Drag queens have been captivating audiences for centuries. Interestingly, two men from Butte made their mark as female impersonators.
Billy Dalton and Mansel Boyle, although not acquainted, both carved out successful careers in the entertainment industry. They shared a remarkable talent that allowed them to entertain crowds worldwide.
Going by the stage names Julian Eltinge and Vardaman the Auburn-Haired Beauty, Dalton and Boyle achieved fame as drag queens from the early 1900s to the mid-1920s.
Dalton chose Julian from his middle name and Eltinge from a childhood friend’s surname. On the other hand, Boyle adopted his middle name, Vardaman, for the stage.
Dalton, a Butte native, spent his formative years in the city before relocating to Massachusetts. Boyle, born in Santa Cruz, California, moved to Butte with his family.
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Dalton excelled as Eltinge, earning a reputation as America’s premier female impersonator. His talent and dedication set him apart from his peers.
