Frances farmer biography washington history

1913 - September 19, born to Ernest and Lillian Farmer in Seattle, WA. Siblings include Edith, Wesley and half-sister Rita.

1931 - Wins creative writing contest with her controversial essay, God Dies while a junior at West Seattle High School.� National wire services report the story as - "Seattle girl denies God and wins prize."

Enters University of Washington, joins drama department and meets instructor Sophie Rosenstein.� Achieves rave reviews while acting in Helen of Troy and Alien Corn.� Changes major from journalism to drama.

1935 - Sails for Russia after winning Voice of Action newspaper subscription contest.� Wire services (again) pick up story and denounce Communism.

Frances stays in New York after trip and is discovered by a talent scout.� Signs contract with Paramount.

1936 - Marries actor Leif Erickson, makes first film Too Many Parents.� Later Frances is cast opposite Bing Crosby in Rhythm on the Range and Edward Arnold