January 2004, Volume 35, Issue 1

Know something About the Hemphill Dance Studio?

Dale May Legacy 106, Inc. acquired a collection of photographs and other archival materials concerning the Hemphill Dance Studio and needs your help. The collection came from an estate on Trias Street in Mission Hills in the summer of 2003. Preliminary analysis of the student photographs indicates 1920s-1940s for the historic period. Family photographs associated with the collection include Alfred and Grace Nippell who lived on Sunset Street in Mission Hills during the late teens to early 1920s. Letters indicate Alfred Nippell enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. Other family names include Harry and Anna Hemphill and the last names of Lottridge and Dye.

This collection provides rare insight into student dance studios of the first half of the 20th century. Each photo has been professionally shot by local photograph studios, such as Vreeland and McCoy. The performers wore elaborate costumes, many featuring gypsies or ballerina costumes. At least two photographs are believed to be of young Margarita Cansino, before she became Rita Hayworth. The importance of this collection would be greatly enhanced with oral histories and information provided by residents of San Diego who knew any of these families.

Any member of SOHO who has information, please call Ron or Dale May at (619) 269-3924 or send an email to Legacy106Inc@aol.com