Description
Wallace Ray was born on the family farm of Captain Thomas Jefferson Ray. In 1916, he served as an infantryman in the Army. He later worked overseeing tomato purchasing and delivery. In the early 1920s, Wallace became a silent film actor, his most successful film was ‟Over the Hill To The Poor House.” Filmed in Fort Lee, NJ and released by Fox Corp. it budgeted at $100,000 and grossed $1,500,000. Other 1920 films were: Chains of Evidence, The Bromley Case, and Bitter Fruit. In 1921, Pardon My French and Under Western Skies. In 1922, Shackles of Gold, and 1923 The Critical Age and Darkness and Daylight. In 1929, Wallace joined Texaco as a petroleum salesman and by 1950 he rose to become Manager of National sales. Wallace retired from Texaco in 1958 and two years later moved to Santa Clara County, California.
Silent Films
The term “silent film” is somewhat of a misnomer, as silent films were almost always accompanied by a pianist, organist, or even a small orchestra. Music was considered essential, contributing atmosphere and giving the audience vital emotional cues. The silent era began in 1894 and was most productive from the 1910s to the late 1920s. Perhaps 75% of silent films have been lost because the nitrate film used was unstable and flammable. The term “silent films,” is a retronym, a term created retroactively to distinguish it from “talking pictures” and “sound films.”
This Wallace Ray History Mug is part of our Silent Film Series which includes many unique individuals.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
