Descendants Recreate Actress King's 1915 Lincoln Highway Trek-- Part 1: Silent Film Star

From the September 6, 2015, TribLive by Craig Smith.

Silent film star Anita King in 1915 became the first woman to attempt to drive the 3,400 mile transcontinental trip alone.  She took along with her a 6-shooter revolver, aviator's hat and goggles.  It took her 49 days in her Kissel Kar.

Now, her great-grand nieces Lucianne Boardman, Aleta Wilke and Heather Pancratz will retrace her San Francisco-New York City route.  On Saturday they drove from Valporaiso, Indiana, to Letrobe where they will spend the night.

Anita King was born Anna Kappen in Michigan City, Indiana, in 1884 and was orphaned at age 16.  This left her and her eight siblings to fare for themselves.  They relocated to Chicago and she found work on the stage under the name Anita King.  Actress Lillian Russell encouraged her to try motion pictures so she went to Hollywood and landed roles in at least 19 silent films, some directed by Cecil B. DeMille.

--RoadDog