1 10 3 https://branchdistrictlibrary.org/archive/files/original/e05638c324adf4e1bf636de495413349.pdf 1b732901344e73676ccf7f5ff93e7639 PDF Text Text �MR For �Holbrook BRANCHry,-TrUCT 10 EAST : G O COLOWATE.k. ����A H I S TO RY O F T H E T I B B I T S OPERA HOUSE, 1 8 8 2 - 1 9 0 4 A dissertation submitted to the Kent S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y Graduate C o l l e g e in partial fulfillment o f the for the degree o f Doctor o f Philosophy by Carolyn L. G i l l e s p i e June, 1975 �COLDWATERPUBLIC �MEN\ Dissertation written by Carolyn L. G i l l e s p i e B.A., Western Michigan University, 1970 M.A., Western Michigan U n i v e r s i t y, 1971 Ph.D., K e n t S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y, 1975 Approved b y (7 (L....(AChairman, D o c t o r a l D i s s e r t a t i o n C o m m i t t e e 1„1.4Members, D o c t o r a l D i s s e r t a t i o n C o m m i t t e e . D i r e c t o r , School o f Speech Dean, G r a d u a t e C o l l e g e i i ��ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I wish t o thank Miss P h y l l i s Holbrook, whose i n d e x to t h e C o l d w a t e r newspapers was a n i n v a l u a b l e a i d i n the location o f biographical information and terials. M y appreciation also goes t o Bob Branch, J r . and Jon H a r p e r who c o n t r i b u t e d t h e i r p h o t o g r a p h i c e x p e r t i s e . A special acknowledgment goes t o my a d v i s o r, D r. son, w h o was a l w a y s p r o m p t a n d i n t e r e s t e d . A n d cannot a d e q u a t e l y express my g r a t i t u d e and indebtedness t o my p a r e n t s , w h o h a v e s u p p o r t e d m y e i g h t y e a r s o f cation w i t h l o v i n g encouragement and c h e e r f u l g e n e r o s i t y. �CONTENT Chapter 1 I . INTRODUCTION Statement o f t h e problem 1 Justification o f the Definitions and limitations o f the study • • Evaluation o f previous research 6 Methodology 7 Organization 1 0 I I . B A R T O N S . T I B B I T S YEARS, 1 8 8 2 - 1 8 8 5 T h e a t r e a n d management Legitimate drama 3 Combination Plays R e p e r t o r y Companies U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n C o m p a n i e s Visiting stars 4 Concerts 4 Related t h e a t r i c a l a c t i v i t y Lecture and E l o c u t i o n i s t s Minstrels 4 Va r i e t y and Va u d e v i l l e Miscellaneous 4 Amateur p r o d u c t i o n s Synopsis 5 1 2 1 4 0 3 1 7 3 3 9 0 4 4 4 5 6 7 4 8 9 5 1 3 I I I . J O S E P H HENNING YEARS, J U L Y 1 8 8 5 -JUNE 1 8 9 4 T h e a t r e a n d management 5 Legitimate drama 6 Combination Plays 6 R e p e r t o r y Companies 7 U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n C o m p a n i e s Operas a n d O p e r e t t a s 7 Visiting stars . . . 7 Concerts 8 Related t h e a t r i c a l a c t i v i t y Lectures 8 Minstrels 8 Va r i e t y and Va u d e v i l l e 8 Miscellaneous 9 Amataur p r o d u c t i o n s 9 Synopsis 9 iv • • 5 3 3 4 7 6 7 9 1 8 3 3 7 9 0 3 7 5 5 �Chapter I V. J O H N T . JACKSON YEARS, J U LY 1 8 9 4 - 1 9 0 4 9 9 Theatre a n d management 9 9 Legitimate drama 1 0 6 Combination Plays 1 0 7 Repertory Companies 1 1 4 Uncle To m ' s C a b i n Companies 1 1 5 Opera a n d O p e r e t t a 1 1 6 Visiting stars 1 1 8 Concerts 1 2 0 Related t h e a t r i c a l a c t i v i t y 1 2 2 Lectures 1 2 2 Minstrels 1 2 6 Va r i e t y and Va u d e v i l l e 1 2 7 Miscellaneous 1 2 8 Amateur p r o d u c t i o n s 1 3 1 Synopsis 1 3 3 V. S U M M A R Y A N D CONCLUSIONS 1 3 6 Summary Conclusions 136 14 14 Guide t o t h e Appendices Appendix A . T I B B I T S O P E R A H O U S E D AY B O O K 1 8 8 2 - 1 0 0 4 14 B . I N D E X T O T H E DAYBOOT; 94 Ta b l e Ta b l e Ta b l e Ta b l e C. A #1: #2: #3: #L:: I n d e x I n d e x I n d e x incide to t to t to t nce h e perfoImer.z 9 / 4 i he p l a y = 2 5 0 h e companies 2 6 2 o f entertainments . • • • 2 6 9 F U L L D E S C R I P T I O N O F T I B B I I S OPERA HOUSE • • • D . I I B B I T S O P E R A HOUSE D E D I C AT I O N A N D O T H E R PRESS ACCOUNTS O F S P E C I , t 1 , I N T E R E S T 2 8 F. I L L U S T R A T I C r i S B I - , LT- C ' R A P I T Y . . 2 2 9 9 0 8 2 7 0 1 �Chapter I INTRODUCTION Statement o f The p u r p o s e o f the problem this dissertation sional and amateur t h e a t r i c a l activity gan f r o m 1 8 8 2 t h r o u g h 1 9 0 4 . T h e is to in study focuses on b i t s Opera House w i t h s p e c i a l emphasis o n t h e t h e a t r e ' s as a c o m m u n i t y c u l t u r a l c e n t e r . the scope o f T h e role i n v e s t i g a t i o n summarizes a c t i v i t i e s housed i n t h e Opera House acterizes Coldwater's role a t r i c a l scene. I t i n the over-all mid- delineates the unique aspects o f the small town Opera House t o d e m o n s t r a t e t h a t t h e T i b b i t s was m o r e than a m i n i a t u r e b i g c i t y theatre. Justification American t h e a t r i c a l in the l a s t two decades o f o f a c t i v i t y was e n j o y i n g a heyday the nineteenth c e n t u r y. studies have deta:aed the h i s t o r y ing this period. T h e r e professional theatrical M a n y o f t h e New Yo r k a l s o a r e numerous examinations o f activity in the larger out t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , J o h n M. C a l l a h a n ' s " A H i s t o r y of the Second O l y m p i c T h e a t r e o f S a i n t L o u i s , M i s s o u r i , 1 8 8 2 - 1 9 1 6 " b e i n g one f.:f t h e m o s t r e c e n t . H o w e v e r , 1 l i t t l e literature A �2 has b e e n d e v o t e d t o t h e p a r a l l e l upsurge i n i t y i n communities w i t h less t h a n 10,000 a t r i c a l a c t i v i t y i n Marshall, Mason and Adrian Michigan Opera Houses h a s b e e n examined i n D o n a l d S h a n o w e r ' s sertation, " A Comparative and Descriptive Study o f Three Opera Houses i n S o u t h e r n M i c h i g a n , 1 8 8 0 - 1 9 0 0 . " I n shall G. Cassady wrote a dissertation d e t a i l i n g "The H i s t o r y of Professional Theatre i n Salem, Ohio, 1847-1894." This s t u d y w i l l be s i m i l a r t o t h e Cassady over d i s s e r t a t i o n s i n t h a t i t w i l l provide an in- amination o f a small town theatre i n the l a s t two decades of t h e n i n e t e e n t h c e n t u r y. H o w e v e r, b o t h professional and amateur t h e a t r i c a l a c t i v i t y w i l l be examined. A l s o , tion o f each chapter w i l l d e t a i l non- t h e a t r i c a l a c t i v i t i e s housed i n t h e O p e r a House. I n t h e f e w s t u d i e s w h i c h h a v e b e e n made o n s m a l l town t h e a t r e s t h e r e h a s b e e n a t e n d e n c y t o s e e t h e m o r e r u r a l communities a s a " l i t t l e New Yo r k . " T h u s , t h e r e s e a r c h e r s have c o n f i n e d t h e i r e x a m i n a t i o n s m o s t l y t o atre. T h i s assumes t h a t t h e 1 9 t h c e n t u r y s m a l l t o w n t h e a t r e functioned l i k e 1 9 t h century c i t y theatres which e x i s t mainly to house l i v e s t a g e p r o d u c t i o n s . I n truth, profess! a t r e was o n l y one o f many e n t e r t a i n m e n t s housed i n t h e s m a l l town O p e r a H o u s e . W h i l e t h e m e a s u r i n g s t i c k o f s u c c e s s f o r a New Yo r k t h e a t r e m i g h t b e t h e number o f shows p e r y e a r o r �3 the c a l i b r e o f stars appearing on i t s stage, the longevity o f a s m a l l t o w n t h e a t r e seems more r e l a t e d t o adapt t o a multiplicity i t s a b i l i t y to o f community needs. T h u s , water Opera House o u t l a s t e d many o t h e r t h e a t r e s duced more p r o f e s s i o n a l dramas b y a h i g h e r c a l i b r e former. The a s s u m p t i o n b y many r e s e a r c h e r s t h a t N e w views o r inclusion i n Odell's Annals o f t h e New Yo r k S t a g f c o n s t i t u t e s s t a r d o m a l s o seems t o i m p o s e a New Yo r k s t a n d a r d on a s m a l l t o w n . T h e r e i s an assumption t h a t local reviewers are i g n o r a n t f e l l o w s who d o n ' t k n o w g o o d f r o m b a d a n y w a y. This viewpoint w i l l never unearth the 19th century dramatic c r i t i c i s m w h i c h s e r v e d a t l e a s t 90% o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s population.- Because o f t e l e v i s i o n and the r a p i d t i o n w h i c h i s c a u s i n g o u r w o r l d t o g r o w s m a l l e r we a r e much more l i k e l y today to be influenced were s m a l l t o w n d w e l l e r s i n b y a New Yo r k t h e 1 9 t h c e n t u r y. wonder t h a t l o c a l r e v i e w e r s d i d n ' t I t ' s l i t t l e kick up their heels over a production by Jessie Bonstelle o r Rosella Knott. W h i l e these p e r f o r m e r s w e r e p o p u l a r w i t h New Yo r k a u d i e n c e s s e v e r a l decades b e f o r e t h e y p e r f o r m e d a t t h e T i b b i t s , press s a w t w o o l d women. T h u s , t h i s t h e Coldwater s t u d y does n o t assume the New Yo r k c r i t i c a l s t a n d a r d b u t i n s t e a d a c c e p t s t h e v i e w s of local reviewers. The g r e a t e s t w o r t h o f t h i s s t u d y may be t h a t tablishes a view o f a 19th century small town theatre i n �4 terms o f i t s own m e r i t r a t h e r t h a n a g a i n s t a New Yo r k C i t y measuring s t i c k . the t o t a l i t y I f we a r e t o d e v e l o p a n u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f o f American theatre h i s t o r y to i s o l a t e t h e u n i q u e a s p e c t s o f well as the way With t h i s i t dove- t a i l s the small town theatre as w i t h New Yo r k e x p e c t a t i o n s . i n mind, l o c a l newspapers w i l l source f o r the study. Tibbits against b i g T h e i t becomes n e c e s s a r y provide the primary d i s s e r t a t i o n does n o t measure t h e c i t y theatres but instead reveals the Opera H o u s e ' s r e l e v a n c e t o t h e s m a l l c o m m u n i t y a s r e c o u n t e d i n c o n t e m p o r a r y, l o c a l p r e s s r e l e a s e s . Unlike most nineteenth c e n t u r y, s m a l l town t h e a t r e s , the T i b b i t s Opera House c o n t i n u e s t o offers a wide variety function and c u r r e n t l y of live entertainment. vations, while not altering the structure have a g a i n t u r n e d i t o f the theatre, i n t o a community c u l t u r a l c e n t e r which manages t o r e m a i n a monument t o t h e p a s t . T h e r e f o r e tory of the f i r s t t w o decades o f theatrical Opera H o u s e w i l l b e o f s p e c i a l s i g n i f i c a n c e activity t o of Coldwater and t o Michigan c u l t u r a l h i s t o r y. This h i s t o r y the l a s t decades o f impetus f o r o f Coldwater's theatrical activity in t h e n i n e t e e n t h c e n t u r y may p r o v i d e t h e f u r t h e r investigation o f small town theatres and eventually the basis f o r an American theatre h i s t o r y which extends b e y o n d New Yo r k C i t y a n d p r o v i d e s a c o m p r e h e n s i v e view o f nineteenth century t h e a t r i c a l the U n i t e d S t a t e s . a c t i v i t y throughout 4 �5 Definitions and limitations This study i s between i t s a history o f o f t h e T i b b i t s Opera House i n a u g u r a l performance i n 1882 and i t s 1904 t o H u l d a h H e n n i n g J a c k s o n a s r e v e a l e d i n press. T h e sale i n the local 1904 t e r m i n a t i o n date was selected because w i t h the a d v e n t o f m o t i o n p i c t u r e s , t h e t h e a t r e ceased strate m u l t i p l i c i t y o f purpose. T h e accuracy ness o f t h e s e l o c a l a c c o u n t s were v e r i f i e d references i n t h e New Yo r k Dramatic M i r r o r , substantiated l o c a l accounts o f visiting the Tibbits. O f t e n , from T h e Mirror also the r o u t e s taken b y companies M i r r o r accounts were r e c t l y from t h e Coldwater newspapers. All a c t i v i t i e s housed w i t h i n t h e t h e a t r e a r e listed in t h e daybook. H o w e v e r, t h e 731 p l a y s presented d u r i n g the period and the myriad other a c t i v i t i e s preclude the coverage of each event tigation i n the body o f the study. T h e r e f o r e , w i l l focus on those plays o r representative o f the total a c t i v i t i e s which were theatrical picture o r which the press l a b e l e d u n i q u e o r u n u s u a l i n some w a y. M a n y of the performers appearing a t t h e Ti b b i t s were a t one t i m e prominent enough t o g a i n a l i s t i n g in either the D i c i o n a r y Biography o r Orlell's Annals o f the o f Americo.n New Y o r k S t a r e . H o w e v e r , by t h e t i m e t h e y g o t t o t h e T i b b i t s t h e l o c a l p r e s s f o u n d them t o o f a r past t h e i r prime t o be labeled a Theref(re, referevees t o "stae-s" i n "star." this study w i l l reflect �6 the b i a s o f the local press. Legitimate theatre refers performed b y p r o f e s s i o n a l a c t o r s . to any live stage play T h e r e i s no d i s t i n c t i o n between m u s i c a l a n d n o n - m u s i c a l p r o d u c t i o n s . large majority I n fact, a o f dramas t h e l o c a l press l a b e l e d " l e g i t i m a t e " included singing and dancing. T h u s operas, operettas, Uncle To m ' s C a b i n , a n d a l l p r o f e s s i o n a l drama are here l a b e l e d "legitimate." Amateur theatricals are those entertainments prepared b y and f e a t u r i n g l o c a l t a l e n t who engage i n theatrical pursuits as a pastime rather than a profession. Va r i e t y was a f o r m o f entertainment c o n s i s t i n g related s p e c i a l t y acts, dancing, musical numbers, sketches and s h o r t p l a y s . T h i s c a t e g o r y includes pantomime t r o u p e s such a s t h e H u m p t y Dumpty companies a n d g a i e t y s h o w s . A s these v a r i e t y e n t e r t a i n m e n t s became more in t h e 1 8 9 0 ' s and 1900's t h e y were renamed v a u d e v i l l e . Evaluation o f previous research There h a s been no comprehensive s t u d y c f t h e T i b b i t s Opera House o r of theatrical activity i n Coldwater, M i c h i g a n . W i l l i s Dunbar wrote a few paragraphs about Coldwater's Opera House i n M i c h i g a n T h r o u g h t h e C e n t u r i e s a n d a l s o a u t h o r e d an a r t i c l e e n t i t l e d "The Opera House a s a S o c i a l I n s t i t u t i o n in Michigan" which appeared i n a 1943 Michigan zine. T h e Snanower and Cassady d i s s e r t a t i o n s a r e n o t much d i r e c t b e n e f i t t o a researcher dealing with o f �7 water Michigan theatre. Methodology Since t h e r e i s n o p r e v i o u s s t u d y o f t h e O p e r a House the most i m p o r t a n t s o u r c e s u t i l i z e d were n i n e a r e a n e w s p a p e r s . W i t h porter all in this investigation the exception o f o f these newspapers were a v a i l a b l e a t water Public L i b r a r y. Most o f t h e a c c o u n t s o f c u l t u r a l e v e n t s i n C o l d w a t e r p r i o r t o t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n o f t h e Opera House were t a k e n f r o m The C o l d w a t e r S e n t i n e l , w h i c h b e g a n p u b l i c a t i o n i n 1 8 4 1 . The S e n t i n e l p u b l i s h e d c o n t i n u o u s l y t h r o u g h M a y o f 1 8 5 4 . I t reappeared i n 1864 a s t h e Coldwater Union S e n t i n e l . A f t e r the C i v i l War t h e f o r m e r masthead r e t u r n e d u n t i l 1 8 7 0 when the p a p e r ceased p u b l i c a t i o n . O t h e r e a r l y references were taken from t h e Branch County Journal which published f o r a two y e a r p e r i o d b e g i n n i n g i n 1 8 5 1 a n d T h e R e p u b l i c a n w h i c h printed i t s inaugural edition i n 1866. I n 1868 l i c a n became T h e C o l d w a t e r Republican a n d p u b l i s h e d u n d e r t h e same m a s t h e a d f o r t h e n e x t 2 9 y e a r s . A l l of the cept The Coldwater Republican were i s s u e d once a week. T h e Coldwater Republican published t w i c e a week. The C o l d w a t e r R e p u b l i c a n a n d T h e C o u r i e r - - C o l d w a t e r , Michigan., w h i c h p r i n t e d i t s i n a u g u r a l e d i t i o n l o s s t h a n t w o months a f t e r t h e o p e n i n g o f t h e O p e r a H o u s e , w e r e t h e c h i e f sources f o r t h e f i r s t f i f t e e n years o f the �8 The R e p u b l i c a n c o n t i n u e d t o p u b l i s h t w i c e a w e e k , w h i l e T h e Courier p u b l i s h e d w e e k l y, t w i c e a week and d a i l y times. I n at various 1897 t h e t w o p a p e r s merged t o become The C o u r i e r and R e p u b l i c a n . T h e Coldwater Reporter, w h i c h tion i n 1896, was a l s o useful i n years i n c l u d e d T h e i n t h i s study. reconstructing the l a t e r R e p o r t e r was a v a i l a b l e at the Coldwater D a i l y Reporter o f f i c e . Prior t o 1882 most items about theatre and o t h e r cultural events were b r i e f , names a n d d a t e s . l i t t l e more t h a n a l i s t i n g of O f t e n amateur events g o t the most coverage. A f t e r t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n o f t h e Opera House b o t h t h e C o u r i e r and t h e R e p u b l i c a n g a v e m o r e a t t e n t i o n t o theatrical events, with the Republican a t times publishing rather sophisticated reviews. U s u a l l y , local news. O n e theatrical s t o r i e s were p r i n t e d w i t h the l i n e advertisements also appeared here. Display ads were a p t t o appear anywhere i n the paper. S h o r t l y a f t e r t h e C o u r i e r and Republican merged t h e y had ment w i t h t h e T i b b i t s ' management a n d s t o p p e d views and t h e a t r i c a l reviews. amateur e v e n t s . T h e T h e y did continue t o cover R e p o r t e r c a r r i e d p i e -show p u b l i c i t y and d i s p l a y ads b u t was l a x a b o u t r e v i e w i n g many o f tions. Very f e w a d d i t i o n a l p r i m a r y s o u r c e s w e r e a v a i l a b l e . 1 1 The l o c a l H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y , c o n t a c t e d i n the Winter �9 The T i b b i t s F o u n d a t i o n h a s a n i n c o m p l e t e and p l a y b i l l s w h i c h a r e o f f i l e o f interest but provided mation n o t found i n the newspapers. T h e Coldwater Public L i b r a r y ' s " P a m p h l e t F i l e " c o n t a i n e d some p i c t u r e s o f the Opera House a n d t o w n i n t h e 1 8 8 0 ' s a n d 9 0 ' s . ary d i a r i e s housed i n the " F i l e " omitted any mention o f the Opera H o u s e . W i t h the exception o f Coldwater I l l u s t r a t e d , which provided a capsule h i s t o r y o f the town, most l o c a l and county h i s t o r i e s d i d n o t shed much l i g h t o n t h e tural attainments. Michigan h i s t o r i e s commented o n t h e s o c i a l , economic, a n d r e l i g i o u s i n f l u e n c e s p r e v a l e n t at t h e t i m e o f i n t h i s study but tended to equate Detroit with the whole o f M i c h i g a n . of 1974, c o u l d suggest no p o s s i b l e sources and was unable to s u p p l y a n y m a t e r i a l s r e l a t e d t o t h i s s t u d y. A p l e a i n the s o c i e t y ' s n e w s l e t t e r a l s o r e c e i v e d n o r e s p o n s e . T h e Coldwater Public L i b r a r y had several boxes o f u n c l a s s i f i e d h i s t o r i c a l m a t e r i a l , however none o f i t r e l a t e d t o t h e Ti b b i t s . A v i s i t t o t h e Branch County Archives gional H i s t o r y C o l l e c t i o n housed a t Western v e r s i t y i n Kalamazoo, Michigan, t u r n e d up one temporary t o t h e s t u d y b u t t h i s a l s o made n o m e n t i o n o f t h e Opera H o u s e . A n u m b e r o f phone c a l l s w e r e made t o a r e a residents who had c o n t r i b u t e d t o t h e T i h b i t ' s r e s t o r a t i o n in the 1960's. O n e o f these c a l l s revealed that Josephine Henning Beyer had k e p t a scrapbook o f programs a n d graph book o f 1 9 t h c e n t u r y s t a r s who p l a y e d a t t h e T i b b i t s . These v o l u m e s w e r e f i n a l l y l o c a t e d i n t h e b a c k o f in the Tibbits Theatre office. F u r t h e r inquires negative responses o r the suggestion t h a t t h e tact the l o c a l H i s t o r i c a l Society o r Branch County Archives. Thus, l o c a l newspapers c o n s t i t u t e d t h e o n l y comprehensive primary source. �10 Organization A chronological-descriptive approach has ized. C h a p t e r I I begins with a b r i e f cultural history of Coldwater and then d e t a i l s t h e years o f Bart S. T i b b i t s ' ownership o f t h e T i b b i t s Opera House. T h e following two chapters d e a l w i t h the years d u r i n g which Joseph Henning owned t h e O p e r a H o u s e . C h a p t e r I I I covers the period from 1885-1894 when H e n n i n g u t i l i z e d a number o f managers. T h e first decade Chapter I V. o f J o h n J a c k s o n ' s management i s T h e second, t h i r d and f o u r t h chapters d i v i d e d i n t o s e c t i o n s o n t h e a t r e a n d management, l e g i t i m a t e drama, s t a r s , c o n c e r t s , r e l a t e d t h e a t r i c a l amateur p r o d u c t i o n s . T h e and t h e c o n c l u s i o n s o f There i s a activities, and l a s t c h a p t e r c o n t a i n s a summary t h i s study. b r i e f guide t o t h e appendices explaining t h e i r scope and how t h e y are organized. A p p e n d i x A i s book d e t a i l i n g e v e r y a c t i v i t y at the Tibbits from t i o n i n 1882 th:-ough 1904. selective index t o the daybook A with sections on performers, p l a y s and t h e a t r i c a l companies is included i n Appendix B. of each type A chart detailing the incidence o f entertainment i s also included i n pendix. A p p e n d i x C contains t h e e n t i r e newspaper account concerning t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n o f t h e Opera House. A p p e n d i x D includes an account o f newspaper a r t i c l e s the theatre's dedication and o t h e r o f special interest. Appendix E contains �11 photograph o f t h e T i b b i t s facade i n significant illustrations. A the 19th century and o t h e r bibliography s t u d y. This study provides a chronological, amination o f theatrical show t h e u n i q u e f u n c t i o n a c t i v i t y and l o c a l press r e a c t i o n t o o f t h e Opera House i n Stated as a question the hypothesis i s : of theatrical and non-theatrical W h a t was t h e e x t e n t activity Opera House f r o m 1 8 8 2 - 1 9 0 4 a n d d o e s t h i s a small town. at the Tibbits a c t i v i t y support the c o n t e n t i o n t h a t t h e Opera House f u n c t i o n e d d u r i n g t h e s e years as a small town c u l t u r a l center? �Chapter I I BARTON S . T I B B I T S Y E A R S , 1 8 8 2 - 1 8 8 5 Located 155 miles e a s t o f Chicago, 88 miles west o f To l e d o a n d 1 2 8 m i l e s s o u t h w e s t o f D e t r o i t , Coldwater, Michigan was a n a t u r a l w a y - s t a t i o n b e t w e e n t h e s e l a r g e m i d - w e s t e r n cities. T h e town, which recorded i t s in the 1880's, was on the main l i n e population as 6000 o f the Lakeshore and Michigan Southern Railway and served as t h e c e n t r a l market for farmer's products f o r a large t e r r i t o r y. 1 C o l d w a t e r ' s easy a c c e s s i b i l i t y and t h e s u r r o u n d i n g l a k e s a n d f o r e s t e d parks made t h e t o w n a p o p u l a r r e s o r t f o r city t u a l l y t h e C o l d w a t e r a r e a was s e r v i c e d b y t h e sion o f t h e M i c h i g a n C e n t r a l R a i l w a y, t h e a i r - Ft. son a n d S a g i n a w l i n e a n d t h e S t . L o u i s , S t u r g i s , B a t t l e Creek R a i l r o a d . 2 the s t a t e i n By t h e t u r n o f the century, t h e town l e d the breeding o f fine horses and the of cigars. 1All Coldwater h i s t o r y w i l l be taken from J . S . C o n o v e r, e d . , C o l d w a t e r I l l u s t r a t e d ( C o l d w a t e r , M i c h i g a n : J. S . C o n o v e r, 1 8 8 9 ) a n d Henry P. C o l l i n , H i s t o r y j4raphical Record o f Branch c o u n t y Michigan (New Yo r k : T h e L e w i s P u b l i s h i n g C o m p a n y, 1 9 0 6 ) . 2The C o u r i e r — C o l d w a t e r , M i c h i g a n , 1 6 D e c . 1 8 9 3 , p• 1 . Throughout t h e r e s t o f t h i s c h a p t e r, a l l f o o t n o t e references t o t h i s newspaper w i l l be shortened t o C o u r i e r. 12 �1 Coldwater's c i t i z e n s were always unique i n terest i n a r t and literature. Besides a ShakespeareClub3 the town boasted t h e L e w i s A r t G a l l e r y. T h i s "collection o f paintings and statuary . . largest on the continent, and i n point . p r i v a t e l y owned said to be the o f paring f a v o r a b l y w i t h any other" was thrown open f r e e charge t o o f the public every Saturday beginning i n the 1870's. The C o l d w a t e r F r e e P u b l i c L i b r a r y w a s e s t a b l i s h e d and b y t h e e n d o f i n 1880 t h a t decade t h e l i b r a r y boasted umes a n d a n e w b u i l d i n g . A local l i b r a r i a n was i n s t r u m e n t a l in organizing the Michigan State Library Association. All o f t h i s added up t o a community t h a t although small was i n no way i n s u l a r. T h e location on the crossroads between D e t r o i t a n d Chicago b r o u g h t a huge v a r i e t y through the c i t y. C o l d w a t e r ' s reputation as a resort and the S t a t e ' s c a p i t a l o f horse breeding also brought i n d i v i d u a l s f r o m more metropolitan areas. flux o f o f people i n many T h i s people not only kept the l o c a l citizens the l a t e s t a r t i s t i c trends and helped t o develop a taste the b e s t c u l t u r a l e n t e r t a i n m e n t s , b u t i t ber o f w e a l t h y c i t i z e n s who were w i l l i n g profits back f o r also created t o p u t some o f their into The f i r s t r e c o r d e d theatric.k1 performance was 3The C o l d w a t e r R e p l b l i c a i i , 4 N o v . 1 8 8 1 . Throughout t h e r e s t o f t h i s c h a p t e r, a l l f o o t n o t e references t o t h i s newspaper w i l l be shortened t o Pepublinan. �1 d u c t i o n o f U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n o n May 2 6 , 1 8 5 4 . 4 F o l l o w i n g this, there are records o f formed i n the c i t y prior only seven legitimate t o 1879. B e t w e e n 1879 and 1881 over 30 l e g i t i m a t e dramas and a number o f m i n s t r e l and musical entertainments were performed i n the c i t y . P r i o r t o t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n o f t h e T i b b i t s Opera House i n 1882 t h e l o c a l c i t i z e n s entertainments. M a n y utilized a variety lectures were held i n of halls f o r local churches while l e g i t i m a t e t h e a t r e was g e n e r a l l y quartered i n Armory Hall, Seely's Hall o r Noyes H a l l . A r c a d e house a n d t h e G l o b e t h e a t r e period and specialized i n tertainments.5 a l l H a l l , C l a r k ' s Opera operated only a short v a r i e t y and burlesque By 1 8 8 0 , m o s t e n t e r t a i n m e n t s w e r e h e l d a t Armory H a l l . W h e n t h a t h a l l burned t o t h e ground o n June 21, 1881, l e a v i n g o n l y g u n s a n d a f e w c h a i r s , t h e were l e f t for local people w i t h no place t o house t h e a t r i c a l entertainments. Theatre a n d Management The l o c a l p r e s s h a d a c t u a l l y b e g u n t o c a m p a i g n f o r a n Opera House a s e a r l y a s 1 8 7 9 when t h e S e n t i n e l r a n a s e r i e s of s p e c i a l f e a t u r e s o n music and t h e drama, commenting on the l i v e s a n d c a r e e r s o f such s t a r s a s B o o t h , B e r n h a r d t , Salvini and Ristori. W i t h the demise o f Armory H a l l t h e press 4The C o l d w a t e r S e n t i n e l , 2 6 M a y 1 8 5 4 . 5Republican, 6 Jan. 1882. �15 stepped u p t h e i r ity in efforts to i n t e r e s t someone i n b u i l d i n g an Opera House. T h e y wrote t h a t "no dances can b e h a d w i t h o u t c l i m b i n g t w o p a i r s representations can be seen a t a l l . " 6 sure t h e p u b l i c . the s t a r s i f t h a t "There i s . . o f stairs; no dramatic They went o n no trouble about getting you have a place t o p u t them i n . . Where i s the c i t i z e n who w a n t s fame and f o r t u n e ? " 7 M r. H . C . L e w i s , t h e o w n e r o f t h e L e w i s A r t was o n e o f the f i r s t t o Gallery, take up the newspaper's On N o v e m b e r 8 , 1 8 8 1 h e w r o t e B a r t S . T i b b i t s , t h e mayor o f Coldwater, t h a t h e w o u l d e r e c t a $16,000 Opera ing the Mayor could raise one h a l f the c o s t . T h e ported t h a t T i b b i t s attempted t o r a i s e t h e money l o c a l l y b u t the " b l o a t e d b o n d - h o l d e r s " i n Coldwater wanted no p a r t such a f i n a n c i a l l y s h a k y e n t e r p r i s e . 9 bits decided to I n disgust, b u i l d a theatre himself--even his c i g a r factory.10 o f i f i t "bust" By N o v. 1 1 , h e h a d b o u g h t l a n d chett s t r e e t a c r o s s f r o m h i s f a c t o r y and engaged t h e a r c h i t e c t , 1 M o r t i m e r S m i t h , w h o d e s i g n e d t h e Y p s i l a n t i Opera. H o u 3 e . 1 6Republican, 8 J u l y 1831. 7Rep.ib1ican, 8 J u l y 1881. 8Repub1ican, 2 5 Oct. 1381. 9Republican, 8 N o v. 1 8 8 1 . 1 0 R e p u b 11 c a n , 8 N o v . 1 8 8 1 . 11_ q x l i b l i r. a n , 11 N o v. 1 8 3 1 . �1 It's interesting to note that only three days elapsed between L e w i s ' r e q u e s t cision to f o r local funds and Bart b u i l d t h e Opera House h i m s e l f . very b r i e f period i n which to surmise t h a t T i b b i t s S i n c e t h i s seems a s o l i c i t matching funds one can didn't look very hard for local support before t a k i n g the p r o j e c t away from Lewis. Denny Va n e s , t h e o w n e r o f t h e T i b b i t s O p e r a House during the 1920's and 30's called Bart Tibbits "the greatest 'pusher' i n Michigan." H e r e c a l l e d t h a t "Mr. T i b b i t s was a h u s t l e r b y nature, broad minded and l i b e r a l and always ready to h e l p t h e n e e d y a n d s u f f e r i n g . H e was outspoken i n his sentiments and sometimes gave o ff e n s e where none tended."12 T h e son o f Allen Tibbits, one o f the original founders o f Coldwater, h e r e t u r n e d t o t h e community s h o r t l y a f t e r t h e C i v i l War and opened a tobacco and c i g a r s t o r e . Druing t h e next f e w years he was associated w i t h t h e American C i g a r Company a n d e v e n t u a l l y became t h e s e c r e t a r y o f enterprise.13 in A p r i l that I n 1 8 7 4 , h e opened t h e B . S . T. C i g a r Co. a n d o f 1881, h e was e l e c t e d Mayor o f Coldwater.14 that time, i n From a d d i t i o n t o t h e Opera House, h e was associated with nearly every large i n d u s t r y and b u i l d i n g i n Coldwater, including the skating rink, o i l 12 cart factory, and Coldwater D a i l y Reporter, n . d . c . 1920. 13The C o u r i e r a n d R e p u b ) i c a n , 2 5 A u g . 1 8 9 9 , p . 14h2publican, 3 April 08.1. 5• �17 d u s t r y. H e even purchased gate t h e l o c a l l a k e s . T h e cial drain on Tibbits. prise t h e H e Opera House m y business, which had I a millionaire."15 a number o f steam boats Opera House p r o v e d a wrote " I attribute to downfall, and the sacrifice been s e l f i s h , w o u l d today have Upon h i s d e a t h i n 1 8 9 9 h i s o b i t u a r y l a u d e d Barton S . T i b b i t s a s " a g e n i a l , w h o l e s o u l e d man, g e n e r o u s to t h e p o o r, l a v i s h w i t h h i s i n t i m a t e s , a l o y a l friend and comrade."16 E x c a v a t i o n f o r t h e T i b b i t s O p e r a House commenced o n W e d n e s d a y, N o v e m b e r 2 3 , 1 8 8 1 . 1 7 W o r k b e g a n o n t i o n March 23, 1882 and w i t h t h e exception o f s e v e r a l weeks lost on account o f inclement weather the gressed r a p i d l y. 1 8 On S e p t e m b e r 1 9 , 1 8 8 2 - - t w o d a y s b e f o r e the R e p u b l i c a n p r i n t e d a complete d e s c r i p t i o n o f t h e Opera House a n d 5 c e n e r y . 1 9 T h e b u i l d i n g was 125 f e e t l o n g and 56 1'Coldwater D a i l y Reporter, n . d . c . 1920. 16The C o u r i e r a n d R e p u b l i c a n , 2 5 A u g . 1 8 9 9 , p . 5. 17Repub1ican, 2 5 N o v. 1 8 8 1 . Republican, publican reported tha caused b y sLow d e l i v e North Adams, M i c h i g a n tional $400. 1 9 Sept. 1882. T h e May t Mayor Ti b b i t s , annoyed ry of a brick kiln, took where he purchased one f 12, by a delay a train to o r 19Ualess o t h e r w i s e n o t e d , t h e i n f o r m a t i o n f o r section i s taken from Republican, 19 Sept. 1882. this �`Vr 1 feet wide.2 \The f r o n t e l e v a t i o n which r e f l e c t e d modern s t y l e o f a r c h i t e c t u r e " w a s s u r m o u n t e d b y a 2 4 f o o t high cone covered w i t h s l a t e w i t h a f l a g s t a f f more f e e t i n t o t h e a i r , m o u n t e d w i t h a g o l d e n e a g l e . A t the b a s e o f t h e c o n e was a b r o n z e b u s t o f Shakespeare a n d immediately b e n e a t h , a window f r o n t e d b y a n i r o n b a l c o n y. On a g o l d l e a f c i r c l e o v e r t h e w i n d o w w e r e t h e w o r d s b i t s Opera-House, 1 8 8 2 . " T h e e n t i r e f r o n t facade was a tasteful combination o f pressed red brick, c u t stone, and black brick. ' The i n t e r i o r w a s a p p r o a c h e d t h r o u g h a g r a n d e n t r a n c e two f e e t a b o v e t h e s t r e e t l e v e l , 1 3 f e e t w i d e , a n d 2 5 f e e t long. T h e box o f f i c e , m a n a g e r ' s o f f i c e , s m o k i n g room broad s t a i r w a y s l e a d i n g t o t h e Dress C i r c l e opened o f f t h e entrance f o y e r. The a u d i t o r i u m , w h i c h w a s 5 6 b y 5 7 f e e t , w a s e n t e r e d through s p r i n g doors covered w i t h d a r k t e r r a - c o t t a l e a t h e r with gold trimmings. T h e parquet and parquet c i r c l e were in t h e shape o f a n amphitheater, w i t h between t h e t i e r s stage. T h e o f seats t o give an excellent view o f the s i d e s o f t h e proscenium opening were private boxes. T h e orchestra p i t was so s i t u a t e d i n f r o n t 20An e x a m i n a t i o n o f t h e s e a n d o t h e r f i g u r e s article reireals t h a t the reporter usually referred side d i m e n s i o n s o r i n some c a s e s e s t i m a t e s . A c o n j e c t u r a l sketch o f t h e Opera House i n 1 8 8 2 , b a s e d upon t h i s a c c o u n t , is i n c l u d e d i n Appendix E . F o r more s p e c i f i c c e r n i n g t h e C o n s t r u c t i o n o f t h e O p e r a House s e e Appendix C . �1 of the stage that i t did not obstruct the view of ence. O r n a m e n t a l r a i l i n g s s e p a r a t e d t h e p a r q u e t tra p i t and the parquet and parquet c i r c l e . Throughout t h e house, t h e decorations ing were r i c h and harmonious i n i n cameo t i n t s coloring and design. C o l o r e d w i t h accent colors o f cardinal, green and gold, the a u d i t o r i u m presented a b r i g h t and a i r y appearance. T h e aisles and boxes were carpeted while t h e s t a i r s and l o b b y were c o v e r e d w i t h h e a v y m a t t i n g . The p r o s c e n i u m b o x e s w e r e d r a p e d w i t h c a r d i n a l s i l k plush curtains l i n e d w i t h o l d gold and trimmed w i t h broad antique lace. T h e lambrequins--or valances--were trimmed with ornamental braid and s i l k cords and t a s s e l s . tints o f gold " i n the rest T h e fringe and looped w i t h heavy box fronts, reflecting o f the house, were trimmed w i t h green and the style o f the Renaissance," and ornamented w i t h large beveled plate glass mirrors. T h e parquet, and dress c i r c l e were a l l upholstered i n plush and bordered w i t h a A portrait proscenium a r c h . railings o f the boxes, cardinal g i l t moulding. o f Shakespeare occupied t h e c e n t e r T h i s was f l a n k e d e n of the either side panels bordered w i t h c a r d i n a l w h i l e a group o f cherubs representing music and t h e drama posed against a background o f l i g h t summer s k y above t h e p o r t r a i t . dome, m o r e c h e r u b s a n d t r a i l i n g garinds W i t h i n the ceiling o f rounded t h e s i i n l i g l I t c h a n d e l i e r suspenderl aboNe t h e p a r q u e t . �20 The a u d i t o r i u m w a s o r n a m e n t e d w i t h " v a s e s o f quets and conventional v i n e s and f i g u r e s . " wrote " I t i s impossible to give a description tions which w i l l convey an adequate i d e a of of t h e i r beauty." The p a r q u e t a n d p a r q u e t c i r c l e w e r e f u r n i s h e d w i t h patent f o l d i n g chairs frequently referred t o as "grand opera chairs." Upholstered 1000 c h a i r s i n in dark cardinal plush, each of the the house provided f o o t r e s t s , and hat and umbrella racks. T i b b i t s ' p e r s o n a l monogram was o n t h e b a c k of each chair. L. B . C h e v e l i e r , a Detroit a r t i s t who d e c o r a t e d t h e auditorium, a l s o p a i n t e d t h e d r o p c u r t a i n s and s c e n e r y. His f r o n t c u r t a i n depicted a brown c u r t a i n with a reverse of green thrown over a bar extending across the top proscenium a r c h . A p i n k c u r t a i n , w i t h shadows o f curtain and tassels, descended from the b a r. A the brown broad f l i g h t of stairs lead to a terrace fenced by a balustrade. in court dress, stood ear t o t h e c u r t a i n " a s on e a c h s i d e o f of the A page, i n the center of the terrace with his i f waiting f o r the signal t o part i t the wings." A l o c a l paper labeled another drop, apparently used between a c t s , "a m o d e l o f s c e n i c a r t . " T h i s d r o p showed t h e grand c a n a l o f Venice framed a n d draped w i t h c u r t a i n s gold and brown damask w i t h a r e v e r s e o f pink. T h e o f Tibbits' i n t e r i o r accent colors--cardinal, green and gold--were �21 duplicated on the border of the drop. canal, reminiscent the c a n a l i n o f T h e C a n a l e t t o ' s Venetian p a i n t i n g s , showed the immediate foreground, crowded w i t h gondolas, marketmen's barges and f i s h i n g v e s s e l s . of the boats and crews dressed i n brilliant view o f the grand T h e b r i g h t garments " f u r n i s h c o l o r effects, which form a varied and pleasing spectacle." T h e boundary w i t h middle foreground depicted the shore p i l l a r s , arches, windows and t u r r e t s of Venetian a r c h i t e c t u r e . C h e v e l i e r painted the palace o f the Doge o f Ve n i c e a n d t h e campanile a n d palace o f with the Bridge typical St. Mark's o f Sighs leading t o the prison. publican noted that "This i s a painting that w i l l bear the severest c r i t i c i s m and c l o s e s t i n s p e c t i o n . " John B . Hanna, f o r m e r l y o f t h e B u f f a l o atre, superintended the rigging o f the stage machinery i n the Opera House a n d t h e b u i l d i n g o f s e t p i e c e s . mained i n the position o f head stage carpenter u n t i l June o f 1885 when he moved o n t o W h i t n e y ' s Opera House i n Detroit.21 The s t a g e h o u s e w a s 5 3 f e e t w i d e , 3 4 f e e t d e e p a n d 3 6 f e e t high from f l o o r t o at the sides the stage, and the r i g g i n g o f with machinery t o rigging-loft. G a l l e r i e s l o f t was supplied s h i f t a n d handle t h e s c e n e r y. T h e stage was e q u i p p e d w i t h a p a i n t - b r i d g e a n d m o v a b l e f r a m e , f i v e sets o f grooves, t r a p doors, and " e v e r y 21 R e p u b l i c a n , 2 1 J u n e 1 P 8 5 . COLDWATERPUBLIC �22 ence."22 Speaking tubes and b e l l s i g n a l s , l o c a t e d n e a r t h e prompter's s t a n d , p l a c e d the stage manager i n cation with the box office, orchestra, and with trap s h i f t e r s above, below and a t e i t h e r side o f On s t a g e l e v e l a n d t o t h e r e a r a h a l l greenroom, a led the stage. o f f to a s t a r and two o t h e r d r e s s i n g rooms a n d a scene dock 21 f e e t h i g h . T h e green room and a l l t h e d r e s s i n g rooms boasted c a r p e t i n g and "every convenience which c o n t r i b u t e s to t h e comfort o f the profession." T h e second vided f o u r more l a r g e d r e s s i n g rooms. B e l o w was a r o o m f o r t h e o r c h e s t r a , the stage there a band room, and a room commodate m i n s t r e l s . The T i b b i t s O p e r a H o u s e s t o c k o f s c e n e r y w a s s a i d t o be " t h e l a r g e s t a n d f i n e s t i n Michigan," the o n e - t h i r d more i t e m s t h a n t h e Kalamazoo Opera House.23 listing The o f scenery and set pieces indicates t h a t the Ti b b i t s was u n u s u a l l y w e l l e q u i p p e d t o s t a g e t h e m e l o d r a m a s ces w h i c h made u p a l a r g e p e r c e n t a g e o f t h e 1 9 t h c e n t u r y drama.24 22The O p e r a H o u s e b o a s t e d o f a s p e c i a l " v a m p i r e t r a p . " A c c o r d i n g t o t h e R e p u b l i c a n , 7 N o v. 1 8 3 2 , " A l l y o u h a v e t o d o is t o step on i t and c r y out, ' a l l aboard,' and 'presto change' you f i n d y o u r s e l f doubled u p o n t h e basement f l o o r broken w r i s t . " 23Republican, 1 6 May 1882. 24A c o m p l e t e l i s t i n g Appendix C. of set pieces i s included i n �23 The T i b b i t s ' s t o c k o f scenery included drops, wings and s k y b o r d e r s a n d a l s o i n d i v i d u a l s e t p i e c e s . F o r interior scenes, t h e y c o u l d r e p r o d u c e a " f a n c y c h a m b e r, " o a k chamber, p l a i n chamber, o r dows, a f i r e kitchen--each setting including p l a c e , and special touches such as a f o r t h e p l a i n chamber. T h e y also had the pict a palace, conservatory and a prison. f a c i l i t i e s F o r e x t e r i o r scenes t h e y c o u l d r e p r o d u c e a w o o d s c e n e - - c o m p l e t e w i t h stumps a n d logs, a street, rustic bridge, a snow landscape, a garden, a a village, p l a s t e r cottage, b r i c k house, l o g "plain house." T h e y a hut, o r also had a water landscape drop, one gondola and a r o w b o a t . O t h e r special pieces included a ship scene w i t h t h i r t e e n pieces, a set fountain, a n arbor, a Juliet tomb stone, " s e t waters" and a stage chandelier. I n January o f 1882, t h e Republican announced t h a t B . S. T i b b i t s h a d m a d e a c o n t r a c t w i t h t h e J e n n y E l e c t r i c L i g h t Co. o f F t . Wayne I n d i a n a t o light t h e c i g a r f a c t o r y and Opera House.25 H o w e v e r, i t appears t h a t to l i g h t the front o f the Opera House, w h i l e g a s f a x t u r e s continued t o e l e c t r i c i t y was used o n l y function within the theatre. The l i g h t i n g t h r o u g h o u t t h e e n t i r e b u i l d i n g trolled from the stage, w i t h the main pipe so arranged that the g a s c o u l d b e c u t o f f from any part o f the building i n an Instant. T h e r e were 306 l i g h t s --auditorium, 94; stage, 174; 258epublican, 3 Jan. 1882. �2 dressing rooms, 1 6 ; basement, 1 2 ; o f f i c e , v e s t i b u l e , c o n y, 1 0 . A l l w e r e l i g h t e d b y means o f a n e l e c t r i c s p a r k from t h e s t a g e . T h e main c h a n d e l i e r above t h e p a r q u e t was an O p a l g l a s s r e f l e c t o r . T h e vestibule and d e l i e r s a n d t h e i r b r a c k e t s were made o f p o l i s h e d b r a s s a n d fitted with The a u d i t o r i u m a n d s t a g e w e r e s u p p l i e d w i t h h o t a i r v e n t i l a t o r s b o t h i n t h e dome a n d i n t h e r o o f o f t h e s t a g e . The b u i l d i n g w a s w a r m e d b y l o w p r e s s u r e s t e a m h e a t , e a c h r o o m being provided w i t h a bronzed and decorated r a d i a t o r o r c o i l of p i p e . O v e r a m i l e o f pipe was used i n t h e b u i l d i n g . Possibly because o f t h e prevalence o f t h e a t r i c a l fires i n many U . S . c i t i e s , s p e c i a l a t t e n t i o n was fire safety. T h e vertical boiler, located in was s u r r o u n d e d b y w a t e r a n d c o u l d b e a d j u s t e d t o r a i s e o n l y one p o u n d o f s t e a m d u r i n g a p e r f o r m a n c e . T h e s c e n e r y w a s sized f r o n t and back w i t h a f i r e - p r o o f preparation border l i g h t s were protected with wire screens and the l i p s of t h e burners encased i n gas f i t t e r s cement. tank o f w a t e r was l o c a t e d above t h e f l y A gallery ficient hose t o reach any part o f the stage rooms. T h e h o u s e b o a s t e d s e v e n e x i t s a n d a nection with the f i r e L B y m i d -November c f t h e t h e a t r e ' o i - l a u s u r. a i s e a s o n theOpera House dancing f l o o r was completeA. parquet ane stae.e c o u l d be covered v i t n a canvas-covered �25 false f l o o r which extended from the stage over and w a s " a r r a n g e d i n s u c h a m a n n e r t h a t i t can be taken out or placed i n p o s i t i o n a t s h o r t n o t i c e . " 2 6 This s o r t o f flexibility g r e a t l y enhanced o f t h e O p e r a H o u s e t o t h e c o m m u n i t y. T h e local people had a theatre a n d a b a l l r o o m i n t h e same b u i l d i n g . T h e special warm-up rooms f o r m u s i c i a n s a n d m i n s t r e l s e n c o u r a g e d t h e u s e of t h e f a c i l i t y as a concert h a l l while t h e removable opera c h a i r s made i t p o s s i b l e t o house conventions and tions i n the Ti b b i t s . B a r t T i b b i t s f u r t h e r encouraged use of t h e t h e a t r e b y making i t a v a i l a b l e f o r public r e n t a l . F i f t y d o l l a r s would h i r e t h e Opera House f o r one n i g h t , e i g h t y for two and one hundred f o r three n i g h t s . 2 7 In decoration, the T i b b i t s was e a s i l y a s e l e g a n t a s t h e Second Olympic Theatre w h i c h was completed i n S t . L o u i s t h a t same y e a r . The C o l d w a t e r f a c i l i t y w a s s e c o n d t o t h e O l y m p i c o n l y i n size. The f i n a l e s t i m a t e d c o s t o f t h e T i b b i t s was $ 2 5 , 0 0 0 . 2 8 O f the $3000 i n donations Tibbits asked, h e secured o n l y 12300— m o s t l y i n p r i v a t e donations o f $100 o r less.29 In order t o recoup a t l e a s t a small portion o f his Republican, 1 7 N o v. 1 8 8 2 . 27 28 L 2 - 6 29 Republican, 1 4 J u l y 1882. Republican, 8 Aug. 1 8 8 2 . R e p u b l i T. a n , 1 9 S e p t . 1 8 8 2 . �2 m o n e y, M a y o r T i b b i t s s o l d t h r e e d o l l a r t i c k e t s ing performance. T h e dollars apiece.30 p r i v a t e boxes went f o r Later, t h e p r i c e s to twenty-five f o r most performances were P a r q u e t a n d P a r q u e t C i r c l e 7 5 0 , D r e s s C i r c l e 5 0 0 , a n d Gallery 350.31 low as 100.32 750.33 Some o f t h e R e p e r t o r y c o m p a n y p l a y s w e r e a s For a l l productions, c h i l d r e n Tibbits requested this high rate for i n arms were children after a baby completely d i s r u p t e d an October 1882 performance. wrote " L e t those d e s i r i n g open dates f o r children H e i n arms address B . S . T i b b i t s and save b e i n g i n t e r f e r e d w i t h b y stars The p r e s s p l a y e d a l a r g e r o l e inception. i n campaigning f o r the Opera House p r i o r to i t s A f t e r sumed a d u a l r o l e o f c r i t i c and arbiter i t opened of public taste. The R e p u b l i c a n r e v i e w e r , e s p e c i a l l y , r e v e a l e d a 30 E v i d e n t l y, s o m e o f the l o c a l c i t i z e n s complained about t h e h i g h c o s t o f admission. T h e Republican, 1 8 Aug. 1882 u r g e s " P u r c h a s e y o u r t i c k e t s , g e n t l e m e n , d o n ' t w a i t t o be a s k e d . A l l r i g h t , ' H a n k , ' a l o a d o f p u m p k i n s , a f e w pounds o f b u t t e r , a n d s e v e r a l d o z e n o f e g g s f r o m t h e f a r m will pay for i t . " 31Courier, 1 8 Aug. 1883. T h e admission t i c k e t s were 1-5/1.67-177-7" a n d i n c l u d e d t h e w o r d s " T i b b i t s O p e r a House- A d m i t O n e . " I n t h e c e n t e r w a s a p i c t u r e o f M r . Tibbits. T h e complimentary t i c k e t s were 2 " b y 4-3/4" w i t h an e n g r a v i n g o f M r . T i b b i t s o n t h e l e f t a n d a " u n i q u e a n d beautiful design" on the balance o f the t i c k e t . 32Republican, 2 2 Sept. 1882. 33ReTublican, 5 Dec. 1882. S e e Appendix D f o r a n e d i t o r i a l t i t l e d " D a r l i n g L i t t l e L a b y. " Republica!;. 1 7 Oct. 1882. �27 ledge n o t o n l y literature. dictments o f o f contemporary theatre but also T h e r e seems l i t t l e doubt that his the mediocre and praise the programming a t t h e T i b b i t s . as a sort o f o f dramatic o f quality influenced T h e newspapers a l s o served " p u b l i c watch-dog" and f r e q u e n t l y chastised t h e a t r e management when a d m i n i s t r a t i v e p o l i c i e s did not measure u p t o p r e s s e x p e c t a t i o n s . The R e p u b l i c a n r a n a n e d i t o r i a l shortly after the opening o f t h e T i b b i t s which revealed t h e course t h e p r e s s would choose f o r t h e Opera House.35 T h e reviewer began b y l a u d i n g t h e T i b b i t s Opera House a s a n e d i f i c e "warrant t h e presentations o f the best plays b y the best artists."36 He c a u t i o n e d h o w e v e r , t h a t s e c o n d - rate companies would also be o n l y too w i l l i n g vantage o f such a f i n e theatre. T h i s to t h r u s t upon ment r e s p o n s i b i l i t y t o b e d i s c r i m i n a t e i n the booking panies because t h e p u b l i c w o u l d r e s p o n d w i t h to a c o n s i s t e n t program o f shows w h i c h were t h e " b e s t o f their class." The r e v i e w e r t h e n w e n t o n t o s u g g e s t t h a t t h e r e i s much t o b e l e a r n e d a n d m u c h g o o d i s d e r i v e d f r o m s k i l l f u l presentation o f good drama. T h e characterization and "depict i n 35The e n t i r e e d i t o r i a l best actors seek truth real life in the scenes and i s reproduced i n Appendix D. 36Republican, 26 Sept. 1882. �28 characters which t h e drama may p o r t r a y. " N o n e o f t h i s w i l l come a b o u t , h e c a u t i o n e d , w i t h o u t a s t u d i o u s i n t e r e s t o n t h e part o f the l i s t e n e r. T h e l i s t e n e r can choose " t h e s t r o n g and v i g o r o u s r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s o f c h a r a c t e r w h i c h B o o t h a n d B a r r e t t a n d o t h e r s d e l i g h t t o p r e s e n t " o r dramas l i k e t h e Black C r o o k " i n w h i c h e v e r y a t t e m p t i s made t o p l e a s e t h e eye a n d e x c i t e t h e b a s e r p a s s i o n s . " T h e r e v i e w e r b r a n d e d the l i g h t s o c i e t y p l a y s o f t h e d a y a s " i n s i p i d " a n d ing i n a d j e c t i v e s a n d sometimes e x p l e t i v e s . " H e concluded with a caution t o the listener. Given good p l a y s and s k i l l f u l a c t o r s , however, t h e r e may even t h e n b e a f a i l u r e t o r e s p o n d o n t h e p a r t o f t h e hearer. I t i s because hearers go j u s t t o l a u g h , o r j u s t to p l e a s e t h e s e n s e , t h a t t h e drama o f t o d a y h a s i z i n g t e n d e n c y. T o h e a r Hamlet e n j o y a b l y r e q u i r e s t h a t the l i s t e n e r s h a l l f o l l o w Booth c r i t i c a l l y t h r o u g h e v e r y point i n h i s delineation. T o hear him a study o f t h e p l a y and o f the t i m e i n which i t ten. S o t o o o f R i c h l i e u . L i k e w i s e s h o u l d we s t u d y t h e modern p l a y . N o t e h o w f a r i t c o r r e s p o n d s t o a c t u a l l i f e . Study n o t m e r e l y how t h e p l o t i s w r o u g h t o u t , o r w h a t t h e denouement i s , b u t how f a i t h f u l t h e d e s c r i p t i o n i s ; a n d then b y means o f comparison d i s c e r n , i f p o s s i b l e , whether t h e k i n d o f l i f e d e p i c t e d i s such a s makes t h e b e s t s o c i e t y a n d b u i l d s u p human l i f e . I f n o t , t h e t i m e w i l l come when a b e t t e r l i f e w i l l b e d e p i c t e d i n dramas that a r e l o f t i e r i n tone and more e l e v a t i n g i n d e n c y. I t ' s i n t e r e s t i n g that t h e Republican reviewer c a l l s f o r n o t o n l y t h e " b e s t " shows b u t a l s o f o r " r e a l i s t i c d r a m a . " T h i s i s c h a r a c t e r i s t i c o f t h e p r o g r e s s i v e n a t u r e o f much o f this reviewer's criticism. H e speaks o f " t r u t h i n z a t i o n . " W h i l e M i n n i e Maddern F i s k e and a f e w o t h e r s began experimenting w i t h a n a t u r a l school o f acting based �29 logical truthfulness as e a r l y as the 1870's, h e r school o f a c t i n g d i d n o t become a dominant i n f l u e n c e 1890's. T h i s e d i t o r i a l was w r i t t e n u n t i l i n 1882. At t h e end o f the 1883 season t h e Republican appealed to t h e T i b b i t s management f o r ". . . something more s o l i d , a good drama f r o m which a l e s s o n may be drawn and rived." T h e season.37 A paper noted a s u r f e i t o f l i g h t comedy i n year l a t e r the Courier noted that the 1883 i n 1884 " t h e class o f companies i n t r o d u c e d b y Manager T i b b i t s may be r a n k e d as f i r s t - c l a s s . n 3 8 Evidentally the general public d i d not agree with the p r e s s , h o w e v e r. B y the f a l l o f 1884 a r e d u c t i o n use o f n e w s p a p e r d i s p l a y a d s h e r a l d e d t h e threats t o the theatre's existence. I n i n the f i r s t December o f 1884 the C o u r i e r r e p o r t e d t h a t b y t h e summer o f 1885 t h e t h e a t r e would undoubtedly be converted i n t o a roller mill. T h e paper l i s t e d t h r e e reasons why t h e t h e a t r e had been phant upon i t s o w n e r ' s h a n d s . " large f o r ness o f a c i t y the size F i r s t , t h e investment was t o o o f Coldwater. S e c o n d , t h e l o c a l a n d n a t i o n a l economy i n t h e p a s t s e v e r a l years worked a g a i n s t t h e t h e a t r e . A n d finally, who s e t u p t h e l o u d e s t c l a m o r f o r a s u i t a b l e p l a c e 37Republican, 2 N o v. 1 8 8 3 . 38Courier, 3 J u l y 1884. �30 ment r e f u s e d t o s u p p o r t t h e O p e r a H o u s e . " 3 9 Legitimate Drama During t h e T i b b i t s y e a r s t h r e e types o f companies appeared o n t h e O p e r a House s t a g e . T h e company known a s a Combination Company was o n e t h a t u s u a l l y s t a y e d o n l y o n e night and s p e c i a l i z e d i n the performance o f a s i n g l e p l a y. Repertory companies s t a y e d t w o n i g h t s o r more- - u s u a l l y one week- - a n d f e a t u r e d t h e same a c t o r s i n a v a r i e t y o f p l a y s . Uncle To m ' s C a b i n Companies w h e t h e r " d o u b l e , " "mammoth," or " i d e a l " c o n f i n e d themselves t o t h e production single drama. The p r e s s d i d n ' t a l w a y s i n d i c a t e t h e l o c a t i o n o f a company's p r e v i o u s e n g a g e m e n t . H o w e v e r , f r o m t h e i n f o r m a t i o n they s u p p l i e d i n some o f t h e p r e -show p u b l i c i t y the T i b b i t s was a i t appears h a l f -way p o i n t between White's Theatre and Whitney's Opera House i n D e t r o i t and H o o l e y ' s Opera House i n Chicago. The d a y b o o k l i s t s e v e r y O p e r a H o u s e licized i n l o c a l papers from the opening production i n 1882 through 1 9 0 4 . S i n c e the t i t l e the press often l i s t e d o f a play, n o t l i t t l e more t h a n a l l productions can be discussed. H o w e v e r, d i s c u s s i o n o f t h e l e g i t i m a t e d r a m a w i l l f o c u s o n those p l a y s w h i c h were e i t h e r r e p r e s e n t a t i v e o f t h e t o t a l 3 9 C o u r i e r, 2 7 D e c . 1 8 8 4 . �31 theatrical picture i n C o l d w a t e r o r u n i q u e o r u n u s u a l i n some w a y. Combination Plays D u r i n g B. S . T i b b i t s ' t e n u r e as manager o f t h e t h e a t r e most o f t h e l e g i t i m a t e dramas p l a y e d i n the Opera House w e r e b y c o m b i n a t i o n c o m p a n i e s p l a y i n g o n e - n i g h t stands. T h e t h e a t r e opened o n September 21, 1882 w i t h L o u i s F. B a n n i s ' s T h e M a i d o f A r r a n . 4 o Early that evening a large crowd c o n g r e g a t e d i n t h e v i c i n i t y o f t h e Opera House ness t h e arrival o f those attending the evening performance.41 Uniformed ushers seated t h e people and b y 8;00 p.m. t h e audience had assembled. " T h e the b r i l l i a n t hues o f ladies were i n t h e i r dresses, t h e f u l l dress and glittering the handsome c u r t a i n and t h e e l e g a n t d e c o r a t i o n s o f lights, the house p r o d u c e d a t o u t ensemble s e l d o m s u r p a s s e d . " T h e curtain rose t o d i s c l o s e a c i t i z e n s ' committee w h i c h conducted cation o f t h e Opera House. O n e E. R . R o o t read a number o f resolutions voicing the people's delight with the Tibbits Opera House a n d t h e i r a p p r e c i a t i o n o f B a r t S . forts. I t i s n o t t h e man o f w e a l t h whose r i c h e s a r e l o c k e d u p in h i s bonds, h i s mortgages, o r h i s s e c u r i t i e s ; i t i s 40Repub1ican, 4 Aug. 1882. 41Unles5 o t h e r w i s e n o t e d t h e i n f o r m a t i o n o n "Opening Night" vas taken from Republican, 22 Sept. 1882. A complete account o f t h e d e d i c a t i o n i s reproduced i n Appendix D. �32 not t h e man who c o u n t s h i s g a i n s i n t h e s e c l u s i o n o f his o f f i c e o r h i s c o u n t i n g house t h a t h e l p s f u l c i t y most. I t i s t h e man who i s w i l l i n g t o l a u n c h his c a p i t a l i n t h e hazardous b u i l d i n g up o f i e s a n d p u b l i c e n t e r p r i s e s , a n d i f o u r townsman stripped the most o f us i n the success o f h i s business no o n e c a n l o o k u p o n h i s p r o s p e r i t y w i t h a j e a l o u s e y e , for he has l a v i s h e d i t w i t h a generous and plenteous hand f o r t h e g o o d o f t h e g r o w t h o f t h e c i t y . B. S . T i b b i t s r e s p o n d e d t h a t h e h a d b u i l t t h e O p e r a House f o r t w o r e a s o n s . F i r s t , he desired "to erect ment t o m y memory t h a t e v e r y m a n , woman a n d c h i l d water would appreciate." S e c o n d , h e wished t o prove h i m s e l f not s e l f i s h , b u t "ready and w i l l i n g t o do anything power t o b e a u t i f y a n d o r n a m e n t o u r c i t y . " The M a i d o f A r r a n w a s f o l l o w e d b y a s u c c e s s i o n o f melodramas a n d " s c e n i c s e n s a t i o n s " w h i c h d i d n o t m e a s u r e u p to t h e e x p e c t a t i o n s o f t h e l o c a l p r e s s . O n October 24, t h e e d i t o r o f t h e C o u r i e r c a l l e d t h e D r u n k a r d ' s D a u g h t e r Company "the w o r s t l o t o f barn stormers t h a t have v i s i t e d our section t h i s s e a s o n . " S a y i n g t h a t t h e p l a y was n o t h i n g more o r l e s s t h a n Te n N i g h t s i n a B a r Room, h e s u g g e s t e d t h a t w h e n e v e r the company "made a s t a k e " t h e y purchase a new s u i t f o r W i l l y Hammond " a n d n o t f o r c e h i m ( o r r a t h e r h e r ) t o w e a r t h e s a m e clothes, even t o the white necktie, from the time he f i r s t enters the S i c k l e and Sheaf u n t i l h i s death." N o t i n g t h a t attendance had been poor, t h e reviewer found i t understand "how one c a n go t o work t o o r g a n i z e s o t h o r o u g h l y �3 a b a d show."42 I n N o v e m b e r, t h e R e p u b l i c a n f o u n d M r . Chevelier's s e t t i n g the most e n t e r t a i n i n g aspect o f The World. T h e play presented i n i t s e l f was " f a r below t h e s t a n d a r d " a n d was a " s h a b b y manner."43 The A g n e s H e r n d o n C o m p a n y ' s p r o d u c t i o n o f O n l y a Farmer's Daughter was considered " i n t e r e s t i n g , " however t h e reviewer deplored the tedious w a i t between acts.44 The rison company's production o f Our I n f a n t on January 15, 1883 "would have been b e t t e r worse l o t stage."45 o f i f i t had never been born, the f i r s t The H a r r i s o n c o m p a n y h a d r e c e i v e d i t s this road panies t r i e d a t r a s h had n e v e r played upon t h e Opera House reputation playing Photos a t Hooley's Theatre i n Chicago.46 covered a t f o r I t was p o i n t t h a t a l t h o u g h Coldwater was u s u a l l y stop a f t e r the Chicago theatre, t h e out t h e i r less popular plays i n the small town. The o n l y p l a y t o r e c e i v e a p o s i t i v e r e v i e w d u r i n g t h e Opera H o u s e ' s f i r s t Mascotte. E v e n w i n t e r o f o p e r a t i o n was Fay t h a t was h a r d l y a r a v e . t h a t " n o o n e w e n t home d i s a p p o i n t e d . " 4 7 42Courier, 2 4 O c t . 1 8 8 2 . 43 R e p u b l i c a n , 1 4 N o v . 1 8 8 2 . 4 4 C o u r i e r, 2 5 N o v. 1 8 8 2 . 45Republican, 1 6 Jan. 1 8 8 3 . 46Repub1ican, 1 2 J a n . 1 8 8 3 . 47Republican, 1 3 Mar. 1 8 8 3 . T h e reviewer remarked Of t h e F o g g ' s F e r r y �3 Combination he wrote t h a t "The p l a y but o f no great m e r i t . M i s s appear, h a v i n g b e e n s i c k was w e l l f i l l e d i s a very pleasing one, Carrie Stuart, the f o r some t i m e p a s t , b u t star, did not her place b y some l a d y whose name d i d n o t a p p e a r program."48 Finally, i n t h e Summer o f 1 8 8 3 , t h e r e v i e w e r s f o u n d two p l a y s w o r t h y o f s p e c i a l m e n t i o n . and p l a y e d P h o t o s - - t h e i r C h i c a g o h i t . T h e Harrisons returned T h e mented, " T h e H a r r i s o n s redeemed themselves l a s t e v e n i n g i n Photos. T h e play i s s i m p l y immense a n d t h e c a s t in every respect."49 Dillon first-class In July, t h e Courier reported t h a t John i n States Attorney "captivated the audience."50 The 1 8 8 3 - 8 4 s e a s o n o p e n e d w i t h G u s W i l l i a m s s t a r r i n g i n One o f the Finest. M r . W i l l i a m s was p r a i s e d as a f e l l o w " a n d " a p e r f e c t g e n t l e m a n . " 51 Throughout t h e " j o l l y f a l l both papers reported l i g h t attendance and mostly i n d i ff e r e n t plays. instance, t h e McAuley Combination's A Messenger F o r from J a r v i s Section abounded " i n quaint humor and p e c u l i a r interest."52 48Republican, 3 0 Mar. 1 8 8 3 . 4,9Republican, 1 J u n e 1883. Courier, 1 4 J u l y 1883. 51Republican, 2 8 Aug. 1883. E v i d e n t l y , M r . W i l l i a m s liked Coldwater too, because t h i s issue o f the paper reports that he i s arranging t o spend one month o f h i s tion i n the Coldwater area. 52Republican, 11 S e p t . 1883. �3 Near t h e end o f 1883 t h e t h e a t r e f i n a l l y b e g a n t r a c t a f e w o f t h e more p o p u l a r p l a y s o f t h e d a y such a s Hoyt's A Bunch o f Keys, Bronson Howard's The B a n k e r ' s Daughter and A u g u s t i n D a l y ' s P i q u e . W h e n t h e W i l b u r O p e r a formed O l i v e t t e i n J a n u a r y o f 1 8 8 4 , h o w e v e r, t h e r e v i e w e r revealed a disenchantment w i t h the "has-beens" i n previous performances b y commenting f a v o r a b l y o n t h e W i l b u r Company chorus. " T h e c h o r u s was w e l l d r i l l e d a n d showed e x c e l l e n t t r a i n i n g a n d w h a t i s e x c e e d i n g l y r a r e , t h e members w e r e a l l young a n d g o o d l o o k i n g . " 5 3 M e r i t o r i o u s p l a y s , however, c o n t i n u e d t o b e ception r a t h e r than the r u l e . A Mountain P i n k , w h i c h came to C o l d w a t e r f r o m To l e d o a n d B a r t l e y C a m p b e l l ' s M y P a r t n e r which came f r o m D e t r o i t r e c e i v e d l i t t l e m e n t i o n . M c S o r l e y ' s I n f l a t i o n w a s " a l l e e samee" i n t h e The C o u r i e r remarked t h a t t h e s m a l l house was " a s l a r g e a s t h e m e r i t s o f the p l a y d e s e r v e d . " 5 5 Even A r t h u r R e h a n ' s c o m b i n a t i o n r a t e d no s p e c i a l m e n t i o n . The r e v i e w o f J o s e p h K . E m m e t i n F r i t z i n I r e l a n d i l l u s t r a t e s t h e dilemma o f the small-town t h e a t r e . " T h e great Joseph K . Emmet h a s s u n g h i s cuckoo song and spoken the l i n e s o f Fritz i n I r e l a n d ; i n Coldwater. T h e r e 53Republican, 3 1 J a n . 1 8 8 4 . i L 5 4 R e p u b l i c a n , 21 Mar. 1884. 5 5 C o u r i e r, 2 9 M a r. 1 8 8 4 . i s no �36 disguising the f a c t t h a t he i s not the F r i t z o f old. H i s voice i s f a r from being f u l l , a n d he l a c k s t h e animation he was w o n t t o h a v e i n h i s a c t i n g , a n d c a u s e s t h e p i e c e t o d r a g • • • • “56 A l t h o u g h the theatre could boast as f i n e i c a l p l a n t a s many c i t y t h e a t r e s , t h e r e v i e w e r l a m e n t e d t h a t i t continued t o a t t r a c t mostly actors past t h e i r prime and second-rate shows. The 1 8 8 4 - 8 5 s e a s o n g o t o f f t o a m o r e s a t i s f a c t o r y s t a r t . E v i d e n t l y t h e management d e c i d e d t o s i d e - s t e p t h e t r a v e l l i n g companies a n d i m p o r t i n s t e a d companies d i r e c t l y from W h i t e ' s T h e a t r e a n d W h i t n e y ' s G r a n d O p e r a House t r o i t . 5 7 T h e comments o n t h e s e c o m p a n i e s r a n g e d f r o m t e r t h a n i s u s u a l l y seen"58 t o "cyclone o f f u n . " 5 9 In t h e w i n t e r o f 1885 t h e reviewers began t o r e v e a l an i n t e r e s t i n n a t u r a l i s m . T h e J a n u a r y 8 t h p r o d u c t i o n o f K e r r y Gow i s a n e x a m p l e . The p l a y t h r o u g h o u t i s s p a r k l i n g a n d f u l l o f tions, a n d t h e t h i r d a c t i s t h e most r e a l i s t i c e v e r placed on o u r s t a g e . T h e s c e n e r e p r e s e n t s a b l a c k s m i t h s h o p w i t h K e r r y Gow a n d D e n n i s a t w o r k a t t h e f o r g e . A r u n n i n g h o r s e i s r i d d e n i n b y a j o c k e y a n d s h o d b y M r . M u r p h e y who t u r n s the s h o e i n t r u e b l a c k s m i t h s t y l e , a n d p l a c e s i t o n h e h o r s e as i f h e h a d w o r k e d a t t h e t r a d e a l l h i s l i f e . . . 56Republican, 1 0 June 1 8 8 4 . 57Republican, 2 9 Aug. 1 8 8 4 . 58Republican, 5 S e p t . 1 8 8 4 . 59Republican, 1 7 O c t . 1 0 8 4 . Republican, 1 3 Jan. 1 8 8 5 . �3 The p r e s s ' s p l e a f o r c l a s s i c a l d r a m a w a s s a t i s f i e d i n March when W i l l i a m S t a f f o r d - - t h e b o y t r a g e d i a n - - a n d E v e l y n F o s t e r s t a r r e d i n Romeo a n d J u l i e t . " T h o s e w h o a t t e n d e d t h e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f Romeo a n d J u l i e t b y t h e S t a f f o r d pany a t T i b b i t s O p e r a House Monday n i g h t , r e t i r e d p e r f e c t l y s a t i s f i e d . " " T h e r e was no r e g r e t t i n g t h e p r i c e the r e v i e w e r , " t h e goods w e r e f u l l y a s g o o d , i f not a t r i f l e better than represented; a l l wool and a yard wide."61 W i l l i a m S c a n l a n was t h e o n l y a c t o r i n t h e c o m b i n a t i o n companies who c o n s i s t e n t l y d r e w l a r g e h o u s e s d u r i n g bits years. H e appeared a t t h e Opera House seven t i m e s a n d always a t t r a c t e d a l a r g e f o l l o w i n g . T h e Banker's Daughter was p l a y e d t h r e e t i m e s w h i l e A M e s s e n g e r f r o m J a r v i s S e c t i o n , A Mountain P i n k , a n d Cheek were each played t w i c e . I t ' s not c l e a r whether these were u n u s u a l l y popular plays i n Coldwater, or i f t h e y were merely what was a v a i l a b l e . Repertory Companies R e p e r t o r y companies a p p a r e n t l y ways p o p u l a r i n C o l d w a t e r . T h e p u b l i c seemed t o b e a t t r a c t e d not o n l y b y t h e reasonable admission p r i c e s b u t a l s o b y t h e opportunity t o see f a m i l i a r actors perform a v a r i e t y o f roles. Many r e p e r t o r y c o m p a n i e s r e t u r n e d t o C o l d w a t e r a g a i n a n d again. W a i t e s ' U n i o n S q u a r e C o m e d y C o m p a n y, s t a r r i n g C o r a Neilson and J . W. C a r n e r, appeared a t t h e Opera House t h r e e 61Republican, 1 0 A p r i l 1885. �3 times d u r i n g T i b b i t s ' management. T h i s company n o t formed a t t h e t h e a t r e d u r i n g t h e e v e n i n g h o u r s , b u t vided " s t r e e t music" d u r i n g t h e d a y. 6 2 The c o m p a n y ' s t o r y i n c l u d e d H a z e l K i r k , R i p Va n W i n k l e , I n g o m a r , C o n f u s i o n , The F r e n c h S p y , S o l o n S h i n g l e , E n o c h A r d e n , S h a d o w s o f a Life, Carrots, Inshavogue, Caste, and Rosedal. i t y o f t h e company c a n b e s e e n i n t h i s R e p u b l i c a n r e v i e w . Veni, V i d i , V i c i , i s what J a s . R . Wa i t e c a n w i t h t r u t h say he d i d w i t h h i s e x c e l l e n t U n i o n Square C o m b i n a t i o n i n t h i s c i t y l a s t week. I t was t h e most s u c c e s s f u l week's engagement e v e r played h e r e . W i t h t h e e x c e p t i o n of Mr. Wa i t e , who was here about seven years ago w i t h C e c i l Rush, t h e company was unknown, b u t a f t e r t h e f i r s t night t h e y were established f a v o r i t e s and t h e tinued t o increase, and Saturday evening w i t h i n h a l f an hour a f t e r t h e doors were open t h e t r e a s u r e r was s e l l i n g standing room o n l y, and before t h e c u r t a i n went u p a t l e a s t 2 0 0 p e o p l e h a d b e e n t u r n e d a w a y. 6 3 The J o l l y P a t h f i n d e r s ( l a t e r called Combination), and the A. O. M i l l e r Combination each appeared twice d u r i n g T i b b i t s ' management o f t h e Opera House. frow s p e c i a l t y was a v a r i e t y e n t e r t a i n m e n t e n t i t l e d S c r a p s . While a d m i t t i n g t h a t t h e show was f u n n y t h e cluded t h a t " t h e r e i s n o t t h a t r e a l enjoyment t h a t ences i n some g o o d s o l i d drama c o n t a i n i n g b o t h m i r t h ment, f r a u g h t w i t h e v e r y d a y e x p e r i e n c e s , a n d f r o m w h i c h good and u s e f u l l e s s o n s m a y b e l e a r n e d . " 6 4 6 2 C o u r i e r, 2 8 F e b . 1 8 8 5 . 6 6 'Republican, 3 Mar. 1 8 8 5 . Republican, 2 0 Oct. 1832. The A . O . �3 b i n a t i o n a t t r a c t e d s p e c i a l a t t e n t i o n because a l o c a l g i r l - - w a s a t o n e t i m e a member o f t h e C o m p a n y. 6 5 Fogg's F e r r y Combination, T h e M o r t i m e r and Weaver S t a r D r a m a t i c C o . , a n d t h e Owen F a w c e t t Company e a c h p l a y e d one e n g a g e m e n t . T h e s e c o m p a n i e s s p e c i a l i z e d i n c o m e d i e s a n d generally pleased t h e i r audiences. T h e e x c e p t i o n was t h e S t a r Company w h i c h was f o r c e d t o c a n c e l i n m i d - w e e k b e c a u s e of poor attendance.66 Uncle To m ' s C a b i n Companies U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n tracted good audiences. H o w e v e r, f e w escaped t h e c a u s t i c tongues o f t h e newspaper r e v i e w e r s who a p p a r e n t l y d i d n o t c a r e f o r t h e U n c l e To m s h o w s . I n December o f 1 8 8 2 t h e C o u r i e r g r u d g i n g l y a n n o u n c e d t h e b o o k i n g o f a n U n c l e To m C o m p a n y. "We k n e w i t w o u l d c o m e s o o n e r o r l a t e r , b u t h a v e p r a y e d t h a t the c a l a m i t y m i g h t b e a v e r t e d . O u r prayers have been i n v a i n and w e w i l l h a v e t o s u b m i t t o t h e i n e v i t a b l e . A n U n c l e To m p a r t y i s booked a t t h e Opera House f o r sometime i n J a n u a r y. " Not t o b e o u t d o n e , t h e R e p u b l i c a n r e v i e w e r added t i o n s o n D o u b l e U n c l e To m C o m p a n i e s s o m e t i m e l a t e r . " W e u n d e r s t a n d t h a t l a t e l y a n o t h e r " To p s y " a n d " M a r k s " h a v e b e e n born t o t h e p i e c e , b u t we cannot imagine what t h e y want o f 65 Republican, 2 May 1882. 66Republican, 1 3 Mar. 1 8 8 5 . 67 C o u r i e r , 2 D e c . 1 8 8 2 . 6 �4 them," h e s a i d . " T h i s company a l s o h a v e d o n k e y s , n o w t h i s is a g o o d i d e a , a s a g e n e r a l t h i n g U n c l e To m a c t o r s g e t t i r e d before t h e end o f t h e season and need something o f t h i s k i n d to g e t t h e m o n a n d o f f t h e s t a g e , e v e n t h e n we presume some w i l l be too t i r e d to stick to t h e i r lines."68 Despite press r i d i c u l e t h r e e U n c l e To m c o m p a n i e s - - S m i t h ' s D o u b l e U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n C o m p a n y , D r a p e r ' s D o u b l e M a m m o t h U n c l e T o m ' s C a b i n C o m p a n y, a n d t h e O r i g i n a l B o s t o n I d e a l U n c l e T o m ' s C a b i n Company- - i n v a d e d t h e c i t y d u r i n g M a y o r T i b b i t s ' t e n u r e . One h u n d r e d a n d e l e v e n p l a y s w e r e p e r f o r m e d d u r i n g T i b b i t s ' management. F e w t i t l e s were repeated, however the largest majority o f the dramatic material presented can be c l a s s i f i e d a s c o m e d y. A l t h o u g h t h e l o c a l for theatre w i t h substance, apparently i t e i t h e r was able o r d i d n o t appeal t o t h e p u b l i c . Visiting Stars S t a r s d i d a p p e a l t o t h e c o m m u n i t y. H o w e v e r , m a n y were h e s i t a n t t o a p p e a r i n a s m a l l t o w n w i t h o u t a f i n a n c i a l guarantee. L o c a l c a p i t a l i s t s had not y e t begun w r i t e t h e i m p o r t a t i o n o f s t a r s s o T i b b i t s was c a u g h t between the p u b l i c ' s d e s i r e f o r name t a l e n t a n d t h e i r u n w i l l i n g n e s s to p a y t h e p r i c e . T h o m a s Keene, a l e a d i n g t r a g e d i a n , w r o t e to T i b b i t s " I have n e v e r p l a y e d f o r l e s s t h a n $ 1 . 0 0 68Republican, 9 Jan. 1 8 8 3 . �4 r e s e r v e d s e a t s a n d c a n n o t commence i n C o l d w a t e r . " Tibbits often waited f o r stars t o appear i n Detroit and t h e n a t t e m p t e d t o p e r s u a d e t h e m t o " s t o p o v e r " o n t h e way t o C h i c a g o . T h i s w a s t h e c a s e w i t h R o l a n d R e e d , w h o m a d e three appearances a t t h e T i b b i t s Opera House.70 two o c c a s i o n s h e a p p e a r e d i n C h e e k . H i s On t h e f i r s t performance i n December o f 1 8 8 4 , "was one o f t h e f u n n i e s t t h i n g s ever p r e s e n t e d t o t h e p e o p l e o f Coldwater."71 Maggie M i t c h e l l made t w o a p p e a r a n c e s . W h e n p e a r e d i n 1 8 8 3 i n F a n c h o n t o a SRO c r o w d s h e h a d s u c h a severe c o l d t h e r e v i e w e r s c o u l d o n l y agree t h a t s h e was "plucky" t o perform and t h a t t h e y were " g r a t e f u l f o r deavors t o p l e a s e . " 7 2 When s h e a p p e a r e d a g a i n i n T h e P e a r l of Savoy i n 1884, t h e Courier wrote "The charming actress was in excellent s p i r i t s and did f u l l justice t o her ing t h e c h a r a c t e r o f M a r i e i n a r e m a r k a g l y e f f e c t i v e m a n n e r, while h e r support was d e c i d e d l y above t h e average."73 T h e Republican, however, was l e s s g a l l a n t . ner i n which t h i s l i t t l e " T h e l a d y preserves h e r 69 Republican, 2 7 M a r . 1 8 8 3 . 70Republican, 1 6 Dec. 1 8 8 4 . 71 R e p u b l i c a n , 2 3 D e c . 1 8 8 4 . 72Republican, 1 9 Mar. 1 8 8 3 . " C o u r i e r, 1 Mar. 1884. �MI\ 42 ance i s r e a l l y wonderful."74 Thomas K e e n e a p p e a r e d i n 1 8 8 3 i n R i c h a r d I I I turned i n 1885 t o p o r t r a y Macbeth. T h e Republican wrote " M r. Keene's performance r i n Richard I I g was c e r t a i n l y a finished one, a n d j u s t l y e n t i t l e s h i m t o t h e p o s i t i o n h e o c c u p i e s i n the f r o n t r a n k . H e i s a c a r e f u l and c o r r e c t dresser, a good reader, a n d h i s f a c i a l expressions and a c t i n g g i v e t o h i s audience a grand conception o f t h i s g r a t e acter."75 T h e reviewers d i d n ' t agree about h i s p o r t r a y a l o f Macbeth. T h e Courier labeled i t a "grand rendition,"76 while the R e p u b l i c a n s a i d h e " f a i l e d t o g i v e a s good s a t i s f a c t i o n as o n h i s p r e v i o u s v i s i t . " 7 7 The M a d i s o n S q u a r e T h e a t r e C o m p a n y made ances d u r i n g T i b b i t s ' management. F o r t h e i r production o f Esmeralda i n 1 8 8 2 t h e y brought i n V i o l a A l l e n . W h e n turned i n 1883 t o perform Hazel K i r k , l e a d i n g r o l e s were taken b y E. L . Davenport's sons H a r r y and E . L . , Jr. V i o l a Allen"gave p e r f e c t s a t i s f a c t i o n and proved h e r s e l f taking a r t i s t . " 7 8 The D a v e n p o r t b r o t h e r s " d r e s s a n d l o o k t h e i r p a r t s w e l l , b u t we f e a r t h e y w i l l n e v e r r e a c h t h e h i g h 74Republican, 1 9 Feb. 1884. 75Republican, 1 0 A p r i l 1883. 76Courier, 1 6 May 1 8 8 5 . 77Republican, 1 9 May 1885. 78Republican, 2 7 Oct. 1 8 8 2 . �43 position i n the histrionic a r t held by their father, the l a t e E. L . D a v e n p o r t . " 7 9 The F r e n c h a c t r e s s R h e a p r o v e d s u c h a n a t t r a c t i o n that special excursion trains brought people from rounding towns o f H i l l s d a l e , J o n e s v i l l e , A l l e n and Quincy t o see h e r p e r f o r m a n c e o f Y v o n n e . 