By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.
Blessings on this earth happen often, but miraculous talent and infinite recognition come once in a lifetime. History has a habit of coming to us when we least expect it, as with the presence of Cornelie Meysenheim, born in The Hague, Netherlands, March 29, 1849, it could never be imagined that she would find her way to Lake Ronkonkoma nearly 50 years later, and make it her home.
Madame Cornelie Meysenheim was a world-class Dutch Opera singer, well known in European and American halls. She later was a Professor of Music at the Metropolitan School of Opera, New York City and gave private instructions as well. She kept two studios, one was local to the lake, in Nesconset near the Post Office and the other at the Metropolitan Opera House, Office Building, New York City. Students were fortunate to have the opportunity to study with her.
Dutch King William III heard Cornelie perform as a child and immediately provided her with a scholarship (10/31/1872) for studying music, per Dienst Van Het Koninklijk Huis (his country).
On November 5, 1879, she was married to German Heinrich Schubel, a cellist, and on September 3, 1883, in Karlsruhe, Germany celebrated the birth of her son Ludwig Franz Heinrich M. Schubel, who in 1883 was Baptized in Karlsruhe, Germany.
One of her magnificent studies was with the German Romantic Composer Richard Strauss. His father had urged the young Strauss to write opera, to please the people and the times, but he was not totally interested in opera. Strauss would not write the operas unless Cornelie agreed to sing them. They were all composed in 1879, around the time of Strauss’s fifteenth birthday, and performed two years later by Cornelie Meysenheim, who performed both at the Munich Court Opera.
Madame performed worldwide in such productions as Faust (pictured above); LaFille duRegiment; Barbiere di Sivilgia; the title role in Mignon; Hansel & Gretel; Annima in La Traviata; to name a few. However, it was the acknowledgement of the critics to have her performance of Georges Bizet’s Carmen labeled “perfection never to be surpassed.” Perfect in every way, the costume, her adaptation into the character, and of course her voice led to rave reviews and unsurpassed quality.
Madame was endorsed by Enrico Caruso, one of the all-time legendary tenors and one of the first international recording stars and Luisa Tetrazzini the Italian coloratura soprano. Cornelie sang in the Royal Courts of Europe and was a woman of rare refinement and sensibility. When she performed as Marguerite in Faust, in the Munich Cort Opera house of her girlhood, she became a star overnight.
In New York City, she met musical performers and acquaintances, and 1901 this brought her to Lake Ronkonkoma. It was the suggestion of Miss Maude Adams, Broadway actress, that she come out to Lake Ronkonkoma and see if it was for her, which led to her move. She continued her friendships with Lillian Devere and the Devere family, a well-known acting family; Captain George McCormick, who served in the Civil War, and others. She purchased a home directly on the lake, and entertained friends frequently. It was situated on a small hill, and the view was perfect. The home brought her much happiness.
Local improvement was important to her, and she starred in many fundraisers here in town. The program I am highlighting shows a benefit on July 5, 1920, which was to raise funds for the Lake Ronkonkoma Free Library, dear to her friend Lillian Devere. The names of the performers listed on the program are easily recognized by our locals even today. She was also involved in fundraisers for the Hook & Ladder #1 and other up and coming establishments needed to enhance the community, including St. Josephs R.C. Church and Firemen’s Hall.
It is almost beyond comprehension to imagine a world-class opera singer and a world-renowned Broadway actress performing in Firemen’s Hall at Hook & Ladder #1, currently Colonial Florist.
She had a place with the Lake Ronkonkoma Equal Rights Suffrage Club, also led by Lillian Devere. The highly successful group began fighting for the vote in 1912 and participated in many events and fundraisers to obtain “Votes for Women”.
I personally met with the family of Madame Cornelie on Thursday August 25, 2022, after a lengthy trans-Atlantic and multi-state correspondence period. The day was carefully planned to allow familiarity, records exchange, and open discussions. The all-day program continued, with me presenting the family, including her grandson Dave Schubel, with memorable facts, pictures, and paperwork. In turn, the family had much primary source documentation which allowed the Heritage to fill many open questions. The community became enriched that day with priceless newspaper clippings, letters, and programs from the performances presented here in Lake Ronkonkoma and across New York. The photograph of Madame (pictured above) wearing the hat shows a beautiful coral necklace, which is now in the procession of family member Karen Jones. When she removed it from its box, the realization that it was indeed the necklace in the photograph was wonderful. Present were Dave and Mary Lou Schubel; Ellyn Okvist; Janet & Randy Rhoads; Frans & Margot Cornelis; Sandra Willis; and Karen and Jerry Jones.
Madame adored Lake Ronkonkoma and remained here, home and studio (pictured below), until her death on December 31, 1923. She was laid to rest in the Lake Ronkonkoma Cemetery as Cornelie Meysenheim Schubel.
“And may she rise upon the wings
Of beauteous song to that fair land,
Of which the olden psalmist sings,
Where glorious singer, happy, stand
Atuned with God, atuned to love,
May she find happiness above.”
— Included in her obituary 1/2/1924
