People loved to hate the Cherry Sisters, whose vaudeville show at the turn of the last century was so awful that they were known as "the world's worst sister act."
The sisters lived on a farm near Marion, and times were tough after their parents died and their brother, Isaac, ran away.
Addie, Jessie and Effie, left to right above, made their stage debut at the Marion Opera House in 1893. Lizzie joined them occasionally. Ella took care of the farm.
The women sang songs they wrote themselves and recited poetry and essays. After intermission they presented an operetta, "The Gypsy's Warning."
Audiences found the entertainment so abominable they booed and hissed, and threw fruit and vegetables. Eggs, tomatoes and cabbages were favorite missiles. continue
The Cherry Sisters: From the Cornfields to Court
 The Celebrated Cherry Sisters (click photo to enlarge) Courtesy of the Des Moines Register |  Addie, Jessie & Effie (click photo to enlarge) Courtesy of the Des Moines Register |  Effie Cherry (click photo to enlarge) Courtesy of the Des Moines Register |  Effie and Addie Cherry as they appeared when they were the toast of the nation. From "As Time Goes By" |
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