Known for the beauty, flexibility and size of her voice, Ernestine S-H was also known for the size of her waist-band. When a conductor suggested that she move sideways through the orchestra to avoid knocking things over, she replied that she "had no sideways". She was famed for raising money the USA during WWI, even though she had family on both sides of the conflict. She also premiered the role of Clytemnestra in Strauss' Elektra.