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| Julia Sanderson Christening the Hampden County Memorial Bridge photo courtesy of Springfield Ma-Historic Crossroad of New England by Paul J. Meagher |
On August 3, 1922 there was a dedication ceremony for the new Hampden County Memorial Bridge in Springfield, MA. This new bridge spanned the Connecticut River from Springfield to West Springfield replacing the wooden covered Old Toll Bridge. During the ceremony "Springfield's famous stage star" and Longmeadow, MA resident Julia Sanderson christened the bridge. After being introduced Miss Sanderson walked forward to speak and scattered individual blossoms from a large bouquet she held. She then christened the new bridge.
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| Springfield Daily News Aug. 3, 1922 |
The city of Springfield celebrated the dedication of this bridge for 2 days. A program was published in the Springfield Daily News. Massachusetts Governor Channing H. Cox and other dignitaries attended the ceremonies.
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| Springfield Daily News Aug. 2, 1922 |
The special guest, Miss Sanderson, was born in Springfield, MA in 1887 where her parents lived. Julia Sanderson was her stage name. Her name at birth was Julia Ellen Sackett. She used her mother's maiden name as her stage name. Her father was an actor and the family moved from Springfield, MA to Philadelphia, PA. Mr. Sackett's acting career lasted about 35 years. Julia began acting at the age of 13 years and followed her father's career. She acted in musical comedies including on Broadway in New York City. In 1919 her mother and father moved back to the Springfield, MA area to Longmeadow and they lived at 47 Roseland Terrace. By 1922 Julia Sanderson was a well recognized star and the Springfield native was a great choice to christen the new Hampden County Memorial Bridge.
While rehearsing for the show "Tangerine" in 1924 she had a new leading man. Her leading man was Frank Crumit. They were a successful couple in the show and went on to star in other shows.
Three years later in 1927 they were married in Longmeadow. It was on July 1, 1927. The wedding took place in the Parsonage of the First
Church in Longmeadow, MA. The ceremony was performed at Noon by Rev.
Randolph S. Merrill. Her parents, Albert and Jeanette
Sackett, were the only witnesses and guests at the private ceremony. It
was Julia's third marriage and Frank's second marriage.
That year Frank Crumit had purchased a beautiful spacious newly built house (154 Colony Road) in Longmeadow's Colony Hills.
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| Springfield Republican May 1, 1927 |
After their wedding ceremony they went to their new home.
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| The Evening Gazette July 1, 1927 |
The home was given the nickname "Dunrovin". When the couple was ready to take a break from show business they retired and enjoyed their residence in Longmeadow. However, in 1929 Julia and Frank were given the opportunity to star in a radio show together. They sang while Frank strummed his guitar and they also chatted on the show. It was very popular with their audiences and their new career lasted for 14 years!
Frank passed away in 1943 in New York City while getting ready for a show. Julia Sanderson did a few more radio shows herself, but soon retired from this career. She sold their home and moved back to her mother's house at 47 Roseland Terrace. (Her dad had previously died.) Years passed and her mother died. Julia Sanderson Crumit returned to her native city of Springfield.
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| Springfield Daily News March 26, 1959 |
Then, Julia Sanderson Crumit moved to her new home in the Stonehaven Motor Inn in Springfield. She passed away in her home at the age of 87 years on January 27, 1975.
Additional Sources: Springfield Daily News- Aug. 3, 1922; Springfield Republican- Jul 2, 1927 and Feb. 2, 1975; Sunday Telegram- July 31, 1960.
~Written by Judy Moran/ Longmeadow Historian
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