MEETING CHARLIE CHAPLIN

At age 10 Gwen actually met the world-famous actor Charlie Chaplin while he was out shooting a film in Hawaii. At the time he was in the middle of a feature film titled Shoulder Arms (premiered in 1918). Apparently, they had been playing with Gwen's pet guinea pig, a photo was taken (but has since been lost), and later the little girl had written to Chaplin in Los Angeles telling about the pet's untimely demise. This triggered a photograph (seen above) and a personal letter dated September 11, 1918, from Chaplin.
Here is an excerpt: ... It was certainly very kind of you to write me such a nice letter and send me a copy of the picture that was taken a year ago. ... Yes, I remember you and the guinea pig very well, and I deeply sympathize with you in its loss. ... I am just completing the second picture made since I was in Hilo. This one is named Shoulder Arms and is a war picture. I am sure you will think it more exciting than any of mine you have ever seen. ...

Coincidentally, Chaplin's mail arrived just in time for Gwen's 11th birthday, which must have thrilled her enormously, and to top it, there was a long article about the new friendship in the local newspaper with the header Chaplin Sends Hilo Girl Birthday Letter.
Gwendolyn was not likely to ever forget that particular birthday!