8 0 The R e p u b l i c a n r e v i e w e r w a s impressed w i t h h e r a t t e n t i o n t o t h e t o t a l p r o d u c t i o n . M l l e . R h e a i s a f a s c i n a t i n g l i t t l e woman, w i t h a b r i g h t beautiful face f u l l o f expression, and an exceedingly g r a c e f u l f o r m . H e r costumes were t h e most m a g n i f i c e n t ever seen upon o u r s t a g e . S h e i s a p a i n s t a k i n g a r t i s t and e m p l o y e d t h e t i m e u s u a l l y s p e n t b y s t a r s i n s l e e p i n g , a t t h e Opera House g i v i n g suggestions a s t o t h e s t a g e setting, which she complimented a s being o f t h e f i n e s t the new p l a y h a s r e c e i v e d . 8 1 S o l S m i t h R u s s e l l a n d Denman Thompson b o t h r e c e i v e d warm r e c e p t i o n s . W h i l e a s s e r t i n g t h a t R u s s e l l ' s v e h i c l e , Edgewood F o l k s , h a d l i t t l e t o recommend i t , t h e newspapers appreciated h i s comic s p e c i a l t i e s and agreed t h a t t h e b e s t p a r t o f h i s performance was " t h a t h e seems t o b e a s much pleased as h i s audience."82 Denman T h o m p s o n a p p e a l e d t o t h e reviewers because h i s c h a r a c t e r i n Joshua Whitcomb was "Neither overdrawn nor strained."83 79Republican, 6 A p r i l 1883. 80Republican, 2 3 Sept. 1 8 8 4 . 81Republican, 2 3 Sept. 1 8 8 4 . 82Republican, 11 A p r i l 1884. 8 3 C o u r i e r, 1 , N o v. 1 8 8 4 . 84Republican, 11 N o v. 1 8 8 4 . The R e p u b l i c a n s u m m a r i z e d �41 the Thompson s t y l e a s " a p p e a l i n g t o t h e s y m p a t h y o f ence w h i l e e x e r t i n g h i s p o w e r t o a m u s e . " 8 4 Concerts The O p e r a H o u s e a l s o s e r v e d a s t h e l o c a l c o n c e r t h a l l . While a t t r a c t i n g f e w musicians o f n a t i o n a l s t a t u r e , b i t s housed performances b y a number o f t r a v e l l i n g musicians and c h a m b e r g r o u p s . V o c a l e n t e r t a i n m e n t s , b o t h a m a t e u r a n d professional, were always popular. O r c h e s t r a l groups were well received as long as they avoided playing a l o t sical music. Instrumental entertainments were dominated b y v i o l i n virtuosos. I n May o f 1883 Camilla Urso performed f o r a pleased audience. " W i t h h e r t h e r e i s n o i n g a n d g r a n d f l o u r i s h s o common w i t h n o t e d the s w e e t e s t m u s i c seems t o come d i r e c t f r o m h e r own s o u l . " The r e v i e w c o n t i n u e d " S h e i s p e r f e c t m a s t e r o f h e r v i o l i n a n d to h e r d e l i c a t e , e x q u i s i t e t o u c h i t responds i n t h e ing and captivating strains."85 performed a t t h e T i b b i t s . The c e l e b r a t e d R e m e n y i a l s o H o w e v e r, m u c h t o t h e d i s g u s t o f t h e Republican r e v i e w e r, t h e people s t a y e d home. T h e Republican wrote "we g r e a t l y f e a r t h a t Manager T i b b i t s i n o r d e r ize any great wealth, w i l l have t o r e s o r t t o p i n k t i g h t s and 84Republican, 11 N o v. 1 8 8 4 . 85 C o u r i e r, 2 6 M a y 1 8 8 3 . �L1 spectacular p l a y s ,,86 Vocal e n t e r t a i n m e n t s w e r e more p o p u l a r w i t h t h e p u b l i c . The S p a n i s h S t u d e n t s , a m u s i c a l n o v e l t y c o m p a n y, m a d e pearances.87 The S w e d i s h L a d y Q u a r t e t t e p r o m i s e d a n e v e n i n g o f "humor, t r a g e d y, f u n and music." T h e reviewer's ment o n t h i s w a s t h a t " M i s s E l i e l g a v e a n u m b e r o f recitations in two d i ff e r e n t dresses and a very loud voice."88 Other musical entertainments included a "Grand Juvenile Musical F e s t i v a l " b y the McGibeny Family89 and a turing Clara Louise Kellogg, contralto.90 The l a d i e s o f St. Marks C h u r c h f r e q u e n t l y sponsored c o n c e r t s b y ists, o f which t h e most n o t a b l e group was t h e Mendelssohn Quintette Club o f Boston.91 Related Theatrical A c t i v i t y During t h e y e a r s o f t h e T i b b i t s ' management t h e Opera House p r o v i d e d s p a c e f o r many p u b l i c f u n c t i o n s sional drama and concerts. T h i s mayor o f C o l d w a t e r d u r i n g p a r t may have occurred because a s o f t h i s p e r i o d T i b b i t s was i n 8 6 R e p u b l i c a n , 9 N o v. 1 8 8 3 . 87 R e p u b l i c a n , 2 2 D e c . 1 8 8 2 ; a n d 1 F e b . 1 8 8 4 . 88Republican, 1 6 Feb. 1883. 89Republican, 2 9 Feb. 1884. 9 0 R e p u b 11 c a n , 2 3 N o v . 1 8 8 3 . 91Republican, 1 A p r i l 1 8 8 4 . a �46 position to channel other activities into the theatre. M o r e l i k e l y, t h e l o c a l r e s i d e n t s recognized t h e Opera House a s t h e only sizable and comfortable p u b l i c h a l l rate, t h e Tibbits provided the s i t e i n town. A t any f o r lectures, minstrels, v a r i e t y shows, dances, p o l i t i c a l meetings, panarama optican e x h i b i t i o n s , w r e s t l i n g matches, r e -unions t i o n s , h i g h s c h o o l commencement a n d a n i m a l a c t s a s w e l l a s legitimate drama. Lecture and Elocutionists P r i o r to 1884, the residents o f Coldwater enjoyed an occasional l e c t u r e , b u t t h e r e were no lecture courses. I n 1883 Edwin Lee Brown, t h e President o f the A m e r i c a n Humane S o c i e t y , g a v e a l e c t u r e o n " C r u e l t y t o Animals."92 That same y e a r Miss H e l e n P o t t e r , a r e a d e r and i m p e r s o n a t o r, s t o p p e d a t C o l d w a t e r l a t e i n April while en route t o Colorado t o g i v e a b e n e f i t performance f o r S c h o o l . 9 3 D u r i n g t h a t s u m m e r, A l l e n T i b b i t s ( B a r t ' s f a t h e r ) gave a l e c t u r e o n " T h e O r i g i n o f t h e A b o r i g i n e s o f N o r t h America" t o commemorate t h e a n n i v e r s a r y o f t h e ever preached i n Coldwater.94 In August o f the f o l l o w i n g y e a r M i s s I d a H a t t o n a s k e d " W h a t S h a l l We D o t o b e S a v e d ? " 9 5 9 2 C o u r i e r, 2 2 N o v. 1 8 8 4 . 93Republican, 2 4 A p r i l 1883. 94Republican, 3 J u l y 168:i. 95Republican, 1 9 Aug. 1 8 8 4 . �1 I n t h e 1 8 8 4 - 8 5 s e a s o n t h e l o c a l Y. M . C . A . o r g a n i z e d t h e i r f i r s t l e c t u r e s e r i e s . L i k e f u t u r e "courses" sisted not o n l y o f lectures b u t also concerts. T h e lectures included John B . Gough, who discussed " P e c u l i a r P e o p l e " ; 9 6 James W h i t c o m b R i l e y , w h o r e a d some o f h i s p o e t r y ; 9 7 M i s s Anna E v a F a y , w i t h a l e c t u r e o n s p i r i t u a l i s m ; 9 8 a n d S t u a r t Rogers, a p o p u l a r i m p e r s o n a t o r. 9 9 M i n s t r e l s T h e Frohman b r o t h e r s , who w i t h o t h e r s sible l a t e r f o r the formation o f the Theatrical Syndicate, f i r s t v e n t u r e d i n t o Coldwater i n October o f 1882 Callender M i n s t r e l s performed a t t h e Opera House. p u b l i c a n r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e i r show " e c l i p s e d a n y t h i n g o f t h e kind e v e r g i v e n i n t h e c i t y . " T h e r e v i e w e r went o n cribe t h e i n s t r u m e n t a l music a s " f i r s t c l a s s " and 100 ing as " f a r b e t t e r than i s g e n e r a l l y h e a r d . " senting the f i n e s t m i n s t r e l s h o w t o d a t e , presented h i s company f o r a f r e e p e r f o r m a n c e f o r t h e c h i l d r e n and t e a c h e r s o f t h e S t a t e S c h o o l i n C o l d w a t e r . W i t h b i n a t i o n o f q u a l i t y a n d p h i l a n t h r o p y, i t ' s n o t s u r p r i s i n g 9 6 C o u r i e r, 2 2 N o v. 1 8 8 4 . 97Republican, 3 Feb. 1 8 8 5 . 98 R e p u b l i c a n , 1 M a r . 1 8 8 5 . 9 9 C o u r i e r, 2 1 F e b . 1 8 8 5 . 10 ° R e p u b l i c a n , 3 1 O c t . 1 8 8 2 . �4 t h a t Frohman-managed p l a y s w e r e a l w a y s w e l l r e c e i v e d when they p l a y e d i n Coldwater. Numerous m i n s t r e l c o m p a n i e s a p p e a r e d i n C o l d w a t e r d u r i n g t h e T i b b i t s y e a r s . B a i r d ' s Mammoth peared once i n 1883 and a g a i n i n 1884.101 The B o s t o n a t i c M i n s t r e l s a n d T h a t c h e r, Primrose a n d West b i n a t i o n e a c h made a s i n g l e a p p e a r a n c e i n 1 8 8 2 . 1 0 2 I n 1883, The N e w O r l e a n s M i n s t r e l s , D u p r e z a n d B e n e d i c t - tic M i n s t r e l s , Morrison and H a l l ' s Gigantic Consolidated Minstrels, and Haverly's Minstrels appeared. 103 M o s t notable of these was H a v e r l y ' s which advertised $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 a c t i n g dogs."104 Hi Henry's Superb Operatic M i n s t r e l s closed o u t the 1 8 8 4 season w h i l e t h e G e o r g i a M i n s t r e l s a p p e a r e d l a t e in 1885.105 Variety and Vaudeville T h e Humpty Dumpty S p e c i a l t y t r o u p e s were t h e o n l y v a r i e t y a c t s t o a p p e a r i n C o l d w a t e r d u r i n g M a y o r T i b b i t s ' management. T h e s e extravaganzas i n c o r p o r a t e d many elements o f t h e E n g l i s h H a r l e q u i n show i n t o a n e n t e r t a i n m e n t which f e a t u r e d a c r o b a t i c s , j u g g l i n g a n d f a r c e . T h e To n y 101Republican, 1 3 Feb. 1 8 8 3 ; C o u r i e r, 1 7 May 1 8 8 4 . 102Republicaa, 2 6 Sept. 1882; a n d 31 O c t . 1 8 8 2 . 103Republican, 1 6 Jan. 1 8 8 3 ; 2 4 A p r i l 1883; 5 O c t . 1883; 1 6 M a r . 1 8 8 3 . lo4Republican; 1 6 Mar. 1 8 8 3 . 105 Republican, 1 3 June 1884; and C o u r i e r, 2 3 May 1885. �L1. D e n i e r Company s t o p p e d o f f w h i l e e n r o u t e f r o m D e t r o i t cago i n A p r i l o f 1 8 8 3 . 1 0 6 The r e v i e w i n d i c a t e d t h a t " t h e piece was rushed through regardless o f e v e r y t h i n g , e x c e p t to make t h e 1 1 : 5 5 t r a i n w h i c h was t o c o n v e y them cago."107 I n November o f 1 8 8 3 a n d a g a i n i n March o f 1 8 8 5 , the George H . Adams t r o u p e p l a y e d i n C o l d w a t e r b u t a p p a r e n t l y weren't enthusiastically received.108 Miscellaneous I n the f i r s t struction o f the theatre, dancing p a r t i e s . T h e several years following i t was f r e q u e n t l y u t i l i z e d f o r first party i n t h e Opera House vember 2 9 , 1 8 8 2 a s k e d a n a d m i s s i o n f e e o f o n e d o l l a r p e r couple.109 Four more dances a n d a masquerade p a r t y were h e l d that f i r s t season. T h e f o l l o w i n g season included dance a n d o n e m a s q u e r a d e p a r t y , a l l poorly attended. T h e Republican suggested t h e reason f o r t h e p o o r attendance: "Coldwater s o c i e t y i s d i v i d e d u p t o o much i n t o c l i q u e s . " 1 1 0 The O p e r a H o u s e f r e q u e n t l y s e r v e d a s a r a l l y i n g p l a c e for political orators. 106Republican, 107 Republican, E a r l y i n 1882, General William H. 24 A p r i l 1 8 8 3 . 8 May 1883. 108Republican, 30 N o v. 1883; a n d 2 7 M a r . 1 8 8 5 . 109Repub1ican, 28 N o v . 1882. 11 0 R e p u b l i c a n , 12 J a n . 1883. �50 Gibson r e n t e d t h e Opera House t o address c i t i z e n s o n " t h e p o l i t i c a l i s s u e s o f t h e d a y, " 111 a n d i n November o f t h a t year H. C . Hodge, t h e c o a l i t i o n candidate f o r Congress s p o k e . 11 2 I n 1884, t h e T i b b i t s was t h e s i t e o f a Republican p o l i t i c a l meeting f e a t u r i n g Senator Conger and one S . M . C u t c h e o n . 11 3 The T i b b i t s a l s o p r e s e n t e d a n u m b e r o f " i l l u s t r a t e d lectures," but i t ' s n o t always c l e a r what devices created t h e "dissolving views" and "mechanical e f f e c t s . " T h e o f t h i s s o r t w a s t h e H a r t w i g -Seeman C o m b i n a t i o n . publican, r e p o r t e d t h a t "The d i s s o l v i n g views were g r a n d beyond description; t h e scenic and mechanical e f f e c t s produced were startlingly realistic." 11T h e d e s c r i p t i o n seems t o i m p l y that t h i s entertainment u t i l i z e d the stereoptican. I n November o f 1 8 8 2 , L . F. Wheeler presented a travelogue e n t i t l e d " I l l u m i n a t e d Rambles i n F o r e i g n L a n d s . " 11 5 Just how t h e y were " i l l u m i n a t e d " was n o t r e v e a l e d i n cal papers. I n 1884 Hildebrand's Exposition presented "The Reformed O u t l a w , " a l e c t u r e " I l l u s t r a t e d b y o v e r l i k e and r e a l i s t i c scenes i n 1600 f e e t o f canvas" 111 R e p u b l i c a n , 2 0 O c t . 1 8 8 2 . 11 2 R e p u b l i c a n , 7 N o v. 1 8 8 2 . 11 3 R e p u b l i c a n , 3 0 O c t . 1 8 8 4 . 11 4 R e p u b l i c a n , 3 1 O c t . 1 8 8 2 . 11 5 R e p u b l i c a n , 3 N o v. 1 8 8 2 . �5 ized a "panarama s t y l e . 6 " S i n c e s u c h a s m a l l amount vas was u t i l i z e d i t may b e assumed t h a t t h e s c e n e s vealed t o t h e audience i n a cartoon- l i k e progression. I n A p r i l o f 1 8 8 5 H e r b e r t Wo o d L e a c h u t i l i z e d t h e s t e r e o p t i c a n in h i s l e c t u r e on the a r c t i c . 11 7 The t h e a t r e a l s o s e r v e d a s t h e s i t e f o r similar activities as a wrestling match,18 a reception f o r a l o c a l man f o u n d i n n o c e n t o f a c h a r g e g o f a r s o n , 11 9 a n d union o f Loomis' B a t t e r y G.A.R. 120 H i g h S c h o o l Commencement became a n a n n u a l e v e n t b e g i n n i n g i n 1 8 8 5 . 1 2 1 I n August o f 1883 a t r o u p e o f d o g s p e r f o r m e d o n t h e T i b b i t s s t a g e . 122 Amateur P r o d u c t i o n s In t h e w i n t e r f o l l o w i n g t h e completion o f t h e Opera House t h e R e p u b l i c a n e d i t o r i a l i z e d " N o w i s t h e t i m e ganize a n amateur d r a m a t i c a s s o c i a t i o n . " A l t h o u g h dently w a s no formal association during the years b i t s ' management, a t l e a s t one amateur d r a m a t i c p r o d u c t i o n 11 6 R e p u b l i c a n , 6 M a y 1 8 8 4 . 11 7 R e p u b l i c a n , 1 4 A p r i l 1 8 8 5 . 118. R e p u b l i c a n , 1 0 M a r . 1 8 8 5 . 11 9 R e p u b l i c a n , 1 0 O c t . 1 8 8 2 . 1 2 0 C o u r i e r, 2 3 May 1 8 8 5 . 121 R e p u b l i c a n , 2 5 J u n e 1 8 8 3 . 122Republican, 2 8 Aug. 1 8 8 3 . �52 was m o u n t e d e a c h y e a r . In the spring a group o f o f 1 8 8 3 , P r o f . G e o r g e W. K l o c k d i r e c t e d local people i n a production o f H.M.S. P i n a f o r e with settings designed by L. B. Chevalier. year Andersonville, o r for the benefit the L i g h t Guard. o f T h e following the Scout's Last Shot was performed T h e that t h e drama "needs considerable pruning" and t h a t t h e playwright should "guard against inclination to preach."123 The C o u r i e r w a s m o r e c h a r i t a b l e w h e n t h e y p r i n t e d " T h e p l a y is put upon the stage i n fine s t y l e and the b e a u t i f u l , w h i l e t h e c h a r a c t e r s b y o u r home t a l e n t a r e w e l l sustained. 124 In 1885, P r o f . Klock directed l o c a l Chimes o f N o r m a n d y. T h i s amateur attempts. T h e talent was b e t t e r received t h a n previous Republican wrote t h a t the production drew "immense a u d i e n c e s " a n d t h a t " I t was remarked b y man a c c u s t o m e d t o t h e b e s t m u s i c a l r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s largest c i t i e s , that i n The a better i n the d r i l l e d chorus was r a r e l y heard in the most pretentious operas."125 The C o u r i e r r e p o r t e d that t h e s o l o p a r t s were "exceedingly w e l l rendered."126 The O p e r a H o u s e w a s a l s o t h e s i t e 123Republican, 2 0 Feb. 1885. 124Courier, 2 1 F e b . 1 8 8 5 . 125 -RePublican, 12 M a y 1 8 8 5 . 126Courier, 9 May 1 8 8 5 . o f �5 ments f e a t u r i n g o r c h e s t r a and band, v o c a l a n d i n s t r u m e n t a l solos, and readings and recitations. N o t a b l e among these groups was t h e S t . C e c e l i a Musicale, w h i c h f e a t u r e d s i x t e e n girls from Union C i t y singing classical music, and frequent entertainments b y the St. Mark ladies. B u t t e r w o r t h Post o f the G . A . R . g a v e a t a l e n t show.127 Synopsis The m u l t i p l i c i t y val o f o f function necessary f o r a s m a l l t o w n Opera House was r e c o g n i z e d e a r l y b y B a r t T i b b i t s , who saw t h e O p e r a H o u s e a s a n a l l - p u r p o s e Even i n well. i t s f a c i l i t y. e a r l i e s t years the Ti b b i t s served the community W i t h i n a one week span an i n d i v i d u a l might go t o t h e Opera House t o s e e a p l a y , h e a r a r e c i t a l , c h e e r o n publican p a r t y, boo a t i m i d w r e s t l e r, and on a c e r t a i n week even w a t c h h i s s o n o r d a u g h t e r p a r t i c i p a t e i n High School Commencement e x e r c i s e s . B e s i d e s l e g i t i m a t e d r a m a b i t s f r e q u e n t l y housed l e c t u r e s , m i n s t r e l shows, c o n c e r t s , dances, p o l i t i c a l r a l l i e s and readings. U p o n occasion the local people also chose the theatre as the site tions and reunions, animal a c t s and magic shows. pendix B, Ta b l e #4) financially i n T h e (See T i b b i t s ' e x i s t e n c e was threatened 1885 when f a l l i n g attendance and h i s carious f i n a n c i a l p o s i t i o n forced Bart Tibbits 127Republicon, 8 Feb. 1884. to �5 the t h e a t r e . T h e r e was t a l k o f c o n v e r t i n g t h e f a c i l i t y i n t o a r o l l e r m i l l b u t t h e p r e s s mounted a campaign t o s a v e t h e Opera H o u s e . T h e l o c a l people might have been able pense w i t h a f a c i l i t y w h i c h h o u s e d o n l y l e g i t i m a t e d r a m a b u t the l o s s o f t h e T i b b i t s w o u l d have a l s o meant t h e l o s s o f a concert h a l l , v a r i e t y house, l e c t u r e h a l l and public h a l l as w e l l . Although a p r i v a t e l y owned t h e a t r e , t h e tioned more l i k e a public institution. T i b b i t s encouraged the p u b l i c t o u s e t h e Opera House b y making i t a v a i l a b l e t o private groups a t reasonable r a t e s . T h i s , coupled with the amateur entertainments presented i n t h e T i b b i t s , m a y have given t h e l o c a l p e o p l e a somewhat p o s s e s s i v e f e e l i n g f o r t h e Tibbits Opera House. A t any rate, by the close o f the 1885 season t h e f a c i l i t y h a d become i m p o r t a n t enough t h a t w h i l e i t was regarded as " a n elephant upon i t s owner's hands" t h e community c o u l d n o t l o o k d i s p a s s i o n a t e l y upon c l o s i n g t h e theatre and turning the building into a r o l l e r m i l l . �Chapter I I I JOSEPH H E N N I N G Y E A R S , J U L Y 1 8 8 5 - J U N E 1 8 9 4 Theatre a n d management In the l a t t e r part o f June 1885, Joseph chased t h e O p e r a House f o r $ 1 3 , 0 0 0 . N e w s p a p e r a c c o u n t s o f the p u r c h a s e s a i d t h a t B a r t T i b b i t s w o u l d c o n t i n u e t o manage the t h e a t r e . 1 Very l i t t l e i s known a b o u t t h e German s a l o o n - k e e p e r who o w n e d t h e T i b b i t s first mentioned members o f brate h i s i n f o r a t l e a s t t w o decades. H e n n i n g was t h e l o c a l newspapers i n 1879 t h e German Benevolent A s s o c i a t i o n helped f o r t i e t h birthday.2 Another reference i n dicates t h a t he may have immigrated t o Coldwater from Witten, G e r m a n y. 3 The N e w Y o r k D r a m a t i c N e w s p r i n t e d a s t o r y 1 The C o u r i e r - - C o l d w a t e r , M i c h i g a n , 2 7 J u n e 1 8 8 5 . Throughout t h e r e s t o f t h i s c h a p t e r, a l l f o o t n o t e references t o t h i s newspaper w i l l be shortened t o C o u r i e r. 2The C o l d w a t e r R e p u b l i c a n , 2 2 A p r i l 1 8 7 9 . Throughout t h e r e s t o f t h i s c h a p t e r, a l l references t o t h i s newspaper w i l l be shortened lican. 3Republican, 2 7 May 1884. 5 footnote �5 veals something o f Henning's n a i v e d e t e r m i n a t i o n t o make a success o f t h e O p e r a House. A M r. We b b e r, manager o f i n g company t h a t h a d come t o C o l d w a t e r , t o l d H e n n i n g h e n e e d e d a brace o f revolvers for a c e r t a i n scene i n the p l a y and t h e former volunteered t o go o u t and borrow them. M r . Webber hastily wrote on a piece o f paper "2 32 c a l i b e r revolvers" and g a v e i t t o t h e Opera House o w n e r. I n n i n g r e t u r n e d a n d s e t down a b a s k e t , 3 / 4 an hour or f u l l o f revolvers of a l l d e s c r i p t i o n s , b e f o r e t h e a s t o n i s h e d manager- a c t o r. "Mein G o t t : M r . V e b b e r , y o u h a f g i f f e n me a b i g j o b . is a quiet place, and I D i s don't t i n k dere's 232 refolfers in de w h o l e t o w n . " 4 By t h e F a l l o f 1886 C . L . H u n t e r had ment o f t h e T i b b i t s . 5 H u n t e r h a d b e e n a r e s i d e n t o f C o l d w a t e r since 1 8 7 0 . P r i o r to t h i s he had traveled with three o r four theatrical troupes which featured N. C . F o r r i s t e r, l e r and others. A strong promoter o f amateur t h e a t r i c a l s i n t h e c o m m u n i t y, h e r e t a i n e d h i s o f f i c i a l a p p o i n t m e n t manager f o r l e s s t h a n a y e a r , f o r i n the spring o f 1887 he left for California.6 George W. K l o c k , t h e l o c a l b a n a l e a d e r a n d a d i r e c t o r 4Courier, 1 0 Aug. 1 8 8 9 , p . 8. 5Courier, 2 O c t . 1 8 8 6 , p . 5 . All biographical information on Hunter i s taken from Republican, 1 8 Mar. 1 8 8 7 . 6pourier, 1 9 Mar. 1 8 8 7 , p . 5. �5 o f l o c a l t a l e n t , t o o k o v e r t h e management f r o m s p r i n g o f 1 8 8 7 to O c t o b e r o f 1 8 8 9 . 7 T h e n , b e s e i g e d w i t h t i e s , H e n n i n g t o o k o v e r t h e management h i m s e l f , p u t t i n g h i s d a u g h t e r, H u l d a h , i n c h a r g e o f t h e b o x o f f i c e . 8 B y o f 1 8 9 1 , H u l d a h Henning had i n f a c t become manager o f t h e Opera H o u s e . 9 A f e m a l e manager was a r a r i t y. However, both the community and t h e t h e a t r i c a l b o o k i n g agents f i e d w i t h Miss Henning's business acumen. m a n a g e r o f t h e P a u l K a u v a r c o m p a n y, w r o t e i n N o v. 2 0 , 1 8 9 1 : " . . . Yo u a r e t h e f i r s t a l e t t e r dated lady I have do b u s i n e s s w i t h a n d a l l o w m e t o c o n g r a t u l a t e y o u o n b e i n g a thorough business person."10 I n May o f 1892 t h e C o u r i e r wrote " D u r i n g t h e s e a s o n M i s s H e n n i n g h a s g i v e n amusement lovers some v e r y f i n e e n t e r t a i n m e n t s a n d proposes to g i v e s t i l l b e t t e r a t t r a c t i o n s , some o f which a r e a l r e a d y booked. D u r i n g h e r management o f t h e O p e r a House s h e h a s displayed unusual business t a c t and shrewdness a n d ing to the public in the selection & h a l h a s showed u n u s u a l l y good judgment o f attractions."11 The C o u r i e r a s s e r t e d that Huldah was " p r o b a b l y t h e youngest Opera House manager 7Courier, 1 2 O c t . 1 8 8 9 , p . 8Courier, 1 2 O c t . 1 8 8 9 , p . 1 ; a n d 2 4 Aug. 1 8 8 9 , p . 9 R e p u b l i c a n , 2 0 N o v. 1 8 9 1 . 10 Republican, 2 0 N o v. 1 8 9 1 . Courier, 2 1 May 1892, p . 8. 1. �5 in the country and t h e o n l y successful female o n e . " 1 2 M i s s Henning m a r r i e d M r . J o h n T. J a c k s o n i n March o f 1 8 9 4 , 1 3 a n d b y J u n e o f t h a t y e a r J a c k s o n h a d assumed t h e management o f the T i b b i t s . Immediately upon assuming ownership o f t h e O p e r a House i n 1 8 8 5 , J o s e p h H e n n i n g b e g a n t o c o n v e r t t h e f r o n t p a r t of t h e basement i n t o a r e s t a u r a n t and s a l o o n . 1 4 He a l s o l a i d an 8 5 f o o t a l l e y f o r b o w l i n g o r " t e n p i n s . " 1 5 E v i d e n t l y , t h i s e n t e r p r i s e was n o t p a r t i c u l a r l y successful because i n 1891 t h e s a l o o n w a s c o n v e r t e d i n t o a t e a r o o m w h i c h s e r v e d ice cream, lemonade and c o l d lunches.16 M r s . Henning and her two daughters t o o k charge o f t h e r e s t a u r a n t . O t h e r t h a n s e a s o n a l c l e a n i n g s f e w changes w e r e made w i t h i n t h e O p e r a House i t s e l f . I n August o f 1886 Douglas and Co. o f C h i c a g o w a s c o m m i s s i o n e d t o d e s i g n a b u s i n e s s d r o p curtain f o r the theatre.17 On t h e c u r t a i n w h i c h d e p i c t e d a landscape, a d v e r t i s e m e n t s f o r l o c a l businesses were a r r a n g e d on c u r t a i n s s u s p e n d e d b y r i n g s f r o m a p o l e r u n n i n g a c r o s s the t o p . I n 1 1893, t h e theatre acquired another drop c u r t a i n . C o u r i e r, 1 A u g . 1 8 9 1 , p . 1 . 13Courier:, 1 7 M a r. 1 8 9 4 , p . 1 . 14Republican, 3 0 June 1 8 8 5 ; a n d C o u r i e r, 4 J u l y 1 8 8 5 . 1 5 C o u r i e r, 2 5 J u l y 1 8 8 5 . 16Republican, 1 9 May 1 8 9 1 . 1 7 C o u r i e r, 7 A u g . 1 8 8 6 . �5 This was a Ve n e t i a n scene surrounded b y advertisements f o r local businesses. 1 The p r e s s c o n t i n u e d t o b e s t r o n g l y s u p p o r t i v e o f t h e Opera H o u s e . A t t h e c l o s e o f the 1886 season t h e Republican wrote " O u r Opera House i s second t o none i n t h e S t a t e . " 1 9 They a l s o c o n t i n u e d i n t h e i r r o l e of "arbitor o f taste." While r e c o g n i z i n g t h e d e l i g h t s o f comedy t h e R e p u b l i c a n wrote " . interspersed . . a f e w good t r a g e d i e s e d 0 would n o t o n l y have a tendency t o c r e a t e t h e d e s i r e , but i f they are o f the best, t h e i r educational value i s n20 g r e a t e r t h a n t h a t o f c o m e d y. The C o u r i e r c a l l e d f o r " a f e w good l e c t u r e s " and " a s e r i e s o f good dramatic entertainments . . varied by f i r s t class good o p e r a . " 2 1 H e n n i n g a n d h i s m a n a g e r s made a n u m b e r o f a t t e m p t s to g e t t h e Opera House o p e r a t i n g a t a p r o f i t . I n 1886, t h e T i b b i t s b e c a m e p a r t o f t h e M i c h i g a n T h e a t r i c a l Circuit.22 Charles O. W h i t e , manager o f t h e Grand Opera House i n D e t r o i t , w a s t h e c i r c u i t ' s N e w Y o r k tive. I n J u l y , t h e New Yo r k M i r r o r r e p o r t e d t h a t W h i t e , 18Republican, 8 Sept. 1893. 19Republican, 26 J u n e 1886. 20Republican, 18 J u n e 1894. 2 1 C o u r i e r, 2 S e p t . 1 8 9 3 , p . 4 . 2 2 C o u r i e r, 1 5 May 1 8 8 6 . - �60 representing t h i r t y - o n e Michigan and Canadian t h e a t r e s , was booking a " l i s t rical h i s t o r y. of attractions . . . . . . unparalleled E v e r y conceivable a t t r a c t i o n i s on the l i s t . ,,23 That same season t h e C o u r i e r r e p o r t e d t h a t a group o f l o c a l businessmen w e r e o r g a n i z i n g a company cient c a p i t a l t o a t t r a c t Booth o r Barrett i n the l i n e of t r a g e d y , R o b i n s o n a n d C r a n e i n c o m e d y, a n o p e r a c o m p a n y, and o n e o r m o r e f i r s t - c l a s s E v i d e n t l y, n o t h i n g ever came o f t h i s . F i n a l l y i n 1 8 9 1 , B r a d y and Garwood o f D e t r o i t f o r m e d a t h e a t r i c a l c i r c u i t w h i c h embraced To l e d o , son, L a n s i n g , K a l a m a z o o , G r a n d R a p i d s , B a y C i t y , T o r o n t o , Hamilton and London, O n t a r i o . 2 5 The T i b b i t s e v e r, t h e p r e s s n e v e r a g a i n mentioned t h i s c i r c u i t . Besides h a v i n g d i f f i c u l t y i n attracting companies, H e n n i n g was p l a u g e d w i t h l a s t - m i n u t e c a n c e l l a t i o n s by s t a r s who f o u n d a b e t t e r engagement. I n 1889, Manager Henning proposed t o "make t r o u b l e " f o r one Ve r o n a J a r b e a u i f she d i d n ' t a p p e a r f o r h e r October 1 8 engagement a t bits.26 E v i d e n t l y, h e d i d n ' t make enough t r o u b l e b e c a u s e 23Courier, 3 J u l y 1 8 8 6 . 24Courier, 3 A p r i l 1 8 8 6 . 25Courier, 2 5 A p r i l 1 8 9 1 , p . 26Courier, 1 2 O c t . 1 8 8 9 , p . 1. 1. �M k . 6 companies c o n t i n u e d t o c a n c e l a t t h e l a s t m i n u t e o r s i m p l y not show. F i n a l l y, i n 1889 Mr. Henning, plagued b y the burden of "the elephant on his hands," published t h i s open l e t t e r in the Courier: E d i t o r C o u r i e r : P l e a s e a l l o w me t h r o u g h t h e m e d i u m o f your paper t o e x p l a i n t o t h e good c i t i z e n s o f Coldwater my f i n a n c i a l c o n d i t i o n , a n d t r y i f p o s s i b l e the moneyed men o f o u r c i t y t o s u c h a n e x t e n t t h a t I may be r e l i e v e d o f a b u r d e n t h a t i s i m p o s s i b l e f o r me t o longer bear. N e a r l y f i v e y e a r s ago I purchased House f o r $ 1 3 , 0 0 0 . I w a s a w a r e t h a t s u m w a s o n l y h a l f i t s o r i g i n a l c o s t , a n d w h i l e my scant means, i n c l u d i n g a l l t h e cash and r e a l e s t a t e I possessed, was f i c i e n t t o p a y down o n e - h a l f o f t h i s amount, I t i v e w i t h my l i t t l e s a l o o n business a n d a f a i r patronage f o r t h e O p e r a House I c o u l d s u p p o r t my f a m i l y and i n a short t i m e p a y f o r t h e p r o p e r t y t h a t seemed t h e n t o me so c h e a p . M y s a l o o n b e i n g i n t h e b a s e m e n t a n d o f f f r o m the main thoroughfare proved a Like t h e m a j o r i t y o f your readers my i n t e r e s t i s a l l i n C o l d w a t e r. T o a l l h e r e n t e r p r i s e s I h a v e c o n t r i b u t e d my m i t e . I f e l t flattered i n being the one o f h e r i n s t i t u t i o n s , a n d m y o n l y h o p e h a s b e e n t h a t some d a y I c o u l d s a y , " T h i s O p e r a H o u s e i s M i n e . " A s i s the c a s e w i t h many o t h e r s I am d i s a p p o i n t e d , ated t o acknowledge t o t h e people o f Coldwater t h a t I am unable t o own o r c o n t r o l t h i s p r o p e r t y any l o n g e r f o r t h e purpose f o r w h i c h i t was i n t e n d e d . I am o f f e r e d f o r t h e p r o p e r t y n e a r l y a s much a s I g a v e , a n d s h o u l d I s e l l Coldwater w i l l b e d e p r i v e d o f what s h e seemed t o most need e i g h t y e a r s a g o - - a f i r s t c l a s s O p e r a House- e a r n e s t l y hope t h e men o f means i n o u r c i t y w i l l f o r m a s t o c k c o m p a n y, p u r c h a s e t h e O p e r a H o u s e a n d u s e i t f o r just what i t was o r i g i n a l l y intended- - a place ment f o r o u r c i t i z e n s . T o b e h o n o r a b l e i n m y d o i n g s , I w i l l s a y t o t h e c i t i z e n s o f Coldwater, t h i n k o f t h i s s e r i o u s l y. I f I h e a r n o t h i n g from you b y August 1 I shall consider I have done my d u t y, a n d t h e p r o p e r t y w i l l b e converted i n t o a business which I e a r n e s t l y hope will pay better. �6 Thanking my f r i e n d s f o r t h e i r k i n d words a n d s u p p o r t , remain, e t c . , J o s . Henning27 I A number o f s o l u t i o n s were proposed: T h e loving inhabitants o f Coldwater favored converting b i t s i n t o a b e e r garden w i t h v a r i e t y show e n t e r t a i n m e n t s . 2 8 Some w e r e i n f a v o r o f t h e c i t y b u y i n g t h e p r o p e r t y ing i t i n t o a To w n H a l l a n d c o u n c i l r o o m , w h i l e posed t o r a i s e t h e a m o u n t o f t h e i n d e b t e d n e s s a n d a s k M r . Henning t o t a k e i t without interest and repay the principal as s o o n a s c o n v e n i e n t . A n o t h e r s o l u t i o n was t i o n o f a s t o c k c o m p a n y. 2 9 The c o m p a n y w o u l d p u r c h a s e t h e p r o p e r t y, make needed r e p a i r s a n d p l a c e t h e t h e a t r e i n t h e hands o f a m a n a g e r. D u r i n g t h a t s u m m e r, e f f o r t s w e r e m a d e t o e s t a b l i s h a s t o c k c o m p a n y. T h e l o c a l people needed t o r a i s e $7000 b y the s a l e o f s t o c k a n d a n a d d i t i o n a l $ 5 0 0 0 m o r t g a g e . 3 0 While shares w e r e o n l y $ 2 5 a p i e c e , s a l e s were n e v e r b r i s k . 3 1 The Courier contended t h a t box o f f i c e r e c e i p t s o v e r sufficient t o p a y g o o d i n t e r e s t on t h e i n v e s t m e n t . needs s u c h a b u i l d i n g f o r v a r i o u s u s e s o u t s i d e t h e d r a m a , and s h o u l d i t b e c l o s e d i t s l o s s w o u l d b e k e e n l y f e l t , " s a i d 27Courier, 2 0 J u l y 1889, p . 8. 28Courier, 2 7 J u l y 1 8 8 9 , p . 1. 29Republican, 2 3 J u l y 1889. 3 11 D R e p u b l i c a n , 2 6 J u l y 1 8 8 9 . 31 Republican, 2 6 J u l y 1889. �6 the C o u r i e r. " W e need such a convenience f o r l e c t u r e s and home e n t e r t a i n m e n t s o f d i f f e r e n t k i n d s , a n d ences w o u l d h a r d l y b e s a t i s f i e d w i t h a n y h a l l l e s s comfortable and elegant."32 The s t o c k company n e v e r m a t e r i a l i z e d b u t H e n n i n g continued on a y e a r -by-year extension o f h i s d e n t l y, h e c o u l d n o t b e a r t o s e e t h e t h e a t r e d i v e r t e d t o a n y o t h e r purpose.33 T h e Opera House d i d n o t a c t u a l l y a c h i e v e a f i r m f i n a n c i a l s t a n d i n g u n t i l t h e management ownership was t r a n s f e r r e d t o H e n n i n g ' s s o n - i n - l a w , J o h n T. Jackson. Legitimate Drama Combination p l a y s , r e p e r t o r y companies, a n d U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n C o m p a n i e s c o n t i n u e d t o b e p o p u l a r i n t h e H e n n i n g years. O p e r e t t a s and Opera a l s o t o o k on increasing importance. The t r e n d i n l e g i t i m a t e d r a m a c o n t i n u e d t o b e t o w a r d s c o m e d y and s p e c t a c u l a r p l a y s b u t t h e c o m p l e x i o n o f c o m e d y b e g a n t o change i n t h e l a s t d e c a d e o f t h e c e n t u r y . Combination P l a y s J o s e p h Henning opened h i s son w i t h a " p l e a s i n g " p e r f o r m a n c e o f S i x P e a s i n a P o d . 3 4 3 2 C o u r i e r, 2 7 J a n . 1 8 9 4 , p . 33Republican, 1 6 Aug. 1 8 8 9 . 34Courier, 5 S e p t . 1 8 8 5 . 8. �6 T h i s was f o l l o w e d b y t h e H a r r y Webber company's N i p a n d Tu c k . The f o r e p i e c e , B e s s i e ' s B u r g l a r f e a t u r e d C a r r i e W e b b e r, t h e first o f many c h i l d a c t o r s t o g a i n p o p u l a r i t y o n bits stage.35 The s e a s o n p r o g r e s s e d w i t h a s e r i e s o f m e l o d r a m a s and c o m e d i e s . I n N o v e m b e r t h e M a r s t o n C o m p a n y, w h i c h w a s producing A W i f e ' s Honor, t r i e d t o s t i r up business f e r i n g a " b e a u t i f u l s o u v e n i r p h o t o g r a p h " t o e a c h l a d y who attended t h e p l a y. 3 6 Later i n the season the n e r G r o c e r y company o f f e r e d s o u v e n i r c a r d b a s k e t s . 3 7 I n J a n u a r y, W i l l i a m J . S c a n l a n , a l w a y s a n audience f a v o r i t e i n Coldwater, appeared i n Shane-na-Lawn, a n d t h e Republican reported t h a t t h e u n i v e r s a l v e r d i c t o n Scanlan was " h e ' s p e r f e c t l y c h a r m i n g . " 3 8 The C o u r i e r w r o t e t h a t h e had " n o s u p e r i o r " a s a d e l i n e a t o r o f I r i s h c h a r a c t e r o r a s a 1 -T singer.39 The F e b r u a r y p e r f o r m a n c e o f S k i p p e d b y t h e L i g h t o f the Moon was more t y p i c a l o f t h e s e a s o n , h o w e v e r. publican wrote t h a t " L i k e most o f the p l a y s o f the d a y, i s v o i d o f p l o t a n d i s made u p e n t i r e l y o f 35Republican, 6 O c t . 1 8 8 5 . 36Republican, 6 N o v. 1 8 8 5 . 37Republican, 8 Jan. 1 8 8 6 . 38Republican, 2 2 Jan. 1 8 8 6 . 3 9 C o u r i e r, 2 3 J a n . 1 8 8 6 . i t �6 tions and funny sayings. . • . " T h e reviewer went on t o s a y that t h e l o c a l people were growing t i r e d o f l i g h t comedy and desired something more s u b s t a n t i a l . T h e review concluded that t h e p l a y was " l i g h t t r a s h " a n d " f u n n y, v e r y , 4 Despite t h e Republican reviewer's weariness w i t h c o m e d y, t h e s e a s o n e n d e d o n t h e s a m e v e i n , i n t e r r u p t e d o n l y by S i b e r i a , B a r t l e y Campbell's s c e n i c s e n s a t i o n . The 1 8 8 6 - 8 7 s e a s o n , w h i l e c o n t i n u i n g t o o f f e r a l a r g e s h a r e o f c o m e d y, a l s o i n t r o d u c e d m o r e s u b s t a n t i a l d r a m a . The s e a s o n o p e n e d w i t h D i o n B o u c i c a u l t ' s T h e L o n g S t r i k e . The R e p u b l i c a n r e v i e w e r w r o t e " T h e L o n g S t r i k e a s p l a y e d Saturday evening was one o f t h e f i n e s t p r o d u c t i o n s dered i n t h i s c i t y . W h e n we s a y, i n o u r o p i n i o n ber o f t h e company i s e n t i t l e d t o t h e c l a i m o f a c t o r o r actress we mean what t h e t e r m i m p l i e s - - t h e t r u t h f u l p o r t r a y a l of a l i v i n g p o s s i b i l i t y. " T h e review continued, "Nothing i n the p l a y was o v e r d r a w n , a n d t h e c h a r a c t e r s f r o m t h e p o o r e s t workingman t o t h e h e a r t l e s s e m p l o y e r s w e r e a c t e d t r u e t o life. . . . " 4 On O c t o b e r 4 A d e l a i d e M o o r e a r r i v e d i n t h e c i t y t o p l a y i n Romeo a n d J u l i e t . T h e C o u r i e r r e v i e w e r seemed more taken w i t h Miss Moore's p a l a c e c a r t h a n h e r performance and i n c l u d e d a l o n g d e s c r i p t i o n o f t h e f o r m e r i n 4oEELLILl1Eta, 5 Feb. 1886. 41Republican, 2 1 Sept. 1 8 8 6 . �66 view."42 a "fine The R e p u b l i c a n o b s e r v e d t h a t w h i l e M i s s M o o r e h a d f o r m " and r i c h and c o s t l y wardrobe " h e r very poor. S h e enunciates quite indistinctly at times, and e v i d e n t l y needs t o devote months t o v o i c e c u l t u r e . H e r tones are n o t f l e x i b l e a n d she has an impediment t h a t lisping which i s a great o b s t r u c t i o n t o h e r ever becoming a pleasing reader." T h e reviewer continued t h a t she was t i n g more a d v e r t i s i n g from h e r b o u d o i r c a r and than from any a b i l i t i e s she has as an actress."43 The p r e v a l e n c e o f s p e c t a c u l a r a t t r a c t i o n s s e t t h e 1886-87 s e a s o n a p a r t f r o m f o r m e r s e a s o n s . T h e company came o n O c t o b e r 1 4 a n d a w e d a "stage s e t t i n g s . . . f a i r audience w i t h never before equalled i n Another s p e c t a c u l a r drama, The S t r e e t s Silver King this c i t y. " 44 o f New Y o r k , f e a t u r e d "Union Square b y n i g h t , i l l u m i n a t e d w i t h novel and wonderful calcium and e l e c t r i c light effects, Baxter street and Five Points as t h e y were i n those days, and ending w i t h ing o f a tenement house, which w i l l be the grandest f i r e scene e v e r w i t n e s s e d o n t h e O p e r a House s t a g e . " 4 5 water F i r e Department t o o k part i n the performance.46 4 2 C o u r i e r, 9 O c t . 1 8 8 6 , p . 5 . 43 R e p u b l i c a n , 8 O c t . 1 8 8 6 . 44Courier, 1 6 O c t . 1 8 8 6 , 4 5 C o u r i e r, 1 3 N o v. 1 8 8 6 , P . 4 6 R e p u b l i c a n , 1 6 N o v. 1 8 8 6 . The 5. Bar �6 ley Campbell's The White Slave a l s o u t i l i z e d f e c t s . " T h e o l d s o u t h e r n home, t h e c a b i n o f t h e ole, t h e f l o a t i n g wreck with a r a i n storm o f were n a t u r a l a n d v e r y e f f e c t i v e . . . , 47 T h e t i o n o f The D e v i l ' s A u c t i o n r e q u i r e d a c a s t o f s i x t y and t h r e e r a i l c a r s f u l l o f s c e n e r y. 4 8 Commenting o n t h e a t t r a c t i o n o f t h e s e d r a m a s , t h e C o u r i e r e x p l a i n e d " N o m a t t e r how f i n e the s c e n e r y a n d s e t s t u f f may b e i n a n O p e r a H o u s e , p l a y g o e r s soon t i r e o f s e e i n g t h e s a m e , n o m a t t e r h o w c a r e f u l i t i s s e t , o r how d i f f e r e n t t h e c o m b i n a t i o n s . I t i s refreshing to s e e s o m e t h i n g new a n d b y d i f f e r e n t a r t i s t s , a n d b i n a t i o n s a r e d o i n g good work i n c a r r y i n g t h e i r own s c e n e r y made e x p r e s s l y f o r t h e p l a y . " 4 9 Apparently the b i t s p r o v i d e d f o r t h e O p e r a House when i t opened i n 1 8 8 2 h a d l o s t i t s g l a m o u r. T h u s , t h e e l a b o r a t e s c e n e r y b r o u g h t i n b y the t r a v e l i n g companies added a n o t h e r d i m e n s i o n o f i n t e r e s t to t h e p r o d u c t i o n . There w e r e v e r y f e w changes i n t h e n e x t t w o s e a s o n s . L i t t l e Nugget, a popular f a r c e , r e c e i v e d r e p e a t performances w h i l e s p e c t a c u l a r p l a y s c o n t i n u e d t o command g o o d C The n u m b e r o f c o m p a n i e s b o o k e d o v e r t h i s p e r i o d w a s l e s s t h a n 47 ' C o u r i e r , 2 7 N o v. 1 8 8 6 , p . 5 . 4 8 C o u r i e r, 1 9 M a r. 1 8 8 7 , p . 5 . 49 C o u r i e r, 2 7 N o v . 1 8 8 6 , p . 5 . 5 0 C o u r i e r, 6 A u g . 1 8 8 7 , p . 1 . �= M k 68 in former years. P e r h a p s Joseph Henning's culties account f o r t h i s . I r i s h comedies, always a f a v o r i t e w i t h t h e Coldwater p u b l i c , c o n t i n u e d t o amuse p l a y g o e r s . S h a w n Rhue, s t a r r i n g J. S . Murphy; Shane-na-Lawn, f e a t u r i n g Scanlan; T h e Shamrock, w i t h E d w i n H a n f o r d ; a n d Shamus O ' B r i e n w e r e a l l well received. A German e t h n i c drama, H a n s , t h e German D e t e c t i v e , f a i l e d t o attract the local people. T h e C o u r i e r r e p o r t s t h a t t h o s e who did attend "did not go w i l d over the performance."51 Gus Williams i n Kippler's Fortunes enjoyed a s i m i l a r reception.52 The R e p u b l i c a n ' s r e v i e w o f K e e p i t D a r k c o u l d h a v e served a s w e l l f o r most o f t h e 1 8 8 7 - 8 9 p l a y s . " T h o s e who went t o l a u g h h a d a n o p p o r t u n i t y, t h o s e who w e n t f o r a n y other purpose had v e r y l i t t l e t o g r a t i f y them. . • • u53 A i d e n B e n e d i c t i n A l e x a n d e r Dumas' M o n t e C r i s t o a n d Edmund C o l l i e r i n V i r g i n i u s d r e w l i t t l e comment f r o m t h e p r e s s . Michael S t r o g o f f received s i m i l a r treatment. A f t e r giving A P o s s i b l e Case a tremendous b u i l d u p p r i o r t o i t s performance,54 the p r e s s d i s a g r e e d w i t h t h e a c t i n g methods o f t h e l e a d i n g l a d y. . . t h e methods o f Miss Georgie Drew Barrymore, a s the much m a r r i e d h e r o i n e , s a v o r perhaps a 5 1 C o u r i e r, 3 D e c . 1 8 8 7 , p . 52Courier, 2 3 F e b . 1 8 8 9 , p . t r i f l e more I . 1. 53Republican, 11 N o v. 1 8 8 7 . 54 Feb. 1 8 8 9 . Courier, 9 Feb. 1 8 8 9 , p . 1 ; a n d Republican, 1 5 �6 D e l s a r t i a n school t h a n i s r e q u i s i t e f o r t h e most p l e a s i n g and h a p p y e f f e c t s . . . " T h e l o c a l papers c o u l d n ' t even s t i r u p much e n t h u s i a s m f o r t h e s p e c t a c u l a r A r o u n d t h e W o r l d in Eighty Days.56 F r e q u e n t l y, H e n n i n g l o s t companies o n t h e n i g h t o f t h e i r performance. T h e Bad Boy f o l d e d due t o p o o r b u s i n e s s . 5 7 The c o m p a n y w h i c h w a s t o d o B a r t l e y C a m p b e l l ' s M y G e r a l d i n e "took a jump t o C i n c i n n a t i where t h e y p l a y n e x t week."58 It's l i t t l e wonder t h a t a t t h e c l o s e o f t h e 1888-89 ning a t t e m p t e d t o s e l l t h e Opera House. In t h e f o l l o w i n g two seasons, 1889-90 and 1890-91, the t o t a l number o f companies a p p e a r i n g i n G o l d w a t e r i n c r e a s e d over t h e p r e v i o u s t w o y e a r s . C o m e d i e s a n d tions continued t o dominate t h e schedule. W h i l e most o f t h e comedies r e f l e c t e d t h e f a r c i c a l s i t u a t i o n s a n e w e r t r e n d w a s a l s o a p p a r e n t . C o m e d y was m o v i n g c l o s e r t o v a r i e t y a n d v a u d e v i l l e i n some o f t h e s h o w s . T h e R e p u b l i c a n wrote o f t h e F a k i r , " T h e r e was b u t v e r y l i t t l e p l o t t o t h e p i e c e , n o r d i d i t n e e d a n y, f o r t h e performance o f ferent s p e c i a l t i e s b y t h e s e v e r a l l a d i e s and gentlemen t o o k 55Republican, 2 2 Feb. 1 8 8 9 . 5 6 C o u r i e r, 1 6 M a r. 1 8 8 9 , p . 1 ; a n d R e p u b l i c a n , 1 9 M a r. 1 8 8 9 . 5 7 C o u r i e r, 5 May 1 8 8 8 , p . 1 . 5 8 C o u r i e r, 3 0 M a r. 1 8 8 9 , p . 1 . �70 the audience b y storm. . . " i n the May 1890 review o f Uncle H i r a m t h e r e v i e w e r r e p o r t e d a l a u g h l i n e t h a t c o u l d have come f r o m v a u d e v i l l e . " . . . he advised the sleeping colored s e r v a n t t o b e l i k e some C o l d w a t e r p o l i t i c i a n s , s o that he c o u l d l i e a s w e l l on one s i d e a s t h e o t h e r. " 6 0 A Cold Day f e a t u r e d C a r l o t t a d o i n g t h e London G a i e t y dance. 6 Both newspapers g a v e e n t h u s i a s t i c r e v i e w s o f L o u i s James' p o r t r a y a l o f O t h e l l o . S a y i n g t h a t h e w a s t h e b e s t example o f t h e h e r o i c s c h o o l l e f t i n the theatre "since the Titans o f t h e drama f e l l a s l e e p , " t h e C o u r i e r asserted t h a t a more s a t i s f a c t o r y p e r f o r m a n c e w a s n e v e r g i v e n i n C o l d w a t e r . 6 2 The R e p u b l i c a n l a b e l e d h i s p e r f o r m a n c e a " d r a m a t i c t r e a t . " 6 3 The p a t r o n a g e w a s n o t c o m m e n s u r a t e w i t h t h e q u a l i t y o f t h e performance, however. The F i r e m a n ' s W a r d a n d L i t t l e L o r d F a u n t l e r o y b o t h featured c h i l d a c t o r s . A l b e r t a Keen, who portrayed L i t t l e Lord F a u n t l e r o y, c a p t i v a t e d t h e a u d i e n c e w i t h h e r ing. T h e Courier wrote "She i s a c h i l d actress o f remarkable promise, w i t h none o f those ' s t a g e y ' mannerisms a n d t r i c k s 59Repub1ican, 8 N o v. 1 8 8 9 . 6oRepublican, 9 May 1890. 61Courier, 1 4 M a r. 1 8 9 1 , p . 8. 6 2 C o u r i e r, 1 5 N o v. 1 8 9 0 , p . 1 ; a n d 2 9 N o v. 1 8 9 0 , p. 1 . 63 R e p u b l i c a n , 2 8 N o v. 1 8 9 0 . �71 t h a t make u p t h e average s t a g e c h i l d . " 6 4 As a l w a y s , W . J . S c a n l a n d r e w a c r o w d w i t h h i s Irish piece, Myles Aroon.65 To u r i s t s I n latest a Pullman Car, a n o t h e r I r i s h c o m e d y, a l s o r e c e i v e d p r a i s e f r o m t h e p r e s s . The R e p u b l i c a n r e p o r t e d t h a t " t h e r e w a s n o t a them.,66 James R e i l l y tracted a f a i r audience.67 s t i c k among i n The Broommaker o f Carlsbad During 1891-92 and 1892-93 seasons t h e comedies which f e a t u r e d s p e c i a l t i e s o v e r p l o t became more f r e q u e n t . T h e Republican reviewer r e f e r r e d t o t h e S o c i a l Session actors a s "clever specialty people."68 The C o u r i e r d e s c r i b e d cial Session actors as "several f i r s t - c l a s s some e x c e l l e n t s i n g e r s a n d d a n c e r s . " 6 9 Rice's Evangeline vertised a dancing h e i f e r and p r e t t y g i r l s , 7 0 while t h e Courier said o f the featured actress cus, " H e r humor i s while her 'kick' i s irresistible, too cute i n A Night at her smile i s f o r anything."71 64Courier, 2 2 Mar. 1 8 9 0 , p . 65 C o u r i e r , 5 O c t . 1 8 8 9 , p . 1. 1. 66Republican, 1 0 Jan. 1890. 67 C o u r i e r , 2 7 D e c . 1 8 9 0 , p . 1. 68Republican, 1 8 Sept. 1891. 69 C o u r i e r. 1 9 S e p t . 1 8 9 1 , p . 70Courier, 2 4 O c t . 1 8 9 1 , p . 7 C o u r i e r, 7 N o v. 1 8 9 1 , p . 8. 8. 8. infectious, The s t a r of �72 Fat Men's Club k e p t t h e audience laughing w i t h a s i n g i n g , dancing and a c r o b a t i c performance w h i c h was " b e t t e r t h a n average."72 Two o f t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n s w h i c h e v e n t u a l l y f o r m e d t h e Theatrical Syndicate appeared a t the Ti b b i t s during 92 s e a s o n . T h e C o u n t y F a i r , a company u n d e r t h e management of C. B . J e f f e r s o n , Klaw and Erlanger which had formerly played a t H o o l e y ' s i n Chicago, f e a t u r e d a horse r a c e w i t h three Kentucky thoroughbred horses ridden by professional jockeys o v e r a t h r e e - q u a r t e r m i l e course i n audience. A f u l l view of the SRO h o u s e f o u n d t h e p r o d u c t i o n j o y a b l e . " 7 3 C h a r l e s Frohman's H e l d b y t h e Enemy a p p e a r e d i n March o f , 8 9 2 . 7 4 L i t t l e G o l d i e i n The Rocky Mountain Wa i f gene Wa s h b u r n e i n T h e W a i f o f and New Yo r k f a i l e d t o g i v e a s much s a t i s f a c t i o n a s c h i l d s t a r s who h a d appeared i n f o r m e r y e a r s . I n t h e f o r m e r p l a y t h e press appeared t o b e more impressed by t h e Rocky mountain pony a n d b u r r o t h a n t h e c h i l d a c t r e s s . 7 5 A steam f i r e e n g i n e and a p a i r o f horses s t o l e Miss Washburne.76 Steel Mackaye's P a u l Kauvar was t h e o n l y 72Courier, 1 6 J a n . 1 8 9 2 , p . 8 . 7 3 C o u r i e r, 5 S e p t . 1 8 9 1 , p . 8 . 74Repub1ican, 4 M a r. 1 8 9 2 . 75Courier, 1 5 O c t . 1 8 9 1 p . 8. 76Courier, 1 5 O c t . 1 8 9 1 ; p . 8. �7 s e r i o u s p l a y t o command a l a r g e a u d i e n c e . 7 7 Like t h e season preceding i t , t h e 1893-94 season was a c o m b i n a t i o n o f c o m e d y, s p e c t a c u l a r d r a m a , a n d I r i s h e t h n i c plays. E v i d e n t l y the public was growing t i r e d o f t i o n a l I r i s h dramas. W h e n t h e p r e -show p u b l i c i t y f o r The Wicklow Postman promised t h a t " t h e u s u a l e l e m e n t s o f t h e r e d coat, t h e policeman, t h e process server and the informer a r e conspicuous b y t h e i r absence," t h e R e p u b l i c a n added f r e s h i n g a b s e n c e . ,,78 The p r e s s s e e m e d m o r e i n c l i n e d t h a n e v e r b e f o r e t o evaluate performances i n terms o f naturalness and realism. John D i l l o n ' s p e r f o r m a n c e i n A M o d e l Husband was l a u d e d a s "true t o nature."79 T h e Republican described a scene i n The Police P a t r o l . " I n one a c t the i n t e r i o r o f a p o l i c e p a t r o l barn i s shown w i t h t h e horses s t a n d i n g i n t h e i r s t a l l s , t h e wagon i n p l a c e , a n d e v e r y t h i n g i n r e a d i n e s s f o r t h e a l a r m . When t h e b e l l s o u n d s t h e h o r s e s d a s h u n d e r t h e ness, a r e h i t c h e d and o f f t h e s t a g e i n l e s s t h a n onds."80 A n o t h e r Frohman company came t o C o l d w a t e r i n M a y o f 1894. I n t h e p r e -show p u b l i c i t y f o r Jane t h e 77Courier, 2 0 F e b . 1 8 9 2 , p . 78Republican, 1 7 N o v. 1 8 9 3 . 79Republican, 9 Feb. 1894. 80 Republican, 2 4 O c t . 1 8 9 3 . 8. �'4 cribed Frohman's a t t r a c t i o n s a s t h e f i n e s t o n t h e The C o u r i e r w r o t e " A l l o f F r o h m a n ' s a t t r a c t i o n s t i c s u c c e s s e s , a n d t h e management i s t o b e c o n g r a t u l a t e d o n securing t h i s a t t r a c t i o n . " 8 2 The m a j o r i t y o f c o m b i n a t i o n p l a y s d u r i n g t h e H e n n i n g years c o n t i n u e d t o b e e i t h e r comedies o r s p e c t a c u l a r dramas. The m o s t n o t a b l e c h a n g e d u r i n g t h e s e y e a r s w a s i n t y p e o f c o m e d y. P a r t i c u l a r l y i n t h e l a t e 8 0 ' s a n d e a r l y edy began t h e t r a n s f o r m a t i o n t o w a r d a v a u d e v i l l e - t y p e s h o w where t h e p e r f o r m e r s became m o r e i m p o r t a n t t h a n t h e p l a y . Most r e v i e w s o f c o m e d i e s a f t e r 1 8 9 0 f o c u s e d o n t h e a c t o r s ' songs, d a n c e s a n d a c r o b a t i c s k i l l s r a t h e r t h a n o n t h e p l a y itself. R e p e r t o r y Companies R e p e r t o r y companies c o n t i n u e d t o b e popular during the f i r s t n i n e years o f of t h e t h e a t r e . M o s t companies f e a t u r e d comedies t i m e f a v o r i t e s s u c h a s R i p Va n W i n k l e a n d T e n N i g h t s i n a Barroom. T h e y a l s o a t t e m p t e d t o l u r e a u d i e n c e s w i t h p r i z e drawings f o r p a r l o r stoves o r s o f a s . Rentfrow's J o l l y P a t h f i n d e r s made f o u r the c i t y d u r i n g H e n n i n g ' s t e n u r e . T h e q u a l i t y o f performance went f r o m " n o t a ' s t i c k ' i n t h e company" i n 188783 t o 81Republican, 8 May 1894. 8 2 C o u r i e r, 1 2 May 1 8 9 4 , P . 8 . 8 3 C o u r i e r, 8 O c t . 1 8 8 7 , p . 1 . �7 ticularly strong" b y 1892.84 to a p p e a r i n 1 8 8 9 . The H o l d e n Comedy Company b e g a n T h i s company f e a t u r e d t h e t e t t e , singing, dancing and s p e c i a l t i e s , s p a r k l i n g scenes, popular music, f u n n y situations from beginning t o end."85 The c o m p a n y a l s o f e a t u r e d a c h i l d a c t r e s s a n d p r i z e d r a w i n g s which o f f e r e d e v e r y t h i n g f r o m s i l v e r t e a s e t s t o a n " a n t i q u e oak c h a m b e r s e t . " 8 6 The W a i t e C o m b i n a t i o n , E u n i c e G o o d r i c h pany a n d I d a Va n C o u r t l a n d ' s Ta v e r n i e r s a l l a p p e a r e d t w i c e i n C o l d w a t e r . W h i l e t h e W a i t e ' s commanded l a r g e a u d i e n c e s , the C o u r i e r w r o t e t h a t " a more w r e t c h e d performance was n e v e r witnessed on t h e s t a g e . . . ."87 The T a v e r n i e r s w e r e j u d g e d " f a r above t h e average o f t h e h i g h p r i c e d companies t h a t visit our city."88 F i f t e e n o t h e r r e p e r t o r y companies made s i n g l e v i s i t s to t h e c i t y . N o t a b l e among them were t h e E g b e r t D r a m a t i c Company s t a r r i n g M i s s K a t e G l a s s f o r d , " a n e m o t i o n a l a c t r e s s f a r above t h e average;"89 t h e Carner-Shepard Combination, i n which C a r n e r was pronounced " f u l l y t h e e q u a l o f 84Courier, 1 O c t . 1 8 9 2 , p . 8 . 85 Courier, 1 9 S e p t . 1 8 9 1 , p . 8 . 86Republican, 2 0 Dec. 1 8 8 9 . 87 Courier, 3 O c t . 1 8 8 5 . 8 8 C o u r 1 e r, 9 M a r. 1 8 8 9 , p . 1 . 89 Republican, D e c . 1885. �76 son" i n h i s p o r t r a y a l o f R i p Va n W i n k l e ; 9 0 t h e t o n Company i n w h i c h M i s s H a m i l t o n p o r t r a y e d N a n c y S y k e s i n O l i v e r Tw i s t w i t h "more t h a n o r d i n a r y power";91 a n d win Comedy Company who a w a r d e d a J e r s e y cow t o t h e h o l d e r o f a w i n n i n g n u m b e r. 9 2 U n c l e T o m ' s C a b i n C o m p a n i e s U n c l e To m c o m p a n i e s c o n t i n u e d to a t t r a c t b o t h l a r g e audiences a n d t h e r i d i c u l e o f t h e p r e s s . D r a p e r ' s U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n Company a n d S t e t s o n ' s Company e a c h m a d e r e t u r n e n g a g e m e n t s . O n e W . D i b b l e o f t h e S t e t s o n Company was e s p e c i a l l y p o p u l a r because o f h i s n i n g musket d r i l l " w h i c h was " t r u l y m a r v e l o u s . " 9 3 There seemed t o b e a c o m p e t i t i o n among t h e U n c l e Tom c o m p a n i e s t o p r o d u c e t h e m o s t s p e c t a c u l a r s h o w . B y 1890 Rusco a n d S w i f t ' s c o m p a n y f e a t u r e d " t h e o r i g i n a l E l i z a , t h e 4o,000 g a l l o n t a n k o f water, N t r i c k alligator, t e r man-eating blood hounds, r t h g t r i c k donkey g i n a l Te n n e s s e e J u b i l e e s i n g e r s a n d M i s s C o r a D e n n i n g , t h e l a r g e s t s a l a r i e d To p s y t r a v e l i n g ( $ 2 5 0 p e r t o n ' s M o n s t e r company f e a t u r e d " 2 To p s i e s , 2 M a r k s , 90Republican, 1 0 Sept. 1886. 91Courier, 1 5 Dec. 1 8 8 8 , p . 1 92Republican, 2 7 N o v. 1 8 9 1 . 93Courier, 4 F e b . 1 8 8 8 , p . 5. 9 4 C o u r i e r, 1 5 F e b . 1 8 9 0 , p . 1 . • �7 cated donkeys, f i v e S h e t l a n d p o n i e s , 6 Cuban and l i t t l e D o l l i e White, t h e phenominal C s i g child artist."95 I n 1 8 9 4 , T h e D a v i s ' U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n Company i n c l u d e d " t w o bands, s e v e r a l h o r s e s , s i x b l o o d hounds, E v a ' s g o l d e n c h a r i o t , Uncle To m ' s C a b i n a n d h i s s o u t h e r n o x c a r t . " 9 6 only r e p l y t o a l l The p r e s s e s ' o f t h i s was " A n o t h e r U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n company i s h e a d e d t h i s w a y , J o h n n y , g e t y o u r g u n ! " 9 7 Operas a n d O p e r e t t a s A l t h o u g h t h e l o c a l c i t i z e n s ' i n t e r e s t in opera and o p e r e t t a was f u l f i l l e d o n l y by tions during Bart Ti b b i t s ' ownership o f the sional companies a r r i v e d d u r i n g t h e Henning y e a r s . T w e l v e such c o m p a n i e s a p p e a r e d o n t h e T i b b i t s s t a g e . B y far the most p o p u l a r w a s t h e A n d r e w s O p e r a Company w h i c h p l a y e d i n Coldwater f o u r times between 1889 and 1893. T h e citizens' eagerness t o a t t r a c t t h i s company i n a u g u r a t e d t h e p r a c t i c e o f "guaranteed performances." A l a r g e number o f people bought t i c k e t s i n advance a n d t h e n t h e company was i n v i t e d form a t t h e T i b b i t s f o r a g u a r a n t e e d f u l l h o u s e . nique was u t i l i z e d f r e q u e n t l y i n f u t u r e y e a r s t o a t t r a c t performers a n d shows w h i c h n o r m a l l y would have bypassed t h e Opera House b e c a u s e o f i t s l i m i t e d s e a t i n g c a p a c i t y. 9 5 C o u r i e r, 2 7 D e c . 1 8 9 0 , p . 1. 9 6 C o u r i e r, 1 6 June 1 8 9 4 , p . 1. 97 C o u r i e r, 1 F e b . 1 8 9 0 , p . 1. T h e �7 i n i t i a l p r o d u c t i o n o f t h e Andrews company's L a M a s c o t t e w a s w e l l r e c e i v e d . B y 1 8 9 3 t h e company h a d a d d e d " s k i r t d a n c e r s " and c h a r g e d " a d o l l a r f o r a f i f t y c e n t The Emma A b b o t t C o m p a n i e s ' p r o d u c t i o n o f M a r t h a b r o u g h t e x c u r s i o n t r a i n s f r o m many n e i g h b o r i n g t o w n s 9 9 t o see " P r o b a b l y t h e m o s t e n j o y a b l e p e r f o r m a n c e e v e r g i v e n i n C o l d w a t e r . " 1 0 0 T h e Thompson O p e r a C o m p a n i e s ' M i k a d o w a s "very pleasing"101 a l t h o u g h t h e Republican r e v i e w e r added "The o p e r a i s v e r y f a n n y a n d w o u l d b e b e t t e r e n j o y e d o n a second h e a r i n g . E v e r y t h i n g i s s o s t r a n g e a n d u n e x p e c t e d t h a t i t t a k e s some t i m e t o become a c c u s t o m e d t o i t s o d d i t i e s . " 1 0 2 The r e v i e w e r s a g r e e d t h a t t h e a c t i n g w a s much b e t t e r t h a n was g e n e r a l l y s e e n among s i n g e r s . Local opera b u f f s a l s o had an o p p o r t u n i t y t o h e a r t h e Temple T h e a t r e C o m p a n i e s ' L i t t l e Ty c o o n a n d I n t h e S w i m ; t h e B o s t o n C o m i c O p e r a Company i n T h e M a s c o t , O l i v e t t e and t h e M i k a d o ; a n d t h e S t e t s o n Company i n T h e Ye o m a n o f the G u a r d . I n 1893 t h e John G r i f f i t h Faust. 9 8 C o u r i e r, 3 1 J a n . 1 8 9 1 , p . 1 ; a n d 4 N o v. 1 8 9 3 , p . 8 . 99Ruoublican, 9 O c t . 1885. 10 ° C o u r i e r , 1 7 O c t . 1 8 8 5 . 1 0 1 C o u r i e r, 2 4 O c t . 1 8 8 5 . 102Republican, 2 3 O c t . 1 8 8 5 . �7 Visiting stars The O p e r a H o u s e c o n t i n u e d t o e x p e r i e n c e d i f f i c u l t y i n p e r s u a d i n g s t a r s t o come t o C o l d w a t e r. T h e t r a c t i o n d u r i n g the Henning years was Francesca Janauschek. This Czech a c t r e s s , who was one o f proponents o f bits the last international the grand tragic s t y l e , appeared a t i n 1888 a s Meg M e r i l l e s and a g a i n i n 1890 a s L a d y Macbeth. C a l l i n g h e r 1888 appearance " t h e dramatic e v e n t o f the s e a s o n , " t h e Republican r e v i e w e r noted "She h a s t h e same spirit t h a t s h e e x h i b i t e d when we h e a r d h e r t e n o r t w e l v e years ago. H e r makeup a s t h e w i t c h c a n h a r d l y be i m p r o v e d and t h e p a t h o s w h i c h s h e p u t i n t o t h e p a r t kindliness and love s t i l l dwelt within the harsh exterior. Janauschek's motherly face ( a is well adapted t o this r e a l l y showed t h a t t h i n g she could not disguise) particular sentiment i n 'Old Meg.,103 In 1890, t h e Courier reported t h a t "She gave a terpretation o f Lady Macbeth."104 Sol Smith Russell, who had appeared i n 1884, r e t u r n e d i n 1886 t o play in F e l i x McKersick and again i n 1888 f o r performance o f Bewitched. T h e a Republican reviewer found the plays i n f e r i o r and t h e company s u p p o r t i n g R u s s e l l " n o t a strong one." a host i n H e concluded, however, t h a t " M r. R u s s e l l i s himself, and h i s songs and impersonations created 103 R e p u b l i c a n . 2 1 F e b . 1 8 8 8 . 104Courier. 1 5 M a r. 1 8 9 0 , P. 1, �8 quite a f u r o r e o f enthusiasm."105 Roland R e e d a l s o r e t u r n e d i n 1 8 8 6 t o p l a y i n Humbug. H i s s u p p o r t i n g a c t r e s s , E m i l y Kean, r e c e i v e d a b e t t e r r e v i e w t h a n h e . " M i s s K e a n made a b r i g h t a n d v i v a c i o u s N e t t i e S h a w, a n d a d d e d much t o t h e enjoyment o f t h e e v e n i n g b y h e r s i n g i n g . " 1 0 6 Maggie M i t c h e l l a n d R h e a a l s o p l a y e d ments. M i t c h e l l ' s L o n e , o r t h e A r t i s t ' s Dream r e c e i v e d n o r e v i e w . R h e a ' s p e r f o r m a n c e i n Much A d o A b o u t N o t h i n g w a s termed " q u i t e a t r e a t . " T h e r e v i e w e r c o n t i n u e d t h a t h e r s u p p o r t i n g company w a s s t r o n g a n d t h e c o s t u m e s w e r e " t h e m o s t elegant e v e r seen on t h e stage here."107 May D a v e n p o r t w a s booked f o r D e c e m b e r 4 , 1 8 8 9 b u t f a i l e d t o m a k e a n a p p e a r a n c e "much t o t h e d i s g u s t o f t h e b a l d h e a d s . " 1 0 8 Robert M a n t e l l , who f o r m e r l y p l a y e d o p p o s i t e F a n n y D a v e n p o r t , a p p e a r e d i n Monbars i n 1 8 8 9 . H e was r a t e d " a n unusually f i n e a c t o r " and t h e press l a b e l e d t h e p l a y ful."109 Local b o x i n g f a n s g o t a t r e a t when John van a p p e a r e d i n T h e Man f r o m B o s t o n . " A s C a p t a i n H a r c o u r t , M r. S u l l i v a n a p p e a r s s e v e r a l l y i n a w h i t e costume w h i c h i s v a s t l y b e c o m i n g ; i n t h a t b a d g e o f s o c i e t y , 105Republican, 9 A p r i l 1 8 8 6 . 106Republican, 2 6 F e b . 1 8 8 6 . 1 0 7 C o u r i e r, 8 Dec. 1888, p . 1 1 0 8 C o u r i e r, 7 Dec. 1889, p . 1 109Repub1ican, 1 9 A p r i l 1 8 8 9 ; a n d C o u r i e r , 2 0 A p r i l 1889, p . 8 . �8 the o r d i n a r y d r e s s s u i t , a n d i n h i s f i g h t i n g costume arena c o n t e s t when t h e audience s i m p l y howl w i t h d e l i g h t a t the s i g h t o f J o h n ' s massive m u s c l e . " 11 0 Concerts During t h e Henning years musical t i n u e d t o command l a r g e a u d i e n c e s . S o m e o f ments w e r e p a r t o f t h e Y. M . C . A . l e c t u r e s e r i e s , b u t a g r e a t e r number w e r e t r a v e l i n g c o m p a n i e s who w e r e b o o k e d i n t o b i t s f o r a s i n g l e performance. Instrumental music continued t o t a k e second p l a c e t o v o c a l e n t e r t a i n m e n t s b u t a number o f s u c h groups came t o Coldwater between 1888 a n d 1 8 9 4 . T h e Royal dors, a group c o n s i s t i n g o f t h r e e mandolins and two g u i t a r s , appeared i n 1 8 8 8 . 111 Two y e a r s l a t e r , t h e Y. M . C . A . l e c t u r e s e r i e s b r o u g h t t h e B o s t o n Symphony O r c h e s t r a l C l u b t o t o w n . The Symphony f e a t u r e d S w e d i s h p r i m a d o n n a M l l e . t r o m . 11 2 The M c G i b e n y ' s , a f a m i l y o f s i x t e e n who p r e s e n t e d a n instrumental and vocal entertainment, appeared i n 1889 and again i n 1 8 9 2 . 11 3 D u r i n g t h e e a r l y 1 8 9 0 ' s t h e Y. M . C . A . p r e s e n t e d t h e 11 0 R e p u b l i c a n , 1 9 D e c . 1 8 9 3 . 111 C o u r i e r, 2 5 F e b . 1 8 8 8 , p . 5 . 11 2 C o u r i e r, 1 5 F e b . 1 8 9 0 , p . 1 . 11 3 R e p u b l i c a n , 1 1 O c t . 1 8 8 9 . �82 Charles F. Higgins Concert C o . , a trio;114 violin, cornet and clarinet and t h e M i c h i g a n U n i v e r s i t y G l e e a n d B a n j o C l u b . Appearing i n 1893 and a g a i n i n ' 9 4 t h e Michigan U n i v e r s i t y group " . . . rendered the most d i f f i c u l t r e m a r k a b l e s k i l l . , , 11 5 The S w e d i s h N a t i o n a l O c t e t w a s t h e o n l y v o c a l g r o u p to make t w o appearances d u r i n g Henning's t e n u r e . T h e ladies appeared i n t h e costumes a n d head d r e s s o f t h e p e a s a n t r y and were " s o f u l l o f brightness and vivacity that the audience i s c o m p l e t e l y enraptured."116 O t h e r v o c a l groups i n c l u d e d t h e V e s c e l i u s O p e r a a n d C o n c e r t C o m p a n y, w h i c h c o n s i s t e d o f a f e m a l e t r i o , t e n o r , b a r i t o n e , p i a n i s t a n d c o m e d i a n ; 11 7 t h e Harvard Q u a r t e t t e , whose "concert gave v e r y tion;"118 Emerson's Boston Stars; "Across t h e A t l a n t i c , " a 1 program f e a t u r i n g D u t c h , I r i s h a n d Negro s o n g s ; 1 9 L e n n a n ' s R o y a l E d i n b u r g h C o n c e r t C o m p a n y. T h e Y . M . C . A . c o u r s e brought i n t h e O v i d e M u s i n C o n c e r t Company; t h e A r i e l Thomas Combination, T h e Schuman L a d y Q u a r t e t t e , t h e R e d p a t h C o n c e r t C o m p a n y, a n d t h e L o t u s G l e e C l u b . 11 Republican, 2 8 Feb. 1 8 9 0 . 11 5 C o u r i e r, 1 1 F e b . 1 8 9 3 , p . 1. 11 6 R e p u b l i c a n , 2 1 S e p t . 1 8 8 8 . 11 7 C o u r i e r, 2 0 June 1 8 8 5 . 11 8 C o u r i e r, 9 F e b . 1 8 8 9 , p . 8. 11 9 Courier, 1 3 A p r i l 1889, p . 8. �83 The l a d i e s of Detroit, f o r o f St. Marks imported Mrs. F. a program o f vocal music i n 1892. C. Arthur, 120 A year l a t e r , t h e W h i t n e y Mockridge company was persuaded t o s t o p o ff a t Coldwater while en route t o Chicago. T h e wrote " . . . Courier M r. Mockridge possesses a t e n o r voice markable s t r e n g t h a n d q u a l i t y , w h i l e o t h e r members o f the company w e r e v o c a l i s t s . o f more t h a n o r d i n a r y a b i l i t y . . ."121 Related Theatrical A c t i v i t y The O p e r a H o u s e c o n t i n u e d t o p r o v i d e s p a c e f o r number o f a c t i v i t i e s besides professional theatre. became m o r e p o p u l a r i n a L e c t u r e s the l a t e 80's and the sored a l e c t u r e course each season b e g i n n i n g i n 1888-89. M i n s t r e l shows a l s o continued t o be crowdever, t h e t o t a l number o f such entertainments what compared t o t h e T i b b i t s y e a r s . shows g a i n e d i n popularity. I n V a r i e t y and vaudeville f a c t , many o f the m i n s t r e l entertainments were hardly distinguishable from ville acts. Dances, p o l i t i c a l meetings, w r e s t l i n g matches, a r t e x h i b i t s a s w e l l a s many o t h e r a c t i v i t i e s c o n t i n u e d t o be h o u s e d i n Lectures the Tibbits. D e s p i t e the Republican reviewer's caution t h a t . baseball, cardplaying, dancing, e t c . may be v e r y w e l l 120Repub1ican, 1 2 A p r i l 1 8 9 2 . 1 2 1 C o u r i e r, 1 A p r i l 1 8 9 3 , p . 1 �8 i n t h e i r w a y, b u t n o t n e a r l y s o b e n e f i c i a l a s t h a t d o s o much t o t r a i n t h e i n t e l l e c t i n s t e a d o f t h e h a n d s and f e e t , " 1 2 2 t h e t o w n d i d n o t r e a l l y s u p p o r t a l e c t u r e course u n t i l 1 8 8 8 - 8 9 . P r e v i o u s l y , t h e r e h a d b e e n o n l y o n e or two l e c t u r e s p e r y e a r. I n 1886, M r. R . F. Tr e v e l l i c k , t h e Grand L e c t u r e r o f t h e N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y o f K n i g h t s o f L a b o r , made a f a v o r a b l e i m p r e s s i o n w h e n h e s p o k e o n t h e p r o b l e m s o f the w o r k i n g man.123 The f o l l o w i n g y e a r R e v. G e o r g e C r a v e n s o f To l e d o s p o k e o n L o c a l O p t i o n v s . H i g h L i c e n s e " 1 2 4 w h i l e R e v. R o b e r t N o u r s e o f W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . g a v e a l e c t u r e e n t i t l e d "John a n d J o n a t h a n . " 1 2 5 The 1 8 8 8 l e c t u r e s e r i e s i n c l u d e d n o t o n l y l e c t u r e s but a l s o o n e o r two c o n c e r t s . T h e speakers i n c l u d e d J u s t i n M c C a r t h y, a l e a d e r i n t h e B r i t i s h H o u s e o f Commons;126 C . E . Bolton, who gave a s t e r e o p t i c a n l e c t u r e o n Russia and t h e Romanoffs";127 a n d R e v. R o b e r t M c I n t y r e who " c a r r i e s h i s audience a w a y w i t h h i m b y h i s e l o q u e n c e i n " T h e Man w i t h the M u s k e t , o r S o l d i e r i n g i n D i x i e . " 1 2 8 R e v . D r . W i l l i t s o f 122Republican, 2 8 S e p t . 1 8 8 8 . 123Republican, 4 May 1 8 8 6 . 124 C o u r i e r, 1 7 D e c . 1 8 8 7 , p . 1 . 1 2 5 C o u r i e r, 2 5 F e b . 1 8 8 8 , p . 1 . 126Republican, 2 1 S e p t . 1 8 8 8 . 1 2 7 C o u r i e r, 2 2 D e c . 1 8 8 8 , p . 1 . 128 Republican, 2 1 D e c . , 1 8 8 8 . �85 Philadelphia gave a lecture e n t i t l e d "Sunshine."129 Kennan s p o k e o n "Camp L i f e George i n E a s t e r n S i b e r i a , " 1 3 0 a n d R e v. Hourse r e t u r n e d t o impersonate D r . J e k y l and M r. Hyde.131 In 1889, t h e l e c t u r e course provided ments f o r 1 2 i O e a c h . 1 3 2 T h e Dr. A . A . W i l l i t s , speakers, John DeWitt M i l l e r, Russell H. Conwell, Bob Burdette land Powers discoursed on a v a r i e t y o f subjects r a n g i n g from Love a n d M a r r i a g e t o p r i s o n l i f e t o "Acres o f Diamonds." Washington G a r d n e r p r e s e n t e d h i s l e c t u r e , " T h e S t r u g g l e f o r Chattanooga" u n d e r t h e auspices o f Butterworth Post G.A.R.133 The R e d p a t h L e c t u r e B u r e a u s e t u p t h e 1 8 9 0 - 9 1 Y. M . C . A . lecture course.134 Leland Powers, who had the y e a r formed " R e p r e s e n t a t i o n s f r o m D i c k e n s , " r e t u r n e d t o sonations from David Garrick.135 do n o t t h i n k line The R e p u b l i c a n w r o t e " W e t h a t Mr. Powers has h i s equal on t h e stage i n his o f work" t h e n the reviewer suggested t h a t t h e l o c a l people would l i k e t o see Mr. Powers perform i n a p l a y. 1 3 6 129Courier, 2 3 M a r. 1 8 8 9 , p . 1. 130Courier, 3 0 M a r. 1 8 8 9 , p . 1. 131Republican, 21 S e p t . 1888. 132Republican, 8 Oct. 1889. 133Republican, 5 Mar. 1890. 134,Republican, 1 2 S e p t . 1 8 9 0 . 1 3 5 C o u r i e r, 2 0 D e c . 1 8 9 0 , p . 136;Republican, 1 6 J a n . 1 8 9 1 . 1. Other �8 tures t h a t season i n c l u d e d a discourse b y D r. James H e d l e y on t h e " S u n n y S i d e o f L i f e " ; 1 3 7 D a n i e l D a u g h e r t y, t h e " s i l v e r tongued o r a t o r " s p e a k i n g o n " O r a t o r s a n d O r a t o r y " ; 138 a n d R e v. F a t h e r C o o n e y d e s c r i b i n g h i s w a r e x p e r i e n c e s . 1 3 9 D u r i n g t h e summer b e f o r e t h e 1 8 9 1 - 9 2 s e a s o n , t h e Republican r e v i e w e r complained t h a t p r e v i o u s courses a l l h a d a s o r t o f "sameness." H e suggested t h a t "something o f t h e s c i e n t i f i c o r d e r should be interspersed t h a t i n s t r u c t i o n a s w e l l a s amusement."14o The r e s u l t o f quest was a n " i l l u s t r a t e d s c i e n t i f i c l e c t u r e " b y B. D e m o t t e e n t i t l e d , " O l d O c e a n , O u r S l a v e a n d M a s t e r . 1 4 1 " The R e d p a t h a n d S l a y t o n L e c t u r e B u r e a u , i n b e h a l f o f t h e Y. M . C . A . , a l s o e n g a g e d H o n . G e o r g e R . W e n d l i n g whose " S a u l o f Ta r s u s " " h e l d t h e a u d i e n c e a l m o s t s p e l l b o u n d f o r a n h o u r a n d a half."142 R e v. T h o m a s D i x o n , J r . s p o k e o n " B a c k b o n e , " 1 4 3 w h i l e N y e a n d B u r b a n k , K i n g s o f P a t h o s a n d Humor d e l i g h t e d a SRO a u d i e n c e w i t h t h e i r i m p e r s o n a t i o n s . 1 4 4 1 3 7 C o u r i e r, 1 8 O c t . 1 8 9 0 , p . 1 . 1 3 8 0 0 u r i e r, 1 4 F e b . 1 8 9 1 , p . 1 . 139Republican, 3 1 M a r. 1 8 9 1 . 140Re p u b l i c a n , 3 1 J u l y 1 8 9 1 . 141 C o u r i e r, 5 M a r. , 1892, p . 1 . 1 4 2 C o u r i e r, 21 N o v . 1 8 9 1 , p . 8 . 143 C o u r i e r, 5 Dec. 1891, p . 8 . 14 C o u r i e r , 16 J a n . 1 8 9 2 , p . 8 . The m o s t p o p u l a r �87 l e c t u r e r o f t h e s e a s o n was R o b e r t G . I n g e r s o l l who came u n d e r the a u s p i c e s o f t h e Bon Ami C l u b . 1 4 5 A special t r a i n from Hillsdale brought the people o f that town to hear his less o r a t o r y and b r i l l i a n t word-painting" a s he spoke o n "Abraham L i n c o l n . " 1 4 6 The f i n a l l e c t u r e course during the featured a r e t u r n performance b y Russell H. Conwell, t h i s t i m e speaking o n " T h e S i l v e r Crown o r Born a K i n g . " 1 4 7 Theatre patrons a l s o had an opportunity t o " Tr a v e l i n E q u a t o r i a l Africa" w i t h Paul B. DuChailler,148 go "Around t h e World i n a Man-o-War" w i t h R o b e r t s H a r p e r, 1 4 9 a n d "Up t h e R h i n e a n d o v e r the A l p s w i t h a Knapsack" w i t h Henry C . D a n e . 1 5 0 A t the c l o s e o f t h i s s e a s o n , t h e Y. M . C . A . i n d i c a t e d t h a t t h e y n o longer could a f f o r d t o support a l e c t u r e series.151 T h e l o c a l peoples' demand f o r t h e b e s t speakers and l o w p r i c e s made i t i m p o s s i b l e f o r t h e Y . M . C . A . t o r e a l i z e a n y p r o f i t . Minstrels T h e A l G. Fields Minstrels returned t o Coldwater on t h r e e o c c a s i o n s . T h e Courier explained the companies' 1 4 5 C o u r i e r, 2 7 F e b . 1 8 9 2 , p . 8. 1 4 6 C o u r i e r, 2 7 F e b . 1 8 9 2 , p . 8. 1 4 7 C o u r i e r, 1 7 D e c . 1 8 9 2 , p . 1. 1 4 8 C o u r i e r, 1 7 D e c . 1 8 9 2 , p . 1. 1 4 9 C o u r i e r, 2 8 J a n . 1 8 9 3 , p . 1. 1 5 0 C o u r i e r, 1 1 M a r . 1 8 9 3 , p . 1. 1 5 1 C o u r i e r, 2 S e p t . 1 8 9 3 , p . 4. �p o p u l a r i t y. i t . . . M i n s t r e l s y has followed a beaten path f o r a number o f years, and, w h i l s t i t i s the most popular o f a l l A m e r i c a n amusements, t h e p e o p l e demand some c h a n g e s . G. F i e l d a n d C o m p a n i e s ' m i n s t r e l s the p o p u l a r c h o r d . . . . instead of . . half A l seem t o have s t r u c k circle and elevation, i n t r o d u c i n g t h e bones and tambourine men t h e F i e l d ' s m i n s t r e l s begin t h e i r entertainment w i t h a m i l i t a r y pageant. • • • ,,152 The F i e l d s h o w a l s o i n c l u d e d B i k e a c t s , j u g g l i n g a n d s p l i t t i n g " humor. B a r l o w B r o t h e r s S p e c t a c u l a r M i n s t r e l s were t h e o n l y o t h e r o r g a n i z a t i o n t o a p p e a r more t h a n once during the Henning years. O n t h e i r second appearance i n 1892 t h e C o u r i e r w r o t e t h a t t h e y " . the s p e c i a l t i e s . . f a i r show, o f A r c h i e Royer, t h e h i g h k i c k e r, a n d F e r r y, the f r o g man, b e i n g t h e f e a t u r e s . A s i d e formance c a l l s gave a from these f o r no special mention."153 Eight o t h e r m i n s t r e l companies appeared on b i t s s t a g e between 1885 and 1894. N o t a b l e among t h e s e were McNish, Ramza a n d A r n o ' s R e f i n e d M i n s t r e l s w h i c h "baseball statue clog,"154 and Gorton's Minstrels tured club-swinging and cornet playing. ence f o r t h e Gortons was s m a l l i n April 152Courier, 2 4 A u g . 1 8 8 9 , p . 153Courier, 5 M a r. 1 8 9 2 , p . 8. 8. 154Courier, 1 3 O c t . 1 8 8 8 , p . 155 Courier, 21 A p r i l 1894, p . 1. 8. 155 When t h e o f 1894, �MM. 89 l i c a n concluded t h a t " t h e s m a l l attendance demonstrates t h a t t h e p o p u l a r i t y o f m i n s t r e l shows i s o n t h e w a n e . " 1 5 6 The T i b b i t s a l s o h o u s e d t w o f e m a l e ances d u r i n g t h e H e n n i n g y e a r s . M a u d e R e v i l l e ' s B r i t i s h Blondes, who a p p e a r e d i n 1 8 8 6 , e x c i t e d l i t t l e comment. I n 1889, D u n c a n C l a r k ' s L a d y M i n s t r e l s a n d New A r a b i a n N i g h t s shocked t h e C o l d w a t e r c i t i z e n s w h o p r i o r t o t h i s d e m o n s t r a t e d an u n u s u a l l y l i b e r a l o u t l o o k . T h e R e p u b l i c a n r e p o r t e d t h a t ". . . Seated upon t h e s t a g e were e i g h t dressed. . . females, s c a n t i l y T h e r e was n o t h i n g , s a v e perhaps a h i g h l a n d f l i n g , t h a t m e r i t e d a n y commendation. T h e s i n g i n g the m a r c h i n g b y t h e a m a z o n s h o r r i b l y e x e c u t e d , a ter than a f l o c k o f sheep. . . . I t i s hoped t h i s be s p a r e d t h e i n f l i c t i o n o f a n o t h e r l i k e Courier r e v i e w e r l a b e l e d t h e e n t e r t a i n m e n t " t h e v i l e s t show t h a t e v e r appeared i n C o l d w a t e r. " H e c o n t i n u e d t h a t t h e r e was n o t o n e p e r s o n i n t h e c o m p a n y who c o u l d a c t , s i n g , d a n c e , o r p l a y a n i n s t r u m e n t . C a l l i n g t h e women " c o a r s e b r a z e n t h i n g s , " h e concluded t h a t t h e whole c h a r a c t e r o f t h e show was " b a d , d e c i d e d l y b a d . " 1 5 8 Va r i e t y and Va u d e v i l l e V a r i e t y and i56_e R publican, 2 0 A p r i l 1894. 