Hay, Edgar

Persoon

Hay, Edgar

Actor, writer and publicist Edgar Hay moved to Miami in 1920 and entered the local theater scene. Before coming to Miami, Hay embarked on a brief stage career and also served in World War I. Although he lacked formal training, Hay obtained roles in several musical plays, and returned to Broadway for a short period after the war. In Miami, Hay acted in plays and wrote newspaper columns about local productions. The Federal Theater Project of the Works Progress Administration produced his play, "Rhapsody in Two Flats," in the 1930's. Hay also wrote a number of other plays, articles and short stories, and held several public relations positions.

Hay joined an order of Freemasons while stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1918, and in 1920 "through the Masonic friendship of ...Frank B. Stoneman editor-in-chief of the Miami Herald," Hay obtained employment in Miami. Hay wrote his first column for the Herald, "Miami Rambles" between 1920 and 1924. During the 1920's, Hay also became active in Miami theater, performing with the original Miami Community theater and Parkway Playhouse.

From 1925 to 1928 Hay worked as publicist for the City of Coral Gables, and then resumed work with the Herald writing a column "Show Folks." Hay also worked as a copywriter and account executive for Loomis and Hall, Inc. In 1939, he left the Herald to devote full time to advertising and accepted public relations positions at the Florida Power and Light Company and Pan American World Air Ways, Inc. In 1944 he joined the Office of Special Information for the Air Service Command at the Miami Air Depot. After leaving his position as an associate of Arthur E. Curtis, Hay joined the University of Miami Office of Public Information where he remained until 1961.