I noticed that a couple of websites listed the elusive Frietchie actress as the English actress Joan Stanwyck. Maybe the people with access to the British sources could also try that one.
(I knew about the Barbara Frietchie website/poem–but also note that I found websites with Fritchie as well. This story may be lost in spelling variations of both the names. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was really something like Joan Stanwick after all.)
I’m at my weekly visit to the library.
Variety Obituaries 1905-1986. No Standwick, Standwyck, or Stanwick; the only Stanwyck entries are Barbara and producer Jay (d. 1967).
Personal Name Index to ‘The New York Times Index’ 1851-1974. No woman named Standwick, Standwyck, Stanwick, or Stanwyck (other than Barbara).
The New York Times Theater Reviews/Index 1870-1919. No Standwick, Standwyck, Stanwick, or Stanwyck. Index 1920-1970. Ditto, except for Barbara Stanwyck and producer Jay Stanwyck.
No Standwick, Standwyck, Stanwick, or Stanwyck in the indexes to:
The London Stage, 1890-1899
The London Stage, 1900-1909
The London Stage, 1910-1919
The London Stage, 1920-1929
The London Stage, 1930-1939
The Oxford Companion to Canadian Theatre. No Standwick, Standwyck, Stanwick, or Stanwyck in the index.
1900 U.S. census: No Standwyck; two Standwick records: Jane H. Standwick, 58, born in New York, res. with sister Mary in Beverly, Mass., no occupation listed; 6 Stanwick households but no Jane and no actress; no Stanwyck.
1910 U.S. census: No Standwyck or Stanwyck; 5 Standwick household but no Jane and no actress; 16 Stanwick households but no Jane and no actress.
1881 census of England and Wales: No Stanwyck; Jane Standwick, 24, single, dressmaker, in Guildford, Surrey; Mary Jane Stanwick, 15, in Eldon, Durham (married in 1882); no Joan by any of the spellings.
1891 census of England and Wales: One Standwick (Lizzie, 16, in London); no Standwyck; 20 Stanwick records but no Jane or Joan and no actress; no Stanwyck.
1901 census of England and Wales: See my second posting above.
I should add:
1901 census of England and Wales: no Joan Standw-- or Joan Stanw–.
I’m gonna go with Walloon here, whom I always bow to in matters of film history and research.
Sounds reasonable, considering that’s some damn impressive research, Walloon.
One request, though – would you let us know where the article will be published so we can get a copy of it (and support your writing). Thanks much.
I caught the Barbara Stanwyck program on TCM last night. They repeated the story that [someone] came up with the name by combining two names from some old playbills. I forgot his name, but he was her manager/agent/PR person.
I miss Eve. Eve, you’re probably not reading this, but on the remote chance that you are, I’m very sorry that you felt it necessary to leave us. I eagerly await your book and wish you all the best.
Yah. I’ve been to her house. I assume it still stands in Frederick MD.
It does still stand, and the Frederick County historical society has something going on with Barbara Fritchie, correct spelling, currently. I grew up in Frederick but have never been to the house. The house is a reconstruction.
The true story:
Starting next Wednesday night (12/12) on Turner Classic Movies, 24 hours of Barbara Stanwyk movies.
I remember more history from Rocky & Bullwinkle than I learned in school.
Barbara Stanwyk, mmmmmmmmmmm!
“I’m crazy about you, baby!” 
Oh, my! This doc on TCM was from 1991. I thought it was relatively recent.:o Of course, they would repeat the story of her name.
