I would have to disagree with Olive E Thomas that the pickings are
pretty slim when it comes to Ollie, though I would agree that the two
sources she mentioned are excellent.

One thing that should not be discounted is Jack participation in the
draft scandal of WW1. As previously noted, Jack attempted to enlist
in the Marines (an all volunteer service) at least twice but was
denied, presumably for failing the physical. This was before Jack and
Ollie married and about the time when Ollie's beloved brother Jim
became a Marine.

After Ollie and Jack married, Jack was drafted according to sources
listed in Taylorogoly.

Some biographies list Jack as being assigned to a film board
censoring films being sent to entertain the troops. It may have been
proposed. Such a board existed and a memo sent to Pat Powers of
Universal/IMP available at the Wisconsin State Historical Society
suggests Jack was to be involved.

Jack ends up as part of a seaplane crew at the Brooklyn Navy Yard
searching for submarines and guarding NY harbor.

In Stuart Oderman's biography of Roscoe Arbuckle, he offers a story
by Ann Pennington of Ollie's account of Jack's Naval experience.
Basically, Jack HATED bombing runs.

In Mary Pickford's autobiography, Sunshine and Shadow, Mary paints a
portrait of Jack waiting in her limo outside in the rain while his
superior, a doctor, remained inside enjoying the night life.

In November 1918, The NY Times posts a blind item talking about the
brewing scandal when a yeoman in the brig is visited by his famous
Broadway actess wife. Most are surprised that the yeoman has not been
kicked out of the navy yet.

Early November 1918, Olive Thomas, Anna Daly and Peggy Hopkins JOyce
accompany Flo Ziegfeld to Florida. There on a cruise on Ziegfeld's
yatch, Flo Ziegfeld attempts to convince Walter Chrysler in backing
an unnamed show presumably featuring Ollie. Chrysler is more
interested in backing another of Ziegfeld's "sensations", Marilyn
Miller.

In December 1918, Olive's release from Triangle is announced. Mid-
month, it is announced that Ollie has signed with Selznick.

In January 1919, Jack Pickford agrees to testify for the prosecution
and admit his participarion in the scandal. Jack is released from
service and returns to California fulfilling his part of Mary's
contract with First National for three pictures. The first is filled
at Robert Brunton Studios where Olive Thomas is starting her first
feature for Selznick/Select. There are reports of the couple,
blissfully happy, sharing lunches together.

In February 1919, it is reported that Jack Pickford will be
dishonorably discharged from the Navy for varying reasons including
his use of "intoxicants". The response to this is Charlotte Pickford
meets with White House Chief of Staff, Joseph Tumulty bypassing
Secretary Daniels of the Navy who ordered the investigation. Mother
Pickford, head of the company making Jack's films for First National,
announces a film promoting naval avaiation.

March 28, 1919 Jack Pickford is formally released from the U.S. Navy
with an honorable discharge.

In February 1919, the NY Times publishes an article about the draft
scandal stating 47 officers and men of the 3rd Naval District are
suspected of involvement. The charges include that men drafted into
the army were allowed into the Navy, that men physically unfit for
duty were allowed into the navy, that men were assigned to shore duty
far away from dangerous duty, that men were allowed to continue with
their daily businesses while in the service of the Navy, that men
were allowed to shift duty away from sea duty, and that men were
allowed immediate discharges with the armistice if they had
enough "influence".

Further, the Times illuminated a scheme. A young man of means would
be approached by a yeoman. The yeoman would introduce him to an
officer socially and the young man would offer to pay for a "trip" by
car...usually $300.00 with the yeoman handling the cash and the young
man would enlist in the Navy. It was suspected at the time that this
scheme developed close to $500,000.00.

This is all very preliminary but it would tend to color the way I
read "Sunshine and Shadow". It also raises questions about Jack. Was
Jack a willing participant in all this or used by superiors preying
upon his name and financial assets or was Jack forced into it due to
his "peculiar habits"? Maybe, due to his access to the high and
mighty in NYC, he was actually one of the masterminds?

As I said many times before... with Ollie, it is always another
question.

Your partner in limburger