Throughout my exploration, I've discovered fascinating connections between Sheridan, Wyoming, and the glamorous world of Hollywood. These narratives involve individuals born in Sheridan or those who have chosen to call it home, highlighting their remarkable ventures into Hollywood's illustrious scene. Inspired by these discoveries, I've crafted a series focusing on these Sheridan natives, each installment uncovering the captivating journeys of these personalities.
The bulk of the information presented in these articles will comes from historical newspaper archives, as many of the people who have known these subjects have passed away. You'll find numerous newspaper and magazine clippings throughout, piecing together the stories, which may have explanations while others may just show the newspaper clipping.
This article delves deeply into family history and includes numerous family photos. If this does not interest you, I apologize; however, it is essential to fully capture and understand the story of my subject.
I am honored to introduce Miss Frances Belle O’Connor, 'The Armless Wonder,' as the first subject in this series.
*This narrative is told as first person unless stated otherwise and too my knowledge is the most complete history on Frances Belle O’Connor. Any mistakes lay with me.
This particular individual may not be widely recognized in Sheridan today, as she made multiple departures, primarily due to her work commitments. However, she also made several returns before her eventual departure. Each time Miss Frances O’Connor left, it was to join a circus troupe.
Frances Belle O'Connor, affectionately known as "The Armless Wonder," led an extraordinary life marked by resilience, talent, and her amazing attitude toward life. Her journey from a small town in Minnesota to the dazzling lights of Hollywood is a testament to her remarkable abilities and unwavering determination. This extensive blog post delves deeply into her life, exploring her achievements, the challenges she overcame, and her lasting impact on the worlds of circus performance and cinema.
Frances Belle O'Connor was born on September 8, 1914, in Hawk Creek Township, Renville County, Minnesota. Born without arms, her condition was attributed to her mother contracting German measles during pregnancy. Despite this significant physical challenge, Frances demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt and excel from a very young age.
Her parents, Freddie "Fred" Lee O'Connor and Emma Josephine Fredrickson, supported her in every way possible. Frances had two younger brothers, Dennis and Wallace. The family moved to Wyoming when Frances was very young, settling in Kleenburn, a small mining town near Sheridan. Fred worked various jobs to support his family, including as a miner and later in car repair for Monarch Coal Co.
Growing up without arms could have been a debilitating obstacle for many, but for Frances, it became a catalyst for developing extraordinary foot dexterity. From a young age, she learned to perform everyday tasks such as eating, writing, drinking, and even smoking using her feet. Her ability to crochet and knit with her feet became a hallmark of her skills, captivating those around her.
Frances' early education took place in the local school in Monarch, Wyoming. She first appeared in the Sheridan County School Census in 1921 at the age of six. Her educational journey was unconventional; much of her learning occurred at home or on the road as her career in entertainment began at a tender age.
Frances' entry into the entertainment industry was almost serendipitous. Her first significant job was with the Snapp Brothers' circus. Although initially misreported in local newspapers, corrections soon highlighted her unique abilities. She quickly gained fame for her remarkable acts, including sewing and riding a horse, all performed using her feet.
Her talent did not go unnoticed. Frances later signed with the Sells Floto Circus, where she performed various acts that showcased her remarkable dexterity. By the time she was nine, Frances was a well-known figure in the circus community, traveling extensively across the United States and even to Canada and Mexico.
Life as a circus performer was both demanding and rewarding for Frances. She traveled with the circuses of Hagenbeck-Wallace, Al G. Barnes, Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey, E.K. Fernandez and many others. Her performances, which always included eating, drinking, writing, and even sharpshooting with her feet, were nothing short of extraordinary. They captivated audiences and earned her nicknames like "The Living Venus de Milo" and "The Armless Wonder." In her most remarkable act, her sharpshooting performance, Frances would load, aim, and fire a rifle using her feet, demonstrating incredible precision and control. This act, along with her other performances earned her widespread acclaim.
Despite the grueling schedule, Frances maintained her education with the help of teachers from Monarch, Wyoming who traveled with her. These teachers provided her with nightly lessons, ensuring she did not fall behind in her studies while on the road. Her dedication to education was a testament to her determination and her family's commitment to her future.
Frances' personal life was as remarkable as her professional career. Despite the challenges she faced, she maintained close relationships with her family and friends. Her family, particularly her mother, played a crucial role in supporting her and ensuring she had the opportunities to succeed.
