Massillon in Stark County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lillian Gish (1893-1993) · Dorothy Gish (1898-1968)
Lillian Gish (1893-1993) · Dorothy Gish (1898-1968)
Stars of the silent screen, Lillian and Dorothy Gish enjoyed long and distinguished careers both in film and on stage. They began their careers as child actresses, performing in touring theater companies. Although Lillian was born in Springfield, Ohio, and Dorothy in Dayton, the Gish sisters considered Massillon their home, often staying here with relatives between plays and films. In 1912, Lillian and Dorothy went to New York and made their first film, An Unseen Enemy, with famed director D.W. Griffith.
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Relocating to Hollywood, the Gish sisters made many films for Griffith's Biograph Company, including such silent masterpieces as The Birth of a Nation, Intolerance, Hearts of the World, Broken Blossoms, and Orphans of the Storm. Lillian was the quintessential silent screen heroine with an ethereal, emotionally powerful presence. Dorothy developed a more down-to-earth image, excelling in light, comedic roles. Their stage and screen careers spanned the 20th century. In 1984, Lillian received the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award. They are remembered today as legendary pioneers in the motion picture industry.
Erected 2003 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, City of Massillon, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 13-76.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.
Location. 40° 47.774′ N, 81° 31.273′ W. Marker is in Massillon, Ohio, in Stark County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of 1st Street SE and Diamond Court SE, on the right when traveling north. Located in the southwest corner of James Duncan Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Massillon OH 44646, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Little Steel Strike of 1937 (a few steps from this marker); Young People's Christian Association (a few steps from this marker); Central Firehouse Fire Alarm Bell (a few steps from this marker); Ohio Merchants Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Falke Block (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Savings & Loan Co. (within shouting distance of this marker); Football Pioneer Paul E. Brown (approx. 1.1 miles away); Private William R. Richardson (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Massillon.
Also see . . .
1. Lillian Gish. Find A Grave website entry (Submitted on February 8, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
2. Dorothy Gish. Find A Grave website entry (Submitted on February 8, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 580 times since then and 52 times this year. Last updated on June 2, 2023, by Grant & Mary Ann Fish of Galloway, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 8, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.