A City of Toronto heritage plaque stands outside a Connorvale Ave., home where the famous Alderwood Singing O’Connor Sisters vaudeville stars grew up.
The sisters, who were at one time billed as the Six Singing O’Connor Sisters, included Vera, Kathleen, Madeleine, Geraldine, Kathleen and Vera. They were the daughters of farmers, who never lost their roots, even as they became a hit at vaudeville dance halls and theatres in Canada and the U.S. from 1910 to 1937.
The six girls were part of nine children of John Jr. and Ellen, who both loved music. Ellen was a professional singer and John Jr. played the violin, so there was always music at the O’Connor home and it is said that harmony singing came naturally to the girls, who would often perform at area banquets and concerts.
It wasn’t until 1910 when they received a big break. A family friend arranged for them to sing for Michael Shea, the owner of the Shea Theatre Chain, who was so impressed with their singing that he signed them on the spot.
By 1912 the singers, who were dubbed ‘the only authentic six sister group ever in show business,’ were performing on stages across North America with stars of the day, who included Jimmie Durante, Al Jolson, Sophie Tucker and Eddie Cantor.
The group grew popular packing shows and receiving rave reviews. But by 1925, three of the girls had married and the group became a quartet.
The sisters retired in 1937, but continued to sing close to home for private parties and wartime benefits. They last appeared on stage in 1973 for a CBC show. In 1989, the last surviving sister, Geraldine, moved out of the house, and it was sold and demolished.
The plaque was installed in 2009 in front of a new house that now sits at 12 Connorvale Ave.
The Singing O’Connors became known as the “Greatest Singing Voices in Vaudeville,” and some of their earliest numbers were arranged by a young George Gershwin, who was just beginning his career as a composer.
Their 12-minute act featured comedy and fans loved the expensive costumes that they wore.
It is said the girls returned home every summer from touring to help with the family’s 80-hectare farm on the west side of Brown’s Line, between Horner Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. W.