157Repub1ican, 1 5 N o v. 1 8 8 9 . 1 5 8 C o r i e r , 1 6 N o v. 1 8 8 9 , p . 1 . �90 ments s t i l l d i d n o t a t t r a c t a l a r g e a u d i e n c e i n C o l d w a t e r . Six companies a p p e a r e d o v e r t h e n i n e y e a r p e r i o d a n d none o f them e x c i t e d much p r e s s c o m m e n t . T h e I d a S i d d o n s B u r l e s q u e and S p e c i a l t y C o m p a n y ' s s h o w w h i c h a p p e a r e d a t t h e T i b b i t s in 1886 consisted mostly o f spectacle and g i r l s . T h e s p e c i a l f e a t u r e s w e r e a d r i l l b y e i g h t l a d y drum m a j o r s , t i c dance, a n d " D a r l i n e , t h e N a i a d Queen."159 The b e r g F a m i l y Museum Company f e a t u r e d m u s i c a l n o v e l t i e s , b e l l ringing, character sketches, i l l u s i o n s , cornet solos t a t i o n s o f S p a n i s h b u g l e c a l l s a n d m i l i t a r y commands b y t h e parrot "Pedro."160 Miscellaneous T h e dance f l o o r was u t i l i z e d through 1 8 9 2 . A dance was h e l d i n 1885161 a n d a n o t h e r dance and a g r a n d m a s q u e r a d e i n 1 8 8 6 . 162 I n 1 8 8 8 a n o r c h e s t r a was imported f r o m Kalamazoo f o r a L e a p Ye a r B a l l w h i c h fectly carried out, from the very fine orchestra to q u i s i t e b a l l programs, a n d genelemen's boutonniers ordered from D e t r o i t . " 1 6 3 I n 1892 a n o t h e r Leap Ye a r B a l l was housed in t h e Ti b b i t s . 1 6 4 159 E2221211a2a, 5 F e b . 1 8 8 6 . 1 6 0 C o u r i e r, 3 S e p t . 1 8 8 7 , p . 1 . 16 162 Republican, 11 Aug. 1 8 8 5 . Republican, 5 J a n . 1 8 8 6 ; a n d 2 6 June 1 8 8 6 . 16 3 C o u r i e r, 4 F e b . 1 8 8 8 , p . 5 . 164 - - C o u r i e r, 2 0 F e b . 1 8 9 2 , p . 8 . , �91 The O p e r a H o u s e c o n t i n u e d t o s e r v e f o r important p o l i t i c a l meetings. I n a l l t h e more 1885, Governor Alger and one R o b e r t F r a z e r " d i s c u s s e d t h e p o l i t i c a l q u e s t i o n s o f t h e d a y. " T h e Courier reported t h a t F r a z e r "poured hot shot into t h e Democratic ranks."165 In October o f 1888 flow crowd gathered t o h e a r Miss Anna E . Dickenson the R e p u b l i c a n c a u s e . T h i s m e e t i n g a l s o f e a t u r e d ing o f t h e Republican Glee Club and a solo b y a Miss Bertha Lincoln.166 That same y e a r , M r s . A d e l l H a z l e t t a l s o d i s c u s s e d "politics from a Republican stand point" and gave "one o f the most l o g i c a l , c o n c l u s i v e a n d a t t h e same t i m e humorous s p e e c h e s of the campaign."167 a speech.168 On O c t o b e r 2 8 , 1 8 9 0 G o v e r n o r L u c e g a v e The f o l l o w i n g d a y , t w o o r a t o r s e x p l a i n e d t h e McKinley B i l l . 1 6 9 I n 1 8 9 2 t h e Opera House was t h e s i t e o f a Republican r a l l y which featured s i x bands, f i r e w o r k s , a n d Courier wrote t h a t i t was t o t h e speakers' c r e d i t t h a t t h e house w a s p a c k e d a s c l o s e l y a t t h e c l o s e o f t h e m e e t i n g a s a t i t s commencement.170 1 6 5 C o u r i e r, 2 3 O c t . 1 8 8 5 , p . 5. 166Courier, 6 O c t . 1 8 8 8 , p . 1 . 1 6 7 C o u r i e r, 3 N o v. 1 8 8 8 , p . 1 . 168Republican, 2 4 O c t . 1 8 9 0 . 169 R e p u b l i c a n , 2 4 O c t . 1 8 9 0 . 1 7 0 C o u r i e r, 5 N o v. 1 8 9 2 , p. 8. �92 Wrestling gained i n popularity with a t l e a s t nine matches h e l d d u r i n g t h e H e n n i n g y e a r s . T h e Tibbits also featured a c t s b y P r o f . Casey and h i s "wonderful dogs,"171 Prof. Crocker's horses,172 and Prof. B r i s t o l ' s "educated horses and mules."173 I n 1 8 9 3 , t h e Maccabees h e l d a b e n e f i t performance w h i c h i n c l u d e d a midway on t h e Opera House stage a n d camel r i d e s ! 1 7 4 Two a r t e x h i b i t s w e r e h o u s e d i n t h e T i b b i t s d u r i n g the H e n n i n g y e a r s . T h e first, f o r the benefit featured a c t u a l photographs o f war scenes.175 o f In 1889 an a r t exhibit included paintings by Brisco i n an exposition e n t i t l e d "The B a t t l e o f G e t t y s b u r g . " 1 7 6 was a n a n n u a l e v e n t . The h i g h s c h o o l commencement T h e Opera House was a l s o t h e s i t e reunion and centennial exercises.177 of In 1886, t h e sociation and S a n i t a r y Conventions were h e l d a t t h e T i b b i t s . 1 7 8 I n A p r i l o f 1 8 9 0 a t w o - d a y r e c e p t i o n was h e l d f o r Bishop F o l e y, 171 172 17 174 175 Republican, 2 5 Aug. 1885. Republican, 8 Jan. 1886. Republican, 1 0 June 1890. Courier, 2 3 Dec. 1 8 9 3 , p . Republican, 2 6 Mar. 1886. 1 7 6 C o u r i e r, 2 7 A p r i l 1 8 8 9 , p . 177 178 1. 8. Republican, 1 2 Aug. 1887; and Courier, 4 May 1889, p . Courier, 2 9 May 1886; a n d Republican, 1 6 J u l y 1886. 1. �9 a guest o f t h e l o c a l Catholic church.179 Some u n u s u a l e n t e r t a i n m e n t s i n c l u d e d a m a r i o n e t t e 180 show b y t h e W i l b u r a n d R o s e E n t e r t a i n m e n t reading b y Miss Lena Loeb " t h e e l e c t r i c g i r l , " 1 8 1 a n d a benefit performance t o h e l p a stranded t u m b l e r s e c u r e h i s f a r e t o New Yo r k C i t y . 182 Amateur P r o d u c t i o n s Amateur p r o d u c t i o n s a t t h e O p e r a House r e f l e c t e d current t r e n d s i n t h e professional performances. T h e r e was an i n c r e a s e i n l e g i t i m a t e d r a m a - - p a r t i c u l a r l y o p e r a s a n d operettas. I n 1885 l o c a l t a l e n t produced t h e o p e r e t t a Golden H a i r a n d t h e T h r e e B e a r s f o r a r e a c h i l d r e n . 183 T h e f o l l o w i n g s e a s o n home t a l e n t p r o d u c e d t h e B o h e m i a n G i r l and Among t h e B r e a k e r s . 1 8 4 According t o t h e R e p u b l i c a n r e v i e w e r t h e Bohemian G i r l was " w e l l p a t r o n i z e d a n d versal satisfaction."185 There was n o f u r t h e r m e n t i o n o f Among t h e B r e a k e r s . 179Republican, 2 5 A p r i l 1 8 9 0 . 180 C o u r i e r, 2 4 D e c . 1 8 9 2 , p . 8 . 181Republican, 1 8 A p r i l 1 8 9 0 . 182Repub1ican, 3 0 J u l y 1 8 8 6 . 183Republican, 1 7 N o v. 1 8 8 5 . 184 Republican, 8 June 1886; a n d C o u r i e r, 1 6 O c t . 1 8 8 6 . 185Republican, 1 8 June 1 8 8 6 . �9 I n 1887 t h e amateurs produced E . H . R u s s e l l ' s The Union S p y o r t h e B a t t l e o f S h i l o h . T h e R e p u b l i c a n n o t e d t h a t "the p i e c e was b r o u g h t o u t i n f i n e s h a p e " many o f t h e p e r f o r m e r s h a d n e v e r b e e n o n s t a g e b e f o r e . 1 8 6 Later t h a t season, l o c a l t a l e n t presented H.M.S. Pinafore.187 Like o t h e r amateur performances t h i s was w e l l a t t e n d e d . I n fact, t h e Courier noted t h a t every seat i n the parquet and parquet c i r c l e w a s t a k e n t h e same d a y t h a t t h e b o x o f f i c e was o p e n e d . 1 8 8 I n March o f 1 8 8 8 a n o p e r e t t a e n t i t l e d The N a i a d Queen was t h e s u c c e s s o f t h e s e a s o n . T h e o p e r e t t a u t i l i z e d o v e r 200 c h i l d r e n a n d a n u m b e r o f l o c a l a d u l t s i n a " w o n d e r o u s p a g e a n t . " T h e R e p u b l i c a n r e v i e w e r was e n t h u s i a s t i c ; " a l l amateur p r o d u c t i o n s p a l e b e f o r e t h e s p l e n d o r s o f t h i s f a i r y pageant," h e exclaimed. I n t h e c l o s i n g scene "The e n t i r e capacious s t a g e o f t h e O p e r a House i s t r a n s f o r m e d i n t o a g l i t t e r i n g g r o t t o , which f o r elaborateness and splendor has never had a c o u n t e r p a r t h e r e . " " T w o hundred o r more s p r i t e s , f a i r i e s , nymphs, n a i a d s , d r y a d s , a n d o t h e r i m m o r t a l s , " t h e c r i t i c r e p o r t e d , " a r e assembled i n a v a s t a m p h i t h e a t r e a t t h e r e a r o f t h e s t a g e ; i n f r o n t gorgeous t r o p i c a l p l a n t s a r e s e e n , on t o p o f w h i c h b e a u t i f u l nymphs o r n a i a d s a r e s t a n d i n g 186Republican, 1 1 F e b . 1 8 8 7 . 187Republican, 2 2 A p r i l 1 8 8 7 . 1 8 8 C o u r i e r, 3 0 A p r i l 1 8 8 7 , p . 1 . �9 clining. . . ."189 I n 1 8 9 0 a p e r f o r m a n c e o f The P o a c h e r ' s Doom was mounted f o r t h e b e n e f i t press described i t o f the Coldwater City as "an excellent performance" i n which "the c h a r a c t e r s were sustained i n a manner t h a t would have done c r e d i t to professionals."190 Later t h a t year amateurs performed i n a p r o d u c t i o n o f Davy Crockett which f e a t u r e d a natural waterfall, r e a l i s t i c snow storm, b a t t l e w i t h wolves and " t h e q u i c k e s t m a r r i a g e o n r e c o r d . " 1 9 1 Amateurs f r o m H i l l s d a l e j o u r n e y e d t o C o l d w a t e r i n 1891 t o present Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience.192 I n January o f 1893 t h e Ladies A u x i l i a r y o f t h e Y. M . C . A . s p o n s o r e d the o p e r e t t a The F l o w e r Queen.193 Dress Rehearsal A formed i n June o f 1894, u n d e r t h e a u s p i c e s o f t h e S t . Marks Church A i d S o c i e t y. 1 9 4 particular . . . l i g h t f u l l y sung. T h i s operetta "was a success i n every n i c e l y staged, b e a u t i f u l l y . . Amateur m u s i c a l e n t e r t a i n m e n t s , however, w e r e n o t 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 Republican, 3 A p r i l 1888. C o u r i e r, 2 9 Mar. 1 8 9 0 , p . Courier, 1 8 Oct. 1890, 1. P. Republican, 21 May 1891. Courier, 2 8 Jan. 1893, p . C o u r i e r, 5 May 1894, p . Courier, 9 June 1 8 9 4 , p . 1. 8. 1. �96 as p r e v a l e n t d u r i n g t h e H e n n i n g y e a r s a s d u r i n g T i b b i t s ' management. T h e N o s s F a m i l y p r e s e n t e d t h e i r i n s t r u m e n t a l a n d vocal entertainment i n 1888 and again i n 1889. tainment was judged " n o t u p t o t h e h i g h e s t s t y l e o f t h e Classical" but "entertaining.„196 Other l o c a l sented v o c a l c o n c e r t s and t h e Coldwater Amateur M i n s t r e l s and F i t z p a t r i c k a n d J o s l y n ' s M i n s t r e l s p e r f o r m e d s e v e r a l times t o a seemingly s k e p t i c a l audience. T h e Courier noted i n 1 8 8 7 t h a t " t h o s e who w e n t e x p e c t i n g t o s e e a t e r r i b l e bad e n t e r t a i n m e n t w e r e d i s a p p o i n t e d . . . ,"197and i n 1891, the same p a p e r n o t e d t h a t "some o f t h e j o k e s w e r e o r i g i n a l " i n t h e F i t z p a t r i c k a n d J o s l y n M i n s t r e l Show. 198 Many l o c a l o r g a n i z a t i o n s m o u n t e d e n t e r t a i n m e n t s t o r a i s e m o n e y. T h e L a d i e s A u x i l i a r y o f t h e Y. M . C . A . p r e s e n t e d "An E v e n i n g o f D i c k e n s " w h i c h w a s j u d g e d " a g r e a t t i s t i c a l l y as w e l l as f i n a n c i a l l y. " 1 9 9 Marks d i d t a b l e a u x f r o m Ben H u r 200 w h i l e The L a d i e s o f S t . t h e Maccabees s t a g e d an e n t e r t a i n m e n t i n 1 8 9 4 w h i c h i n c l u d e d B u f f a l o B i l l a n d h i s cowboys, a n d a n a t t a c k o n a s t a g e c o a c h . 2 0 1 196 197 19 199 200 201 Republican, 1 0 May 1889. Courier, 1 J a n . 1 8 8 7 , p . Courier, 3 1 O c t . 1 8 9 1 , 5. P• 8 . Courier, 1 1 F e b . 1 8 8 8 , p . 5. C o u r i e r, 8 N o v. 1 8 9 0 , P . 1. Courier, 6 J a n . 1 8 9 4 , p . 1. �9 Synopsis During the f i r s t n i n e years o f the T i b b i t s h a d a number o f managers y e t t h e programming changed v e r y exercise l i t t l e . l i t t l e E v i d e n t l y the i n d i v i d u a l managers c o u l d control over either the quality or type o f production because t h e y were f o r c e d t o engage companies e n route between D e t r o i t and Chicago. T h u s , t h e managers o f big c i t y theatres determined the types o f l e g i t i m a t e drama available. S i n c e most companies a v a i l a b l e were composed largely of r e l a t i v e l y unknown i n d i v i d u a l s world, t h e quality i n the the theatrical o f a production could not be determined i n advance. O f t e n companies were engaged on t h e b a s i s one o r t w o f a v o r a b l e p r e s s r e v i e w s i n other cities. o f A l s o , many c o m p a n i e s b r o k e t h e i r c o n t r a c t s f r e e l y w h e n t u n i t y o f a n engagement i n a larger c i t y appeared. Some c h a n g e s i n t h e d r a m a t i c t a s t e s of the public are e v i d e n t d u r i n g t h e Henning years. M i n s t r e l shows l o s t p o p u l a r i t y while v a r i e t y and vaudeville gained tance, a l t h o u g h cepted u n t i l i n Coldwater, v a u d e v i l l e was n o t t h e J a c k s o n management. Y e t , i n the early 90's the c o m p l e x i o n o f comedy had a l t e r e d t o s u c h a n e x t e n t t h a t many c o m e d i e s w e r e l i t t l e m o r e t h a n v a r i e t y e n t e r t a i n m e n t s . The t h e a t r e r e m a i n e d i n a p r e c a r i o u s t i o n throughout most o f Henning's t e n u r e . A g a i n , however, the m u l t i p l i c i t y o f function o f the Ti b b i t s saved �9 i n g H e n n i n g ' s management t h e t h e a t r e c o n t i n u e d t o h o u s e a l l the e v e n t s d e s c r i b e d i n C h a p t e r I I . manager b r o u g h t i n I n a d d i t i o n , t h e German a r t exhibits, conventions, a marionette show a n d e v e n a c i r c u s s i d e s h o w . T h e p r o p o s e d c o n v e r s i o n of t h e Opera House f o r i n d u s t r i a l uses i n 1889 meant t h e loss o f the town's major public h a l l , c u l t u r a l c e n t e r, a n d sports a r e n a . A l t h o u g h Henning faced f i n a n c i a l in the 9 0 ' s , he held on to the Tibbits r a t h e r than see i t lost t o Coldwater. T h u s , Henning's determination k e p t t h e Opera House i n o p e r a t i o n a n d p a v e d t h e w a y f o r t h e J a c k s o n management w h i c h f o r t h e f i r s t at a p r o f i t . t i m e succeeded �Chapter I V JOHN T . J A C K S O N Y E A R S , J U L Y 1 8 9 4 - 1 9 0 4 T h e a t r e a n d management John J a c k s o n t o o k o v e r t h e management o f in the spring ning. I n the Tibbits o f 1894, soon a f t e r his marriage t o a n i n t e r v i e w, Josephine Henning Beyer, ning's younger daughter, described h e r b r o t h e r - i n agement o f t h e Opera House a s " s u p e r b . " " U n d e r the superb management o f J o h n T . J a c k s o n , " s h e s a i d , " C o l d w a t e r r e c e i v e d the j o y o f witnessing the v e r y best o f dramas, operas, bands and o r c h e s t r a s , a n d v a r i o u s o t h e r amusements i n theatre."1 Jackson managed t h e t h e a t r e for the next ten years. T h e n f o r a t h e n modern his father-in-law on July 14, 1904, ning transferred the theatre t o h i s daughter Huldah,2 and Jackson and she were a c t i v e l y engaged i n i t s management u n t i l 1920 when t h e t h e a t r e was s o l d t o Dennis Va n e s . 3 account, however w i l l T h i s o n l y f o l l o w t h e J a c k s o n management Josephine H e n n i n g B e y e r, " F o r m e r Owner R e c a l l s Some Fond M e m o r i e s . . . N e v e r M i s s e d a P l a y When B u s i n e s s i n I t s P r i m e . " C o l d w a t e r D a i l y R e p o r t e r, 1 4 N o v. 1 9 5 9 , p . 1 . 2Coldwater R e g i s t e r o f Deeds. 1 "Coldwater R e g i s t e r o f Deeds. 9 �"""11111 100 through 1904 when Henning s o l d t h e T i b b i t s . Jackson was t h e Tibbits. B o t h f i r s t " t h e a t r i c a l man" t o Bart Ti b b i t s and Henning had dabbled a t r e a s a n a d j u n c t t o o t h e r careers b u t Jackson was t h e first t o devote h i m s e l f completely t o t h e Opera knowledge o f the administrative aspects o f theatre he gained while p r e v i o u s l y managing a number o f road companies gave h i m the b u s i n e s s acumen t o make a f i n a n c i a l s u c c e s s o f town t h e a t r e a t a t i m e when many o t h e r Opera Houses, f e e l i n g the i n c r e a s i n g p r e s s u r e o f t h e T h e a t r i c a l S y n d i c a t e , w e r e closing their doors. In 1895, t h e Republican r e p o r t e d t h a t Jackson was going t o New Yo r k t o b o o k " a c l a s s o f attractions ther season which he promises w i l l be second t o none o t h e r seen i n a n y o n e - n i g h t - s t a n d t h e a t r e i n sonal acquaintance and experience i n ent o r stationary the state, the business f o r the l a s t twelve years w i l l enable h i m t o d o . " 4 doubtless Appreciating the power and scope o f the T h e a t r i c a l S y n d i c a t e , h e made e v e r y a t t e m p t t o dicate shows and d u r i n g the 1896-97 season the T i b b i t s booked several Frohman productions which stopped o f f w h i l e e n r o u t e from t h e Empire T h e a t r e i n Detroit t o Chicago theatres. B y 4The C o l d w a t e r R e p u b l i c a n , 1 4 M a y 1 8 9 5 . Throughout t h e r e s t o f t h i s c h a p t e r, a l l references t o t h i s newspaper w i l l be shortened lican. footnote �101 the f a l l o f 1897, however, t h e Syndicate stopped b o o k i n g a t the T i b b i t s , a p p a r e n t l y c o n c l u d i n g t i n t t h i s one-night-stand was n o t p r o f i t a b l e , a l t h o u g h a s l a t e a s 1 9 0 0 O t i s Syndicate a c t o r, stopped o f f at the Tibbits. House c o u l d n o t command t h e t y p e W h i l e t h e Opera o f audiences t o become a Syndicate House, b y "guaranteeing performances,"5 Jackson evidently persuaded the T h e a t r i c a l Syndicate o c c a s i o n a l l y t o book a p r o d u c t i o n . T h e m a j o r i t y o f shows a f t e r 1897 came t o the T i b b i t s f r o m t h e D e t r o i t Lyceum T h e a t r e , a n o n - S y n d i c a t e house. Jackson made a number o f changes w h i c h s t r e a m l i n e d the management o f t h e Opera House. I n 1894 t h e ported t h a t he invented a t i c k e t r a c k which would show a t glance t h e r o w, s e c t i o n and number o f e v e r y s e a t a i n quet, dress c i r c l e and p r i v a t e boxes. P r e v i o u s l y the p u b l i c was a c c u s t o m e d t o bundles o f tickets " t h e tedious handling over and over o f to find larged the box o ff i c e 7 a n d , t h e right In 1898 t o increase the comfort p u b l i c , e l e c t r i c f a n s were a l s o added i n t h e same y e a r. 8 5Republican, 1 7 Jan. 1896. 6The C o u r i e r - - C o l d w a t e r , M i c h i g a n , 3 0 J u n e 1 8 9 4 , p . Throughout t h e r e s t o f t h i s c h a p t e r, a l l f o o t n o t e references t o t h i s newspaper w i l l be shortened t o C o u r i e r. 7The C o u r i e r a n d R e p u b l i c a n , 8 A p r i l 1 8 9 8 , p . 1. Throughout t h e r e s t o f t h i s c h a p t e r, a l l f o o t n o t e r e f e r e n c e s t o t h i s newspaper w i l l b e s h o r t e n e d t o C&R. 8C&R, 2 6 A u g . 1 8 9 8 , p . 5. 1. �102 By 1 8 9 7 - 9 8 , J a c k s o n r e m o v e d t h e o l d g r o o v e s u p o n w h i c h the s c e n e r y r a n . T h e were moved b a c k s i x making t w e l v e f e e t girders which o r i g i n a l l y supported them feet on either side o f o f the stage thus additional wing space. T h e Weekly C o u r i e r r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e s e changes w e r e made t o "make t h e stage s u f f i c i e n t l y commodious t o accommodate a n y ery t h a t may be c a r r i e d b y t r a v e l i n g companies."9 e l e c t r i c c u r r e n t was r a i s e d f r o m 56 t o 11 0 v o l t s . In 1904, s h o r t l y atre f i r e a t 1900, 10 the i n Chicago, The C o u r i e r and Republican campaigned t o "correct the der after the I n f a u l t y construction o f the Opera House" i t more safe i n case o f fire. O n January 4 proposed t h a t t h e t h e a t r e management s h o u l d ( 1 ) t a k e t h e a n g l e out o f t h e s t a i r s l e a d i n g t o t h e b a l c o n y, ( 2 ) e n l a r g e t h e vestibule and allow floor, ( 3 ) for additional exits from the lower eliminate the row o f chairs by the and ( 4 ) e l i m i n a t e t h e f r o n t s t o r m d o o r s t h a t b l o c k e d s p e e d y e x i t . 11 F o u r days l a t e r , Mayor Campbell closed t h e Opera House u n t i l J a c k s o n c o u l d o b t a i n a w r i t t e n 9The W e e k l y C o u r i e r - - C o l d w a t e r , 1 3 J u n e 1 8 9 6 , p . Throughout t h e r e s t o f t h i s c h a p t e r, a l l f o o t n o t e references t o t h i s newspaper w i l l be shortened t o Weekly Courier. 10C&A, 9 M a r . 1 9 0 0 , p . 1. t i c & P, 4 Jan. 1904, p . 1. 5. �103 safety from the board o f o n l y made a l l building inspectors.12 Jackson not t h e changes proposed b y the press b u t tion he obtained a s t e e l f i r e curtain tuted a s p r i n k l e r system i n the f l i e s for the stage a n d backstage. February 17 t h e press reported t h a t "manager Jackson had placed a pair o f ingeniously constructed swinging doors i n the new e x i t s at been p l a c e d i n that f i f t y t h e Opera House. . the new hallways." f i r s t House, J a c k s o n f o u n d E l e c t r i c l i g h t s have article also indicated t i m e since the opening of i t necessary to raise the admission t h e more p o p u l a r shows. M a n y companies were n o t willing to stop- o ff the manager s e t prices. T h e . n e w seats had been added i n t h e For t h e price f o r . A s at the Tibbits f o r o n l y one n i g h t u n l e s s t i c k e t r a t e s 25O t o 50O h i g h e r t h a n e a r l y as 1894, t h e press began to complain about the h i g h p r i c e s a t the Tibbits.15 T h e Courier and Republican claimed t h a t Jackson had complete c o n t r o l of ticket prices the O p e r a House and c o n s i s t e n t l y c h a r g e d more f o r than nearby towns d i d . 1 6 replied that In answer t o 2. C&R, 1 8 J a n . 1 9 0 4 , p . 2. 14C&R, 1 7 F e b . 1 9 0 4 , p . 3. 1 C o u r i e r, 1 0 N o v. 1 8 9 4 , p . 1 . 16CAR, 2 A p r i l 1901, p . 1. at attractions this charge, Jackson f i r s t - c l a s s companies stipulated the 12C&R, 8 J a n . 1 9 0 4 , p . 13 c i t y �10 admission i n their contracts.17 agents r e f u s e d h i s demands f o r He i n d i c a t e d t h a t m a n y a lower price scale on tickets and o f f e r e d t o c a n c e l t h e i r c o n t r a c t s i f he could not meet their terms.18 By 1 9 0 0 T h e C o u r i e r a n d R e p u b l i c a n f u r t h e r e d tack on Jackson by not carrying Ti b b i t s ads o r providing pre-show p u b l i c i t y and r e v i e w s . F o r t u n a t e l y , t h e Reporter, a comparatively new p a p e r, c o n t i n u e d t o c o v e r t h e Opera House. A year l a t e r, The Courier and Republican's attacks son h a d become a l m o s t a v e n d e t t a , w i t h t h e p a p e r p u b l i s h i n g a r t i c l e s w i t h lead sentences such as "Manager Jackson v i e i n g with the bank clock tricks . . . i n misleading the public" and "At Manager Jackson s t i l l his old t r y i n g to hoodwink According t o The Courier and Republican, lished "misleading articles concerning attractions." per continued t h a t " . . . s o f r e q u e n t l y had Mr. ceived t h e p u b l i c t h a t t h e people do n o t l a r g e l y attend when a company does happen t o b e counts i n a l l right."20 Contemporary t h e R e p o r t e r i n d i c a t e d t h a t m o s t shows were e n j o y i n g good a t t e n d a n c e i n 17 the early 1900's. C&R, 2 4 D e c . 1 8 9 7 , p . 1. 18The C o l d w a t e r R e p o r t e r , 4 F e b . 1 9 0 3 , p . 3. Throughout t h e r e s t o f t h i s c h a p t e r, a l l erences t o t h i s newspaper w i l l be 3h0rtened t o R e p o r t e r. 19C&R, 2 9 M a r . 1 9 0 1 , p . 1 ; a n d 20C&R, 2 9 M a r . 1 9 0 1 , p . 1. ' A p r i l 1901, P. 1. �105 By 1 9 0 2 t h e a t t a c k s b e c a m e m o r e v i c i o u s . A February 7 t h a r t i c l e somehow came t o t h e f a n t a s t i c c o n c l u s i o n t h a t was J a c k s o n ' s f a u l t that i t a B a t t l e Creek t h e a t r i c a l manager utilized false advertising.21 On F e b r u a r y 4 , T h e C o u r i e r and R e p u b l i c a n c h i d e d t h e R e p o r t e r f o r d e f e n d i n g J a c k s o n a n d suggested t h a t " o n e would h a r d l y expect t h a t gan w o u l d s e l l i t s influence i n a rich support o f such cause."22 The C o u r i e r a n d R e p u b l i c a n d i d h a v e t o a d m i t g r u d g i n g l y that "Mr. Jackson i s tractions . . . giving Coldwater a better class than ever before. . . ."23 H o w e v e r, ticle on October 30, 1900 indicates t h a t the basis dramatic c r i t i c i s m had changed. T h e revelation i n local reviewer wrote about "a t h e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f f a r c e comedy" i n "Hoyt h a p p i l y conceived t h e i d e a f o r which of sketching a plot, a mere framework embracing t h e cream o f v a u d e v i l l e a n d b u r l e s q u e a r t i s t s , and presenting them i n f i r s t class educated t h e p u b l i c and e l e v a t e d t h e s t a n d a r d o f so i t a t present occupies a high place • • • • n24 I n i n the public mind 1904 t h e Reporter wrote: " P e o p l e go t o theatre t o be entertained. Gloomy plays, except 21C&R, 22 23 7 Feb. 1902, p. 5. C&R, 4 Feb. 1902, p. 1. C&R, 31 24C&R, f a r c e comedy Jan. 1902, p. 5. 30 O c t . 1900, p. 1. i n the �10 stances, a r e n o t f a v o r a b l y received. A u d i e n c e s , e s p e c i a l l y women a u d i e n c e s , l i k e t o have t h e i r feelings wrought upon t o a c e r t a i n extent; t h e y even enjoy an opportunity t o shed a few t e a r s . B u t they also l i k e t o have the tears followed by l a u g h t e r, t h e y want t h e s u n t o come o u t between t h e c l o u d s . " 2 5 Thus, t h e R e p u b l i c a n ' s r e v i e w e r, who w r o t e t h e t o r i a l o n " q u a l i t y drama" f o l l o w i n g t h e T i b b i t s ' i n a u g u r a l performance i n 1885 may have r e f e r r e d t o many o f I 9 0 0 ' s "good c l a s s o f attractions" as " f l u f f " a n d Legitimate drama L e g i t i m a t e drama f o l l o w e d t h e c o u r s e mapped o u t mer y e a r s . M e l o d r a m a s , p a s t o r a l p l a y s , f a r c e a n d sations continued t o dominate. C h a r l e s Hoyt and Clyde F i t c h were t h e m o s t p o p u l a r p l a y w r i g h t s . T h e press vendetta against Jackson and t h e C o u r i e r and R e p u b l i c a n ' s subsequent r e f u s a l p r i n t m o s t t h e a t r e s t o r i e s make i t period. T h e d i ff i c u l t to t o R e p o r t e r r a n a d s i n d i c a t i n g names a n d d a t e s o f shows, h o w e v e r , t h e a t r i c a l r e v i e w i n g was u n e v e n . reviews began "People s a y . . . " so i t O f t e n the c a n be assumed t h a t the r e v i e w e r d i d n ' t e v e n a t t e n d t h e p r o d u c t i o n . H o w e v e r , t h e Reporter d i d c o v e r t h e shows t h e y considered noteworthy so this discussion w i l l u t i l i z e those reviews. 25Reporter, 3 1 O c t . 1 9 0 4 , p . 2. �107 Combination Plays F r o m Fall o f 1894 through t h e 1895-96 season a number o f Frohman shows a p p e a r e d a t t h e T i b b i t s . The C h a r i t y B a l l a p p e a r e d i n N o v e m b e r o f 1 8 9 4 . Clay Clement s t a r r e d one."26 I n J a n u a r y, i n The New Dominion and " d i s a p p o i n t e d no Later t h a t season l o c a l theatre-goers saw mans' C h a r l e y ' s A u n t a n d T h e G i r l I L e f t Behind Me. lowing season, Gustave Frohman's Sowing t h e Wind was " f i n e l y put o n t h e stage b y and t h o s e f i n e a l l the accessories attention to details Frohman's a t t r a c t i o n s . " 2 7 o f the manager's a r t that Later t h a t y e a r Daniel Frohman brought Our F l a t s and Gustave returned w i t h DeMille co's The Wife. A c c o r d i n g attended and a " p l a y t o t h e C o u r i e r, The Wife was w e l l of merit."28 Farce a n d s c e n i c a t t r a c t i o n s c o n t i n u e d t o ences i n the 1894-95 and 1895-96 seasons. tured a locomotive and t r a i n passed o v e r t h e s t a g e " a t S i o f cars 150 feet long which l i g h t e n i n g speed."29 utilized twenty-eight sets The F a s t M a i l o f calcium light cylinders i n the Niagara F a l l s scene.30 The f a r c e p r o d u c t i o n s u s e d a v e r y l o o s e l y c o n s t r u c t e d 26Republican, 11 J a n . 1895. 27Weekly C o u r i e r , 5 Oct. 1895, p . S. 28Weekly C o u r i e r , 1 F e b . 1 8 9 6 , p . 5. 29Republican, 2 Oct. 1894. 30Week1y C o u r i e r , 4 A p r i l 1 8 9 6 , p . 1 �108 plot as an excuse t o introduce comic s p e c i a l t i e s . T h e Crook f e a t u r e d s p e c i a l t i e s and l i v i n g p i c t u r e s . 3 1 Black Edgwood Folks included a " b u t t e r f l y dance" b y Annie The Garrick Burlesque Companies' a d a p t a t i o n o f DuMaurier's T r i l b y was i n t e r e s t i n g s c e n i c a l l y " b u t a s t h e l a s t s c e n e s e e m e d t o be e n t i r e l y c u t , w e c a n n o t s a y w h a t a t t r a c t i o n s t h e N e w Y o r k Club house m i g h t have p r e s e n t e d . " 3 3 A number o f o t h e r scenic sensation-farces such as The Dazzler, The H u s t l e r, and Miss H a r u m S c a r -urn r e c e i v e d n o m e n t i o n i n t h e p r e s s . I t ' s clear, h o w e v e r, t h a t J a c k s o n was w i l l i n g to go t o great lengths t o accommodate t h e s c e n i c p l a y s . 1896, he erected an e n t i r e I n second s t o r y t e n f e e t a b o v e t h e s t a g e t o accommodate t h e hotel scene i n A Bunch o f Keys.34 I r i s h d r a m a s c o n t i n u e d t o command a u d i e n c e s . T i m . the T i n k e r w i t h John E. Brennan, O ' H o o l i g a n ' s Masquerade, a n d K i l l a r n y and t h e Rhine played between 1894 and 96. T h e town guaranteed a performance o f The Merchant o f Venice b y f o r d S p e n c e r O ' B r i e n C o m p a n y. T h e C o m p a n y w a s b i l l e d a s " t h e o r i g i n a l s u p p o r t i n g company o f Edwin B o o t h and ret."35 T h e Republican wrote t h a t "Mind, heart and eyes are 31Re_pub1ican, 1 5 F e b . 1 8 9 5 . 32Republican, 2 5 Jan. 1695. 3 3Weekly C o u r i e r, 2 3 N o v. 1 8 9 5 , p . 1 0 . 34 W e e k l y C o u r i e r , 1 5 F e b . 1 8 9 6 , p . 1. 35We‘,k1y C o u r i e r , 1 4 M a r . 1 8 9 6 , p . 1. �109 claimed b y t h e s t a g e p r o d u c t i o n o f The Merchant o f The W e e k l y C o u r i e r w r o t e t h a t Venice."36 a capacity audience viewed r i c h and b e a u t i f u l costumes and a w e l l -staged piece.37 There were f e w changes i n the 1896-99 seasons. T h e Limited M a i l was f o l l o w e d a month l a t e r b y The F a s t M a i l w i t h the r e v i e w e r remarking t h a t i f the " M a i l had tracked, o r met w i t h a head end o r r e a r end c o l l i s i o n before i t reached Coldwater, a Coldwater audience would have been spared two h o u r s o f d r e a r y d r i b b l e . . . ."38 Other dramas i n c l u d e d I n O l d K e n t u c k y, E d i t h a ' s B u r g l a r , H o w H o p p e r Was S i d e T r a c k e d a n d O n t h e W a b a s h . I n a r e v i e w o f On t h e Wa b a s h t h e C o u r i e r a n d R e p u b l i c a n c r i t i c i z e d matic a c t i n g s t y l e . " S i n c e r i t y E a r l y h a s t h e common f a u l t t h a t seems t o o v e r t a k e s o many who a p p e a r b e f o r e lights, and that i s o f t a l k i n g unnaturally, s t a g y and f a s t , so s h e c o u l d n o t b e u n d e r s t o o d . W h e n s u c h p l a y e r s l e a r n t o 'hold the m i r r o r up t o nature' and appear natural w i l l be f a r more acceptable t o . . they t h e i r audience."39 The r e v i e w o f A t t h e F r e n c h B a l l s u m m a r i z e d peal o f t h e huge number o f farces t h a t appeared on t h e stage in 1896-99. . . . The play i s one o f those k i n d 36Republican, 2 0 Mar. 1896. 37Weekly C o u r i e r , 2 8 M a r. 1 8 9 6 , p . 38Weekly C o u r i e r , 5 F e b . 1 8 9 7 , p . 3 9 CAR, 2 8 O c t . 1 8 9 8 , p . 5. J. 1. of creations �11 0 that one enjoys when he has had a good dinner and has n o t h i n g else t o do b u t sible."4o t o gaze and laugh, and f e e l as Frenchy Most o f t h e comedies came f r o m t h e Lyceum T h e a t r e i n D e t r o i t and f e a t u r e d "unknown" a c t o r s . T h e men f e a t u r e d P a u l C a z e n e u v e , a y o u n g r o m a n t i c a c t o r , w h i l e The N a n c y H a n k s f e a t u r e d o n e M a r i e J a n s e n . A n Enemy t o t h e King s t a r r e d John G r i f f i t h w h o was supposedly a E. H . S o t h e r n . 4 1 Prices were l o w f o r most o f ances s o t h e y d r e w good a u d i e n c e s . I n 1897 t h e chants sponsored A Sure T h i n g and gave f r e e tickets f o r the entertainment. S t e r e o p t i c a n slides advertising the l o c a l stores entertained the audience during act breaks.42 The m o r e r e a l i s t i c p l a y s b y H e r n e , G i l l e t t e dou w e r e a l s o w e l l a t t e n d e d . G i l l e t t e ' s H e l d b y t h e Enemy gave " m e a s u r a b l e s a t i s f a c t i o n " a l t h o u g h t h e w a i t s b e t w e e n acts were "tedious."43 T h e cast o f S a r d o u ' s Madame S a n s G e n e was s t r o n g w i t h t h e e x c e p t i o n o f o n e a c t o r a n d " t h e c o s t u m e s were m a g n i f i c e n t a n d t r u e t o t h e p e r i o d o f t h e t i m e s , staging was p e r f e c t i n a l l i t s accessories."44 Manager son a l s o b r o u g h t H e r n e s ' S h o r e A c r e s t o t h e T i b b i t s . 4oC&R, 7 J a n . 1 8 9 8 , p . 41C&R, 2 0 J a n . 1 8 9 9 , p . 42UR, 1 4 May 1897, p . 43C&R, 2 6 A u g . 1 8 9 8 , p . 8. 1. 8. 5. 44C&R, 1 0 D e c . 1 8 9 7 , p . 1 2 . T h e �111 press wrote t h a t t h e p l a y of farm l i f e ". . . deals with the surroundings a n d t h e home u p o n t h e f a r m , a n d p o r t r a y s t h e scenes s o v i v i d l y a n d n a t u r a l l y t h a t e v e r y b o y whose l i f e f i r s t commenced o n t h e f a r m w i l l remember." describing the scenes as " r e a l i s t i c acting as " t r u e was t e r m e d a to l i f e "political i n and place."45 the extreme" and the H o y t ' s A Te x a s S t e e r satire."46 In 1897, Walker Whitesides appeared as Hamlet. T h e Courier and Republican suggested t h a t Whitesides would be a more a c c e p t a b l e H a m l e t the p l a y e r s . " W h i l e i f he would f o l l o w h i s own advice t o he gave a splendid r e n d i t i o n 'suiting the action to the word,' his Hamlet i s s t i l l i t of his lines, must be confessed effeminate, and though polished and rounded lacked depth and breadth, and i s wanting i n that idealization that makes Hamlet, H a m l e t . " 4 7 The 1 8 9 9 - 1 9 0 0 s e a s o n a n d t h e 1 9 0 1 - 1 9 0 2 s e a s o n s w e r e outstanding m a i n l y because o f ferings. S i x and 1 9 0 2 . t h e number o f Charles o f Hoyt's musical farces played between 1899 O t h e r farce and vaudeville combinations during this p e r i o d included The F i n i s h India; The Span o f o f Mr. Fresh; My F r i e n d f r o m L i f e , advertised as a gymnastic p l a y and 45C&R, 1 8 F e b . 1 8 9 8 , p . 1 2 . 46CkR, 8 D e c . 1 8 9 9 , p . 8. 47c&R, 1 O c t . 1 8 9 7 , p . 1 . �11 2 f e a t u r i n g t h e Donazattas;48 K i n g Dado; B r o w n ' s i n To w n ; a n d The R o y a l B o x w h i c h w a s a n o t h e r " s e n s a t i o n a l c o m e d y o f n o special merit.°49 While r e a l i s m was t h e t r e n d plays w r i t t e n around the t u r n Coldwater. T h e i n most o f the b e t t e r o f t h e c e n t u r y , f e w made i t to press reception o f those which did appear i n d i c a t e s t h a t t h e s m a l l t o w n was e a g e r t o a c c e p t t h e new trend. However, plays a t t h e y evidently could not book the newer t h e Opera House a s l o n g as t h e companies were i n demand a t larger theatres. I n 1900 A Poor R e l a t i o n impressed the l o c a l paper because o f its lack sensation. T h e o f dependence o n s c e n i c Courier and Republican wrote "The scenes were quiet, easy, n a t u r a l and n e a r l y h a l f the time there was n o t a word spoken. I t was t h e unspoken words t h a t were suggested to t h e a u d i e n c e b y t h e s i t u a t i o n t h a t made t h e tive. it I t was so t r u e forgets that acting."50 i t i s t o nature t h a t one who i s o n l y a play. T h a t I n 1 9 0 3 M a r y Shaw a p p e a r e d i n the r e v i e w e r i n d i c a t e d a s t r o n g i n t e r e s t play" t h e house was n o t l a r g e . T h e i s the essence o f Ibsen's Ghosts. i n 49C&R, 2 6 M a r . 1 9 0 1 , p . 50C&R, 7 D e c . 1 9 0 0 , p . 1. 1. W h i l e this "remarkable Reporter wrote t h a t the play was " r e m a r k a b l e i n gloomy theme, u n u s u a l i n 48Reporter, 2 6 O c t . 1 9 0 1 , p . looking at 5. the small �11 3 number i n t h e c a s t a n d o u t o f t h e o r d i n a r y i n t h e s k i l l acting required and the presentation." H e of continued t h a t "there were b u t f i v e c h a r a c t e r s i n the p l a y and not change o f c o s t u m e o r s c e n e r y . S u c c e s s d e p e n d s a l o n e u p o n clever and capable a c t i n g and t h e s t r o n g i n t e r e s t aroused i n the t h e m e . " 5 1 In 1904 Charles Hanford and Marie Dorfnak appeared i n Ta m i n g o f t h e S h r e w . T h e Reporter labeled Miss Dorfnak " a fine Katherine" and s a i d t h a t " t h i s i s t h e shrew peare d r e w. " 5 2 Later that year Harrison J . Wolfe appeared i n Hamlet. C a l l i n g Wolfe's Hamlet " s u r p r i s i n g l y good" viewer continued t h a t he was a " g r a c e f u l " a c t o r strated "mental and a t h l e t i c vigor."53 The n u m b e r o f c o m e d i e s w h i c h i n c l u d e d creased. I n fact, i t was growing d i f f i c u l t t o between p u r e comedy and v a r i e t y e n t e r t a i n m e n t s . M a n y of the shows i n t r o d u c e d v a u d e v i l l e a c t s b e t w e e n s c e n e s a n d b e f o r e and a f t e r t h e s h o w . T h e Liberty Pelles featured "the Pink Pajama G i r l " w h i l e J u s t S t r u c k To w n a d v e r t i s e d a s i d e s h o w . 5 5 Tw e n t y - f i v e s i n g i n g and d a n c i n g g i r l s w e r e i n c l u d e d 5 1 R e p o r t e r, 3 D e c . 1 9 0 3 , p . 2. 5 2 R e p o r t e r, 2 4 May 1 9 0 4 , p . 5 3 R e p o r t e r, 2 5 N o v. 1 9 0 4 , p . 2. 5 4 R e p o r t e r, 2 9 J a n . 1 9 0 3 , p . 3. 5 5 R e p o r t e r, 6 M a r. 1 9 0 1 , p . 3. �11 Head W a i t e r s C o m p a n y. 5 6 The T i b b i t s a l s o c o n t i n u e d t o f e a t u r e m e l o d r a m a s a n d pastoral plays. N o t a b l e among these was The t e r which was " A b e a u t i f u l s t o r y of the present i n g L o v e , P a t h o s , H a t e a n d P a s s i o n , " 5 7 a n d Was S h e t o B l a m e with "a laugh a n d a t e a r blending i n sweet melody forming a radium o f that i s a l l sublime."58 Of t h e 3 7 6 p l a y s p r e s e n t e d i n the decade 1904, m e l o d r a m a s , p a s t o r a l p l a y s , f a r c e a n d s c e n i c s e n s a t i o n s continued t o draw the greatest audiences. Newspaper reviews r e v e a l e d some a p p r e c i a t i o n f o r the new r e a l i s t i c drama, b u t few r e a l i s t i c p l a y s appeared o n t h e T i b b i t s v i l l e and farce had grown so s i m i l a r t h a t one could o f t e n not d i s t i n g u i s h between t h e two. Repertory Companies T h i r t y - o n e repertory peared a t t h e T i b b i t s between 1894 a n d 1904. M o s t stayed f o r a week and p l a y e d a combination o f f a r c e comedies and old-time favorites. Some also played the I r i s h mas w h i c h a l w a y s d r e w l a r g e a u d i e n c e s i n C o l d w a t e r . M a n y repertory companies began t o acts o r as p a r t o f o f f e r vaudeville e i t h e r between the entertainment. I n 1898 t h e s t o c k company w h i c h o c c u p i e d t h e Opera 56Reporter, 2 3 S e p t . 1 9 0 4 , p . 3. 57Reporter, 2 8 O c t . 1 9 0 4 , p . 3. 58Reporter, 2 8 O c t . 1 9 0 4 , p . 3. �11 5 House d u r i n g t h e l o c a l m e r c h a n t s ' S t r e e t F a i r w a s b i l l e d a s "capable o f g i v i n g h i g h c l a s s comedy o r drama, o r continuous v a u d e v i l l e , a s t h e o c c a s i o n may demand." T h e company a l s o gave o p e n a i r c o n c e r t s f r o m t h e t h e a t r e b a l c o n y . 5 9 d e r s o n T h e a t r e C o m p a n y, w h i c h a p p e a r e d a y e a r l a t e r , featured seven s c e n i c p l a y s w i t h v a u d e v i l l e between a c t s . v i l l e s e g m e n t s i n c l u d e d a c t s b y To t Yo u n g , t h e ters, Mac B r a d l e y and Ed Anderson. T h e y shadowgraph p e r f o r m a n c e s . 6 0 Protean A r t i s t also advertised The K e n n e d y P l a y e r s f e a t u r e d N e l l i e K e n n e d y. 6 1 The W i l b u r O p e r a C o m p a n y, G l a s g o w S t o c k C o m p a n y, H u n t s ' I m p e r i a l S t o c k C o m p a n y, a n d t h e Rodney S t o c k Company w e r e a l l after the turn of organizations which appeared t h e century and included vaudeville as p a r t of t h e i r entertainment.62 Uncle To m ' s C a b i n Companies panies v i s i t i n g -the c i t y T h e number o f Uncle declined. S t e t s o n ' s Double Monster Uncle To m ' s C a b i n Company made t h r e e s t o p s a t t h e O p e r a House between 1 8 9 6 a n d 1 9 0 3 w h i l e t h e A l W. M a r t i n Company a p p e a r e d twice. T w o o t h e r companies made s i n g l e visits. The C o u r i e r a n d R e p u b l i c a n d e s c r i b e d t h e c h a n g e s w h i c h 59C&R, 1 2 A u g . 1 8 9 8 , p . 6 C&R, 1 3 O c t . 1 8 9 9 , p . 1. 1. 61Reporter, 2 3 Feb. 1 9 0 3 , 6 p• 3 . Reporter, 1 8 O c t . 1 9 0 2 , p . 5 ; 2 2 May 1903, p . 20 A u g . 1 9 0 3 , p . 3 ; and 1 9 N o v . 1 9 0 3 , p . 2 . 3; �11 had a l t e r e d t h e p l a y o v e r t h e y e a r s : is scarcely followed and a l m o s t a c o m e d y. T h e i t i s " T h e story r e a l sentiments o f Mrs. Howe's immortal a g obscured and l o s t by the t r i c k s right's i c J a r t audience l a u g h . I t i s now more l i k e By t h e t u r n had e v i d e n t l y become s o much l i k e ences i t i t o f t r y i n g t o produce something t o make t h e than a n y t h i n g e l s e . " 6 3 sensations t h a t the book s o changed as t o make t h e p l a y work i s i n in a minstrel performance of the century the play other farces and scenic n o l o n g e r c o u l d command t h e enjoyed through the 1880's. Opera a n d O p e r e t t a T h e peared t o f o c u s most o f operas which appeared i n the their attention on spectacle e d y. T h e r e w e r e e i g h t p r o d u c t i o n s o f F a u s t b e t w e e n 1 8 9 5 a n d 1904. I n time, scenery and e l e c t r i c a l e ff e c t s appeared t o become m o r e i m p o r t a n t t h a n t h e m u s i c . Courier wrote "The e l e c t r i c a l able."64 I n 1895 t h e Weekly effects are I n 1896 t h e same p a p e r l a b e l e d a p r o d u c t i o n o f Faust " t h e most f i n i s h e d p r o d u c t i o n e v e r seen i n The r e v i e w e r w a s e s p e c i a l l y i m p r e s s e d w i t h t h e f o u r t h a c t , "where M e p h i s t o p h e l e s s t a n d s u p o n t h e summit o f showing F a u s t t h e r e v e l s around t h e base o f o f the Brocken, t h e demons o n Wa l p u r g i s n i g h t the mountain, w i t h flames the g r o u n d t o envelope them and showers o f 63 " C & P, 1 8 D e c . 1 9 0 0 , p . fire 3. Weekly C o u r i e r , 1 5 N o v. 1 8 9 5 , 1.) 1 • �11 7 them f r o m a b o v e . " 6 5 I n 1898 t h e C o u r i e r and marked t h a t some who h a d seen t h e p r o d u c t i o n o n c i t y s t a g e s which u t i l i z e d c o m p l i c a t e d machinery and p o w e r f u l dynamos might have f e l t disappointment. ever, t h a t m o s t o f such f i n e e ff e c t s T h e reviewer t h e Coldwater audience was s u r p r i s e d t h a t could be produced w i t h "the ances a t h a n d . " 6 6 By 1 9 0 1 t h e o p e r a h a d become a ing spectacular pantomime."67 T h e Weekly Courier wrote character i n o f a t h e 1895 p r o d u c t i o n o f Robin Hood, is incongruous f o r so excellent an actor to represent the times o f Robin Hood, p a y i n g a t t e n t i o n t o e v e r y d e t a i l costume a p p r o p r i a t e t o some c h e a p j o k e s o f t h a t period and then mix i n his o f lines t h e present d a y. " 6 8 The O p e r a H o u s e o f f e r e d S o u s a ' s E l C a p i t a n est guarantee ever" i n 1898 b u t t h e audience was d i s a p p o i n t e d with the performance. T h e Courier and Republican wrote t h a t "William C. M a n d e v i l l e descended t o v e r y cheap foonery i n h i s c h a r a c t e r o f E l Capitan a t t h e Opera House when h e s a w t h e a u d i e n c e d i d n o t s h o w a n y g r e a t e n t h u s i a s m over h i s indifferent a c t i n g and singing. weighed h i m a s a n i n f e r i o r artist i n . . 5. 1. 6 7 R e p o r t P r, 1 5 N o v. 1 9 0 1 , p . T h e audience a very few minutes a f t e r 65 Weekly C o u r i e r , 1 5 F e b . 1 8 9 6 , p . 66C&R, 1 1 F e b . 1 8 9 8 , p . . 3. 68Weekly C o u r i e r , 1 6 F e b . 1 8 9 5 , p . 1 0 . �11 8 he a p p e a r e d , a n d h e w a s r e c e i v e d a c c o r d i n g l y . have b e e n h i s s e d . . . ."69 H e ought to The p r e - s h o w p u b l i c i t y for the comic o p e r a Wang d e m o n s t r a t e s t h e c o u r s e b e i n g t a k e n b y m o s t l i g h t opera companies. T h e y featured "a banjo chorus rendered by t e n o f t h e c l e v e r e s t and p r e t t i e s t a chorus o f g i r l s i n t h e company; n u r s e r y rhymes g i v e n by s e v e r a l charming t o t s , n o n e o f whom i s over seven years o l d ; l i t t l e a Siamese wedding ceremony r e p r o d u c e d a c c u r a t e l y i n e v e r y d e t a i l , a r e a l steam launch and a r o y a l barge f l o a t i n g among French men-ofanchor i n t h e h a r b o r o f Bangkok; a n d a r e a l l y phant, e i g h t f e e t h i g h , whose method o f four gallon glass o f beer i s getting r i d of a a mystery to the audience."70 Visiting stars The T i b b i t s failed t o a t t r a c t many s t a r s d u r i n g t h e ten y e a r s o f J a c k s o n ' s management. T h e majority of formers were under c o n t r a c t t o t h e T h e a t r i c a l Syndicate and played o n l y i n Syndicate houses. In 1900 O t i s Skinner, a Syndicate a c t o r, t r a v e l e d from the Empire T h e a t r e , bits. T h e stop o f f i n D e t r o i t t o present The L i a r s at p r e s s , n e v e r e x p l a i n i n g how he was persuaded t o a t Coldwater, d i d note t h a t he"gave a v e r y f i n e entertainment a t t h e Opera House l a s t n i g h t to 6 9 C &R, 2 D e c . 1 8 9 8 , p . 1 0 . 70Weekly C o u r i e r , 1 5 J a n . 1 8 9 7 , p . 1 0 . a �11 9 ence.n71 Thomas K e e n e r e t u r n e d t o p l a y J u l i u s C a e s a r w i t h "All the o r i g i n a l B o o t h - B a r r e t t s c e n e r y, p r o p e r t i e s a n d a r m o r. " 7 2 The W e e k l y C o u r i e r w r o t e o f K e e n e " . efforts i n J u l i u s Caesar, i t . . a f t e r witnessing his must be said, though i n ness a n d w i t h a f e e l i n g a k i n t o pity, t h a t age has withered the l a u r e l s h e g a t h e r e d t w e n t y years a g o . K e e n e t o w e r s l i k e a volcano whose s e e t h i n g f i r e s h a v e burned i t s the n o b l e f o r m s t i l l present, but the f i r e , heart t h e glow warmth a r e f o r e v e r e x t i n g u i s h e d . " 7 3 Joseph J e f f e r s o n ' s s o n , Thomas, appeared i n 1901 a n d a g a i n i n 1902 a s R i p Va n W i n k l e , t h e mous. T h e role his father R e p o r t e r w r o t e t h a t "Thomas J e f f e r s o n . splendid success and won the h e a r t s by h i s f i n e i m p e r s o n a t i o n o f vagabond."74 o f . . was a his audience immediately t h i s renowned, good Robert M a n t e l l r e t u r n e d f o u r times t o act i n Monbars, S e c r e t Wa r r a n t , a n d The Dagger and t h e C r o s s . view o f sesses a this romantic actor in the l a t t e r said f i n e physique and h i s stage presence i s He p i c t u r e d t h e e m o t i o n s o f love, passion, and revenge i n 71C&R, 2 3 M a r . 1 9 0 0 , p . 1. 72Week1y C o u r i e r , 2 8 N o v . 1 8 9 6 , p . 5. 73Weekly C o u r i e r , 1 2 D e c . 1 8 9 6 , p . 1 0 . 74Reporter, 7 O c t . 1 9 0 1 , p . 2. a �120 m a s t e r l y m a n n e r. . . ."75 Concerts The b i g g e s t m u s i c a l a t t r a c t i o n d u r i n g t h e years o f J a c k s o n ' s management was t h e Sousa Band. T h e band appeared i n 1897 and a g a i n i n 1900 when t h e y f e a t u r e d t h e i r new m a r c h " H a n d s A c r o s s t h e S e a . " 7 6 also made t w o appearances. Methot, a 1895 t h e y brought Miss Minnie l y r i c soprano.77 Remenyi, the turned i n 1896. audience. S i n c e appear i n I n The C h i c a g o M a r i n e B a n d O n v i o l i n t h i s occasion he antagonized the T i b b i t s h i s baggage was missent and he was f o r c e d t o h i s t r a v e l i n g dress he held up the performance u n t i l 9:00 p.m. T h e n he f u r t h e r vented h i s s o u r d i s p o s i t i o n o n the a u d i e n c e w h e n a c h i l d made a playing. " H e s l i g h t noise w h i l e he was deliberately put his left the stage l i k e fiddle under his a c r u s t y o l d curmudgeon."78 The M a r i e D e c c a C o m p a n y a l s o d i d n o t f i n d the l o c a l a u d i e n c e . T h e Weekly Courier wrote t h a t "The s t y l e o f music s u n g and p l a y e d was s u c h as c o u l d be o n l y understood or interpreted by musicians." H e continued that ment means m u c h , a n d a d a p t a t i o n t o c i r c u m s t a n c e s i s 75GUR, 2 9 S e p t . 1 8 9 9 , p . 76 C&R, 2 0 F e b . 1 9 0 0 , p . 5. 1. 77Weekly C o u r i e r , 2 6 O c t . 1 8 9 5 , p . 1 7 8 y 2 . 2 k 1 : 2 1 C o u r i e r, 2 5 J a n . 1 8 9 5 , p . 1. the �121 harmony and m e l o d y o f e v e r y d a y l i f e . " 7 9 T h e Boston Ladies Symphony O r c h e s t r a a n d F a d e t t e L a d i e s O r c h e s t r a , b o t h p a r t o f t h e Y. M . C . A . c o u r s e , w e r e m o r e p o p u l a r . I n 1900 t h e Innes Concert Band pleased t h e T i b b i t s audience w i t h s e l e c t i o n s f r o m Faust, T r o v a t o r e , A i d a , a n d Carmen.80 P r i o r t o 1 8 9 6 t h e l o c a l p r e s s seemed p l e a s e d w i t h t h e vocal music a t t r a c t i o n s which played a t the Ti b b i t s . I n 1894 t h e W e e k l y C o u r i e r w r o t e " T h e M a y L e g g e t t pany was m e r i t o r i o u s bers, i n i t s I t joyable. 8 1 . the freshness and variety of s i m p l i c i t y and a c t i o n and t h e ingenuousness o f i t s members. . i n was so u n c l a s s i c a l as t o be A y e a r l a t e r t h e same p a p e r i n f e r r e d f r o m t h e c r o w d a t t e n d i n g t h e Te m p l e Q u a r t e t t e c o n c e r t water c i t i z e n s preferred a musical program t o a l i t e r a r y lecture.82 Beginning i n 1896 reviews o f vocal entertainments were negative. M a n y concerts were n o t even reviewed. T h e Alice Raym C o n c e r t C o m p a n y w a s j u d g e d " f a r b e l o w t h e s t a n d a r d u s u a l l y engaged f o r t h e S t a r E y. m . c . A 3 C o u r s e . " 8 3 T h e White-Morgan 79Week1y C o u r i e r , 1 0 N o v. 1 8 9 4 , p . 80C&R, 4 S e p t . 1 9 0 0 , p . 8. 3. 81Weekly C o u r i e r , 2 2 N o v. 1 8 9 4 , p . 8. 82Weekly C o u r i e r , 2 3 M a r. 1 8 9 5 , p . 1 0 . 83 Weekly c o u r i e r , 2 3 N o v . 1 3 9 5 , p . 1 0 . �122 Concert Company was " u n s a t i s f a c t o r y t o u s e n o h a r s h e r t e r m . " 8 4 I n 1898 t h e D a v i s C o n c e r t Company " d i d n o t p o s s e s s t h e m e r i t of local talent."85 one v i t a l T h e A r i e l Q u a r t e t Company " . . . lacked quality 'of a musical organization--not one o f the members w a s a v o c a l i s t . " 8 6 Related t h e a t r i c a l activity The T i b b i t s c o n t i n u e d t o h o u s e a w i d e v a r i e t y of entertainments and l o c a l functions not related t o legitimate theatre. son a l l T h e took Y. M . C . A . , S t . A g a t h a ' s G u i l d a n d t h e i r turns a t sponsoring lecture series. few m i n s t r e l companies c o n t i n u e d t o s t o p o f f and the number of v a r i e t y and v a u d e v i l l e shows increased. also served as the political Lectures site A T h e Opera House f o r such dissimilar a c t i v i t i e s as r a l l i e s , dance concerts and a funeral. T h e Y. M . C . A . c o n t i n u e d t o s p o n s o r a l e c t u r e c o u r s e in the 1894-95 and 1895-96 seasons. M o s t o f ments w e r e b o o k e d t h r o u g h t h e M e t r o p o l i t a n M u s i c a l tainment Bureau.87 The 1 8 9 4 - 9 5 s e a s o n i n c l u d e d s i x l e c t u r e s on t o p i c s r a n g i n g f r o m " T h e M a n o f G a l i l e e " t o " A m e r i c a n Nuts; Cracked and Uncracked." M r s . French-Sheldon, t h e "White 8 Weekly C o u r i e r , 11 J a n . 1 8 9 6 , p . 1 0 . 85C&R, 1 5 J u l y 1 8 9 8 , p . 1 86C&R, 3 A p r i l 1900, p . 1 87 Weekly C o u r i e r , 1 1 J a n . 1 8 9 6 , p . 1 0 . �Elk 123 Queen," l e c t u r e r , i n t r e p i d explorer, p h i l a n t h r o p i s t , author, publisher, s c u l p t o r, " t a l k e d about h e r explorations 8 r i c a 8 w h i l e Wallace Bruce, t h e U.S. Counsel t o Edinburgh 1889-93, s p o k e o n t h e " P h i l o s o p h y o f W i t a n d Humor."89 John B . D e M o t t e g a v e a l e c t u r e o f character building.90 A Judge Ya p l e began t h e 1895-96 season w i t h a l e c t u r e on " P e r s o n a l i t y . " as " a f l o w i n g into prisms o f T h e crystal Weekly Courier described h i s l e c t u r e o f words, here and there c o l o r, t h r o u g h which one caught glimpses o f crimson sunsets, t h e majesty o f the mountains, t h e waving flowers l e y, t h e o f t h e m e a d u w, t h e s w e e t n e s s o f the l i l i e s o f s t i l l n e s s and solemnity o f t h e l e a f y woods, t h e songs of birds, the c e l e s t i a l harmony o f the s t a r r y heavens and t h e roar and thunder o f a thousand Niagaras."91 B r o o k s and Macy presented " a n evening o f p o e t r y, pathos and humor and gave splendid satisfaction."92 tale o f Judge S i d n e y Thomas g a v e " a d r e a r y pessimistic platitudes" which didn't strike ence w i t h m u c h f o r c e s i n c e " h e c o u l d n o t r e a d h i s m a n u s c r i p t . " 9 3 George W i l l a r d g a v e a n i l l u s t r a t e d l e c t u r e o n t h e P a s s i o n 88Weekly C o u r i e r , 6 O c t . 1 8 9 4 , p . 1. 89 W e e k l y C o u r i e r , 1. 9 Feb. 1895, p . 90Repub1ican, 1 3 Mar. 1895. 91Weekly C o u r i e r , 1 4 S e p t . 1 8 9 5 , p . 1 0 . 92Week1y C o u r i e r , 1 6 N o v . 1 8 9 5 , p . 93Weekly C o u r i e r , 8 F e b . 1 8 9 6 , r . 1. 5. �12 P l a y, 9 4 w h i l e J o h n R . C l a r k e p r e s e n t e d a t r a v e l o g u e don.95 Robert G. I n g e r s o l l r e t u r n e d t o speak on " L i b e r t y Man, Woman a n d C h i l d . " W h i l e of disagreeing with Ingersoll's agnosticism, t h e p r e s s concluded t h a t when he spoke o f home, wife, love and children " i t l i f t s the heart and soul to a contemplation o f scenes s c a r c e l y less a t t r a c t i v e t h a n heaven i t s e l f . ,,96 The Y. M . C . A . a b a n d o n e d i t s lecture series after the 1895-96 s e a s o n s o Manager J a c k s o n e s t a b l i s h e d t h e P e o p l e ' s P o p u l a r Lyceum C o u r s e . T h e course included s i x lectures which e v i d e n t l y w e r e n ' t w e l l r e c e i v e d . T i m o t h y E. Ta r s n e y " d i d as w e l l a s a n y g l i b - t o n g u e d o r a t o r c o u l d h a v e d o n e , w h o h a d no b e t t e r a r g u m e n t t h a n h e h a d . " 9 7 H a r r y Martell's "South Before t h e War" was r a t e d "above t h e u s u a l m e r i t o f panies o n t h e r o a d " b u t t h e r e v i e w e r suggested t h a t inate " a few broad suggestions" from the speech.98 f i r s t p a r t Jahu D e w i t t M i l l e r , H o y t L . C o n a r y, son a n d J u d g e A l b i o n W. To u r g e e r e c e i v e d n o r e v i e w a t a l l . The f o l l o w i n g s e a s o n J a c k s o n a b a n d o n e d t h e l e c t u r e course a s a n u n p r o f i t a b l e u n d e r t a k i n g . T h e 94Weekly C o u r i e r , 1 8 A p r i l 1 8 9 6 , P . 95Weekly C o u r i e r , 1 4 M a r. 1 8 9 6 , p . 1. 1. 96Weekly C o u r i e r , 1 1 A p r i l 1 8 9 6 , p . 1 0 . 97Weekly C o u r i e r , 1 9 S e p t . 1 8 9 6 , p . 98Weekly C o u r i e r , 2 8 N o v. 1 8 9 6 , p . 8. 1. �125 Republican explained the problem "Do n o t t h e people w a t e r demand t h e v e r y b e s t t a l e n t o f the platform f o r the minimum p r i c e p a i d t o a m a t e u r s a n d p e o p l e o f m e d i o c r i t y ? Then when s u c h p e o p l e a p p e a r b e f o r e o u r c u l t u r e d a u d i e n c e s they f a i l t o please and the audience i s resolves not t o encourage others."99 that the indifference local clubs sorbed i n The p a p e r c o n t i n u e d t o l e c t u r e s was l a r g e l y due t o numerous i n Coldwater which tended t o "absorb tion o f most o f The r e v i e w e r disappointed and t h e women a t l e a s t i n literary effort." f i n a l l y accused individuals with being t h e i r own a f f a i r s o f t h e c o m m u n i t y. spring o f 1896 t o 100 the t o attend to the public wants In any event, t h e r e was no course f r o m f a l l o f 1900. In 1900, S t . Agatha's Guild sponsored a course which included Fred Emerson Brooks, Hon. J . W r i g h t Giddings, R e v. Thomas D i x o n , C h a r l e s H . F r a s e r , a n d D e w i t t M i l l e r . was n o p r e s s c o v e r a g e o f this course. A year later, T h e r e t h e Y. M . C . A . again sponsored the series and brought i n A. L . Colton f o r an i l l u s t r a t e d l e c t u r e o n " T h e Moon i n F a c t a n d Fancy"101 a n d Spillman Riggs who gave a humorous l e c t u r e . 1 0 2 was a l s o l i s t e d as a lecturer. T h e 99C&R, 1 8 N o v . 1 8 9 8 , p . 1 0 . 18 N o v . 1 8 9 8 , p . 1 0 . 101C4R, 2 0 S e p t . 1 9 0 1 , p . 5. 102C&R, 2 0 S e p t . 1 9 0 1 , p . 3. Ralph P a r l e t t f o l l o w i n g y e a r t h e Y. M . C . A . �12 sponsored Congressman Charles B . L a n d i s , o f Indiana; Durno the M y s t e r i o u s ; M e l v i n Robinson, i m p e r s o n a t o r ; J . D. Dolliver of Iowa; James Gale I n g l i s ; a n d C o l . H . W. J . Ham, a humorous lecturer.103 T h e 1 9 0 3 - 0 4 Y. M . C . A . l e c t u r e c o u r s e a d v e r t i s e d only t h r e e speakers; R u s s e l l H. Conwell, R e v. E . M. L a y c o c k and D r . Thomas E . G r e e n . T h e r e was n o l e c t u r e s e r i e s d u r i n g the 1904-05 season. Minstrels T h e number o f m i n s t r e l shows d e c l i n e d d u r i n g t h e years o f J a c k s o n ' s management. H i H e n r y ' s company appeared i n 1894 and again i n 1900. T h e show continued t o f e a t u r e jokes, pantomime, c l u b swinging and stereoptican views.104 The C l e v e l a n d M i n s t r e l s w h o a l s o a p p e a r e d i n 1 8 9 4 f e a t u r e d "a m i l e o f world's f a i r panaramic v i e w s . 0 0 5 that the Cleveland "rendition to t h a t o f T h e press note i s thought t o be i n t e r i o r G i g H i H e n r y. " 1 0 6 The E d F . D a v i s Mammoth M i n s t r e l s a d v e r t i s e d s o l i d a t e d show f e a t u r i n g one h u n d r e d men, women a n d c h i l d r e n . The C o u r i e r a n d R e p u b l i c a n w r o t e t h a t t h e s h o w w a s tion upon good nature, a t r a v e s t y upon music and a burlesque upon c h a r a c t e r s k e t c h i n g . as d e f i c i e n t i n . . . T h e actors c o l l c c t i v e l y were musical a b i l i t y as the 103C&R, 1 7 J u n e 1 9 0 2 , p . 1. 1o4Weekly C o u r i e r , 2 7 O c t . 1 8 9 4 , p . S . 1 0 5 R e p u b 11 c a n , 4 D e c . 1 8 9 4 . 106Republican, 11 Dec. 1894. �127 who s a i d i f he owned a hand organ t h a t was s e t t o Hundred he c o u l d n o t g e t more t h a n s e v e n t y - f i v e Most o f t h e shows a p p e a r e d t o play Old o u t o f r e l y upon scenic sensations such as V o g e l ' s B i g M i n s t r e l ' s " E l e c t r i c V e l o u r P a l a c e " a n d u p o n old jokes. 108 Va r i e t y and Va u d e v i l l e steady increase i n V a r i e t y and vaudeville enjoyed a p o p u l a r i t y d u r i n g Jackson's management. The H u m p t y D u m p t y c o m p a n i e s r e t u r n e d t o t h e T i b b i t s five times between 1900 and 1904. T h e pantomimic extravaganza appeared t o b e more p o p u l a r t h a n i n t h e m i d -1880's when p r e v i o u s l y p l a y e d i n Coldwater. i t T h e company which appeared i n 1904 f e a t u r e d George H. Adams, " E n g l a n d ' s famous pantomime clown."109 The L i l y 1894, f e a t u r e d C l a y G a i e t y C o m p a n y, w h i c h s t o p p e d o f f in l i v i n g p i c t u r e s which were represented b y "beautious, l i v i n g a r t i s t s ' models from the famous s t u d i o s o f Rome, F l o r e n c e , P a r i s , B e r l i n , L o n d o n . . • pany a l s o f e a t u r e d Marvelous M e l v i l l e , " t h e flying the h i g h double s w i n g i n g h o r i z o n t a l s . " 11 0 A • " year later Richie Foy b r o u g h t h i s P l a y s a n d P l a y e r s Company t o t h e T i b b i t s . This was a t a k e - o f f o n t h e p a s s i n g show and f e a t u r e d 107C&R, 3 S e p t . 1 8 9 7 , p . 5. 1 0 8 R e p o r t e r, 2 9 A p r i l 1 9 0 4 , p . 3. 1 0 9 R e k 9 r t e r, 1 3 S e p t . 1 9 0 4 , p . 3. noWeekly Courier, 2 8 J u l y 1894, p . 1. �128 some v a r i e t y w i t h o u t b e i n g o f f e n s i v e . • • • 111 The 1 8 9 6 - 9 7 season opened i n m i d -August w i t h t h e M e x i c a n f e r i n g music and specialties.112 Magic w a s a p o p u l a r f e a t u r e i n many o f t h e v a r i e t y entertainments. Hermann the Great brought h i s show t o town i n 1 8 9 9 , 11 3 and i n 1 9 0 2 , T h e W o r l d ' s Monarchs o f M a g i c f e a t u r e d L e R o y, T a l m a a n d B o s c o a n d t h e B u s c h - D e v e r e C o m p a n y. number o f received 11 4 A o t h e r companies a d v e r t i s i n g " p o l i t e v a u d e v i l l e " l i t t l e p r e s s comment. M o s t o f these lected t h e i r acts from Pastor's, Keith's, stein's and Koster and B i a l ' s theatres Miscellaneous P o l i t i c a l orators o f continued t o speak a t the Ti b b i t s . "huge a u d i e n c e " State and National stature G o v e r n o r Rich spoke t o i n 1894 w h i l e campaigning f o r 1896, W i l l i a m A l d e n S m i t h , H o n . J . C. B u r r o w s i n New Yo r t c . 11 5 office. J . Desmond a n d S e n a t o r J . a l l spoke i n October. S e n a t o r Burrows panied b y Seth L . M i l l i k e n president o f o f Maine a n d J . W. B r i g h a m , t h e the N a t i o n a l Grange. T h e Giant 111 R e p u b l i c a n , 1 5 O c t . 1 8 9 5 . 11 2 W e e k l y C o u r i e r , 2 8 J u l y 1 8 9 4 , p . 1 11 3 C & R , 1 7 N o v . 1 8 9 9 , p . 5. 11 R e p o r t e r , 9 O c t . 1 9 0 2 , p . 3 . 11 11 6 G&R, 5 J a n . 1 9 0 0 , p . a 1. Weekly C o u r i e r , 3 N o v. 1 8 9 4 , p . 8. �129 1 tet provided vocal music.17 R e v. F. M. Aunks, rows, a n d G o v e r n o r Shaw o f I o w a a l l spoke a t lies i n October o f 1900. A d e l i nominee, spoke o n O c t o b e r 2 4 . "He i s not a b r i l l i a n t Stevenson, a Vice Presidential T h e Courier and Republican wrote o r a t o r n o r one t o c r e a t e enthusiasm for h i s audience b u t no one doubted h i s s i n c e r i t y. " 11 8 A number o f companies b o a s t i n g "moving vices" appeared during Jackson's tenure, although the Edison Magniscope n e v e r made i t t u n . 1 1 t o Coldwater since 9 .• H o w e v e r , ld xp so te a i n i t "was addition to the stereoptican which had been popular f o r a number o f years, two c o m p a n i e s u t i l i z e d a c i n e m a t o s c o p e o r graph t o p i c t u r e m i l i t a r y scenes. Lumiere Cinematograph s t a t e d t h a t A n advertisement f o r Kleine's l o c a l families would be able t o s e e t h e i r sons who were f i g h t i n g Wa r m a r c h t o w a r d t h e c a m e r a . 1 2 0 T h e i n the Courier and Republican's review noted t h a t w h i l e "There were a few moving p i c t u r e s that were good, one especially so, t h e landing o f the marines at Guantanamo, b u t most o f them were q u i t e i n d i f f e r e n t company t h a t made s u c h p r e t e n s i o n s . " 1 2 1 In 1898 a n 7'Weekly C o u r i e r , 2 4 O c t . 1 8 9 6 , p . 11 8 C & R , 2 6 O c t . 1 9 0 0 , p . 8. 11 9 W e e k l y C o u r i e r , 2 1 N o v . 1 8 9 6 , p . 120C&R, 1 3 J a n . 1 8 9 9 , P . 17; G&R, 2 7 J a n . 1 8 9 9 , 1. 8. P. 5 . 1. f o r a �130 ment f e a t u r e d E d i s o n ' s A n i m o t o s c o p e w h i c h made v i e w s f r o m photographs.122 Finally promised " t h e r e a l thing i n 1899 t h e T i b b i t s audience was i n moving pictures."123 This graph Graphophone f e a t u r e d scenes s u c h a s a r i d e o n t h e f r o n t of an engine through the Rocky Mountain's Frazer yon.124 In 1896 a Miss Hext appeared i n "readings and posings" which f e a t u r e d t h e D e l s a r t i a n method. B i l l e d as "a rare and elegant entertainment" t h e reviewer found "one distinguishing feature--length." H e continued t h a t " t h e r e was a r e l i e f from any merit approaching mediocracy during terminable three hours.”125 Dancers s t o p p e d o f f The R o y a l V i c t o r i a T r o u p e o f at the Tibbits English g i r l s featured an electric i n 1901. T h i s troupe o f b a l l e t and a revolving windmill.126 There was a w r e s t l i n g match i n 1894 and H i g h School Commencements c o n t i n u e d t o b e a n a n n u a l e v e n t . A t once, Manager Jackson c r e a t e d a n e l a b o r a t e s e t t i n g exercises u t i l i z i n g least for the the occasion t o introduce t h e new scenery 122C&R, 3 J u n e 1 8 9 8 , p . 123C&B, 2 4 N o v . 1 8 9 9 , p . 1. 1. 124Reporter, 1 6 May 1 9 0 4 , p . 3. 125Weekly C o u r i e r , 1 4 N o v. 1 8 9 6 , 126Reporter, 1 1 O c t . 1 9 0 1 , p . 3. P. 8. �131 to be used d u r i n g t h e coming season.127 A n n a Eva terious Oneida, K i l l e r , t h e m a g i c i a n and Hermann t h e G r e a t a l l presented shows d e a l i n g w i t h s p i r i t u a l i s m and t h e o c c u l t , while Professor Norris returned with his trained dogs. Ti b b i t s Opera House was a l s o t h e s i t e T h e f o r memorial services f o r President McKinley and the B a r t S. T i b b i t s f u n e r a l . Amateur productions During Jackson's f i r s t t e n years o f teur productions were about e q u a l l y divided between dramatic and m u s i c a l e n t e r t a i n m e n t s . I n 1896 t h e C o u r i e r I d l e r , umnist who e d i t o r i a l i z e d on a f f a i r s o f i t upon himself to improve the q u a l i t y i n Coldwater. H i s local interest, took o f amateur productions suggestions included speaking d i s t i n c t l y and e n u n c i a t i n g , a v o i d i n g l a t e e n t r a n c e s a n d e a r l y e x i t s , playing to the front avoiding stiffness o f the stage, and behaving n a t u r a l l y and o r staginess. merge t h e m s e l v e s w i t h H e t h e i r characters and forget themselves. He c o n t i n u e d b y u r g i n g l o c a l t a l e n t dress stage. I n to learn conclusion he advised, you a r e t o a p p e a r i n feet o r urged the amateurs t o " . . their . lines and forget that p u b l i c and f o r g e t you have hands and t h a t anyone i s absorbingly watching to see breathe o r w i n k , a n d y o u w i l l a c q u i t y o u r s e l f much 127Re_publican, 4 J u n e 1 8 9 5 . i f you �132 f a c t o r i l y than you can imagine."128 When t h e L a d i e s ' M u s i c a l a n d D r a m a t i c C l u b p r o d u c e d A New Ye a r ' s R e c e p t i o n one p a p e r n o t e d "home t a l e n t a g a i n . " 1 2 9 A subsequent r e v i e w, however, l a b e l e d t h e e n t e r t a i n m e n t "bright, sparkling and musical."130 In 1897 and a g a i n 1898, t h e F o r t n i g h t l y C l u b s t a g e d M r . B o b . L a t e r season Lodge 3 1 , I . O . O . F. p r e s e n t e d U n c l e J o s h , and a g a i n i n S e p t e m b e r. A i n i n the 1898 f i r s t year later the sisterhood of Presbyterian Church mounted t h e comic opera Ermine. the S t . A g a t h a ' s G u i l d p r e s e n t e d R i p Va n W i n k l e i n May o f 1 9 0 0 a n d returned l a t e r The R i v a l s . I n that year with a production o f Sheridan's 1902 t h e y produced The Snowball. n i g h t l y Club returned i n 1901 t o act i n The Prince o f Egypt and a g a i n i n 1 9 0 4 t o r e c r e a t e t h e M i s t l e t o e B o u g h w h i c h was one o f C o l d w a t e r ' s f i r s t amateur Nevada, or The L o s t M i n e , E s m e r a l d a , T h e K e r m i s , Home L i g h t s , a n d The Va g p b o n d Q u e e n w e r e a l l staged by local lodges i n a period from 1901 t h r o u g h 1904. The m o s t i m p o r t a n t a m a t e u r v o c a l g r o u p d u r i n g t h e Jackson management w a s t h e Andrews C h o r a l U n i o n . group organized i n T h i s the mil-1890's and attempted t o 128Weekly C o u r i e r , 2 May 1896, p . 129Weekly C o u r i e r , 23 M a y 1 8 9 6 , p . 1 0 . 130Week1y C o u r i e r , 30 M a y 1 8 9 6 , p . 1 3 1 R e p o r t e r, 3 0 N o v . 1 9 0 4 , p . 3. 8. 5. �133 fessional." T h e Weekly Courier wrote " I n the r e n d i t i o n o f the program t h e U n i o n was most p l e a s i n g i n i t s b l e n d i n g o f voices, and brought o u t w i t h grand e f f e c t the orchestration of the d i f f i c u l t s e l e c t i o n s . I t s w o r k showed a and d e p t h o f s t u d y a n d a p r o f i c i e n c y i n the art tions t h a t might w e l l be accorded t o organizations i n grand opera."132 A l o c a l chorus also performed j a h C h o r u s a n d Wa g n e r ' s Ta n n h a u s e r. 1 3 3 The C o l d w a t e r F o r t n i g h t l y C l u b p r e s e n t e d a n u m b e r o f musical shows i n a d d i t i o n t o t h e i r dramatic e n t e r t a i n m e n t s . In 1900 they presented an entertainment e n t i t l e d "Evening a t t h e Opera House" w h i c h i n c l u d e d pantomime, r e c i t a t i o n and music. 134 T h e y also presented a patriotic entertainment and an e v e n i n g o f c o n t i n u o u s v a u d e v i l l e . 1 3 5 L o c a l t a l e n t a s s e m b l e d two l a d y m i n s t r e l s h o w s a n d a m a l e m i n s t r e l g r o u p c a l l i n g themselves C o l d w a t e r ' s T h i r t y Sable Sons o f Ham.136 Synopsis The J a c k s o n management w a s n o t a b l e i n t h a t b i t s Opera House was e n j o y i n g p r o s p e r i t y a t a t i m e when t h e 132Weekly C o u r i e r , 9 N o v. 1 8 9 5 , p . 1 0 . 133Weekly C o u r i e r , 1 3 A p r i l 1 8 9 5 , p . 134 G&R, 9 F e b . 1 9 0 0 , p . 1. 5. 135Weekly C o u r i e r , 2 1 D e c . 1 8 9 5 , p . 7 ; a n d C&R, 1 2 April 1901, p . 5 . 136Reppb1ican, 1 9 M a r. 1 8 9 5 ; We e k l y C o u r i e r, 1 6 M a r. 1895, p . 1 ; a n d Ceal, 2 5 D e c . 1 9 0 0 , p . 