My mother, Virginia Lee Corbin, was married nearly three years and living in Chicago when my brother, Phil, was born in 1932. I came along in 1935. Unfortunately, by 1937, my mother and father were separated and were soon to be divorced. I was about 18 months old at the time of their separation, and Phil was four. My father, Theodore Krol, was given custody of us, and we never saw our mother again. Why? I really don't know, but in 1942 when I was seven years old, she passed away - only 32 years old.
The following years growing up were spent between Chicago and California. My father had remarried but also traveled quite a bit which meant we spent a lot of time with other members of the Krol family. During these years there was never any contact with my grandmother (Virginia's mother) or my aunt (Virginia's sister). Actually, I didn't even know I had an aunt on my mother's side.
Through a newspaper ad in the 1950's, I was made aware that my grandmother was seeking the whereabouts of her two grandsons, but, on the advice of my father's family, I did not pursue it . . . a decision I have come to regret in later years. It wasn't until recent years that I finally learned I had an aunt, Ruth Lipari who lived in San Mateo, CA. However, by the time I found out about her, it was too late. She had passed away in 1988 and left no relatives.
So, in my retirement years, I have now begun a quest for information about my mother that I should have begun years ago. Fortunately, that quest has turned up numerous photos and seven of her 39 features (plus a 20 min. portion of one and another that I know exists but haven't been able to see yet). Unfortunately, no one who knew her seems to be around today, and there are many, many "gaps" in her life that I would love to have filled in.
A lot of what my brother, Phil, and I have on our mother has come from the generous help of silent film fans. We are hoping there will be others who will visit this website who may be able to shed some more light on her life for us. We would love to hear from you and would be glad to answer any correspondence.
Sincerely,
Bob Krol
March, 2000
NOTE: Bob Krol passed away
Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2002, at age 68. Thanks to all those who e-mailed
him with information and expressed an interest in and appreciation
of his mother's career. Bob's widow and brother, Phil, are still
very interested in any information on Virginia, so any correspondence
may be directed to me, Tim Lussier, at 
- Tim Lussier, Dec. 2, 2002