Frances' relationships with fellow performers were also significant. She formed close friendships with many of her colleagues, and these relationships provided her with support and camaraderie throughout her career. Her friendships with other performers, such as the tattooed lady Betty Broadbent (standing next to her in the photo above), highlighted the strong bonds formed within the circus community.
She faced her challenges head-on and maintained a positive outlook, inspiring those around her with her strength and perseverance.
Hollywood Beckons
In 1931, Frances' life took a significant turn when she was scouted by MGM's casting director, Ben Piazza. At the age of 17, after eight years in the circus, she was cast in the film "Freaks," directed by Tod Browning. This film, released in February 1932, was groundbreaking in its portrayal of individuals with distinctive physical attributes.
"Freaks" was a controversial film, both for its time and even today. It depicted the lives of sideshow performers with sensitivity and realism, challenging societal norms about beauty and normalcy. Frances' role in the film showcased her abilities and brought her story to a wider audience.
Below are three clips from the movie "Freaks" that feature Frances (all of which she speaks):
Left: Clip with the famous phrase, "We accept her, one of us, one of us, Gooble Gobble, Gooble Gobble". This phrase, (with slight variation) has been used on the television shows and movies and variations have been used in songs also.
Right: Clip with Frances talking to Elizabeth Green, AKA The Stork Woman and Matt McHugh who played, Rollo Brother in Freaks. In this clip Frances is also seen eating.
Left: Wallace Ford as Phroso running into the wagon when the Bearded Lady has her baby. In this clip you can see Frances lift the bed covers to reveal the baby, "Phroso" asks "what is it" Frances replies with "A Girl"
Frances' involvement in "Freaks" was a significant milestone in her career. Despite the film's controversial reception and the negative reactions it garnered, she never felt exploited or demeaned. According to her nephew, Wallace "Wally" O'Connor, Frances viewed her participation in the film positively and treated it as a job she enjoyed. The film's narrative, inspired by the short story "Spurs" by Tod Robbins, was brought to life by Browning's direction and the performances of its unique cast. The film highlighted themes of love, deception, and revenge, set against the backdrop of a circus sideshow.
After "Freaks," Frances lived in Sheridan, Wyoming, for a short time. Her life, however, remained intertwined with the circus. She returned to the circus life, where she felt at home and could continue to perform her acts. The majority of Frances' years were spent in Long Beach, California, where she maintained friendships with fellow performers and continued to be a beloved figure in her community.
Frances' ability to adapt to her circumstances and her dedication to perfecting her craft ensured that she remained a popular figure in the circus world. She continued to perform for many years, delighting audiences with her incredible skills and warm personality. Frances retired from performing at an unknown date. Most biographies say she retired in the 1940s but she was working well into the 1950s.
Frances passed away on January 30, 1982 at her apartment in Long Beach, California. She was buried in the Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles California in the Showmans Rest section.
Frances Belle O'Connor, was more than a circus performer or a Hollywood actress. She was a pioneer who broke barriers and challenged societal norms. Her life story is a testament to her incredible talent, unwavering determination, and the impact she had on the world around her.
As I reflect on her journey from Sheridan to the silver screen, I am reminded of the power of resilience and the importance of celebrating unique talents. Frances' story will continue to inspire generations to come, ensuring that her legacy lives on.
~New Book~
"Frances O'Connor, The Armless Wonder"
Written and Researched by Michael Dykhorst
------------------------------------------------------------------
Discover the captivating story of Frances Belle O'Connor in our comprehensive book, containing over 100 vibrant colored pages packed with rich content, never before seen. Dive deeper into her extraordinary life with more photographs, rare newspaper articles, and detailed accounts that bring her incredible journey to life. Don't miss out on this meticulously curated collection that provides an in-depth look at Frances' world like never before. Order your copy today and immerse yourself in her remarkable story!
------------------------------------------------------------------
Price - $ 45.00 + $5.00 S&H
to order send an email to Michael at rootsrevealedgenealogy@gmail.com
Upcoming blogs in this series:
Malcolm Hutton
Elaine Nalee
Kathryn Skatula
Marie Montain AKA Mary Carbone
Norman Perry
Floyd Alderson AKA Wally Wales AKA Hal Taliferro
Alexander Banks
AND MANY MORE