". Joey later retired into private life as Mrs Constable, living with her husband and children along Barney's Reef Road. In retirement she occasionally took to the stage for charity performances. Joey and her family fled Gulgong during the typhoid scare of 1874.

Illustrious performers
The new building was regarded as"elegant and commodious", 90 feet long and 35 feet wide, built of pine weatherboards and the new roof, of corrugated iron. Two shops occupied the frontage, the editor's office of the Gulgong Mercantile Advertiser and G Guigni, Watchmaker, Jweeller and Cigars.
There was a gala opening in December 1871 with a performance of "Woman in White", which starred Maggie Oliver, the Australian born actress immortalised by Henry Lawson in verse and prose. Maggie, who was 27 when she came to Gulgong, enthralled the diggers and left the stage in triumph after each performance. A benefit was held for her in February 1872, the biggest ever seen at the theatre. She performed in "Phoul a Dhoil", an Irish drama, which kept the audience continually cheering and applauding. When she left the town she was presented with expensive jewellery and it was said that diggers threw nuggets into her coach as it moved away.
In February 1872, Charles Frederick Young, an English born actor-comedian - who played a big part in early colonial theatre in Australia - performed at Gulgong. Before coming to Australia he had performed in London at "The Strand", "saddlers Wells, "Royal James" and "Royal Lyceum" theatres. He died in 1874 in Sydney.
Early in 1873, after returning from a tour of Japan, the Lynch Family Bellringers, or Campanologists, performed in the theatre. This troupe had been performing on stage for sixty years and appeared in Gulgong on numerous occasions.
Stage rivalry was nothing compared to the "shenanigans" of the politicians on the theatre platform. Well known politicians who spouted oratory were Hugo Beyers (MLA for Mudgee and partner of Bernard Holtermann), Henry Parkes and William Morris Hughes.
The year 1874 saw more amusement, and more vaudeville, in the Sisters Duvalli dancing the Can Can. They were followed by Professor Melender with his "Arabian Box Mystery" which was a complete mystery to the audience,m and he was supported by the great Frank Lloyd. Frank Lloyd was Sydney born and later appeared in London, Rome, Paris and still later in flims with Errol Flynn, The flowering of opera in Australia was developed by two families, the Carandinis and the Simonsens, both with affiliations with nobility as well as possessing the noble gift of beautiful voices. In 1876, both performed at the Opera House. Melbourne had been the Mecca for the theatre world of the 1840s - Gulgong was the Mecca of the west in the 1870s. If you care to compare the population figures of Melbourne (before the Victorian Rush) and Gulgong at its peak, they are both around the 20,000 mark. Anyone of artistic standing therefore passed through portals of the Gulgong Opera House.
John Cogden sold the theatre in 1879 to a Roman, Domminico Rognini. Rognini was a well travelled man, beginning his sea life at the age of 11 and later serving with the British Navy during the Crimean War. He had sailed around the world three times before gold lured him to Victoria. He had some success during the rush at Palmer River which earned him enough to buy the Opera House.
Source: "Along the Cudgegong" by Barry Baldwin and Ruth Davis, reproduced in Mudgee Guardian, Monday November 12, 2012

1940 - DEATHS
CONSTABLE.—October 17, 1940, at her residence, Pomeroy, [Macleay street] Potts Point, Josephine, eldest daughter of the late Marmaduke and Josephine Constable, and sister of Marmaduke, Archibald, and Adelaide (Lalla) (all deceased). Requiescat in pace.



Posted by at