Lillian Russell was famous for her voice, her beauty, and her glamorous lifestyle. In 1913, she made San Diego history from behind the wheel of an automobile.
Russell, one of the era’s best-known light opera and vaudeville stars, was invited by real estate developer Edward Fletcher to help open a new road to the summit of Grossmont.
A 1936 San Diego Tribune retrospective described Russell as “buxom and flamboyant” and recalled the fame, luxury and drama that surrounded her career. The July 3 article noted her long association with “Diamond Jim” Brady, her stormy marriages and her popularity with audiences. Russell remained closely identified with the light-opera roles she performed best, the newspaper said, while in her later years she turned her talents to journalism and promotional work.
She did it by driving the first car to the top…