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Kathryn Ross as Millie Case

 of the

Vineland Independent, Newspaper Publishing

            Kathryn Ross blends her love of teaching and the performing arts together with a nostalgic passion for hometown history serving as a Board Members of the Friends of Historic Vineland and the Program Facilitator/Mistress of Ceremonies of Founder’s Day.  Kathryn works closely with Dr. DeMaio as preparing the entertainment programming and new exhibit recruitment for Founder’s Day.   “I also love the costume part,” she states, “I have a growing costume closet of period clothing and vintage hats that I like to help out Founder’s Day participants with to give that extra polish to an exhibit.” 

    Kathryn will portray Mille Case, a woman who worked for the Vineland Independent under ruthless editor Uri Carruth in the 1870’s, and was a witness to the melodramatic events in 1875 when Charles Landis shot Carruth in the head.  As Case, Kathryn will be able to share the drama of the newspaper business in Vineland with stories detailing the effects of the divisive journalism of Carruth contrasted with the later community building efforts of famed Vineland Times Journal editor and publisher, Max Leuchter.  Kathryn is recognized locally as Miss Kathy of Tale Spin Stories, performing weekly at the Cumberland Mall Center Court for preschoolers and their parents.  She is director of Pageant Wagon Productions, where she works with her husband, Ed, as professional storytellers throughout South Jersey in schools, churches, libraries, elder care facilities, and community events.

Ed Ross as Leverett Newcomb, Esquire,

Colorful Local Philanthropist

            Ed Ross poured over various research materials seeking out just the right Vineland notable character to portray at Founder’s Day and found a kindred spirit in the person of colorful local philanthropist, Levertt Newcomb.  “He even has a beard!”  Ed’s wife, Kathryn, said while studying a photograph of Newcomb in a vintage 1920’s copy of Who’s Who in New Jersey .  Well, at least he had mutton-chop sideburns – close enough!  Newcomb’s character blends well with Ed’s own character.  “He was an over-the-top P.T. Barnum type,” says Ross, “my kind of guy!” 

            Leverett Newcomb, the philanthropist who donated the land and finances for Newcomb Hospital is recalled in Ed’s portrayal as a wealthy, jovial, accomplished man about town who held the town spellbound at a fundraising event in the early 1920’s.  First person accounts of that night recount a showman, spinning a suspenseful tale of an anonymous donor who has pledged hundreds of dollars to complete the hospital, plus the land to build it on.  Those attending waited with great anticipation for the revealing of this mysterious benefactor who turned out to be Newcomb himself.    Like Newcomb, Ed thrives onstage and works as a professional storyteller with Kathryn, director of Pageant Wagon Productions.  His natural good humor and quick wit make him a Founder’s favorite.  He acts as Master of Ceremonies and directs the afternoon Field Games on Founder’s Day, enjoying the people, conversation, and interaction with the children attending. 

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