Blanche Ring

Blanche Ring (April 24, 1871 – January 13, 1961) was an American singer and actress in Broadway theatre productions, musicals, and Hollywood motion pictures. She was best known for her rendition of "In the Good Old Summer Time." Early life and family Ring was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to James H. Ring and Wilhelmena F. Ring. She came from show business stock. Her father was a comedian for 30 years and her grandfather James H. Ring, was a leading comedian of the Boston Museum company. Her great-great-grandfather, Charles Fisher, was also an actor and came to the United States from England. His wife was Josephine H. Shaw, an actress. He journeyed with theatrical caravans as far west as the Mississippi River. Her grandmother was Julie Fisher, a celebrated actress of her time. Her heritage was English-Irish-Scottish. In total, four generations of her ancestors were Shakespearean actors. Blanche was one of six children (five daughters and one son) born to the Rings. Several of Blanche's siblings were in the entertainment business and quickly became recognizable names in the industry. In fact, they often performed together or on the same playbill. Two of the Ring sisters, Grace and Sarah, were not performers. Blanche's sister, Julie Ring, became a stage actress. Julie married Albert H. Sutherland, a theatrical agent and former British actor. They had a son, A. Edward Sutherland, who became a film director in the United States. Albert H. Sutherland was a Theatrical and Vaudeville Agent in New York City. Julie's second marriage was to actor James Norval on November 9, 1914. They frequently appeared on stage together. She died in 1957.