Mabel Berra – Opera Singer Who knew Ashland County was once home to a very famous and accomplished opera singer? Miss Mabel Berra was born in Crestline, Ohio, on October 1, 1886, to Ashlanders John Berra and Sarah “Sadie” Stiner. She moved from Toledo to Loudonville in 1913 after her parents separated. Mabel worked hard and trained in Toledo, Indianapolis, and Berlin, Germany to become a classical opera singer. Mabel was discovered by Adelina Otti, another opera singer, in Toledo. Otti met with Berra and listened to her sing after learning she had a beautiful soprano voice. She was impressed with what she heard and provided 16 year old Mabel with a few informal lessons. Mabel eventually was summoned to fill in at the local Keith Theatre. She immediately gained popularity and was quickly signed to a contract that boasted the highest-ever paid salary to a newcomer to the opera scene. Mabel then made her professional debut in Winnipeg. Within a couple of years, Mabel was performing in Chicago, New York, and other major U. S. cities. By the young age of 22, she was widely popular for her voice, which had an unusual vocal range encompassing three complete octaves, as well as for her costumes, grace, and beauty. The opera La Traviata (The Fallen Woman) was first performed in 1853 and made Mabel famous. La Traviata is still immensely popular today. Mabel became a prima donna for the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She traveled overseas and performed in cities such as Paris, Vienna, London, Berlin, Budapest, Amsterdam, and Munich. Mabel also became well-known for her vaudeville and comedic opera talents. She was nicknamed the “Venus of Vaudeville” and “the beautiful girl with the beautiful voice.” Mabel performed under her maiden name but was known in private as Mrs. Charlie Allen. She met Charlie in 1913 while on tour and married him in the early 1920’s. He was a booking agent for the Keith Vaudeville circuit. Charlie and Mabel settled down in Great Neck, Long Island. On December 22, 1928, Mabel was on her way home after dropping Charlie at the local train station. She allowed their dog, Buster, a Boston terrier, a bit of play time along the road. When she noticed traffic approaching, she exited her vehicle to retrieve the dog. Mabel was tragically struck and killed after a driver swerved to avoid hitting the dog. 3