1 . �134 fortunes o f most s m a l l - t o w n Opera Houses were o n t h e wane. It's c l e a r t h a t John T. J a c k s o n ' s t h e a t r i c a l knowledge a n d astute business sense contributed g r e a t l y to the t h e a t r e ' s success. J a c k s o n ' s removal o f t h e s c e n e r y grooves ment o f t h e b a c k s t a g e a r e a made t h e T i b b i t s a atre, as did the increase i n electrical voltage. the b e s t companies a v a i l a b l e t o effort H e booked a s m a l l t o w n a n d made e v e r y t o woo t h e T h e a t r i c a l Syndicate and even though t h e Syndicate s t o p p e d b o o k i n g shows a t t h e T i b b i t s daybook i n d i c a t e s t h a t t h e i n 1897 t h e t o t a l number o f shows a t b i t s a c t u a l l y i n c r e a s e d a t a t i m e when many Opera Houses f o u n d i t d i f f i c u l t t o book any talent companies who p l a y e d off at the Tibbits i n f o r Detroit at f o r a l l . I n order a week o r more t o stop o n l y one performance he o f t e n p r i c e d t i c k e t s 2 5 0 t o 50.0 h i g h e r t h a n t h e c i t y though t h i s enraged t h e p r e s s , t h e l o c a l people apparently were w i l l i n g t o pay f o r the convenience o f seeing tainments i n t h e i r own town. A l s o , to make t h e f a c i l i t y available to Manager Jackson continued the public f o r a ety o f entertainments o t h e r than l e g i t i m a t e drama. W h e n t h e cinematoscope a n d o t h e r moving p i c t u r e d e v i c e s became p o p u l a r, Jackson made e v e r y e f f o r t to facilitate the production of these e n t e r t a i n m e n t s a t t h e Opera House. T h e utilized the later f a c i l i t y for the funeral local people o f Bart S. Ti b b i t s and f o r memcrial s e r v i c e s f o r P r e s i d e n t M c K i n l e y. �135 Comedy a s i t continued t o merge i n t o manded e n t h u s i a s t i c a u d i e n c e s . T h e new r e a l i s t i c p l a y s a l s o appealed t o t h e p u b l i c , a l t h o u g h Jackson c o u l d n o t secure many of these productions. L o c a l clubs competed w i t h one a n o t h e r in the production o f amateur t h e a t r i c a l , musical, ville entertainments. larity I n s h o r t , t h e a t r e was e n j o y i n g i n Coldwater t h a t even a press vendetta and a subsequent news " b l a c k o u t " c o u l d n o t d i s c r e d i t J a c k s o n ' s m a n a g e m e n t o f -the Opera House. A s the record in f a c t shows, vided Coldwater with the best t h e a t r i c a l fare of the T i b b i t s Opera House. i n the history �Chapter V SUMMARY A N D C O N C L U S I O N S Summary Because o f i t s unique location, Coldwater served as a n a t u r a l w a y - s t a t i o n between Chicago, To l e d o a n d D e t r o i t . On t h e m a i n l i n e w a y, t h e o f the Lakeshore and Michigan c i t y served as the central market f o r for a large territory. T h e farmer's products town's easy a c c e s s i b i l i t y and t h e s u r r o u n d i n g l a k e s a n d f o r e s t e d p a r k s made C o l d w a t e r a p o p u l a r resort f o r c i t y people. B y the turn of the century water area boasted f o u r major railroads and led the State the b r e e d i n g o f i n f i n e horses and the manufacture Coldwater's citizens were always unique i n terest i n a r t and literature. Shakespeare c l u b , b r a r y. T h e a famous a r t steady influx the c i t i z e n s a d v i s e d o f develop a t a s t e L o c a l f o r o f residents enjoyed a g a l l e r y and a free people i n t o the the latest a r t i s t i c trends and helped the best cultural entertainments. T h e t h r i v i n g commerce a l s o c r e a t e d a number o f w e a l t h y c i t i z e n s who w e r e w i l l i n g t o support the community's ours. There was l i t t l e theatrical activity i n Coldwater prior to 1879, b u t d u r i n g the p e r i o d between 1879 and 1881 -1 �137 over 30 l e g i t i m a t e dramas and numerous m i n s t r e l and m u s i c a l entertainments were performed a t Armory H a l l and i n church p a r l o r s . W h e n Armory H a l l burned i n 1881 t h e t o w n was l e f t with a developing taste them. B a r t Tibbits, theatricals but no place t o house t h e mayor o f the town and a gar manufacturer, b u i l t a cost f o r t h e 1000 s e a t T i b b i t s Opera House a t o f $25,000. R a t e d "second t o none" b y the l o c a l press, the Opera House was e l e g a n t i n decoration and extremely w e l l equipped w i t h a s t o c k o f scenery s a i d t o be " t h e l a r g e s t and finest i n Michigan. . . . " Completed i n 1882, boasted b o t h e l e c t r i c i t y and gas f i x t u r e s . utilized f o r most stage i l l u m i n a t i o n , A l t h o u g h e l e c t r i c i t y was u t i l i z e d from t h e b e g i n n i n g f o r s p e c i a l e f f e c t s and e x t e r i o r l i g h t i n g . B. S . T i b b i t s did not stop at simply building to-date theatre with elegant appointments, he also shrewdly provided f o r survival o f be p u t the multiplicity o f function necessary f o r the a s m a l l town Opera House. i n and removed a t removable. R e a l i z i n g w i l l . A l l o f A dancing the opera chairs were t h a t t h e t h e a t r e would house musical entertainments as w e l l as l i g i t i m a t e theatricals, Ti b b i t s provided s p e c i a l warmup rooms f o r musicians and m i n s t r e l s . He e n c o u r a g e d p u b l i c u s e o f t h e O p e r a H o u s e b y m a k i n g i t available t o private groups a t reasonable rates. At v a r i o u s t i m e s t h e Opera House housed l e g i t i m a t e drama, m i n s t r e l s , v a r i e t y shows, c o n c e r t s , d a n c e s , w r e s t l i n g matches, p o l i t i c a l rallies, lectures, funerals, conventions, �—.mow 13 receptions and even camel rides! B e c a u s e o f s i g h t , n o s t r u c t u r a l changes h a d t o b e made t o accommodate any o f t h e s e a c t i v i t i e s . made i n I n fact, the years reviewed i n t h e o n l y s t r u c t u r a l changes t h i s s t u d y were f o r Although t h e Opera House experienced f i n a n c i a l in 1885 and again because i t i n 1889, i t continued to function mainly housed such a v a r i e t y of functions i t h a d become virtually irreplaceable. Between 1882 a n d 1 9 0 5 , t w o owners a n d a number o f managers e x e r c i s e d c o n t r o l o v e r t h e T i b b i t s . owned t h e t h e a t r e difficulties, Joseph Henning i n from 1882-1885. E x p e r i e n c i n g sold i t f o r half i t s financial original price 1885. H e n n i n g r e t a i n e d c o n t r o l House u n t i l 1 9 0 4 w h e n h e s i g n e d Henning Jackson. A c c o r d i n g A f t e r i t the Opera o v e r t o h i s daughter, Huldah the theatre during the years Henning assumed o w n e r s h i p , C . L . Hunter, who h a d a d v i s e d T i b b i t s , became H e n n i n g ' s m a n a g e r. W h e n H u n t e r l e f t Klock, t h e of to to the press, Tibbits exercised c o n t r o l o v e r t h e management o f of his ownership. T i b b i t s f o r California f i r s t i n 1 8 8 7 G e o r g e W. l o c a l b a n d l e a d e r , assumed t h e management o f theatre. E v i d e n t l y the h i s management w a s n ' t v e r y s u c c e s s f u l because, b e s e i g e d w i t h f i n a n c i a l d i f f i c u l t i e s p e r s o n a l l y t o o k o v e r t h e management. I n the i n f a l l o f 1891, Henning's d a u g h t e r, H u l d a h , h a d t a k e n o v e r t h e management A . the Opera House. S h e continued i n this capacity until her �IMM6 139 marriage t o J o h n T. Jackson i n 1894, when Jackson assumed management o f agement, t h e the theatre. D u r i n g the ten years o f Ti b b i t s attained a sound f i n a n c i a l at t h e t i m e when most s m a l l t o w n Opera Houses were f a i l i n g financially. The n u m b e r o f l e g i t i m a t e dramas produced i n the Opera House i n c r e a s e d o v e r t h e y e a r s w i t h 376, more t h a n h a l f the t o t a l plays, b e i n g produced during the t e n years o f of the Jackson management. T h e movement i n comedy was t o w a r d s f a r c e and e v e n t u a l l y v a u d e v i l l e . T h e plots o f the tainments became s e c o n d a r y t o t h e s p e c i a l t i e s o f formers. W h i l e melodramas and p a s t o r a l p l a y s drew audiences during t h e p e r i o d under s u r v e i l l a n c e , t h e t r e n d was towards scenic sensations and o p e r e t t a s , w h i c h evolved i n t o l i t t l e more t h a n c o m e d i e s w i t h m u s i c . U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n , lar with the press, declined after the turn est i n o f i n t h e c e n t u r y. popularity with the public B y 1895, t h e r e was t h e more r e a l i s t i c p l a y s b y G i l l e t t e , Herne, Mackaye and S a r d o u , a l t h o u g h J a c k s o n a p p a r e n t l y h a d ing these p l a y s . R e p e r t o r y companies v i s i t e d t h e T i b b i t s a rate o f about three p e r year. I n at the 1896-97 son e n t e r e d n e g o t i a t i o n s w i t h t h e T h e a t r i c a l S y n d i c a t e t o present t h e i r plays. H o w e v e r, a f t e r one season, cate a p p a r e n t l y found t h e one- n i g h t -stands ceased t o play at the Tibbits regularly despite son's f u t u r e efforts. O t i s a l l Skinner's performance on the Opera �14 House s t a g e i n 1 9 0 0 , h o w e v e r , i n d i c a t e s t h a t t h e T h e a t r i c a l S y n d i c a t e w o u l d o c c a s i o n a l l y make i t s a c t o r s a v a i l a b l e t o Jackson when h e w o u l d f i n a n c i a l l y g u a r a n t e e t h e The T i b b i t s w a s v i s i t e d b y a n u m b e r o f p l a y e r s n o w l i s t e d i n The D i c t i o n a r y o f American Biography o r i n t h e Annals o f t h e New Yo r k Stage. H o w e v e r such a c t o r s a s J e s s i e Bonstelle, E v a l y n F o s t e r, C h a r l e s Gardner, E z r a Kendal a n d Roselle Knott were s o f a r past t h e i r prime b y the time t h e y arrived i n Coldwater that the local press refused l e d g e t h e m a s s t a r s . M a g g i e M i t c h e l l , a n d Thomas cause o f t h e i r national s t a t u r e , were accorded s t a r b i l l i n g , but l o c a l r e v i e w s commented o n t h e advanced a g e o f b o t h . S o l Smith R u s s e l l , R o l a n d R e e d a n d Denman Thompson r e c e i v e d s t a r b i l l i n g and always appeared t o please t h e i r audiences. V i o l a A l l e n was acknowledged a s a " p a i n s t a k i n g a r t i s t . " T h e local press a l s o w e n t i n t o e c s t a c i e s o v e r Rhea, a French a c t r e s s . Francesca Janauschek appeared i n 1888 and a g a i n i n 1890. W h i l e r e f e r r i n g t o h e r a s " m o t h e r l y, " t h e ledged t h a t h e r performance was t h e "dramatic e v e n t o f t h e season." R o b e r t M a n t e l l , who f o r m e r l y played w i t h Fanny Davenport, a n d John L . S u l l i v a n , t h e b o x e r, were mantic a c t o r s . O t i s Skinner appeared i n 1900. Most c o n c e r t s h e l d a t t h e T i b b i t s w e r e s p o n s o r e d b y the Y. M . C . A . o r l o c a l c h u r c h g r o u p s . A t various times the Opera House h o u s e d P e m e n y i , t h e v i o l i n i s t ; t h e J o h n P h i l l i p Sousa B a n d ; t h e C h i c a g o M a r i n e B a n d ; a n d t h e B o s t o n L a d i e s �14 Symphony O r c h e s t r a . F o r t h e most p a r t , however, c o n c e r t s consisted o f v o c a l entertainments o r chamber groups. The t h e a t r e a l s o p r o v i d e d s p a c e f o r l e c t u r e s . T h e Y. M . C . A . s p o n s o r e d a l e c t u r e c o u r s e m o s t y e a r s w h i c h i n c l u d e d both speakers and musical entertainments. W h e n interest i n l e c t u r e s began t o wane around 1897 b o t h Manager Jackson and St. Agatha's Guild sponsored a course. H o w e v e r, b y 1900 t h e press r e p o r t e d t h a t w h i l e C o l d w a t e r audiences demanded t h e best t a l e n t o f minimum p r i c e t h e p l a t f o r m t h e y were o n l y o f amateurs and people o f Minstrels were popular i n the willing to pay the mediocrity. c i t y until the turn of the c e n t u r y when t h e b e t t e r companies adopted a v a u d e v i l l e foremat and t h e l e s s e r companies t r i e d to keep a d r i f t with scenic sensations such as t h e p i n k v a l o u r palace one company advertised. B y 1900 t h e m i n s t r e l shows were f o r c e d t o t a k e second p l a c e t o t h e m o r e p o p u l a r v a r i e t y e n t e r t a i n m e n t s . During t h e heyday o f m i n s t r e l s y, however, t h e T i b b i t s housed such companies a s F r o h m a n ' s C a l l e n d e r M i n s t r e l s , H a v e r l y ' s Minstrels, H i Henry's Superb Operatic Minstrels, and A l G. Fields Minstrels. Va r i e t y and v a u d e v i l l e a c t s gained p o p u l a r i t y. Humpty Dumpty c o m p a n i e s f i r s t T h e came t o Coldwater i n aroused l i t t l e enthusiasm. W h e n t h e y r e t u r n e d d u r i n g J a c k s o n ' s management t h e y r e c e i v e d a much h e a r t i e r welcome. B y the end o f t h e century vaudeville was f i r m l y entrenched i n t h e e n t h u s i a s m s o f t h e p u b l i c . T h e O p e r a House �142 housed a c t s f r o m P a s t o r ' s , K e i t h ' s , P r o c t o r ' s , Hammerstein's, and K o s t e r a n d B i a l ' s t h e a t r e s i n New Yo r k . M a n y legitimate dramas f e a t u r e d v a u d e v i l l e d u r i n g a c t b r e a k s a n d b e f o r e a n d a f t e r t h e show. The O p e r a H o u s e a l s o s e r v e d a s a political orators, a ballroom, the site rallying place f o r f o r w r e s t l i n g matches, receptions, conventions, reunions and funerals. T w o h i b i t s were housed i n the Ti b b i t s and High ment w a s a n a n n u a l e v e n t . M a n y C o l d w a t e r p e o p l e c a u g h t their f i r s t glimpse and p a r t i c i p a t e d o f "Delsartian posings" a t i n t h e advancement f r o m s t e r e o p t i c a n t o t h e vivograph graphophone which heralded t h e advent o f tion pictures. Amateur t h e a t r i c a l s remained p o p u l a r t h r o u g h o u t t h e s t u d y, a v e r a g i n g a b o u t t w o p e r y e a r. M o s t o f the dramatic presentations by local talent featured large casts, music, and a g r e a t d e a l o f spectacle. I n addition, local talent also presented concerts, and v a r i e t y and ments. M o s t o f these shows were sponsored b y l o c a l c l u b s o r lodges. T h e Andrews Choral Union, organized d u r i n g Jackson's management, made a n a t t e m p t t o " g o p r o f e s s i o n a l . " Conclusions From 1 8 8 2 - 1 9 0 4 t h e T i b b i t s O p e r a H o u s e f u n c t i o n e d a s Coldwater's c u l t u r a l center. A n examination o f t u r a l p l a n shows t h a t w h i l e t h e T i b b i t s was a n e l e g a n t and �14 modern Opera House i t also had the b u i l t - i n house c o n c e r t s , r e c i t a l s , m i n s t r e l s , v a r i e t y tures, dances, wrestling, unions, conventions, a r t p o l i t i c a l rallies, e x h i b i t s , dance companies, marionette shows, a n i m a l a c t s a n d a w i d e v a r i e t y o f ment. In fact, n e a r l y 1/3 o f the a c t i v i t i e s housed i n the f a c i l i t y were n o t professional dramas. ( S e e Appendix I I , Ta b l e # 4 . ) T h e p r i v a t e l y owned i n s t i t u t i o n was c o n t i n u o u s l y adapted t o p u b l i c need. With the l i t e r a t u r e presently available t h e r e ' s no way t o d e t e r m i n e w h e t h e r C o l d w a t e r a n d t h e T i b b i t s que o r not. I t ' s c l e a r , however, t h a t the town's geographical location hastened the construction o f the r a i l lines which brought a l m o s t e v e r y company t r a v e l i n g between D e t r o i t a n d Chicago i n t o t h e t o w n . P e r h a p s more i m p o r t a n t l y, C o l d w a t e r ' s crossroads l o c a t i o n meant a constant i n f l u x o f who l e n t a c o s m o p o l i t a n m i e n t o t h e c o m m u n i t y . T h e Tibbits Opera House w a s n e v e r t h r e a t e n e d b y t h e r e l i g i o u s c o n s e r v a t i s m which Marshall Cassady found i n his study of professional theatre i n Salem, Ohio. A l t h o u g h C o l d w a t e r was a w e a l t h y c o m m u n i t y, nessmen w e r e n o t willing t o i n v e s t l a r g e sums i n the theatre. Thus, t h e p a t r o n a g e o f B a r t S . T i b b i t s a n d Joseph not be minimized. U n t i l t h e J a c k s o n management, t h e t h e a t r e was u n a b l e t o f u n c t i o n w i t h o u t p a t r o n a g e . T h r o u g h b o t h d e s i r e to p r o v i d e a community c e n t e r and personal p r i d e i n �14 ship o f such an e d i f i c e , b o t h Tibbits and an e n t e r p r i s e w h i c h was n o t a c o m m e r c i a l s u c c e s s . Coldwater was dependent upon t h e managers o f Detroit and Chicago theatres the f o r most o f the p l a y s panies t h a t appeared a t t h e T i b b i t s . T h u s , the ence w a s u n a b l e t o v i e w a s m a n y r e a l i s t i c p l a y s a s t h e y m a y have l i k e d . H o w e v e r , b u s i n e s s m e n o f t e n g u a r a n t e e d p e r f o r m a n c e s so t h a t l o c a l p e o p l e m i g h t see t h e most p o p u l a r shows a n d a c t o r s , a n d , d u r i n g t h e J a c k s o n management, t h e C o l d w a t e r c i t i z e n s o f t e n p a i d more f o r living in their tickets than theatregoers D e t r o i t and Chicago so t h a t t h e y might have t h e convenience o f v i e w i n g good drama i n t h e i r own t o w n . F i n a l l y, t h e c i t i z e n s saw no l i m i t a t i o n s on the use of the theatre. T h i s helped t o s u s t a i n t h e Opera House d u r i n g a p e r i o d when t h e T h e a t r i c a l Syndicate and l o c a l a p a t h y were destroying most s m a l l town theatres. the T i b b i t s h a s f a l l e n I n into disuse during fact, the only time i t s t o r y was a p e r i o d d u r i n g t h e 1 9 4 0 ' s and 5 0 ' s when i t longer needed as a movie t h e a t r e . D u r i n g was no the 20's t i o n o f t h e b u i l d i n g became s p e c i a l i z e d a s a m o t i o n p i c t u r e theatre f o r the f i r s t time. W h e n the need f o r one a c t i v i t y n o l o n g e r e x i s t e d , t h e b u i l d i n g use. T o d a y , returned t o f e l l t h e T i b b i t s Opera House h a s been r e s t o r e d a n d i t s earlier multiplicity of fun-Aion. i n t h e 1 . s t t r i o d e c a d e s o f t h e 1 9 t h c e n t . u r y. integral payt o f t h c c o m m u n i t y. i t i s A s i t waF,.. again an �14. In f u r t h e r studies on small town theatres emphasis should be placed on a l l o f the a c t i v i t i e s housed w i t h i n the theatre and not j u s t professional theatrical American t h e a t r e h i s t o r y moves o u t necessary t o activity. o f New Yo r k C i t y A s i t becomes i d e n t i f y the small town's unique q u a l i t i e s . Since 1 9 t h c e n t u r y New Yo r k t h e a t r e s a n d m o s t atres specialize i n the production of live stage plays, there is a tendency t o measure s m a l l town 1 9 t h c e n t u r y t h e a t r e s against t h i s standard. town i t s u n i q u e p l a c e S u c h a practice denies the small i n American theatre h i s t o r y. Studies o n s m a l l t o w n Opera Houses w i l l invaluable t o o l f o r research into theatrical should a l s o p r o v i d e a n a d d i t i o n a l p o i n t of the century stars. A t circuits. T h e y o f view o n many t u r n present, o u r view o f them i s based almost e n t i r e l y o n New Yo r k t h e a t r i c a l The g r e a t e s t v a l u e provide an o f activities. this study is that lishes a view o f a 19th century small town theatre i n terms o f i t s own m e r i t r a t h e r t h a n a g a i n s t a New Yo r k C i t y m e a s u r i n g stick. I t has been demonstrated t h a t mary f u n c t i o n o f i n addition to providing a space f o r professional drama, the T i b b i t s Opera House a l s o s e r v e d a s a community c u l t u r a l center. T h e patronage o f two individuals and Coldwater's need f o r a c o m m u n i t y t h e a t r e s u s t a i n e d t h e s m a l l t o w n o p e r a house. �Guide t o t h e Appendices Appendix A i n c l u d e s , when a v a i l a b l e , t h e d a t e o f e a c h theatrical activity, the t i t l e o f e a c h e n t e r t a i n m e n t , t h e name o f t h e p l a y w r i g h t , t h e name o f t h e company a n d t h e names o f the l e a d i n g p e r f o r m e r s . S o m e t i m e s i n f o r m a t i o n i s i n c o m p l e t e , h o w e v e r, a l l a v a i l a b l e information w i l l be included t o show that t h e t h e a t r e was i n use. after a play's f i r s t T h e playwright F o r was only o r adapter as the i n s t a n c e , when The Counte o f Monte C r i s t o was p e r f o r m e d i n 1 9 0 4 , t h e Dumas, f i l s listed appearance a t the Tibbits Often t h e newspapers l i s t e d a t r a n s l a t o r playwright. i s listed. I n original playwright, Alexandre 1866, a play entitled was c r e d i t e d t o C h a r l e s A . F e c h t e r . P r o b a b l y t h e s e w e r e t h e same p l a y s a n d F e c h t e r w a s t h e t r a n s l a t o r . conjecture o n t h e w r i t e r ' s p a r t , however, appear i n the daybook exactly as l i s t e d S i n c e a l l t h i s must be playwrights w i l l i n the Coldwater papers. Appendix B p r o v i d e s t h r e e indexes t o t h e daybook. Ta b l e 1 a l p h a b e t i c a l l y l i s t s leading performers and the dares of t h e i r appearances a t t h e T i b b i t s f r o m 1882-1904. T a b l e lists the plays and the dates o f from 1882-194. Ta b l e 2 t h e i r production i n Coldwater 3 provides an alphabetical l i s t i n g of companie,3 a n d t h e d a t e s t h e y p e r f o r m e d a t t h e O p e r a H o u s e . chart d e t a i l i n g the incidence o f each type o f e n t e r t a n m e e t all° includd i n t h i s Appendix. 14 A ie �147 Appendix C i n c l u d e s a r c h i t e c t u r a l d a t a o n tion o f the Tibbits too extensive t o include i n the text. T h e f u l l Coldwater Republican account o f t h e new t h e a t r e cluded. Appendix D p r o v i d e s a n a c c o u n t o f t h e cation. I t a l s o i n c l u d e s o t h e r newspaper a r t i c l e s w h i c h were too l o n g t o i n c l u d e i n t h e body o f t h e s t u d y. A p p e n d i x tains a photograph o f t h e Ti b b i t s facade i n t h e 19th century and o t h e r s i g n i f i c a n t �AM! APPENDIX A T I B B I T S OPERA HOUSE DAYBOOK 1 8 8 2 - 1 9 0 4 �T i t l e o r Type of Program Date Playwright Company Leading Perform '382 Sep. 15 Local Ta l e n t Concert Sep. 21 Maid o f A r r a n Sep. 22 Muid o f A r r a n Sep. 2 7 - 9 Oct. I Cheek Oct. 2 Reception Oct. 9 Oct.. 10 Cwt. 17 Scrops Oct. 21 The D r u n k a r d ' s Daughter Oct. '2 ?A Opera House Orchestra Louis F. B a n n i s Maid o f A r r a n Combination Roland R Boston O p e r a t i c Minstrels Horton J and w i f e Jolly Pathfinders Josie Si J. N . Re Scott Marble Callenders New Colored M i n s t r e l s P o l i t i c a l Speech (D. F r o h manag.) Gen. Wm. son �Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Program Playwright Company William G i l l e t t e Madison Square Thea. C o . Oct. 26 Esmeralda Oct. 30 "Illuminated bles i n F o r e i g n Lands" can N o v. 2 N o v. 3 P o l i t i c a l Speech N o v. 4 Black Crook N o v. 11 The W o r l d N o v. 16 A Messinger from Jarvis Section N o v. 20 Tw e n t y T h o u s a n d Pounds N o v. 24 Only a Farmer's Daughter N o v. 28 M'Liss o r, The Child o f the Sierras Leading Performe Viola All H a r t w i g -Seeman Combination Thatcher, rose & West Minstrels H. C . H o d Charles M. B a r r a s Maxwell Combination Joseph F Wheelock Agnes H e r n d o n Combination Andrew Wa l d r o n Joseph F Wheelock Herndon Jennie C C. W . C h �- T i t l e o r Type of Program Dat Playwright Company Opera House dancing p a r t y Ranch 1 0 Dec. 2 1 Opera House dancing p a r t y Dec. 2 3 Our M o t h e r A. 0 . M i l l e r Combination Dec. 2 5 The H i d d e n H a n d A. 0 . M i l l e r Combination 1883 Jan. 4 Opera House dancing p a r t y Jan. 9 Opera House dancing p a r t y Jan. 11 Uncle To m ' s C a b i n G e o r g e A i k e n Smith's Double U n c l e To m ' s Cabin Co. Jan. 1 Our I n f a n t Harrison Combination 5 Jan. 1 6 The S p a n i s h Students Leading Perform �Dute T i t l e o r Type of Program Playwright Company Leading Perform New O r l e a n s Minstrels Jan. 2 4 Feb. 1 Opera House dancing p a r t y Feb. 2 The G i r l Feb. 6 Rooms t o R e n t I Love E l l i o t t Wm. H . gerald, Rams d e n Barnes Ensign Comedy Co. Sadie Jo Feb. 1 3 The S w e d i s h L a d y Quartette Eda E l i e (Elocut Feb. 2 6 Baird's Minstrels M a r. 1 3 Fanchon M a r. 2 0 Mascotte M a r. 2 8 Masquerade Party M a r. 3 0 Apr. 1 Lecture " C r u e l t y to A n i m a l s " Maggie M Fay Te m p l e t o n Star Opera Co. Fay Te m Seth Cra Haverly's Minstrels Haverly $10,000 dogs Edwin Le (Lectur �Date T i t l e o r Ty p e L e of Program P l a y w r i g h t A p r. 3 Hazel K i r k Steele Mackaye A p r. 9 Richard William peare Thomas Keene Apr. 1 4 Fogg's F e r r y C. E . C a l a h a n Carrie S Apr. 2 3 La B e l l e R u s s e David Belasco Jeffreys J. Newto sold I I I a d i Company n g Perform Madison S q u a r e Theatre Co. Laura A l E. L . port, J r Helen P (Elocut Apr. 2 4 May 3 Humpty Dumpty May 7 To n y D e n i e r C o . Duprez d i c t --Famous gantic Minstrels May 2 5 May 3 1 June 2 Camilla (violin Photos Harrison Combination Callendars Minstrels �T i t l e o r Type of Program Date Playwright Company Leading Performe 41 June 8 Shiel Agar juiy 3 Local Ta l e n t Show Morris-Sullivan Combination Miss A l i c (vocalis July 4 July 13 State's Attorney John D i l l July 22 Lecture "The Origin o f the Aborigines o f North America" Allen Tib Esq. ( l e c Aug. 2 4 - 2 5 O n e o f the Finest Gus W i l l i Joseph Bradford Prof. Mo trained d Aug. 2 9 J. W. B u D a i s y Ram Sep. 1 1 A Diamond Mystery E l l i o t or, T h e G i r l I Love Sep. J - 4 Fun i n a D o . L i d i n g School John E . I n c e M u s i c a l Comedy Co. Messinger from Jarvis Section McAuley Combination Sep. 1 7 A Barnes John E . I Alice Ba �Date T i t l e o r Type of Program Playwright Company Leading Performe OP Sep. 2 6 Fogg's F e r r y Bella Moore Combination Bella Mo Sep. 2 7 Pygmallion & Galatea Bella Moore Combination Bella Mo Sep. 2 8 Nan t h e for-Nothind Bella Moore Combination Bella Mo Morrison & H a l l ' s Gigantic solidated strels Oct. 5 Oct. 1 3 The F r o l i c s of a Day Frank M a j i l t o n Combination Oct. 2 2 Uncle To m ' s C a b i n Draper's Double Mammoth U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n C o . Oct. 2 3 "Grand C o n c e r t " Local Ta l e n t Oct. 2 7 .Scraps Rentfrow bination ( J o l l y Pathfinders) Oct. 3 0 A Bunch o f Keys or, T h e H o t e l N o v. 8 Concert C h a r l e s H. Hoyt & W i l l i e Edouin Thomas L i Julia Da L. C . H i g Flora Mo E. L . W a Remenyi ist) �T i t l e o r Type of Program Date Playwright Company H. A . Co. D'Arcy Leading Performe Bertha W N o v. 24 The H u n c h b a c k N o v. 29 The B a n k e r ' s Daughter Dec. 7 Concert Clara Lo logg ( c o Dec. 8 Humpty Dumpty Dec. 21 Pique J. R . Ad George A Jane Coo Dec. 28 Karl Jan. 1 Our Summer Boarders Jan. 10 Opera H o u s e dancing p a r t y Jan. 1 L i t t l e M u f f e Ts Jan. 19 Local Ta l e n t Bronson Howard Augustin Daly Union Square Th. C o . Jane Coombs Combination Charles A . G a r d n e r Cornbination Charles Gardner, To s a 1/3W E l l i o t t Barnes Madelon Andrew Wa l d r o n Jennie C St. C e c i l i a Musicale �T i t l e o r Type of Program Date Playwright Company Ellen Price Wood Charles Watkins F i f t h Avenue Combination Jan. 23 East Lynne Jan. 25 Masquerade Party Jan. 31 Olivette Wilbur Opera Co. Feb. 5 Musical novelty The O r i g i n a l Spanish Students Feb. 15 Local Ta l e n t Butterworth Post, G.A.R. Feb. 16 A Mountain Pink Feb. 22 Che Feb. 25 The M a r. 3 Interviews M a r. 12 Grand J u v i n i l e Musical Festival M a r. 18 My P a r t n e r Leading Performer Ada G r a y D. W . R o b J. J . Hay Laura D a i Frank Aih Edwyn B a r r o n Morgan B a t e s Roland Re Maggie M i f Milton No Milton Nobles McGibney Family Bartley Campbell Aldrich and Parsloe bination Louis A l d Charles T Parsloe �Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Company Leading Performe ••• Edward H a r r i g a n M. W . H a n l e y C o . M a r. 2 5 McSorley's Inflation A p r. 5 Alvin Juslin A p r. 8 Edgewood F o l k s Apr. I 4 Nobody's C l a i m A p r. 2 4 iolanthe Wilbur Opera Co. Cora E . F May 2 7.20.8 A r t h u r Rehan Combination Augustin (directo May 5 Friend and Foe Alvin Joslin Comedy C o . Charles Sol S m i t Wm. J . Bartley Campbell May 10 S Baird's Minstrels May 1 3 Benefit formance Mendelssohn Quintette Club May 1 7 - 1 8 "The R e f o r m e d law" l e c t u r e and panarama Hildebrand's Illustrated Exposition May 3 0 The T h r e e W i d o w s A. O . M i l l e r Combination June 6 Fritz i n Ireland J . K . Emmett & Carleton J. K . Em �T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment Data Playwright Company Leading Performe Hi H e n r y ' s Minstrels June 18 Aug. 24 "What S h a l l We D o To B e S a v e d ? " Lecture Sep. 1 Uncle To m ' s C a b i n Sep. 3 Ranch 1 0 Harry Meredith Sid Smith Edwin A r n Sep. 12 The J e r s e y m a n B. M c A u l e y B. M c A u l e Sep. 15 The I r i s h Minstrel W. J . S c a Sep. 22 Yv o n n e Rhea Oct. 9 Political Meeting Senator C S. M . C u t Oct. 3 Wrinkles N o v. 10 Joshua comb N o v. 22 A Mountain Pink I d a H u t te Boston I d e a l Uncle To m ' s Cabin C o . Watson's Comedy Co. Denman Thompson Denman Thompson Laura E . �T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Date N o v. 2 6 Dt3C 2 Dec. 8 " P e c u l i a r People" Y. M . C . A . L e c t u r e Course L o c J a l Ta l e n t Musical Entertainment C o n c e r t C h L o a S i c Leading Performe Company h d t a g o Redpath Concert Co. n i B. G e s . E l l a l i o Mark a n (wh soloist) Y. M . C . A . Lecture Course Dec. 1 9 P o e t r y Reading Y. M . C . A . Dec. 2 2 H u m b u d J . W. R i l e y J. W. R i Roland R 1881 Jan. 8 K e r r y Gow F JH.n. 2 9 The C r i m e s o f London Feb. 1 3 P o e t - - Y. M . C . A . Lecture Course r e d Marsden J. S . Mu James W h Riley �Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment Playwright Feb. 1 4 The G a l l e y S l a v e Bartley Campbell Company Leading Performe Marjorie Edward R Local Ta l e n t Feb. 1 9 - 2 1 A n d e r s o n v i l l e o r , the S c o u t ' s L a s t Shot Feb. 2 3 - 2 8 23rd-Shadows o f a Life 24th-Hazel K i r k 25th- R i p Va n Winkle 26th-Ingomar 27th-Confusion 28th-French Spy Waite's Union Square Comedy C o . J. W . C a James W a Cora N e i Joseph son Maria L o v e l l T. S . J a c k M a r. 1 "Spiritualism" Y. M . C . A . L e c t u r e Course Anna E v a J. C . He D. L . Hu M a r. 3 Lecture Y. M . C . A . L e c t u r e Course Stuart R M a r. 5 - 7 5th-Shadows o f a Life 6th-Iwromar 7th-Solon Shingle (matinee) 7th-Enoch Arden Waite's Union Square Comedy C o . �T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment Date Playwright Company Leading Performe M a r. 9 Wrestling match J. H . M c L Andre C h r M a r. 10 Wrestling match J. H . M c L L. L . B u r M a r. 12 Romany R y e E. M . G o t t h o l d Co. C. H a n d y s J. A . Owe M a r. 16-17 16th-The O c t o r o o n 17th-My G e r a l d i n e Mortimer & Weaver S t a r Dramatic Co. Bessie Ta M a r. 28 & 3 0 Ilimpty Dumpty George H . Adams Co. A p r. 4 Kinks Stevens' O p e r a t i c Comedy C o . A p r. 6 Romeo a n d Juliet A p r. 13-14 The K i n d e r crarten A p r. 17-18 "The A r t i c " ture w i t h o p t i c a n Y. M . C . A . Lecture Course William S Evelyn F o . William Shakespeare Robt. G . M o r r i s A l W. F e l Ye a m a n - M a c y C o . L y d i a Ye a Stanley M Herbert W Leach �T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Date A p r. 2 0 - 2 5 W a i t e Company ' Leading P e r f o r m e r ( s Union Square Comedy C o . 20th-Carrotts 21st-Inshavogue 22nd- T h e Shadows of Life 23rd-Caste 2 4 t h - R i p Va n W i n k l e 25th-The French Spy Confusion A p r. 2 9 May 6 Rose E y t i F e l i c i a T May 8 - 9 h T May 1 5 e h Banker's Daughter e Chimes o f Normandy Macbeth W Local Ta l i l l May 1 8 - 2 3 a m Shakespeare Thomas K e Owen F a w c e t t Comedy C o . 1801- M a r r i e d 19th-Dodginc 20th-Kiss i n Dark 21st- M a r r i e d 22nd- K i s s i n Dark 23rd-Dodginc May 2 0 i Life the Life the R e u n i o n o f Loomis H a t t e r y �f T i t l e o r Ty p e Entertainment Date o May 2 5 F r i e n d May 2 7 - 2 8 G H June 2 6 J o s e p h July 6 i V and Foe e June 2 5 P l a y w r i g h t C o m p a n y W o r Leading P e r f o r m e r ( s . g i a J . Sca Minstrels g h School Commencement Henning purchases Opera House e s July 16 Wrestling Match Aug. 1 2 Opera House Dance P a r t y Aug. 2 9 Trained Dogs Sep. 3 Six Peas i n a Pod Sep. 1 8 Boxing Match c e l i u s Opera A l f r e d L . and C o n c e r t E d w a r d J. Company F r e d Roth John T y l e John R i g g Prof. Cas B l a n c h Em a Rentfrow's Combination Jack C o l l John Lawr �T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Date P l a y w r i g h t Company Sep. 21-26 21st- C o l l e e n Hawn D i o n D o u c i c a u l t 22nd- M o s e l l e 23rd-The Shadows of Life 2 4 t h - R i p Va n W i n k l e 2 6 t h - Te n N i g h t s i n a W i l l i a m W. Dar Room P r a t t matinee) The H i d d e n H a n d Waite Combination Sep. 28 Uncle To m ' s C a b i n Maxwell's Combination Oct. 6 Nip and Tuck Bessie's Burglar H a r r y Webber Co. Oct. 9 Dolly's Luck Pauline Markham Co. Oct. 11 Martha Emma A b b o t t Grand O p e r a C o . 0,•t. 20 Mikado Oct. 24 N o v. N o v. 11 G i l b e r t & Sullivan Leading Performe H a r r y We Carrie W Thompson O p e r a Co. A. W . Collin Lester & Allen's Minstrels John L . S (prize fi Nobody's C h i l d Francis Labadies Combination A Wife's Honor Marston Co. Lawrence Lillian D �T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Date Company Leading P e r f o r m e r ( s N o v. 26 The L i t t l e N u g g e t s H o r a c e D u m a r s Sisson Combination Oscar Siss Josie Siss Dec. 1 The B o h e m i a n Burleigh Combination Dec. 4 The K i n d e r g a r t e n Dec. 8 Golden H a i r and the T h r e e Bears Dec. 12 Mugg's L a n d i n g Dec. 14-19 Local Ta l e n t Francis B Egbert Dramatic Co. 1 4 t h - Tw o O r p h a n s 15th-The B a n k e r ' s Daughter 16th- Q u e e n ' s E v i d e n c e 17th- R i s e n f r o m t h e Ashes 18th-Frow-Frow 19th- E a s t Ly a n e (matinee) Queen's Evidence 1886 Jan. 1 3 Si P e r k i n s , o r The E . A . L o c k e Girl I Left Behind Me Frank Jones Co. K a t e Glas �nnte T i t l e o r Ty p e L e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Jan. i 4 Masquerade B a l l Jan. 1 9 Shane-na-Lawn Jan. ? ) Sully's Corner Grocery Jan. 2 6 A P a r l o r Match Jan. 2 8 - 3 0 Trained Horses Feb. 3 Skipped b y t h e Liplit o f t h e Moon a d i C o m p a n y n g P e r f o r m e r ( W. J . S c a Lester & Williams Co. Prof Cro Fowler & Warmington's C o . Vol). 1 6 Ida Siddons Burlesque & Specialty Co. Mir. 11 Humbug M a r. 1 7 Sj be ci a Wir. 2 2 - 2 3 A r t Show P h o t o ' s and P a i n t i n g s o f war-scenes M a r. 2 9 Malta R e v e l l e ' s Female M i n s t r e l s A p r. 8 Felix McKusick Roland Reed Co. Harry Co Ned W e s t R o l a n d Re Emily Kea Bartley Campbell Liza Web S o l Smit �Date A p r. 1 2 A p r. 2 8 May 3 o f T i t l e o r Ty p e L e Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t R e a d i n g s Tr a g e d y T w o from Dans H L e c t u r e June 2 Mich. P r e s s Asso. M e e t i n g June 1 3 - 1 6 Bohemian G i r l June 2 4 High S c h o o l Commencement J u l y. 3 Opera House Dance P a r t y G o w a e o r d i n g Company P e r f o r m e r ( s o t r h R g Local Ta l e n t J. W. C a r n e r Combination 30th-My P a r t n e r 31st-Inshavogue lst-Widow Bedott 2nd- E n o c h A r d e n 3rd-Monte C r i s t o C h a r l e s 4 t h - R i p Va n W i n k l e A. Fechter C. l s Comedy & S p e c i a l t y Co. . Aug. ) 0 Sep. 4 e F. Tr e (Grand L e National Knights o �Date T i t l e o r Ty p e L e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Sep. 6 - 8 6th-Monte C r i s t o Sep. 9 - 1 0 Sanitary Convention a d i n g Company P e r f o r m e r ( s J. W. C a r n e r Combination Edwin Browne Dramatic Co. Sep. 1 3 Dion B o u c i c a u l t J. C . P o d g e t t C o . Sep. 1 8 The L o n g S t r i k e Sop. 2 0 - 2 5 2 0 t h - L o r l e y, o r the A r t i s t s ' D r e a m Waite Comedy C o . Oct. 1 Neck a n d N e c k E. T . Oct. 4 Lady o f Ly o n s Oct. 5 Patent R i g h t Oct. 7 - 9 Edward Lytton Adelaide M Amy G o r d o n C a s i n o Opera C o . Girofla 8th-Mikado 9th-Grand Duchess (matinee) Queen's Lace Handkerchief S i l v e r King C. Pod Stetson Co. 7th- Oct. 1 4 J . Wiggins C o . �Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Oct. 2 1 Political Rally Oct. 2 2 Faust a n d Marguerite Oct. 2 8 Lynwood N o v. 1 Three B l a c k Cloaks Leading Performe Company G o v. A l g e Robert F Lewis M o r r i s o n A l s b e r g - M o r r i son Shakesperian Co. Maud G r a Thompson 's Opera C o . N o v. 4 - 6 Hoop o f G o l d C o . N o v. 1 6 The S t r e e t s o f New Y o r k Gaspard Maeder N o v. 1 9 The W h i t e S l a v e Bartley Campbell N o v. 2 4 Ranch Te n Dec. 1 Conrad Dick Gorman Comedy C o l Dec. 8 Jack Cade Collier's Lights Edmund O'London Co. Dec. I ) Fast Lynne Dec. 2 0 George face Cold Fire Dep D i c k Gorm C Ada G r a y Duprez a n d Benedict Minstrels �T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Date L e P l a y w r i g h t a d i Company P e n r f Dec. 2 5 L o c a l Ta l e n t Coldwater teur Minstrels Dec. 2 8 I Comedians Harrigan's ists Dec. 2 9 - 3 0 r i s h A l v i n g o r m e r ( Charles L Joslin 1887 Jan. 3 O n Jan. 4 l y a Farmer's Daughter Marion Ab Phenix Jan. 1 4 W. J . Jan. 1 8 Local Ta l e n t Coldwater teur Minstrels Jan. 1 9 U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n Abbey's Uncle To m C o m b i n a t i o n Feb. 4 Out o f B o n d a g e Donavin's Musical Comedy C o . S a Feb. 1 0 - 1 2 T h e Feb. 2 6 l C i o Union Spy Sca H y e r s Sis m Lucas Wallace K Local Ta l e n t Bartley Campbell J o h n L. B �T i t l e o r Ty p e L e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Date a d i n g C o m p a n y P e r f o r m e r ( s Al G. F i e l d & Co. United Operatic Minstrels M a r. 1 1 M a r, 1 4 - 1 9 T a v e r n i e r matic Co. 14th-Queena 15th- H a z e l K i r k e 16th-The P r i v a t e Secretary 17th-The M i g h t y Do Liar itith-CLAre, and the Folge M a s t e r 19th-Oneena ( m a t i n e e ) The D a n i t e s J o a q u i n Miller The D e v i l ' s tion e r, t h e Go ]den B r a n c h Mai. 2 3 A p r. 8 F l Apr. 1 5 U n c l e Ap.u. 2 9 H . M . S . May 9 - 1 0 o r To m ' s C a b i n L e c t u r e Pinafore e D n r a G i l b e r t and Sullivan c p e L e Bindley Combination r o c ' s Uncle To m ' s C a b i n C o . a l Ta l e n t George S . �Date o f T i t l e o r Ty p e L e Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t May 1 6 June 8 H L i t l e June 3 1 H Aug. 1 3 L i t t l e Aug. 1 7 H Aug. 2 2 - 2 7 i t i a d i n g C o m p a n y P e r f o r m e r ( s i Henry's Minstrels Nuggets g h School Commencement Nugget S i s s o n s & Cawthorne C o . g h School Reunion E d w a r d Souther's Co. Sep. 5 - 7 M u s i c a l novelty L o v e n b e r g Family Museum C o . Sep. 1 9 - 2 0 Boston Comic Opera C o . Sep. Oct. 1 Dainty-Bennett Comedy C o . 26th-Divorce lst-Fanchon (;WFri7e) A Mountain Pink �T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment Date Playwright Company Leading Performer Aiden Ben Monte C r i s t o Oct. 7 Oct. 14-15 Bijou Opera Co. Oct. 24-29 Rentfrow's J o l l y Pathfinders 24th-Scraps Local Ta l e n t N o v. 3-5 The U n i o n S p y N o v. 9 Keep i t N o v. 1 N o v. 24-25 Virginius James S h e r i d a n Knowles N o v. 30 L i t t l e Tycoon Willard Spencer Dec. 5 Hans, t h e German D e t e c t i v e Bad B o y Frank Davidson Dec. 10 Dec. 16 Marked f o r Dec. 17 "Local Option vs. High License" R e v. G e o r vens ( l e c Dec. 20 Lone, o r the A r t i s t ' s Dream Maggie M i Dark George H o e y Pauline M Edmund C o The Te m p l e Theatre Co. Hardy & Yo u n g ' s Bad B o y C o . Life Sid C. Fra �Date o T i t l e o r Type Entertainment f L e P l a y w r i g h t a d i n g Company P e r f o r m e r ( 1888 Jan. 4 Rice & Shepard Minstrels Jan. 1 6 B e w i t c h e d Sol Smith Jun. 2 7 My A u n t B r i d g e t Jan. 3 0 Samil o f Posen Feb. 1 Leap Ye a r B a l l G e o r g e Monroe John R i c e Feb. 2 - 4 Boston Comic Opera C o . 2nd- T h e M a s c o t 1rd-Olivette 4th-Mikado Feb. 7 9 Feb. 1 3 T'eb. 1 5 C o n c e r t U n " c A l e The NOSS To m ' s C a b i n n Evening o f Dickens" T r i x i e E S t L . e o D. t s c S t a i r o n ' s Uncle To m ' s C a b i n C o . a T r l i Ta l e n t x i e Comedy Co. J e s E d w i n s i e Ha Bo �Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Feb. 1 7 Meg M e r i l l e s reb. 2 9 A Cold Day or,, the L a p l a n d e r s M a r. I M a r. 6 M a n d o l i n " J o h n Janausc J o s e p h & guitar Royal Spanish Tr o u b a d o r s R A M a r. 2 8 - 3 1 T h e R e v l N a i a d Queen A p r. 1 6 - 2 1 Arthur & Jonathan" M a r. 7 Leading Perform C o m p a n y L o . Ro Nourse ( G. Field's Minstrels o y c a l a l Ta l e n t Court Comedy C o . J . W. C a 16th- U n c l e Reuben May 1 In t h e Swim May 2 - 3 T e m p l e Theatre Operatic Co. Higgins & Keane's Dramatic I d e a l s 2nd- B u r r O a k s 3rd- N i g h t Watch May 8 S h a w n Rhire May 1 9 S h a n e - n a - L a w n J. S . Mu W. J . S c �T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment Date L e Playwright a P d i C r o mfp a noy e r June 1 5 - 1 6 " E n g a g e d b y W. S . Gilbert" Local Ta l e n t Sep. 1 9 Alba Heywood Concert Co. Oct. 4 Oct. 1 2 R e c i t a t i o n s and instrumental music P o l i t i c a l M i c h a e l N o v. 2 4 N o v. 2 8 3 g e lecture Strogoff r ( s Anna E . son ( l e c C h a r l e s F. To w l e A n d r e w s Co. Oct. 1 3 N o v. 5 n m McNish, Ramza & Arno's Minstrels P o l i t i c a l Lecture Adell Ha F a t h e r l a n d " D Charles Sidney R r . Jekyl and M r. H y d e " R e v. R o b (imperso M u r t h Ado About W i l l i a m No t h i n S h a k e s p e a r e Rhea Dec. 1 0 - 1 5 Florence Hamilton Tr o u p e 10th- O l i v e r Tw i s t 13th-My Husband 1 4 n -1- F u r n i s h e d R o o m s !lac. 1 9 The S h a m r o c k E d w i n Ha �Date T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Company Leading Performe 1889 Jan. 3 "Russia and t h e Romanoffs" Lecture optican Jan. 4 M r. C . E (lecture Rice & Shepard Minstrels Jan. 8 L i t t l e Nugget Jan. 3 1 Shamus O ' B r i e n Feb. 5 Musical tainment Feb. "The M a n w i t h the Musket, o r Soldiering i n Dixie" Feb. 2 0 A Possible Case M a r. 4 - 9 Sisson & Cawthorn L i t t l e Nugget Co. Charles Verner Harvard Quartette R e v. R o b McIntyre (lecture J. M. H i l l ' s Union Square Co. Ida Va n C o r t l a n d Co. The T a v e r n i e r s 4 t h - P y g m a l i o n 8e7 Galatea C a r r i e E elocutio �Drate T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Company Leading Performe 5th-J.L.S. 6 t h -Lynwood 7th-Queena 8th- F o r g e t - m e - n o t G e n e v i e v e Ward 9th-Fanchon ( m777=e) Arrah-na-pougue M a r. 1 4 Kippler's tunes M a r. 1 8 Musical tainment M a r. 1 9 Wrestling Match M a r. 2 1 Around t h e Wo r l d i n E i g h t y Days M a r. 2 2 The Ye o m a n o f the Guard M a r. 2 7 "Sunshine" R e v. D r . l i t s (lec A p r. 5 "Camp L i f e i n Eastern Siberia" George K (lecture Apr. 1 7 Monbars Robert M Gus W i l l i Gilbert livan Swedish N a t i o n a l Ladies Concert Co. Edmund T (elocuti James ing James P . Milton R Marie Ha Cecil Ru Nellie M Stetson Opera Co. �Dekte T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t A p r. 2 6 "Across t h e Atlantic" A p r. 3 0 Centennial Exercises Malr 3 Art E x h i b i t "The B a t t l e of Gettysburg" May 9 Concert Company Leading Performe John W. R (vocalis imperson Local Ta l e n t Aug. 2 4 Noss F a m Al. G . F i e l d ' s Minstrels Aug. 2 8 Old Homespun Sep. 6 She George O Edward B a r b o u r Set.). 1 1 - 1 2 Gilbert & Dickson Co. Andrews O p e r a C o . Ilth-Erminie 1201-Tne M a s c o t Sep. 1 4 Labadie-Rowell Co. Sep. 2 5 - 2 6 U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n Sop. 2 7 Myles A r o o n Oct. 9 Musical entertainment Draper's Uncle To m ' s C a b i n C o . W. J . S c McGibney F a m i l y �Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Oct. 2 1 Fubio Romani Alden B e n e d i c t Co. Oct. 2 3 A Possible Case J. M . H i l l Union Square T h e a t r e C o . Oct. 2 5 "For B e t t e r o r Worse; o r L o v e , Courtship riage" Oct. 30-31 The D e v i l ' s M i n e N o v. 5 "In and out o f Andersonville, a chalk t a l k on Prison l i f e " N o v. 6 The F a k i r N o v. 1 2 Company Leading Performe Aiden Be Jahu D e W Miller (lecture Frank W. (lecture Duncan C l a r k ' s Lady M i n s t r e l s a n d New A r a b i a n N i g h t s N o v. 2 8 Trixie L. A . L a Mary Vo k Dec. 3 "On t h e W i n g , o r a Summers F l i g h t Over t h e S e a " D r. A . lits Dec. 1 2 I r o n Ring Ada G r a y �Date o f T i t l e o r Ty p e L e Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Dec. 1 4 Concert Doe. 1 6 On t h e H u d s o n Dec. 1 7 B E m e r a d i n g C o m p a n y P e r f o r m e r ( s o n ' s Stars Boston Estelle a r l o w Dec. 2 3 - 2 8 Bros. Minstrels Holden Comedy C o . M a t e S t e Lewis A . 23rd-The Diamond Mystery 28th-A Noble Heroine Dec. 3 0 " R e p r e s e n t a t i o n s from D i c k e n s " Leland P 1890 Jan. 1 . & Hugh Joke John Tho jan. To u r i s t s i n a Pullman C a r Jan. 3 0 La B e l l e M a r i e Agnes H e Feb. 7 Lecture & humor Bob B u r d FPL), 1 4 "Acres o f D i a m o n d s " Russell (lecture M e s t a y e r - V a u g h n �Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Feb. 1 5 Uncle To m ' s C a b i n Rusco & S w i f t ' s Uncle To m ' s Cabin Co. Feb. 1 7 Concert Boston Symphony F e b . 214_ M a r. 1 Leading Perform Company Augusta Eunice Goodrich Comedy C o . 24th-Pearl o f Savoy 26th-Dad's Boy 1st- C i n d e r e l l a (matinee) 1st- I n n o c e n t S a l t M a r. 7 "The R o s e , S h a m r o c k and T h i s t l e " M a r. 11 "The S t r u g g l e for Chattanooga" John R . (lecture R e v. W a s Gardner M a r. 13 MzAcbeth M a r. 24-25 The P o a c h e r ' s Doom Local Ta l e n t Ktr. 26 Concert Higgins Co. Concert Max. J1 Falka Andrews Opera C o . Janausch Charles Henry H i H. C o r n e �Date A p r. 7 T i t l e o r Ty p e L e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t a d i n g C o m p a n y P e r f o r m e r ( Little Lord Fauntleroy b A l e r t a A p r. 2 4 - 2 5 R e c e p t i o n Bishop F A p r. 2 8 - 2 9 Lena L o e M i n d reading A p r. May 1 Helen B l 30th-L'Article 47 1st- M o t h e r ' s L o v e May 7 U n c l e Biram May 2 0 Lights o ' London May 2 1 Wrestling match June 4 Vaudeville June 2 6 High School Commencement June 2 7 - 2 8 Trained h o r s e s and m u l e s Sep. 9 - 1 0 A Barrel of Money Sep. 2 3 Thistledown A. H . W o o d h u l l Whitney Family Shows Prof. B r E. D . S t a i r Comedy C o . Grace Em Jessie B �Date Oct. 7 - 8 T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment Playwright Company Concert & Act I I I F a u s t Goethe Abbie C a r r i n g t o n Grand O p e r a C o . Leading Performe Oct. 2 1 The W o r l d Awinst Her Frank Harvey Agnes W a l l a c e Vi l l a Co. Oct. 2 3 - 2 5 Davy C r o c k e t t Frank H i t c h c o c k Murdock Local Ta l e n t & Phil Phillips Co. Oct. 2 8 Political lecture G o v. L u c Oct. 2 9 Political lecture Hon. F r a Dean, H o W. T u r n e N o v. 7 "Sunny S i d e o f Life" D r. Jame (lecture N o v. 1 1 - 1 2 Ben H u r panarama & tableaux N o v. 2 5 Othello William Shakespeare N o v. 2 7 Tw o O r p h a n s Barber D•4e. 1 Dec. 9 Agnes W a Villa Local Ta l e n t Louis Ja Cleveland's Magnificent Minstrels Alvin Josiin Charles �Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Dec. 9 Alvin Joslin Dec. 1 0 Vo c a l & instrumental music Ovide M u s i n Concert Co. Dec. 1 2 A Barrel of Money E. D . S t a i r Comedy C o . Company Leading Performe Charles Dec. 1 5 - 2 0 Holden Comedy C o . 15th-Queena 1 6 t h - Tw i x t L o v e and D u t y 17th- J i m , t h e , Penman 20th- L i t t l e Lord Fauntleroy 1891 Jan. 1 Uncle To m ' s C a b i n Jan. 6 The D r o o m m a k e r of Carlsbad Jan. 8 Wrestling match „Ian. 9 L i t t l e Nuggets Sutton's Monster Double U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n C o . Isador Whitmark & Fred Hawkins James R e �T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Date Company Leading P e r f o r m e r ( Jan. 13 Tmpersonations & Vo c a l Music Leland Po & Wife Jai'. 1 Wanted, t h e Earth John D i l Jan. 1 Crisoa Louisa L Jan. ..b-28 Great M e t r o p o l i s Fob. 3 - 4 Feb. 6 Feb. 1 7 Feb. 1 8 Ma-.. 3 M a r. 1 2 17 A n d 3rd-The P r e t t y P. ) r s i a n 4th-T1ie M a s c o t t plus s i x " s k i r t dancers" L a d i e s quartette " O r a t o r s T h h e Fireman's Wa r d i p o A & Oratory" W r e s t l i n g C r e r i e w l - s T h Opera Co. o m a s Combination Hon. D a n Daughert (lecture 0 11 i e R e match t h e Old Minnie Se �Date o f M a r. 2 3 T i t l e o r Ty p e L e Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t A Cold Day Apr. 6 Concert Arp. 8 "My W a r perience" May 2 1 P e a d i n g C o m p a n y P e r f o r m e r ( r k T h Local Ta l e n t e County Fair S o c i a l s Carlotta Father C (lecture C. B . J e f f e r s o n , K l a w, a n d E r l a n g e r Co. . 1 • • • • = • • • • = 0 M Sep. 1 5 n MacLennan's R o y a l Edinburgh Concert Co. P a t i e n c e Aug. 3 1 i Session A Oct. 1 - 4 . J . Sprague D . J . Sprague Co. Holden Comedy Co. 1st-Esmeralda 2nd- A M i d n i g h t C a l l 3rd-San Sanson 4th-Forget-me-not Oct. 5..10 R e n t f r o w ' s J o l l y G i p s y Wa Pathfinders C o l e m a n 5th-Fun by Express 10th-The F a s t M a i l Oct. 1 5 C i t y Directory D o n n e l y , R u s s e l l ' s Girard, & Russell Comedians �T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Date Playwright Company A Rocky Mountain Waif Leading Performe Oct. 21 Oct. 27 Oct. 30 Quartette N o v. 6 Evangeline N o v. 11 A Night at Circus N o v. 18 "Saul o f Ta r s u s " George ling (le N o v. 1 New Y o r k D a y by Day Lottie W N o v. 27-28 Dec. 10 Kit, the saw T r a v e l e r Henry Ch Dec. 11 "Backbone" Thomas D Jr. ( l e c Dec. 18 Ole O l s o n Little G Joslyn & F i t z patric Minstrels Local Ta l e n t Schuman L a d y Quartette Rice the Nellie M Baldwin Comedy Co. �Date Dec. 11 T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Playwright Company Myrtle Ferns Joseph C l i f t o n Eunice Goodrich Co. Leading Performe 1892 Jan. Eunice Goodrich Co. 1-2 1st- S i l v e r S p u r 2nd- H o o p o f G o l d Scott Marble Jan. 9 Wanted A H u s b a n d Jan. 12 The F a t M e n ' s Club Jan. 20 Concert McGibeny F a m i l y Jan. 25 Va u d e v i l l e Nye & B u r b a n k Kings o f Pathos & Humor Feb. 1,seb 10 Eunice Goodrich Co. J. C . Stewart B i l l Nye A. L . B u "Wellington & Napoleon" Charles The P r i v a t e Secretary H. R e e v e �T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Data Feb. 11 Uncle To m ' s C a b i n Feb. 20 "Abraham L i n c o l n " Feb. 23 Paul K a u v a r Feb. 26 Leap Ye a r B a l l Feb. 27 "The L i c e n s e Liquor Tr a ff i c and i t s dant E v i l s " Feb. 29 M a r. 7 Playwright Company Stetson's Uncle To m ' s C a b i n C o . Robert soll (le Steele Mackaye Eugene R o b i n s o n Co. A. B . L e (lecture Barlow Brothers Spectacular Minstrels Held b y t h e Enfal Leading Perform William Gillette B i l l y Ba James B a Charles Frohman Co. M a r. 15 "Old Ocean, O u r Slave & M a s t e r " plus stereoptican Juno B . (lecture M a r. 30 Uncle Hiram Aaron H. Troja Gr Apr. 7 Concert Redpath C o n c e r t Co. �Date T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Playwright Company Leading Perform Apr. 2 2 Recitations Vocal & instuumental music Mrs. F . thur tionist May 1 1 L i t t l e Nuga2I Herbert Barney Drucie G June 2 3 High School Commencement Sep. 2 6 Oct. 1 Rentfrow's Jolly Pathfinders Oct. 11 A Social Session Oct, 1 7 The W a i f s New Y o r k Oct. 2 4 A Model Husband N o v. 1 Political Rally N o v. 1 6 My P a r t n e r N o v. 1 8 A Night at the Doc. 1 4 o f Lizzie M Imogene John D i l l o n Co. John D i Nellie M C i r c u s "The S i l v e r Crown B o r n Sprague C o . a K i n g " or Russell well (le �T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Date Company Doc. 28 "Travels torial Africa" Dec. )0-31 Royal ettes Wilbur & Rose Entertainment Co. Jan. 3 Concert Fisk Jubilee Singers Jan. 5 Jun. 27 "Around t h e World i n o- W a r " a l s o stereoptican Feb. 2 Concert Michigan U. Glee a n d B a n j o Club Feb. 11 The F l o w e r Q u e e n Local Ta l e n t Feb. 1 Recitations Feb. 22 Leading Performe Paul Chailler (lecture 189) Dago C o . Concert Blanche Roberts (lecture Retta Ke (elocuti Lotus G l e e C l u b �T i t l e o r Ty p e L e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Date "Up t h e R h i n e and O v e r t h e A l p s with a knapsack" M a r. 2 2 M a r. 2 9 O p e r a and ballad music June 2 2 H Sep. 5 Sep. 2 0 a d i n g C o m p a n y P e r f o r m e r ( i A Whitney ridge Co. Whitney ridge g h School Commencement Cracker Jack F a u s t Sep. 2 7 - 2 9 Henry C. (lecture S G o Carol E z Gus W e i n e t t e h e John G r i v e n s cum's Comedy C o . Edwin A . 27th-A W e s t e r n King Oct. 3 The O l d sted Oct. 9 Wrestling Match Oct. 21 The P r e t t y Puritan Oct. 2 6 The P o l i c e P a t r o l Oct. 3 0 Dorothy Denman T The B o s t o n I d e a l s A n d r e w s Opera Co. �T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Date P l a y w r i g h t Leading Performe C o m p a n y N o v. 3 Tbe S u b s t i t u t e Pair o f Kids N o v. 9 She N o v. 1 5 The I r i s h Statesman Carroll N o v. 2 7 The W i c k l o w Postman Eugene O Dec. 2 2 The M a n f r o m Boston John L . Ezra K e n 189 Jan. 5 Jan. 1 2 C a m e l Rides & midway C o n c e r t Feb. 8 L Feb. 1 5 A T Model Husband h e Power o f the P r e s s Couthoui cert Co. John D i l l o n J o h n Dil �T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Date Mai'. 9 M a v o u r n e e n M a r. 1 6 R M a r. 2 8 M A p r. 4 A p r. 6 i h May 1 5 May 2 8 J a m , What a Night, G e o G J a n o e A U n c l e July 17 J Aug. 2 4 o h n e r i r F u r L To m ' s C a b i n s s g e m c L a v n s a n a e n T. Jackson Co. Ta l e n t ' U n c l e To m ' s Cabin Co. W r e s t l i n g Lily Clay Gaiety Co. Match J Far Harriet C h a r l e s Minstrels T. J a c k s o n assumes management V a u d e v i l l e y Ta l e n t l s t n U. Glee & B a n j o C l u b l c r o ' a o a h g n h o Chauncey cott e T J i o o b Hoey h o u s Pitou Co. A. Herne c D t l t Dress Rehearsal June 1 4 Aug. 3 M C o n c e r t June 8 g A Colleen C o n c e r t Apr. 1 7 u p Van W i n k l e (cuttings) y O A Leading P e r f o r m e r ( Company �T i t l e o r Ty p e of Enteltainment P l a y w r i g h t Date Aug. Sep. 27 1 Company Leading P e r f o r m e r ( A n g e l l ' s Comedy Co. 27th-Our S t r a t e g i s t s 1 0 U -1- U p s i d e D o w n l l s t - Te n N i g h t s i n a Bqrroom lst-Unelt4 Ruben Whittle (matinee) My A u n t A b b y Sep. 1 The E n d o f W' rid Sep. 20 Mascot, U p to Date Sep. 24-29 the G i l b e r t Comic Opera C o . Frank Tu c k e r Comedy C o . 24th-Brother A.LaJLLS t 13 o 1 e r 25th-Thc Outea:sts Oct. 5 S Oct. 1 5 : L e e Oct. 1 7 " Oct. 2 4 i T Pluil.k,1 rd L . M. Boyer tun; Julius C h e White Quc:en" H Mrs. Sheldon i Henry's Minstrels �Leading Perform Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Oct. 2 7 Lecture Washing Gardner N o v. 1 Political Lecture G o v. R i N o v. 2 S N o v. 5 T N o v. 6 i d h e e Company Tracked Dazzler Maria Decca Concert Co. C o n c e r t N o v. 1 5 Charity Ball N o v. ' 1 "The M a n o f Galilee" N o v. 2 8 The B u s t l e r Dec. 3 Peck's Dad Boy Frohman C o . George ling (le W . Rhea Boezman Dec. 5 Cleveland's Minstrels Dec. 1 2 Monbars Dec. 1 8 Concert Dec. 2 0 Spiritualist Robert May L e g g e t t Concert Co. A n n L a e l a Ha Ev �T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Date Company Leading Performe Clay Cle 27 Ohl W h a t a N i g h t Jan. 10 The N e w D o m i n i o n Frohman C o . Jan. 23 Concert Hillsdale College Glee C l u b Jun. 26 Trained Dogs Jan. 30 Edgwood F o l k s Down i n I n j i a n n y Feb. 8 "American N u t s ; Cracked cracked" Feb. 12 Robin Hood Feb. 15 "Philosophy o f Wit & Humor" Feb. 23 The B l a c k C r o o k M a r. 1 "Character Building" Dec. 1895 Prof. N o Alba Haywood C o . Annie D i Morgan W Barnabee & MacDonald Opera C o . Wallace (lecture Prof. De (lecture �Leading P e r f o r m e r ( Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Company Mac. 1 5 Charley's Aunt Frohman C o . M a r. 1 9 Concert Te m p l e Q u a r t e t t e M a r. 3 0 Finnigan's Ball Apr. 5 A B r e e z y Time Apr. 1 7 The G i r l I Behind Me Apr. 2 2 Concert Local Ta l e n t Apr. 2 3 HaLlelujah Chorus Local Ta l e n t Apr. 2 6 Lady M i n s t r e l s Local Ta l e n t May 1 1 The Tw o J o h n s May- 2 7 June 1 2 7 t h - To m S a w y e r June 2 4 Pianist June 2 7 High School Commencement G e o r g e Murray & Fanny Co Emarick Miss We Frohman C o . Left J. S . C r o s s y Silene J J. C . ( F Stewart, Phillips P r o f . Wm Sherwood �Date Aug. 2 0 T i t l e o r Ty p e L e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t B a r l a d i Company o w n g P e r f o r m e r ( Brothers Minstrels Earl Burgess English Stock Co. Sep. 2 - 7 Marie K i J. Knox G 2nd- A N o b l e S i s t e r Sep. 9 "Personality" Sep. 2 3 - 2 8 V i n c J e n t u - S d t r g e e t e o r Frohman C o . P Ya Co. 23rd- F a t h e r and Son 24th-The Census Ta k e r 25th-Our Boys 26th-Inshavogue 27th-True a s S t e e l 28th-The Wicklow Wedding I Oct. 1 Sowing t h e W i n d Oct. 5 Si P e r k i n s Oct. 1 7 Plays and P l a y e r s (vaudeville) Richie F Oct. 2 4 My W i f e ' s F r i e n d William C S y d n e y Grundy e r c y Sh Mita May �Date T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Oct. 2 9 Concert N o v. 6 Concert N o v. 1 3 Chicago M a r i n e Band Andrews C h r o a l Union ( l o c a l talent) R e a d i n g s and Recitations N o v. 1 5 F a u s t N o v. 2 0 T h r i l b y N o v. 2 1 C o n c e r t Leading Performe Company P l a y w r i g h t B r o r B J o G k e r i i & Macy k o p r l s o s a A o h Co. c c Minnie M F r e d Eme s Callahan k Co. Burlesque e Raym C o n c e r t Co. N o v. 2 2 K i l l a r n e y and the R h i n e N o v. 2 5 O u c a s t s o f a Great C i t y — Dec. 5 m i s s J. E . To F r o Hartun Scarum Dec. 1 4 S e a n c e Dec. 1 8 L e c t u r e h m a A n Co. m D y a n i e l A Edith Ha Lee Frank Do Mysterio W i l l i a m �Date Dec. 2 4 o f T i t l e o r Ty p e L e Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t a d i n g C o m p a n y P e r f o r m e r ( O ' H o o l i g a n ' s Masquerade Local Ta l e n t Patriotic Entertainment Dec. 3 1 18°6 Jan. 3 C o n c e r t Michigan U. Glee, B a n j o & Mandolin Club Jan. 8 C o n c e r t White & Morgan Concert Co. Jan. 1 0 Jan. 2 1 Jan. 3 0 Feb. 6 Feb. 1 1 Fob. 1 8 O u r Flats V i o l i n T h e Emily Bancker F r o h m a n Co. Concert Wife Remenyi David Belasco Frohman C o . L e c t u r e F a u s t A Bunch o f Keys H e l e n St Ann H u t c Sidney Th Morrison Co. �Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment Feb. 2 6 Tim, t h e T i n k e r Company P l a y w r i g h t J o h n Leading P e r f o r m e r ( E. Brennan Sackett P o r t e r Co. M a r. 2 . . 7 2nd- M a n a n d M a s t e r M a r. 9 U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n M a r. 1 0 L e c t u r e M a r. 1 8 V a u d e v i l l e M a r. 2 3 Apr. 8 Apr. 9 Apr. 2 0 T T h " T A Aug. 1 7 - 1 8 h e t J H e Merchant o f Venice S h a k e t o s o n ' s Uncle To m ' s C a b i n C o . o w o h r W i l l i a m e s p e a r H e t a O h n ' f B n R. C ' s Hibernica Band & O r c h e s t r a o r d r i e n Spencer Co. N o r a O'B Fast Mail " L i b e r t y o f Man, Woman a n d C h i l d " May 2 7 Sep. 1 6 h S e R Passion Play" New Ye a r ' s Reception C o n c e r t L e c t u r e e o e T b x i e l o G L M o s c i a c m o o t i r l a r g (Lec e W (lecture) Ta l e n t n Troubadours t h y E Ta r s n e y �T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Date Sep. 2 1 - 2 6 Company Leading Performe Jessie Mae H a l l Co. Jessie Ma Hall 21st-The P r i n c e s s in Patches Oct. 8 Si P l u n k a r d Frank E . Rose L e l a Oct. 1 3 Political Lecture William A Smith Oct. 1 4 Concert Oct. 2 1 Political Lecture Hon. J . J Desmond Oct. 2 7 Lecture Albion W Oct. 3 0 Political Lecture Senator J Burrows N o v. b N o v. 9 r e v. 1 4 N o v. 2 6 I n Heberlein Grand Concert Co. Old Kentucky R e c i t a t i o n s A Mixx H e x Straight T12 South B e f o r e t h e Wa r Henderson's Comedians Henry M a r t e l l �T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment Data Playwright Dec. 4 Julius Caesar Dec. 29 Band C o n c e r t Jan. 20 L'212 Feb. 2 The L i m i t e d M a i l Feb. 5 Trial by Jury Editha's Burglar Augustus Thomas Lincoln J. C a r t e r Company William Shakespeare Leading Performe Thomas W Charles ford Local Ta l e n t 1897 Albert Hart Feb. 12 Fast M a i l Mat. 15 Stereoptican Lecture "Hard Times, T h e i r Cause a n d C u r e " M a r. 18 Concert Sousa B a n d Apr. 1 Concert New Y o r k Male Q u i n t e t t e Apr. 3 Eight Bells John B y r n e Tr o u p e Charles H �Date T i t l e o r Ty p e L e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t A p r. 3 Eight B e l l s a P e d i Company r f o r n m g e John B y r n e Tr o u p e Lemaire's Cinematoscope A p r. 1 2 - 1 4 12th- m i l i t a r y scenes 13th-U.S. l i f e 14th- f i r e ments i n action May 17-19 Ly c e u m ment C o . 17th- A S u r e Thin.0 M a y 27 A New Ye a r ' s ception Re- June 25 High School Commencement July 7 M r. B o b Aug. 10 Ed. F . D a v i s ' Mammoth M i n s t r e l s Seo. 2-3 Columbian Comedy Co. 2nd- T h e S l a v e s o f Mon.fa 3rd-The Vo l u n t e e r L o c a l Ta l e n t Local Ta l e n t r ( s �T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Date Sep. P l a y w r i g h t 20-25 Company Leading Performe Columbian Comedy Co. W. J . K n o Jennie P 20th-The B l a c k F l a g Sep. 29 Humtet W i l l i a m Shakespeare Oct. 22 The T h r e e Guardsmen Oct. 25 In A t l a n t i c N o v. 3 Bells N o v. 15 N o v. 20 Larrigan's Ball N o v. 27 Concert Dec. 7 Madame S a n s G e n e S a r d o u Dec. 21 The I s l e o f Champagne Walker Whiteside Paul Caze City F r a n k M. W i l l s o f Shandon John Ginners Clifton & Hurlbut 's Consolidated Minstrels Bosie Ste Frank Bud Chicago M a r i n e Band Kathryn K Gustave F �Date o T i t l e o r Ty p e L e Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t f a d i n g Company P e r f o r m e r ( s )898, Jan. 5 A t Jan. 1 3 I n Jan. 2 1 T h Jan. 2 8 Feb. 7 Feb. 1 1 A F a T the French Ball F a n Feb. 2 7 M a r. 4 y Ric Gay Paris e Last Stroke Trip to the C i t y u h s e t G r Nancy Hanks i f F r a n k hill, f i Ta n n e Jr. t h M a Feb. 2 1 Feb. 2 2 n r i e Jan Field's Minstrels M r . Bob L A Capital Joke S h o r e G r i m e s ' Door Acres J Cellar o a m e c s a l Ta l e n t A. Herne James B . M a c k i e J a m e s B. M �Date o M a r. 8 T f h T i t l e o r Type Entertainment e L e P l a y w r i g h t a d i n g C o m p a n y P e r f o r m e r ( s Lincoln J. C a r t e r ' s Mammoth Scenic P r o d u c t i o n s To r n a d o M a r. 15 The H e a r t h s t o n e M a r. 22 A B r e e z y Time M a r. 28 Other People's M o n e y, Apr. 18 Apr. 21 James A . H e r n e Hoyt's Madison Square C o . Hennessy Leroyle Other People's Money Hoyt's Madison Square C o . Hennessy Leroyle U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n Stetson's Double Monster Uncle To m ' s C a b i n C o . Apr. 2 5 - 3 0 Edward Owings To w n e To n y F a r r Bertha We J. Knox Gavin Co. (Columbian Comedy C o . ) 25th-Black F l a g May 1 6 - 2 1 Courtenay Morgan C o u r t e n a y 16th- F e l i c i a 2 0 t h - Te _ I j e a r t o f Cuba June 8 Scenes f r o m t h e war--animotoscope views �Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Company Local Ta l e n t June 9 Uncle Josh June 18 Joshua S i m p k i n s June 23 High School Commencement July 21 Concert Aug. 23 Held b y the Enemy Sep. 5-10 Stock company Sep. 2 Uncle J o s h Sep. 30 Si P l u n k a r d Oct. 7 How H o p p e r W a s Side Tr a c k e d Oct. 1 Concert Oct. 24 On t h e W a b a s h Oct. 31 Faust N o v. 3 Political Lecture Davis Concert Leading Performe Co. Local Ta l e n t Jule Walt Schumann G r a n d Concert Co. Abe E a r l y Esther Ea Porter J. White Co. J. C . Bur �Leading Performe Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Company N o v. 1 5 Casey's Wi f e Mike Murphy Co. N o v. 2 6 El Captain N o v. 2 7 Concert Dec. 2 9 S h a n t y To w n John P . S o u s a William C Mandevil Bendix Grand Concert C o . I 899, Jan. 4 finaidan's Dall jun. 9 Vo c a l C o n c e r t Jan. 1 4 Cinematograph Kline's Lumiere Cinematograph An E n e m y t o the K i n g E. H . S o t h e r n C o . J o h n I el) Fe.,. 9 Harold Ja Secret Warrant 1 h 7 2 E r R l o a n b g e e r & Klaw C o . r t Grif Ma �Date T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Feb. 2 5 The P r i n c e s s Madagascar M a r. 7 Side Tr a c k e d M a r. i 5 L e P l a y w r i g h t o f a d i Company n g P e r f o r m e r ( s Haverly's American/ European M i n s t r e l s Jule Walters 14'"2 Erlanger & Klaw Co. M a r. 2 5 The S l e e p i n g L C i t y Apr. 8 A B l a c k Mother o r, N a t Goodwin Turned U p American duction Co. Apr. 2 5 A Night Circus Rice & F l a h e r t y Co. May 3 Ermine May 1 0 The C a l l May i 6 Concer at the Local Ta l e n t o f Us May 2 2 - 2 7 Jean Maws Children's Concert Co. Bryan's Comedians 22nd- T r u e a s Steel 26th-A Hot Time in t h e Old To w n �Dote o f T i t l e o r Ty p e Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t May 3 0 "Camp l i f e a m o n g the members o f Co. A " Aug. 2 5 A B r e e z y Time Aug. 2 7 funeral Sep. 4 - 9 Company Leading Performer Local Ta l e n t Bart T i b b Bryan's Comedians J. J . Owe Katharine vaudeville + 4th-The B l a c k ylag 8th-Michael Strogoff Sep. 2 0 Darkest Russia Sep. 2 5 The D a g g e r a n d the C r o s s Oct. 2 Faust Oct. 9 The F i n i s h o f M r. F r e s h + vaudeville Robert M a Porter J. White Co. Porter J. White �Data o Oct. 1 6 - 2 1 f T i t l e o r Ty p e Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t v a u d e v i l l e + shadowgraph + 16th-The W o r l d 17th-The lers 18th-Mistic Mountain 19th-The Cannon Ball Express 20th-The L i t t l e Deceetive 21st-Miin Lieltning Oct. 1 0 Shannon o f tbe S i x t h N o v. 3 The S t o w a w a x N o v. 8 The T h r o e Mukateers N o v. 2 2 Hermolin t h e G r e a t + vaudeville N o v. 3 0 Vivograph Graphophone 14 Dec. 1 3 A Te x a s S t e e r Lecture Company Anderson T h e a t r e Company M a Leading Performe T o t c Yo u n g Brad Robert J . Donnelly John G r i f f i t h C h a r l e s Hoyt Frances C Kelley �T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Date Dec. 2 2 L e P l a y w r i g h t a d i Company n g P e r f o r m e r ( s Uncle S e t h Haskins The C o r s i c a n Brothers Dec. 2 8 Harrison Woolfe 1900 Jan. 4 B r o w n ' s i n To w n Jim. 10 vaudeville Jan. 22 Humpty Dumpty Feb. 1 Concert Boston Ladies phony O r c h e s t r a Feb. 2 A Day and A Night Hoyt P r o d u c t i o n s eb. 8 A Te m p e r a n c e To w n Hoyt P r o d u c t i o n s 13 "Evening a t t h e Opera H o u s e " pantomime & recitation Local Ta l e n t rob. McIntyre & Heath's Comedians Richards Canfield �Date o f T i t l e o r Type Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Du S a n c h e t Company Bijou Theatre Co. Leading Performe Walter P Smyth & Comedian Feb. 1 6 My F r i e n d f r o m India Feb. 2 2 Concert Sousa B a n d Feb. 2 8 Finnigan's 400 Murray & Mack Co. M a r. S A Lucrative M a r. 1 2 Exhibition sion P l a y & Pope Leo X I I I M a r. 1 4 Sapho, W. C l y d e F i t c h Frank La Alberta Mal'. 2 2 Tht! L i a r s Henry A r t h u r Jones Empire T h e a t r e Co. Otis Skin Mr:4r. 2 3 Lecture M a r. 2 7 - 2 8 A #tn M a r. 3 0 corwert A r. w. Hearts o f the Blue R i g z e 3 Liar Norton-Gibbs Co. Thomas M o f Mystery Apr. 1 9 May- h Harrison Ariel Quartet Co. Hal Reid Dorothy Hi H e n r y ' s strels R i _ p Va n W i a R l e Joseph S �Date May 7 - 1 2 T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t C l a Company r k Leading P e r f o r m e r ( & Wood Select Players 7th-The Gales o f Justice June 2 1 High School Commencement Aug. 2 2 Uncle J o s h Spruceby Aug. 2 8 The D a i r y F a r m Eleanor Merion Sep. 7 The C h r i s t i a n Hall Caine Sep. 1 2 A Stranger New Y o r k i n Sep. 1 7 - 2 2 L J a m e s Co. i e b l e H. Wallack r & Co. L i o n e l Ad Julia St Hoyt Productions Standard Stock Co. 18th- A N o b l e Hero 19th- A f t e r Tw e n t y Ye a r s Sep. 2 7 A Trip to Chinatown Oct. 6 Political Lecture Hoyt P r o d u c t i o n s H a r r y G i Mable Mo R e v. F . M �Leading Performer( Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Oct. 6 Political Lecture Oct. 1 6 Under t h e Dome Oct. 1 6 Political Lecture Oct. 1 9 A Brass Monkey Oct. 2 4 Political Lecture Adlai Stev Oct. 2 9 Republican R a l l y A. T . B l u s Senator Bu Oct. 3 1 A R u n o n t h e B a n k W a r d & Vo k e s E. D . N o v. 1 0 Faust Porter J. White Co. N o v. 1 5 Midnight i n Chinatown + vaudeville N o v. 2 3 Mrs. B . nessy (wash l a d y ) N o v. 2 6 The R i v a l s N o v. 2 8 The G i r l f r o m Calcutta N o v. 2 9 La To s c a Company W. C . W a r n G o v. S h a w Hoyt P r o d u c t i o n s Mazie Tr u m S t a i r Co. Porter J. To n n y S u l l i v a n William Sheridan L o c a l Ta l e n t Theo B r o m l a y C o . Fanny D a v e �Leading Performer( Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Dec. 4 A Poor Relation Frank Keen Maud A b b o t Dec. Lecture J. W r i g h t dings Dec. 1 1 Solections from Faust, Tr o v a t o r e , Aida, Carmen Dec. 1 5 Uncle To m ' s C a b i n Dec. .27 M Liis t r e 1. S h o w What H a p p e n e d t o Jones Concert Jan. Concert Jan. 1 9 Finnigftr's Bali. • 22 Alvin J o s l i n Company Innes Concert Coldwater's Thirty Sable Sons o f H a m Local Ta l e Broadhurst Oxford M u s i c a l Club Wrightson Warner Murray & Mack's Comedians �‘1111.11111•11 Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Jan. 2 6 Concert Fadette Ladies Orchestra Feb. 5 Next D o o r The R o y e r B r o t h e r s Feb. 8 Nevada, o r Lost Mine Feb. 1 1 A Day and a Night Hoyt P r o d u c t i o n s Feb. 1 5 Humpty Dumpty Dickson & Mustard Co. Feb. 2 0 quo V a d i s E. J . C a r p e n t e r Productions M a r. 8 Concert Parker Concert Co. M a r. 2 6 Concert Ottumwa Q u a r t e t t e Apr. 4 Royal Box George S . C o l l i n e Co. Apr. 1 8 Va u d e v i l l e Local Ta l e n t Apr. 2 6 Keller, t h e magician Apr. 2 9 Chimes mandy june 21 High School Commencement the Company Local Ta l e n t Leading Performer �Date T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Company Leading Performe Sep. 1 7 McKinley Memorial Services Sep. 2 3 Humbug Sep. 3 0 For L o v e ' s Sake Marie Me Mable S t r Oct. 5 Rip Va n W i n k l e Thomas J e Oct. 1 0 Uncle To m ' s C a b i n A l W. M a r t i n C o . Oct. 1 6 The E v i l E I 1 7 7 1 7 Te T i l l e V i c t o r i a Troupe of Royal Dancers Oct. 2 4 Si Plunkard Oct. 2 6 Concert Oct. 2 9 T h e , Sp.An o f Oct. 3 1 Fluiiip t y D u m p t x Cornell Twentieth Century Humpty Dumpty Co. Eddie McD N o v. 7 Pump t y D u i p Cornell Twentieth Century Humpty Dumpty Co. Eddie McD Concert Excelsior tainers Fred Marsden Lenora Ja (violinis Life The D o n a �Leading Performe Date T i t l e o r Ty p e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t N o v. 1 4 Uncle Hez N o v. 1 8 The G i r l i n the B a r r a c k s N o v. 2 1 Faust N o v. 2 5 Lecture N o v. 2 6 Esmeralda Dec. 2 East Lynne Inez Form J. F . C r o d Dan S h e r m Dec. 5 O l Dec. 1 1 C o n c e r t P r i n c e Dec. 2 3 u o Frank Ada R . A . Caskie Co. Lewis M o r r i s o n C o . John B . D Local Ta l e n t Dan Tu c k e r Dec. 1 8 - 1 9 Q Company C h i o f Egypt Va d i s W c L h a o i g c t a n o l e Glee Club Ta l e n t y & Knowles Co. )!/02 Jan. 4 . King Dodo Jan. 1 5 "The M o o n i n Fact a n d Fancy" Castle Square Opera C o . ( l e c t u r e A. L . C o r ) �T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Date Playwright Company Leading Performer( Jan. 16 The L i t t l e Jan. 21 The K i n g o f Opium R i n g Jan. 22 Concert Hahn P a r k e L a d i e s Quintette Jan. 28 Richard Carvel Andrew Robson Co. Jan. 30 Concert Elvie Burnett Concert Co. Feb. 3 When W e W e r e Tw e n t y One Morris & H a l l Co. Feb. 17 Ostler Joe Feb. 18 Lecture Spillman R M a r. 13 Lecture Ralph P a r M a r. 1 Sporting Life Apr. 1 Wa i f s o f New Yo r k Apr. 18 Si P e r k i n s A p r . 28 May 3 Va g r a n t s the Schrode Brothers Katie Emm Marks B r o t h e r s No. 1 C o . To m M a r k s �T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Date May 1 1 Te n N i g h t s B a r Room i n May 1 9 The P o w e v B e h i n d tLe T h i . o n e May 2 7 The June 1 1 - 0 S h a 11 t h - T h o Tw o K i d s 12th- T h e I r i s h Fiero 11111 - 1 w o L i t t l e Rogues 14th- A l l 1.:al: P l a y w r i g h t Company a Snowball Leading P e r f o r m e r ( A. M . P a l m e r C o . V e r n a s Mar Katherine L o c n a n l o Ta l e n t n Comedy Co. • • • • • • • • • • • • June 1 9 H Aug. 1 3 Aug. 1 8 - 2 3 t A g h School Commencemont Royal R Slave B o 18th-Madam S a t a n 19th-The T r o u b l e 6f Mr. Tremble 20th-His F i r s t Love 2 1 s t - n y Uncle F r o m 22nd- W o l v e s o f N e w Yo r k e y n n a e t l t Co. Theatre Co. W i l l i a m M Maude L e o n �• Date o T i t l e o r Ty p e L e Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t f a d i C o m p a n y n g P e r f o r m e r ( s 23rd-A Q u i l t y Mother Aug. 2 8 Sep. 3 S T i w Plunkurd o J M a r r i e d Men S Sep. 1 5 - 1 7 T h e Globe Tr o t t e r Sep. 2 2 h Kermis Sep. 2 5 T L o v e r ' s Sep. 2 9 Oct. 4 Oct. 8 e Lane L W o m . s i p T h e World's Monarchs o f Magic. Oct. 1 7 T h e Power Behind the T h r o n e Oct. 2 3 - 2 5 B c o m i c opera and vaudeville u a r i l g h t Hu Talent t r o m Comedy . Va n W i n k l e T c W S . Simp Clyde Fitch k e r C o 29th-My O r i e n t a l Friend Oct. 1 3 C . Lew . L o u i s DeLange A R . s h c h o - D m e v e a r e s Je Co. Katherine W i l b u r Opera Co. �Date o Oct. 3 0 f O l N o v. 7 T h e Prisoner Zenaa n g P e r f o r m e r ( Julius Cahn Co. of Thomas B Alexande L o e t g r e N o v. 1 0 G y p s y N o v. 2 2 W a a d i C o m p a n y d Jed ProuIx vaudeville David Harrum N o v. 3 N o v. 6 T i t l e o r Ty p e L e Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t y C. B . L a Jack Willis G Down E a s t N o v. 2 5 The C o u n t y F a i r N e i l Bur N o v. 2 7 American Gentleman George H DPf.7. 2 Next D o o r & vaudeville George ville P c . FC)NV G i n A n d o a 10 Der:. 2 5 1903 A Standrd Article William A. Brady Alma S t i �T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Date Kidnapped i n New Y o r k Jan. 3 JAI'. 2 9 Feb. 3 T T h h Feb. 1 6 e B E v i l Eye. e Liberty Belles A H a r r F o x y gniller s r o b s e F r a n k o o n t B. Smith R J r m y Leading P e r f o r m e r ( C o m p a n y a r The D a g g e r a n d the C r o s s Feb. 7 Feb. 1 2 P l a y w r i g h t e n h g G ' tric s Bal Hennesy Co. e p y r t B Harris Co. R i c h a r d G F l o r o d o r a Feb. 2 3 - 2 8 Kennedy P l a y e r s N e l l i e K 23rd-Cheek M a r. 6 The S p a n o f Life M a r. 1 0 J u s t S t r u c k To w n and s i d e s h o w M a r. 1 6 U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n Mal:. ) 1 Sporting Life Apr. 6 Devil's Auction T S C t h h e a t s r e o l n ' s Uncle To m ' s C a b i n C o . e s H. Yale Co. Dona �T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Date Apr. 1 3 O c c u l t Leading Performer Company P l a y w r i g h t Hermann t Great phenomena J o h n W. V o g e l ' s Big Minstrels May 1 6 May 2 5 - 1 0 G l a 25th-A Man o f Mystery 26th-Knobs nessee 27th-A House o f To o M u c h Trouble 28th-Georgia Ross 29th-Tracy t h e Bandit 30th-The Yo u n g Wife + vaudeville Aug. 1 9 A s g o w Stock Co. Royal Slave Aug. 2 4 - 2 9 Hunt's Imperial Stock Co. K a t e 24th-A L i t t l e Sinner Sep. U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n A l W. M a r t i n ' s Uncle To m ' s C a b i n Fitz �Date T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Sep. 7 Si P l u n k a r d rep. 11 The I r i s h Pawnbrokers Sep. 1 5 - 1 6 C a u g h t Webb i n P l a y w r i g h t Leading P e r f o r m e r ( s Company J. C . L e w M c M C a a z b i e & Tru e the Carner Stock Co. SoP. 2 8 oct. 3 J . M. Car 28th- F o r Love and H o n o r 29th-Cast A d r i f t 3 u t h - R i p Va n Winkle 1st- T h e Hondman 2nd- A Romance o f the S o u t h 3 r d - C o 11 e e n Hawn Oct. 6 Oct. O f t t h e B r i tire ti. M i i g h t An T u d i a n a R o m a n c e O c t . lf-.1 Sager Drama Co. Monarch M i n s t r e l s Mason's C o r n e r F, J i k s Oct. 2 9 George K l Alma H e a r P r i n c e s s Chic B i l l y Cla QuincySawyer Co. Kirk LaShelle Opera C o . V e r a Mich �Leading P e r f o r m e r ( Date T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment N o v. 4 A Montana Outlaw Warner & Aotman C o . W. A l l e n N o v. 1 0 The S e r e n a d e The B o s t o n i a n s N o v. 1 6 When K n i g h t h o o d was i n F l o w e r J u l i a Marlow Co. R o s e l l e Rodney S t o c k C o . M i s s P l a y w r i g h t N o v. 2 3 - 2 8 Company G e r t r u d e K Va n e 23rd- A tuckian 24th- I n Convict Stripes 25th-Colorado 26th- F o r P o s i t i o n and H o n o r 27th-Ohio K i d s 28th-A Path o f Veng:er_nce + vaudeville Dec. 2 Ghosts Dec. 3 Miss Bob White Dec. 9 The G i r l a n d the J u d g e Dec. 1 1 The C o n v i c t ' s Daughter Henrik Ibsen Mary Shaw Willard Spencer's Comedy O p e r a C o . M a r y Hou Eleanor M �Leading Performe Dktte T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment 7wc. 1 8 As Y o u L i k e Dec. 2 4 J o h n i Ly C o n i e s Ma LI h i r i g H o m e Whitney Opera Co. Jan. 1 The M i d n i g h t press Zeb & Z a r r o w C o . Jan. 9 We A r e K i n d plus s t e r e o p t i c a n Jan. 1 9 The J o h n s t o w n Ilood Jan. ').? Lecture Dr. Thom Green Jan. 2 4 Lecture E. M . L a Jan. 2 8 The P p m p k i n flosker Feb. 2 Down a n d U p i t P l a y w r i g h t Company William Shakespeare E r n e s t Shipman Co. Camilla Blanche 1904 Ft.b. 4 T h e Night Before Christmas Walker W Lawrence Russell Heckman B r o s . C o . �Date T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Feb. 5 Concert Katharine way C o n c e r t C o . Feb. 1 7 H o i t y - To i t y Weber & F i e l d ' s Music H a l l Co. Fob. 1 9 The G r e a t W h i t e Diamond Walter Fessler Co. Feb. 2 5 vaudeville Sam T . J a c k ' s Burlesque Co. M a r. 1 0 The H e a d Waiters Joe K e l l M a r. 1 1 Lecture Russell Conwell M a r. 1 2 Te n N i g h t s Bar Room i n a M a r. 2 1 - 2 6 L e P l a y w r i g h t a d i Company n g P e r f o r m e r ( Ogden's Co. Myrkle-Hardner Stock Co. 21st- L i t t l e 17:17Z7a 22nd- T h e S i l v e r Dagffr 21ird-A Q u a k e r Wedding 24-th-The S l e e p i n g City Mabel H a �T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Data P l a y w r i g h t Company Leading P e r f o r m e r ( 25th-Angel o f the 26th-Secret patch + vaudeville M a r. 29 An A r i s t o c r a t i c Tram) Kilroy & Britton Co. Apr. 4 Tw o M e r r y T r a m p s Wo o d a n d W a r d C o . Apr. 7 A Run on t h e Bank Apr. 11 A Country Kid Whittaker & Hicks Co. Apr. i 4 The F i g h t i u g Parson Wilber H Apr. 2 6 Chinese Honeymoon John E . H Edmund L a Apr. 2 9 L e g a l l y Dead The S h a n n o n F a m i l y May 5 Vogel's B i g Minstrels M.-ty 1 9 moving p i c t u r e s May 2 3 Ta m i n g o f t h e Shrew Ly m a n H . H o w e C o . William Shakespeare Charles H Marie Do �bats May 30..:31 T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t 1 0 t h -Camille Leading P e r f o r m e r ( Company Alexandre Dumas, Fils C o r a Pard's N;y:.stery o r t h e llta Crai June 6 - 11 June 2 0 - 1 5 H e n d 6th-W4;m,IT1 A r a i n s t r 7 t h - A Maz3 Jery 8th- L o t i n New Yo r k 4111-A h o t i b i n e e o f the S o u t h ( - ) c h - P. J e k y l a n d M r. H y d e 11 t h - T h e Yo u n g e r Droheus M a y n 20th-The phans 21st-Aduift i n Vo r k 2nd- E a s t L y n n e 2 j i r d - Tw o sc-)ols M e t 2 ! I t h - C a o i t I if. 2 5 t h - 1 Y: e . C o u n t r y Girl (matinee) e r a s r d o ' n Stock Co. s American Dramatic Co. Va n �Ditte T i t l e o r Ty p e L e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t 25th-(cont.) The Lankashire Lass Aug. 1 A Royal Stave Aug. 3 Missouri Aug. 1 7 - 2 2 F r e a d i n g C o m p a n y P e r f o r m e r ( Gordon & B e n n e t t Co. d e r i c k H. Wilson Co. 17th- i n vice kind 18th- T h e C o u n t e o f A l e x a n d e r Monte C r i s t o D u m a s , F i l s 19th-A T r u e B o r n American 20th-The Church Across t h e 14:1 21st-Robert Emmett 22nd- B e y o n d t h e Atlantic (matinee) Shadows o f G r e a t e r New Yo r k Aug. 2 5 The M o o n s h i n e r ' s Daughter M a & n n , BUhler Co. E u n i c e M �Leading Perform Date T i t l e o r Type or Entertainment Auld-. 2 9 A D e v i l ' s Lane Sep. ) Te n Sep. 9 The H o l y C i t y Sep. 1 7 Humptv Dumpty Sep. 2 2 Undef Southern Sep. 2 ; A C h i c a g o Tralq2 + vaudevitle Oct. 6 Faust Oct. 1 0 Ti ; o P r i n c e s s C h i c Kirke La Julian E oct. Rudolph a n d Adolph, Emily C Oct. '. Yo u n g e r B r o t h e r s Alvin W Percy H N o v. 2 Was S h e t o B l a m e N o v. y - I 2 N i t ' Room Company P l a y w r i g h t Elmore S Mit H e l l La.wmaiut C o . in a Gordon & B e n n e t t R a y m o n d Co. Lottie B l a i r Parker Edward D Porter J. White Co. J o Juno B a r r e t t C o . h n A. Himmelein's Imperial Stock Co. Porter J Olga Ve r �T i t l e o r Type of Entertainment Dnte P l a y w r i g h t Company Leading Perform 7th-The dise 8 t h - To B e B u r l e d Alive 9th-ltuanoake 10th-East Ly n n e llth-The Kintl o f the D e s e r t 12th-The D a r k S i d e of a Great City N o v. 1 Wa y D o w n E a s t Joseph R . G r i s m e r Co. N o v. 21 Home L i g h t s Local Ta l e n t N o v. 24 Hamlet Harriso Wolfe, Tr u e N o v. 29 Cousin Kate Roselle Dec. 1 David Harum Julius Cahn Co. D e c . 5 Misteltoe Bough Local Ta l e n t The Va g a b o n d Q u e e n Local Ta l e n t Dec. 6 Dee. ; I 8 The H e s t N e w E n g l a n d Land S t o r y E v e r W r i t t e n �Date Dec. 8 T i t l e o r Ty p e L e of Entertainment P l a y w r i g h t Q u i n c y a d i n g Company P e r f o r m e r ( Adams S a w y e r Doc. 1 2 A r i z o n a A Dec. 1 6 W h e n the Bell To l l s Dec. 2 0 H o o l i g a n ' s , Tr o u b l e s Dec. 2 6 T h e l m a Dec. 2 9 W e d d e d Wife u g u s t u s Thomas Va l e & M a u r C o . T y l e r Amusement Co. Claire Pa but No M a u r i c e Fielding S e l m a Her �APPENDIX B I N D E X T O T H E D AY B O O K A �24 Ta b l e # 1 : I n d e x t o the performers Marion Abbott--Jan. 3 , 1887 Maud A b b o t t - - D e c . 4 , 1 9 0 0 Frank Adams- - N o v. 1 4 , 1 9 0 1 George Adams- - D e c . 8 , 1 8 8 3 J. R . Adams- - D e c . 8 , 1883 L i o n e l Adams- - S e p . 7 , 1 9 0 0 Frank Aiken--Feb. 1 6 , 1884 Laura A l b e r t a - - A p r. 3 , 1883 Louis A l d r i c h --Mar. 1 8 , 1884 Thomas B . A l e x a n d e r - - N o v . 6 , 1 9 0 2 Viola A l l e n --Oct. 26, 1882 William C. Andrews--Oct. 24, 1895 Edwin A r n o t t - - S e p . 3 , 1 8 8 4 Mrs. F . C . A r t h u r - - A p r. 2 2 , 1892 F. M . A u n k s - - O c t . 6 , 1 9 0 0 Edwin J . A u s t i n - - J u l y 6 , 1 8 8 5 Alice Baldwin--Sep. 3 & 4, 1883 B i l l y Barlow--Feb. 29, 1892 James B a r l o w - - F e b . 2 9 , 1 8 9 2 Alden Benedict- - O c t . 7 , 1887; O c t . 2 1 , 1889 Francis Bishop--Dec. 12, 1885 A. T . B l u s - - O c t . 2 9 , 1 9 0 0 Helen B l y t h e - - A p r . 3 0 -May 1 , 1 8 9 0 C. E . B o l t o n - - J u n e 3 , 1 8 8 9 George W. B o n i f a c e - - N o v. 1 6 , 1 8 8 6 Marjorie Bonner--Feb. 14, 1885 Jessie Bonstelle--Feb. 1 5 , 1883; Sep. 23, 1890 Blanche Boone- - D e c . 2 4 , 1903 Mary B o u t o n - - D e c . 3 , 1 9 0 3 Mac B r a d l e y - O c t . 1 6 - 2 1 , 1 8 9 9 Prof. B r i s t c n - J u n e 27-28, 1890 Fred Emerson Brooks- - N o v. 1 3 , 1895 Edwin Lee B r. : w n - - A p r. 1 , 1 8 8 3 Wallace B r u c e - - F e b . 1 5 , 1 8 9 5 Frank Budd- - N o v. 2 0 , 1897 A. L . B u r b a n k - - J a n . 2 5 , 1 8 9 2 Bob B u r d e t t e - - F e b . 7 , 1 8 9 0 Neil Burgess- - N o v. 2 5 , 1902 John B u r l e i g h - F e b . 2 6 , 1 8 8 7 Julius C. Burrows- O c t . 1 5 , 1894; O c t . 3 0 , 1896; N o v. 1898; O c t . 2 9 , 1 9 0 0 J . W. B u r t o n - - S e p . 