I know that long-time readers of this blog may think there is nothing “new and exciting” to learn about Caddo. I sometimes have that feeling myself. I have been reading about Caddo for many years and have over 4,000 items in my files related to Caddo history. But just when I think I’ve read all there is to read…I stumble across something wonderful! I’m sure there are Robertson descendants who know all about this, but it was a pleasant surprise to me, and I hope you enjoy reading it.
The Caddo Herald
October 2, 1925
Caddo Boy Makes Good
Mrs. Vivia Locke and daughter, Bunnie, and son, Wesley Robertson, returned last Friday from spending the summer at Santa Monica, California. They report a most enjoyable season.
Wesley Robertson spent a part of the time in the movies, he working in four pictures. He had spent the winter and spring in New York City where he was in the productions of the Century Theatre, where he sang second tenor in musical light opera.
At the same time he continued his studies in voice as a protégé of Madam Clara Novello Davies, a noted voice culturalist and through whose influence Wesley was enabled to meet many celebrities including the Prince of Wales on the prince’s recent visit to America.
He made the trip from New York by water route, which was novel and enjoyable.
That Wesley has made good in this work is something to be proud of. He is just turned 22 in age and has passed many men much older than he. This fall he goes back to New York, continues his work and studies and next summer will spend several months travelling and studying in Europe.
Wesley is a Caddo boy, a graduate of Caddo High School and his friend here are very glad of his progress in his art. He has attained this success so far by hard work and expects to attain other success by the same route.
(Note: Clara Novello Davies was a famous Welsh singer, conductor, and teacher. She died in 1943 and is buried in London.)
I also found this in my files:
June 19, 1931
Wesley Robertson, of Oklahoma City, visited his mother, Mrs. Vivia Locke the past week. His sister Bunnie accompanied him home for a short visit.
Wesley is in the 1930 census as a boarder in the Lipscomb household in OKC. He lists his occupation as “singer”.
He must have continued to do well because he traveled from Liverpool to NYC in 1932 aboard the Scythia. He is listed as a passenger on the Monarch of Bermuda, traveling from Bermuda to NYC in 1939. And in 1951 he traveled from Italy to NYC on the Italia.
Wesley’s step-father was Choctaw Chief Victor Locke.
The Daily Oklahoman
September 10, 1913
Caddo, Okla., Sept. 9,--(Special)--Victor M. Locke, Jr., principal chief of the Choctaw nation and Mrs. Vivia Nail Robertson of Caddo were married at the home of the bride by the Rev. Luther Roberts, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, South. Only a few intimate friends were present at the ceremony. Chief and Mrs. Locke have gone to Palmer Lake, Colo., to be with Mrs. Locke's brother, who is very ill. They will reside at Antlers.
Wesley died in 1970 and is buried in Gethsemane Cemetery in Caddo. (EB 1, Lot 4, space 2)
If anyone has any more information about Wesley or his career, I would love to hear from you!
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