Molly Spotted Elk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Molly Spotted Elk
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| Molly Dellis | |
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| Born |
Mary Alice Nelson
November 17, 1903 |
| Died | February 21, 1977 (aged 73) Indian Island, Maine
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| Nationality | Native American |
| Other names | Mary Nelson Archambaud |
| Alma mater | University of Pennsylvania Non-degree |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1920s–30s |
Molly Spotted Elk (born Mary Alice Nelson, also known as Molly Dellis) was a talented Penobscot dancer, actress, and writer. She was born on November 17, 1903, on the Penobscot Indian Island Reservation in Maine, USA. She passed away on February 21, 1977. Molly became famous for her performances and her writings. She shared her culture with the world.
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Molly Spotted Elk's Early Life
Molly Spotted Elk was born on November 17, 1903. Her birthplace was Indian Island, a Penobscot Reservation in Maine. A Catholic priest named her Mary Alice Nelson. But the Penobscot people called her Molly Dellis. This name was often shortened to Molly.
Her father was Horace Nelson. He was an important political leader for the Penobscot tribe. He was the first Penobscot person to attend Dartmouth College. After studying there for a year, he became a governor of the tribe. Molly's mother was Philomene Saulis Nelson. She was a skilled artisan who made beautiful baskets. She sold her crafts to tourists.
Molly was the oldest of eight children. All of them helped their parents sell the famous baskets. Molly also learned traditional dances. She performed these dances for tourists staying at hotels.
Education and Performing Career
Molly Spotted Elk often performed in Vaudeville shows. These were popular variety shows. She did this while also going to school. She later attended the University of Pennsylvania. Frank Speck helped her get into this well-known college.
Molly could only study there for two years. She had to leave due to a lack of money. She then went back to touring and dancing. She performed her tribe’s native dances. Even though she returned to performing, she stayed positive. She started to write her own music and design her own costumes. Her family described her as "a happy and completely free spirit."
Molly wanted to be a famous actress and performer. However, she faced challenges. Some people expected her to wear certain costumes. They also wanted her to act out stereotypes. This was a common problem for Native American performers at the time.
Molly's granddaughter is Theresa Secord. She is a Penobscot artist, activist, and basket weaver.
Molly's Work and Achievements
Molly performed with Miller Brother's 101 Ranch. She toured with them and performed in Oklahoma. She won a dance competition for Native Americans in Oklahoma. Because of this, the Cheyenne tribe adopted her. They gave her the name Spotted Elk.
In 1926, Molly moved to New York City. She hoped to find new opportunities there. She wanted fame and fortune. She worked different jobs to save money for school.
After much practice, she joined the Foster Girls chorus line. They traveled to San Antonio for eight months. They performed at a place called the Aztec. While dancing, Molly decided to try writing. She wrote poetry, adventure stories, and other types of fiction. After the tour, she returned to New York and kept working.
Molly starred in The Silent Enemy. This was a silent film from 1930. It showed American Indian life. She also worked as an artist's model. One artist she modeled for was Bonnie MacLeary.
Life in Paris and Return Home
In 1931, Molly moved to Paris. In France, people enjoyed her traditional Native American dances. While there, she met and married Jean Archambaud. He was a French journalist. At this time, Molly also began studying Native American folktales and traditions. She focused on those from the northeast.
In 1933, the Great Depression affected Paris. Molly had fewer chances to dance. Jean Archambaud also lost his job. In 1934, Molly moved back to New York. She had a few jobs there. She also gave birth to her daughter.
In 1938, Molly and her daughter returned to Paris. They were reunited with Jean Archambaud. But their happiness did not last long. The Nazis invaded, and Molly and her daughter were separated from Jean. They never saw him again. Molly and her child bravely crossed the Pyrenees Mountains on foot. They walked to Spain. From there, they returned to the United States. Molly spent the rest of her life on the Penobscot Reservation.