1 1 , 1 8 8 3 L. L . B u r t o n - - M a r. 1 0 , 1885 Jennie C a l e e - - Yo . Jennie C a l i f --Jan. M a e Va n e C a l v e r t Carlotta- M a r. : 3 , 28, 1882 1 7 , 1884 N o v. 23-28. 1892 1 9 3 3, �242 J. M . Carrier--Sep. 2 8 -Oct. 3 , 1903 J. W. C a r n e r - - F e b . 2 3 - 2 9 , 1 8 8 5 ; A p r . 1 6 - 2 1 , 1 8 8 8 Charles H. Caton--Feb. 3 , 1892 Herbert Cawthorn--May 11 , 1892 Paul Cazeneuve--Oct. 2 2 , 1 8 9 7 Ella M. Chamberlain--Dec. 8 , 1884 Henry Chanfrau--Dec. 1 0 , 1891 C. W . C h a r l e s - - N o v . 2 8 , 1 8 8 2 John R . C l a r k - - M a r. 7 , 1 8 9 0 ; M a r. 1 0 , 1 8 9 6 W. A l l e n C l a r k e - N o v . 4 , 1 9 0 3 Estelle Clayton--Dec. 16, 1899 Clay Clement--Jan. 1 0 , 1895 Fanny Cohen- M a r . 3 0 , 1 8 9 5 Coleman & Hayden- - O c t . 5 - 1 0 , 1 8 9 1 Edmund C o l l i e r - - D e c . 8 , 1 8 8 6 ; N o v . 2 4 - 2 5 , 1 8 8 7 Jack C o l l i n s --Sep. 2 1 , 1886 A. L . C o l t o n - - J a n . 1 5 , 1 9 0 2 Harry Constantine--Feb. 16, 1886 H. C o n u l i u s - - M a r . 2 8 , 1 8 9 0 Russell H. Conwell--Feb. 14, 1890; Dec. 14, 1892; Mar. 10, 1904 Jane Coombs- D e c . 2 1 , 1 8 8 3 Father Cooney- A p r . 8 , 1891 Seth Crane- - M a r. 2 0 , 1881 R e v. G e o r g e C r a v e n s - - D e c . 1 7 , 1 8 8 7 William Crawftrd-Dec. 18, 1895 Andre C r i s t o n - - M a r. 9 , 1 8 8 5 F. F . C r o s b y , J r . - - D e c . 2 , 1 9 0 1 Emily C u r t i s - O c t . 1 8 , 1904 Laura D a i n t y --Feb. 1 6 , 1884; N o v. 2 2 , 1884 Henry C . D n e - M a r . 2 2 , 1 8 9 2 Hon. D a n i e l D a u g h e r t y - F e b . 1 7 , 1 8 9 1 E. L . D a v e n p o r t . J r . - - A p r . 3 , 1 8 8 3 Fanny D a v e n p o r t - N o v . 2 9 , 1 9 0 0 H. R e e v e s D a v i e s - F e b . 1 0 , 1 8 9 2 Charles L . D a v i s - - A p r. 5 , 1884; Dec. 29-30, 1886; Dec. 9 , 1890 Julia Davis- O c t . 23, 1883 Hon. F r a n k A . D e a n - - O c t . 2 9 , 1 8 9 0 Edward D e l a n e y - S e p . 2 7 , 1 9 0 4 Juno B . D c - m o t i e - - M a r. 1 5 , 1 8 9 2 John B . D e M o t t e - M a r . 1 3 , 1 8 9 5 ; N o v. 2 5 , 1901 Alice Deprey-Jiiiy 4, 1883 J. J . Desmond- O c t . 2 1 , 1 8 9 6 Anna E . D i c k i n s o n - - O c t . 4 , 1 8 8 8 John D i l l o n - J u l y 1 3 , 1 8 8 3 ; J a n . 1 4 , 1 8 9 1 ; O c t . 2 4 , 1 8 9 2 ; Ye t ) . ? t i . 1 8 W - , Annie D i l l y - J a n . o , 1 8 9 D Thomas D i x o n , 1 1 , 1891 FraWt: D o a n ; i - r ) c c . 7 , , 1 8 9 3 T h e D o n a i a t t a - - 0 c t . 2 9 , 1 90 I ; n a r . 6 , 1 9 0 3 Marie Denirm-ik--Wty 2 3 , 1 9 0 4 �243 Paul B. D u C h a i l l e r - - D e c . 2 8 , 1892 L i l l i a n D u n s t o n - - N o v. 1 1 , 1 8 8 5 Abe E a r l y - - O c t . 2 4 , 1 8 9 8 Esther Early- O c t . 24, 1898 J u l i a n Edwards- - O c t . 1 0 , 1904 Eda E l i e l - - F e b . 1 3 , 1 8 8 3 Sidney R. E l l i s - - N o v. 2 4 , 1888 Elmore S i s t e r s - - A u g . 2 9 , 1 9 0 4 B l a n c h Emmet- - A u g . 2 9 , 1 9 0 4 Grace Emmett- - S e p . 9 - 1 0 , 1 8 9 0 J. K . Emmett- J u n e 6 , 1884 Katie Emmett- - A p r. 1 , 1902 Rose E y t i n g e - A p r . 2 9 , 1 8 8 5 Carol Ezier--Sep. 5 , 1893 To n y F a r r e l l - - M a r . 2 8 , 1 8 9 4 ; M a r . 1 5 , 1 8 9 8 Anna E v a F a y - - M a r . 1 , 1 8 8 5 ; D e c . 2 0 , 1 8 9 4 Al. W. F e l s o n - A p r . 4 , 1885 Cora E . F e r r i s - - A p r . 2 4 , 1 8 8 4 Perkins D. F i s h e r --Mar. 2 3 , 1891 Kate F i t z g i b b o n - - A u g . 2 4 - 2 9 , 1 9 0 3 Wm. H . F i t z g e r a l d - - F e b . 2 , 1 8 8 3 James P . F l e m i n g - M a r . 2 1 , 1 8 8 9 Bishop F o l e y - A p r . 2 4 - 2 5 , 1890 Inez Forman- D e c . 2 , 1901 Evelyn Foster- A p r . 6 , 1885 Richie Foy--Oct. 17, 1895 Sid C. France--Dec. 1 6 , 1887 Gustave F r a n k e l - - D e c . 7 , 1 8 9 7 Mrs. F r e n c h -Sheldon- - O c t . 1 7 , 1894 Alberta G a l l a t i n --Mar. 1 4 , 1900 Charles A . Gardner--Dec. 2 8 , 1883; N o v. 5 , 1888 Washington G a r d n e r - - M a r. 1 1 , 1 8 9 0 ; O c t . 2 7 , 1 8 9 4 J. Knox Gavin--Sep. 2 - 7 , 1895; Sep. 2 0 - 2 5 , 1897 J. W r i g h t G i d d i n g s - D e c . 6 , 1 9 0 0 Raymund G i l b e r t - - S e p . 9 , 1 9 0 4 Harry G i l f o i l - S e p . 27, 1900 Barnie Gilmore- J a n . 3 , 1903 Drucie Gilmore - M a y 11 , 1892 Kate G l a s s f o r d - - D e c . 1 4 - 1 9 , 1 8 8 5 Richar0 Golden--Feb. 1 2 , 1903 D i c k Gorman- D e c . 1 , 1 8 8 6 J. Newton G o t t s o i d - A p r. 2 3 , 1383 John B . Gough- N o y . 2 6 , 1 8 3 4 Maud G r a n c e r - O c t . 2 8 , 1 8 8 6 W i l l i s Granger- N o v. 10, 1902 Ada G r a y - - J a n . 2 3 , 1 8 8 4 ; D e c . 1 3 , 1 8 8 5 ; D e c . 1 2 , 1 8 8 9 Thomas E . G r e e n - J a n . 2 2 , 1 9 0 4 John 5 r L f f i t h - S e p . 2 0 , 1 8 9 3 ; J a n . �24 Troja Griswold--Mar. 3 0 , 1892 Carrie E. Hale--Feb. 5 , 1889 Harriet Hale--Mar. 2 8 , 1894 E d i t h H a l l - - N o v. 2 5 , 1895 Jessie Mae H a l l - - S e p . 2 1 - 2 6 , 1 8 9 6 Charles Hampton--Mar. 1 5 , 1897 C. H a n d y s i d e - - M a r . 1 2 , 1 8 8 5 Charles B. Hanford--Dec. 4 , 1896; May 23, 1904 Edwin H a n f o r d - - F e b . 1 5 , 1888; D e c . 1 9 , 1 8 8 8 Lela Harlow--Dec. 1 8 , 1894 Roberts Harper--Jan. 2 7 , 1893 George H a t h a w a y - - N o v. 2 7 , 1 9 0 2 J. J . Hayes- - F e b . 5 , 1 8 8 4 Marie Haynes--Mar. 2 1 , 1889 Mabel H a z e l t o n - - F e b . 2 5 , 1 9 0 4 A d e l l H a z l e t t - - N o v. 5 , 1888 Alma H e a r n - - O c t . 6 , 1 9 0 3 Dr. James H e d l e y - - N o v. 7 , 1 8 9 0 John E . H e n s h a w - - A p r. 2 6 , 1 9 0 4 Percy Herbert- - O c t . 2 5 , 1904 Selam Herman- - D e c . 2 9 , 1 9 0 4 Hermann t h e G r e a t - - A p r . 1 3 , 1 9 0 3 Agnes H e r n d o n - - N o v. 2 4 , 1 8 8 2 ; J a n . 3 0 , 1 8 9 0 Miss H e x t - - N o v. 9 , 1 8 9 6 George S . H i c k e y - - M a y 9 - 1 0 , 1 8 8 7 Wilbur Higby--Apr. 1 4 , 1904 Charles Higgins--Mar. 2 8 , 1890 L. C . H i g g i n s - - O c t . 2 3 , 1 8 8 3 Blanche Howard- - J a n . 5 , 1893 Wright Huntington--Sep. 15-17, 1902 Ann H u t c h i n s o n - - J a n . 3 0 , 1 8 9 6 Ida Hutten--Aug. 2 4 , 1884 John E . I n c e - - S e p . 3 - 4 , 1 8 8 3 Robert G. I n g e r s o l l --Feb. 2 0 , 1892; A p r . 9 , 1896 Lenora Jackson- - O c t . 2 6 , 1901 Louis James- - N o v. 2 5 , 1890 Janauschek--Feb. 1 7 , 1888; Mar. 1 3 , 1890 Marie Jansen--Feb. 11 , 1898 Harold Jarvis--Jan. 9 , 1899 Thomas J e f f e r s o n - - O c t . 5 , 1 9 0 1 ; O c t . 8 . , 1 9 0 2 C a r r o l l Johnson- - N o v. 1 5 , 1893 Sadie Johnson- - F e b . 6 , 1 8 8 3 Silene Johnson--Apr. 1 7 , 1895 Emily Kean- - M a r. 1 1 , 1886 Frank Keenan--Dec. 4 , 1900 T h o m a s K e e n e - A p r . 9 , 1 8 8 3 ; M a y 1 5 , 1 8 8 5 ; D o c . 14 1 8 9 6 Francis Clement K e l l e y --Dec. 1 8 , 1899 �245 Clara Louise Kellogg--Dec. 7 , 1883 D a n i e l A . K e l l y - - N o v. 2 5 , 1 8 9 5 Joe K e l l y - - M a r. 1 0 , 1 9 0 4 Retta Kempton-Feb. 1 7 , 1893 Ezra K e n d a l l - - N o v. 3 , 1893 George K e n n a n - A p r . 5 , 1 8 8 9 N e l l i e Kennedy--Feb. 23-28, 1903 Alberta Kern--Apr. 7 , 1890 Kathryn Kidder--Dec. 7 , 1897 Wallace K i n g - - F e b . 4 , 1 8 8 7 Marie K i n z i e --Sep. 2 - 7 , 1895 George K l i m t - - O c t . 6 , 1 9 0 3 Roselle K n o t t - - N o v. 1 6 , 1903; N o v. 2 9 , 1904 L. A . L a B o r g e - - N o v. 2 8 , 1 8 8 9 Frank Lander--Mar. 1 4 , 1900 C. B . L a n d i s - - N o v . 7 , 1 9 0 2 Edmund L a w r e n c e - A p r . 2 6 , 1 9 0 4 John Lawrence- - S e p . 1 8 , 1 8 8 5 E. M . L a y c o c k - - J a n . 2 4 , 1 9 0 4 Kirke L a S h e l l e - O c t . 10, 1904 H e r b e r t Wood L e a c h - - A p r . 1 7 - 1 8 , 1 8 8 5 Amy L e e - D e c . 5 , 1 8 9 5 Edwin A . L e e - - S e p . 2 7 - 2 9 , 1 8 9 3 Rose L e l a n d - - O c t . 8 , 1 8 9 6 A. B . L e o n a r d - - F e b . 2 7 , 1 8 9 2 Hennessy L e r o y l e - - M a r. 2 8 , 1 8 9 8 ; A p r . 1 8 , 1 8 9 8 Lcuisa L e t t a - - J a n . 1 6 , 1891 Dorothy Lewis- A p r . 3 , 1900 J. C . L e w i s - S e n . 7 , 1903 Jeffreys Lewis--Apr. 23, 1883 Louise L l e w e l l y n - O c t . 7 , 1898 Maude L e o n e - - A u g . 1 8 - 2 3 , 1 9 0 2 J. C . Lewes- A u g . 2 8 , 1902 Thomas L i s b o u r n e - O c t . 1 3 , 1 8 8 3 L i t t l e G o l d i e - O c t . 2 1 , 1891 Charles A . Loder--Apr. 4 , 1894 Lena L o e b - - A p r . 2 8 - 2 9 , 1 8 9 0 Sam L u c a s - - F e b . 4 , 1 8 8 7 Lewis A . Mabb--Dec. 2 3 - 2 8 , 1 8 8 9 B. M c A u l e y - S e p . 1 2 , 1 8 8 4 McCabe a n d M a c k - S e p . 1 1 , 1 9 0 3 Thomas M c C l a r y - M a r . 2 3 . 1 9 0 0 A. W . F . M c C o l l i n - - O c t . 2 0 , 1 8 8 5 Eddie McDonalu--Oct. 3 1 , 1 9 0 1 ; N o v. 7 , 1901 John J . M c G i n n u s - - N c v. 3 , 1 8 9 7 N e l l i e M c : H e n r y - N o v. i i , 1 8 9 1 ; N o v. 1 8 , i 8 9 2 R e v. P r . b e r t M c . f . n t y f e - F e b . 1 9 , 1 8 8 9 W i l l i a m Mack- A u g . 1 8 - 2 3 , 1902 J4mes B . M a c k i e - M a r . 4 , 1 8 9 8 �246 J. H . McLaughlin--Mar. 1 0 , 1884 Frank E. McNish--Oct. 8 , 1896 Stanley Macy- - A p r. 1 3 - 1 4 , 1885 W i l l i a m C. M a n d e v i l l e - - N o v. 2 6 , 1899 Robert M a n t e l l - - A p r. 1 7 , 1889; Dec. 1 2 , 1894; Feb. 2 , 1899; Sep. 2 5 , 1 8 9 9 ; F e b . 7 , 1 9 0 3 Ve r n a M a r i e - - M a y 3 , 1 9 0 2 Paulene Markham- - N o v. 1 9 , 1887 To m M a r k s - - A p r . 2 8 - M a y 3 , 1 9 0 2 N e l l i e Marr--Mar. 2 1 , 1889 Edward R . M a r s d e n - - F e b . 1 4 , 1 8 8 5 Lawrence M a r s t o n - - N o v. 1 1 , 1 8 8 5 Jean Mawson--May 1 0 , 1 8 9 9 Mita Maynard- - O c t . 1 , 1895 George D . M e l v i l l e - - D e c . 2 , 1 9 0 2 M i l l i e Method--Oct. 2 9 , 1895 M a r i e M e t h u a - - S e p . 3 0 , 190.1 Vera M i c h e l e n a - - O c t . 2 9 , 1 9 0 3 Jahu D e W i t t M i l l e r - - O c t . 2 5 , 1 8 8 9 George C . M i l n - - A p r . 1 2 , 1 8 8 6 Maggie M i t c h e l l - - M a r. 1 3 , 1 8 8 3 ; F e b . 2 5 , 1 8 8 4 ; D e c . 2 0 , 1 8 3 9 Whitney Mockridge--Mar. 2 9 , 1893 Mable Montgomery- - S e p . 2 7 , 1 9 0 0 Eleanor Montell--Dec. 9 , 1903 Adelaide Moore--Oct. 4 , 1886 Bella Moore--Sep. 2 6 - 2 8 , 1883 Flora Moore- - O c t . 3 0 , 1883 Courtenay Morgan--May 16-21, 1898 Lizzie Mulvey--Oct. 17, 1892 Eunice Murdock--Aug. 1 , 1904 J. S . Murphy- J a n . 8 , 1885; May 8, 1888 Murray & Mack--Mar. 3 0 , 1898 Mysterious Oneida--Dec. 14, 1895 Cora N e i l s o n - - F e b . 2 3 - 2 9 , 1 8 8 5 Milton Nobles--Mar. 3 , 1884 Casey N o r r i s - - A u g . 2 9 , 1 8 8 5 ; J a n . 2 6 , 1 8 9 5 R e v. R o b e r t N o u r s e - - M a r . 6 , 1 8 8 8 ; N o v . 2 8 , 1 8 3 8 B i l l Nye- - J a n . 2 5 , 1892 George O b e r - - A u g . 2 8 , 1 8 8 9 Barney O ' B r a d y - M a y 11 , 1892 Nora O ' B r i e n - - M a r. 2 3 , 1 8 9 6 Augusta O h e s t l a m - F e b . 1 7 , 1890 Chauncey O l c o t t - M a r . 9 , 1 8 9 4 Eugene O ' R o u r k e - N o v . 2 7 , 1 8 9 3 J. J . Owen--Sep. 4 - 9 , 1 8 9 9 J. A . O w e n s - - M a r . 1 2 , 1 8 8 5 Claire Paige-DEc. 2 6 , 1904 Ralph F a r i e t t - M a r . 1 3 , 1 9 0 2 �247 Charles T. P a r s l o e - - M a r. 1 8 , 1884 Walter Perkins- F e b . 1 6 , 1900 Edmund T . P h e l a n - - M a r . 1 8 , 1 8 8 9 Quinn P h i l l i p s - - M a y 11 , 1 8 9 5 Jennie P l a t t --Sep. 2 0 - 2 5 , 1897 J. C . Podgett--Sep. 1 8 , 1886 Helen P o t t e r - - A p r. 2 4 , 1883 Leland Powers- D e c . 3 0 , 1889; J a n . 1 3 , 1891 Daisy Ramsden--Feb. 2 , 1883; S e p . 11 , 1883 J o h n W. R a n s o m e - - A p r . 2 6 , 1 8 8 9 0 11 i e R e d p a t h - - F e b . 1 8 , 1 8 9 1 Roland Reed- - O c t . 1 , 1 8 8 2 ; F e b . 2 2 , 1 8 8 4 ; D e c . 2 2 , 1 8 8 4 ; M a r. 1 1 , 1 8 8 6 James R e i l l y - - J a n . 6 , 1 8 9 1 R e m e n y i - - N o v. 8 , 1 8 8 3 ; J a n . 2 1 , 1 8 9 6 J. N . R e n t f r o w - O c t . 1 7 , 1882 Camilla Reynolds--Dec. 18, 1903 Rhea- S e p . 2 2 , 1 8 2 4 ; D e c . 3 , 1 8 8 8 Richards & C a n f i e l d - F e b . John R i g g s - J u l y 1 6 , 1 3 8 3 Spillman Riggs--Feb. 1 8 , 1902 J. W. R i l e y --Dec. 1 9 , 1884 James W h i t c o m b R i l e y - - F e b . 1 3 , 1 8 8 5 D. W . R o b e r t s o n - - F e b . 5 , 1 8 8 4 M i l t o n Roblee--Mar. 2 1 , 1889 Stuart Rogers- M a r . 3 , 1885 Fred R o t h s t e i n - J u l y 6 , 1885 Cecil Ruse- M a r . 2 1 , 1889 Sol S m i t h R u s s 3 11 - - A p r. 8 , 1 8 8 4 ; A p r . 8 , 1 8 8 6 ; J a n . 1 6 , 1 8 8 8 William J. Scanlan--May 3, 1884; Sep. 1 5 , 1884; May 25, 1885; Jan. 1 9 , 1 8 8 6 ; J a n . 1 4 , 1 8 8 7 ; M a y 1 9 , 1 8 8 8 ; S e p . 2 7 , 1889 Alfred L. Schwartz- J u l y 6, 1885 Minnie Seward- M a r . 1 7 , 1891 Percy Sharpe- O c t . 1 , 1895 G o v. S h a w - O c t . 1 6 , 1 9 0 0 Mary Shaw- - D e c . 2 , 1 9 0 3 Dan S h e r m a n - D e c . 5 , 1 9 0 1 William H. Sherwood- M a y 27-June 1 , 1895 S. S . S i m p s o n . - S e p . 3 , 1 9 0 2 J o s e Sisson- O c t . 1 7 , 1382; N o v. 2 6 , 1885 Oscar S i s s o n - - N o v. 2 6 , 1 8 8 5 Otis Sklur.er--M7. 22, 1900 F r a n k W. S m i t h - N o v . 5 , 1 8 8 9 Sid Smith- S e p , 3 , 1884 William Alden S,:nith-Oct. 13, 1,S6 Albert J . Sprague- A a r . 1 6 , 1394 Joseph S p r a z u - - M a y 4 , 1 9 0 0 William S t a f f o r d - A p T. 6 , 1885 �248 Katharine Standish--Sep. 4 - 9 , 1899 Bosie Stevens- - N o v. 2 0 , 1 8 9 7 Mate S t e v e n s - - D e c . 2 3 - 2 8 , 1 8 8 9 Adlai Stevenson--Oct. 2 4 , 2900 J. C . ( F a t t y ) Stewart--Apr. 2 6 , 1895 Helen Stickland--Jan. 3 0 , 1895 Alma S t i r l i n g - - D e c . 2 5 , 1 9 0 2 Mable S t r i c k l a n d - - S e p . 3 0 , 1 9 0 1 Carrie Stuart--Apr. 1 4 , 1883 Julia Stuart--Sep. 7 , 1900 John L . S u l l i v a n - - O c t . 2 4 , 1 8 8 5 ; D e c . 2 2 , 1 8 9 3 Ti m o t h y E . Ta r s n e y - - S e p . 1 6 , 1 8 9 6 Bessie Ta y l o r - M a r . 1 6 - 1 7 , 1885 F a y Te m p l e t o n - M a r . 2 0 , 1 8 8 3 S i d n e y Thomas- F e b . 6 , 1 8 9 6 Denman T h o m p s o n - N o v . 1 0 , 1 8 8 4 ; O c t . 3 , 1 8 9 3 John T h o m p s o n - J a n . 1 , 1 8 9 0 J. E . To o l e - - N o v. 2 2 , 1 8 9 5 P a t t i To s a - D e c . 2 8 , 1883 A l b i o n W. T o - a r g e e - O c t . 2 7 , 1 8 9 6 R. F . T r e v a l l i c k - M a y 3 , 1 8 8 6 Augusta True- N o v . 2 4 , 1904 Mazie Tr u m b u l l - O c t . 1 9 , 1 9 0 0 ; S e p . 1 1 , 1 9 0 3 Hon. J e r o m e W. T u r n e r - O c t . 2 9 , 1 8 9 0 John T y l e r - J u l y 1 6 , 1 8 8 5 Camilla lirso-May 25, 1883 Cora Va n Ta s s e l l - - M a y 3 0 - 3 1 , 1 9 0 4 Olga Verne- - 0 c . 6 , 1 9 0 4 Charles E r i n Verner- J a n . 3 1 , 1889 Agnes W a l l a c e V i l l a - O c t . 2 1 , 1 8 9 0 Mary Vo k e ! ; - - N o v. 2 8 , 1 8 8 9 James W a i t - - F e b . 2 3 - 2 9 , 1 8 8 5 Jule Walters- O c t . 7 , 1898 E. L . W a l t o n - - O c t . 3 0 , 1 8 8 3 G i p s y Ward- O c t . 5 - 1 0 , 1 8 9 1 W. C . W a r n e r - O c t . 6 , 1 9 0 0 Wrightson Warner--Jan. 1 4 , 1901 Imogene W a s h t u r n e - O c t . 1 7 , 1 3 9 2 C a r r i e Webber- O c t . 6 , 1 8 8 5 H a r r y Webber--,71ct. 6 , 3 8 5 L i z a Weber- M a r . 2 9 . 1 8 8 6 Gus W e i n b u r g - S e p . 5 . 1 8 9 3 Bertha Welby--Mar. 1 5 , 1 8 9 8 George R . l e n d l i n g - N o v . 1 8 , 1 8 9 1 ; N o v. 2 1 , 1 9 9 4 Ned W e n t - - F = . b . 1 6 , 1 8 8 6 J o s e p h F . S h e l o . : - . . k - - N o v. 2 4 , 1 8 8 2 P o r t e r J . Wri-Lte--Oct. 2 , ; 8 9 9 ; N o v. 1 0 , 1 9 0 0 : 0,;;_. 6 , 190'4 �249 Walker W h i t e s i d e s - - S e p . 2 9 , 1 8 9 7 ; J a n . 9 Bertha W i l b y - - N o v. 2 4 , 1 8 8 3 George W i l l a r d - - A p r . 2 0 , 1 8 9 6 Katherine W i l l a r d --May 19, 1902 Gus W i l l i a m s - - A u g . 2 4 - 2 5 , 1 8 8 3 ; M a r . 1 4 , L o t t i e W i l l i a m s - - N o v. 1 9 , 1891 R e v. A . A . W i l l i t t s - - M a r . 2 7 , 1 8 8 9 ; D e c . Harrison J . W o l f e - - N o v. 2 4 , 1 9 0 4 Morgan Wood- - F e b . 8 , 1 8 9 5 Aaron H . Woodhull - - M a r. 3 0 , 1 8 9 2 Harrison J . Woolfe--Jan. 4 , 1900; Mar. 8 Alvin Wyckoff- - O c t . 2 6 , 1904 Judge Y a p l e - - S e p . 9 , 1 8 9 5 Lydia Ye a m a n - - A p r. 1 3 - 1 4 , 1 8 8 5 To t Yo u n g - - O c t . 1 6 - 2 1 , 1 8 9 9 Gertrude Zimmer- - N o v. 1 0 , 1 9 0 3 Madelon Z o l o - - J a n . 1 , 1 8 8 4 , 1904 1889 3 , 1889 , 1900 �250 Ta b l e # 2 ; Adrif After All a Alvin I n d e x to the Plays t i n New Yo r k - - J u n e 2 1 , 1 9 0 4 Tw e n t y Ye a r s - - S e p . 1 9 , 1 9 0 0 Mistake- J u n e 14, 1902 Joslin--Apr. 1 , 1884; Dec. 29-30, 1886; Dec. 9 , 1890; Jan. 2 2 , 1901 American G e n t h m a n - N o v. 2 7 , 1902 An A r i s t o c r a t i c T r a m p - M a r . 2 9 , 1 9 0 4 An Enemy t o t h e K i n g - - J a n . 2 7 , 1 8 9 9 An I n d i a n a Romance- - O c t . 1 3 , 1 9 0 3 Andersonville-Feh. 19-21, 1885 Angel o f t h e A l l e y --Mar. 2 5 , 1904 Arizona--Dec. 1 2 , 1904 Around t h e W s r l d i n E i g h t y Days- - M a r. 2 1 , 1 8 8 9 Arrah-na-pougue-Mar. 9 , 1889 As Y o u L i k e I t - - D e c . 1 8 , 1 9 0 3 At t h e French B a l l - - J a n . 5 , 1898 Bad B o y - - D e c . 1 0 , 1 8 8 7 The B a n k e r ' s D a u g h t e r - N o v . 2 9 , 1 8 8 3 ; M a y 6 , 1 8 8 5 ; D e c . 1 5 , 1885 A B a r r e l o f Money--Sep. 9 - 1 0 , 1 8 9 0 ; D e c . 1 2 , 1 8 9 0 B e l l s o f S h a n d o n - N o v. 3 , 1 8 9 7 Ben H u r - - N o v . 1 1 - 1 2 , 1 8 9 0 Bessie's Burglar- O c t . 6 , 1885 The B e s t N e w E n g l a n d L a n d S t o r y E v e r W r i t t e n - D e c . 8 , 1 9 0 4 Bewitched- J a n . 1 6 , 1888 Beyond t h e A t l a n t i c - A u g . 2 2 , 1 9 0 4 Black C r o o k - - o v. 4 , 1882; Feb. 2 3 . 1895 The B l a c k Y l a g . - - S e p . 2 0 , 1 8 9 7 ; A p r . 2 5 , 1 8 9 8 ; S e p . 4 , 1 8 9 9 A Black Mother- A p r . 8 , 1899 The E o h e m i a n - I d e c . 1 , 1 8 8 5 Bohemian G i r l - - J u n e 1 5 - 1 6 , 1 8 8 6 The B o n d m a n - O c t . 1 , 1 9 0 3 A Brass 7Aenkey-0ct. 19. 1900 A B r e e z y Time- A p r . 5 , 1 8 9 5 ; M a r. 2 2 , 1 8 9 8 ; A u g . 2 5 , 1 8 9 9 The B r o m m a k e r o f C a r l s b a d - - J a n . 6 , 1 8 9 1 Brother Agains 3.roth-,,r--Sep. 2 4 , 1894 Brown's i n To r : - - J a n . 4 , 1900 A Bunch o f Keys- O c t . 3 0 , 1883; Feb. 1 8 , 1096 Burr Oaks--May 2 , 1 3 2 8 The C a l l O f U s - M a y 1 0 , 1 8 9 9 Camille- M a y 3 0 . 1 9 0 4 ; J u n e 2!J, 1 9 0 4 Cannen B a i l E x p r e s s - - O c t . 1 9 , i 8 9 9 X - T Z I T I e l J o k e - F e b . ;,'; 1 8 9 8 . Carrots- A p r . 2.J, 1395 Casey's N i f e - N ' o v. 1 5 , 189 El77 A d r i f t - S e u . 2 9 , 1903 �251 Caste- - A p r . 2 3 , 1 8 8 5 Caught i n t h e Webb- S e p . 1 5 - 1 6 , 1 9 0 3 The C e n s u s T a k e r - - S e p . 2 4 , 1 8 9 5 Chain L i g h t n i n g - - O c t . 2 1 , 1 8 9 9 Cheek- - O c t . 1 , 1 8 8 2 ; F e b . 2 2 , 1 8 8 4 ; F e b . 2 3 , 1 9 0 3 C h a r i t y B a l l - - N o v. 1 5 , 1 8 9 4 Charley's Aunt- - M a r. 1 5 , 1895 A C h i c a g o Tramp- - S e p . 2 7 , 1 9 0 4 The C h r i s t i a n - - S e p . 7 , 1 9 0 0 The C h i m e s o f N o r m a n d y - - M a y 8 - 9 , 1 8 8 5 ; A p r . 2 9 , 1 9 0 1 Chinese Honeymoon- - A p r . 2 6 , 1 9 0 4 Chip 0 ' t h e O l d B l o c k - - M a r. 1 2 , 1891 The C h u r c h A c r o s s t h e Wa y - - A u g . 2 0 , 1 9 0 4 C i n d e r e l l a - - M a r. 1 , 1890 C i t y D i r e c t o r y - - O c t . 1 5 , 1891 Cleo- - F e b . 2 6 , 1 8 8 7 C l a i r e a n d t h e F o r g e M a s t e r - - M a r. 1 8 , 1 8 8 7 A C o l d Day--Feb. 2 9 , 1888; M a r. 2 3 , 1891 Colleen Bawn--Sep. 2 1 , 1885; O c t . 3 , 1903 Colorado- - N o v. 2 5 , 1 9 0 3 Confusion- F e b . 2 7 , 1885; A p r. 2 5 , 1885 Conrad- - D e c . 1 , 1 8 8 6 The C o n v i c t ' s D a u g h t e r - - D e c . 1 1 , 1 9 0 3 The C o u n t e o f M o n t e C r i s t o - - A u g . 1 8 , 1 9 0 4 The C o u n t r y G i r l - - J u n e 2 5 , 1 9 0 4 A Country K i d - A p r . 11 , 1904 The C o u n t y F a i r - A u g . 3 1 , 1 8 9 1 ; N o v . 2 5 , 1 9 0 2 Cousin K a t e - - N o v. 2 9 , 1904 A Cracker Jack--Sep. 5 , 1892 The C r i m e s o f L o n d o n - J a n . 2 9 , 1 8 8 5 C r i s p a - J a n . 1 6 , 1891 Dad's B o y --Feb. 2 5 , 1990 The D a g g e r a n d t h e C r o s s - S e p . 2 5 , 1 8 9 9 ; F e b . 7 , 1 9 0 3 The D a i r y F a r m - - A u g . 2 8 , 1 9 0 0 The D a n i t e s - - M a r . 1 9 , 1 8 8 7 The D a r k S i d e o f a G r e a t C i t y - N o v . 1 2 , 1 9 0 4 Darkest Russia--Sep. 2 0 , 1899 David H a r r u m - N o v. 3 , 1 9 0 2 ; D e c . 1 , 1904 Davy C r o c k e t t - - O c t . 2 3 - 2 5 , 1 8 9 0 A Day and a N i g h t --Feb. 2 , 1900; Feb. 11 , 1901 The D a z z l e r - - N o v . 5 , 1 8 9 4 The D e v i l ' s A u c t i o n - M a r . 2 3 , 1 8 8 7 ; A p r . 6 , 1 9 0 3 A D e v i l ' s Lane- A u g . 2 9 , 1904 The D e v i l ' s M i n e - - O c t . 3 0 - 3 1 , 1 8 8 9 A Diamond M y s t e r y - - S e p . 1 1 , 1 8 8 3 ; D e c . 2 3 , 1 8 8 9 Divorce- S e p . 2 6 , 1887 Dodging- M a y 1 9 & 2 3 , 1 8 8 5 D o l l y ' L u c k - O c t . 9 , 1883 p o r o t h r - O c t . 30, 1893 Down a n d U p - F e b . 2 , 1 9 0 4 �252 Dr. J e k y l a n d M r. Hyde- - J u n e 1 0 , 1904 A Dress Rehearsal--June 8, 1894 The D r u n k a r d ' s D a u g h t e r - - O c t . 2 1 , 1 8 8 2 East Lynne- - J a n . 2 3 , 1884; Dec. 1 9 , 1885; Dec. 1 3 , 1886; Dec. 2 , 1 9 0 1 ; J u n e 2 2 , 1 9 0 4 ; N o v. 1 0 , 1 9 0 4 Edgewood F o l k s - - A p r . 8 , 1 8 8 4 ; J a n . 3 0 , 1 8 9 5 Editha's Burglar- F e b . 5 , 1897 Eight B e l l s --Apr. 3 , 1897 El Oapitan-Nov. 26, 1898 The E n d o f t h e W o r l d - S e p . 1 4 , 1 8 9 4 Enock A r d e n - - M a r. 7 , 1 8 8 5 ; S e p . 2 , 1 8 8 6 Erminie--Sep. 11 , 1889; May 3, 1899 Esmeralda--Oct. 2 6 , 1882; O c t . 1 , 1891; N o v. 2 6 , 1901 Evangeline- - N o v. 6 , 1891 The E v i l E y e - - O c t . 1 6 , 1 9 0 1 ; J a n . 2 9 , 1 9 0 3 Fabio Romani- - O c t . 2 1 , 1889 The F a k i r - - N o v . 6 , 1 8 8 9 Falka--Mar. 3 1 , 1 8 9 0 Fanchon-Mar. 1 3 , 1883; O c t . 1 , 1887; M a r. 9 , 1889 The F a s t M a i l - - O c t . 1 0 , 1 8 9 1 ; A p r . 8 , 1 8 9 6 ; F e b . 1 2 , 1 8 9 7 The F a t M e n ' s C l u b - - J a n . 1 2 , 1 8 9 2 Father and Son--Sep. 2 3 , 1895 Fatherland- - N o v. 2 4 , 1 8 8 8 Faust--Sep. 2 0 , 1 8 9 3 ; N o v. 1 5 , 1895; F e b . 11 , 1896; F e b . 7 , 1898; O c t . 3 1 , 1 8 9 8 ; O c t . 2 , 1 8 9 9 ; N o v . 1 0 , 1 9 0 0 ; N o v. 2 1 , 1 9 0 1 ; O c t . 6 , 1 9 0 4 Faust and M a r g u e r i t e - O c t . 2 2 , 1886 Felicia--Apr. 29, 1885; May 16, 1898 F e l i x McKu3ick--Apr. 8 , 1886 The F i g h t i n g P a r s o n - - A p r . i 4 , 1 9 0 4 The F i n i s h o f M r . F r e s h - - O c t . 9 , 1 8 9 9 Finnigan's B a l l --Mar. 3 0 , 1895; J a n . 4 1 8 9 9 ; J a n . 1 9 , 1901 Finnigan's 400--Feb. 28, 1900 The F i r e m a n ' s W a r J - F e b . 1 8 , 1 8 9 1 Florodora--Feb. 16, 1903 T h e F l o w e r Q u , ? e n - - F, t h . 1 1 , 1 8 9 3 Fogg's F e r r y - - p r . 1 4 , 1833; Sep. 2 6 , 1883 For Love anci H o n i - r - S e p . 2 8 , 1 9 0 3 For Love's Sake- S e p . 7 0 , 1901 For P o s i t i . m F i J n o r - - N o v . 2 6 , 1905 Forget-me-not--'!iar. 1 5 8 9 ; O c t . 4 , 1891 1472- F e b . 9 M r . 15, 1899 Grancipa-Cec. 1 0 , 1902 Foxy Q u i l l - r - - F e b . 1 2 , 1 9 0 3 The F r e n c h S p y - - F e b . 2 8 , 1 8 8 3 ; A p r . 2 3 , 1 8 8 5 F r i e n d a n d ..Fe- - M a y 3 , 1 5 8 h ; M3y 2 5 . 1 6 8 3 Fritz i n Ireind--June 6, !884 TE4277Frolit:: a Uuv--ect. 13, 1883 Prow-Fre74,--.Dec. 1 5 , 1 8 5 �253 Fun b y E x p r e s s - - O c t . 5 , 1 8 9 1 Fun i n a B o a r d i n g S c h o o l - - S e p . 3 - 4 , 1 8 8 3 F u r n i s h e d Rooms- D e c . 1 4 , 1 8 8 8 The G a l e s o f J u s t i c e - - M a y 7 , 1 9 0 0 Georgia Rose--May 28, 1903 Ghosts- - D e c . 2 , 1 9 0 3 The G i r l a n d t h e J u d g e - - D e c . 9 , 1 9 0 3 The G i r l f r o m C a l c u t t a - - N o v . 2 8 , 1 9 0 0 The G i r l I L e f t B e h i n d Me- - A p r . 1 7 , 1 8 9 5 The G i r l I L o v e - - F e b . 2 , 1 3 8 3 The G i r l i n t h e B a r r a c k s - - N o v . 1 8 , 1 9 0 1 Girofle-Girofla--Oct. The G l o b e T r o t t e r - - S e p . 1 5 - 1 7 , 1 9 0 2 Golden H a i r and t h e Three Bears- - D e c . 8 , 1 8 8 5 Grand Duchess- - O c t . 9 , 1 8 8 6 Great M e t r o p o l i s - - J a n . 26-28, 1891 The G r e a t W h i t e D i a m o n d - - F e b . 1 9 , 1 9 0 4 Grimes' C e l l a r Door--Mar. 4 , 1898 A G u i l t y Mother--Aug. 23, 1902 Gypsy J a c k - - N o v. 1 0 , 1 9 0 2 Hamlet- S e p . 2 9 , 1 8 9 7 ; N o v. 2 4 , 1904 Hans, t h e German D e t e c t i v e - - D e c . 5 , 1 8 8 7 Hazel K i r k - A p r . 3 , 1883; Feb. 2 4 , 1885; M a r. 1 5 , 1887 The H e a d W a i t e r s - - M a r . 1 0 , 1 9 0 4 The H e a r t o f C u b a - M a y 2 0 , 1 8 9 8 H e a r t s o f t h e -Siete R i d g e - - A p r . 3 , 1 9 0 0 The H e a r t h s t o n e s - M a r . 1 5 , 1 8 9 8 Held b y t h e Enemv-Mar. 7 , 1892; A u g . 2 3 , 1898 Hermann t h e G r e a t - - N o v . 2 2 , 1 8 9 9 Hooligan's qroubles-Dec. 20, 1904 A H o u s e o f To o M u c h T r o u b l e - - M a y 2 7 , 1 9 0 3 The H i d d e n H a n d - - D e c . 2 5 , 1 8 8 2 ; S e p . 2 6 , 1 8 8 5 His F i r s t Love - A u g . 2 0 , 1 9 0 2 HMS P i n a f o r e - A p r . 2 9 , 1 3 8 7 H o i t y - To i t y - F e b . 1 7 , 1904 The H o l y C i t v - - S e p . 9 , 1 9 0 4 Home L i g h t s - N o v . 2 1 , 1 9 0 4 Hoop o f G o l d - - J a n . 2 , 1 8 9 2 A H o t T i m e I n t h e O l d To w n - M a y 2 6 , 1 8 9 9 How H o p p e r W a s S i 1 c T r a c k e d - - O c t . 7 , 1 8 9 8 A H u g h Joke--j,..:tn. I , 1 8 9 0 H u m b u g - - D e- c . 2 2 , 1 8 8 4 ; M a r . 1 7 , 1 8 8 6 ; S e p . 2 3 , : 9 0 : H u m p t y - D u m p t v - Y a y 3 , 1 8 8 3 ; D e c . 8 , 1 8 8 3 ; M a r . ::28 & 3 0 , 1 8 8 5 ; Jan. 2 2 , 1 9 0 0 ; F e b . 1 5 , 1 9 0 1 ; O c t . 3 1 A N o v, 7 , 1 9 0 1 ; Sep. 1 7 1 1 9 0 4 The H i l n c h b a c i ‘ - . . . i o v. 2 4 , 1 8 8 3 The H u s t l e r - - N o , r . 2 3 , 1 8 9 4 In A t l a n t i c Citi.--Oct. 25, 1897 �254 I n C o n v i c t S t r i p e s - - N o v. 2 4 , 1903 I n Gay P a r i s - - J a n . 1 3 , 1898 In t h e Service o f Mankind--Aug. 1 7 , 1904 In t h e Swim--May 1 , 1888 I n O l d K e n t u c k y - - N o v. 6 , 1 8 9 6 Ingomar--Feb. 2 6 , 1885; May 5, 1885 Innocent S a l t --Mar. 1 , 1890 Inshavogue--Apr. 2 1 , 1 8 8 5 ; A u g . 3 1 , 1 8 8 6 ; S e p . 2 6 , 1 8 9 5 Interviews--Mar. 3 , 1884 Iolanthe--Apr. 2 4 , 1884 The I s l e o f Champagne- - D e c . 2 1 , 1 8 9 7 The I r i s h H e r o - J u n e 1 2 , 1 9 0 2 The I r i s h M i n s t r e l - - S e p . 1 5 , 1 8 8 4 The I r i s h P a w n b r o k e r s - - S e p . 1 1 , 1 9 0 3 The I r i s h S t a t e s m a n - - N o v. 1 5 , 1 8 9 3 Iron Ring--Dec. 12, 1889 Jack Cade- - D e c . 8 , 1 8 8 6 Jane- - M a y 1 5 , 1 8 9 4 The J e r s e y m a n - - S e p . 1 2 , 1 8 8 4 Jim, t h e Penman- - D e c . 1 7 , 1 8 9 0 J.L.S.--Mar. 5 , 1889 The J o h n s t o w n F l o o d - - J a n . 1 9 , 1 9 0 4 Joshua S i m p k i n s - - J u n e 1 8 , 1 8 9 8 Joshua W h i t o m b - - N o v. 1 0 , 1 8 8 4 Julius Caesar--Dec. 4 , 1896 J u s t S t r u c k To w n - - M a r . 1 0 , 1 9 0 3 Karl--Dec. 28, 1883 Keep i t D a r k - - N o v . 9 , 1 8 8 7 The K e r m i s - - S e p . 2 2 , 1 9 0 2 Kerry Gow--Jan. 8 , 1885 Kidnapped i n New Yo r k - - J a n . 3 , 1 9 0 3 K i l l a r n e y and t h e Rhine- - N o v. 2 2 , 1895 The K i n d e r g a r t e n - - A p r . 1 3 - 1 4 , 1 8 8 5 ; D e c . 4 , 1 8 8 5 King Dado--Jan. 4 , 1902 The K i n g o f t h e D e s e r t - N o v . 1 1 , 1 9 0 4 The K i n g o f t h e O p i u m R i n g - - J a n . 2 1 , 1 9 0 2 Kinks- - A p r. 4 , 1885 I T T F f e r ' s Fortunes--Mar. 1 4 , 1889 Kiss i n the Dark--May 20 & 22, 1885 K i t , t h e Arkansaw Traveler--Dec. 1 0 , 1891 16713bs O l T e n n e s s e e - - M a y 2 6 , 1 9 0 3 La B e l l e M a r i e - - J a n . 3 0 , 1 8 9 0 La B e l l e R u s s e - - A p r . 2 3 , 1 8 8 3 Lady o f L y o n s - - O c t . 4 , 1 8 8 6 the Lankashire Lass--June 25, 1904 L a r r i g a n ' s B a l l - - N o v. 2 0 , 1897 r i r t i c i e 4 7 - - A p r. 3 0 , 1890 The L a s t StreAce--Jan. 2 1 , 1 8 9 8 �255 La T o s c a - - N o v . 2 9 , 1 9 0 0 L e g a l l y Dead- - A p r . 2 9 , 1 9 0 4 The L i a r s - - M a r . 2 2 , 1 9 0 0 The L i b e r t y B e l i e s - - F e b . 3 , 1 9 0 3 Lights O'London--May 20, 1890 The L i m i t e d M a i l - - F e b . 2 , 1 8 9 7 L i t t l e Alabama- M a r . 2 1 , 1904 The L i t t l e D e t e c t i v e - - O c t . 2 0 , 1 8 9 9 L i t t l e Lord Fauntleroy--Apr. 7 , 1890; Dec. 20, 1890 L i t t l e Muffets--Jan. 7 , 1884 L i t t l e N u g g e t t s - - N o v. 2 6 , 1 8 8 5 ; J u n e 8 , 1 8 8 7 ; A u g . 1 3 , 1 8 8 7 ; Jan. 8 , 1 8 8 9 ; J a n . 9 , 1 8 9 1 ; May 11 , 1892 L i t t l e P a r d ' s M y s t e r y o f t h e B l a c k C r a i g --May 31, 1904 A L i t t l e Sinner--Aug. 24, 1903 L i t t l e Tycoon- - N o v. 3 0 , 1887 The L i t t l e V a g r a n t s - - J a n . 1 6 , 1 9 0 2 The L o n g S t r i k e - - S e p . 1 8 , 1 8 8 6 Lorley--Sep. 20, 1886; Dec. 20, 1887 Lost i n New Yo r k - J u n e 8 , 1 9 0 4 The L o s t P a r a d i s e - - N o v . 7 , 1 9 0 4 Lover's Lane--Sep. 25, 1902 A:Lucrative L i a r - M a r. 8 , 1900 Lynwood- - O c t . 2 8 , 1 8 8 6 ; M a r . 6 , 1 8 8 9 Macbeth--May 1 5 , 1 8 8 5 ; M a r. 1 3 , 1 8 9 0 McSorley's I n f l a t i o n - - M a r. Madame S a n s G e n e - D e c . 7 , 1 8 9 7 Madame S a t a n - - A u g . 1 8 , 1 9 0 2 Maid o f A r i a n - - S e p . 2 1 - 2 2 , 1 8 8 2 Man a n d M a s t e r - - M a r . 2 , 1 8 9 6 The M a n f r o m B o s t o n - - D e c . 2 2 , 1 8 9 3 A Man o f Mystery - M a r . 2 7 - 2 8 , 1900; May 25, 1903; J u n e 7 , 1904 Marked. f.31. T , i f e - - D e c . 1 6 , 1 8 3 7 Married Lifo--Tjay 18, 1885 Tig7M--0ct. 13, 1885 FETE;Tt--Mar. 2 0 , 1 8 8 3 ; F e b . 2 , 1 8 8 8 ; S e p . 1 2 , 1 8 8 9 ; F e b . 4 , 189 Mascott, Up t o Date--Sep. 20, 1894 Tison s Corner G i a c e r y - O c t . 2 1 , 1903 Mavolyrneen--ar. 9 , - 7 g 9 4 Meg M e r l f T c s - - i ' L b . 1 7 , 1 8 8 8 T h e M e r c h a n t o f Ve n i . c e m - M a r. 2 3 , 1 8 9 6 A Mes.singer-7-177i-77777-; S e c t i o n - - N o v. 1 6 , 1 8 8 2 ; S e p . 1 7 , 1 8 8 3 Michael S t r o i To f f - - c t . 1 2 , 1888; Sep. 8 , 1899 A Midnight C a l l - - O c t . 2 , 1S91 The M i d n i g h t E x 1 e - - J a n . 1 , 1 9 0 4 Midnight i n C h A t w n - - N o v . 15, 1900 The M i g h t y D n f l a r - M a r . M i k a l o - O c t . 2 0 . 1 8 8 3 ; 0..2t. 8 , 1 8 8 6 ; F e b . 1 8 8 3 ' Mive pot, W a i t e - - D c c . 1 , 1 9 0 3 �256 Miss Harum Scarum--Dec. 5 , 1895 Missouri--Aug. 5 , 1904 Misteltoe Bough--Dec. 5 , 1904 Mistic Mountain--Oct. 18, 1899 M ' L i s s - - N o v. 2 8 , 1 8 8 2 A Model Husband- - O c t . 2 4 , 1892; F e b . 8 , 1894 Monbars-Apr. 1 7 , 1889; Dec. 1 2 , 1894 A Montana O u t l a w - - N o v. 4 , 1 9 0 3 Monte C r i s t o - - S e p . 3 , 1 8 8 6 ; O c t . 7 , 1 8 8 7 The M o o n s h i n e r ' s D a u g h t e r - - A u g . 2 5 , 1 9 0 4 Moselle- S e p . 2 2 , 1885 Mother's Love- M a y 1, 1890 A Mountain P i n k --Feb. 1 6 , 1884; N o v. 2 2 , 1884; O c t . 1 , 1887 Mr. B o b - J u l y 7 , 1 8 9 7 ; F e b . 2 2 , 1 8 9 8 Mrs. B . O ' S h a u g h n e s s y - - N o v. 2 3 , 1 9 0 0 Much A d o A b o u t N o t h i n g . - - D e c . 3 , 1 8 8 8 Mugg's L a n d i n g --Dec. 1 2 , 1883 My A u n t A b b e y - - S e p . 1 , 1 8 9 4 My A u n t B r i d g e t - - J a n . 2 7 , 1 8 8 8 My C o l l e e n - M a r . 2 8 , 1 8 9 4 MY F r i e n d f r o m I n d i a - - F e b . 1 6 , 1 9 0 0 ; A u g . 2 1 , 1 9 0 2 My H u s b a n d - D e c . 1 3 , 1 8 8 8 My O r i e n t a l F r i e n d - - S e p . 2 9 , 1 9 0 2 My P a r t n e r - M a r . 1 8 , 1 8 8 4 ; A u g . 3 0 , 1 3 8 6 ; N o v . 1 6 , 1 8 9 2 My W i f e ' s F r i e n d s - O c t . 2 4 , 1 8 9 5 M y r l e s Arofyn--.1iep. 2 7 , 1 8 8 9 Myrtle Ferns- D e c . 3 1 , 1891 The N a i a d Q u e e n - N a r . 2 8 - 3 1 , 1 8 8 8 Nan t h e G o o d - f o r - a o t n i n g - S e p . 2 8 , 1 8 8 3 The N a n c y H a n k - F e b . i l , 1 8 9 8 Neck a n d N e c k - O c t . 1 , 1 8 8 6 Nevada- - F e b . 8 , 1 9 0 1 The N e w D o m i n i o n - - J a n . 1 0 , 1 8 9 5 A New Ye a r ' s R e c e p t i o u - M a y 27, 1896; May 27, 1897 New Y o r k D a y b y D a y - - N o v . 1 9 , 1 8 9 1 Next Door- - F e b . 5 , 1901; Dec. 2 , 1902 A N i g h t a t t h e C i r c u s - - N o v. 1 1 , 1 8 9 1 ; N o v. 1 8 , 1 8 9 2 ; A p r . 25, 1 8 9 9 A Night Before Chris.tmas-Feb. 4 , 1904 Nigh* h a t c h - M a y 3 , 1e38 N i p and T u c k - - O c t . 6 , 1 8 8 5 A Noble Herione--Dec. 28, 1889 A Noble S i s t e r --Sep. 2 , 1895 Nobody's C h i l d - - N o v. 2 , ; 8 8 5 Nobody's Claim - - A p r. 1 4 , 1884 M i : s o u . r , r a 8 e - D e c . 24. 1895 Oh, W b a t a N i c l i t - - , 1 . p r . I t , 1 8 9 4 ; D e c . 2 7 , 1 8 9 4 1q0) Oid Dan 1 u c k t : ! r - - D 8 . 5 , It/02 �257 Old Homespun- - O c t . 3 , 1 8 9 3 Old J e d P r o u t y - - O c t . 3 0 , 1 9 0 2 Ole O l s o n - - D e c . 1 8 , 1 8 9 1 Oliver Twist--Dec. 1 0 , 1888 Olivette--Jan. 31, 1884; Feb. 3 , 1888 On t h e B r i d g e a t M i d n i g h t - - O c t . 6 , 1 9 0 3 On t h e H u d s o n - - D e c . 1 6 , 1 8 8 9 On t h e W a b a s h - - O c t . 2 4 , 1 8 9 8 One o f t h e F i n e s t - - A u g . 2 4 - 2 5 , 1 8 8 3 Only a F a r m e r ' s D a u g h t e r - - N o v. 2 4 , 1 8 8 2 ; J a n . 3 , 1 8 8 7 Ostler Joe--Feb. 1 7 , 1902 O t h e l l o - - N o v. 2 5 , 1 8 9 0 Other P e o p l e ' s Money--Nar. 2 8 , 1 8 9 8 ; A p r . 1 8 , 1 8 9 8 Our B o y s - - S e p . 2 5 , 1 8 9 5 Our F l a t s - - J a n . 1 0 , 1 8 9 6 Our I n f a n t - - J a n . 1 5 , 1 8 8 3 Our M o t h e r - - D e c . 2 3 , 1 8 8 2 Our S t r a t e g i s t s - - A u g . 2 7 , 1 8 9 4 Our Summer B o a r d e r s - - J a n . 1 , 1 8 8 4 Out o f B o n d a g e - - F e b . 4 , 1 8 8 7 The O u t c a s t s - - S e p . 2 5 , 1 8 9 4 Outcasts o f a G r e a t C i t y - - N o v. 2 5 , 1 8 9 5 A P a r l o r Match- J a n . 2 6 , 1886 Patent P i g h t - O c t . 5 , 1886 Patience--May 21, 1891 Paul K a u v a r - F e b . 2 3 , 1 8 9 2 The P e a r l o f S a v o y - - F e b . 2 5 , 1 8 8 4 ; F e b . 2 4 , 1 8 9 0 Peck's Bad Boy--Dec. 3 , 1894 Phenix- J a n . 4 , 1887 Photos- M a y 3 1 , 1 8 8 1 Pique- - D e c . 2 1 . 1 8 8 3 Plays and Players- O c t . 1 7 , 1895 The P o a c h e r ' s D o o m - - M a r . 2 4 - 2 5 , 1 8 9 0 The P o l i c e P a t l - o l - O e t . 2 6 , 1 8 9 3 A Poor Relation--Dec. 4 , 1900 A Possible Case--Feb. 2 0 , 1889; O c t . 2 3 , 1889 The P o w e r B e h i n d t h e T h r o n e - - M a y 1 9 , 1 9 0 2 ; O c t . 1 7 , 1 9 0 2 The P o w e r o f t h e P r e s s - - F e b . 1 5 , 1 8 9 4 The P r e t t y P e r i n - - F e b . 3 , 1 8 9 1 The P r e t t y P u r i t a n - - O c t . 2 1 1 8 9 3 Prince o f Egypt- D e c . 1 8 - 1 9 , 1901 Princess Chic- O c t . 2 9 , 1903; Oct. 10, 1904 The P r i n c e s s i n P a t c h e s - - S e p . 2 1 . 1 8 9 6 The P r i n c e s s o f M a d a g a s c a r - F e b . 2 5 , 1 8 9 9 The P r i s o n e r o f Z e n d a - N o v . 6 , 1 9 0 2 The P r i v a t e S e c r e t a r y - M a r . 1 6 , 1 8 8 7 ; F e b . 1 0 , 1 8 9 2 The P u m p k i n H u s k e r - - J a n . 2 8 , 1 9 0 4 Pygmallion and Galatea--Sep. 2 7 , 1833; Mar. 4 , 1889 A R t i a l , r . W edinAr-Mar.23, 1 9 0 4 �258 Queen's E v i d e n c e - D e c . 1 6 & 1 9 , 1 8 8 5 Queen's Lace H a n d k e r c h i e f - O c t . 9 , 1886 Q u e e n a - - M a r. 1 4 & 1 9 , 1 8 8 7 ; M a r . 7 , 1 8 8 9 ; D e c . 1 5 , 1 8 9 0 Quincy Adams S a w y e r - - D e c . 8 , 1 9 0 4 Quo V a d i s - - F e b . 2 0 , 1 9 0 1 ; D e c . 2 3 , 1 9 0 1 Ranch 1 0 - - S e p . 3 , 1 8 8 4 ; N o v . 2 4 , 1 8 8 6 Richard I I I - A p r . 9 , 1883 Richard Carvel--Jan. 2 8 , 1902 R i p Va n W i n k l e - - F e b . 2 5 , 1 8 8 5 ; A p r . 2 4 , 1 8 8 5 ; S e p . 2 5 , 1 8 8 5 Sep. 4 , 1 8 8 6 ; M a r . 1 6 , 1 8 9 4 ; M a y 4 , 1 9 0 0 ; O c t . 5 , 1 9 0 1 ; Oct. 8 , 1902; Sep. 3 0 , 1903 Risen from t h e Ashes--Dec. 1 7 , 1885 The R i v a l s - - N o v . 2 6 , 1 9 0 0 R o a n o a k e - - N c v. 9 , 1 9 0 4 Robert Emmet- A u g . 2 1 , 1 9 0 4 Robin Hood- F e b . 1 2 , 1 8 9 5 A Rocky Mountain Waif--Oct. 2 1 , 1891 A Romance o f t h e S o u t h - O c t . 2 , 1 9 0 3 ; J u n e 9 , 1 9 0 4 Romany R y e - M a r . 1 2 , 1 8 8 5 Romeo a n d J u l i e t - - A p r . 6 , 1 8 8 5 Rooms t o R e n t - F e b . 6 , 1 8 8 3 Royal B o x - - A p r. 4 , 1901 A Royal Slave--Aug. 13, 1902; Aug. 19, 1903; Aug. 1 , 1904 Rudolph and A d o l p h - - O c t . 1 8 , 1904 A Run on t h e Bank- O c t . 3 1 , 1900; A p r. 7 , 1904 Sam'l o f Posen- - J a n . 3 0 , 1888 San S a n s o n - - O c t . 3 , 1 8 9 1 S a p h o - - M a r. 1 4 , 1 9 0 0 Scraps:- O c t . 1 7 , 1 8 8 2 ; O c t . 2 7 , 1 8 8 3 ; O c t . 2 4 , 1 8 8 7 Secret D i s p a t c h --Mar. 2 6 , 1904 Secret Warrant- F e b . 2 , 1899 The S e r e n a d e - N o v . 1 0 , 1 9 0 3 7.20.8- M a y 2, 1884 The S h a m T 8 c k - D e 8 . 1 9 , 1 8 8 8 Shamus O ' B r i e n - - J a n . 1 1 , 1 8 8 9 Shadows o f a L i f e - F e b . 2 3 , 1 8 8 5 ; M a r . 5 , 1 8 8 5 ; A p r . 2 2 , 1885; S e p . 2 3 , 1 8 8 5 Shadows o f G r e e t e r N e w Y o r k - A u g . 2 2 , 1 9 0 4 Shannon o f t h e S i x t h - O c t . 3 0 , 1 8 9 9 Shane-na-laun,Jah. 1 5 , 1886; May 19, 1883 Shanty 14,wn-fiec. Shawn R h : i r e - n a y 8 , 1 8 8 8 Shl...--Sep. 6 , ' , 8 8 9 ; N o v . 9 , 1 8 9 3 W I Te l A . g a r - J u n e 8 . 1 8 8 3 ..7hore A c r e s - F e b . 1 7 , 1 8 9 8 Si Perkins- - J a n . 1 j , 1886; 0 8 t . 5 , 1895; A p r. 1 8 , 1902: Si P l u n k a r d - O L t . 5 , 1 8 9 4 ; O c t . 8 , 1 8 9 6 ; S e p . 3 0 , 1 8 9 8 ; Oct. 2 4 , 1901; A u g . 2 8 , i 9 0 2 ; Sep. 7 , 1 0 - i Siberia--Mar. 1';, 1886 �259 Side Tr a c k e d - - N o v. 2 , 1 8 9 4 ; M a r . 7 , 1 8 9 9 The S i l v e r D a g g e r - - M a r . 2 2 , 1 9 0 4 Silver King--Oct. 1 4 , 1886 Silver Spur--Jan. 1 , 1892 Six Peas i n a Pod--Sep. 3 , 1885 Skipped b y t h e L i g h t o f t h e Moon- F e b . 3 , 1 8 8 6 The S l a v e s o f M o n e y - S e p . 2 , 1 8 9 7 The S l e e p i n g C i c y - - M a r . 2 5 , 1 8 9 9 ; M a r . 2 4 , 1 9 0 4 The S m u g g l e r s - - O c t . 1 7 , 1 8 9 9 The S n o w b a l l - - M a y 2 7 , 1 9 0 2 Social Session--Sep. 1 5 , 1891; Oct. 11 , 1892 Solon S h i n g l e - - M a y 7 , 1 8 8 5 South B e f o r e t h e W a r - - N o v. 2 6 , 1 8 9 6 Sowing t h e W i n d - - O c t . 1 , 1 8 9 5 The S p a n o f L i f e - - O c t . 2 9 , 1 9 0 1 ; M a r . 6 , 1 9 0 3 Sporting L i f e --Mar. 1 4 , 1902; M a r. 3 1 , 1903 A Standard A r t i c l e --Dec. 2 5 , 1902 State's Attorney--July 13, 1883 The S t o w a w a y - N o v . 1 , 1 8 9 9 A S t r a i g h t T i p - - N o v. 1 4 , 1 8 9 6 A S t r a n g e r i n New Yo r k - S e p . 1 2 , 1 9 0 0 The S t r e e t s o f N e w Y o r k - - N o v . 1 6 , 1 8 8 6 The S u b s t i t u t e P a i r o f K i d s - - N o v . 3 , 1 8 9 3 Sully's Corner Grocery--Jan. 23, 1886 A Sure Thing--May 17, 1897 The T a m i n g o f t h e S h r e w - - M a y 2 3 , 1 9 0 4 Te m p e r a n c e T o w n - F e b . 8 , 1 9 0 0 Te n N i g h t s i n a B a r Room- S e p . 2 6 , 1 8 8 5 ; A u g . 3 1 , 1 8 9 4 ; May 1 3 , 1 9 0 2 ; M a r . 1 2 , 1 9 0 4 ; S e p . 3 , 1 9 0 4 A Te x a s S t e e r - - D e c . 1 4 , 1 8 9 9 Thelma- - D e c . 2 6 , i 9 0 4 Thistledown--Sep. 2 3 , 1 8 9 0 The T h r e e G u a r d s m e n - O c t . 2 2 , 1 8 9 7 The T h r e e M u s k e t e e r s - - N o v . 8 , 1 8 9 9 The T h r e e W i d o w s - M a y 3 0 , 1 8 8 4 Three B l a c k Cloaks- N o v . 1 , 1 3 8 6 T h r i l b y - - N o v. 2 0 . 1 3 9 5 Tim t h e T i n k e r - - F e b . 2 6 , 1 8 9 6 To B e B u r i e d A l i v e - - N o v . 8 , 1 9 0 4 Tom S a w y e r - M a y 2 7 , 1 8 9 5 The To r n a d o - - M a r . 8 , 1 8 9 8 To u r i s t s i n a P u l l m a n C a r - J a n . 9 , 1 8 9 0 Tr a c y t h e B a n d i t - M a y 2 9 , 1 9 0 3 Trial by Jury--Feb. 5 , 1897 A Trip to Chinatewn-Sep. 27, 1900 A Tr i p to the C i t y - J a n . 2 8 , 1398 Tr i x i e - - F e b . 1 5 , i 8 8 8 ; N o v. 2 8 , 1 3 8 9 T h e T r o u b l e o f Mr. T r e m b l e - A u g . 1 9 , 1 9 0 2 Wue as Steel--Sep. 2 7 , 1895; May 22, 1899 A f r u e Born American--Aug. 1 9 , 1904 �260 A Tr u e K e n t u c k i a n - - N o v. 2 3 , 1903 Tw e n t y Thousand P o u n d s - - N o v. 2 0 , 1 8 8 2 Twixt Love and D u t y --Dec. 1 6 , 1890 Tw o D a n s - - A p r . 2 8 , 1 8 8 6 Tw o F o o l s M e t - - J u n e 2 3 , 1 9 0 4 The Tw o J o h n s - - M a y 1 1 , 1 8 9 5 The Tw o K i d s - - J u n e 1 1 , 1 9 0 2 Tw o L i t t l e R o g u e s - - J u n e 1 3 , 1 9 0 2 Tw o M a r r i e d M e n - - S e p . 3 , 1 9 0 2 Tw o M e r r y T r a m p s - - A p r . 4 , 1 9 0 4 Two O r p h a n s - - D e c . 1 4 , 1 8 8 5 ; N o v . 2 7 , 1890; J u n e 2 0 , 1 9 0 4 Uncle Uncle Uncle Uncle Uncle Uncle H e z - - N o v. 1 4 , 1901 Hiram- M a y 7, 1890; Mar. 3 0 , 1892 Josh- J u n e 9, 1898; Sep. 26, 1898; Aug. 22, 1900 Reuben- - A p r. 1 6 , 1888; Sep. 1 , 1894 Seth Haskins--Dec. 22, 1899 To m ' s C a b i n - - J a n . 1 1 , 1 8 8 3 ; O c t . 2 2 , 1 8 8 3 ; S e p . 1 , 1 8 8 4 ; Sep. 2 8 , 1 8 8 5 ; J a n . 1 9 , 1 8 8 7 ; A p r . 1 5 , 1 8 8 7 ; F e b . 9 , 1888; S e p . 2 5 - 2 6 , 1 8 8 9 ; F e b . 1 5 , 1 8 9 0 ; J a n . 1 , 1 8 9 1 ; Feb. 1 1 , 1 8 9 2 ; J u n e 1 4 , 1 8 9 4 ; M a r . 9 , 1 8 9 6 ; A p r . 2 1 , 1898; D e c . 1 5 , 1 9 0 0 ; O c t . 1 0 , 1 9 0 1 ; M a r . 1 6 , 1 9 0 3 ; Sep. 2 , 1 9 0 3 Under Southern S k i e s --Sep. 2 2 , 1904 U n d e r t h e Dome- O c t . 1 6 , 1 9 0 0 The U n i o n S u v - F e b . 1 0 - 1 2 , 1 8 8 7 ; N o v . 3 - 5 , 1 8 8 7 Upside 1)ew-n--Au. 3 0 , 1894 The Va g a b o n d Q u e e n --!Dec. 6 , 1 9 0 4 V i r g i n i u s - v o v. 2'i-23, 1887 The V o l u n t e e r - S e p . 3 , 1 8 9 7 The W a i f s o f N e v f o r k - O c t . 1 7 , 1 8 9 2 ; A p r . 1 , 1 9 0 2 Wa n g - - J a n . 2 0 , 1 8 9 7 Wanted. a H u s b a n d - I a n . 9 , 1 8 9 2 Wanted, t h e E a r t h - J a n . 1 4 , 1 8 9 1 Was S h e t o B l a m e - N o v . 2 , 1 9 0 4 Wa y D o w n E a s t - N o v . 2 2 , 1 9 0 2 ; N o v . 1 6 , 1 9 0 4 We A r e K i n g - J a n . 9 , 1 9 0 4 Wedded b u t N o W i f - - D e c . 2 9 , 1 9 0 4 A We s t e r n Kirec,--Fen. 2 7 , 1 8 9 3 What H a p p e n e d to . ' e s - - J a n . 3 , 1 9 0 1 When J o h n n y iThmez,, ! a r c h i n i - - : h o m e - D e e . 2 4 , 1 9 0 3 When K n i g h t h o o d W i n F l o w e r - N o v . 1 6 , 1 1 ) 0 3 When t h e D e l i T o k 1 F - D e c . 1 6 , 1 9 0 4 When W e W e r e T w e n t y - O n e - F e b . 3 , 1 9 0 2 The W h i t e S l a v e - - N e - , - . 1 9 , 0.!8.6 The W i c k l o w P o s t m n - - : ; o - k , . 2 7 , 1 8 9 1 The W i c k l : r y W e d d i e - S e p . 2 8 , 1 8 9 5 Widow f i e d o t t The W i f e - J a n . Y , 1 8 9 6 �261 Woman A g a i n s t W o m a n - - J u n e 6 , 1 9 0 4 The W o r l d - - N o v . 1 1 , 1 8 8 2 ; O c t . 1 6 , 1 8 9 9 The W o r l d A g a i n s t H e r - - O c t . 2 1 , 1 8 9 0 The W o r l d ' s M o n a r c h s o f M a g i c - - O c t . 1 3 , 1 9 0 2 Wolves o f New Yo r k - - A u g . 2 2 , 1 9 0 2 Wrinkles- - O c t . 3 , 1884 The Ye o m a n o f t h e G u a r d - - M a r . 2 2 , 1 8 8 9 The Yo u n g W i f e - - M a y 3 0 , 1 9 0 3 Yo u n g e r B r o t h e r s - - O c t . 2 6 , 1 9 0 4 Yv o n n e - - S e p . 2 2 , 1 8 8 4 The Yo u n g e r B r o t h e r s - - J u n e 1 1 , 1 9 0 4 �262 Ta b l e # 3 ; I n d e x t o t h e companies A. M . P a l m e r C o . - - M a y 1 3 , 1 9 0 2 A. 0 . M i l l e r C o m b i n a t i o n - - D e c . 2 3 , 2 5 , 1 8 8 2 ; M a y 3 0 , 1 8 8 4 A b b e y ' s U n c l e To m C o m b i n a t i o n - - J a n . 1 9 , 1 8 8 7 Abbie C a r r i n g t o n Grand Opera Co.- - O c t . 7 - 8 , 1 8 9 0 Agnes H e r n d o n C o m b i n a t i o n - - N o v . 2 4 , 1 8 8 2 Agnes W a l l a c e V i l l a C o . - - O c t . 2 1 , 1 8 9 0 Aiden Benedict Co.- - O c t . 2 1 , 1 8 8 9 Akerstrom Comedy C o . - - S e p . 2 9 - O c t . 4 , 1 9 0 2 Al. G . F i e l d and Co. United Operatic Minstrels--Mar. 1 1 , 1887; M a r. 7 , 1 8 8 8 ; A u g . 2 4 , 1 8 8 9 ; F e b . 2 1 , 1 8 9 8 A l W. M a r t i n C o . - - O c t . 1 0 , 1 9 0 1 ; S e p . 2 , 1 9 0 3 A l b a Heywood C o n c e r t C o . - - S e p . 1 9 , 1 8 8 8 ; J a n . 3 0 , 1 8 9 5 Aldrich and Parsloe Combination--Mar. 1 8 , 1884 A l i c e Raym C o n c e r t C o . - - N o v. 2 1 , 1 8 9 5 Alsberg-Morrison Shakespearian Co.- - O c t . 2 2 , 1886 A l v i n J o s l i n Comedy C o . - - A p r . 5 , 1 8 8 5 American P r o d u c t i o n Co.- - A p r . 8 , 1 8 9 9 Amy G o r d o n C a s i n o O p e r a C o . - - O c t . 7 - 9 , 1 8 8 6 Anderson T h e a t r e C o . - - O c t . 1 6 - 2 1 , 1 8 9 9 Andrew R o b s o n C o . - - J a n . 2 8 , 1 9 0 2 Andrews C h o r a l U n i o n - - N o v. 6 , 1 8 9 5 Andrews' C o . - - O c t . 1 2 , 1 8 8 8 ; S e p . 1 1 - 1 2 , 1 8 8 9 ; M a r . 3 1 , 1 8 9 0 ; Feb. 3 - 4 , 1 8 9 1 ; O c t . 3 0 , 1 8 9 3 A n g e l l ' s Comedy C o . - - A u g . 2 7 - S e p . 1 , 1 8 9 4 Ariel Quartet Co.--Mar. 30, 1900 Ariel-Thomas Combination- F e b . 6 , 1891 Arthur Rehan Combination--May 1 0 , 1 8 8 4 Augustus P i t o u C o . - - M a r . 9 , 1 8 9 4 Baird's Minstrels--Feb. 26, 1883; May 10, 1884 Baldwin Comedy C o . - - N o v . 2 7 - 2 8 , 1 8 9 1 Barlow B r o t h e r s M i n s t r e l s - - D e c . 1 7 , 1 8 8 9 ; F e b . 2 9 , 1 8 9 2 ; Aug. 2 0 , 1 8 9 5 Barnabee a n d MacDonald Opera C o . - - F e b . 1 2 , 1 8 9 5 Bella Moore Combination--Sep. 2 6 - 2 8 , 1 8 8 3 Bendix Grand Concert Co.- - N o v. 2 7 , 1 8 9 8 Bennett Co.- - A u g . 1 1 , 1902 Bijou Opera Co.- - O c t . 1 4 - 1 5 , 1887; F e b . 1 6 , 1900 Boston Comic O p e r a C o . - - S e p . 1 9 - 2 0 , 1 8 8 7 ; F e b . 2 - 4 , 1 8 8 8 Boston I d e a l U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n C o . - - S e p . 1 , 1 8 8 4 The B o s t o n I d e a l s - O c t . 2 1 , 1 8 9 3 Boston L a d i e s Symphony O r c h e s t r a - - F e b . 1 , 1 9 0 0 Boston O p e r a t i c M i n s t r e l s - O c t . 9 , 1 8 8 2 Boston Symphnny--Feb. 1 7 , 1 8 9 0 The B o s t o n i a n s - N o v . 1 0 , 1 9 0 3 Brooks & M a c y - N a y . 1 3 , 1 8 9 5 The B r o t h e r s R o y e r - F e b . 5 , / 9 0 1 Bryan's Comedians- M a y 2 2 - 2 7 , 1 8 9 9 ; S e p . 4 - 9 , 1 8 9 9 �263 Burleigh Combination--Dec. 1 , 1885 Busch-Devere C o . - - O c t . 1 3 , 1 9 0 2 C. B . J e f f e r s o n , K l a w a n d E r l a n g e r C o . - - A u g . 3 1 , 1 8 9 1 Callenders New C o l o r e d M i n s t r e l s - - O c t . 2 8 , 1 8 8 2 ; J u n e 2 , 1 8 8 3 Carner Stock Co.- - S e p . 2 8 -Oct. 3 , 1903 Castle Square Opera Co.--Jan. 4 , 1902 Charles A . Gardner Combination--Dec. 2 8 , 1883 Charles Frohman Co.- - M a r. 7 , 1892; May 15, 1894; N o v. 1 5 , 1894; Jan. 1 0 , 1 8 9 5 ; M a r. 1 5 , 1895; A p r . 1 7 , 1 8 9 5 ; O c t . 1 , 1895; N o v . 2 5 , 1 8 9 5 ; J a n . 1 0 , 1 8 9 6 ; J a n . 3 0 , 1 8 9 6 ; N o v. 8 , 1 8 9 9 Charles H. Ya l e Co.- - A p r. 6 , 1903 Charles Wa t k i n s F i f t h Avenue Combination - - J a n . 2 3 , 1 8 8 4 Chicago Glee C l u b --Dec. 1 1 , 1901 Chicago Marine Band- - O c t . 2 9 , 1 8 9 5 ; N o v. 2 7 , 1897 Chicago Redpath Concert Co.- - D e c . 8 , 1884 Children's Concert Co.--May 16, 1899 C l a r k & Wood S e l e c t P l a y e r s - - M a y 7 - 1 2 , 1 9 0 0 Cleveland's Magnificent Minstrels--Dec. 1 , 1890; Dec. C l i f t o n & H u r l b u t ' s C o n s o l i d a t e d M i n s t r e l s - - N o v. 1 5 . 1 8 9 7 Coldwater Amateur Minstrels- D e c . 2 5 , 1886; Jan. 1 8 , 1887 C o l d w a t e r ' s T h i r t y S a b l e S o n s o f Ham- - D e c . 2 7 , 1 9 0 0 C o l l i e r ' s L i g h t s 0 ' London Co.--Dec. 8 , 1886 Columbian Comedy C o . - - S e p . 2 - 3 , 1 8 9 7 ; S e p . 2 0 - 2 5 , 1 8 9 7 ; Apr. 2 5 - 3 0 , 1 8 9 8 C o n n e l l T w e n t i e t h C e n t u r y Humpty Durnpty Co.- - O c t . 3 1 , 1 9 0 1 ; Nov. 7 , 1 9 0 1 The C o r s i c a n B r o t h e r s - - D e c . 2 8 , 1 8 9 9 Courtenay Morgan Co.--May 16-21, 1898 Couthoui Concert Co.- - J a n . 1 2 , 1894 E. D . S t a i r Comedy C o . - - S e p . 9,-10, 1 8 9 0 ; D e c . 1 2 , 1 8 9 0 ; Oct. 3 1 , 1900 E. H . S o t h e r n C o . - - J a n . 2 7 , 1 8 9 9 E. J . C a r p e n t e r P r o d u c t i o n s - - F e b . 2 0 , 1 9 0 1 E. M . G o t t h o l d C o . - - M a r . 1 2 , 1 8 8 5 E. T . S t e t s o n C o . - - O c t . 1 , 1 8 8 6 Earl Burgess E n g l i s h Stock Co.--Sep. 2 - 7 , 1895 Ed F . D a v i s ' M a m m o t h M i n s t r e l s - - A u g . 3 0 , 1 8 9 7 Edward S o u t h s r ' s C o . - A u g . 2 2 - 2 7 , 1 8 8 7 Edwin Browne D r a m a t t c C a . - - S e p . 1 3 , 1 8 8 6 Egbert Dramatic Co.--Dec. 14-19, 1885 Elvie Burnett Concert Co.--Jan. 30, 1902 Emerson's Bostorr S t a r s --Dec. 1 4 . 1889 Emma A b b o t t G r a n d O p e r a G o . - - O c t . 1 3 , 1 8 8 5 Empire T h e a t r e Co.- - M a r. 2 2 , 1900 Ensign Company C o . - - F e b . 6 , 1 8 8 3 E r l a n g e r & K l s w C a . - - r e b . 9 , 1 8 9 9 ; M a r . 1 5 , 18,19 E r n e s t Shivm..z..n C o . - - D e c 1 , 1 9 0 3 Eugene R o b i n t ' o n C o . - - F e b . 2 3 , 1 8 9 2 �264 Eunice G o o d r i c h Comedy Co.- - F e b . 2 4 - M a r. 1 , 1 8 9 0 ; D e c . 3 1 , 1891; J a n . 1 - 2 , 9 , 1 8 9 2 E x c e l s i o r E n t e r t a i n e r s - - N o v. 1 1 , 1901 Fadette Ladies Orchestra--Jan. 2 6 , 1901 Fay Te m p l e t o n S t a r O p e r a C o . - - M a r . 2 0 , 1 8 8 3 Field's Minstrels (see A l G. Field) Fisk Jubilee Singers--Jan. 3 , 1893 Florence B r i n d l e y Combination--Apr. 8 , 1887 Florence H a m i l t o n Troupe--Dec. 1 0 - 1 5 , 1888 Fowler & Warmington's Co.--Feb. 3 , 1886 Francis Labadies Combination- N o v. 2 , 1885 Frank Hennesy Co.- - F e b . 3 , 1903 Frank Jones Co.- - J a n . 1 3 , 1886 Frank M a j i l t o n Combination--Oct. 1 3 , 1883 Frank Tu c k e r Comedy Co.- - S e p . 2 4 - 2 9 , 1 8 9 4 Frederick H. W i l s o n Co.--Aug. 17-22, 1904 Frohman C o . - - ( s e e C h a r l e s Frohman C o . ) Garrick Burlesque Co.- - N o v. 2 0 , 1895 George H . Adams C o . - - M a r . 2 8 , 3 0 , 1 8 8 5 George S . C o l l i n e C o . - - A p r . 4 , 1 9 0 1 Georgia M i n s t r e l s --May 27-28, 1885 G i l b e r t Comic Opera Co.--Sep. 2 0 , 1894 Gilbert & Dickson Co.--Sep. 6 , 1889 Glasgow S t o c k Co.- - M a y 2 5 - 3 0 , 1 9 0 3 Gordon & B e n n e t t C o . - - A u g . 1 , 1 9 0 4 ; S e p . 9 , 1 9 0 4 Gorton's Minstrels--Apr. 17, 1894 G r i f f i t h & Co.--Feb. H. A . D ' A r c y C o . - - N o v . 2 4 , 1 8 8 3 Hahn P a r k e L a d i e s Q u i n t e t t e - J a n . 2 2 , 1 9 0 2 Hanford Spencer O ' B r i e n Co.--Mar. 2 3 , 1896 Hardy & Houng's Bad Boy Co.--Dec. 1 0 , 1887 H a r r i g a n ' ! To u r i s t s --Dec. 2 8 , 1886 Harrison Combination--Jan. 15, 1883; May 31, 1883 Harry Webber Co.- - O c t . 6 , 1 8 8 5 H a r t w i g -Seeman C o m b i n a t i o n - O c t . 3 0 , 1 8 8 2 Harvard Q u a r t e t t e - F e b . 5 , 1889 Haverly's M i n s t r e l s --Mar. 2 8 , 1883; Feb. 2 5 , 1899 Heberlein Grand Concert Co.- - O c t . 14, 1896 Heckman B r o t h e r s C o . - F e b . 2 , 1 9 0 4 Henderson's Comedians- N o v . 1 4 , 1896 Henderson S t o c k Co.- J u n e 6 - 11 , 1904 Hi H e n r y ' s M i n s t r e l s - J u n e 18, 1884; May 16, 1887; A p r . 1 9 , 1900 Higgins Concert Co.--Mar. 28, 1890; Oct. 24, 1894 Higgins & Keane's Dramatic Ideals- M a y 2-3, 1888 Hildebrand's I l l u s t r a t e d Exposition--May 17-18, 1884 H i l l s e a l e C o l l e g e G l e e C l u b - J a n . 2 3 , • 1895 Holden Comedy C o . - - D e c . 2 3 - 2 8 , 1 8 8 9 ; D e c . 17,-20, 1 8 9 0 ; O c t . i-4, 1891 �265 Hoop o f G o l d C o . - - N o v . 4 - 6 , 1 8 8 6 Howorth's Comedy a n d S p e c i a l t y C o . - - - A p r . 2 8 , 1 8 8 6 ; M a r . 1 8 , 1896 Hoyt's Madison Square Co.- - M a r. 2 8 , 1898; A p r. 1 8 , 1898 Hoyt P r o d u c t i o n s - - F e b . 2 , 1 9 0 0 ; F e b . 8 , 1 9 0 0 ; S e p . 1 2 , 1 9 0 0 ; Sep. 2 7 , 1 9 0 0 ; O c t . 1 9 , 1 9 0 0 ; F e b . 1 1 , 1 9 0 1 Hunt's I m p e r i a l Stock Co.--Aug. 2 4 - 2 9 , 1903 Ida Siddons Burlesque & S p e c i a l t y Co.- - F e b . 1 6 , 1 8 8 6 Ida Van C o r t l a n d C o . - - ( s e e The Ta v e r n i e r s ) Innes Concert Co.- - D e c . 1 1 , 1 9 0 0 J. C . P o d g e t t Co.- - S e p . 1 8 , 1 8 8 6 J. F . Crossen Co.- - M a y 6 , 1 8 8 5 J. M . H i l l ' s Union Square Co.- - F e b . 2 0 , 1 8 8 9 ; O c t . .23, 1 8 8 9 J. W. C a r n e r Combination--Aug. 3 0 -Sep. 4 , 1886; S e p . 6 - 5 , 1 8 8 6 James H . W a l l a c k C o . - - A u g . 2 8 , 1 9 0 0 James P . F l e m i n g C o . - - M a r . 2 1 , 1 8 8 9 Jane Coombs C o m b i n a t i o n - D e c . 2 1 , 1 8 8 3 Jessie Mae H a l l Co.- - S e p . 2 1 - 2 6 , 1 8 9 6 John A . H i m m e l e i n ' s I m p e r i a l S t o c k C o . - - N o v . 7 - 1 2 , 1 9 0 4 John B y r e T r o u p e - - A p r . 3 , 1 8 9 7 John D i l l o n C o . - - O c t . 2 4 , 1 8 9 2 John E . I n c e M u s i c a l Comedy C o . - - S e p . 3 - 4 , 1 8 8 3 John T . J a c k s o n C o . - - A p r . 4 , 1 8 9 4 John W. V o g e l ' s B i g M i n s t r e l s - - M a y 1 6 , 1 9 0 3 Jolly Pathfinders--Oct. 10, 1882; Oct. 27, 1883; Sep. Oct. 2 4 - 2 9 , 1 8 8 7 ; O c t . 3 - 1 0 , 1 8 9 1 ; Sep. 2 6 - O c t . 1 . 1 8 9 2 Joseph C a l l a h a n C o . - - N o v . 1 5 , 1 8 9 3 Joseph H a r r i s C o . - - F e b . 1 2 , 1 9 0 3 Joseph R . G r i s m e r C o . - - N o v. 1 6 , 1 9 0 4 Joslyn & F i t z p a t r i c k Minstrels- - O c t . 2 7 , 1891 Julia Marlow Co.- - N o v. 1 6 , 1903 Julius Cahn Co.- - N o v. 3 , 1902; Dec. 1 , 1904 Juno B a r r e t t C o . - - N o v . 2 , 1 9 0 4 K a t h a r i n e Ridgeway- C o n c e r t C o . - - F e b . 5 , 1 9 0 4 Kennedy P l a y e r s - - F e ' . 2 3 - 2 8 , 1 9 0 3 Kilroy & B r i t t o n --March 29, 1904 Kirk LaShelle Opera Co.- - O c t . 2 9 , 1903 Kline's Lumiere CLnematograph-Jan. 1 4 , 1899 Labadie-Roweli Co.- - S e p . 1 4 , 1899 Lemaire's Cinematoscope Co.- - A p r. 1 2 - 1 4 , 1897 Lester & A l i e n ' s Minstrels- O c t . 2 4 , 1885 L e s t e r & W i l l i a m s C o . - - J a n . 2 6 , 188(3 Lewis M o r r i s o n C o . - - N o v. 2 1 , 1 9 0 1 Liebler & Co.--Sep. 7 , 1900 Lily Clay Gaiety Cc.--Aug. 3 , 1894 L i n c o l n J . C r t r t e r ' z Mammoth S c e n i c P r o l u c t i o n s - M a r . 8 , 1 8 9 5 Lotus G l e e C l u b - F e b . 2 2 , 1 8 9 3 �266 L o v e n b e r g F a m i l y Museum C o . - - S e p . 5 - 7 , 1 8 8 7 Lyceum E n t e r t a i n m e n t C o . - - M a y 1 7 - 1 9 , 1 8 9 8 Lyman H . H o w e C o . - - M a y 1 9 , 1 9 0 4 M. W . H a n l e y C o . - - M a r . 2 5 , 1 8 8 4 McAuley Combination--Sep. 1 7 , 1883 McGibeny F a m i l y - - M a r. 1 2 , 1 8 8 4 ; O c t . 9 , 1 8 8 9 McIntyre & H e a t h ' s Comedians- - J a n . 1 0 , 1 9 0 0 MacLennan's R o y a l Edinburgh Concert Co.- - A p r . 6 , 1891 McNish, Ramza & A r n o ' s M i n s t r e l s - - O c t . 1 3 , 1888 Madison Square T h e a t r e Co.- - O c t . 2 6 , 1382; A p r. 3 , 1 8 3 3 Maid o f A r r a n Combination--Sep. 2 7 - 2 9 , 1 8 8 2 Mann, B u h l e r & C o . - - A u g . 2 5 , 1 9 0 4 Maria Decca Concert Co.- - N o v. 6 , 1894 Marks B r o t h e r s N o . 1 C o . - - A p r . 2 8 -May 3 , 1 9 0 2 Marston Co.- - N o v. 11 , 1885 Maud R e v e l l e ' s F e m a l e M i n s t r e l s - - M a r . 2 9 , 1 8 3 6 Maxwell Combination- - N o v. 11 , 1 8 8 2 ; S e p . 2 8 , 1 8 8 5 May L e g g e t t C o n c e r t C o . - - D e c . 1 8 , 1 8 9 4 Maynard's American Dramatic Co.--June 20-25, 1904 Mendelssohn Q u i n t e t t e C l u b --May 13, 1884 M e s t a y e r - Va u g h n C o . - - J a n . 9 , 1 8 9 0 Mexican Troubadours--Aug. 1 7 - 1 8 , 1896 Michigan U n i v e r s i t y Glee & Banjo Club--Feb. 2 , 1893; A p r. 6 , 1894; J a n . 3 , 1 8 9 6 Mike M u r p h y Co.- - N o v. 1 5 , 1 8 9 8 M i t H e l l Lowmann Co.- - S e p . 3 , 1 9 0 4 Monarch M i n s t r e l s - - O c t . 1 6 , 1 9 0 3 Morris & H a l l Co.- F e b . 3 , 1902 Morris-Sullivan Combination- J u n e 8 , 1883 Morrison Co.--Feb. 11 , 1896 Morrison & H a i l ' s Gigantic Consolidated Minstrels- O c t . 5 , 1883 Mortimer & Weaver S t a r Dramatic Co.- - M a r. 1 6 - 1 7 , 1 8 8 5 Murray & Mack Co.--Feb. 2 8 , 1900; J a n . 1 9 , 1901 Myrkle-Harder Stock Co.--Mar. 21-26, 1904 New O r l e a n s M i n s t r e 1 3 - - J a n . 2 4 , 1 8 8 3 New Y o r k M a l e Q u a r t e t t e - A p r . 1 , 1 8 9 7 Norton-Gibbs Co.--Mar. 1 2 , 1900 Nye & B u r b a n k ; K i n g s o f P a t h o s a n d H u m o r - J a n . 25, 1892 O g d e n ' s C o . - - M a r . 1 2 , 19C/4 T h e O r i g i n a l S p a n i s l r. _ S t u d e n t s - - ( s e e S p a n i s h S t u d e n t s ) Ovide M u s i n C o r n e r t C ' . - - D o c . 1 0 , 1 8 9 0 Ottumwa Q u a r t e t t e - M a r . 2 6 , 1 9 0 1 Owen F a w c e t t C o m e d y C o . - - M a y 1 8 - 2 3 , 1 8 8 5 Oxford Musical C l u b - J a n . 9 , 1901 Parker Concert Co.- - M r . 8 , 1901 Paulene Markham Co.--Uer,. 9 , 1 8 8 5 �267 Phil Phillips Co.--Oct. 23-25, 1890 Porter J . White Co.- - O c t . 3 1 , 1898; O c t . 2 , 1899; N o v. 1 0 1900; O c t . 6 , 1 9 0 4 Q u i n c y -Adams- S a w y e r C o . - - O c t . 2 1 , 1 9 0 3 R. A . C a s k i e C o . - - N o v . 1 8 , 1 9 0 1 Redpath Concert C o . - - A p r . 7 , 1 8 9 2 Rentfrow Combination- - ( s e e J o l l y Pathfinders) Rice & F l a h e r t y Co.- - A p r . 2 5 , 1 8 9 9 Rice & Shepard M i n s t r e l s - - J a n . 4 , 1888; J a n . 4 , 1 8 8 9 Rodney S t o c k C o . - - N o v . 2 3 - 2 8 , 1 9 0 3 Roland Reed C o . - - M a r . 1 1 , 1 8 8 6 Royal C o u r t Comedy C o . - - A p r . 1 6 - 2 1 , 1 8 8 8 Royal Spanish Troubadors--Mar. 1 , 1 8 8 8 Royal T h e a t r e Co.- - A u g . 1 8 - 2 3 , 1 9 0 2 Rusco & S w i f t ' s U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n C o . - - F e b . 1 5 , 1 8 9 0 R u s s e l l ' s Comedians- O c t . 1 5 , 1891 Sackett P o r t e r Co.- - M a r. 2 - 7 , 1896 Sager Drama C o . - - O c t . 1 3 , 1 9 0 3 Saint C e c i l i a Musicale--Jan. 1 9 , 1884 Sam T . J a c k ' s B u r l e s q u e C o . - - F e b . 2 5 , 1 9 0 4 Schrode B r o t h e r s - - J a n . 2 1 , 1 9 0 2 Schumann G r a n d C o n c e r t C o . - - O c t . 1 3 , 1 8 9 8 Schumann L a d y Q u a r t e t t e - O c t . 3 0 , 1 8 9 1 Shannon C o . - - J u n e 1 1 - 1 4 , 1 9 0 2 The S h a n n o n F a m i l y - - A p r . 2 9 , 1 9 0 4 Sisson Combination- - N o v. 2 6 , 1 8 8 5 Sissons & Cawthorne C o . - - A u g . 1 3 , 1 8 8 7 ; J a n . 8 , 1 8 8 9 S m i t h ' s D o u b l e U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n C o . - - J u n e 1 1 , 1 8 8 3 Sousa B a n d - - M a r . 1 8 , 1 8 9 7 ; F e b . 2 2 , 1 9 0 0 The S p a n i s h S t u d e n t s - - J a n . 1 6 , 1 8 8 3 ; F e b . 5 , 1 8 8 4 Sprague C o . - - O c t . 1 1 , 1 8 9 2 Standard S t o c k Co.- - S e p . 1 7 - 2 2 , 1 9 0 0 Stetson Opera Co.- - M a r. 2 2 , 1889 S t e t s o n ' s U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n C o . - - F e b . 9 , 1 8 8 8 ; F e b . 1 1 , 1 8 9 2 ; M a r. 9 , 1 8 9 6 ; A p r . 2 1 , 1 8 9 8 ; M a r . 1 6 , 1 9 0 3 Stevens O p e r a t i c Comedy C o . - - A p r . 4 , 1 8 8 5 Stevens a n d S l o c u m ' s Comedy C o . - - S e p . 2 7 - 2 9 , 1 8 9 3 S u t t o n ' s M o n s t e r D o u b l e U n c l e To m ' s C a b i n C o . - - J a n . 1 , 1 8 9 1 The S w e d i s h L a d y Q u a r t e t t e - F e b . 1 3 , 1 8 8 3 Swedish N a t i o n a l L a d i e s C o n c e r t C o . - - M a r . 1 8 , 1 8 8 9 The T a v e r n i e r s - - M a r . 1 4 - 1 9 , 1 8 8 7 ; M a r . 4 - 9 , 1 8 8 9 Te m p l e Q u a r t e t t e - M a r . 1 9 , 1 8 9 5 Te m p l e T h e a t r e O p e r a t i c C o . - - M a y 1 , 1 8 8 8 T h a t c h e r , P r i m . n . ) s e 3: W e s t M i n s t r e l s - N o v . 2 , 1 8 8 2 Theo B r o m l u y C o . - - N o v . 2 9 , 1 9 0 0 Thompson O p e r a C o . - - O c t . 2 0 . 1 8 8 5 ; N o v . 1 , 1 3 8 6 To n y D e n i e r C o . - M a y 3 , 1 8 8 3 �26 To n y S u l l i v a n C o . - - N o v . 2 3 , 1 9 0 0 T r i x i e Comedy C o . - - F e b . 1 5 , 1 8 8 8 T y l e r Amusement C o . - - D e c . 2 0 , 1 9 0 4 Union Square T h e a t r e Co.- - N o v. 2 9 , 1883 Va l e & M a u r C o . - - D e c . 1 6 , 1 9 0 4 Ve s c e l i u s Opera & C o n c e r t Co.- - J u l y 6 , 1 8 8 5 V i c t o r i a Troupe o f Royal Dancers- - O c t . 1 6 , 1901 Vi n c e n t - S t r e e t o r Co.--Sep. 2 3 - 2 8 , 1895 Vo g e l ' s B i g M i n s t r e l s --May 5 , 1904 W a i t e ' s U n i o n S q u a r e Comedy C o . - - F e b . 2 3 - 2 8 , 1 8 8 5 ; A p r . 2 0 - 2 5 , 1885; S e p . 2 1 - 2 6 , 1 8 8 5 ; S e p . 2 0 - 2 5 , 1 8 8 6 Walter F e s s l e r Co.- - F e b . 1 9 , 1904 Wa r n e r & A o t m a n C o . - - N o v . 4 , 1 9 0 3 Wa t s o n ' s Comedy Co.- - O c t . 3 , 1 8 8 4 We b e r & F i e l d ' s M u s i c H a l l C o . - - F e b . 1 7 , 1 9 0 4 White & Morgan Concert Co.- - J a n . 8 , 1896 W h i t n e y F a m i l y Shows- - J u n e 4 , 1 8 9 0 Whitney & Knowles Co.- - D e c . 2 3 , 1901 Whitney Mockridge Co.- - M a r. 2 9 , 1893 Whitney Opera Co.- - D e c . 2 4 , 1903 Whittaker & Hicks Co.- - A p r. 11 , 1904 Wiggins Co.- - O c t . 1 4 , 1886 W i l b u r & Rose E n t e r t a i n m e n t Co.- - D e c . 3 0 - 3 1 , 1892 Wilbur Opera Co.- - J a n . 3 1 , 1884; A p r . 2 4 , 1884; O c t . 2 3 - 2 5 , 1902 W i l l a r d S p e n c e r ' s Comedy Opera C o . - - D e c 3 , 1 9 0 3 Wood & W a r d C o . - - A p r . 4 , 1 9 0 4 Ye a m a n - M a c y C o . - - A p r . 1 3 - 1 4 , 1 8 8 5 Zeb & Z a r r o w C o . - - J a n . 1 , 1 9 0 4 �269 Ta b l e # 4 : I n c i d e n c e o f Entertainments B.S. Tibbits Ye a r s 1882-1885 Professional drama Lectures Minstrels Concerts Amateur entertainments Dances Variety o r vaudeville Political rallies Poetry reading Wrestling Receptions Animal a c t s Reunions High school commencement Magic Art exhibits Conventions Centennial exercises Marionettes Side show Cinematoscope Fumrals and memorial s e r v i c e s 111 Joseph J o h n T. Henning J a c k s o n Ye a r s Y e a r s o f 1885-1894 1 8 9 4 - 1 9 0 4 To t a l s T o t a l s 2 11 10 8 4 3 1 2 4 3 4 5 8 7 6 7 3 1 3 1 3 1 1 8 7 3 7 6 6 4 8 8 11 5 1 6 1 3 3 5 3 4 2 6 3 3 3 6 11 2 0 2 2 1 1 1 7 1 3 1 1 0 2 2 1 5 2 1 1 6 5 4 2 2 2 1 2 7 2 2 1 1 1 2 7 7 2 To t a l s 171 3 7 3 5 3 1 1 0 7 5 Professional, Drama Other A c t i v i t i e s 1,1 60 2 4 4 1 2 9 3 1 7 5 6 5 7 3 1 3 4 4 . 6 8 . 3 2 �APPENDIX C A F U L L D E S C R I P T I O N O F T I B B I T S OPERA HOUSE �271 A F U L L DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING Coldwater Republican, 19 Sept., 1882 For a l o n g t i m e a serious need has been f e l t i n o u r c i t y f o r a f i r s t - c l a s s p l a c e o f amusement. water i s t h e home o f s o many w e a l t h y c i t i z e n s , n o o n e h a s seemed t o p o s s e s s s u f f i c i e n t c o u r a g e t o e m b a r k i n an u n d e r t a k i n g u n t i l M r . B . S . T i b b i t s , w i t h h i s a c c u s t o m e d energy and "push" which has accomplished so much in o t h e r d i r e c t i o n s , t o o k t h e matter i n hand and p u t i n t o execution the hopes and wishes o f those who, a l t h o u g h acknowledging t h e need, d a r e d n o t v e n t u r e t o undertake s o g r e a t a i t y, a n d t h e r e s u l t i s a b e a u t i f u l b u i l d i n g , a n ornament t o our c i t y o f w h i c h we may j u s t l y be p r o u d , a n d a n h o n o r t o M r. Tibbits t h a t w i l l endure a f t e r the c u r t a i n has f a l l e n on the last a c t i n t h e drama o f h i s l i f e . The S i t e chosen i s t h e p r o p e r t y o n Hanchett S t . , o p p o s i t e t h e immense c i g a r f a c t o r y o f Mr. T i b b i t s , a n e x c e l l e n t s e l e c t i o n , b e i n g situated so near Chicago Street and e a e i l y accessible from three s i d e s o f t h e b u i l d i n g . W o r k was begun on t i o n March 2 3 ; d e d a c t i n g s e v e r a l weeks t i m e l o s t o n account o f bad w e a t h e r, i t w i l l be seen Mr. T i b b i t s has pushed t h e good w o r k r a p i d l y f o i w a r d . The B u i l d i n g i s 1 2 5 f e e t l o n g a n d 5 6 f e e t %-ide, t h e basement o f w h i c h i s b u i l t i n t h e m o s t s o l i d a n d s u b s t a n t i a l : h a r m e r. T h e w a l l under t h e s t a g e i s 11 f e e t , a n d t h a t u n d e r t h e a u d i t o r i u m and v e s t i b u l e 9 f e e t a n d (-; i n c h e s b e l o w t h e s t r e e e l e v e l , ' 2 . 6 inches t h i c k a ; t h e bese and 24 inches a t t h e t e p , w i t h inc course nnder t h e e n t j r e w e l l 16 inenee t h i c k and 3 f e e t wide, l a i d i n t h e c : f 7 N n e n t : a l l t h e s t o n e w a l l b e i n g 1.aid w i t h m o r t a r made o f e n e - h a l f w a t e r l i m e . T h e e i n c e l a r p e e e i . t i o n b e t v e e n t h e v e e t i e e A l e a e d eelditer-;_ere e n e p e t t e l c o l u m u e f e s t i n g u p o n t t c n e e - l e e s 3 f e e . _ C -iT'CO17.!F w i d e , f e e t 6 i n c h e s t h i e - a , e..7keesd w i t h i r o n c l a i m s ! ! , - l f l c h e ! : T h e p i e r A r e s t i t s t c i r i . t . . ? , t . 2 a n 1 0 �272 thick. T h e f l o o r o f the auditorium i s supported p i e r s o f t h e same s o l i d c h a r a c t e r. T h e s t a g e f l o o r i r o n columns s e t i n s o l i d stone p i e r s . T h e b r i c k mencing above t h e s t o n e f o u n d a t i o n a r e 1 6 i n c h e s t h i c k ; t h o s e s u p p o r t i n g t h e dome b e i n g 28 i n c h e s i n t h i c k n e s s . S p e c i a l attention has been paid t o t h e timbering o f the ing, r e n d e r i n g i t one o f the s a f e s t and most s t a b l e s t r u c t u r e s in Southern Michigan. The F r o n t E l e v a t i o n is i n t h e modern s t y l e o f architecture and i s surmounted b y a dome 21 f e e t a t t h e base a n d 2 4 f e e t h i g h c o v e r e d w i t h s l a t e with a f l a t s t a f f 20 f e e t long, mounted w i t h a The t o p o f t h e d o m e i s 7 6 f e e t f r o m t h e p a v e m e n t b e l o w . T h e facing i s o f pressed red brick with cut stone and black brick united i n excellent taste. T h e galvanized iron work o f the cornices, window frames and caps a r e o f new and s i g n s . A t t h e b a s e o f t h e dome i s a n e l e g a n t b r o n z e b u s t o f Shakespeare; a n d i m m e d i a t e l y underneath and i n a c i r c l e o v e r the window i n g o l d l e a f : " T i b b i t s Opera-house, 1 8 8 2 , " b e l o w and u n d e r t h e w i n d o w l e a d i n g f r o m t h e d r e s s c i r c l e i s vanized i r o n balcony 5 by 22 f e e t supported by i r o n brackets and f u r n i s h e d w i t h g l a s s g l o b e l a t e r n s . The I n t e r i o r is approached through above t h e s t r e e t l e v e of t h i s room open the smoking-room, a n d t h e the the grand entrance, about two f e e t l , 13 feet wide and 25 f e e t long. O u t box office, manager's two broad, easy stairways leading to Dress C i r c l e where t h e u t m o s t p a i n s h a v e been t a k e n t o r e n d e r went o f t h e s e a t s s o f i n e t h a t a n u n o b s t r u c t e d v i e w stage c a n be o b t a i n e d f r o m any seat i n i t , 5 0 t h a t no one need h e s i t a t e a b o u t t a k i n g a s e a t t h e r e . The A u d i t o r i u m is entered by spring doors covered with dark t e r r a - c o t t a �273 leather with gold trimmings, and i s 56x57 f e e t . T h e parquet and p a r q u e t c i r c l e a r e i n s h a p e o f a n a m p h i t h e a t e r , a n d t h e elevation between t h e t i e r s o f seats i s s u f f i c i e n t an e x c e l l e n t v i e w o f t h e s t a g e f r o m a n y p a r t o f t h e a u d i t o r i u m . The s p a c e o n e a c h s i d e o f t h e p r o s c e n i u m o p e n i n g i s o c c u p i e d with private boxes. T h e orchestra i s located i n f r o n t o f the s t a g e , a n d l o w e r e d below t h e p a r q u e t , s o t h a t cians w i l l n o t i n t e r f e r e w i t h t h e view o f the audience. T h e parquet and parquet c i r c l e , a n d t h e parquet and o r c h e s t r a are separated b y an ornamental r a i l i n g . The S t a g e i s 3 4 f e e t w i d e b y 5 3 f e e t l o n g , a n d i s '6-) f e e t f r o m f l o o r r i g g i n g - l o f t . T h e s c e n e r y a n d s e t p i e c e s a r e c o m p l e t e and beautiful, and consist o f the following pieces: 2 drop curtains 1grand border 1 g r a n d wood b o r d e r 1lambrequin 3 arch sky borders 3 p l a i n sky borders 3 drapery borders e chamber borders 3 foliage borders 3 rustic borders 1 r o c k y pass drop 1water horizon drop 1conservatory drop 1 palace backing drop 1 cut tropical drop 1water landscape drop 1 c u -c t r o p i c a l b a c k i n g d r o p 1 p a i r t_)rmen9r winzs p a i r torme:)tox cc,iumns 4 f a n c y chamher w i a z s 4 o a k chamber wings 4 p l a i n chamber wings 8 palace wings 8 wood wings 8 horizon wines 6 s t r e e t wings 4 6 4 1 k i t c h e n wings snow wings prison winre p a i r renter doer fancy chaNber f l a t s 1 p a i r o a k char:JJAvr f l a to 1 p a i r wood f l a t s 2 s e t doors, f a n c y chamber 2 s e t doors, o a k chamber 2 s e t d o o r s , p l a i n chamber 2 sec doors, kitchen 1 s e t window, f a n c y c h a m b e r 1 s e t window, o a k chamber 1 s e t window, p l a i n chamber 1 s e t window, k i t c h e n 1set fire place. 1set fire place, 1set fire place, 1set fire 1 b a y window, p l a i n c h a m b e r 1 log hut 1 p a n t z house 1b r i . c k house 1pla5ter c e t t a ? 8 rocks 1rustic bridge 1bank 3 logs 1garden set, 9 pieces 2 p a i r foreceounde 1s h i p scene, 1 9 pieces 1 set fountain 1throne piece 1 pair t h r o e 5ter5 2 p a i r bal1ustra6es 1gondola 1 r o w boeT �274 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 p a i r p l a i n chamber f l a t s p a i r palace f l a t s p a i r street f l a t s p a i r kitchen flats p a i r snow landscape f l a t s p a i r two door prison f l a t s p a i r plain prison wall flats p a i r cut wood f l a t s p a i r garden f l a t s p a i r landscape f l a t s p a i r village f l a t s set trees p a i r ashlars pair set waters stone walls barred prison doors 1boat truck 2 fences 24 g r a s s m a t s 2 stage carpets 1 f i r e 1mantel piece 1 p a i r andirons 1 set arbor 2 s e t stumps 1screen 1 fireplace 1 J u l i e t tomb piece 1 p a i r house s t e p s 1stage chandelier 1garden wall, w i t h gate On t h e s t a g e l e v e l a n d a t t h e r e a r i s a h a l l n i n e f e e t wide, o u t o f which opens a greenroom, s t a r and two i n g rooms, a n d a scene-room 21 f e e t h i g h . O n t h e second f l o o r are f o u r l a r g e d r e s s i n g rooms. B e l o w t h e stage i s a room f o r the o r c h e s t r a , a band-room and a l a r g e room f i t t e d u p accommodation o f m i n s t r e l s . A t t h e s i d e s o f t h e s t a g e a r e f l y galleries, and the rigging loft i s supplied and c o m p l i c a t e d m a c h i n e r y w i t h w h i c h t h e s c e n e r y i s s h i f t e d and h a n d l e d . T h e s t a g e i s f u l l y e q u i p p e d w i t h a p a i n t - b r i d s e e and m o v a b l e f r a m e , f i v e s e t s o f g r o o v e s , t r a p every modern convenience f o r producing a l l k i n d s o f s c e n i c effects. S p e a k i n g tubes and b e l l signals are located near the p r o m p t e r ' s s t a n d , and place t h e stage manager i n d i r e c t communication w i t h t h e box o f f i c e , o r c h e s t r a , a n d trap s h i f t e r s , above, below and a t e i t h e r side o f the stage. The g a s - t a b l e a n d e l e c t r i c l i g h t i n g a p p a r a t u s a r e a l s o p l a c e d h e r e , a n d s o a r r a n g e d t h a t o n e man c a n i n s t a n t l y c o n t r o l lights i n any part o f the house. Heating The b u i l d i n g i s w a r m e d b y l o w p r e s s u r e s t e u m h e a t , thus e n s u r i n g a m i l d , p l e a s a n t and equal temperature i n a l l parts o f the house. S a f e t y uas the f i r s t the v e r t i c a l b o i l e r p l a c e d a r t h e basement, i s s o c o n s t r u c t e d that t h e f i r e i s anteeel_y surrounded b y e a t e r, a n d only automatic i n i t s action, b u t can be so adjestad t h a t o n l y one p o u n d o f s t e a m c a n b e r a s e d d u r i n g - a p e r f o r m a n c e . E a c h room i s pravich,ei v i t a l a r a d i a t o r o r c o i l r i f e , p r o p e r l y bronzed and d e c o r a t e d . O v e r 6,000 f e e t O r more t h a n oue m i l e of pipe, has Lava used i n the building. �275 Lighting The g a s f i x t u r e s a r e v e r y n e a t i n d e s i g n in f i n i s h . T h e main chandelier, o r r e f l e c t o r, i s known a s t h e O p a l g l a s s r e f l e c t o r , w h i c h e x p e r i e n c e to b e s u p e r i o r t o a n y o t h e r now i n u s e , p r o d u c i n g a u n i f o r m and p e r f e c t l y d i s t r i b u t e d i l l u m i n a t i o n b e l o w , w h i l e t h e o p a l glass, b e i n g semi- t r a n s p a r e n t , throws a s o f t and subdued l i g h t o n t h e dome a n d c e i l i n g g i v i n g a v e r y p l e a s i n g e f f e c t . The v e s t i b u l e a n d p r o s c e n i u m c h a n d e l i e r s a n d t h e b r a c k e t s a r e of polished brass and f i t t e d w i t h etched globes o f design. T h e l i g h t s throughout t h e e n t i r e b u i l d i n g trolled from the stage, t h e main pipe being carried t o t h e gas t a b l e w h e r e i t b r a n c h e s o f f t o d i f f e r e n t p a r t s o f t h e house, a n d i s s o arranged t h a t t h e gas c a n be c u t o f f f r o m any p a r t o f t h e b u i l d i n g i n an i n s t a n t . T h e r e a r e i n a l l 306 lights distributed as follows: Auditorium 94, stage 174, dressingrooms 16, basement 12, o f f i c e , v e s t i b u l e 10, a l l b e i n g l i g h t e d b y means o f a n e l e c t r i c s p a r k f r o m t h e stage. Ventilation The a u d i t o r i u m a n d s t a g e a r e s u p p l i e d w i t h v e n t i l a t o r s , a n d i n t h e dome, a n d a l s o t h e r o o f o f are l a r g e v e n t i l a t o r s which c a r r y o f f a l l h o t a i r , which a r e c o n t r o l l e d from t h e stage. T h e stage i s s t r u c t e d w i t h p r o p e r d r a u g h t s t h a t a l l smoke a r i s i n the burning, o f polvder o r c o l o r e d f i r e s i s out t h r o u g h t h e v e n t i l a t o r i n t h e r o o f . hot a i r the stage, a l l o f g from Seatin The p a r q u e t a n d p a r q u e t c i r c l e a r e s e a t e d w i t h p a t e n t f o l d i n g c h a i r s , known as t h e grand opera c h a i r, tered i n d a r k c a r d i n a l plush. E a c h c h a i r contains i n t h e back t h e monogram, B . S . T. T h e d r e s s c i r c l e i s a l s o p r o v i d d w i t h f o l d i n g c h a i r s o f the l a t e s t p a t t e r n s , a l l b e i n g bro-vided with f o o t -rests, h a t and umbrella racks. T h e tains 1,000 chairs. Safety The 9'3f-Jilef, i s s i z e d 7 ) o t h f r o n t a n d b a c k w i t h a fire �276 proof preparation. T h e border lights are protected with wire screens and t h e t i p s o f the burners encased i n ters cement. A b o v e the f l y g a l l e r y i s a tank barrels o f water, w i t h s u f f i c i e n t hose attached t o part o f the s t a g e o r dressing rooms, a n d can be operated b y any o f t h e s t a g e hands. T h e e x i t s a r e numerous a n d b e i n g o n a l e v e l w i t h the s t r e e t t h e house can be emptied i n from two to t h r e e m i n u t e s . I n a l l t h e r e a r e seven e x i t s a s f o l l o w s : Large d o u b l e d o o r l e a d i n g f r o m v e s t i b u l e , w i t h l a r g e f o l d i n g doors o f t h e same s i z e o n each s i d e f o r m i n g an a l m o s t e n t i r e open f r o n t i f r e q u i r e d . L a r g e f o l d i n g d o o r s a l s o o p e n f r o m the p a r q u e t c i r c l e t o t h e a l l e y , a n d f r o m t h e s t a g e a r e t h r e e modes o f e x i t . T h e h o u s e i s a l s o c o n n e c t e d b y t e l e p h o n e w i t h the f i r e d e p a r t m e n t t h u s a f f o r d i n g ample s e c u r i t y patrons. The D e c o r a t i o n s a n d U p h o l s t e r i n g throughout t h e house are r i c h and harmonious i n c o l o r i n g and d e s i g n . T h e w a l l s a r e c o l o r e d i n cameo t i n t s r e l i e v e d w i t h dashes o f c o l o r i n c o n v e n t i o n a l f i g u r e s , a n d panels w h i c h produces a warm, s u n n y e f f e c t and g i v e s t h e auditorium a b r i g h t and a i r y appearance which i s ing. T h e a i s l e s and boxes are covered w i t h elegant body brussels carpet, t h e s t a i r s and lobby with heavy matting, while t h e green room, s t a r and o t h e r dressing rooms, a r e handsomely carpeted and f u r n i s h e d w i t h e v e r y convenience -which c o n t r i b u t e s t o t h e c o m f o r t o f t h e p r o f e s s i o n . T h e stage i s f u r n i s h e d w i t h two c a r p e t s , one g r e e n and d i n a l , a n d a handsome s e t o f f u r n i t u r e i n b l a c k w a l n u t gilded, and black and gold upholstering. T h e boxes are draped w i t h c u r t a i n s o f cardinal. s i l k p l u s h , w i t h l i n i n g s o f o l d g o l d , a n d a r e t r i m m e d 1:]_th v e r y b r o a d a n t i q u e l a c e o f handsome p a t t e r n . T h e l a m b r e c n i n s a r e t r i m m e d w i t h gimps and r i c h s i l k f r i n g e a n d l o o p e d w i t h h e a v y c o r d s a n d t a s s e l s . The r a i l i n g s o f t h e pacquE'.t. d r e s s c i r c l e a n d b o x e s , holstered i n cardinal plush bordered with a pure ing'. T h e b o x f r o n t s a r e i n cameo t i n t s f i n i s h e d and g o l d i n t h e s t y l e o f t h e R e n a i s s a n c e , a n d o r n a m e n t e d with large beveled plate glass mirrors. T h e sides o f the a u d i t o r i u m a r e i n s o l i c o l o r dawn t o t h e b r i l l i a n t dad() j u s t above t h e wainsect!..ng. T h e f a c i n g o f Uie d r e s s c i r c l e i s i n cameo p i n k , w i t h c o n v e n t i o n a l f i g u r e s i n gold, and green and g o l d . in thE c,:,nter or t h e proscenium arch, i s a p of Shakespeare and e i t h e r a r e panels i n lava bordered w i t h hands s a : : d i n a l r e d . Abolsc t h e p o r t a g a i n s t a b a r u u n c i o f I i g1 s n i r m p ? r s k y , i f ; a g r o b p ortrait shads. r a i t and of chorbs �277 g r a c e f u l l y posed, r e p r e s e n t i n g music and t h e drama. T h e large cove surrounding the auditorium i s mented w i t h v a s e s o f f l o w e r s , b o u q u e t s a n d and f i g u r e s . T h e m o s t n o t i c e a b l e f e a t u r e o f decorations i s t h a t o f t h e dome, w h i c h i s a model o f b e a u t y and a r t i s t i c s k i l l . S u r r o u n d i n g t h e s u n l i g h t pended f r o m t h e c e n t e r a r e c u n n i n g l i t t l e c h e r u b s i n a c i r c l e bearing t r a i l i n g garlands o f flowers. T h e of the background brings out the figures i n strong one m a y a l m o s t i m a g i n e t h e m f l o a t i n g i n s p a c e a n d odor o f t h e i r f r a g r a n t burden. I t i s impossible t o g i v e a description o f the decorations which w i l l convey an adequate idea o f t h e i r b e a u t y. T h e y must be seen i n o r d e r t o preciated. The D r o p C u r t a i n represents a brown c u r t a i n having a reverse o f green thrown over a b a r extending across t h e t o p o f the proscenium arch. From t h i s b a r d e p e n d s a c u r t a i n o f p i n k u p o n w h i c h t h e shadows o f t h e b r o w n c u r t a i n a n d t a s s e l s a r e t h r o w n w i t h realistic e ff e c t ; a broad f l i g h t o f steps leads t o fenced b y a b a l u s t r a d e . I n t h e c e n t e r stands a g r a c e f u l page i n c o u r t d r e s s w i t h h i s e a r t o t h e c u r t a i n a s i f w a i t i n g f o r the s i g n a l t o p a r t i t on each side o f the wings. O n e gives an involuntary s t a r t o f surprise on entering a t t h e sight o f the l i f e - l i k e figure, a n d believes f o r that t h e p l a y has begun, and t h a t the "substance" n o t t h e "shadow" i s b e f o r e h i m . T h e d e s i g n i s o r i g i n a l w i t h M r. Chevelier and a t t r a c t s great admiration, both from the novelty of t h e d e v i c e and t h e admirable manner i n which t h e a r t i s t has e x e c u t e d h i s w o r k . The A c t D r o p At t h e ccmmencement o f t h e o v e r t u r e t h e d r o p c u r t a i n vanishes i n t o t h e f l i e s , a n d t h e a c t d r o p comes This w o r k i s c o n s i d e r e d b y Mr. C h e v e l i e r t h e b e s t e f f o r t o f his l i f e i n t h i s d i r e c t i o n , and i s a model o f scenic a r t . T h e d e s i g n shows a mammoth v i e w o f t h e g r a n d c a n a l o f Ve n i c e , handsomely framed and a r t i s t i c a l l y drepeu w j t h heavy e u r t a i n e of g o l d and brown damask, w i t h a reveres o f p i n k , a n d a b o r d e r of greea, g o l d and c a r d i n a l r e d . T h e easting o f drapery i s one o f t h e l l o s t i m p o r t a n t o f a n a r t i s t ' s e t u d i e s . T h e d a m a s k looped a r c u n d t h i s ViPW o f Ve n i c e , a n d c a r e l e s s l y t h r o w n o v e r the b a l u s t r a d e , ( w h i e h i s d u p l i c a t e d f r o m s h e d r o p ) i s h r o u p h t �278 out w i t h an a r t i s t i c s k i l l seldom seen i n a work o f t h i s k i n d . The f e a t u r e s o f t h i s p a r t i c u l a r v i e w a r e b r o u g h t o u t w i t h every a t t e n t i o n t o d e t a i l . T h e canal i n the ground i s crowded w i t h g r a c e f u l gondolas, marketmen's b a r g e s and f i s h i n g v e s s e l s . T h e p a i n t e d s a i l s o f t h e crews, c l a d i n t h e i r many- c o l o r e d garments, f u r n i s h b r i l l i a n t color e ff e c t s , which form a varied and pleasing spectacle. The m i d d l e f o r e g r o u n d s h o w s t h e s h o r e b o u n d a r y w i t h turesque p i l l a r s , arches, windows and t u r r e t s o f Venetian a r c h i t e c t u r e ; a glimpse o f t h e palace o f t h e Doge o f Ve n i c e , in which Ruskin says, " e v e r y source o f power and beauty are marvelously united, f o r m i n g a model o f p e r f e c t i o n " ; panile o f St. Mark's, t h e palace o f St. Mark's, w i t h the famed "Bridge o f Sighs" l e a d i n g t o t h e p r i s o n ; t h e shadowed course of cross-canals, a s t h e y pass beneath a g r a c e f u l l y arched bridge t o o t h e r p a r t s o f the l a b y r i n t h o f water ways. T h i s is a p a i n t i n g t h a t w i l l bear the severest c r i t i c i s m and closest inspection. A n ineffably delicate estimate tance i s employed and a c l o s e c a l c u l a t i o n o f r e s u l t volved. C o l d w a t e r i s t o be congratulated i n having secured so g o o d a w o r k o f a r t . M r . C h e v e l i e r h a s p a i n t e d m a n y o t h e r scenes f o r M r. T i b b i t s w h i c h a r e w o r t h y o f much a d m i r a t i o n . "Render Unto Caesar" First o f a l l our thanks are due t o Mr. T i b b i t s , through whose u n t i r i n g e f f o r t s t h e w o r k has b e e n accomplished, which g i v e s t o o u r c i t y t h i s b e a u t i f u l temple o f t h e muses; a b u i l d i n g s o l i d and s t r o n g where f o r t h e f i r s t t i m e water a p l a y can be p r o p e r l y placed upon the stage fortably enjoyed by the audience. I n his desire t o have everything i n keeping, Mr. Ti b b i t s equipped a band struments and uniforms, and furnished them w i t h a band room where f o r a number o f months t h e y have b e e n i n p r a c t i c e a n d t h e i r music receives g r e a t praise o f which i t i s ing. M r . Ti b b i t s has also organized an orchestra, ahich, under t h e generous l e a d e r s h i p o f P r o f . Geo. K l o c k , tained a marked degree o f p r o f i c i e n c y. The f o l l e w i n g g e n t l e m e n c h e e r f u l l y a s s i s t e d b i t s b y donatirq; : h e amount o p p o s i t e t h e i r names: A. B . D i c k e n s o n $ 2 Geo. S t a i r 1 0 D. C . P o w e r s 1 0 Merman & Chandler 1 Bali TIrnA, 1 0 A. C h a n d l e r 1 0 L. F . R(Jso 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Co A d i �279 C. D . R a n d a l l 1 0 0 H. J . Wo o d w a r d 1 0 0 J. W. S h i v e l y 1 0 0 B r i s t o l & Burlingame 1 0 0 Coldwater Gas L i g h t Co. 1 0 0 D. B . D e n n i s 1 0 0 Blodgett & Son 1 0 0 Anthony Henning 1 0 0 A. B r u e h l 1 0 0 H. C . L e w i s 1 0 0 S. S . S a u n d e r s 1 0 0 A. A . D o r a n c e 7 0 L. M . W i n g 5 0 Geo. M a n s e l l 5 0 J. Anderson 5 0 Frank P r a t t 5 0 Fred K o h l 5 0 Henry Fenn 2 5 C. A . S p a u l d i n g 2 5 A. R . B r o w n 2 5 Milnes Bros. & Hilton 2 5 Al. Milnes 2 5 G. W . W a i t e 2 0 A. Va n d e r h o o f 2 0 Donation 2 5 L. D . H a l s t e a d 1 5 Jacob Shenneman 1 0 J. R . D i c k e y 1 0 Geo. G r e e n w o o d 6 . 