Jobyna Lancaster Ralston
Jobyna was born in South Pittsburg, Tennessee on November 21, 1899. At the age of nine she gave her first stage performance playing the “Prince” in the school play “Cinderella” during the grand opening ceremony for the Wilson Theatre/Opera House in downtown South Pittsburg in 1909.
Around 1915, Jobyna attended acting school in New York and later danced chorus and sang in Broadway theatrical productions. She also made her debut in motion pictures while in New York and co-starred in the first Marx Brothers’ film, “Humor Risk”.
Jobyna traveled to California in late 1921 where she played extras for a while before landing the role of leading lady in 1923 to comedian Harold Lloyd of silent-film-fame. She later played the part of “Sylvia Lewis” in the motion picture “Wings”, which starred Jobyna’s future husband, Richard Arlen. The film was the first to ever receive an Oscar film award.
After marrying Arlen in 1927, Jobyna began to wind down her acting career and made her last film appearance in 1931. In 1933, she became a mother after the birth of the Arlen’s son that May.
Jobyna appeared in more than 100 films during her acting career. Jobyna died from complications of pneumonia in Los Angeles, California on January 22, 1967.
Jobyna Ralston Day
Sunday, November 21, 2004
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The Jobyna Lancaster Ralston-Arlen Birthplace of marker was officially dedicated on Sunday, November 21, 2004, which was the 105th anniversary of her birth. Despite it being a rainy and dreary day nearly fifty people (official count 47) braved the weather to witness the historic event. Originally scheduled to take place in front of 324 S. Cedar Avenue, near where Ralston was born in 1899, it was decided to move it into the Senior Center building on Elm Avenue, which is on the backside of the block from the Cedar Avenue address.
The dedication of the Tennessee Historic Commission marker, which was paid for through private donations, and the showing of the silent film, "Hot Water" after were enjoyed by all with some guest traveling in from as far as Signal Mountain, Soddy Daisy and McMinnville, Tennessee. Officials speaking at the event were Marion County Mayor Howell Moss, Marion County Road Commissioner John Graham, South Pittsburg Mayor Bob Sherrill and City Commissioner Bill Stuart. South Pittsburg Historic Preservation Society Chairman Bob Hookey emceed the event with Dennis Lambert telling of the history of Jobyna and her legacy.
Mayor Bob Sherrill read aloud the city proclamation declaring the day officially as Jobyna Lancaster Ralston-Arlen Day. Bob Hookey presented certificates of appreciation to marker contributors. Rick Arlen, who is the son of Jobyna, was invited to attend the ceremony and do the unveiling, but was unable to attend due health related issues making it difficult to the travel the 2800 miles from California where he and his wife, Mary, reside. In a letter Mr. Arlen asked that Dennis Lambert do the unveiling in his place. With the assistance of Bob Hookey, the marker was unveiled and made public for the first time since its arrival in July 2004.
Following the event, the silent comedy, "Hot Water" starring world renowned silent comedian Harold Lloyd with Jobyna Ralston as his leading lady was shown on a large screen television to more than 30 visitors who stayed for the hour-long comedy. The guest laughed and seemed to really enjoy the movie. Popcorn, Coca-Cola and other treats were served during the two-hour long dedication event.
A short clip about the ceremony was broadcast on Channel 9 WTVC during their 5 PM news cast that evening. Covering the event for the newspapers were Faye Glass with the North Jackson Progress and Mark Kelly with the South Pittsburg Hustler.
The Society would like to thank everyone who contributed to the purchase of the marker and to the dedication ceremony. Without you Jobyna's legacy would likely have faded into obscurity. Now she will be remembered for generations to come.
Signed:
Marker Dedication Committee Members,
Dennis Lambert
Bob Hookey
Carolyn Millhiser
Cheri Horn
Jobyna Marker Officially Dedicated
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Bob Hookey, Society chairman, with South Pittsburg mayor, Bob Sherrill. The mayor reads Jobyna day proclamation.
Jobyna Lancaster Ralston-Arlen marker sits on the floor shortly after unveiling. The marker is two-sided with the text continuing on the opposite side.
Helen Clay and Cheri Horn stand ready to hand out popcorn and other refreshments during the ceremony. Here they are prepared to serve the crowd once the movie starts.
Nearly fifty guest sit in the Senior Center as the Jobyna marker dedication ceremony takes place. Jobyna memorabilia sits on the table nearby for the viewing of all guest.
More Jobyna Ralston memorabilia shown during the dedication. The displays were set up by Carolyn Millhiser using items from the collection of Dennis Lambert
Guest sit and enjoy the silent comedy, "Hot Water" shown on the big screen television at the Senior Center in South Pittsburg. A Harold Lloyd film with Jobyna playing his leading lady, it was released in 1924
Side one and side two of the Jobyna marker at 324 S. Cedar Avenue in downtown South Pittsburg, Tennessee. The pictures were taken on July 8, 2004. This was the day the marker arrived from the state and it was erected just long enough to take a few photos. The marker was set into place by Bob Hookey and Dennis Lambert in the afternoon of Monday, November 22, 2004.
Jobyna Lancaster Ralston-Arlen historic marker
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