Powelton's Movie Starlet

The following article appeared in the Evening Public Ledger, March 17, 1915:

“U. OF P. INSTRUCTOR AND ‘MOVIE’ STAR TO WED
“Dr. John P. Chapman and Miss Mary J. Huff to Marry

      “An introduction at a dance a year ago, which was followed by ardent courtship, will culminate in the wedding, next Friday, of Dr. John Patrick Chapman, an instructor of anatomy at the University of Pennsylvania, and Miss Mary Justina Huff, a moving picture star. The ceremony will be performed at St. Patrick's Church, 20th and Spruce streets.
      “Miss Huff, who resides at the Powelton Apartments, 36th street and Powelton avenue, is a native of Columbus Ga. For several years she has been appearing as a star in many famous moving picture productions. She is now posing for the Lubin Film Manufacturing Company. She has appeared as leading woman in ’Love of Women,’ ‘Men of the Mountains’ and other plays.
      “Doctor Chapman first met Miss Huff at a dance given by the members of the Merion Cricket Club a year ago, at Haverford. They were introduced by friends. A courtship followed. Miss Huff, who is 21 years old, will continue to appear as leading woman in the ‘movies’ after her marriage. Before she agreed to accept Doctor Chapman’s proposal she insisted that her marriage should not interfere with her career. Doctor Chapman is 27 years old. He resides at 1700 Pine street. He is well known as a practitioner in this city. He and his fiancée obtained their marriage license yesterday afternoon."

      Justina Huff (1893 – 1977) made 21 films with the Lubin Film Manufacturing Co. which had their studios on North Broad Street. Her younger sister, Louise Huff (1895 – 1973), had a slightly longer (1910-1922) and more celebrated career.
      John Chapman graduate from Penn Medical School in 1911. He was born in St. Louis. He was orphaned at age 8 and was raised by an aunt and uncle in Watertown, N.Y. Three younger siblings were sent to live with another aunt and uncle in Portland City, Oregon.
      Justina made her last film in 1916. In 1920, the couple was living on S. Latches Lane, Lower Merion with two young children.