2 5 Leo Gutman 5 H. F r i e d m a n 5 To t a l $ 2 , 4 4 1 . 2 5 M r. T i b b i t s w a s v e r y f o r t u n a t e i n securin,,5 v i c e s o f s o c o m p e t e n t a s u p e r i n t e n d e n t .as M r . S a x t o n , u n d e r whose s u p e r v i s i o n t h e e n t i r e b u i l d i n g h a s b e e n c o n s t r u c t e d . M r. S a x t o n i s a m a n o f l a r g e e x p e r i e n c e i n b u i l d i n g , a n d t h e public can r e s t assured t h a t the work accomplished under h i s charge h a s been w e l l and t h o r o u g h l y done. ' h i The a r c h i t e c t , M o r t i m e r L . S m i t h , o f D e t r o i t , i s s o w e l l known t h a t comment f r u m u s seems a l m o s t u n n - c e s s a r y. H i F large experisnce i n Europe a s 'well a s i n t h i s c o t I n t f y, h a s w e l l f i t : z e d 1 ; i m '.:or h i s p o s i t i o n , a n d p l a c e s h i m 4-r rank o f archice,:ts. T h e r e s u l t o f h i s l a b o r s , a s exemplfie.:1• in t h e b e a u t i f u l Opera-hnse now f i n i s h e d , speaks s p r a i s e t"n71 a n y words we c a n r m r l o y. or M r. L . B . C h e v e l i e r, t h e f r e s c o and socrj,c ;.1.:.Lit, we c a n n o t s ' i l e e k j a t o : 3 h i g h p r a i l l . D i r i r z i h e p a s t f e u l i .. -- �280 years h e h a s p a i n t e d a number o f c u r t a i n s which have won f o r him t h e r e c o g n i t i o n h e d e s e r v e s . I t i s u n d e r s t o o d t h a t h e w i l l soon p a i n t a new drop c u r t a i n f o r Whitney's Opera-house i n D e t r o i t . H a d we space we would d e s c r i b e s e v e r a l scenes which d e s e r v e a t t e n t i o n , b u t w h i l e o u r r e a d e r s a r e e n j o y i n g the r e s u l t o f h i s l a b o r t h e y w i l l h o l d t h e a r t i s t i n k i n d l y remembrance f o r h i s b e a u t i f u l w o r k . While a l l c r e d i t i s t o b e g i v e n t o t h e o t h e r people employed i n t h i s g r e a t w o r k , s p e c i a l m e n t i o n must b e made o f one o f t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t a s s i s t a n t s , M r . J . B . H a n n a , s t a g e machinist who h a s h a d f u l l c o n t r o l o f a l l work done b e h i n d the f o o t l i g h t s . M r . Hanna has proven h i m s e l f t o b e t h o r o u g h l y posted i n e v e r y d e t a i l o f s t a g e m a c h i n e r y, a n d t h e a p p a r e n t l y incomprehensible t a n g l e o f ropes, p u l l e y s , e t c . , a r e t o h i m an o p e n b o o k . The c o n t r a c t f o r h e a t i n g a n d g a s f i t t i n g w a s Mansell & Son o f Coldwater, who have performed t h e i r t a s k i n t h e i r u s u a l s a t i s f a c t o r y m a n n e r, a n d h a v e p r o v e n t h e m s e l v e s masters o f t h e i r business. The g a l v a n i z e d i r o n c o n t r a c t w a s l e t t o J . B . M o r t o n & C o . , o f To l e d o , whose w o r k f a r exceeded t h e e x p e c t a t i o n s of M r. T i b b i t s . T h e w o r k was done u n d e r t h e s u p e r v i s i o n o f Fred H o f e r , w h o made a h o s t o f f r i e n d s w h i l e i n t h e c i t y . I t i s s a i d t h a t " a prophet i s n o t without honor save in h i s own c o u n t r y " b u t much c r e d i t must b e g i v e n M r. L . J . Goodell f o r t h e t a s t e d i s p l a y e d i n t h e u p h o l s t e r i n g , i n t h e selection and make-up o f the m a t e r i a l used, and t h e ner i n which t h e work has been done. cago, a t The c h a i r s w e r e f u r n i s h e d b y A . H . A n d r e w s , a c o s t o f $3010. The h o u s e w i l l b e f o r m a l l y o p e n e d t o t h e p u b l i c Thursday e v e n i n g n e x t b y t h e " M a i d o f A r r a n " C o m b i n a t i o n . Coldwater R e p u b l i c a n , Tu e s d a y, September 1 9 , 1 8 8 2 �APPENDIX D T I B H I T S O P E R A H O U S E D E D I C AT I O N AND OTHER P R E S S A C C O U N T S O F S P E C I A L I N T E R E S T �282 Coldwater Republican, 22 Sept. 1882 Theatre Dedication At an e a r l y hour on Thursday evening a large crowd congregated on t h e s t r e e t i n t h e v i c i n i t y o f t h e O p e r a H o u s e t o w i t n e s s the a r r i v a l o f t h o s e who were t o a t t e n d t h e o p e n i n g performance. At e i g h t o ' c l o c k t h e house was w e l l f i l l e d w i t h audience e v e r assembled a t a n entertainment i n Coldwater. The l a d i e s w e r e i n f u l l d r e s s a n d t h e b r i l l i a n t h u e s o f t h e i r dresses, t h e g l i t t e r i n g l i g h t s , t h e handsome c u r t a i n a n d t h e elegant decorations o f the house produced a t o u t ensemble seldom s u r p a s s e d . T h e u s h e r s , c l a d i n t h e i r n e a t u n i f o r m s , performed t h e t a s k a l l o t t e d t o them so w e l l t h a t no c o n f u s i o n occurred and t h e seats were found and occupied remarkably well f o r a f i r s t n i g h t . A b o u t eight o'clock rose a n d d i s c l o s e d t h e c i t i z e n s committee s e a t e d o n t h e s t a g e . M r. H . C . L e w i s , C h a i r m a n o f t h e c o m m i t t e e a d d r e s s e d ence i n t h e f o l l o w i n g i n t r o d u c t o r y r e m a r k s : " L a d i e s a n d Gentlemen--We m e e t i n t h i s b e a u t i f u l O p e r a House t h i s e v e n i n g , greeted b y o u r noble and generous e x -Mayor T i b b i t s , f o r i t s dedication. I t seems eminently s i c f i t t i n g a n d we a s c i t i z e n s o f t h i s b e a u t i f u l c i t y ( w h c a r e t o e n j o y t h i s magnificent e d i f i c e erected to a r t ) should i n a express o u r a p p r e c i a t i o n o f t h i s b u i l d i n g and i t s b u i l d e r. With y o u r p e r m i s s i o n we w i l l l i s t e n t o t h e r e a d i n g o f some resolutions b y E. R. Root." M r. E . R . R o o t and G e n t l e m e n , auspicious and our p r e s e n t i n t then read the following resolution: " L a d i e s c i t i z e n s o f C o l d w a t e r --We m e e t t o n i g h t o n a n happy occasion, a n d one, moreover, t h a t c l a i m s e r e s t and o u r f u t u r e remembrance. E q u a l l y as i n d i v i d u a l s and as c i t i z e n s we have come, o n t h e opening n i g h t o f t h i s b e a u t i f u l temple o f the muses, f e s t o u r c o r d i a l f e e l i n g s t o w a r d s h i m whose provided i t f c r us, and t o secure o u r personal share o f the evening's pleasure. I t h a s seemed f i t t i n g t h a t some one s h o u l d s t e p t h i s t i a l e a n d v o i c e t h e common f e e l i n ; t h a t o n ful completion o f t h i s great work, which i s t o be, i n i t s e l f , an o r n a m e n t t o o u r c i t y , a n i n d e x o f t h e s u c c e s s p r i s e o f one o f e a r foremost husiness men, a n d a f a c t o r i n the p l e a s u r e , t h e e o c i a l a n d i n t e l l e c t u a l c u l t u r e o f t i r e c o m m u n i t y, eome o n e s h o u l d g i v e e x p r e e s i o n t o versal f e e l i n g o f o b l i g a t i o n t o t h e Hon. B . S . T i b b i t s . �IO 283 Permit me, t h e n , t o discharge t h e pleasant d u t y w i t h which I have b e e n e n t r u s t e d , a n d t o o f f e r t h e f o l l o w i n g preamble a n d resolutions: W h e r e a s t h e Hon. B . S . T i b b i t s , a t a v e r y l a r g e o u t l a y o f t i m e , e f f o r t a n d m o n e y, h a s f i n i s h e d a n d the p u b l i c t h i s p a l a t i a l Opera House, t h u s most g e n e r o u s l y, and a t g r e a t p e r s o n a l s a c r i f i c e , s u p p l y i n g a w a n t standing; a n d Whereas, The people a r e c h i e f l y any such e n t e r p r i s e , e s p e c i a l l y i n a c i t y o f p o p u l a t i o n and wealth o f Coldwater: a n d Whereas, F o r t h i s r e a s o n i t i s e m i n e n t l y proper t o make some r e c o g n i t i o n o f t h e l i b e r a l i t y l i c s p i r i t o f t h e b u i l d e r o f a c o s t l y and elegant a u d i t o r i u m l i k e t h i s , t h e r e f o r e , Resolved, T h a t we t h e r e s i d e n t s water and v i c i n i t y, who are present on t h i s opening night o f Ti b b i t s ' Grand Opera House, d o hereby express o u r g r e a t pleasure in t h i s c o s t l y and substantial structure i n i t s magnificent appointionments, i n i t s perfect adaptation t o i t s purpose. Resolved t h a t wa c o n g r a t u l a t e t h e Hon. B . S . T i b b i t s o n t h e happy c u l m i n a t i o n o f h i s unwearied e f f o r t s i n b e h a l f selves, o u r f r i e n d s and the community a t l a r g e ; a n d t h a t we hereby extend him o u r sincere thanks f o r his p u b l i c s p i r i t , his unceasing labors, h i s good taste, h i s l a v i s h expenditure o f m o n e y, a n d h i s e x e c u t i v e a b i l i t y d i s p l a y e d i n t h e e a r l y a n d successful completion o f t h i s beautiful That we w i s h f o r him o n l y continued p r o s p e r i t y and many years o f happiness i n h i s e l e g a n t home, a n d t h e c o n t i n u e d esteem and g r a t i t u d e o f t h e p e o p l e whom h e h a s l a i d u n d e r s u c h g r e a t and l a s t i n g o b l i g a t i o n s . At t h e c l o s e o f t h e r e s o l u t i o n s Mr. R . G. Chandler arose from t h e a u d i e n c e a n d p r e s e n t e d t h e f o l l o w i n g amendment: " M r. C h a i r m a n - - T h e r e s o l u t i o n s j u s t r e a d m e e t m y dorsement, a s doubtless t h e y do e v e r y a u d i t c r i n ful temple, and as a special mark o f our appreciation o f the enterprise, eoura7e and push o f our schoolmate, associate and fellow c i t i z e n , B a r o n S. Ti b b i t s , who, t h i s n i g h t , dedicates to C e l d w a t e r t h i s b e a u t i f u l Opera House, t h u s a d d i n g a n o t h e r brill-Lant s t a r i n the already radiant constellation w a t e r ' s b e a u t y a n d a t t r a c t i o n s , I move y o u t h a t t h e v:Jte o n the a d o p t i o n o f t h e r e s o l u t i o n s b e t a k e n b y a r i s i n g v o t e . " M r. R . C . L o e r i d e - ; e made t h e a w i r e s s i n as f o l l o w s : behalf of thz citizens " L a d i e s a n d 1 7 ; e n t l e m e n - - Y o u h a d n o t e x p e c t e d Tr, h e n t h e c u r t i A l . n rose a momlnt agc, t h a t t h e " s t a r s " o f t h e e-ventrig w o u l d hut's!: upon yout , L T U " d e n l y , a n d I t h i n k y o u h a x e n o o u c a s i o n f o r a telescope t o discoveI what a b r i l l i a r t c o n s t e l l a t i o n you have before yoi:„ n o t t h a t 5 - - i r sl.:Csjt t O Y I L I ' t i s i n a g r a r A l a n d g1,:!ri7,u!-.. A r d resplendent with all the triumphs o f CaeaLrical kerfertion, and the beauties �284 o f modern a r t and a r c h i t e c t u r e . I take pleasure i n h e a r t i l y endorsing these resolutions, f o r i t h a s seemed t o u s e m i n e n t l y p r o p e r, a s M r. L e w i s h a s s t a t e d , t h a t some p u b l i c n o t i c e s h o u l d be t a k e n when a n e n t e r p r i s e o f this magnitude i s opened i n o u r midst, and i f I may f l a t t e r m y s e l f t h a t I s p e a k i n b e h a l f o f t h e y o u n g men o f o u r c i t y I would s a y f o r them, I would s a y i t a s I stand here i n t h e presence o f t h i s audience o f t h e r e p r e s e n t a t i v e p e o p l e o f o u r town, t h a t I am p r o u d o f t h i s n o b l e s t r u c t u r e , I am p r o u d e r y e t o f t h a t c i t i z e n whose l i b e r a l i t y , whose g e n e r o s i t y and whose s t i r r i n g e n t e r p r i s e h a s g i v e n i t t o a s - - B . S . T i b b i t s ; and I k n o w y o u w i l l g o s o f a r a s e v e n t o p a r d o n me i f I s h o u l d say i n t h e words o f A d m i r a l P o r t e r, ' t h a t d i s p i s e d r e l i c o f that s t i l l more d i s p i s e d Pinafore, t h a t i n the midst o f such surroundings my bosom s w e l l s w i t h p r i d e . ' I t i s n o t t h e man o f w e a l t h whose r i c h e s a r e l o c k e d u p i n h i s bonds, h i s mortgages, o r h i s s e c u r i t i e s ; i t i s n o t t h e man who o u n t s h i s g a i n s i n t h e s e c l u s i o n o f h i s o f f i c e counting house t h a t h e l p s o u r b e a u t i f u l c i t y most. I t i s the man who i s w i l l i n g t o l a u n c h h i s c a p i t a l i n t h e h a z a r d o u s building up o f manufactories and public enterprises, and i f our townsman has o u t s t r i p p e d t h e most o f Us i n t h e success of h i s business no one can l o o k upon his prosperity w i t h a jealous eye, f o r he has lavished i t w i t h a generous teous hand f o r t h e good o f t h e growth o f t h e c i t y . He h a s e s t a b l i s h e d a m a n u f a c t u r e h e r e t h a t s e n d s o u t chandise a s f a r w e s t a s t h e t e r r i t o r i e s and e a s t - - t o t h e New England s t a t e s , a n d t h e r e s o u r c e s f r o m these goods come b a c k and i s p a i d o u t b y t h e t h o u s a n d s t o o u r l a b o r i n g p e o p l e , a n d eventually goes i n t o t h e pockets o f o u r merehants and o u r business men, a n d now i n t h e f u l l f l u s h o f h i s success erected t h i s Opera House, a magnificent ornament t o and a s p l e n d i d monument t o h i s g e n e r o u s name. N o w h e r e i n i t s e r e c t i o n , f r o m i t s p i t t o i t s dome, h a s h i s hand been s t a y e d or h i s money s t i n t e d u n t i l t o n i g h t h e presents i t t o u s broad and s u b s t a n t i a l i n i t s b o i l d i n g , p e r f e c t i n i t s e q u i p m e n t , and a monument t h a t i s a n h o n o r t o h i s e n t e r p r i s e a n d h i s name." Dr. D . C . P o w e r, t h e n s t a t e d t h a t t h i s b e i n g h i s pearance o n a n y s t a g e " and making h i s debut s o l a t e i n l i f e , we c o u l d " s c a r e e x p e c t o n e o f h i s a g e " t o a c c o m p l i s h m u c h ; nevertheless h e appeared t o advantage i n f e l i c i t a t i n g Mr. Ti h b i t s and t h e audience o n t h e success o f t h e Opera Houee. M r. L o u i s Daum b e i n g r a i l e d u p o n c o m p l i m e n t e d M r . T i b b i t s h i g h l y on h i s k i n d l y ,;ar2 f o r t h e comforts o f t h e p r o f e s s i o n i n t h e Appointments o f the stage and deessing rooms. �285 M r. J . P . S h i p m a n c l o s e d t h e c o n g r a t u l a t o r y r e m a r k s i n a n e a t l i t t l e speech, i n which he referred t o the chairman o f the committee i n e u l o g i s t i c terms a s one who has done s o much f o r the i n s t r u c t i o n and e l e v a t i o n o f t h e community i n t i o n o f h i s magnificent A r t G a l l e r y. M r . Shipman s e l f a n a d m i r e r and s t u d e n t o f Shakespeare b y many tions from the "immortal bard." A t the close o f his remarks M r. T i b b i t s w a s l o u d l y c a l l e d f o r , a n d c o m i n g f o r w a r d a m i d tumultuous applause responded t o t h e good wishes o f h i s f r i e n d s i n the f o l l o w i n g words: "Ladies and Gentlemen- - I respond t o y o u r c a l l t h i s evening w i t h q u i t e a degree o f d e l i c a c y, a s i t i s v e r y embarrassing f o r me t o a d d r e s s a n a u d i e n c e composed o f m y p a r t i c u l a r f r i e n d s on a s u b j e c t t h a t i s s e e m i n g t o b e m y o w n b u s i n e s s . T h r o u g h two m o t i v e s I w a s s t i m u l a t e d t o make t h i s i n v e s t m e n t . T h e f i r s t w a s t o e r e c t a monument t o m y memory t h a t woman a n d c h i l d i n C o l d w a t e r w o u l d a p p r e c i a t e . S e c o n d , I would show t h e unhappy d i s s a t i s f i e d p o r t i o n o f i t y t h a t I was n o t s e l f i s h , b u t ready and w i l l i n g t o t h i n g i n my power t o b e a u t i f y and ornament o u r c i t y . T h e old time worn saying that Coldwater i s behind the times, and has n o r e s p e c t a b l e p l a c e o f amusement, t o n i g h t p a s s e s i n t o o b l i v i o n , a n d w i t h more p l e a s u r e t h a n I am a b l e t o e x p r e s s I present f o r your inspection t h i s evening a theatre unequaled i n a n y c i t y t h e s i z e o f Coldwater. T h e m a j o r i t y o f y o u have watched i t s c o n s t r u c t i o n w i t h as much z e a l as m y s e l f and w i l l b e a r me o u t i n t h e a s s e r t i o n t h a t i t i s b u i l t s a f e s t a n t i a l . T h e a r c h i t e c t s , M e s s r s M o r t i m e r L . S m i t h a n d W. E . Brown, t h e a r c h i t e c t a n d s u p e r i n t e n d e n t , M r . E . B . S a x t o n , the a r t i s t , M r. L . B . C h e v e l i e r, a n d t h e stage m a c h i n i s t , J . B. H a n n a h a v e e a c h p r o v e d t h e m s e l v e s g e n t l e m e n w o r t h y t h e i r respective t i t l e , a n d i n the presence of this audience I wish to p u b l i c l y t h a n k them f o r t h e a r t and s k i l l t h e y played, t o t h e g e n t l e m e n who have c o n t r i b u t e d t o w a r d s t h i s e n t e r p r i s e , t o y o u g e n t l e m e n who have s o k i n d l y i n t e r e s t e d yourselves o n my b e h a l f , a n d t o y o u f o r t h e complimentary benefit. I a l s o extend my thanks, a s s u r i n g you a t time t h a t I s h a l l make a n e a r n e s t e f f o r t t o p l a c e u p o n t h i s stage a c l a s s o f e n t e r t a i n m e n t s t h a t s h a l l be w o r t h y o f y o u r esteem a n d p a t r o n a g e . The o v e r t u r e b y t h e o r c h e s t r a w a s w e l l r e n d e r e d a n d t h e i r music t h r o u g h o u t t h e e v e n i n g was r e c e i v e d w i t h t h e u t m o s t appreciation and h e a r t y applause. T h e f i r s t a c t o f draggeel somewhat b u t i m p r o v e d m a t e r i a l l y a s t h e p l a y p r o g r e s s e d The s o n g a n d d a n c e m i g h t h a v e b e e n o m i t t e d w i t h a c i v a n t a g e . While M r. G a l l a g h e r i s e x c e l l e n t i n h i s l i n e , t h e a c t seems somewhat o u t o f p l a c e . M i s s H e l l o c k p o s s e e e e s a c l e a r , e w a e t v o i c e . H e r s o n g s a r e e x c e l l e n t l y r e n d e r e d enci r c e i v e d h e r t y encores. M r . Daum i s a l s o a f i n e s i n g e r ant' p e r f o r m e d �286 c r e d i t a b l y. M r . A i k e n and Miss Rogers have appeared i n t h i s c i t y before and a r e f a v o r i t e s h e r e . N e had hoped t o s e e them i n r o l e s m o r e f i t t i n g t o t h e i r t a l e n t s . has a f i n e v o i c e a n d r e n d e r e d h i s p a r t i n a n a t u r a l m a n n e r. M r . B a u m m a d e a h a p p y h i t w h e n h e c o n c e i v e d t h e p a r t of Mrs. H a r r i e t Holcomb, w h i c h p a r t was w e l l f i l l e d Gray who k e p t t h e a u d i e n c e i n g o o d h u m o r. T h e denouement i s altogether too tame ard should be r e - w r i t t e n . T h e tings are very f i n e throughout the piece, noticeably the r u i n s o f t h e c a s t l e o f A r r a n and t h e s h i p scene. T h e f l o r a l t r i b u t e s presented t o Mr. T i b b i t s and were v e r y b e a u t i f u l . M r . R y a n r e n d e r e d t h e p a r t o f Con O ' M a r a i n a q u i e t a n d e f f e c t i v e m a n n e r. The p l a y w i l l b e r e p e a t e d t h i s e v e n i n g w i t h p o p u l a r p r i c e s o f admission. Roland Reed i n Cheek w i l l b e t h e n e x t a t t r a c t i o n a t t h i s beautiful temple devoted to histrionic a r t . Coldwater Republican, 2 6 Sept. 1882 Coldwater has f o r t h e f i r s t t i m e a s u i t a b l e p l a c e the drama c a n b e p r o p e r l y and s a t i s f a c t o r i l y p r e s e n t e d . T h e edifice, b o t h i n and out, i s elegant and a l l the are such a s t o w a r r a n t t h e p r e s e n t a t i o n s o f t h e b e s t p l a y s b y the b e s t a r t i s t s . N o a c t o r w i l l h e s i t a t e t o a p p e a r b e f o r e the C o l d w a t e r p u b l i c because o f a l a c k o f stage e f f e c t o r because o f i m p r o p e r a c o u s t i c p r o p e r t i e s . T h e a u d i t o r i u m i s admirably a r r a n g e d a n d e v e r y a t t e m p t h a s been made t o make the b u i l d i n g c o m p l e t e . W e s..y t h a t t h e appointments a r e s u c h that f i r s t - c l a s s n i a y s can be p u t upon the boards c l a s s a c t o r s w i l l b e N i l l i n g t o assume t h e r o l e s . I t i s s o admirable i n a l l i t s arrangements t h a t seconA ana t h i r d r a t e companies w i l l b e o n l y t o o w i l l i n g t o a v a i l t h e m s e l v e s o f such a d v a n t a g e s . T h i s w i l l p u t u p o n t h e manager b i l i t y t h a t we t r u s t he may exercise w i t h good s i u d g y n t and t a c t . H e w i l l b e cajlc-:d upou t o a s s e r t h i s c o n t r o l a t t i m e when i t w i l l b e d i f f i c u l t t o d o s o . I f t h e p u b l i c ways b e a s s u r e d t h a t e v e r y t h i n g t h a t g o e s u p o n t h e s t a g c w i l l be t h e b e s t o f i t s c l a s s o r e v e n a c l o s e to, i t would g i v e a r e p u t a t i o n t o the house and i n s t i l l a public confidence t h a t cannot be e a s i l y shaken. opposite c o u r s e b e puaaued ( a n d we s h a l l hope i t m a y n o t ) t h e r e s u l t w i l l b.a d a m a g t o t h e m a n a e m , - - n i t e l d e r e l o n g d e s t r o y t h e h o p e s o f h s e .,*-(7 w i s h o n l y ' , J e l l o f t h e e n t e r p r i s e . Thobe w h o h a v e g i v e n t h e i r l i f e t o t h e d r a m a r e a l i z e t h a t t i e r i t i n t h e p r o f e s s o n i s o n l y a t t a i n e d b y t o n g and. c. �287 tinuous study and p r a c t i c e . S u c h playwriters a s Goethe and Lessing established schools o f a c t i n g and labored w i t h g r e a t assiduity to p e r f e c t actors i n pronunciation and a l l ternal desiderata necessary to a f i n e presence and ners upon t h e s t a g e . T h e b e s t actors o f our time c e e d i n g l y a m b i t i o u s . W h e n t h e y come b e f o r e t h e f o o t l i g h t s they are influenced w i t h a desire t o t r u l y merit and g o o d w i l l o f t h e i r a u d i t o r s . T h e y s t u d y t o p r e s e n t t h e characters t h e y represent i n such a l i g h t t h a t these s h a l l be recognized a s t r u t h f u l . T h o s e who a r e t r u l y d e v o t e d t o t h e h i s t r i o n i c a r t a i m through t h e i r speech, t h e i r manner and form t o d e p i c t i n r e a l l i f e t h e scenes a n d c h a r a c t e r s w h i c h the drama may p o r t r a y. W e c r e d i t t h e r e a l a c t o r w i t h t h i s studious d e s i r e t o be f a i t h f u l . W e r e t h i s always k e p t i n view i n a l l p l a y s , a n d were a l l plays arranged w i t h dious r e g a r d t o p r e s e n t l i f e i n i t s strongest aspects and not make t h e f o i b l e s and f o l l i e s o f l i f e t h e more a t t r a c t i v e , t h e r e c o u l d b e l i t t l e t o condemn o n t h e s t a g e . I n d e e d , a s i t i s w e b e l i e v e t h e r e i s much t o b e l e a r n e d a n d much good t o b e derived from a s k i l l f u l presentation o f a good drama. T h e pleasure d e r i v e d from hearing such actors a s F o r r e s t , Booth, McCullough, J e f f e r s o n , F l o r e n c e and Barney Wi l l i a m s and s u c h a c t r e s s e s a s C h a r l o t t e Cushman, C h a r l o t t e Thompson chek i s t r u l y d e l i g h t f u l a n d e l e v a t i n g t o b o t h m i n d a n d h e a r t , provided t h e h e a r e r on h i s p a r t gives t o mind and h e a r t t h e exercise which e v e r y good a c t o r would w i s h t o awaken. T o hear Forrest a s Macbeth o r Richlieu, cpoth as Hamlet o r R i c h a r d I I I , o r Cushman a s Queen C a t h e r i n e i s . i n d e e d , a r i c h l i t e r a r y repast t h a t one w i l l r e c a l l i n a f t e r years as an i n s p i r a t i o n . T o make t h e t h e a t e r p r o f i t a b l e t h e r e t h i s r e a l studi,..,us i n t e r e s t o n t h e p a r t o f t h e l i s t e n e r . T o o many g o f o r t h a m a r e s e n s u a l g r a t i f i c a t i o n w h i c h i t do s o , i s w h y p l a y a c t o r s h a v e b e e n f o r c e d t o g i v e u p t h e l e g i t i m a t e and h e a l t h f u l drama and p u t upon t h e s t a g e more attractions j L t h e eye o r the passions. I n s t e a d o f the strong and v i g o r o u s r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s o f c h a r a c t e r w h i c h B o o t h r e t t and others d e l i g h t t o present, we are t r e a t e d t o mere spectacular dramas l i k e B l a c k Crook i n which e v e r y attempt i s made t o p l e a s e t h e e y e a n d e x c i t e t h e b a s e r deed, t h i s c l a s s o f p l a y s h a s become a l t o g e t h e r t o o common. There a r e l i g h t c r s o c i e t y p l a y s which a r e n o t b a d b u t g o o d i s h . They a r e p u t f o r w a r d a s s t a g e d e s c r i p t i o n s o f p r e s e n t A m e r i c a n l i f e a n d a t t r a c t crowds a t D a l y ' s F i f t h Avenue T h e a t e r. B u t the l i f e p r e s e n t e d i s morbid, s i l l y , s e n t i m e n t a l , f r i v o l o u s and s o m e t i m 3 s m r e t r i c i o u s . T h e r e i s s u c h l i f e i n A m e r i c a but i t i s n o t h e a l t h f u l , i t i s i n s i p i d . I t aboands j e c t i v e s and sonietimes e x p l e t i v e s ; b u t does n o t awaken a healthful thought. raven good p l a y s and s k i l l f u l a c t o r s , however, t h e r e may even t h e n b e a f e i j u r e t o respond o n t h e p a r t o f t h e h e a r e r . �288 I t i s because hearers go j u s t t o laugh, o r j u s t t o please the sense, t h a t t h e drama o f t o d a y has a d e n c y. T o h e a r H a m l e t e n j o y a b l y r e q u i r e s t h a t t h e l i s t e n e r shall follow Booth c r i t i c a l l y through every point i n his delineation. T o hear him p r o f i t a b l y requires a study play and o f t h e t i m e i n which i t was w r i t t e n . S o t o o l i e u . L i k e w i s e s h o u l d we s t u d y t h e modern p l a y. N o t e how f a r i t corresponds t o a c t u a l l i f e . S t u d y not m e r e l y how t h e p l o t i s wrought o u t , o r what t h e denouement i s , b u t how f a i t h f u l t h e d e s c r i p t i o n i s , a n d t h e n b y means o f c o m p a r i s o n discern, i f possible, whether the kind o f l i f e depicted i s such a s makes t h e b e s t s o c i e t y and b u i l d s u p human l i f e . I f n o t , t h e t i m e w i l l come when a b e t t e r l i f e w i l l b e d e p i c t e d i n dramas t h a t a r e l o f t i e r i n t o n e a n d more e l e v a t i n g i n t h e i r t e n d e n c y. Goldwater Republican, 1 7 Oct. 1882 D a r l i n g L i t t l e B a b y --Who c a n h e l p l o v i n g t h e s w e e t l i t t l e creatures? N o w i f t h e r e i s one p l a c e more t h a n another where one f o r m s a n a t t a c h m e n t f o r t h e l i t t l e b u n d l e s o f s w e e t n e s s i t i s a n entertainment, when, dressed i n your best, seated by t h e s i d e o f y o u r l a d y , y o u a w a i t a n x i o u s l y f o r t h e c u r t a i n to r i s e . S o m e c e l e b r a t e d s t a r i s t o a p p e a r, o r y o u a r e t o l i s t e n t o t h e s o u l - i n s p i r i n g m u s i c o f some p r i m a d o n n a y o u have s o l o n g been a n x i o u s t o h e a r ; b u t j u s t b e f o r e t h e moment a r r i v e s a k i n d an i n d u l g e n t f a t h e r , w i t h one o f these l i t t l e b u n d l e s i n h i s arm7F,, a n d h i s w i f e b y h i s s i d e , e n t e r a n d s e a t themselves d i r e c t l y i n f r o n t o f you. A b o u t are consumed i n t a k i n g o f f t h e d e a r l i t t l e c r e a t u r e ' s c l o a k , cap, e c . , chuc-;:ing !lila u n d e r t h e c h i n , t a l k i n g baby t a l k , and t h e n looki!A,p; a r e u n d t o s e e i f t h c s e r t t h i r v i u i a i t y do n o t b y t h e i r a c t i o n s s e e m t o s a y . " L o o k a t t h b l e s s i n g . A i n ' t he nice?" T h y are s a t i s f i e d , f o / a l l eyes i n t h e i r d i : : . e c i o n ; h e s t o s e d u p o n c e o r t w i c e ; matruno gives him a cookie; a n d hy t n i s time t h e c u r t a i n boa been up about t w e n t y m i n u t e : b u t what c a r e y o u f o r the g r e s s i n g CE t h e :4,0.jc. h e c h i l d claimE, y o u r a t t e n t i o n ; s e e h o w c t n n i n i . - ; , h c 11:As c l i m t r e q u p o u . t i s f : : t h e r ' s s h o u l d e r and i s c r u m b l i n g t h e c o o k i e g o o d n a t u r e d i l y s i c o v e r y o u r l a d y ' s a e w s i l k d r e s s , Y o u p u t o u t y o u r g 1 eyed. h a n d t o s t a y the d e l ! g . h t f u l c r e a t u r e i n h i s i n n o c e n t amnsemont i t seizes i t . a n d f7:cm i t s l i . t t l e t h r o a t p e a l s f o r t h t h a t b a b y l a c g b e r w h i c h c o : e r y o n e i n t h e h o u s e i s moved b y . O f totAI:7e i t t a k e s p l a c e .tu!-t a s t h e l a d y s t a r i s worklaf7 up ing Of her a u j e n o - with the heart-Icnding s c e n c of her " 7 I v c n i l d d f , a l , d e a d . " b u t i t ' s n o 4S:3; U a b i ) b c a r c e l y t t i o v e , a o l d , i s :Ale a t t r a c t i o n , a l v i t h e s t a r f o i l s to p 1 e s t , . O f c o u r s e f,he wonder!: a t i t . . n • a p p l U s e a t t h e A i l �289 end o f t h e a c t , n o b o u q u e t s ; b u t n e v e r m i n d , s h e w i l l c o n q u e r next a c t . U p goes t h e c u r t a i n and so does t h e c h i l d ; h e has just learned t o walk, and the indulgent parents place him on h i s " t o o t i e s " i n t h e a i s l e , a n d u p and down he r u n s , p l a c i n g h i s p r e t t y l i t t l e h a n d s ( s o i l e d somewhat w i t h t h e c o o k i e ) o n t h i s one a n d t h a t , a n d o c c a s i o n a l l y stopping t o d r o o l down a b r e a d t h o r s o o f some o n e ' s b e s t d r e s s . O f c o u r s e c a s i o n a l l y f a l l s down and c r i e s a s i f h i s l i t t l e h e a r t would break, b u t papa runs and picks him up and the fond parents shake a b u n c h o f k e y s , t a l k t o h i m a n d h e i s s o o n round a g a i n . E v e r y one i s g l a d h e i s n o t h u r t . W h o c a r e s anything about t h e p l a y, n o t a soul i n the house. W h a t ' s t h e m a t t e r now, l o o k a t t h e d a r l i n g l i t t l e t h i n g a i n ' t h e c u n n i n g . He h a s c r a w l e d i n t o h i s m o t h e r ' s l a p a n d r e a c h i n g o v e r s n a t c h e d a t w e l v e d o l l a r plume o f f from t h e l a d y ' s h a t occupying t h e next s e a t . O f course h e r h a t i s o f f , t h e plume destroyed, h e r h a i r down, b u t what o f i t , i t s t h e b a b y and i t s s o cunning. But a t l a s t t h e s t a r becomes j e a l o u s a n d r e q u e s t s t h a t t h i s opposition be removed, s t a t i n g t o t h e manager t h a t h a v i n g been engaged a s t h e a t t r a c t i o n f o r t h e e v e n i n g , s h e d e s i r e s to f u l f i l l t h e c o n t r a c t , c o n s e q u e n t l y t h e w i t h h a t r e d i n h i s bosom t o w a r d t h e a c t r e s s , b u t bound b y h i s contract i s f o r c e d t o i n f o r m t h e parents, whose s o u l i s wrapped up i n t h e i r o f f s p r i n g , t h a t h e s h a l l b e o b l i g e d t o g i v e t h e m a l a t e r d a t e , a n d t h e t w o , u p o n whom t h e a t t e n t i o n o f t h e audience h a s b e e n c e n t e r e d , t a k e t h e i r d a r l i n g and make t h e i r exit followed b y the anxious gaze o f a l l , and not u n t i l t h e doors h a v e c l o s e d a f t e r t h e m i s t h e a r t i s t a b l e t o command t h e i r a t t e n t i o n s . C r u e l , c r u e l managers. MORAL— L e t t h o s e d e s i r i n g o p e n - d a t e s f o r c h i l d r e n i n a r m s address B . S . T i b b i t s and save b e i n g i n t e r f e r e d w i t h by s t a r s . �I APPENDIX E I LLUSTRATI A ��������BIBLIOGRAPHY Primary Sources Newspapers Branch County J o u r n a l . Coldwater Reporter. N o v. S e p t . The C o l d w a t e r R e p u b l i c a n . 11 , 1851- - N o v. 1 , 1 8 5 3 . 1 , 1901--Jan. 21, 1905. M a y 2, 1868--March 23, 1897. The C o l d w a t e r S e n t i n e l . A p r i l 1 5 , 1 8 4 1 - - M a y 2 6 , 1 8 5 4 a n d April 27, 18- - J a n . 1 , 1870. Coldwater Union Sentinel. A p r i l 22, 1864- - A p r i l 13, 1865. The C o u r i e r - - C o l d w a t e r , M i c h i g a n . N o v . 4 , 1 8 8 2 - - A u g u 5 t 1 3 , 1892 a n d A p r i l 3 0 , 1 9 0 6 - - J u n e 2 1 , 1 9 1 2 . The C o u r i e r a n d R e p u b l i c a n . M a r c h 2 6 , 1 8 9 7 - - A p r i l 2 7 , 1 9 0 6 . The N e w Y o r k D r a m a t i c M i r r o r . J a n . 7 , 1882--Dec. 31, 1904. The R e p u b l i c a n . A u g u s t 2 3 , 1 8 6 6 - - A p r i l 2 3 , 1 8 6 8 . The W e e k l y C o u r i e r - - C o l d w a t e r . J u n e 22, 1895--March 19, 1697. Printed Records Atlas o f Branch County M i c h i a n . 1872 Philadelphia: C . 0. Titus, Coldwater C i t y D i r e c t o r y, 1882-1902. Collections and Researches Michigan Picreor a d S o c i e r, v, Vo l ! " . . 1 - 4 0 . L a n s i n g : R o h e r t S m i t h an,:l C o . , 1876-1912. S t a n d a r d A t l a s o f E r -an,-:.h C c r h t y A. 0g2,- I n c ' G o . , 1 9 1 5 . 2rg M g e n . fthicago: �299 Collections "Historical Vertical F i l e . " Coldwater Public water, M i c h i g a n . T i b b i t s Opera House Programs, 1 8 - - . C o l l e c t i o n b i t s Foundation, Coldwater, Michigan. of Secondary Sources State and Local Histories Bald, F . C l e v e r . M i c h i g a n i n F o u r C e n t u r i e s . N e w Yo r k : Harper, 1 9 5 4 . Coldwater I l l u s t r a t e d . 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D i c t i o n a r y o f A m e r i c a n B i o g r a p h y, S u p p l e m e n t I . E d . H a r r i s E. S t a r r . N e w Yo r k : C h a r l e s S c r i b n e r ' s S o n s , 1 9 4 4 . Eaton, W a l t e r P r i c h a r d . A m e r i c a n S t a g e o f To d a y. B o s t o n : Small, 1 9 0 8 . F i r k i n s , I n a Te n Eyck. I n d e x t o P l a y s , 1 8 0 0 - 1 9 2 6 . N e w Yo r k : H . W . W i l s o n C o . , 1 9 2 7 . F r e e d l e y, G e o r g e , a n d John A . R e e v e s . A H i s t o r y o f t h e Theatre. N e w Yo r k : C r o w n P u b l i s h e r s , 1 9 4 1 . F u l l e r, Edward ed. D r a m a t i c Ye a r, 1887-1888. nor, 1 8 8 9 . Fyles, F r a n k l i n . T h e a t r e and I t s D o u b l e d a y, 1 9 0 0 . People. N e w Y o r k : G i l b e r t , Douglas. A m e r i c a n Vaudeville: New Y o r k : M c G r a w - H i l l , 1 9 4 0 . I t s Life a n d Ti m e s . Glover, Lyman B e e c h e r. S t o r y o f a T h e a t r e . C h i c a g o : Donnelly and Sons, 1 8 9 8 . R . R. Grau, R o b e r t . F o r t y Ye a r s O b s e r v a t i o n o f M u s i c a n d t h e D r a m . New Y o r k a n d B a l t i m o r e : B r o a d w a y P u b l i s h i n g C o . , 1909. Hapgool, Norman. T h e Stage i n Macmillan, 17/0:. America, 1 ” 7 - 1 9 0 G . N e w Yo r k : H e r r o n , I m a H o n a k e r . T h e S m a l l To w n i n A m e r i c a n las: S o u t h r n -Methodist L n i y e r s i t y Press, 1969. H e w i , B a r n a r d . T h e a t r e !...S.A. 1 6 6 5 McGraw- H i l t , 1 9 5 , o 1 9 5 ' . N e w Yo r k : H c , r n b l o i . , A r t h u r . A H i t o r y (Thf t h e T h e a t r e I n A m e l - i c a . Philadelphir).: L i p p i n c o t v , 1919. Horton, William F i l l s . D r i f t w o o d Winn a n & i Vo r i a n d , 1 9 0 ! ; . u f Hoyt. HarlQwe R . lo!,11 7 % ) r 1 . 2 . 1 . A.J.: P r e n t i c e 1 9 ' 6 . Liglewood �302 Hughes, G l e n n . A H i s t o r y o f t h e A m e r i c a n T h e a t r e , 1 7 0 0 - 1 9 5 0 . New Y o r k : S a m u e l F r e n c h , 1 9 5 1 . Hutton, Lawrence. C u r i o s i t i e s Yo r k : H a r p e r , 1 8 9 1 . o f the American Stage. N e w Jerome, Jerome K . S t a g e - l a n d : C u r i o u s H a b i t s a n d Customs o f I t s I n h a b i t a n t s . N e w Yo r k : H o l t , 1 8 9 0 . Macgowan, K e n n e t h a n d W i l l i a m M e l n i t z . T h e L i v i n g S t a g e . New J e r s e y : P r e n t i c e - H a l l C o . , 1 9 5 5 . M c K a y, F r e d e r i c E . a n d C h a r l e s W . L . W i n g a t e . F a m o u s A m e r i c a n A c t o r s o f To d a y. N e w Yo r k : T h o m a s Y . C r o w e l l a n d Co., 1896. M o o d y, R i c h a r d . A m e r i c a Ta k e s t h e S t a g e : R o m a n t i c i s m i n American Drama a n d T h e a t r e , 1 7 5 0 - 1 9 0 0 . B l o o m i n g t o n Indiana: U n i v e r s i t y Press, 1955. Moses, M o n t r o s e J . A m e r i c a n D r a m a t i s t . B o s t o n : 1 9 11 . . Famous Actor-families Crowell, 1906. L i t t l e , i n America. N e w Yo r k : The N e w T h e a t r e H a n d b o o k a n d D i g e s t o f P l a y s . e d . B e r n a r d Sobel. N e w Yo r k : C r o w n P u b l i s h e r s , I n c . , 1 9 5 9 . O d e l l , George C . D . A n n a l s o f t h e New Yo r k S t a g e , 1 5 V015. New Y o r k : C o l u m b i a U n i v e r s i t y P r e s s , 1 9 2 7 - 4 9 . Phelps, H . P. P l a y e r s o f a Century: 4 Record o f the Albany Stage, InclucLrig N o t i c e o f P r o m i n e n t A c t o r s Who H a v e Appeared i n k m e r l e a . A L b a n y : J o s e p h McConcugh, 1SE,0. Pitou, Augustus. M a s t e r s 1914. o f t h e S h o w. N e w Yo r k : C r o w e l l , Quinn, A r t h u r Hebson. H i s t o r y o f t h e American Drama f r o m the C i v i l War t o t h e P r e s e n t D a y. A a W Yo r k : C r o f t s , 1 9 3 6 . R i c e , E d w a r d L e R o y. M o n a r c h s P u b l i s h i n g C o . , 1 9 11 . o f Minstrelca. N e w Yo r k : K e n n y R a h i l l , F r a n k . T h e World o f Melodrama. U n i v e r s i t y P a r k , Pa.: P e n n s y l v a n i a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y Press, 1 9 6 7 . S h a n o w e r, D o n a l d T h o m a s . " A C o m p a r a t i v e a n . D e s c r i p t i v e S t u 6 7 of Three Opera houses i n Southern Michigan, 1880-1900." Dias. T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Michigan, 1939. �303 Stephenson, E . I r e n a e u s . " D e n m a n Thompson a n d O u r R u r a l L i f e D r a m a . " F a m o u s American A c t o r s o f To - D a y, T I , Eds. F r e d e r i c Edward McKay a n d C h a r l e s E . g a t e . N e w Y o r k : T h o m a s Y . C r o w e l l a n d C o m p a n y, 1 8 9 6 . Strang, Lewis C . P l a y e r s and Plays o f the L a s t tury: A n H i s t o r i c a l Summary o f Causes a n d a C r i t i c a l Review o f C o n d i t i o n s a s E x i s t i n g i n t h e American Theatre a t t h e Close o f the Nineteenth Century--The T h e a t r e o f To - D a y, I I . B o s t o n : L . C . P a g e a n d C o m p a n y, 1 9 0 3 . Who's Who o n t h e S t a g e 1 9 0 8 : T h e D r a m a t i c R e f e r e n c e B o o k and B i o g r a p h i c a l D i r e c t o r y o f t h e T h e a t r e , C o n t a i n i n g Careers o f A c t o r s , A c t r e s s e s , Managers and P l a y w r i g h t s o f t h e American Stage. E d s . W a l t e r Brown and E . DeRoy K o c h . N e w Y o r k : B . W . D o d g e a n d C o m p a n y, 1 9 0 8 . Wilson, G a r i f f B. A H i s t o r y o f American Acting. ton, Indiana: I n d i a n a U n i v e r s i t y Press, Wittke, C a r l F. Ta m b o and Bcnes. D u r h a m , N . C . : versity Press, 1930. Blooming 1966. Duke �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Tibbits Opera House Description An account of the resource Miscellaneous items related to the historic Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, Michigan Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource A History of the Tibbits Opera House 1882-1904 Subject The topic of the resource Tibbits Opera House Theater Michigan Coldwater History Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gillespie, Carolyn L. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1975 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Public Domain Additional Item Metadata The additional item metadata element set, consisting of all item elements created by an administrator and not assigned to an item type, and item elements created by plugins and not assigned to an item type or other element set. Additionally, the metadata element set that, in addition to the Dublin Core element set, was included in the `items` table in previous versions of Omeka. These elements are common to all Omeka items. Spatial Coverage Michigan Coldwater https://branchdistrictlibrary.org/archive/files/original/55a93bf08e22b06fbcc9f5349b62e1fe.pdf b6c96ea98f157842591532f1eb0d87b3 PDF Text Text ��ABSTRACT Built in 1882, the Tibbits Opera House, a Victorian opera house in Coldwater, MI, still performs live stage-shows via children's theatre, community theatre, and professional theatre. It also functions as a roadhouse for other entertainers like magicians, tribal dancers, and musicians. It has gone through several renovations in its time, functioning as a stage for live performances, to a movie house, and now back to a live-stage venue. With several other movie theaters in the area as competition, by the late 1950s, the Tibbits ceased functioning as a movie theater and went into disrepair. At this time, there was talk that historic building was going to be razed and turned into a parking lot, and that is when several community groups, led by the Coldwater Players, stepped in with a “Save the Tibbits” campaign. The Schulte Amusement Company agreed to sell the building to the Coldwater Players for a minimal sum of $7500. Not a day went by that there wasn’t an article or photo in the paper about the latest fundraiser, donation request, or labor request. From January of 1961 to April of 1961, everything from new fire doors to a new heating system to a fresh coat of paint was installed by various service groups, with the Tibbits in use from April until December of that year when the fire marshal ordered the building to be closed until further repairs were made. Another campaign was launched in January of 1962, and by the end of the year a non-profit Tibbits foundation was formed. Even without the balance in hand for repairs, in May of 1963 the board continued plans for repairs of the roof, sprinkler system, and heating system. In November of 1963, the unheated Tibbits officially opened for a Grand Ole Opry show, which played to a shivering but packed crowd. �By December, George Vaughn Lowther was hired as manager and director, and in 1964, the Tibbits was back in use as a professional summer stock venue and roadhouse. Since 1964, the Tibbits has continued to be a steadily-used landmark of the community and has gone through several managers and renovations. Currently, the Tibbits still functions as a non-profit organization and the Foundation still owns the building, which is under restoration. In the fall of 2012, the outside restoration phase was completed and plans to restore the inside are currently underway. �Burdick, ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Terry Mulchahey George Vaughn Lowther Larry Carrico Christine Delaney Billy Lee Harman Branch District Library Holbrook Heritage Room staff Dr. Grennen, who spent hours editing and revising My parents, Dan & Marie Hemker, who have always encouraged me to continue learning My husband Clint, who endured months of this project consuming my life �Burdick, iii DEDICATION For my mother, who introduced me to the magic of theatre at this glorious Opera House. �TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract.................................................................................................(page not numbered) Acknowledgments ………………………………………………………………………ii Dedication ……………………………………………………………………………...iii Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………….…….iv Preface …. ……………………………………………………………………...…………v Chapter 1: Introduction……………………………………………………………..…..…1 Chapter 2: Literature Review ………….………………………….…...............................5 Chapter 3: From Razing to Renovation..............................................................................9 Chapter 4: The Foundation and Vaughn Lowther ............................................................20 Chapter 5: Larry Carrico Takes Over………………………………………….…….…..35 Chapter 6: Conclusion…………………………………………………………………...50 Works Cited……….………………………..……………………………………………52 Appendix 1: Tibbits Datebook …………..…………………………………………….61 Appendix 2: Tibbits Ads & Photos …………..…………………………………..…….116 �Burdick, v PREFACE From my first show as an audience member at the young age of three, to a member of the Tibbits Summer Theatre company or design crew in my 20s and beyond, I have always been and continue to be fascinated by the history of the Tibbits Opera House. To date, only one book has been published on the Tibbits Opera House by Carolyn Gillespie, who used the Tibbits as her dissertation subject in the 1970s and compiled the history of the theater from 1882 to 1904. The only other compiled information about the Tibbits is an independent project on the year of 1912 and the John T. Jackson management period that I myself completed several years ago. It currently is available via hard copy at the Tibbits office or the Branch District Library Holbrook Heritage Room or online at the Branch District Library website. While the creation of this thesis would satisfy my own need for answers surrounding the renovation of the 60s, with the current restoration of the Tibbits and the questions of all of the history surrounding the building, it is clear that the rest of the Coldwater community is interested in learning about the different periods of use that the Tibbits has provided. I have been curious as to how the opera house could have been in such disrepair that it was going to be razed as well as the overwhelming effort made by the people of Coldwater to save the Tibbits and ensure that this great structure would continue to provide live theatre to future generations. From that curiosity, this thesis has been created. �Burdick, 1 Chapter 1: Introduction For more than a century, the stage of the Tibbits Opera House has been a hub of entertainment and spectacle for audiences both young and old. From its opening in 1882 until the present, such celebrated actors, comedians and musicians as Ethel Barrymore, Jeff Daniels, Joseph Cotton, and even John Philip Sousa have graced the stage (US 12 Heritage Trail). When Barton S. Tibbits constructed the opera house in 1882, with its primitive gas-powered sconces, massive crystal chandelier, and plush red velvet decor, he knew he had built one of the finest opera houses in the country, and the Coldwater community enthusiastically supported his project as much as they could. Unfortunately, the financial burden became too much for him to shoulder, so he ultimately sold the only two years later to Joseph Henning for a mere $13,000, half of Tibbits’ original cost to build (Professional Roofing Magazine). Like Tibbits, Henning’s financial struggles caught up to him, and in 1894 he turned over the management of the theater to his son-in-law, John T. Jackson, who married Henning’s daughter Huldah. Together, they successfully managed the theatre for 27 years (History of Executive Directors), hosting a variety of musicals, plays, lectures, magic shows, and even circuses (Burdick). The Tibbits adapted to the times, changing from a live performance and vaudeville house into a movie house in the 1920s, under ownership of Dennis and Estella Vanes (History of Executive Directors). The building’s appearance changed, too, and the ornate outside façade was stripped down, bricked over, and appointed with a more modern look when William Schulte bought the theater in 1934. Schulte continued managing the Tibbits as a movie theatre until the advent of home televisions in the 1950s, �Burdick, 2 when people no longer had to leave their homes for entertainment. Interestingly enough, though, Schulte owned more than one theater in Coldwater at the time, and continued to show movies in the new Main, which he purchased with Robert H. Moore in 1942 (“Partners Open”). The Tibbits sat vacant from 1954 until the late 1950s, when Schulte planned to raze the Tibbits and covert the location into a much-needed parking lot (“Players Have Less Than One Week to Buy Tibbits”). The outcry from the Coldwater community over the Tibbits’ impending destruction was great, so Schulte announced in the fall of 1959 that the Coldwater Players, a community theatre group, would be given the deed if they could raise $7,500 to purchase it (“Fund for Saving the Tibbits Begins to Grow in Coldwater”). The Coldwater Players did just that, struggling with fundraisers and donation requests for almost four years. They not only needed to raise the money for the loan on the building, but also make numerous repairs to the aging structure. Along with cosmetic improvements, like new paint, wallpaper, and carpet, more costly repairs, like a new roof, a new heating and air system, and a sprinkler system were essential to the theater’s operational success (“Inspection Stalls Tibbits Campaign”). Reaching an operational state demanded years of donations and arduous labor, but by the end of 1962, the Tibbits Opera Foundation, a nonprofit theater organization with a board of directors, was formed to oversee the operations of the theater (Dec 1962 Tax Record). Though the community supported the renovation of the theater, contributing in capital and in labor, the Tibbits struggled financially. George Vaughn Lowther was hired in November, 1963, to manage the Tibbits, and it was during this time that use of the Tibbits increased substantially both in frequency and variety, which Lowther credits to �Burdick, 3 Foundation Board President Stilson, who “was the guiding light that made it happen” (Personal Interview). While Lowther remained at the Tibbits for only one year, he was the one responsible for first outfitting the Tibbits with theatrical lights, which he remembers acquiring from a theater in Detroit that was in the process of closing. In the summer of 1964, he became the production manager for the American Theatre Festival (ATF), which brought to the Tibbits eleven shows (“Season Tickets Still Available”) that were zealously supported by the local community (“Productive Initial Season at Tibbits”). The Foundation was in the process of determining their course of action and doing the best they could with the project they had undertook, but dissention and hostility surrounded the managerial positions. Lowther said that even though he was known as the theater manager, his job was more like that of a production manager (Personal Interview). By winter of 1964, Lowther had left the Tibbits and was working in Sarasota, Florida. According to a letter written by Ken Kohn to the Board, he had been approached by the Tibbits Foundation President V. M. Stilson to take on another managerial position that fall. Apparently, things did not proceed as planned, even though Kohn moved his family up to Coldwater from Indiana for the position. It seemed as though Kohn was strung along for months by the Foundation Board, and it wasn’t until January of 1965 that Kohn addressed the board in a letter, stating that he had been working as many as eighty hours per week without being paid. His most notable complaint, aside from the financial issues, was that he had gotten word that the Foundation was looking to hire a new manager, yet he was never told that he had been terminated (Kohn Letter to President Patterson). The Foundation teamed up with the ATF (sans Kohn) to produce summer stock in 1965, with Larry Carrico hired as the stage manager, technical director, and scenic �Burdick, 4 designer (“Detroiter Handling Stage Management”). A month later, he was interviewed for the theater manager position, and by fall he was hired and began his duties at the Tibbits part-time alongside his teaching job at Lakeland School (July 1965 Board Meeting). ATF did not return for the 1966 summer stock season, with the Board deciding that summer stock would be a suitable venture for the Tibbits instead. With the blessing from the Foundation Board, Carrico forged ahead with hiring a professional company and crew for the summer. A profit was turned, and Carrico was offered the theatre manager job full-time, starting that September (August 1965 Board Meeting Minutes), where he remained until December of 1981. Carrico became known as the man who saved the Tibbits, though the “Save the Tibbits” drive had begun years before he arrived. To Carrico’s credit, he was the one who began the Tibbits Summer Theatre program, he continued to press ahead with fundraising and labor with the renovation, and to date, he has been the longest hired theater manager/executive director that the Tibbits has ever had, logging sixteen and a half years of service. Since the management of the Vaughn Lowther and Carrico years, several other executive directors have filled the position, serving from as little as one month to as long as thirteen years. Beginning her tenure in November of 2001, Christine Delaney is the current executive director (History of Executive Directors). Delaney, along with the Foundation Board of Directors and long-time Tibbits Artistic Director Charles Burr, can be credited with spearheading the latest Tibbits restoration project, in which the beautiful façade, Victorian gingerbreading, cupola, balcony, and even the bust of Shakespeare, were restored. �Burdick, 5 Chapter 2: Literature Review The Tibbits Opera House is important not only because of the cultural awareness that it brings to the small city of Coldwater and its surrounding areas, but also because it exemplifies incalculable community support and involvement. At a time when theaters across the country were being flattened if they had not already been burned down, the Tibbits was given a new life by being converted into a movie theater in the 30s. It was revitalized again in the 60s with the “Save the Tibbits” campaign, and it was yet again reawakened several years ago, when the façade was completely restored to its original 1882 grandeur. It has put Coldwater on the map as a winner of the 2013 Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation and has managed to rise from the shadow of the wrecking ball to become one of the “top 10 places to see the lights off Broadway” (USA Today). A comprehensive history of the Tibbits has yet to be conceived. Aside from this documentation, the only other records of the history of Tibbits that have been compiled are Carolyn Gillespie’s dissertation, which focuses on 1882 to 1904, and my own research on one year of the Jackson management--1912. This thesis focuses on 1959 to 1966, but there are gaps in the historic compilations of the periods 1904 to 1911, 1913 to 1959, and 1966 to the present. It would be beneficial to have a breakdown of each period of management in terms of renovation/restoration, as well as the various art forms that the theater has presented over the years. Further study could be completed on any or all of these time periods. The rise of the cinema era must have been fascinating, with technology and renovations infusing the theater’s design and operation. Another �Burdick, 6 enhancement to the Tibbits archives would be the compilation of all data surrounding the restoration of the 2000s. I liken the restoration of the 2000s with the renovation of the 1960s: Neither could have been completed without unflagging determination and community support. The focus of this study—a historical account of the period between 1959 and 1966—is as complete as possible, and not without certain informational gaps. Those who were alive and residing in the Coldwater area during the start of the renovation have since passed on or have only vague memories of the events during that time. The Foundation wasn’t established until 1962, which was several years into the campaign, so there are no records or meeting minutes to provide details of events before 1962; there is only hearsay and local folklore about what actually happened. The articles from The Daily Reporter, the local newspaper, have not been organized into any sort of index, so the daunting and time-consuming task of scanning through almost 2,500 issues of newspapers, turned up roughly 1,120 articles, advertisements, and corresponding photos of the Tibbits. Luckily, The Daily Reporter extensively covered the advent of the “Save the Tibbits” campaign in 1959, the renovation efforts of 1961 and beyond, and the productions that occurred throughout; however, newspaper coverage on the Tibbits was almost nonexistent in 1960, with only one article appearing. Beyond 1960, most of the articles that appeared in The Daily Reporter came straight from the Foundation minutes, but The Daily Reporter writer Kathy Tarr then began promoting Tibbits events before, during and after they occurred. Current Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney has been excited about this project since I first approached her, and she has allowed me access to the Tibbits archives, as well as the information that she has collected over the years. The archives do �Burdick, 7 shed some light on the internal workings of the Foundation Board, but since the minutes are mere summaries of meetings, it can presumed that more detailed discussions occurred in the two-hour long meetings that were not documented in the minutes, which were sometimes only one page long. The few personal letters that have been donated and archived have helped in the process of sorting out those dates and events that were glossed over in the Foundation minutes. Perhaps the most valuable research tool was discovered after I posted a plea for help on the “I Grew Up in Coldwater” facebook page, which has served as a meeting place for those who share a love of history and of Coldwater in particular. I publicized my upcoming thesis project, and was promptly contacted by Mr. Terry Mulchahey, who had conducted as much of his own research as possible on the Tibbits via the Internet, and whose father was a member of the Coldwater Players in the 1960s. Mulchahey began his research because: I felt that the Coldwater Players were… being overlooked or that their story would be forgotten. The preservation of the Tibbits was and is built one effort at a time. If any of the previous efforts had not occurred, the Tibbits might have been razed. Without the Players’ purchase, it would have been razed. Without the work of the Foundation, the theater might very well have fallen back into disuse and abandonment. I am immensely proud of the role the Players had and my father's participation. So to state it briefly, I began the research to ensure that the contribution of the Coldwater Players to the saving of the Tibbits was documented. (Personal Interview) �Burdick, 8 Mr. Mulchahey supplied me with not only a collection online archives from Box Office magazine, but also names of several contacts, including the first manager of Tibbits, George Vaughn Lowther, who was located in Las Vegas as a retired hypnotist. Mr. Mulchahey also sent me a flash drive that contained tax record information, aerial photographs of Coldwater, and a host of other related photos and articles. Mr. Vaughn Lowther was kind enough to respond to my emails, and began the process of searching for documents that I might find interesting. He supplied me with several articles from The Daily Reporter that I also noticed in the archives at the library, and he also scanned and sent me personal items: a letter written on Tibbits letterhead that he had sent to his family when he was hired, saying that he wasn’t going to make it home for Thanksgiving; a full-page newspaper spread from the Fort Wayne paper that detailed, with photographs, the events at the Tibbits; and even several autographed headshots of famous performers who had passed through the Tibbits during his term as manager. This thesis is the culmination of a process of gathering newspaper articles from the Holbrook Heritage Room archives in the Branch District Library, gathering information from the other sources listed above via email and phone conversations, reading and sorting all of the information chronologically, and synthesizing it into the following chapters. It is my hope that the Coldwater community never ceases to recognize and appreciate the gem that they have in the Tibbits Opera House, and that it continues to thrive as a cultural and historical centerpiece of the small town and its surrounding areas. �Burdick, 9 Chapter 3: From Razing to Renovation Information surrounding the Tibbits Opera House during the late 1950s is scant. Those who were heavily involved in the renovation process have since passed away, others have only a vague recollection of that time, and others were only slightly involved. There are several surviving documents of the Coldwater Players minutes that have become part of the Tibbits Archives, but aside from that and several mentions in the local paper, The Daily Reporter, much information has been lost. It is safe to say that if the Coldwater Players had not become involved with the “Save the Tibbits” campaign, the Tibbits would surely have been razed and turned into a parking lot, according to owner William Schulte’s plan. The community theatre group had been granted from Schulte use of the Tibbits as a performance venue, and had produced several shows there in the late 1950s, including Charlie’s Aunt in 1958 (Anders). By June of 1958, the Players had already been contemplating the future of Tibbits and how it could reclaim its former vitality in the community. A group of ten individuals, consisting of Duane Davidson (chairman), Les Wise, Frankie Gay, Bud Stoughton, Bert Weasley, Red Baldwin, Robert MacDonald, Charles Fisk, Charles Hill and Charles Sparkes, became a temporarily appointed Board of Trustees for the Tibbits Community Theatre Planning Committee, which was formed prior to June 5, 1958 (June 1958 Planning Committee Meeting Minutes). In one of the only surviving meeting minutes, the group discussed possible uses of the Tibbits, which were determined to be “general possibilities” (June 1958 Planning Committee Meeting Minutes). The following Monday, on June 9, 1958, the Committee sent a survey to various community groups and/or �Burdick, 10 companies, seeking suggestions for how people would use the Tibbits if the Players purchased it and “rejuvenated it for use as a community building” (Franc Gay Letter to Gentlemen). Responses to the Players’ inquiry are unknown, as this letter was one of only two pieces of documentation for 1958. At that same June meeting, the group discussed a cost estimate for the basic monthly operation of the building, which estimated heat at $500, lights at $250, fire insurance at $18.50, taxes at $641, and maintenance at about $400. Renovation needs were listed and identified as seat overhaul, entry, foyer, ceiling, backstage, marquee, lighting and wiring; securing specific bids for the project would aid them in deciding how much needed to be raised (June 1958 Planning Committee Meeting). It appears that this group met monthly, as the next proposed meeting date at the bottom of the minutes stated that the group should set its next meeting for no later than July 10, 1958. In 1959, it appears that only two events occurred at the Tibbits—the annual Rotary minstrel show in March (“Rotary Minstrel Show Ad”), and a variety show in May that was sponsored by both the Coldwater Players and the Sturges-Young Players, a community theatre group from Sturgis, MI, several towns west of Coldwater (“Back to the 90s”) . Until word came in October that Schulte planned to either sell or demolish the Tibbits, the Tibbits stage remained unused, and publicity on it was nonexistent. On October 30, 1959, the town became aware that it might lose the Tibbits, as headlines of The Daily Reporter read, “Players Have Less Than One Week to Buy Tibbits.” The article states that The Schulte Amusement Company had plans to “proceed with demolition of the structure unless the Players exercise a purchase option by the early part of next week.” From there, the Coldwater Players began their crash campaign to raise funds to save the theater, with the target goal of $7,500, per Schulte’s request �Burdick, 11 (“Players Have Less Than One Week to Buy Tibbits”). From October of 1959 until January of 1960, The Daily Reporter covered the progress of the Coldwater Players’ campaign. In one month’s time, the Players managed to collect almost $2,500 in contributions (“Inspection Stalls Tibbits Campaign”), and they were fortunate to learn that Schulte did not hold firm to his purchase deadline, allowing the Players more time than he had originally agreed upon. Along with trying to raise the necessary funds to purchase the Tibbits, there was the matter of bringing the building up to code, which became an additional burden to the Players. An inspection report at the end of November showed that the dressing rooms needed to be removed and replaced, an approved automatic sprinkler system needed to be installed, a new boiler room had to be constructed, an emergency exit needed to be added to the north side of the building, and new construction and equipment was needed in the stage area (“Inspection Stalls Tibbits Campaign”). By December 1, 1959, the deadline for the payment to Schulte loomed, and the contributions were at only $3,400 (“Tibbits Campaign Deadline is Near”). Though the Players didn’t have enough to pay Schulte in full, they gave his company a down payment of $1,500 the week of December 11, 1959, with the agreement that they would pay the balance within five years (“Players Make Initial Payment”). Despite the list of necessary improvements, including the sudden need for a new heating plant, the Tibbits remained open for business in 1960 to the Coldwater Players, who produced House on the Cliff and The Girls in 509 (Huet Letter to Patrons). Aside from that, the theater was dark most of the year, with nothing happening in the way of publicity after February. The only other information from that year was a tax record, showing that the tax bill was consigned to the Coldwater Players in July (Branch County �Burdick, 12 Tax Record). In 1961, the Coldwater Players made headlines full-force with their “Save the Tibbits” campaign. Monthly minutes for the newly formed Tibbits Theatre Board of Trustees, which included Sanford Jolly (chairman), Judy Miller, Howard Thompson, and Cliff Huet, began being documented. The initial meeting, on January 5, 1961, was held in order to create a draft of rules for the Tibbits: it would be non-profit and selfmaintaining; booking would be handled by Paula Weller, the Coldwater Players business manager; and the Players would be given preferential treatment for use of the building. The group also began planning a drive to raise money for the repairs needed, and bids for furnace repair were discussed (January 5 1961 Meeting Minutes). According to an article in The Daily Reporter on January 9, 1961, the Board launched a $2,000 campaign for improvements to the theater (“Campaign for Tibbits Theater Opens Today”). The Coldwater Players made the initial push to save the Tibbits, and that was the beginning of the community rally to save their theatre. The Players spread the word and enlisted other service groups and local businesses to join in with their time, talent, and donations for the renovation of the Tibbits. In January, Woodward Building Materials offered to repair the furnace and donate the labor (“Campaign for Tibbits Theater Opens Today”); Coldwater Concrete Products Co. donated 300 cement blocks for the construction of a fire wall, with Russell Belt agreeing to construct it; and Sweet’s Electric repaired the motor for the furnace and offered to check and replace the wiring (“Strong Support Shown for Theater Project”). The Coldwater Key Club, which was the Kiwanis Club’s high school division, carried the cement blocks into the basement (“Boost for Theater Project”). Work on the theater continued in February, with local mason and carpenter Karly �Burdick, 13 Staley creating the concrete block furnace room with help from Belt and Stanley Cuthbert (“Tibbits Campaign is Nearing its Goal for Rehabilitation”). While work was being done on the furnace room in the basement, there was a flurry of activity upstairs on the main level from local service groups. The Daily Reporter ran photos almost daily that showed the progress on the theater: Coldwater Exchange Club refurbished the main seating area, the Rotary club worked on the dressing rooms and hallway backstage, and the Lions Club conducted a general cleanup of the Tibbits (“Lions Clean Up Tibbits”). The Tibbits Theatre Board of Trustees (often referred to as the Coldwater Players Board of Trustees) met again in February. At this meeting, the chairmen chose a rose shade of paint for the walls of the foyer, and a mint color for the ceiling. There was also mention of obtaining the original chandelier, repairing it, and installing it (February 2 1961 Minutes), but no further mention of locating or repairing the chandelier was made in 1961. In other renovation news, three fire doors were donated by Federal Mogul in February, which Tibbits trustee chairman Sanford Jolly said was a large item in the repair budget (“Fire Doors Donated to Theater”). March brought a final push of work to the theater, with Robert Blosser and Wayne Harmon painting the proscenium, the Rotary Club painting the dressing rooms, and Kiwanis members performing another general cleanup of the theater (“Coldwater Service Clubs Help Out”). The Jaycees also lent a hand with cleaning and with painting the lobby and stairway to the balcony (“Rehabilitation Continues: Paint Theater Lobby, Stairway”). Donations from the community poured in, with Douglas Manufacturing Co. of Bronson and the Sweeny Buick-Pontiac Co. donating cleaning equipment; Legg Lumber, Ideal Wallpaper, and Montgomery Ward donating paint (“Work on Tibbits is Reviewed by Trustees”); and Blaski Construction Co. donating scaffolding �Burdick, 14 (“Rehabilitation Continues: Paint Theater Lobby, Stairway”). While originally the Tibbits was scheduled to have its grand opening with a Coldwater Players presentation of Three Men on a Horse on April 8 or 9, 1961, but by the March board meeting, it was obvious that both the grand opening and the show would be delayed. Whether or not the Players had actually been rehearsing for the show at the time is unclear, as no publicity was done for it aside from a quick mention of both the show and the grand opening in a February article in The Daily Reporter (“Fire Doors Donated to Theater”). The Players did go onstage that summer to present Bull in a China Shop, which had a “disappointing” audience turnout of only 150 people for the two-night run (“China Shop is Presented Here”). The Players’ other show in 1961, Pure as the Driven Snow, also had a two-night run in December. While there were several articles and photos advertising the show, no subsequent review was found. Along with the Players using the Tibbits, the annual Rotary minstrel show was held at the theater the end of April and played to a packed house. The show received rave reviews for its “100 minutes of memorable melodies, razor-sharp comedy, snappy dancing, surprise specialties, colorful costumes and scenery, and effective lighting” (“Rotary Minstrel Scores Hit”). The Sweet Adelines also performed a western musical variety show titled Sagebrush Seranade, along with the Banjo-Tainers of Muskegon joining as part of the evening’s entertainment (“Banjo Trio to Appear Here”). Like the Coldwater Players’ performance, the Sweet Adelines were given newspaper coverage before the show, but no review afterwards. The only other event that was held at the Tibbits that year was a Brothers of the Brush and Centennial Belles meeting (“Brothers, Belles Meet”), and the Tibbits acted as housing for the Greater Coldwater Centennial headquarters for less than a month, from �Burdick, 15 May 16 to June 1 (“Centennial Office at Tibbits Theater” and “Centennial Office Headquarters Moved”). By December of 1961, just over two years after the Players launched their fundraising campaign, they started to acquire bids for estimates of completely renovating the building. Work on the theater had certainly been completed at the beginning of the year, but no other renovations had taken place since March. The City requested an inspection by the state fire marshal, and the news he gave them was grim: the Players needed to raise an additional $39,000 to make the building safe by adding a sprinkler system and an asbestos curtain; the roof and chimney needed to be repaired; and other general repair was needed. The Players had $6,000 remaining mortgage balance. On December 4, 1961, the fire marshal ordered that the Tibbits be closed until the repairs could be made (“Stock Offered to Theatre Project”). Word travels fast in a small town. Even though the Tibbits’ closing wasn’t publicized until December 15, news of closing proliferated. The same day that the press