My mom always said that her dad had a lovely singing voice. I know he taught my mom and her brothers Joe, Rich, Dan and Hank many traditional Irish songs. But I was only six when he died and I just don’t remember ever hearing him sing.

From what I can tell from my research, he belonged to choir groups from a young age. I don’t know if brother Harry had the same inclinations, but I do know that after their mom died when the boys were young (Harry almost six and Joe, three), our great grandfather Henry Mattimore and the boys’ aunt Kate made sure they were involved in lots of activities and sports when growing up.

Besides sports, for my grandfather it was bohemian performances, vaudeville and Shakespeare. Who knew?! One of the earliest news clips I found is from 1909 when my grandfather would have been just 11.

He performed solos for St. Brigid’s Choir and in 1915 he was elected vice president of St. Brigid’s Dramatic Circle. He was also performed in the drama club at Canisius High School.

I am lucky enough to have both a visual and written record of one particular play, Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” performed by Canisius High School in January 1915. I’m thankful that my mom inherited and passed along these photos. Can you spot Joe Mattimore? (remember you can click on images to see them larger). Answer: he’s 2nd from left with the big moustache.

In the full cast photo below, in case you can’t spot him, I’ve added a small yellow arrow pointing up at him. Hard to miss that moustache and grin, though.

Even at 25 years old, Joe was still acting — now for the Wildon Club. The performances were held at St. Brigid’s Hall and were followed by a night of dancing.

He married my grandmother Mary McMahon just two years later. I don’t know for sure, but getting married and starting a family may have put an end to his acting career.

So to any of my siblings or cousins who sing, act or entertain, just know that you are following in the footsteps of Grandpa Joe Mattimore!