1910s

1910:

• The family moves across town to 93 Henrietta St., Rochester, NY.

• June 16: Cabell Calloway II has mental health episode and is sent to County Hospital for treatment.

1912:

• Blanche and family move back to Baltimore, MD. Shortly after, Cabell II has failed real estate venture.

1913:

• Blanche’s father, Cabell II, has a mental breakdown, is institutionalized and mysteriously dies.

1914-1918:

• Encouraged by her music teacher, Blanche auditions for local talent scout Ernest Hamilton Murray. Blanche was selected two years in a row, however, with the recent death of her father and the fact that she is the oldest sibling, she hesitates to pursue a career in entertainment and instead enrolls in Morgan State College to study music.

• While in school, Blanche begins performing in local revues, speakeasies and nightclubs. She eventually drops out of college to pursue her passion for show business.

1919:

• Blanche sings in the choir with her brother Cab at Grace Presbyterian Church.