release of its closing appeared, the same article noted that an anonymous donor gave 140 shares of General Foods stock (valued at $13,300) to the Tibbits fund, assuming that the City of Coldwater would accept and operate the building (“Stock Offered to Theatre Project”). Though the Players had worked tirelessly trying to raise funds for the theater, it was an insurmountable burden, and there was talk that the Tibbits would be successful only if the City took over the building. All the work that had been accomplished to save the theater seemed to have been futile after hearing the fire marshal’s order, but the tenacity of the Coldwater Players showed in their next move— at the start of the new year, they organized and launched a drive for the rehabilitation of the Tibbits (“Players Group Opens Drive for Theater Funds”). �Burdick, 16 On the backs of the announcement of the fund drive, donations started coming in. The Sweet Adelines pledged $1,000, Rotary promised their support, the Coldwater Players donated $100 (“Theater Goal and Deadline Set” and “Tibbits Fund Committee to Meet Tonight”), and somewhere between December of 1961 and a Coldwater City Council meeting in January of 1962, the total amount to be raised for the Tibbits grew from $39,000 to $55,000. At that meeting, City Manager G. W. Collins presented a revised estimate of costs, which actually totaled $67,300, but taking into account the donated stock that was valued at $13,300, Collins presented a new figure of $55,000 to be raised. Council members had serious discussions for two hours about the City of Coldwater taking over the theatre’s title, and by a seven to two vote, the motion was made that the City would accept the title if certain conditions were met, like the results of an engineering study and a deadline to raise funds by April 1(“Theater Goal and Deadline Set”). Even though the City agreed to take on this task, the Coldwater Players, now under the title of the Tibbits Fund Committee, still organized and executed the 60-day fund campaign (“Tibbits Fund Committee to Meet Tonight”). The actual kickoff date was not until February 1, 1962, but donations started coming in before that. The Coldwater Moose Lodge held a benefit dinner for Tibbits (“Moose Plan Opera House Benefit”), an antiques auction held at Porter Furniture Store netted $240 (“Tibbits Auction Nets $240 Total”), and Coldwater High School students presented Tibbits with a check for $23.25 (“Students Donate to Tibbits Fund”). Some donations were certainly more substantial than others, but most of the larger gifts were anonymously donated. Aside from the $13,300 General Foods stock, another anonymous donor gave 100 shares of US Steel stock, valued at approximately $7,000 (“New Tibbits Donation”). �Burdick, 17 It seemed as though all of Coldwater pitched in what it could to help save the theater. The Coldwater Fortnightly Musical Club sponsored a kitchen tour as a benefit (“Kitchen Tour for Tibbits Benefit Set”), and the American Legion sponsored a benefit that netted another $160 for the cause (“American Legion Benefit”). A block-by-block canvass of the city for donations was organized by Fund Drive Committee volunteer Dorothy Aitchison and co-chairman Margaret Hayes, in which an additional $9,000 was collected (“Canvass for Tibbits Funds is Planned”). A running list of the names of donors was updated every week in the paper— presumably to not only thank those who had donated, but also encourage more people to donate— and by the first part of April, donations reached $36,000 as the campaign drew to a close (“Tibbits Campaign Is Nearing Climax”). The $55,000 was not met by the deadline that was given by the City Council, but it was clear to everyone that the goal could be met with more time. Hence, the Council granted a 90-day extension for meeting the $55,000 goal (“Council Grants 90-Day Extension to Tibbits Drive”). Meanwhile, from February until May, things were happening across the street from the Tibbits. The old garage building that was once used as a scene shop for building and painting the theater’s sets was being torn down (“Old Landmark Disappearing”). By May, there was no trace that a building had ever stood there, and a parking lot was created in its place, complete with curbs and gutters (“New Parking Lot Being Improved”). This free parking lot was one of the first parking lots in the city, and it just happened to be located in an area of town that would be the most beneficial for the Tibbits. Prior to that parking lot’s creation, patrons had been limited to street parking. Summertime brought about an engineer’s report on the Tibbits, which informed everyone that the building was structurally sound, with one minor repair outstanding— �Burdick, 18 strengthening the capacity in the stage area (“Tibbits Structurally Sound, Says Report of 2 Engineers”). Engineers Vance Gray and Daniel Stolarski of Raymond E. Roose Associates of Toledo, OH examined the Tibbits, along with local architect (and Tibbitslover) Jerry Fair (“Engineers Check Tibbits Today”), with monies for the report provided by the Sweet Adelines group (“Plans Mapped on Tibbits Campaign”). Summer also brought another benefit in the form of a “Tibbits Twist Night” dance contest, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce (“Coldwater to Twist for Tibbits”). Aside from that, campaigning for the Tibbits seemed nonexistent that summer, and the City of Coldwater moved out of the picture as potential owner of the Tibbits. By September, articles in The Daily Reporter began to appear sporadically, but the focus shifted from monetary donations and progress at the theater to the historical documentation on the theater. Part of the original glass chandelier from 1882, presumably created in Czechoslovakia, turned up in the attic of local couple Mr. & Mrs. Fred Kaiser. The entire contents of the Tibbits boxes that they found—196 six-inch glass prisms, 53 three-inch prisms, 25 feet of jewel crystal chains, nine pieces of inch and a quarter crystal discs in a lace pattern, 75 pieces of ¾ inch crystal circles, one large fourinch crystal drop, and an envelope of handmade wire hooks—were donated back to the Tibbits (Bovee). Another donation to the Tibbits in September was several souvenir tickets, one of which was an opening night ticket with B.S Tibbits’ signature on it, the other an admission ticket for “Forty-five Minutes from Broadway” with George M. Cohan’s signature on the back, which Miss Maude Ramsdell found among the belongings of her sister, the late Mrs. Ed Allen (“Tibbits Momentos Found in Home”). Discussion of forming a non-profit corporation for the Tibbits began in October, with the new Tibbits committee consisting of representatives from various Coldwater �Burdick, 19 organizations (“Tibbits Corporation Being Organized”). Supporters who had previously donated to the $55,000 fund drive were contacted about releasing the money to the Executive Tibbits Theater Committee so that work could begin, and by December, the Tibbits Executive Committee had heard back from most donors, agreeing to the release of funds. Minutes from the December meeting also show that Art Lyon and Richard Birringer provided legal help to the committee to form the corporation as the Tibbits Theatre Foundation, and that new officers Les Woodward, president; Robert Yingling, vice president; Margaret Hayes, treasurer; and Franc Gay, secretary, were elected (December 6 1962 Meeting Minutes). On December 12, 1962, the Tibbits officially formed an incorporation, on December 31, 1962, the tax bill was consigned to the Tibbits Theater Foundation, and with that, the Tibbits Opera Foundation was born. �Burdick, 20 Chapter 4: The Foundation & Vaughn Lowther By January of 1963, the Foundation had contacted and received approval for transfer of funds to the Foundation from nearly 100% of the donors. The press release mentioned that only one person chose to have a donation returned, and at press time, there were eleven other donors who had been contacted but had not yet responded (“Tibbits Repairs to Start”). The Tibbits effort was quiet again for the next few months, at least publicity-wise. There must have been more financial planning during this time, but no Foundation minutes exist until May, when both The Daily Reporter and Foundation minutes show that the Board had been looking at finances to receive the additional $26,000 that was needed for re-opening the theater (“Tibbits Repairs to get Underway Here July 10th”). The Executive Board of the Tibbits Foundation expanded in May to include more members from various community organizations and businesses, and they discussed securing a loan for the $26,000 at 6% interest, repayable over three years’ time. In order to secure that loan, though, they needed to have $40,000 in notes signed by reputable individuals. Under the canvassing leadership of V. M. Stilson (known around town as General Stilson, or even just “the General”), the Board began its search for 133 donors who would pledge $100 per year for four years, which would more than adequately satisfy the balance of the loan (May 7 1963 Executive Meeting Minutes). The remaining balance of funds from those donors would be applied to the operating expenses to ensure operation of the Tibbits for the first six years (“Tibbits Repairs to Get Underway Here July 10th”). Up until this point, the focus of the “Save the Tibbits” campaign had landed �Burdick, 21 squarely on the people of Coldwater. By June, the Foundation Board decided to expand its campaign and reach out to all of Branch County for donation requests (June 3 1963 Executive Meeting Minutes). Another anonymous donation, in the form of $1,500, came by the middle of June, and The Daily Reporter reported that a number of people had already agreed to sign notes for the $400 (“Tibbits Progress Excellent”). At the end of June, local music shop Music Mart and owner Wayne Feller donated a standard 9-foot concert grand piano (“Tibbits to Have Concert Grand”). The Board scheduled the fund drive to end on July 10 and begin repairs at that time, but eight days from their proposed end date, they found themselves with only 35 willing donors, just one-third of their target number of donors (“Tibbits Fund Drive One Third to the Top”). Stilson asked to extend the drive to make it a success, and was granted that extension at the July board meeting (July 9 1963 Board Meeting Minutes). The Foundation seemed to have undertaken a project that was larger than anticipated, and several of the Foundation’s Board members attended the school board meeting in July, where they proposed that the school board take over the ownership of the theater (“School Board Ownership of Tibbits Theater Proposed”). There was some discussion during the school board meeting about the pros and cons of the school board owning the theater, but by September members of the Foundation Board had changed their minds again, and they made plans to pay off the land contract and claim the theater as the sole property of the Foundation (“Tibbits Title to be Cleared” and September 6 1963 Board Meeting Minutes). Like every volunteer organization, the Foundation Board members had their share of personality conflicts, and in August, Mr. Yingling resigned. President Woodard also turned in his letter of resignation, listing his reason as the overwhelming demands of the �Burdick, 22 office. General V. M. Stilson was voted in as the new president (August 20 1963 Board Meeting Minutes). Over the course of the summer, the Foundation hired Fair & Robinson Architectural Firm to make plans for restoring the theater. In a The Daily Reporter article titled “Tibbits Plans Are Underway,” Stilson emphasized that “Our plans are to restore the theater—not just renovate it. We are interested in obtaining descriptions of how the interior and exterior used to look from anyone having such information” (“Tibbits Plans are Underway”). Even though the money was not totally secured by this time, the Board pushed ahead with plans to fix the heating and install a new sprinkler system. They then projected the theater’s opening date to be sometime in October (“Tibbits Plans are Underway”). In September, Foundation Secretary Franc Gay sent a letter to the Branch County Board of Supervisors, the Coldwater City Council, and Mayor Olen Fry, petitioning the removal of current tax assessments for the Tibbits and removal from the tax roll. In the letter, Gay asked the leaders to consider removing the theater from the tax roll due to the fact that “The Tibbits Theatre Foundation is a non-profit organization in the process of developing the civic project with which you are all familiar. Its purpose is to advance the welfare and cultural interests of Coldwater and Branch County” (Franc Gay Letter to Branch County Board of Supervisors). By October 13, the Foundation Board had received word from the Branch County Board of Supervisors that the tax exemption had been granted. The minutes from the October meeting noted that the Board expected to hear from the City of Coldwater on the matter shortly thereafter, which they did (October 13 1963 Board Meeting Minutes). October brought another flurry of renovation activity at the theater, with Roussey Construction Company hired for refurbishing the dressing rooms, and repairing the �Burdick, 23 plaster and roof; Michigan Chandelier Company was contacted about restoring the large chandelier; and local volunteers continued work on the wallpaper and paint. The Foundation Board continued to dream big with their new goal of renovation and restoration, and local architect Jerry Fair started working on plans for remodeling the dressing rooms and adding a lounge and rehearsal area in the basement. The Historical Society expressed some interest in establishing a museum in the basement (October 13 1963 Board Meeting Minutes). One of the major projects in the theater was the installation of the new fire marshal appointed sprinkler system. In order to run water service and install the sprinkler system, there had to be some damage to the sidewalk and the street, but the City Council and the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities agreed to absorb the cost of fixing that anticipated damage (“City, BPU to Lend Hand to the Tibbits”). Even though the theater was scheduled to be opened in October, it did not happen. The Roger Williams concert that the Board scheduled was held at the Coldwater High School instead, with proceeds from the concert going to the Tibbits fund (“Roger Williams to Play in Coldwater October 23”). That the concert was not held at the Tibbits did not stop Roger Williams from visiting the building. He stopped in to view the restoration work, and after his tour was complete, he commented, “This is simply wonderful!” (“Artist Visits Theater”). Other inside projects of that autumn included a gas line being laid to the new heating equipment in the boiler room (“Tibbits Readied for Show”), an addition to the back of the main theater building to house the heating plant and air-conditioning equipment, and the addition of an asbestos fire curtain, which would be lowered to separate the stage from the audience in the event of an emergency (November 13 1963 �Burdick, 24 Board Meeting Minutes). While the dangers of asbestos are now known, and fire curtains are currently made of fiberglass or iron, in the 60s most fire curtains were made out of asbestos (“Safety Curtain”). Work was being completed not only on the inside of the building. The outside was due for a facelift, too, and from October 24 to November 5, 1963, the movie theater marquee was removed, the large electric Tibbits sign was dismantled, and the tile on the exterior’s front was removed, revealing the beautiful old brick and stone façade (“Face Changing”). As the front tile came down, many speculated whether or not the statue of Shakespeare’s bust would be found nestled in the small alcove near the roof of the theater. Unfortunately, it was never found. On Wednesday, November 20, 1963, history was made when the Tibbits reopened with a Grand Ole Opry performance, the first professional production held at the theater since before its cinema days (“Tibbits Readied for 1st Pro Production”). With a “starstudded” performance by Jimmy Dickens, Shirley Ray, Stonewall Jackson, Jimmy Newman, and Red Sovine, the pressure was on for the remodeling work to be completed on time. The day before the two evening performances, crews were scrambling to clean up the remodeling mess and have the Tibbits looking respectable for the first professional performance. At this time, the gas line was also being laid to the boiler room (“Tibbits Readied for Show”). Though the crew’s intention was to have the Tibbits in audienceready condition for the Grand Ole Opry performance, instead the audience endured the show in a theater with no heat, sitting for two hours in an “‘ice-box’ theater to watch and listen to the liveliest strumming, humming and shouting you’ve ever heard this side of the Mason-Dixon line” (Shattuck). Audience members may have been shivering in the 32-degree theater, but they �Burdick, 25 took comfort in the fact that they were entertained throughout the evening, and that the theater was open again. The Daily Reporter writer Kathryn Shattuck noted her feelings in a review following the performance: “Great progress has been made in bringing Tibbits back as a working theater but it has been a ‘blood, sweat and tears’ affair. Every nickel and dime has counted, and there is one thing about it all that matters most— we may all have colds as a result of last night’s performance, but the theater is safe [and] sound, and always will be because it is carefully supervised by all those interested in doing things right and in the best interests of Coldwater” (Shattuck). The Sweet Adelines were not keen on having their variety show play to a freezing audience on November 30 and December 1, so they moved their performance from the Tibbits to the Roosevelt Auditorium. They then moved their performance location back to the Tibbits three days before the show because the heat was fixed and “because of the exceptional job done by V. M. Stilson and the workmen connected with the project; the theatre is now in good enough condition to stage a complete production” (“Adelines’ Show to be at Tibbits”). Sometime in November or December of 1963, the Foundation Board hired the first theater manager, George Vaughn Lowther, who does not even recall applying for the job. Prior to the Tibbits, Lowther was a technical assistant for the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, which had a small staff of professional people, Lowther included. The Tibbits offered him room and board at Stukey’s Inn, as well as a stipend of about $50 per week, he recollects (Personal Interview). While his official title for the Tibbits was “Director of the Theater,” and his duties as outlined in the December Foundation minutes were to assist in helping the Players group get organized, direct them, look after things at the theater, and do public relations and publicity (December 10 1963 Board Meeting �Burdick, 26 Minutes), Lowther maintains that this was not his job description at all. Instead, he was more of a production manager than a business or theater manager and recalls: The Board handled the business of the theatre—the booking, the advertising…My real title should have been production manager because I came in from Fort Wayne Civic as a techie and so I was more like tech director, production manager, what-have-you. My billing on the ATF program is stage manager, and on the Tibbits part of it, technical director. It was up to the production manager to make sure that show gets in, works, and gets out; that the lighting person does what he needs to do; making sure that Agnes Moorhead has a rose in her dressing room; that sort of thing. (Personal Interview) By December 14, 1963, a production of Jack and the Beanstalk was shown twice, with Lowther using his contacts from his previous position at the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre to contract in the group (Tarr, “Manager-Director Engaged to Handle Tibbits Events”). In a full-page spread in the Fort Wayne newspaper in January, a photo appears of Lowther working on some dimmers. Lowther recalled that when he was hired in, there was no theatrical lighting system of any sort in the Tibbits. He vividly remembered procuring the dimmers. Lowther had become acquainted with the first cousin of the owner/editor of The Daily Reporter. Somehow, they found out about a theater in Detroit that was being torn down, so they made the trek to Detroit to retrieve those dimmers, salvaging between a dozen and eighteen of them: “I was responsible for outfitting the theater with lights. It was rudimentary and primitive, but it worked. The dimmers are the heart of the lighting system. I did that early on in the game. This was the techie in me, making things happen” (Personal Interview). Lowther remembered the dimmers being �Burdick, 27 the old-fashioned kind, the sort of dimmers that were used in theaters all over the world in an earlier era, that were “a coil of copper wire, encased in ceramic… 12 to 18 inches in diameter, and you would slide the contact point around to dim or brighten the lights” (Personal Interview). After the Fort Wayne Civic’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk, the only other December offering at the Tibbits was a community Christmas carol sing, sponsored by the Sweet Adelines and several local church choirs (“Community Caroling Slated for Tibbits”). The next year,1964, brought with it various performances from professional, community, and educational groups. January began with a soprano concert featuring Doris Yarick (“Renowned Singer to Sing in City Monday”) and the Chad Mitchell Trio benefit concert, which was held in the high school gymnasium to accommodate a larger crowd (“Chad Mitchell Trio Coming Here”), but the biggest draw in January was without a doubt a series of sketches from world famous plays and novels, titled “Come Close! I’ll Give You an Earful” with Agnes Moorhead. The review of the performance was beyond glowing with Moorhead’s “popularity proven” with a capacity audience: Miss Moorehead, who, it was discovered later, had designed the dress she wore, was still radiant with red hair and sparkling wit. The gown was an Empire style in pink organdy embroidered in gold. It offset her hair in such a way as to make her a picture of elegance even before she uttered a word. When she had begun her performance, however, the audience forgot all else and for one and one-half hours remained under the influence of her mesmerizing voice. (Tarr, “Capacity Audience Takes in Moorehead Appearance”) Lowther remembers that performance and Miss Moorehead. He reminisced, “I �Burdick, 28 had a ‘Thank You’ note from Agnes Moorehead. I had put a single rose in her dressing room before her arrival. She was used to getting whole bouquets, but I could only afford one [rose]. But she was very gracious and sent me a ‘Thank You’ note.” (Personal Interview). Following the performance, there was the opportunity for some to meet her at a reception given by the Stilsons in their home. In February, the Board issued a public request for donations of tables, lamps, vanity dressing tables, water pitchers, and mirrors to furnish the backstage area in preparation for future performances (“Need Items for Pajama Game”). The new red flocked wallpaper was hung by Lyle Barry, Gerald Clar, and Wayne Harmon the end of February, with Richard Dirschell painting the proscenium arch. The Tecumseh Players also brought in a production of The Pajama Game during this time, which had a mediumsized audience the first night and near-capacity audience for the second (“Tecumseh Troupe Plays to Good ‘Pajama Game’ House”). The cast had presented the standingroom-only show in Tecumseh prior to their Tibbits run, and arrived in Coldwater between 2:30 and 3pm the day of their first Tibbits showing. They needed time to rehearse (several hours) and adapt their show to the Tibbits stage, as their Tecumseh performances were theatre-in-the-round productions. The actors loved the acoustics, the dressing rooms, and the large stage, but they did comment that the stage was “a little splintery” (“Tecumseh Players Pleased With Theater”). Though January’s big draw was Agnes Moorehead’s performance, February’s was Joseph Cotten and Patricia Medina, playing to a full house in The Seven Ways of Love. That single performance—as The Daily Reporter put it— “scored” with the audience, and it grossed $3,500 in receipts. After the performance, another reception was held at the Stilson’s, where Medina raved about the theater, saying, “I love the �Burdick, 29 theatre…but Joe is insane about it,” to which Mr. Cotten added, “We hope that you’ll invite us back after it’s finished. We are quite enthusiastic about how it will look when it’s done” (“Cottens Score With Tibbits Crowd”). Mr. Cotten went on to liken the Tibbits to a theater in Sarasota, Florida, which was brought from Europe and reconstructed there (“Cottens Score With Tibbits Crowd”). The next few weeks brought more donations from both businesses and individuals, as well as the installation of a new flame-red velour main drape, which was donated by the local Rotary (“Rotarians Purchase Curtain”). March also brought a performance by the University of Michigan Glee Club (“Coming to Tibbits”), as well as a spring fashion show that was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce (“The Friars”). The most noteworthy event surrounding the Tibbits in March, however, was the beginning of the mural installation in the Tibbits’ lobby, by local Disney artist Alfred Parke. The mural, which is still a focal point in the Tibbits’ lobby, decorates the west and north walls of the lobby, approximately 500 square feet (“A Mural for the Tibbits”). Wayne Harmon and some of his men surfaced the walls with canvas, which Parke painted with oils. Jim Bryan, Bill Bobler, and Walter Johnson were given credit in The Daily Reporter for assistance providing materials, rigging, and décor details (“Progress Report on Tibbits Mural”). Though Parke’s creative mural certainly dressed up the lobby area, Lowther did not approve of its being installed: “I felt it was a little too Disney. I didn’t think it was in keeping with the history with the Tibbits,” he said (Personal Interview). Then again, Lowther asserted, “I was a techie; I was not the theater manager,” so per the Board’s request, the mural went up. April had a full slate of entertainment scheduled for the Tibbits, including the highly-anticipated Rotary minstrel show (“That Time of Year”), a free concert sponsored �Burdick, 30 by Music Mart (“Free Concert Monday”), Bob Newhart and the Outsiders (“Bob Newhart Ad”), the Tibbits Civic Theatre (formerly the Coldwater Players) production of Life With Father (“Tibbits Marquee”), a Coldwater High School variety show (“Variety Show Set April 24”), the comedic styling of pianist Henry L. Scott (“Pianist-Humorist Coming”), and a drum and bugle festival by the Blue Angels Drum and Bugle Corps. (“Drum, Bugle Festival to be at Tibbits”). May also had a variety of entertainment, mainly school concerts, and professional concerts of Wayne King and of the Virginia Symphony. Reviews of Wayne King and fellow performers Miss Evans and Jim Hayes were favorable, with reviewer Kathy Tarr noting not only the range and clear execution of the melody of the performances, but also the sense of nostalgia that the performances brought to the theater. One critique that Tarr did mention that “put a damper on the evening’s entertainment” was that “the entertainers felt the need for a microphone, which, with the acoustics of the Tibbits, is unnecessary. There were a number of times during the program when the music was far too loud for the audience” (“King Brings Back Memories”). The Fort Wayne Children’s Theatre appeared with a production of Reynard the Fox, and though one press release stated that tickets were selling well, the Foundation minutes for May tell another story. In Stilson’s report, he stated that the children’s theatre production was not successful, and though the Board handed out 5,000 circulars to every child (in the school system?), the response was minimal. Stilson continued to say that he felt the people in the county were not interested in children’s theatre, and he recommended not doing another children’s theatre production, but Mrs. Parke disagreed, stating that they should try one more production and cast local children in some parts to generate more interest (May 12 1964 Board Meeting Minutes). �Burdick, 31 Though more dance shows, lectures, and even an appearance by Mrs. America took place in May and June, the focus quickly shifted to the American Theatre Festival’s arrival in town. It seemed as though the entire town was excited to have the first professional summer stock season, as evidenced by an entire 18-page section of the newspaper devoted to it, and by the number of advertisers who supported that publication (The Daily Reporter). From the beginning of June until the close of the summer season in September, over 85 articles, ads, and photos promoting the summer season appeared in The Daily Reporter. While the Tibbits Foundation Board placed its own advertisements of upcoming shows, the Tibbits received twice the amount of advertising because Stukey’s Inn also promoted a dinner and theatre package for every show. The content in The Daily Reporter focused not only on the performers and the performances; a good variety of articles about the apprentices and designers also appeared. As is true today, most audiences have only a vague understanding of what it takes to mount a full production. Articles like “School Teacher Handles Theatrical Costume Making” helped to explain what process was used to create the costumes, with an outline of events: first, the costume designer Sally Dunlap drew a design for each character; then, costume mistress Tony Showalter fitted the actors; next, she bought the fabric; and finally, she constructed the costume (“School Teacher Handles Theatrical Costume Making”). Before the show Ten Nights in a Barroom opened, The Daily Reporter ran a feature article about an old-time backdrop that Al Parke created specifically for the show. All the signs on the backdrop contained real names, slogans, and products that were advertised by local businesses from 1894 to 1900. The backdrop, full of swirls and ads by local merchants, featured Van Akens livery, which advertised a taxi surrey to the train; �Burdick, 32 Battle Ax Plug Tobacco; oysters and clams at the Arlington; and even Bart Tibbits’ (founder of the Tibbits Opera House) old cigar factory (“Old-Time Backdrop Created”). The summer season would not have been possible were it not for the help of locals. On several occasions, the producers of the ATF solicited help from the community. At one point, several items that community members were asked to donate were office desks, long tables, and even a table saw (“Items Needed for Tibbits Productions”). At the end of July, the Foundation had secured a residence for some of its company members at 90 Division Street, and asked for furnishings for the home, which would be used that summer, the winter season, and the following summers. Items requested in this press release included lamps, chairs, dressers, rugs, and other living room furniture (“Festival Asks Help in Establishing Residence”). That first summer, the ATF produced eleven shows: Solid Gold Cadillac, The Pursuit of Happiness, The Man Who Came To Dinner, Under the Yum Yum Tree, Ten Nights in a Barroom, Mister Roberts, Girls in 509, Picnic, The Seven-Year Itch, Little Mary Sunshine, and Light Up the Sky, with each production running Tuesday through Sunday for a one-week engagement. Though Foundation minutes report that while summer stock was supported and well-attended, it did not turn a profit that summer. However, in exchange for use of the facilities, the ATF paid some $3,500-$4,000 in utility bills and improvements to the theater, like lighting and equipment, and the Foundation now also had approximately $5,000 in costumes and another $5,000 in scenery (September 22 1964 Board Meeting Minutes). The ATF producers stayed for a winter season and formed the Tibbits Repertoire Company with another professional company of actors, producing World of Carl Sandburg in October (“World of Carl Sandburg Opens Season at Tibbits”), Candida in �Burdick, 33 November (“Candida Opens Wednesday”), and Dial M for Murder along with Rapunzel & the Witch in December (“Dial ‘M’ for Murder Coming to Tibbits”). In August, Lowther sent out inquiries for other jobs, and by the fall, he was on his way to start his new job in Sarasota, Florida. Former theater rat and friend Billy Lee Harman remembers driving to Sarasota with Lowther through Hurricane Dora in his Corvair station wagon that September (Personal Interview). Why did Lowther leave, right when things seemed to be coming together for the Tibbits? Lowther’s memory of leaving was somewhat vague, clouded by 50 years of other memories. He admitted, “I must have seen the winds of change…I don’t remember any conversations about those changes, but I would say it was the change in the weather that I moved on” (Personal Interview). Along with the Tibbits Repertoire Company’s performances, that fall and winter brought a smattering of events—everything from the Sweet Adelines’ variety show, a satirical dance and pantomime show, concerts, plays, and travelogues. The main fall attraction was Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians (dance team Bud and Cece Robinson and singer Anita Bryant), who performed twice on November 9 to two standing-room-only audiences (“Lombardo, Miss Bryant Score With Audience Here”). The Board also made the decision in October to hire Burrill, Inc., a fundraising organization. They had considered the possibility of hiring a fundraising organization since January of 1964. Ralph Little, from Burrill, Inc., attended two October Board Meetings to discuss the plan for fundraising. The program was set to begin on October 12, at the cost of $9,000 in fees for Burrill’s services (financed by borrowing from the Branch Co. Savings Bank, as well as the Southern Michigan National Bank), with the amount to be raised at $200,000 (October 06 1964 Board Meeting Minutes). Lowther credits much of the Tibbits’ success to Stilson, who resigned from the �Burdick, 34 Foundation Board in December, shortly after Lowther’s departure from Coldwater. Lowther remembered: The early Board, starting before I got there, was in transition for several years….it was probably a matter of being a newly formed board of directors figuring out how to make this monster that they’re creating work. [Regarding] Stilson’s job—one of the ladies on the Board was commenting to me—and I’m paraphrasing here— that he was bringing in too many things...that this town wasn’t big enough for all of these events that he wanted to present… He may have been a bit of a bull in the china shop, but it wouldn’t have happened without him. He was the guiding force. He may have alienated people in the process, but he was the spark that created [the Tibbits’ success]. (Personal Interview) At the December Board meeting, Jerri Parke and Winifred Morency also tendered their letters of resignation, but Mrs. Morency’s was denied, so she agreed to remain on the Board. Roy Patterson was named the new president of the Foundation Board with Duane E. Davidson as vice president. With that, the year was over, and the search for a new theater manager was underway. �Burdick, 35 Chapter 5: Larry Carrico Takes Over New Year’s is a time for new beginnings, a time for a fresh start. The Board had just replaced half of its officers and needed to find someone to take over Lowther’s managerial position. Apparently, Lowther was not the only person managing the Tibbits’ affairs during 1964, since according to a letter written by Ken Kohn to President Patterson, Kohn had also been serving as manager for the Tibbits (Lowther speculates that Kohn was serving as more of a business manager than a theater or production manager, but it is quite possible that Kohn took over Lowther’s position after he left for Sarasota). In the letter, Kohn expresses disappointment with his last three months of “employment” at the Tibbits— he was never told he was being dismissed as manager, had not been paid what had been promised, had moved his family to Coldwater (and as such his wife had given up her job and they had lost money because of it), and he had recently heard that the Board was looking for a qualified and experienced theater manager (and he seemed offended that his extensive qualifications were being overlooked). Furthermore, he was upset by the rumors around town of his “inefficiency as a manager,” which was making it difficult for him to secure another job in the area (Ken Kohn Letter to President Patterson). Kohn’s complaint wasn’t addressed by the Board until the first June Board meeting, at which point President Patterson wrote him a letter, offering him the option to settle the dispute at $500 (June 8 1965 Board Meeting Minutes). By the second June Board Meeting, Kohn had accepted the Board’s offer (June 24 1965 Board Meeting Minutes). January had a slow start for offerings at the Tibbits. The high cost of bringing in performances with little foreseeable return (January 12 1965 Board Meeting Minutes) �Burdick, 36 resulted in the cancellation of Hal Holbrook performing his famous Mark Twain impersonation, Basil Rathbone with a dramatic presentation, and performances of Entrances & Exits, Caldonia, and another scheduled production by the ATF/Tibbits Repertoire Company. Rubinoff and his Violins appeared in January, with an audience of over 500, who excitedly endured a long wait in the lobby prior to the house being opened (“Rubinoff Wows Coldwaterites”). The buzz circulating Rubinoff and his Stradivarius violin was evident several days prior to his performance at the Tibbits, with an article in The Daily Reporter informing the public of the rarity of actually owning a Stradivarius violin, and information on how many fakes and copies had been produced. Only 540 authentic “Strads” were in existence, of which 163 were in the United States. Rubinoff happened to own one of those authentic Strads, which he had insured for $100,000 (“Many Believe They Possess Real Strad, Says Rubinoff”). According to that same article, those lucky enough to hear him at the Tibbits would “hear the lustrous tones of his world famous violin” (“Many Believe They Possess Real Strad, Says Rubinoff”). Following the performance, it was said that this, the first program held at the Tibbits for 1965, would “…be difficult to follow, and it was also the type of show of which there should be many more” (“Rubinoff Wows Coldwaterites”). The most expensive performers hired in January were Woody Herman and Roger Williams, at $1,500 and $2,000, respectively. The Board voted to take out a loan, with five members signing said loan and liable for $700 each in order to secure those performances (January 19 1965 Board Meeting Minutes). The proceeds of those concerts were to be used to repay the loan, but at the February Foundation Board Meeting, a loss of $500 for the Woody Herman concert was reported (February 28 1965 Community Meeting Minutes). Other January, February, and March offerings included The Taming �Burdick, 37 of the Shrew, performed by the Michigan State University Players, several travelogues sponsored by Kiwanis, the high school’s Fine Arts Festival, as well as their junior play, Pioneer Go Home, a Branch County Community Concert Association concert, and a Cancer Crusade kickoff meeting. The renovation effort continued in February with replastering and painting of the theater’s ceiling, the labor for which was donated by local building company Legg Lumber. While the original estimated cost by contractors was $20,000, actual costs were between $5,000 and $6,000 (February 09 1965 Board Meeting Minutes). The roof over the stage had begun to leak, so that problem had to be addressed. At an informational community meeting in March, approximately 75 citizens came to hear a report on the five-year financial plan for the Tibbits. Foundation Chairman Sanford Jolley reported that two intercom systems had been installed, with plans for three more in the future. The Board remained hopeful with the theater’s progress, especially because I-69, a new highway, was being constructed east of the City, which the Board identified as a convenient and time-saving route for incoming Coldwater traffic, hopefully bringing more patrons to the theater (February 28 1965 Community Meeting Minutes). Also in March, President Patterson sent a letter to the president of Burrill, Inc., the fundraising organization that the Board hired in October of 1964. In the letter, Patterson requested that some of the service fee be returned to the Foundation, since the fundraiser was “...almost a complete failure.” Instead of the estimated $200,000, only $20,000 was received in donations, $11,000 of which was paid to Mr. Burrill’s company. Patterson asserts that the Board “…selected your company on the basis of your reputation and record of success in other areas…We feel that as professional fund raisers, you certainly expected a greater degree of success. The Board of Directors of the Tibbits Opera �Burdick, 38 Foundation by the same reasoning feel that the drive was a failure and the Foundation should be entitled to a rebate” (Patterson Letter to Burrill). April and May events were sporadic, and included the Rotary’s annual minstrel show, Holy Week services, a Kiwanis travelogue, several concerts, and an all-county production of Bye, Bye Birdie, the proceeds of which ($1,000) were used to repair the roof. The Board addressed another grievance, that of Barbara Bernahl, who claimed that the Foundation owed her money for services rendered in the box office. It was the Board’s understanding that she was to be reimbursed only the cost for her babysitter, so her complaint was sent to Mr. Lyon, the Board’s legal counsel. By June, Bernahl was sent a letter, in which the Board offered to pay her a settlement of $500—half to be paid that year, and half the following (June 8 1965 Board Meeting Minutes). In September, the Board minutes reflect that Bernahl had denied the Board’s offer to settle and had threatened to sue (September 21 1965 Board Meeting Minutes). The Board decided to wait for further correspondence from her, which either apparently didn’t come or wasn’t logged until December of 1966, when the Board minutes showed that the Department of Labor sent a letter to the Board on Bernahl’s behalf for a claim of $737.50 (December 13 1966 Board Meeting Minutes). The result of this dispute is unknown. New office secretary Mrs. Hillyar was introduced at the June 8 Board Meeting, but by the next bi-weekly meeting, she had already resigned. June was also the month in which the company for the summer stock started arriving. The Foundation teamed up with the ATF again (sans Kohn) to produce summer stock in 1965, with Larry Carrico hired as the stage manager, technical director, and scenic designer (“Detroiter Handling Stage Management”). Carrico recalls his introduction to the Tibbits. At the time, he was working in Detroit, and became acquainted with Walter Stump and Glen Crane through �Burdick, 39 one of his theatre students. Carrico set up auditions for ATF in Detroit, got to know Stump and Crane, and was asked if he would be interested in coming for the summer. He accepted: “I was supposed to be there just for the summer, and then go back to teach high school in Detroit” (Personal Interview). That summer, Carrico and the rest of the ATF staff produced nine shows: The Fantasticks, Come Blow Your Horn, Abie’s Irish Rose, The Music Man, The Drunkard, The Happy Time, My Fair Lady, Mary Mary, and Oklahoma. Originally, eleven shows were on the schedule, but because of the audiences’ popular reception of My Fair Lady and Oklahoma, those shows were each held over an additional week. Every opening was met with a favorable review. Of the Fantastics, the critic wrote, “For an opening night, few things went wrong and the show came off smoothly. For an opening show, nothing could have topped it” (“Fantasticks Opens Here”). The opening of Come Blow Your Horn was met with, “With this company of players, the same outstanding production staff as last summer, and the talented young group of technical people, this season promises to be one of the finest to be seen anywhere. Coldwater may consider itself very fortunate” (“Tibbits Festival Players Open Come Blow Your Horn”). Abie’s Irish Rose was described as a show that “…added another feather to an increasingly colorful cap…with a thoroughly delightful production” (“Abie’s Irish Rose Scores Here”). The popularity of The Music Man and Oklahoma was without question, as they were both held over, and Happy Time was said to be “one of the most beautiful shows ever presented at the Tibbits Opera House…[It] should prove, if last evening’s performance was any criteria, to be one of the top productions of the American Theatre Festival” (“Happy Time Is Happy Choice”). Finally, Mary, Mary’s critique started with, “Bouquets of roses to the American Theatre Festival…from the moment the curtain opened, the �Burdick, 40 largest opening night audience for a non-musical play in the history of ATF was entertained and showed its appreciation by being the most enthusiastic audience…” (“Mary Scores Triumph”). Time and again, the technical aspects of the summer shows were praised, too, with Larry Carrico’s name mentioned many times for “[coming] through again with a beautifully designed stage” (“Abie’s Irish Rose Scores Here”). The Board must have perceived that Carrico would be able to make a noticeable impact at the theater because a month after he was hired for summer stock, the Board interviewed him for the theatre manager position. Carrico didn’t return to Detroit that autumn, choosing instead to take the position at the theater, and by September, he began his duties at the Tibbits part-time, alongside his teaching job at Lakeland School (July 13 1965 Board Meeting). Carrico said that he was approached by Harold Stukey for the theater manager position: [The Board] asked, ‘Can you produce the summer theater?’ I said, ‘Sure.’ I had introduced the summer theater in Manistee two years before that and managed the Opera House. ATF expected to come back the next season. They were very upset with me; thought that I had instigated [their dismissal]. They were excited that I was going to be there all winter, so that the theater would be in better shape. But the Board wasn’t too happy [with ATF]—they had lost a lot of money [those] two seasons. (Personal Interview) Another probable reason why the ATF producers were upset to hear this decision was that Tibbits Opera Foundation had reneged on a contract. In April, the Foundation members had signed a five-year lease agreement with the ATF to continue summer stock, which would have brought them all the way to the 1969 summer stock season (“Summer �Burdick, 41 Stock to Open Here On June 15”). The Board minutes do not accurately reflect this matter surrounding ATF’s dismissal, as the January 1966 minutes report that the ATF wasn’t interested in returning to the Tibbits: “…the Theatre Festival people were asked to come to the Board with some proposal for the coming summer. However, they have decided not to operate the summer theatre project this summer. Therefore, the Executive Board discussed the matter and recommended that the Tibbits Theatre Foundation run it this summer, [with] Larry Carrico engaged to operate the theater…” (January 11 1966 Board Meeting Minutes). Carrico moved his family, at that time consisting of wife Sally and six-month-old son Sean, to Coldwater in the fall of 1965. Running the theater was a family affair. Carrico worked long hours on lighting, cleaning the theater, and bringing in acts; Sally volunteered in the box office; Sean played in the playpen that the Carricos set up in the box office for him until he was old enough to help out around the theater. Carrico remembers Sean helping at a young age, running the spotlight. Because he was so small, he “…had to stand in a chair to work the followspot” (Personal Interview). Neither Sally nor Sean was paid to work at the Tibbits; everything they did was volunteer. On September 21, Board Members Davidson, Heikkinen, and President Patterson reported that they attended a meeting in Ann Arbor regarding financial federal aid for the theater, and it was suggested that the Tibbits Opera Foundation become the Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council instead, thereby becoming eligible for grants from the Michigan Council of the Arts, which was formed that year. The Board appointed an Arts Council, consisting of Margaret Hayes, Phyllis Coscarelly, Florence Kiess, Joan Collins, and Sally Whitten (September 21 1965 Board Meeting Minutes). It took the Council several months of meetings to plan how this new group would be organized in order to �Burdick, 42 avoid overlapping of events and dates, coordinate use of the Opera House, and attract new members from local arts groups. October brought to the Tibbits stage the Wayne King orchestra concert, which was fervently promoted. One article from The Daily Reporter reminded locals of the following: “King, one of last season’s most popular attractions, merits the place of honor on this year’s program” (“Waltz King to Return”). The world-famous performer and his orchestra were not reviewed after the fact, but their popularity was evident in the fact that the concert brought the Tibbits a profit of almost $968 (December 12 1965 Board Meeting Minutes). Much like the previous year, that fall and winter brought a varied collection of almost weekly events: the Sweet Adelines’ variety show, Sing Americana; a ballet, Two Go Dancing; The Coldwater High School senior class play, Noah; Quincy High School’s musical, Mr. Crane; several Kiwanis travelogues; and even an art lecture by a professor at the University of Michigan’s College of Architecture and Design Department. The Board, under new leadership since the last time it had presented a children’s theatre production, decided to continue providing the community with children’s shows. In November, Pinocchio, a Reed Marionettes puppet show, came to the stage. It was so popular that to accommodate the large audience, another performance had to be added. The three performances turned a profit of just under $435 (February 09 1965 Board Meeting Minutes). Hansel & Gretel was presented by the Piccolo Opera Company of Detroit in December, and though praise was given for the voices, set, lighting, scenery, and makeup, reviewer Kathleen Tarr said that the “…musical fairy tale lacked zip and tended to drag in spots.” For each compliment that Tarr gave the actors, she referred back to the weaknesses of the script itself: “…the play itself had little to appeal to �Burdick, 43 youngsters who grow fidgety quite easily” (“Hansel and Gretel Presented”). While the Tibbits’ most consistent usage was during the summer stock season, it still played host to a variety of events throughout the first part of the year: Kiwanis travelogues were routinely held, several concerts were sponsored by the Branch County Community Concert Association, Hamlet was presented by Michigan State University’s Performing Arts Co., the Rotary minstrel show appeared, Coldwater High School produced Our Town, as well as a children’s theatre production of Sleeping Beauty, the annual fashion show to benefit the Hospital Auxiliary was hosted, and various other concerts were performed. Even St. Charles, the local Catholic school, began using the Tibbits and staged a performance of It’s a Great Life. The schools were using the Tibbits so frequently that in May, Board minutes show the suggestion to publicize what school activities have been held at the Tibbits in order to make the community aware of how frequently the school was actually relying on the theater (May 10 1966 Board Meeting Minutes). One anticipated event that the Branch County Community Concert Association brought to the stage, one that it began promoting in May of 1965, was Ruth Page’s Chicago Opera Ballet, which appeared on the stage in March of 1966: “Without question, guest ballerina Josette Amiel, performing through the courtesy of the Paris Opera, was the highlight of the evening. She is not only an outstanding dancer, but a beautiful and fine actress to boot. She made Camille come alive for even those in the audience unfamiliar with the intricacies of the ballet,” gushed reviewer Kathleen Tarr (“Stage Graced by Ballet”). Apparently, the other offerings that the Branch County Community Concert Association provided for the people of Coldwater that season were not as appreciated. As Tarr continued, “The Chicago Opera Ballet company succeeded, where �Burdick, 44 the other two concerts failed, to make it a truly memorable one” (“Stage Graced by Ballet”). The other anticipated event of the spring season was the arrival of the Dukes of Dixieland, whose group was publicized from February to April of 1966, when they appeared. At the time they played at the Tibbits, this well-known jazz band had made eleven albums for Audio-Fidelity, which sold more than 2 million copies, representing $12 million in retail sales. In addition, they had a best-selling album with Louis Armstrong (“Dukes of Dixieland at Tibbits Sunday”). Without a doubt, audiences were excited to witness Dukes of Dixieland’s performance, and the subsequent review was favorable: “There was never any question [that] the show went over well with the large audience…. This was evident from the number of feet one could hear tapping around the Opera House. Even on slow blues numbers in Dixie land, there’s plenty of beat to tap a foot to (“Dukes of Dixieland Play to Capacity Audience”). In May of 1966, the Board made plans to install a refreshment stand in the alley south of the Tibbits, with an estimated cost of $250 to lay 50 feet of concrete (May 10 1966 Board Meeting Minutes). In June, the Board minutes reflect that members Teeter and Meier were arranging to have the alley paved for that refreshment area (June 14 1966 Board Meeting Minutes), and July minutes show that the Board had decided that lighting would also be needed in the alley (July 12 1966 Board Meeting Minutes). Though it seemed that the Board was progressing well with its plans, Carrico said that this refreshment stand did not appear until seven or eight years later, when his son Sean, who was then seven or eight years old, managed it, selling lemonade and soft drinks: “I’m the one who paved [the alley]. I remember one night, I was working by the headlights of my car, finishing the concrete,” he said. Carrico is also the one who built the refreshment �Burdick, 45 stand itself out of bricks. Once the basement kitchen was finished, Sean worked the refreshment stand from there (Personal Interview). The summer season quickly approached, and though season tickets didn’t go on sale until May, preparations for the summer season began much earlier, with Carrico hiring the summer stock crew by March 8 (March 08 1966 Board Meeting Minutes). Of the hiring process, Carrico said, “I never did cattle calls. I would put one ad in trade papers in New York and would have 2,000 applications. I would whittle that down to 200, [the people] I wanted to see” (Personal Interview). From there, Carrico and his staff from New York would schedule appointments to hold auditions in New York. Auditions were each ten minutes long and were held from 9am to 6pm four days straight. Carrico said that he would then “…go back to my suite and would go through all the applications and discuss each one and discuss who we wanted for callbacks” (Personal Interview). Summer stock for the 1966 season included South Pacific, Show Boat, The Sound of Music, The Student Prince, and Camelot. Changes were made to the manner in which summer stock was presented that summer, with shows running two weeks. Reviews were more than positive in The Daily Reporter, with headlines for each show touting, “Excellent Acting, Singing, Mark the Tibbits Opening,” “Show Boat Entrances First Night Audience,” “The Sound of Music is Best Opening to Date,” “Student Prince Opening is an Enjoyable Experience,” and “Camelot Opening is Finest of the Season.” It was a season of firsts, too. Along with advertisements by Tibbits and Stukey’s, the season was also advertised by local restaurant Gracie O’Shanahan’s for the first time. Finally, the Tibbits stage was graced with a Baldwin Style D Concert Grand Piano, which was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Feller of Music Mart (Declaration of Gift by Wayne Feller). The sets for the season were designed long-distance, which was something that �Burdick, 46 had not previously been done. Apparently, Carrico had been asked to do too much, and “…because of his already full schedule felt unable to do this for the rest of the season” (Sound of Music Sets Have their Own Interesting Story”). Instead, Carrico contacted Tom A. Aston, an old theatre friend in Detroit. Aston said that he would be willing to do the designing but was unable to come to Coldwater for the summer. To make it work, Aston designed in Detroit, and then sent one of his carpenters to Coldwater to construct the set, according to his drawings (Sound of Music Sets Have their Own Interesting Story”). The other “first” for the season was that Monk Watson, world- renown magician from Colon, played the role of Merlyn in the production of Camelot. Officials at the theatre said, “… this is probably the first time the role of Merlyn has been played by a real magician (“Camelot Production May Well Have a First”). Though the initial publicity shows that four children’s shows were going to be produced at the Tibbits that summer, the only children’s show that was staged was a Stevens Puppets production of Rumplestiltskin (“Rumplestiltskin To Be Presented Wednesday”). Carrico doesn’t recall that production, but does remember bringing in several children’s theatre shows after that during the winter season. During Carrico’s sixteen years of summer theatre, the Tibbits never produced children’s theatre because of the hectic schedule of the mainstage shows, but the Michigan Council for the Arts began funding a touring program that traveled statewide. That program lasted all season long, and Carrico said that he always got a grant to bring in a tour. Then, he would bring in children from all the schools in Branch County, some from Steuben County, and even some from Calhoun County. Carrico recalls the process: “The whole street would be lined up with buses. We would do three shows a day. We sold [the performances] only to schools—I had a meeting in the bar with the superintendents. We sat down around a table �Burdick, 47 at the bar, and I explained what my season was, gave them all the information, and told them to go back to the school and let me know what shows they wanted and when they wanted to [schedule them]. We didn’t have to advertise, and we sold out every one” (Personal Interview). Carrico said that the Tibbits provided the schools with study guides about the performances and about the theater beforehand, and noted that by having the schoolchildren attend, the Tibbits staff never had to sell individual tickets for the performances. Carrico was offered and had accepted a full-time position at the Tibbits by August of 1966, to begin in September at $650/month plus bonuses for nine months, with three months of summer stock pay to be handled separately (August 09 1966 Board Meeting Minutes). At the Board meeting in September, he reported that the total number in attendance for the summer was 15,842, with a net profit of $700, along with a good inventory of scenery, costumes and tools (September 10 1966 Board Meeting Minutes). After a busy summer season, the fall and winter were more relaxed in the way of programming, with several Kiwanis travelogues, a cooking school demonstration, sponsored by The Daily Reporter, a Coldwater High School play, The Tavern (which Carrico directed), and a few concerts. With its considerably higher ticket prices ($4.50 to $5.50 per ticket, as opposed to summer stock’s prices of $2.25 to $3.25), the Goldovsky Grand Opera Theater’s performance of Rigoletto at the end of November had “a discouragingly small audience” in attendance (“Small Audience Views Rigoletto”). Reviews of the performance were satisfactory, aside from the lengthy intermission to accommodate scenery changes, and the voice of actress Teresa Orantes, who played the role of Gilda, was “…lovely, lilting…but one which lacks color. Only she of the large cast involved in the production was not understood, and this was sad. Gilda has some �Burdick, 48 very important lines in the opera and they were missed more often than not” (“Small Audience Views Rigoletto”). Unfortunately, even with the high ticket prices, the number of tickets sold didn’t overcome the expense of the show, and the Foundation lost money. Improvements were constantly happening at the Tibbits. In November, Carrico reported that work was being done in the dressing rooms. Paint, lights, mirrors, and flooring were all donated (November 08 1966 Board Meeting Minutes). Carrico recalls that “I did a lot of work on the lighting and the sound, as much as I could with no money. [I] did what I could with the dressing rooms— put mirrors in them, and lights…worked on the stage itself, the rigging… also put in the counterweight system for the main curtain...I put that in the very first year” (Personal Interview). The Wizard of Oz was the last notable production in December, performed by the Reed Marionettes, who had performed the popular Pinocchio the year prior. The popularity of the Reed Marionettes was once again proven, with a third showing of Wizard added to accommodate the large audience. Judy Quimby’s favorable review noted how the performance was beautifully portrayed with the near life-size marionettes and the way scenes were changed quickly by a drop of a curtain. She said, “The adults in the audience, this writer among them, found the performance just as enthralling as did the children for whom it was intended (“Three Audiences See Wizard Saturday”). The puppet show revealed a profit of $328, ending 1966 (Carrico’s first full year managing the theater) on a positive note. From there, Carrico’s additional years of service gifted him with the title of “the man who saved Tibbits.” Over the course of his sixteen-year career there, Carrico lists his greatest accomplishment as completing the lower level gallery. He recalls the basement being dirt, and he remembers having to level it off. He remembers youngsters �Burdick, 49 from the state home helping him wheel the concrete for the floor. He remembers building the bathrooms and hiring a company to lay the brick. He remembers putting up the ceiling and having the floor carpeted. All of this work “made [the Tibbits] a true arts center. At the same time, I built an art teaching studio under the stage and bought a kiln…we had art classes after school and adult classes at night. We had art exhibits from all over the world that only big museums get. That really made it a complete arts center— visual arts as well as the performing arts” (Personal Interview). Carrico credited the Board, which allowed him to manage the theater in his own way: “The Board was really good and let me do whatever I wanted. They didn’t know much about theatre…they just cared about the Opera House. They were really good people and listened to what I had to say” (Personal Interview). All good things must come to an end, and by December of 1981, Carrico planned a move back to Detroit to take a different position, but of his time managing the Tibbits, he said, “I loved every minute of it. It was very, very difficult, [but] it was fun. I had a lot of good times” (Personal Interview). �Burdick, 50 Chapter 6: Conclusion Success of the Tibbits Opera House is the culmination of a long and arduous process spanning more than a century. In order to survive, the Tibbits underwent vast changes in both appearance and function, adapting to new technologies and trends that defined various eras in American culture. The Tibbits is noted for its omnibus of celebrated actors, comedians, and musicians who have graced its stage, and it continues to boast success as a professional summer stock venue, a community theater, and a roadhouse for touring artists. Were it not for the steadfast dedication of the Coldwater Players in the 1960s and the outpouring of community support, the Tibbits would have been razed, its space reduced to a city-owned parking lot. Instead, the Players organized one fundraiser after another to pay the costs of countless repairs and improvements, including wallpaper, paint, plaster, roof, heating and air systems, a sprinkler system, and more. The renovation process seemed always to be one step forward, two steps back, but the Players persisted. The tenacious community rallied together to donate labor and materials, bringing the theater back to a functional state. By 1964, a Foundation Board had been formed, management was hired, and the Tibbits was once again a place for performers to take the stage. The Tibbits’ first manager, George Vaughn Lowther, installed the first stage lighting and brought to town the American Theater Festival to present summer stock theatre. Larry Carrico, Lowther’s successor, is to date the longest manager in the theater’s history, logging sixteen years of service. Because of his unyielding dedication to the Tibbits and to the art of theatre, Carrico has become known in Coldwater and �Burdick, 51 surrounding areas as “The man who saved Tibbits.” He is responsible for creating the basement gallery area, making the Tibbits a true visual and performing arts center. The restoration of the Tibbits didn’t happen in the 60s, or even the 70s or 80s. It wasn’t until the 2000s when most of the restoration progress was made. The restoration was broken into phases, and from 2000 to 2008, over $2 million was raised for that particular restoration campaign. By March 2008 of that campaign, Phases I and II had been completed, which included the architectural design documents, the installation of an elevator and a handicapped accessible restroom, boiler repairs, and demolition of the adjacent annex building. Phase III, the cupola reconstruction and façade restoration, was completed in the spring of 2013, with the Tibbits being presented with the 2013 Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation. Such an illustrious history has earned the Tibbits Opera House a place in the registry of America’s most cherished small-town theaters. �Burdick, 52 Works Cited "10 Great Places to See the Lights Way Off Broadway." USATODAY.com. USA Today, 14 July 2005. Web. 23 July 2014. “Abie’s Irish Rose Scores Here.” The Daily Reporter. 30 June 1965. “Adelines’ Show to be at Tibbits.” The Daily Reporter. 27 Nov 1963. American Theatre Festival Tab. The Daily Reporter. 18 July 1964. "A History of Tibbits Opera House." Professional Roofing Magazine, 2014. Web. 22 July 2014. “A Mural for the Tibbits.” The Daily Reporter. 19 March 1964. “American Legion Benefit.” The Daily Reporter. 03 April 1962 p20. Anders, Melissa. "Projects in Grand Rapids, Detroit among Historic Rehabilitation Projects to Receive Governor's Awards." MLive.com. MLive Media Group, 4 Apr. 2013. Web. 23 July 2014. “Artist Visits Theater.” The Daily Reporter. 21 Oct 1963. “Back to the 90s.” The Daily Reporter. 15 May 1959 p10. “Banjo Trio to Appear Here.” The Daily Reporter. 30 Oct 1961 p8. Bearss, Marji. "Theater's Future in Question." The Daily Reporter. 14 Nov 1959. “Bob Newhart Ad.” The Daily Reporter. 23 March 1964 p2. “Boost for Theater Project.” The Daily Reporter. 23 Jan 1961. Bovee, Seton. “Glass From Chandelier in Tibbits Opera House Discovered in Attic.” The Daily Reporter. 01 Sept 1962. “Brothers, Belles Meet.” The Daily Reporter. 25 May 1961. Burdick, Stephanie D. The Tibbits Opera House: 1912. Tiffin University: September �Burdick, 53 2011. “Campaign for Tibbits Theater Opens Today.” The Daily Reporter. 09 Jan 1961. “’Candida’ Opens Wednesday.” The Daily Reporter. 03 Nov 1964. “Canvass for Tibbits Funds is Planned.” The Daily Reporter. 07 March 1962. “Centennial Office at Tibbits Theater.” The Daily Reporter. 17 May 1961. “Centennial Office Headquarters Moved.” The Daily Reporter. 1 June 1961. “Chad Mitchell Trio Coming Here.” The Daily Reporter. 10 Jan 1964. “China Shop is Presented Here.” The Daily Reporter. 19 June 1961. “City, BPU to Lend Hand to the Tibbits.” The Daily Reporter. 15 Oct 1963. Coldwater Players Board of Trustees. February 2 1961 Minutes. 02 Feb 1961. “Coldwater Service Clubs Help Out.” The Daily Reporter. 02 March 1961. “Coldwater to Twist for Tibbits.” The Daily Reporter. 09 June 1962. “Coming to Tibbits.” The Daily Reporter. 12 March 1964. “Community Caroling Slated for Tibbits.” The Daily Reporter. 16 Dec 1963. “Cottens Score With Tibbits Crowd.” The Daily Reporter. 26 Feb 1964. “Council Grants 90-Day Extension to Tibbits Drive.” The Daily Reporter. 14 April 1962. Declaration of Gift by Wayne Feller. Branch County, MI. Notarized by Beulah Hutchins. 22 July 1966. “Detroiter Handling Stage Management.” The Daily Reporter. 10 June 1965. “Dial ‘M’ for Murder Coming to Tibbits.” The Daily Reporter. 124 Nov 1964. “Drum, Bugle Festival to be at Tibbits.” The Daily Reporter. 14 April 1964. “Dukes of Dixieland at Tibbits Sunday.” The Daily Reporter. 31 March 1966. “Dukes of Dixieland Play to Capacity Audience.” The Daily Reporter. 04 April 1966. “Engineers Check Tibbits Today.” The Daily Reporter. 07 June 1962. �Burdick, 54 Executive Board of the Tibbits Foundation. May 7 1963 Executive Meeting Minutes. 07 May 1963. Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Tibbits Foundation. June 3 1963 Executive Meeting Minutes. 03 June 1963. “Face Changing.” The Daily Reporter. 05 Nov 1963. “Festival Asks Help in Establishing Residence.” The Daily Reporter. 31 July 1964 p2. “Fire Doors Donated to Theater.” The Daily Reporter. 01 Feb 1961. “Free Concert Monday.” The Daily Reporter. 04 April 1964. “Fund for Saving the Tibbits Begins to Grow in Coldwater”. The Daily Reporter. 12 Nov 1959. Franc Gay Letter to Gentlemen. 9 June 1958. TS. Coldwater, MI. Franc Gay Letter to Branch County Board of Supervisors. 22 Sept 1963. TS. Coldwater, MI. Gillespie, Carolyn L. A History of the Tibbits Opera House, 1882-1904. Kent State University: June 1975. “History of Executive Directors.” N.d. Tibbits Opera House Archives, Tibbits Administration Building, Coldwater. Huet, E.C. Letter to Patrons. 8 Nov 1960. TS. Coldwater, MI. “Inspection Stalls Tibbits Campaign.” The Daily Reporter. 24 Nov 1959. “Items Needed for Tibbits Productions.” The Daily Reporter. 08 July 1964 p3. Ken Kohn Letter to President Patterson. 6 Jan 1965. TS. Coldwater, MI. “King Brings Back Memories.” The Daily Reporter. 04 May 1964 p2. “Kitchen Tour for Tibbits Benefit Set.” The Daily Reporter. 06 March 1962. “Lions Clean Up Tibbits.” The Daily Reporter. 16 Feb 1961. �Burdick, 55 “Lombardo, Miss Bryant Score With Audience Here.” The Daily Reporter. 10 Nov 1964. “Many Believe They Possess Real Strad, Says Rubinoff” The Daily Reporter. 08 Jan 1965. “Moose Plan Opera House Benefit.” The Daily Reporter. 09 March 1962. “Need Items for Pajama Game.” The Daily Reporter. 19 Feb 1964 p12. “New Parking Lot Being Improved.” The Daily Reporter. 18 March 1962. “New Tibbits Donation.” The Daily Reporter. 21 March 1962. “Old Landmark Disappearing.” The Daily Reporter. 07 Feb 1962. “Old-Time Backdrop Created.” The Daily Reporter. 23 July 1964. "Partners Open." Box Office. 31 Jan. 1949: 120. BoxOffice® — The Business of Movies. Web. 8 June 2014. “Pianist-Humorist Coming.” The Daily Reporter. 16 April 1964. “Plans Mapped on Tibbits Campaign.” The Daily Reporter. 26 May 1962. “Players Group Opens Drive for Theater Funds.” The Daily Reporter. 05 Jan 1962. “Players Have Less Than One Week to Buy Tibbits.” The Daily Reporter. 30 Oct 1959. “Players Make Initial Payment.” The Daily Reporter. 11 Dec 1959. President Patterson Letter to Burrill. 18 March 1965. TS. Coldwater, MI. “Productive Initial Season at Tibbits.” The Daily Reporter. 9 Sept 1964. “Progress Report on Tibbits Mural.” The Daily Reporter. 28 March 1964. Quimby, Judy. “Three Audiences See Wizard Saturday.” The Daily Reporter. 12 Dec 1966. “Rehabilitation Continues: Paint Theater Lobby, Stairway.” The Daily Reporter. 13 March 1961. “Renowned Singer to Sing in City Monday.” The Daily Reporter. 03 Jan 1964. �Burdick, 56 “Roger Williams to Play in Coldwater October 23.” The Daily Reporter. 01 Oct 1963. “Rotary Minstrel Scores Hit.” The Daily Reporter. 28 April 1961. “Rotary Minstrel Show Ad.” The Daily Reporter. 7 March 1959 p3. “Rotarians Purchase Curtain.” The Daily Reporter. 01 April 1964. “Rumplestiltskin To Be Presented Wednesday.” The Daily Reporter. 05 July 1966. "Safety Curtain." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 22 July 2014. Web. 28 July 2014. “School Board Ownership of Tibbits Theater Proposed.” The Daily Reporter. 16 July 1963. “School Teacher Handles Theatrical Costume Making.” The Daily Reporter. 17 July 1964. “Season Tickets Still Available.” The Daily Reporter. 17 June 1964. Shattuck, Kathryn. “Spectators and Showmen Brave Frigid Elements.” The Daily Reporter. 21 Nov 1963. “Stock Offered to Theatre Project.” The Daily Reporter. 15 Dec 1961. “Strong Support Shown for Theater Project.” The Daily Reporter. 21 Jan 1961. “Students Donate to Tibbits Fund.” The Daily Reporter. 20 March 1962. “Summer Stock to Open Here On June 15.” The Daily Reporter. 30 April 1965. Tarr, Kathleen. “Camelot Production May Well Have a First.” The Daily Reporter. 24 Aug 1966. Tarr, Kathleen. “Capacity Audience Takes in Moorehead Appearance.” The Daily Reporter. 27 Jan 1964. Tarr, Kathleen. “Fantasticks Opens Here.” The Daily Reporter. 16 June 1965. Tarr, Kathleen. “Hansel and Gretel Presented.” The Daily Reporter. 20 Dec 1965 p2. Tarr, Kathleen. “Happy Time Is Happy Choice.” The Daily Reporter. 28 July 1965. �Burdick, 57 Tarr, Kathleen. “Manager-Director Engaged to Handle Tibbits Events.” The Daily Reporter. 06 Dec 1963. Tarr, Kathleen . “Mary Scores Triumph.” The Daily Reporter. 18 Aug 1965. Tarr, Kathleen. “Rubinoff Wows Coldwaterites” The Daily Reporter. 12 Jan 1965. Tarr, Kathleen. “Small Audience Views Rigoletto.” The Daily Reporter. 23 Nov 1966. Tarr, Kathleen. “Sound of Music Sets Have their Own Interesting Story.” The Daily Reporter. 26 July 1966. Tarr, Kathleen. “Stage Graced by Ballet.” The Daily Reporter. 10 March 1966 p2. Tarr, Kathleen. “Tibbits Festival Players Open Come Blow Your Horn.” The Daily Reporter. 23 June 1965. “That Time of Year.” The Daily Reporter. 28 Feb 1964. “The Friars.” The Daily Reporter. 16 March 1964. “Tecumseh Players Pleased With Theater.” The Daily Reporter. 22 Feb 1964. “Tecumseh Troupe Plays to Good ‘Pajama Game’ House.” The Daily Reporter. 24 Feb 1964. “Theater Goal and Deadline Set.” The Daily Reporter. 09 Jan 1962. “Tibbits Auction Nets $240 Total.” The Daily Reporter. 19 March 1962. “Tibbits Campaign Deadline is Near.” The Daily Reporter. 1 Dec 1959. “Tibbits Campaign Is Nearing Climax.” The Daily Reporter. 07 April 1962. “Tibbits Campaign Is Nearing Its Goal For Rehabilitation.” The Daily Reporter. 11 Feb 1961. Tibbits Community Theater Planning Committee. June 1958 Planning Committee Meeting Minutes. 5 June 1958. “Tibbits Corporation Being Organized.” The Daily Reporter. 29 Oct 1962. �Burdick, 58 Tibbits Foundation. August 10 1965 Board Meeting Minutes. 10 Aug 1965. Tibbits Foundation. October 13 1963 Board Meeting Minutes. 13 Oct 1963. Tibbits Foundation. July 13 1965 Board Meeting Minutes. 13 July 1965. “Tibbits Fund Committee to Meet Tonight.” The Daily Reporter. 25 Jan 1962. “Tibbits Fund Drive One Third to the Top.” The Daily Reporter. 02 July 1963. “Tibbits Marquee.” The Daily Reporter. 09 April 1964 p12. “Tibbits Mementos Found in Home.” The Daily Reporter. 08 Sept 1962 p2. Tibbits Opera Foundation. August 09 1966 Board Meeting Minutes. 09 Aug 1966. Tibbits Opera Foundation. December 13 1966 Board Meeting Minutes. 13 Dec 1966. Tibbits Opera Foundation. July 12 1966 Board Meeting Minutes. 12 July 1966. Tibbits Opera Foundation. June 14 1966 Board Meeting Minutes. 14 June 1966. Tibbits Opera Foundation. June 24 1965 Board Meeting Minutes. 24 June 1965. Tibbits Opera Foundation. March 08 1966 Board Meeting Minutes. 08 March 1966. Tibbits Opera Foundation. May 10 1966 Board Meeting Minutes. 10 May 1966. Tibbits Opera Foundation. September 10 1966 Board Meeting Minutes. 13 September 1966. "Tibbits Opera House." US-12 Heritage Trail. N.p., 2007. Web. 22 July 2014. "Tibbits Opera House." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 17 July 2014. Web. 22 July 2014. Tibbits Opera House Foundation. September 21 1965 Board Meeting Minutes. 21 Sept 1965. “Tibbits Plans are Underway.” The Daily Reporter. 26 Aug 1963. “Tibbits Progress Excellent.” The Daily Reporter. 12 June 1963. “Tibbits Readied for Show.” The Daily Reporter. 19 Nov 1963. �Burdick, 59 “Tibbits Readied for 1st Pro Production.” The Daily Reporter. 14 Nov 1963. “Tibbits Repairs to Start.” The Daily Reporter. 18 Jan 1963. “Tibbits Repairs to Get Underway Here July 10th.” The Daily Reporter. 17 May 1963. “Tibbits Structurally Sound, Says Report of 2 Engineers.” The Daily Reporter. 28 June 1962. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. August 20 1963 Board Meeting Minutes. 20 Aug 1963. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. December 6 1962 Meeting Minutes. 6 Dec 1962. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. December 10 1963 Board Meeting Minutes. 10 Dec 1963. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. December 12 1965 Board Meeting Minutes. 12 Dec 1965. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. February 09 1965 Board Meeting Minutes. 09 Feb 1965. