Troy has a long history of entertainment going back to the days before the city was even incorporated. Entertainment however comes in many forms.

On May 20th, 1793, at Ashley's Tavern on Ferry Street, a Mr Moore, entertained with a series of lectures - apparently a set of humorous remarks - for an admission of 2 shillings and six pence for adults. (kids cost one shilling and six pence). A few years later, in October 1800, an African Lion was exhibited for a few days. On October 8, 1805 a live elephant was exhibited at Moulton's Coffee House (where Russell Sage is now) also for a short period. These were considered exotic animals of course and would have created quite an interest.

Musical contributions were recorded as early as 1822 at Babcock's Hotel on River Street. Somewhere in between an exhibit of a dwarf cow and an educated bear which could read, spell, subtract, multiply and divide, was music on King David's Cymbal, an ancient instrument, and music on the Leaf, accompanied by violin and organ. A year later, a Mr Keene gave a vocal concert along with the piano.

On Fifth Ave and Ferry Street at Mr. Churchill's Store room, you could hear the theatrical performance of Mr and Mrs Russell and daughter. Their performances of moral plays were only 25 cents admission. Front seats were for ladies only.

As early as 1829, Troy's Public Markets offered drama. Get your meat on the first floor and entertainment on the second. The second floor of the North Market on Federal was opened on July 4 with a play called 'Pizarro, or the Death of Rollo.' In Feb, 1847, the hall on the second floor of Fulton Market, at the corner of Fulton and River opened with the play, 'The Lady of Lyons.' Across the street at the Peale Troy Museum, 'Uncle Sam's Cabin' was first performed in the U.S. in 1882.

Troy had several burlesque and vaudeville houses as it moved into the 20th century and of course several movie houses when the talkies became popular. Troy was no stranger to producing original music either in the vein of grand marches, waltzes, or rag time. During the Rag Time era, a daughter was born to a woman who worked for the Labor Department. This baby would grow up a woman who would become a star of the stage, screen, and later television.

Local folks like to point out that the Capital District area was the home of several stars of the stage and screen during the golden years. Kirk Douglas, and Bill Devane are often tossed out. But here in Troy, we have two ladies that the city is famous for: Helen of Troy, more mythical; and Maureen Stapleton, a living legend.

Maureen Stapleton is all Troy! Born in 1925, she grew up on First Street in Troy. Maureen is one of the few actresses that have crossed over to all media and was successful in film, theater, and TV.

Her first major stage success was in The Rose Tattoo (1951). She is best known for intelligent character roles. Her first appearance on Broadway was in Orpheus Descending (1957), Toys in the Attic (1960), The Gingerbread Lady (1970), and The Country Girl (1973). Her films include A View from the Bridge (1962), Plaza Suite (1972), Reds (1982), Cocoon (1985), and Nuts (1988). She even did the voice in Snow Cat, the 1998 animation. She won the academy award for supporting actress for her performance in Reds in 1981.

Her career spans some four decades (she is now 75) and as one reviewer said "she has received the highest acclaim for her great emotional power and versatility."

She is a charter member of the renowned Actors Studio, and has won the top honors granted to performing artists, including the Oscar, Emmy and Tony Awards. Few actors have been so successful in all media.

In 1995, she and Jane Scoville wrote her autobiography called "A Hell Of A Life," full of great stories. Another book, "Maureen Stapleton: A Bio Bibliography" is the first book dedicated to the career of this consummate actress.

In 1981, her Academy Award year, Hudson Valley Community College dedicated the Maureen Stapleton Theater with the actress there to help celebrate. To celebrate the rededication of the Maureen Stapleton Theater, Hudson Valley Community College will present a film festival all this week, showcasing highlights of her film career

Maureen will be the guest of honor at Hudson Valley Community College on Thursday, October 26 as the college launches an endowment fund for performing arts. Initial contributions to the fund will be used for capital renovations to the Theater.

Contact the school at 629-8063 if you want to join Maureen and guests.

Maureen now lives in Lenox, Mass. A friend and I had lunch with her a month or so ago and she is looking forward to coming back to Troy. Let's make her feel welcome.