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. February 28 1965 Community Meeting Minutes. 28 Feb 1965. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. January 11 1966 Board Meeting Minutes. 11 Jan 1966. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. January 12 1965 Board Meeting Minutes. 12 Jan 1965. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. January 19 1965 Board Meeting Minutes. 19 Jan 1965. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. July 9 1963 Board Meeting Minutes. 09 July 1963. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. June 8 1965 Board Meeting Minutes. 08 June 1965. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. May 12 1964 Board Meeting Minutes. 12 May 1964. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. November 08 1966 Board Meeting Minutes. 08 Nov 1966. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. November 13 1963 Board Meeting Minutes. 13 Nov 1963. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. October 10 1963 Board Meeting Minutes. 10 Oct 1963. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. September 6 1963 Board Meeting Minutes. 06 Sept 1963. Tibbits Theatre Foundation. September 22 1964 Board Meeting Minutes. 22 Sept 1964. “Tibbits to Have Concert Grand.” The Daily Reporter. 28 June 1963. �Burdick, 60 “Tibbits Title to be Cleared.” The Daily Reporter. 06 Sept 1963. Tibbits Theatre Board of Trustees. January 5 1961 Meeting Minutes. 05 Jan 1961. “Variety Show Set April 24.” The Daily Reporter. 18 April 1964. “Waltz King to Return.” The Daily Reporter. 21 Sept 1965. “Work on Tibbits is Reviewed by Trustees.” The Daily Reporter. 3 March 1961. “World of Carl Sandburg Opens Season at Tibbits.” The Daily Reporter. 06 October 1964. �Burdick, 61 Tibbits Datebook 1958-1966 The following sources (and codes TA, DR, and BO) have been used to compile this datebook. (TA) Tibbits Archives, located with the Tibbits Opera House Administrative Offices (DR) The Coldwater Daily Reporter, newspaper located on microfilm archives within the Holbrook Heritage Room of the Branch District Library (BO) Box Office Magazine, located in online archives at http://www.boxoffice.com/the_vault (FWS)The Fort Wayne Sentinal, newspaper Branch County Tax Records Michigan Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs This datebook is the most comprehensive list of information surrounding the Tibbits during the period of 1958 to 1966 from sources available, but it does have some incomplete information. �Day Date Year 1933-1954 1954-1958 1958 Thurs June 5 1958 Mon June 9 1958 Thurs -Sat March 12-14 1959 Thurs May 15 1959 Fri Oct 30 1959 Nov 1959 Thurs Nov 12 1959 Wed Mon Nov 18 Nov 23 1959 1959 Thurs Nov 26 1959 Tues Dec 1 1959 Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* The Tibbits functions as a cinema/movie house. The Tibbits is vacant Charley’s Aunt Type of event Performers Source 11-14-59 DR Play Coldwater Players Tibbits Community Theatre Planning Committee Meeting: Duane Davidson, temporary chairman. Committee discusses possible uses of Tibbits, does a cost estimate of basic operations, and includes list of renovation needs and a note about bids for the project. Tibbits Theatre Committee sends out a survey to get community feedback on what people would like to have Tibbits used as if they purchase it and rejuvenate it for use as a community building. Gay Nineties Revue Minstrel Show Rotary Variety Show Coldwater Players and SturgesYoung Players Coldwater Players launch a “crash campaign” to save the Tibbits. Schulte Amusement company announces plans to demo Tibbits unless the Players exercise a purchase option by the following week. Schulte Company agrees to sell the theater to the Coldwater Players for $7500. Money is due November 21. Contributions of $775 to the “Save the Tibbits” fund; 2 week payment extension is given due to deer hunting season. Contributions reach $1,610. Contributions near $2500. Inspection report shows that dressing rooms need to be removed and replaced with fireproof construction. The building also needs approved automatic sprinkler system, new boiler room construction, emergency exit on the north side of the building, and new construction and equipment in the stage area to bring it up to code. Report filed by City Building Commissioner Harold Russell. Theater is approved by licensed consultant engineer, inspected and declared structurally sound by local building contractor, and inspected by state fire marshal and local Fire Prevention Bureau. Minor improvements still needed. Deadline for payment to Schulte looms; contributions at $3400. 11-14-59 DR 06-05-58 TA 06-09-59 TA 03-07-59 DR 03-12-59 DR 03-13-59 DR 03-14-59 DR 11-27-59 DR 05-15-59 DR 11-27-59 DR 10-30-59 DR 11-12-59 DR 11-14-59 DR 11-12-59 DR 11-14-59 DR 11-18-59 DR 11-24-59 DR 11-27-59 DR 12-1-59 DR Burdick, 62 �Day Date Year Week of Mon Sat Dec 11 1959 Jan 4 Jan 9 & Jan 16 1960 1960 Mon Feb 29 1960 Tues July 26 1960 Players give Schulte Amusement Company of Detroit a down payment of $1,500. The balance is to be paid within five years. Drive to save Tibbits continues. One-third of the $7,500 needed to purchase the theatre has been raised. House on the Cliff Mystery/comedy The Coldwater Players Costly improvements needed to reopen, namely replacing the heating plant. Some minor repairs and manual labor remaining as well. Tax bill consigned to Coldwater Players, Inc. 1960 The Girls in 509 Tues Nov 8 1960 Thurs Jan 5 1961 Mon Jan 9 1961 Thurs Jan 19 1961 Sat Jan 21 1961 Sat Jan 21 1961 Wed Wed Feb 01 Feb 01 1961 1961 Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Play Performers The Coldwater Players Coldwater Civic Players president E.C. Huet sends out a letter to patrons asking for yearly donation/patronage and thanks for attending the two shows (House on the Cliff & The Girls in 509) that year. Initial meeting of Tibbits Theatre Board of Trustees held at the Coldwater Daily Reporter office. Sanford Jolly nominated as chairman; Judy Miller, secretary; Howard Thompson, treasurer; Cliff Huet, director of PR. Draft of rules is created (ie: theatre is non-profit and self-maintaining, bookings for Tibbits will be handled by the Coldwater Players business manager Paula Weller, Players will be given preferential treatment for use of the building, etc.), drive planned to raise money for repairs of the theatre, and bids for furnace repair discussed. Board of Trustees launches campaign to raise $2,000 for improvements to the theater. Woodward Building Materials offered to repair the furnace and donate the labor. Tibbits Theatre Board of Trustees (also referred to as Coldwater Players Board of Trustees) Meeting. In two weeks, $134 in donations is given as well as building items and donated labor by service groups. Board wants to have grand opening in April. Discussion of hiring a booking agent, but Board decides to wait and let Paula Weller handle it for now. Coldwater Concrete Products Co. donates 300 cement blocks for the construction of a fire wall. Russell Belt has agreed to construct the wall. Sweet’s Electric has repaired the motor for the furnace and has offered to check and replace the wiring. Coldwater Key Club (Kiwanis High School Organization) carries cement blocks into the theater basement where they will be used to construct a fire wall around the furnace. Three fire doors are donated by Federal Mogul. Stoker has been repaired. Coldwater Players Board of Trustees meeting: Report of progress on repairs, chairmen chose rose shade for the Source 12-11-59 DR 01-04-60 BO 12-11-59 DR 11-08-60 TA 02-29-60 DR Branch Co. Tax Record 11-08-60 TA 11-08-60 TA 01-05-61 TA 01-09-61 DR 01-19-61 TA 01-21-61 DR 01-23-61 DR 02-01-61 DR 02-02-61 TA Burdick, 63 �Day Date Year Thurs Feb 02 1961 Sat Feb 11 1961 Thurs Feb 16 1961 Tues Feb 21 1961 Wed March 1 March 2 1961 Sat March 4 1961 Sun March 12 March 16 1961 April 8 or 9 1961 Thurs Thurs Sat or Sun 1961 1961 Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers walls of the foyer and mint color for the ceiling. Mention of getting (finding?) the chandelier, repairing it and putting it up as well. Rental fee considered. Fire Department, Board of Public Utilities, Yearling Repair Service and Woodward Building Materials, heat finally gets turned on. Karl Staley, local mason and carpenter, works on the concrete block furnace room. Russell Belt and Stanley Cuthbert also donate time and skill. Coldwater Exchange Club (Bill Wilson, Austin Barnes, Lawrence Lucas, Pat Kelly, Dick Conrad, Bill Hodgeman, Russell Severn, Albert High) scrubs the main floor. Plans to paint the back of the seats in 2 weeks. Exchange Club begins refurbishing the main seating area downstairs. Rotary club plans to work on dressing rooms and hallway. Lions Club (Stan Borden, Robert Nichols, Lloyd Hills, Kenneth Troutman and Tom White mentioned) does general clean-up of Tibbits. Plans to paint the theatre’s marquee. Equipment for the cleaning donated by Douglas Manufacturing Co. of Bronson and the Sweeny Buick-Pontiac Co. Paint has been donated by Legg Lumber and Ideal Wallpaper and Paint. Rotary club members paint the backstage dressing rooms and Kiwanis (Robert Rhoades) vacuums and clean the balcony area. Tibbits Opera House Board of Trustees bi-monthly meeting. Officially decide to call the building the Tibbits Opera House. Approve the use of the Tibbits for a headquarters for the Greater Coldwater Centennial Committee from May 15 through July 8. Sanford Jolley is made the sole booking agent for the theatre to eliminate booking mistakes. Coldwater Players representative E.C. Huet resigns due to moving. Robert Blosser paints the proscenium. Easterday & Musser provide scaffolding for it. (03-13-61 article mentions that Wayne Harmon & Bob Blosser painted it and that scaffolding was donated by the Blaski Construction Co instead) Jaycees clean and completely paint the lobby (paint donated by Montgomery Ward) and stairway area. Kiwanis club cleans the balcony. Tibbits Opera House Board of Trustees meeting: Roof repair estimates are heard, Fire Department gives the board a list of 22 necessary items to be corrected, Grand Opening is postponed, and Mrs. Edward Allen has an original Opening Night (1882) ticket and a ticket from the Cohan production that she wants to leave to the Players. Suggestion made to display these and other historical Tibbits items at the Grand Opening. Opening date set for theatre, Three Men on a Horse to be presented. *postponed at 3-16- Source 02-03-61 DR 02-11-61 DR 02-11-61 DR 02-17-61 DR 2-16-61 DR 03-03-61 DR 03-02-61 DR 03-02-61 TA 03-03-61 DR 03-03-61 DR 03-13-61 DR 03-03-61 DR 03-13-61 DR 03-16-61 TA 02-01-61 DR 01-19-61 TA 02-02-61 TA 03-16-61 TA Burdick, 64 �Day Date Year April 1961 Thurs -Sat April 27, 28, 29 1961 Tues Wed May 16 May 24 1961 1961 Thurs Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source 61 meeting Grade School program Minstrel Show 02-02-61 TA Rotary Club 02-01-61 DR 02-02-61 TA 03-26-61 DR 04-26-61 DR 04-27-61 DR 04-28-61 DR Directed by Edward Holtz, assisted by Doug Miller, accompani st Mrs. Roy Patterson 05-17-61 DR 05-25-61 DR June 01 1961 Greater Coldwater Centennial headquarters moves into the Tibbits Brothers of the Meeting Brush and Centennial Belles Centennial Office Headquarters moves out of Tibbits, relocates to W. Chicago St, formerly the Merit Shoe Store. Sat SatSun June 3 June 17-18 1961 1961 Circus comes to town, sponsored by American Legion. All proceeds go to benefit the Tibbits. Bull In a China Shop 3 act mystery Coldwater Jean Rude comedy Players Thurs Aug 17 1961 SatSun Nov 45 1961 Stanford Jolly receives letter from Schulte Theatre’s attorney Jos Uvick acknowledging receipt of $142.50 paid for interest for six months (incorrect payment, as it should have been $172.50). Notes that the contract balance of $5,750 has not changed on the principal. Sagebrush Serenade Western Musical Sweet Doug Variety Show Adelines Miller (Banjo-Tainers of Muskegon also part of the show) 03-16-61 TA 06-12-61 DR 06-14-61DR 06-16-61 DR 06-19-61 DR 08-17-61 TA 06-01-61 DR 08-31-61 DR 10-21-61 DR 10-30-61 DR 11-01-61 DR 11-03-61 DR 11-04-61 DR Burdick, 65 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* SatSun Dec 2-3 1961 Pure as the Driven Snow Week of Dec 4 1961 Mon Dec 11 1961 Thurs Fri Dec 14 Jan 05 1961 1962 Mon Jan 08 1962 Mon Wed Thurs Jan 22 Jan 24 Thurs Jan 25 1962 1962 1962 Sat Jan 27 1962 Thurs Feb 1 1962 Bids are taken for estimate of completely renovating the building. City requests inspection by the state fire marshal. Complete sprinkling system must be installed (estimate of $20,000). Estimate of making building safe: $39,000. ($20K for sprinkling system, $3K for asbestos curtain, $7K general repair, $1800 roof and chimney repair, $1200 removal of marquee and misc. repair, $6000 mortgage balance). Fire department orders the building closed until repairs can be made. City Council meeting report: 140 shares of General Foods stock (valued at $13,300) anonymously donated to the renovation of the Tibbits if the City of Coldwater will accept/operate the building. Coldwater Centennial Committee donates 60% of the cash balance ($480) from their celebration to Tibbits. Civic Players launch drive to raise funds for the rehabilitation of the Tibbits. Sweet Adelines pledge $1K, Rotary promises to support as well. City Council meeting report: City votes to accept title to the Tibbits if certain conditions are met; namely, if $55,000 is raised for the restoration. Deadline is set for April 1. Leslie Woodward and Miss Margaret Hayes volunteer to act as co-chairmen of the Tibbits Fund Drive. Coldwater Players pledge $100 to campaign. Tibbits Fund Committee meeting meets at the civic room of the Branch County bank to map out 60-day fund campaign. Large “thermometer sign” to be placed downtown park area for pledges and contributions. C.J. (Casey) Medendorp, district executive of General Telephone Co. and Pat Kelly, manager of the Coldwater J.C. Penney Co. are named co-chairmen of the Foreign $55K Campaign for Tibbits. Official kickoff of fund drive; Fund Drive meeting at Branch Co. Bank civic room. Wed Wed Feb 7 Feb 7 1962 1962 Thurs -Sat Feb 15, 16, 17 1962 Play Coldwater Civic Players Performers Ray Mulchahey Demolition of the old South Hanchett St garage building now makes way for parking across from the Tibbits. Co-chairwoman Margaret Hayes appears on WKZO TV “Feminine Fancies” program in Kalamazoo to explain various facets of the drive. Minstrel Show Rotary Club **originally scheduled for the Tibbits, but moved to Source 10-19-61 DR 10-27-61 DR 11-14-61 DR 11-30-61 DR 12-2-61 DR 12-15-61 DR 12-15-61 DR 12-15-61 DR 01-05-62 DR 01-05-62 DR 01-22-62 DR 01-25-62 DR 01-25-62 DR 01-27-62 DR 01-25-62 DR 02-01-62 DR 02-07-62 DR 02-06-62 DR 12-12-61 DR 01-31-62 DR Burdick, 66 �Day Thurs Sat Fri Week of Wed Wed Wed Sun Tues Fri Fri Fri Sat Date Feb 15 March 10 March 16 March 20 March 21 March 21 March 21-28 April 01 April 03 April 06 April 13 May 18 May 26 Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source 1962 1962 Roosevelt Auditorium once Tibbits is ordered closed by the fire marshal. However, Thurs night benefit performance for the Tibbits House-to-house solicitation for the fund scheduled (postponed until March though). Coldwater Moose Lodge dinner held as a benefit for Tibbits. 01-26-62 DR 03-09-62 DR 1962 Tibbits Theatre benefit antiques auction held at Porter furniture store nets $240. 03-19-62 DR 1962 Coldwater High School students present Tibbits with a donation of $23.25. 03-20-62 DR 1962 03-21-62 DR 1962 Donation of 100 shares of US Steel stock (valued at approximately $7,000) is given to Tibbits by an anonymous donor. Coldwater Fortnightly Musical Club sponsors a kitchen tour to benefit Tibbits. Homemade bread will be sold from each of seven homes included in the tour. Block by block canvass of the city for donations; campaign led by Mrs. Dorothy Aitchison and Miss Margaret Hayes. Over the past week another 59 donors have contributed. To date $27,588.47 total has been collected; still need approximately $27, 411.53 to succeed. American Legion sponsors benefit for Tibbits, which nets $160 toward the theatre fund. 1962 Donations reach $36,000; campaign nears close. 04-07-62 DR 1962 City Council grants another 90–day extension to meet the $55,000 goal. 04-14-62 DR 1962 1962 The parking lot across from Tibbits has curbs and gutters laid and is now offered as a free parking lot for patrons. Executive committee formed; engineering survey to be conducted using funds donated by the Sweet Adelines 05-18-62 DR 05-26-62 DR 1962 1962 1962 03-06-62 DR 03-07-62 DR 04-01-62 DR 04-03-62 DR Burdick, 67 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Thurs June 07 1962 Fri June 15 1962 Week of Sat June 28 1962 Sept 01 1962 Week of Oct 29 1962 Thurs Dec 6 1962 Wed Dec 12 1962 group. Engineers Vance Gray and Daniel Stolarski of Raymond E. Reese Associates of Toledo, OH examine Tibbits along with local architect Jerry Fair. “Tibbits Twist Night” benefit contest: Judged street dance sponsored by the Retail Division of the Chamber of Commerce. Engineers’ report comes back as structurally sound, with one minor exception—strengthening the live load capacity in the stage area. (Part of the) original hand-cut glass chandelier (presumably from Czechoslovakia) is found in Mr. & Mrs. Fred (Andy) Kaiser’s attic. They donate what they have back to the Tibbits—196 six-inch glass prisms, 53 three-inch prisms, 25 feet of jewel crystal chains, nine pieces of inch and a quarter crystal discs in a lace pattern, 75 pieces of ¾ inch crystal circles, one large four inch crystal drop and an envelope of handmade wire hooks. Other chandelier pieces are found stored in various attics all over the city. A non-profit corporation for the Tibbits, consisting of reps of Coldwater organizations, is in process of being formed. All donors are being asked to release the money to the Executive Tibbits Theatre committee so that work can proceed. Coldwater Committee for the Preservation of the Tibbits Opera House/ Tibbits Theatre Foundation Meeting: Most donors agree to release money to the committee. Art Lyon & Richard Birringer give legal help to form the corporation as “Tibbits Theatre Foundation”. New officers Les Woodward, president; Robert Yingling, VP; Margaret Hayes, treasurer; Franc Gay, secretary are elected. Tibbits Opera Foundation is formed as an incorporation. Mon Dec 31 1962 Tax bill consigned to Tibbits Theater Foundation. Tues Jan 1 1963 Tibbits is sold to Tibbits Theater Foundation. Fri Jan 18 1963 Tues May 07 1963 Nearly 100% of donors agree to release their money to the foundation. Only one person asks to have their money returned, and 11 other donors have been contacted but haven’t responded yet. Executive Board of the Tibbits Foundation meeting: Foundation board has been expanded to include more members. Repairs are scheduled for July 10. Proposed fall opening. Problem: Additional $26,000 still needed. Board can secure a loan for that at 6% interest, repayable over 3 years, but needs $40,000 in notes signed by Source 06-07-62 DR 06-09-62 DR 06-16-62 06-28-62 DR 09-01-62 DR 04-12-64 DR 10-29-62 DR 12-06-62 TA Michigan Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Branch Co. Tax Record Branch Co. Tax Record 01-18-63 DR 05-07-63 TA 05-17-63 DR Burdick, 68 �Day Date Year Tues May 14 1963 Mon June 3 1963 Wed Tues Fri Tues Tues June 12 June 25 June 28 July 02 July 9 1963 1963 1963 1963 1963 Mon July 15 1963 Tues Aug 20 1963 Mon Aug 26 1963 Tues Fri Aug 27 Sept 06 1963 1963 Sun Sept 22 1963 Mon Tues Sun Sept 23 Sept 24 Oct 13 1963 1963 1963 Mon Oct 14 1963 Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers reputable individuals…board is looking for 133 donors to sign notes payable $100/year for 4 years. Executive Board of the Tibbits Foundation meeting: Mr. Yingling appointed as chairman to contract individual contractors, Harris appointed as chairman of the Publicity committee, Mr. Stilson appointed as chairman of the canvassing committee. Executive Board of the Tibbits Foundation meeting: Update on pledges and names in the drive for funds. Board shifts focus on all of Branch County for donation requests instead of just Coldwater. Anonymous donation of $1,500. A number of people have agreed to sign notes for $400. Executive Committee and Board of Directors meeting: Update on Fund Drive. Drive scheduled to close July 10. Standard 9 foot concert grand piano is donated by Music Mart and Wayne Feller. Fund drive is 1/3 toward goal: 35 persons have signed notes. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board meeting: Stilson recommends extension for the drive to make it a success. Update is given on electrical work, plumbing, roof, etc. Proposal to have the Coldwater Board of Education accept ownership of the Tibbits in order to assure continuity of operation. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Meeting: President Woodward resigns due to demands of office; Mr. Yingling resigns due to conflicting opinions. Stilson is nominated as president. Fair & Robinson Architectural Firm hired to make plans for the restoration of Tibbits. Plan is to RESTORE the theater—not just renovate it. Heating and sprinkler system engineers begin their work Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board meeting: Land contract will be paid off and the theater will be cleared as the sole property of the Foundation. Applications from two people interested in directing summer stock are being reviewed. McFarlane nominated as the new vice president. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Secretary Franc Gay sends letter to the Branch County Board of Supervisors, the Coldwater City Council, and Mayor Olen Fry petitioning the removal of current tax assessments and the tax roll. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board meeting. Roussey Construction Company refurbishes the dressing rooms. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board meeting: Tax exemption notice has been received, sprinkler system has been approved by the State Fire Marshal (and work should be completed in 4-5 weeks), and Michigan Chandelier Co. would be glad to renovate the large ceiling chandelier. Publicity has begun for upcoming Roger Williams concert. Work continues on wallpaper and paint, and Jerry Fair is working on plans for remodeling dressing rooms and lounge/rehearsal areas in the basement. The Historical Society may be interested in establishing a museum in the basement. Coldwater Board of Public Utilities/ City of Coldwater agrees to absorb part of the cost involved in installing a Source 05-14-63 TA 05-03-63 TA 06-12-63 DR 06-25-63 TA 06-28-63 DR 07-02-63 DR 07-09-63 TA 07-16-63 DR 08-20-63 TA 08-26-63 DR 08-26-63 DR 09-06-63 DR 09-06-63 TA 09-22-63 TA 09-23-63 TA 09-23-63 TA 10-13-63 TA 10-15-63 DR Burdick, 69 �Day Mid Mon Wed Thurs Fri Week of Date Year Oct Oct 21 Oct 23 Oct 24 Oct 25 Nov 05 1963 1963 1963 1963 1963 1963 Tues Nov Nov 12 1963 1963 Wed Nov 13 1963 Tues Wed Nov 19 Nov 20 1963 1963 Wed Nov 20 1963 SatSun Nov 30- Dec 1963 Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers sprinkler system. They will pay for the repair to sidewalks and streets made necessary by the installation. Tibbits becomes a tax exempt center. Reopening planned. (Doesn’t quite happen as planned? No further articles about it). Roger Williams visits Tibbits to view the restoration work (He will present benefit concert in several days). Roger Williams, famed pianist, to play benefit for Tibbits—at Coldwater High School gym. Marquee on the front of Tibbits comes down. Workmen dismantle the large electric Tibbits sign. Tile on the exterior of Tibbits is removed, revealing the old brick and stone façade. $3.50 Plastering, sprinkler installation, and boiler room added to the rear of the building. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board meeting: The Trans-America Leasing Corp, who are financing the installation of the heating, air-conditioning, and sprinkler system, request mortgage on the building as security. As such, special meeting was needed to take a vote on releasing that information. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board meeting: Discussion about leasing the equipment from the Trans-American Leasing Corp. Another name change suggested, from “Tibbits Theatre Foundation” to “Tibbits Opera Foundation.” Asbestos curtain should be in by Nov 20 in time for the Grand Old Opry. Addition has been built on the back of the main building to house the heating plant and air-conditioning equipment. Gas line is laid to the new heating equipment in the boiler room. Grand Ole Opry show Tibbits Jimmy **FIRST Theater Dickens, PROFESSIONAL Foundation Shirley Ray, PRODUCTION** No Stonewall heat! Temps at 32 Jackson, degrees. Jimmy Newman, Red Sovine, and others Mrs. Gertrude Harding donates $1,000 during opening night performance to go toward work on the theater (especially the dressing room which will bear her name and that of Ross and Bess Milnes who directed many shows there). A plaque is later hung on the door of the first dressing room since she was one of the “kickoff” donations for the renovation. Show Stoppers musical variety Sweet *(show was moved to show Adelines Source 08-26-63 DR 10-21-63 DR 10-01-63 DR 10-25-63 DR 10-25-63 DR 10-25-63 DR 11-05-63 DR 11-19-63 DR 11-12-63 TA 11-13-63 TA 11-19-63 DR 11-13-63 DR 11-14-63 DR 11-21-63 DR 11-21-63 DR 03-09-64 DR 11-11-63 DR 11-26-63 DR Burdick, 70 �Day Date Year Ticket price 1 First week of Tues Dec 1963 Dec 10 1963 Sat Dec 14 1963 Tues Fri Dec 17 Dec 20 1963 1963 Mon Jan 6 1964 Tues Jan 7 1964 Tues Jan 14 1964 Adults $1.50, kids $1 Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source Roosevelt Auditorium but since heat has been fixed, it’s back on at the Tibbits) George Vaughn Lowther hired as manager and technical director for the Tibbits 11-27-63 DR Tibbits Theatre Foundation Meeting: Vaughn Lowther’s duties explained( official title: Director of the Theatre, assisting in helping the Players group get organized, directing them, look after things at the theatre and do public relations and publicity). Tom MacFarlane resigns as vice president due to a new job in St. Joseph, Pat Patterson fills that position. Phil & Sallie Whitten donate insulation for the attic. Talk to rearrange seating to bring it up to 1,000 capacity, red velvet to drape the boxes, quote for wallpaper in progress, painting of ceiling to commence, suggestion of adding some larger seats to accommodate larger people is given. Jack and the Fort Wayne Civic Beanstalk Theatre 12-10-63 TA Rotary club voted to raise money to purchase a new stage curtain, estimated cost of it is $1600. Community Sweet Christmas carol Adelines and sing several local church choirs Soprano concert 12-06-63 DR Doris Yarick Foundation Board of Directors Meeting: Planning future presentations to be scheduled, wallpaper delivered soon and installed. Work on the basement area which includes space for rehearsal, storage, and cultural center is underway and will hopefully be completed by spring. Mention to book Chad Mitchell Trio but have it at the high school because it’s a larger performance venue. Update on summer stock and the 70/30% split with the directors for the operating expenses for the season. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Report on talent booked, motion to certify Stilson as president for 5 years, with insurance to cover payment in case of death (per the request of the Leasing people). 12-06-63 DR 12-10-63 DR 12-12-63 DR 12-13-63 DR 12-16-63 DR 01-11-64 FWS 12-18-63 DR 12-16-63 DRs 12-21-63 DR 12-20-63 DR 01-03-64 DR 01-07-64 DR 01-07-64 TA 01-14-63 TA Burdick, 71 �Day Date Year Sat Sat Jan 18 Jan 25 1964 1964 Jan or Feb 1964 WedThurs Mon Feb 5-6 1964 Feb 10 1964 Portions of the Festival of Arts numbers Cardinal Choir, thespian club, etc. Tues Feb 11 1964 Festival of Arts Western Michigan University choir Wed Feb 12 1964 Wed Feb 19 Feb 1964 1964 Thurs SatMon 1964 1964 FriSat Feb 20 Feb 2224 Feb 2122 Coldwater Art Club Meeting: Members decided to sponsor project/donate paintings to be awarded during Michigan Week, with funds benefiting Tibbits. Call out/donation request for tables, lamps, vanity dressing tables, water pitchers, mirrors, etc. for backstage. Notation that heating system, air condition system and sprinkler system were leased. Restoration is planned…to date $91,000 has been raised with another $75,000 needed. Tibbits Civic Theatre elects new officers (formerly Coldwater Players). Mention of the show Life With Father. New red flocked wall covering/wallpaper is hung by Lyle Barry, Gerald Clark, and Wayne Harmon. The proscenium arch is painted by Richard Dirschell. The Pajama Game Musical Tecumseh Players Mon Feb 24 1964 1964 Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* *Benefit for Tibbits* Chad Mitchell Trio held at the high school gymnasium “Come Close I’ll Give Series of American you an Earful” sketches from Association of * Benefit for Tibbits* world famous University plays and novels Women A Far Country or Lansing Civic Players Mary Mary planned (neither ended up in production) Auditions for Life With Father, a Tibbits Civic Theatre show Performers Agnes Moorehead 01-10-64 DR 01-22-64 DR 01-23-64 DR 01-24-64 DR 01-27-64 DR 12-06-63 DR 01-31-64 DR 01-29-64 DR 02-07-64 DR Coldwater Community Schools arts festival The Lewis Art Collection, worth several hundred thousand dollars, is given to Tibbits. Plans to improve the Source 02-09-64 DR 02-11-64 DR 02-15-64 DR 02-19-64 DR 02-20-64 DR 02-21-64 DR 02-22-64 DR 02-22-64 DR 02-24-64 DR 01-29-64 DR 02-10-64 DR 02-14-64 DR 02-19-64 DR 02-21-64 DR 02-22-64 DR 02-24-64 DR 02-24-64 DR Burdick, 72 �Day Date Year Mon Tues Tues Feb 24 Feb 25 Feb 25 1964 1964 1964 Thurs Feb 27 1964 Fri Feb 28 1964 Early March 1964 Fri March 6 March 9 1964 Thurs March 12 1964 Fri March 13 March 14 March 18 March 1964 Mon Sat Wed Thurs 1964 Ticket price students $1, $4 reserved 1964 1964 1964 $2 Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers basement and turn it into a museum/art gallery are announced. Southern Michigan National Bank and Harold F. Stukey give “sizeable contributions.” Coldwater Art Club donates seven original paintings to benefit Tibbits for the Michigan Week/Cultural Day event. The Seven Ways of Joseph Love Cotton, Patricia (Performance plays Medina to a full house, grosses $3500 in receipts.) Substantial contributions made by Mr. & Mrs. Earl C. Corwin & Mr. and Mrs. William A Milnes, owners of the Southern Michigan Grocer Co. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: H.F. Stukey appointed as a new board member. Reports given on upcoming events and financial stability. two plays Coldwater Civic Clebanoff Strings, 20 Concert musician ensemble Kai Winding Jazz Septet Concert Source 02-24-64 DR 02-25-64 DR 01-29-64 DR 02-17-64 DR 02-19-64 DR 02-20-64 DR 02-21-64 DR 02-26-64 DR 02-28-64 DR 02-28-64 TA 01-09-64 DR 12-20-63 DR 02-28-64 DR 03-04-64 DR 03-04-64 DR 03-10-64 DR TV producer Paul Henning (Beverly Hillbillies and Petticoat Junction) gives sizeable contribution because of letter written by Mrs. Josephine Henning Beyer of Coldwater (daughter of Joseph Henning, second owner of Tibbits and sister of Huldah (wife of John Jackson, the third owner of the Tibbits)) concerning the possibility they may be related. She encloses information on the Tibbits restoration and he decides to donate. Major contribution given by the Branch County Federal Savings and Loan Association. 03-12-64 DR Spring Fashion Chamber of Show Commerce Sizeable contribution given by Rex T. Kiess, Coldwater jeweler, & Mrs. Kiess. 02-17-64 DR 03-16-64 DR University of Michigan Glee Club Concert 03-13-64 DR 03-18-64 DR 02-17-64 DR 03-12-64 DR Burdick, 73 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers 19 Fri- March 27March 1964 1964 Thurs -Sat March 30 April 24 1964 $1 Thurs, $1.50 Fri/Sat Mon April 6 1964 Free Fri April 10 April 12 1964 Mon Sun Tues April 1964 1964 1964 Life With Father Play Tibbits Civic (postponed) Theatre Al Parke provides mural decoration on the west and north walls of the lobby, about 500 square feet. Wayne Harmon and his men surface the walls with canvas to take the oil painting. Jim Bryan, Bill Bobler and Walter Johnson provide assistance in materials, rigging and décor details. New curtain is installed. Flame-red velour, perfected matches the lighter red in the velour wallpaper. Curtain is donated by the Rotary. Naughty Nineties Minstrel Show Rotary Concert Music Mart of Coldwater Dave Nault, organist Source 03-16-64 DR 03-17-64 DR 03-18-64 DR 03-20-64 DR 03-19-64 DR 03-19-64 DR 03-28-64 DR 04-01-64 DR 02-28-64 DR 03-21-64 DR 03-23-64 DR 03-25-64 DR 03-26-64 DR 03-27-64 DR 03-30-64 DR 04-02-64 DR 04-03-64 DR 04-04-64 DR 04-04-64 DR Sizeable donation by Mr. & Mrs. G. Otis Pierce Students $1, GA $2.50 and $5, sponsors $7.50 and $10 03-20-64 DR 03-23-64 DR 03-24-64 DR 04-07-64 DR 04-12-64 DR 04-14-64 TA Bob Newhart and The Outsiders (does not break even but comes close) Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Suggestion for more publicity in nearby towns, giving editors of the 04-14-64 TA Burdick, 74 �Day Date Year Ticket price April 16-18 April 24 April 24 1964 Sat April 25 1964 Mon Sun April 1? 1964 April 1964 26 Wed 1964 Fri April 29 May 1 Sun May 3 1964 Fri Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers papers complimentary tickets, and discounting student tickets. Notice that Chamber of Commerce and Service Clubs in the area are having new signs erected at the entrance of Coldwater which will say “Home of the World Famous Tibbits Theatre.” Life With Father play Tibbits Civic Theatre Mrs. Alfred Parke (wife of mural painter) is guest speaker for the Coldwater Newcomers Club; tells them the history of the Opera House. variety show Coldwater High School 14 Thurs -Sat Week of Name of show/ lecture topic 1964 1964 $1 students, $2.50-$4 tickets $1.25 donation Henry L. Scott Show Comedy/Piano Show Vocal concert Wayne King & his orchestra Concert Coldwater Community High School 04-09-64 DR 04-24-64 DR 03-20-64 DR 04-18-64 DR 04-20-64 DR 04-27-64 DR 04-09-64 DR 04-16-64 DR 04-17-64 DR 04-21-64 DR 04-24-64 DR 04-14-64 DR 04-25-64 DR 04-28-64 DR Vaughn Lowther is guest speaker at the American Association of University Women April meeting. Blue Angels Drum and Drum & Bugle Bugle Corp Festival / judged concert Michigan Gas Utilities Co. makes sizable contribution to restoration. 1964 $1 student, $3 and $5 Henry L. Scott, comicpianist Source 04-16-64 DR 04-30-64 DR 05-02-64 DR Douglas Hoopingar ner, Guy Frizzell and Waive Wardwell Wayne King & his orchestra; Jim Hayes & Nancy Evans, 04-16-64 DR 04-22-64 DR 04-28-64 DR 04-30-64 DR 05-04-64 DR Burdick, 75 �Day Date Year Mon Wed May 4 May 6 1964 1964 Sat Sun May 9 & 10 1964 Tues May 12 1964 Wed May 13 1964 Thurs Fri Tues Wed May 14 May 15 May 19 May 20 1964 1964 1964 1964 Tues Thurs May 26 May 28 1964 1964 Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source vocalists free $1 students, $1.50, $2.50, $3 $1 students, $2, $2.50, $3.50 $1, $2, $2.50, $3.50 Tibbits Foundation appoints Kenneth W. Kohn as associate producer of the ATF summer company Band Concert Coldwater John Community Visosky Schools and Guy Frizzell Reynard the Fox Ft. Wayne Children’s Play David Theatre Fisher Coldwater junior and senior high bands Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Now have signed lease agreements with all summer stock people. Walter Stump is announced as associate producer and production director for ATF. Concerns that the people aren’t interested in children’s theatre (minimal attendance, low response to over 5,000 circulars that were given to each child). The Virginia Symphony conductor William Penny Hacker Glenn Crane is announced as ATF’s producer. Tibbits announces hiring of leading ingénue Kathy Zeller. Coldwater Art Club draws winners of paintings donated as Tibbits benefit. “Black Like Me” Lecture Summer stock box office opens- 20% discount for season ticket holders Dance Show John Howard Griffin, author Jose Molina, Spanish Dance Troupe 05-04-64 DR 05-05-64 DR 04-30-64 DR 05-05-64 DR 05-08-64 DR 05-11-64 DR 05-12-64 TA 04-30-64 DR 05-06-64 DR 05-11-64 DR 05-13-64 DR 05-14-64 DR 05-14-64 DR 05-15-64 DR 05-14-64 DR 04-30-64 DR 05-15-64 DR 05-21-64 DR 05-26-64 DR 04-30-64 DR 05-20-64 DR 05-22-64 DR 05-25-64 DR 05-27-64 DR Burdick, 76 �Day Date Year Thurs Tues Thurs May 28 June 2 June 4 1964 1964 1964 Thurs Sat Sun Mon June 4 June 6 June 7 June 8 1964 1964 1964 1964 Tues June 9 1964 Thurs Mon Tues June 18 June 22 June 23 JuneSept 1964 1964 1964 1964 TuesSun June 23-28 1964 Ticket price $1 donation TuesThurs: $2, $2.50, $3; FriSun: $2.50, $3, $3.50 Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Tom King announced as leading man for summer stock. Board of Directors of Branch County Savings Bank gives large donation to Tibbits. Directors of the American Theatre Festival ask for a host of items to be donated—cutting tables, chairs, filing cabinets, Singer sewing machines, and desks. Quincy Bank donates a sizeable check to Tibbits. H.F. Stukey of Stukey Inn holds private reception for members for the ATF company and Tibbits board members. Rest of the company arrives; rehearsals for ATF begin. Variety Show / Sweet Mrs. America Adelines and the original Mrs. America at Tibbits *Tibbits benefit * Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Jerry Fair shows sketches of the front of the building, shows plans to restore the dome, windows, doors, balcony and reface the building at a cost of $15,000. The material for the chandelier has been assembled and Rotary Club has agreed to pay $400 for material for the drapes. Crystal chandelier has been rebuilt and will be returned to the Opera House within the next week to ten days. Tibbits and local merchants give away tickets to summer shows as a promo. Alfred Parke and Bill Petch construct a marquee on the façade of the theatre. ***American Theatre Festival (ATF) is the first-ever summer stock season at Tibbits. Directors changed with each show; constants included Miss Tony Showalter as costume mistress, Sally Dunlap as costume designer, Jack Shouse as set designer, and Walter Stump as lighting designer. Season Ticket Prices: Tues, Wed, Thur: $12.50, $17.50, $21, $25; Fri, Sat, Sun: $17.50, $22.50, $27.50, $32.50. Solid Gold Cadillac American Theatre Glenn Irene Festival Crane Belcher, William Walsh, Joel Marsh, Crane, Kenneth Kohn, Charles Source 05-28-64 DR 05-28-64 DR 06-02-64 DR 06-04-64 DR 06-05-64 DR 06-07-64 DR 06-07-64 DR 06-05-64 DR 06-08-64 DR 06-09-64 TA 06-18-64 DR 06-22-64 DR 06-23-64 DR 06-22-64 DR 07-17-64 DR 07-10-64 DR 05-26-64 DR 05-27-64 DR 06-16-64 DR 06-18-64 DR 06-22-64 DR 06-24-64 DR 06-26-64 DR Burdick, 77 �Day Date Year Tues Sun June 30- July 5 1964 Thurs TuesSun July 2 July 712 1964 1964 Ticket price TuesThurs: $2, $2.50, $3; FriSun: $2.50, $3, $3.50 TuesThurs: $2, $2.50, Name of show/ lecture topic The Pursuit of Happiness Company name Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* American Theatre Festival Type of event Comedy/ Play Walter Stump Performers Hutchins, Ruth Chambers, Tom King, Kathy Zeller, Virginia Marsh, George Vaughn Lowther, David Higgins Robert Miller, Ruth Chambers, Glenn Crane, Kathy Zeller, Tom King, William Walsh, David Higgins, Joel & Virginia Marsh Source 06-18-64 DR 06-23-64 DR 06-29-64 DR 06-30-64 DR 07-01-64 DR 07-02-64 DR Substantial donation by the Board of Directors of the Branch County Savings Bank is made to Tibbits. 06-18-64 DR The Man Who Came American Theatre Comedy / Play Glenn William 07-06-64 DR to Dinner Festival Crane Walsh, 07-07-64 DR Walter 07-08-64 DR Stump, Irene Burdick, 78 �Day Date Year Ticket price $3; FriSun: $2.50, $3, $3.50 Wed Tues July 8 July 14 TuesSun July 14- 1964 19 TuesSun July 21- 1964 26 1964 1964 TuesThurs: $2, $2.50, $3; FriSun: $2.50, $3, $3.50 TuesThurs: $2, $2.50, $3; FriSun: $2.50, $3, $3.50 Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Belcher, Sally Dunlap, Robert Miller, Joel & Virginia Marsh, Ruth Chambers, George Vaughn Lowther Producers of ATF request donation of two office desks, two long tables and a table saw for the productions. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: President Stilson is authorized to contact Mr. Parke regarding preparing a “graphic display to illustrate the point at which we have arrived in the restoration of the theatre, and to illustrate or dramatize the projects that are to be done in the future.” Under the Yum Yum American Theatre American Farce/ Robert Virginia Tree Festival Play Miller Marsh, Kathy Zeller, Tom King, Glenn Crane Ten Nights in a Bar room American Theatre Festival Adapted as a musical comedy melodrama by Walter Stump Director, Walter Stump; Choreogra phy, Bob Miller; Pianists Mrs. Roy C. Virginia Marsh, Bob Miller, Irene Belcher, Kathy Zeller, Ruth Chambers, William Source 07-08-64 DR 07-14-64 TA 06-18-64 DR 07-11-64 DR 07-13-64 DR 07-14-64 DR 07-15-64 DR 07-16-64 DR 06-18-64 DR 07-11-64 DR 07-16-64 DR 07-18-64 DR 07-20-64 DR 07-22-64 DR 07-23-64 DR 07-24-64 DR Burdick, 79 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Patterson & Doug Hoopingar ner; Backdrop design, Alfred Parke Sat TuesSun July 25 1964 July 28- 1964 Aug 2 Fri July 31 1964 Sat Aug 1 1964 TuesSun Aug 4- 1964 TuesThurs: $2, $2.50, $3; FridaySun: $2.50, $3, $3.50 Tues- Quality Spring Products, Inc. gives major contribution to Tibbits. Mister Roberts American Theatre Comedy-Drama/ Festival Play Irene Belcher Performers Source Walsh, Glenn Crane, David Higgins, Joel Marsh, Jeff Miller, Tom King Joel Marsh, Robert Miller, Sally Dunlap, William Walsh, Tom King, Glenn Crane, Mick Cochrane, Ken Kohn, David Higgins, Douglas Hoopengar ner, Jeffrey Miller, George Spelvin American Theatre Festival officials ask for help furnishing the company housing (located at 90 Division St) with lamps, chairs, dressers, rugs, and other furniture. A chauffeured Rolls Royce for an evening and tickets to one of the Chamber of ATF plays given away. Won by Clifford Foster; Rolls Royce belongs to Commerce Mrs. & Mrs. Richard Patterson. Girls in 509 American Theatre Comedy / Kenneth Robert 06-18-64 DR 07-27-64 DR 07-28-64 DR 07-29-64 DR 07-31-64 DR 07-31-64 DR 08-03-64 DR 06-18-64 DR 07-30-64 DR Burdick, 80 �Day Date Year 9 Tues TuesSun Aug 11 Aug 11-16 Ticket price Thurs: $2, 2.50, 3; FridaySun: $2.50, $3, $3.50 1964 1964 Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source Festival Miller, Irene Belcher, Ruth Chambers, George Vaughn Lowther, Virginia Marsh, Tom King, David Higgins, Allison Crockett, Joel Marsh, Jeffrey Miller 08-03-64 DR Tibbits Foundation Board Meeting Picnic American Theatre Festival Type of event Political Farce/ Play Drama / Play Kohn Walter Stump 08-11-64 TA 06-18-64 DR 07-13-64 DR 07-16-64 DR 08-08-64 DR 08-11-64 DR 08-12-64 DR 08-14-64 DR David Higgins, Kathy Zeller, Allison Crockett, Tom King, Virginia Marsh, Ruth Chambers, William Walsh, Sharon Doyle, Jerri Parke, Burdick, 81 �Day Date Year Thurs Aug 20 1964 TuesSun Aug 18 – Aug 23 1964 Aug 1964 Mon Aug 24 1964 TuesSun Aug 25-30 1964 Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Jeffery Miller “Business Men’s Night.” Local business and professional men are planning to attend the show and an After-Glow at Stukey’s Inn following the show. The Seven Year Itch American Theatre Play Glenn Kathy Festival Crane; Zeller, Bob musical Miller, direction Virginia by Donna Marsh, Douglass Timothy Crane, Mary Circle, Allison Crockett, Sally Dunlap, Rosemary King, William Walsh, Joel Marsh Kohn is approached by President Stilson about becoming a “Business Manager” for the Tibbits (with duties outlined similar to Vaughn Lowther’s, who previously held the position of Theatre Manager). The compensation from the Foundation will be $3-4000 per year, with supplementation from a part-time college teaching job at a nearby college, totaling income to approx. $10,000/year. Kohn begins making arrangements to move to Coldwater, and “mistakenly assumes that arrangements have been made for him to begin teaching in Sept at the college.” President Stilson sends a letter to Mr. Stukey (and cc’s the Board and various others) addressing personality conflicts and perceived malicious attacks on Stilson by Stukey, concerns with finances and Stukey’s apparent attitude of closing down the theatre if he is not paid for ATF meals/housing (even though Stilson was out of town during that time). Little Mary Sunshine American Theatre Musical comedy Walter Kathy Zeller Festival Stump (with Lois Source 08-11-64 TA 06-18-64 DR 08-14-64 DR 08-15-64 DR 08-17-64 DR 08-18-64 DR 08-19-64 DR 08-20-64 DR 01-06-65 TA 08-24-64 TA 06-18-64 DR 08-17-64 DR 08-22-64 DR Burdick, 82 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* **Also added matinee performances Wed & Sat at reduced rates TuesSun Sept 16 1964 Wed Sept 16 1964 (costumes created by David Higgins, who worked with a prof. Indian dance troupe for 3 years); musical direction by Thurman & Donna Douglass; Choreogra phy by Miller; Sets by Douglas Saito Walter Stump Performers Source Taylor for matinees), Don Circle, David Higgins, Jack Shouse, Irene Belcher, William Walsh, Virginia Marsh, Glenn Crane 08-24-64 DR 08-26-64 DR 08-27-64 DR 08-28-64 DR 06-18-64 DR William Walsh, Ruth 08-29-64 DR 08-31-64 DR Chambers, 09-01-64 DR Irene 09-03-64 DR Belcher, 09-05-64 DR Tom King Stukey sends a letter to Stilson, replying to what was sent on 08-24-64. His points: Stilson shouldn’t have sent the 09-16-64 TA letter to the entire board, the community should be given complete and accurate information, the money matter of $3,000 that is owed to Stukey should be repaid by Crane, Kohn and Stump, and that he too has supported and will continue to support the summer theatre group. He mentions that financial responsibility is needed. Burdick, 83 Light Up the Sky American Theatre Festival Comedy / Play �Day Date Year Tues Sept 22 1964 Thurs -Sat Oct 1Oct 3 1964 Tues Oct 6 1964 Wed Oct 7 1964 Thurs -Sat Oct 810 *Oct 23 1964 Ticket price $8.50 for four concerts/ $2.12 each Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source 09-22-64 TA Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Kiwanis is granted permission to have travelogues at the Tibbits and the board considers three professional fund-raising organizations to help complete the restoration project. The ATF/summer stock did not turn a profit this summer (however, in exchange for the use of the facilities, they did pay some $3500-4000 in utility bills and improvements like lighting and equipment, approximately $5,000 in costumes and another $5000 in scenery which now belongs to the Foundation). The principals of ATF will be staying the winter in Coldwater and plan to put on a series of plays in Tibbits this winter. A Tibbits Woman’s Auxiliary has recently been formed, and they have addressed brochures to be mailed to the entire mailing list. 09-16-64 DR Glass Menagerie Tibbits Repertoire (never showed? Company, now formed Mentions opening of by American Theatre season as World of Festival producers Carl Sandburg in 1006-64 article) 10-6-64 TA Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting (special meeting): Ralph Little Of Burrill, Inc., a fundraising organization, is hired to start a fundraising program on Monday Oct 12 at the cost of $9,000, with the amount to be raised at $200,000. The Stan Getz Band scheduled for Oct 18 was cancelled since the ticket sales did not warrant the cost of the show. 05-02-64 DR La Boheme Goldovsky Grand Opera Opera Branch Jerold 06-11-64 DR Company County Siena, 10-08-64 DR Community Ronald Concert Holgate, Association Eugene Green, Shapleigh Howell, Carol Courtman, Linda Newman. 10-06-14 DR World of Carl Tibbits Repertoire Play Walter Stockton Sandburg Company Stump; Burns, Ruth 10-07-64 DR 10-08-64 DR produced Chambers, 10-09-64 DR by Glenn William Crane Walsh Burdick, 84 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source special perform ance Tues Oct 13 1964 Sat Sat Oct Oct 17 Oct 17 1964 1964 1964 Sun Oct 18 1964 Mon Oct 19 1964 Fri Oct 23 1964 Sat Oct 24 1964 Wed Oct 28 1964 Season tickets $5/ 6 shows Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Woman’s Auxiliary is having a bake sale with funds raised to be used to purchase a mimeograph machine for the theatre. Delta Iota chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority has meeting; principal annual projects is ushering at the Tibbits. Auditions for local children to appear in Tom Sawyer production. Holiday in Quebec Travelogue Kiwanis 10-13-64 TA Stan Getz & his Jazz Concert Stan Getz Quartet (cancelled at 10-6-64 board meeting) Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Mr. Robb from Burrill, Inc (fundraising firm) is introduced and explains how the fundraising drive will work. $66 was raised at the Auxiliary’s bake sale. World of Carl Tibbits Repertoire Play Walter Stockton Sandburg Company Stump; Burns, Ruth *Special produced Chambers, performance for by Glenn William presidents of local Crane Walsh colleges and universities The Adventures of Whithey Playmaker 3 Act Play Tom Sawyer Productions from Ft. Wayne Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Mr. Robb explains the campaign chart, and the following appointments were made: Roy Patterson, campaign director; A. G. Lyon (chairman), Ernest Luse, Russell Waldron, Howard Snyder, listing committee; Fred Anderson Duane Davidson, Howard Teeter, Gerald Hensley, V. M Stilson, leadership committee; Mrs. Alfred Morency, general gifts-women’s division; Duane Davidson, publicity chairman; Jerri Parke, speaker’s bureau; Margaret Hayes, campaign treasurer. Margaret Hayes tenders her resignation as treasurer of the Foundation as of 11-1-64. The TransAmerican Leasing Co. is owed $67,929.48. If payment is made 09-25-64 DR 10-07-64 DR 10-17-64 DR 10-15-64 DR 10-17-64 DR 10-19-64 TA 10-22-64 DR 10-14-64 DR 10-15-64 DR Burdick, 85 �Day Date Year Thurs Tues Oct 29 Nov 3 1964 1964 Tues Nov 3 1964 WedFri Nov 46 1964 Sat Nov 7 1964 Mon Nov 9 1964 Tues Nov 10 1964 Ticket price Students half price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers now, a savings of over $14,000 would occur (interest?). The Board votes to borrow $5000 from the Branch Co. Savings Bank & the Southern MI National Bank of Coldwater to finance the fundraising fee for Burrill, Inc. Herb Shriner, nationally known stage, TV and radio star, visits Tibbits. Tibbits Opera Foundation announces a $200,000 campaign with R.P. Pat Patterson as the general chairman of the drive. Foundation wants to complete the remodeling and restoration of the theatre and museum and art center. Monies will go toward debt retirement/loan on heating/air systems, restoration of the front of the building, new electrical system, carpeting, seating, lower level lounges, rest rooms, museum, and misc. V. M. Stilson, president of Tibbits Foundation announces Charles T. Marsh as publicity and PR man for Tibbits. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Mr. Robb compares Tibbits to Stratford /Ontario Shakespearian Festival, which has achieved international fame. Says the film The Stratford Story will be shown to the Foundation and other service organizations in the future. Candida American Theatre Play Kathy Festival/ Tibbits Rep Co. Zeller, Stockton Burns, William Walsh, Ruth Chambers, Glenn Crane Hummon Sisters Concert-ranging Coldwater Accompani Janet and from religious Ministerial ment Guy Mary melodies to Association & Frizell Hummon show tunes Tibbits Opera Foundation The Lombardo Years Guy Lombardo & his Lombardo Royal Canadians Brothers Carmen, Lebert, & Victor; gust singer Anita Bryant Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: The film The Stratford Story is shown. Source 10-31-64 DR 11-03-64 DR 11-03-64 TA 10-15-64 DR 10-29-64DR 10-31-64 DR 11-03-64 DR 11-04-64 DR 11-05-64 DR 11-06-64 DR 10-15-64 DR 10-17-64 DR 10-29-64 DR 11-06-64 DR 09-11-64 DR 09-17-64 DR 10-15-64 DR 11-07-64 DR 11-10-64 DR 11-10-64 TA Burdick, 86 �Day Date Year Thurs Sat Nov 12 Nov 14 1964 1964 Mon Nov 16 1964 Thurs - Fri Nov 19-20 1964 Sat Nov 21 1964 Tues Nov 24 1964 Sat Nov 28 1964 Ticket price Season tickets $5/ 6 shows Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting (special meeting): Reports on fundraising campaign given. Hunza Land Travelogue Kiwanis 11-10-64 TA 10-15-64 DR 10-17-64 DR Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting (special meeting): Reports on fundraising campaign given. Tibbits Fund Drive is established with R.C. Patterson as general chairman and Mrs. Alfred G. Morency & Wayne Feller as cochairmen of the gifts division. Ondine French drama/ Coldwater Phyllis Play: Senior Class High School Coscarelly and Elwood McClellan 11-10-64 TA 11-16-64 DR Man & Superman Association of Producing Artists, U of M. professional theatre group Play Set design Kim Sados, costm design Nancy Potts Richard Woods, Ellis Rabb, Nancy Marchand, Paul Spareer, Donald Mofat, Rosemary Harris Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Mr. Robb reports on the progress of the fundraising campaign, Charles Bristol is voted is as new Treasurer of the Foundation with Margaret Hayes remaining as a board member. The Sorcerer U of M Gilbert & Sullivan Opera/ ComedyDirector Society Melody Allan Schreiber, Musical 10-15-64 DR 11-12-64 DR 11-14-64 DR 11-16-64 DR 11-17-64 DR 11-18-64 DR 11-19-64 DR 11-20-64 DR 09-25-64 DR 10-15-64 DR 11-17-64 DR 11-19-64 DR 11-30-64 DR 11-24-64 TA 09-25-64 DR 10-15-64 DR 11-25-64 DR 11-28-64 DR 11-30-64 DR Burdick, 87 �Day Date Year Sat Nov 28 Fri Mon Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source 1964 Trial by Jury U of M Gilbert & Sullivan Society John L. Henkel 09-25-64 DR 10-15-64 DR 11-25-64 DR 11-28-64 DR 11-30-64 DR Nov 27 Nov 30 1964 1964 Tues Tues Dec 1 Dec 1 1964 1964 Fri Dec 4 1964 Tibbits Fund Drive workers have a second report meeting. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting (special meeting): Fundraising report. Mr. Robb stresses the need for more workers. Tibbits Fund Drive Workers have meeting at Stukey’s Inn. Duo-Pianists, The Concert (second Branch Teltschik Teltschick Brothers in series?) County brothers, Community Alfred & Concert Herbert Association Mata and Hari Satirical Dance & Pantomime SatSun Dec 5-6 1964 Happy Holidays Show Tues Dec 8 1964 Thurs Dec 10 1964 Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Vote to extend the drive for capital funds for Tibbits indefinitely. Theatre rental cost is discussed: $75 performance fee and $25 rehearsal fee charged for all local organizations, 6040 fee for outside organizations, free to/donation accepted from educational institutions unless they charge an admission fee. Glenn Miller Ray Orchestra McKinley One Act Opera/ Satirical Comedy Variety Show director Prof. Harold Haugh, Choreogra pher Mrs. Riecker Sweet Adelines 11-30-64 DR 11-30-64 TA 11-30-64 DR 11-11-64 DR 12-02-64 DR 09-11-64 DR 09-25-64 DR 11-11-64 DR 11-25-64 DR 12-05-64 DR 11-11-64 DR 12-01-64 DR 12-02-64 DR 12-03-64 DR 12-04-64 DR 12-07-64 DR 12-05-64 DR 12-08-64 TA 09-11-64 DR 09-25-64 DR Burdick, 88 �Day Fri Date Year Ticket price Dec 11 Winter 1964 1964 FriSun Dec 1113 1964 $3.50$2; students half price Sun Dec 13 1964 $1 adults; under 16 75 cents main floor, 50 cents balcony Wed Dec 23 1964 Fri Wed Dec 26 Dec 30 1964 1964 Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Tibbits Fund Drive Meeting; Reports Requested. A Hasty Heart (replaced with Love Out of Town, but neither ever showed) Dial M for Murder American Theatre Festival/ Tibbits Rep Co. Rapunzel & the Witch American Theatre Festival/ Tibbits Rep Co. Type of event Comedy / Play Murder Mystery/ Play Walter Stump, producer Glenn Crane Children’s Theatre/Play Director and lighting designer Walter Stump Performers Roger Smith, Ed (Kookie Byrnes Stockton Burns, Kathy Zeller, Walter Stump, Glenn Crane Stockton Burns, Ruth Chambers, Kathy Zeller, Bill Walsh V.M. Stilson sends letter to Board of Directors and resigns from the presidency and the Board of Directors of Tibbits. Mrs. Alfred G. Parke (Jenie Parke) sends her letter of resignation to Vice President Patterson. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Resignations from V. M. Stilson, Jerri Parke and Winifred Morency. Margaret Hayes made a motion to deny Mrs. Morency’s resignation, and she agreed to remain a member of the board. Roy Patterson is named new president of the Tibbits Opera Foundation; Duane E. Davidson named vicepresident. Mr. Stukey donates the loan of $1,750 to the Foundation. Finances and financial program is discussed (bank loans, local bills, Transamerica Corp. bill). Suggestion to put new locks on all the Theatre building doors with the keys marked “do not duplicate”. Keys will only be given to qualified persons. Discussion on lease with the ATF, but no action taken. Source 11-25-64 DR 12-08-64 DR 12-03-66 DR 09-11-64 DR 09-25-64 DR 11-11-64 DR 11-24-64 DR 11-30-64 DR 12-03-64 DR 12-04-64 DR 12-07-64 DR 12-10-64 DR 12-11-64 DR 11-24-64 DR 11-30-64 DR 12-01-64 DR 12-07-64 DR 12-09-64 DR 12-24-64 DR 12-23-64 TA 12-26-64 TA 12-30-64 DR 12-30-64 TA Burdick, 89 �Day Date Year Thurs Dec 31 1964 Tues Jan 5 1965 Wed Jan 6 1965 Thurs -Sat Jan 7-9 1965 Mon Jan 11 1965 Tues Jan 12 1965 Sat Jan 16 1965 Tues Jan 19 1965 Ticket price Adults $2.50; students $1 Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Executive Board Meeting: Discussion of problems from 12-30 meeting, including: payment of $500 balance due to Glenn Miller Band, change to three signatures on checks (president, VP and treasurer), and formation of new committees (Finance- Dr. Harold J. Meier, chairman; House & Properties- Sanford Jolley, chairman; Public Relations- Peter Schwartz, chairman; Restoration- Jerry Fair, chairman). ATF contract discussed at a 5-year contract with proper cancellation clause if it jeopardizes the theatre, plus inventory taken before and after the season. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting at Stuckey’s Inn: Vote for Mr. Roussey to fill the hole in the alley for $125, and that the lease/contract for the ATF be prepared by an attorney. Mrs. Morency sends another letter of resignation to the board. Kenneth Kohn sends a letter to President Patterson regarding his employment as the theatre manager: He was never told he was being dismissed as the manager, hasn’t been paid what had been promised, has moved his family to Coldwater and as such his wife has given up her job and they have lost money because of it, and he has just heard that the board is looking for a qualified and experienced theatre manager (and he seems offended that his extensive qualifications are being overlooked by the board). Expresses disappointment with his last 3 months of “employment”, at which he has worked sometimes over 80 hours a week, and has at most received $125 total. Furthermore, he is upset by the rumors around town of his “inefficiency as a manager”, which is making it hard for him to secure another job. *On the Marquee American Theatre Play schedule but never Festival/ Tibbits Rep Co. played Rubinoff & his Violins Concert Rubinoff Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Mrs. Winifred Morency resigns. Some bookings need to be negotiated on price or will have to be cancelled. Those already cancelled include Entrances & Exits, Hal Holbrook, Basil Rathbone, and Caldonia. Executive Committee to now meet every Wed and the Foundation board to meet every Tuesday until further notice. Exits & Entrances (cancelled by 01-1265 meeting) Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Vote to take out a loan for $3500 to pay $1500 to Woody Herman and Source 12-30-64 TA 12-31-64 TA 01-05-65 DR 12-30-64 DR 01-05-65 TA 01-06-65 TA 12-12-64 DR 12-12-64 DR 12-31-64 DR 01-06-65 DR 01-07-65 DR 01-08-65 DR 01-11-65 DR 01-12-65 DR 01-12-65 TA 12-12-64 DR 01-12-65 TA 01-19-65 TA Burdick, 90 �Day Date Year Sat Jan 23 1965 Tues Jan 26 1965 Sat Jan 30 1965 Tues TuesWed Feb 2 Feb 2-3 1965 1965 Tues Feb 9 1965 Wed Feb 10 1965 Ticket price $1.50 Season tickets $5/ 6 shows Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* $4, Performers $2000 to pay Roger Williams. The loan will be signed by 5 board members, each liable for $700 of the loan. The proceeds of these concerts will be used to repay the loan. Seaman Office Supply will take back the purchased mimeograph machine ($459), apply the price on the current account, and rent the machine for $25. Discussion about the possibility of Olivet College providing funds for a theatre manager in exchange for use of the Tibbits for rehearsals in connection with an adult education program. Taming of the Shrew MSU Players Coldwater Frank Frederick High School Rutledge De Santis, chapter of the Chilton Thespian Cunningha Society m, Terry Williams, Catherine Mann Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Olivet College agrees to pay half of the salary for a theatre manager, which would be $50 per week toward the director’s salary, provided another $50 per week can be secured from some other source. The agreement would take place in February and involve the Players Group, Adult Education, and Teenage Activities. U of M requests payment of $700 for the Gilbert and Sullivan performance. 900 brochures advertising coming attractions are ready to mail out. Mr. Lyon is preparing the lease agreement with ATF. Pan-Am Highway Travelogue Kiwanis Sweet Adelines donate $250 to the Tibbits. free Type of event Source 12-12-64 DR 01-04-65 DR 01-05-65 DR 01-14-65 DR 01-15-65 DR 01-19-65 DR 01-20-65 DR 01-21-65 DR 01-23-65 DR 01-25-65 DR 01-26-65 TA 10-17-64 DR 01-29-65 DR 02-02-65 DR 01-30-65 DR 02-01-65 DR 02-04-65 DR 02-09-65 DR 02-09-65 TA Susan Lowe Coldwater Cooking School & Daily Fashion Show Reporter Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Cancelled The Littlest Circus but the company wants $100 to cover expenses. Motion to only charge 50 cents to students for the Woody Herman concert. Replastering and painting of the ceiling has been completed; work has been donated by Legg Lumber. The rear portion of the ceiling plaster has been removed, replastered and painted at $2300. Estimated cost of finishing the repair work is between $56,000, as opposed to the estimated $20,000 by contractors. 01-29-65 DR Woody Herman Concert Woody Burdick, 91 �Day Date Year Ticket price $2.50; students $1 WedThurs Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* “Herd” Performers Source Herman 02-02-65 DR 02-04-65 DR 02-09-65 DR 02-10-65 DR 02-11-65 DR 02-10-65 DR 1965 Community theatre for Branch Co., named the Branch County Players, is being organized. Mon Feb 10 -11 Feb 15 1965 09-25-64 DR 01-12-65 TA Tues Feb 16 1965 Sat Feb 27 1965 Mark Twain Tonight Lincoln Center Hal (cancelled by 01-12Repertory Co. Holbrook 65 meeting) Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Reports a loss of $500 on the Woody Herman concert even though 1078 tickets are sold. The New Holland Travelogue Kiwanis SunMon Feb 28, March 1 1965 Fine Arts Festival 02-04-65 DR 02-24-65 DR 02-25-65 DR 02-27-65 DR 03-02-65 DR Sun Feb 28 1965 Tues March 2 March 7 1965 Sun 1965 Season tickets $5/ 6 shows free Variety show, Coldwater Gretchen including One High School Gottschalk, Act Drama The Thespians, Linda Wall, choir, Symphony Hammard band band, choir Informational community meeting held; 75 citizens come to hear a report on the 5-year financial program for the Tibbits. Report on upcoming programing. Sanford Jolly, chairman of House and Staging, reports that two intercom systems have been installed with the hopes that three more can be installed. Roof repair is needed as it is leaking above the stage. The ceiling over the balcony has been completed and was donated by Louie Legg. Last year’s summer musicals and “sexy” plays were the best in attendance, so the Board is looking for similar shows to do this summer. New highway is being constructed east of the city which will allow for more traffic in less time. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Meetings will now be held monthly in the future, with the Executive Board meeting each Wednesday. Roger Williams & his Concert – world Roger orchestra renowned pianist Williams, the Dutton ensemble 02-16-65 TA 10-17-64 DR 03-02-65 DR 02-28-65 TA 03-02-65 TA 09-25-64 DR 02-18-65 DR 02-22-65 DR 02-25-65 DR Burdick, 92 �Day Date Year Thurs - Fri March 18 -19 TuesWed March 16-17 Thurs March 18 1965 Sat March 20 March 20 1965 Sat Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Pioneer, Go Home 1965 Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Play / Comedy Coldwater Junior class Auditions for county high schools’ production of Bye Bye Birdie (auditions at Roosevelt Auditorium, show at Tibbits) 1965 Phyllis Coscarelly Performers Jack Wolf, Terry Tarr, Stephanie Shank, Carolyn Gillespie, Becky Pratt, Educators throughou t the county and from Olivet College, plus Glenn Crane, Walter Stump President Patterson sends a letter to Mr. Burrill requesting that some of the service fee be returned to the Foundation since the fundraiser was a total flop. Instead of the estimated $200,000 expected, only $20,000 is received in donations, $11,000 of which is paid to Mr. Burrill’s company. Auditions at Tibbits for the adult roles of Bye Bye Birdie. Season tickets $5/ 6 The World of California Travelogue Kiwanis Source 02-26-65 DR 03-01-65 DR 03-02-65 DR 03-03-65 DR 03-04-65 DR 03-05-65 DR 03-08-65 DR 02-18-65 DR 03-11-65 DR 03-13-65 DR 03-15-65 DR 03-16-65 DR 03-17-65 DR 03-18-65 DR 03-19-65 DR 03-12-65 DR 03-16-65 DR 03-18-65 TA 03-20-65 DR 10-17-64 DR Burdick, 93 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Sun March 21 March 21 1965 Tibbits Foundation Fund Drive coffee meeting. 1965 Littlest Circus (cancelled as of 2-965 meeting) March 26 March 26 March 28 1965 `Tibbits Board Meeting 1965 Calendonia 1965 Lucille Kailer, lyric coloratura soprano Concert Mon March 29 1965 Cancer Crusade kickoff meeting Meeting Sat April 3 1965 Tues April 6 1965 Performers Source shows Sun Fri Fri Sun 03-19-65 DR 09-25-64 DR 02-09-65 TA Miniature, magical carnival in music; dance & pantomime 03-26-65 DR 09-25-64 DR Singers & dancers of Scotland **to benefit Hospital Auxiliary** Spring Style / Fashion Show Branch County Community Concert Association Branch Co. Cancer Society Coldwater Daily Reporter and the Coldwater Chamber of Commerce 03-24-65 DR 03-30-65 DR Kenneth Miller and Arlene Weston, chairmen Tibbits Foundation ANNUAL MEETING: Officers for the following year will be Roy Patterson, president; Duane Davidson, Vice President; Rae Kleindinst, Recording Secretary; Chas Bristol, Treasurer; Dorothy Aitchison, Corresponding Secretary. Dr. Meier reports on finances and membership, stating 150 members needed and 03-06-65 DR 03-23-65 DR 03-24-65 DR 03-25-65 DR 03-26-65 DR 03-27-65 DR 03-29-65 DR 03-30-65 DR 03-31-65 DR 04-01-65 DR 04-02-65 DR 04-03-65 DR 04-06-65 TA Burdick, 94 �Day Date Year Thurs Thurs -Sat April 8 April 810 1965 1965 MonThurs Thurs -Fri Sat April 12-15 April 22-23 April 24 Tues 1965 Sat April 27 April 30 May 1 Sun May 2 1965 Fri Ticket price $1 Thurs, $1.50 FriSat Name of show/ lecture topic 1965 Minstrel Show HOLY WEEK services Church service Season tickets $5/ 6 shows 1965 Tues May 4 1965 Rotary Performers Source 04-07-65 DR 02-18-65 DR 03-19-65 DR 04-06-65 DR 04-07-65 DR 04-09-65 DR 04-09-65 DR Duane Davidson 02-18-65 DR Coldwater High School Basil Rathbone Dramatic (cancelled as of 01presentation 12-65 meeting) Tibbits Sustaining Membership drive nears top; within 23 members of reaching the goal of 150 memberships (members pledge $200 payable per year for 5 years). American Theatre Festival signs 5-year lease agreement with Tibbits Opera Foundation to continue summer stock through 1969. African Wildlife in Travelogue Kiwanis Action 09-25-64 DR 01-12-65 TA Young American Artists in Concert 04-21-65 DR 04-23-65 DR 04-27-65 DR 05-01-65 DR 05-03-65 DR *benefit for Tibbits* May 3 Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Variety Show 1965 Mon Type of event currently at 99. Tibbits Finance Board Meeting Roaring 20s 1965 1965 Company name Concert Artists from Michigan colleges with featured artist Dzidra Bonfiglio An Evening with Victor Herbert & Harold Arlen Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Bye Bye Birdie proceeds will be used to repair the roof. The Finance 04-27-65 DR 04-30-65 DR 10-17-64 DR 09-25-64 DR 05-04-65 DR Burdick, 95 �Day Date Year Ticket price Sun May 9 1965 $1 TuesSat May 18-22 1965 Adults $1.50, students $1 Sun May 23 1965 Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source 05-04-65 TA Committee wants immediate action toward hiring a Theatre Manager, with a proposed salary of $300 a month. Barbara Bernahl claims $66 per week for services in the box office, which the board thought was too much. It was their understanding that she was to only be reimbursed the cost of her babysitter. The bill is sent to Mr. Lyon/legal counsel for discussion. Elsie Elliott no longer wants to work box office, and Barbara Worden is suggested to take over. Tibbits Sustaining Membership drive nears top; within 15 members of reaching the goal of 150 memberships (members pledge $200 payable per year for 5 years). Cardinal Choir and Fine Arts Department presents Tibbits with a $50 donation in appreciate for free use of the Tibbits for school-directed functions. 05-05-65 DR Jazz Concert (17 Wayne Brenda piece stage Feller Davis, Tom 05-06-65 DR 05-07-65 DR band) Reaume, 05-10-65 DR Chuck Stokes, John Clayton, The Malibus 04-01-65 DR Bye Bye Birdie Musical Olivet College Walter 05-12-65 DR & Branch Stump, 05-13-65 DR County Area director; 05-14-65 DR Schools Glenn 05-15-65 DR Crane, 05-17-65 DR producer; 05-18-65 DR Mrs. 05-19-65 DR William Corey, Choreogra phy; Mrs. Dan Shelles, Costumes 04-19-65 DR Jerry Gerard Concert; organist Branch Jerry 05-20-65 DR (originally County Gerard scheduled), Community (cancelled?) 05-24-65 DR Bene W. Hammel Concert , Bene Burdick, 96 �Day Date Year Sat Thurs Sat Tues May 29 June 3 June 5 June 8 1965 1965 1965 1965 Thurs Thurs June 10 1965 June 10 1965 TuesSat June 15-19 Wed Thurs June 16 1965 June 24 1965 1965 Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Association Hammel Bye Bye Birdie gives $1,000 donation to Tibbits. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting Summer cast starts arriving; company housing is at 90 Division St. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: New office secretary Mrs. Hillyar is introduced. President Patterson reports that he has written letters to both Barbara Bernahl and Ken Kohn regarding their claims of services, offering to settle at $500 each ($250 paid this year and $250 next year) in addition to the $125 which they have already been paid. Present membership is 145. Executive and Finance committee reported that a secretary and custodian is all the Theatre needs for personnel at this point. Rotary gifts $400 to Tibbits. Tibbits Executive Board Meeting Larry Life named season choreographer; Larry Carrico Jr named season stage manager, technical director, scene designer, and rigger. The Fantasticks American Theatre Musical Walter Ann Festival Romance Stump, Breniser, director; Milt Bailey, Carrico, James scenic (Mike) design; Bill Bloom, Bob Kreutzberg Sphatt, , William costumes; Walsh, Skip Larry Life, Frizzell, Phil Goble, musical Larry director Carrico, Marge Foley Local merchants give away tickets for summer theatre. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: New office secretary Mrs. Hillyer has resigned. Materials for the roof repair have been delivered, work to begin soon. Mr. Kohn has sent back a letter accepting the settlement offer for back salary. Payments to Trans-America Leasing Co. haven’t been made since last fall and are in arrears in the amount of $12,000. Loan refinancing and payment schedule of $1045 a month is recommended, to which TransAmerica would excuse the penalty. Membership is at 157. Source 05-29-65 DR 05-28-65 DR 06-05-65 DR 06-08-65 DR 06-09-65 DR 06-10-65 DR 04-08-65 DR 06-08-65 DR 06-09-65 DR 06-10-65 DR 06-14-65 DR 06-15-65 DR 06-16-65 DR 06-17-65 DR 06-19-65 DR 06-16-65 DR 06-24-65 TA Burdick, 97 �Day Date Year TuesSat June 22-26 Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source 1965 Come Blow Your Horn American Theatre Festival Robert Sphatt, William Walsh, Phil Goble, Laura Seager, Lynda Arnberg, Fay Command 04-08-65 DR 06-10-65 DR 06-18-65 DR 06-21-65 DR 06-22-65 DR 06-23-65 DR 06-24-65 DR Sat June 26 1965 Monk Watson’s Magic Show TuesSat June 29- July 3 1965 Abie’s Irish Rose American Theatre Festival Sat July 3 1965 The Wizard of Oz Olivet College Children’s Theatre Adults $1, children .75 Type of event Play – Contemporary Sex Comedy Children’s Matinee- live magic Play- Comedy Children’s Matinee - Glenn Crane 06-25-65 DR Walter Stump Miss Bobbi Waite & Mrs. Paul Bisling, directors; Kathryn Haefild, Robert Sphatt, Laura Seager, William Walsh, Phil Goble, Fay Command, Larry Life, Marc Baskind, Glenn Crane 04-08-65 DR 06-10-65 DR 06-25-65 DR 06-26-65 DR 06-28-65 DR 06-29-65 DR 06-30-65 DR 07-01-65 DR 06-25-65 DR 06-30-65 DR 07-01-65 DR Burdick, 98 �Day Date Year TuesSat July 610 1965 Tues July 13 1965 TuesSat July 13- 1965 17 TuesSat July 20- 1965 24 Ticket price Matinees Wed & Sat; adults $1.65 and up, children .80 Wed, $1.30 Sat Name of show/ lecture topic The Music Man Company name Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* American Theatre Festival Musical Performers musical director Walter Stump Glenn Crane, Ann Breniser, Fay Command, locals Mitch McCullough & Cindy Weidner, Sweet Adelines chorus as townspeopl e Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Larry Carrico is interviewed for the Theatre Manager position. Further discussion to occur with him to come to agreement of salary. Women’s Chamber of Commerce offers to usher the winter season. Mr. Bryan reports that roof is nearly complete and new system of locks has been installed. **Music Man is held over another week ** The Drunkard American Theatre Festival Type of event Melodrama, adapted musically by Walter Stump Walter Stump, director; Thurman Douglass & Guy Frizzell, musical directors; Philip Goble, William Walsh, Robert Sphatt, William Dowton, Milton Source 04-08-65 DR 06-10-65 DR 07-02-65 DR 07-03-65 DR 07-06-65 DR 07-07-65 DR 07-13-65 TA 07-08-65 DR 07-09-65 DR 07-10-65 DR 07-11-65 DR 07-13-65 DR 07-14-65 DR 04-08-65 DR 06-10-65 DR 07-09-65 DR 07-16-65 DR 07-19-65 DR 07-20-65 DR 07-21-65 DR 07-22-65 DR Burdick, 99 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* William Kreutzberg , costumes TuesSat July 27- 1965 30 The Happy Time American Theatre Festival TuesSat Aug 37 My Fair Lady American Theatre Festival 1965 Play: Comedy Glenn Crane Walter Stump Performers Source Bailey, Larry Life, Glenn Crane, Charles Hutchins, Guy Frizzell, Ann Breniser, Fay Command, Laura Seager, Charlotte Button, Brenda Davis, Margaret Foley, Thurman Douglass 04-08-65 DR Craig 06-10-65 DR Davidson 07-23-65 DR (local), 07-24-65 DR Larry Life, 07-26-65 DR Kenneth 07-27-65 DR Kohn, 07-28-65 DR Robert 07-29-65 DR Sphatt, William Walsh, Fay Command 04-08-65 DR Ann 06-10-65 DR Breniser, 07-30-65 DR Glenn Burdick, 100 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source Crane, William Walsh, Phillip Goble 07-31-65 DR 08-02-65 DR 08-03-65 DR 08-04-65 DR 08-05-65 DR Thurs MonSat Aug 5 Aug 914 1965 1965 Tibbits Board Meeting (?) **My Fair Lady is held over another week ** Tues Aug 10 1965 TuesSat Aug 10-14 1965 Thurs TuesSat Aug 12 Aug 17-21 1965 1965 TuesSat Aug 17-21 1965 Tibbits Foundation Board Meeting: Patterson, Davidson and Heikkinen visited U of M to conference regarding financial aid from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. They were advised to expand the Tibbits programming into all types of art and once that is in effect, they would work with Tibbits in creating a proposal. Congress is also presently reviewing a bill which might offer additional financial help. Larry Carrico has officially been hired as Theatre Manager, to start Sept 1 at a salary of $300 per month for 10 months. He has also signed a contract to teach at Lakeland School, so will divide his time between the two. Negotiation with Transamerica Leasing Corp. has led to a modified agreement (at which point delinquent back balance is $16,000). The Foundation can pay $8,000 to become current, and then no additional interest will accrue as long as TLC is paid $1089 per month. Sunday in New York American Theatre (originally scheduled, Festival cancelled since My Fair Lady is held over) Tibbits Executive Board Meeting On Borrowed Time American Theatre (originally scheduled, Festival but changed to Mary, Mary?) Mary, Mary American Theatre Adult comedy William Joel and Festival Walsh Virginia Marsh, Larry Life, Phillip 08-03-65 DR 08-09-65 DR 08-10-65 DR 08-13-65 DR 08-06-65 DR 08-10-65 TA 04-08-65 DR 06-10-65 DR 08-06-65 DR 04-08-65 DR 06-10-65 DR 07-09-65 DR 08-10-65 DR 08-11-65 DR 08-12-65 DR 08-13-65 DR 08-16-65 DR Burdick, 101 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source 08-17-65 DR 08-18-65 DR 08-19-65 DR 08-20-65 DR 04-08-65 DR Oklahoma American Theatre Musical Walter Ann 08-17-65 DR Festival Stump, Breniser, 08-21-65 DR musical Milton director Bailey, Larry 08-23-65 DR 08-24-65 DR Thurman Life, 08-25-65 DR Douglas, Charlotte 08-26-65 DR choreogra Button, 08-27-65 DR pher Larry William Life Walsh, Phil Goble, Lee Treat, Glenn Crane, Sally Carrico. 08-24-65 DR Tibbits Executive Board Meeting American Theatre Festival presents awards to two young Coldwater people for helping the company the past two 08-30-65 DR summers. Brad Green receives the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year award; Charlotte Button, actress, received the other award. 04-08-65 DR The Moon is Blue American Theatre 06-10-65 DR (originally scheduled, Festival cancelled since Oklahoma is held over) 08-31-65 DR *Oklahoma is held over for a second week* 09-01-65 DR 09-04-65 DR 09-07-65 DR 09-10-65 DR Larry Carrico is hired to teach English at Lakeland School. 09-10-65 DR Music! Magic! And Magic & Comedy Monk 09-11-65 DR Mirth! show Watson Goble, Laura Seager TuesSat Aug 24-28 1965 Thurs Mon Aug 26 Aug 30 1965 1965 TuesSat Aug 31Sept 4 1965 TuesSat Aug 31Sept 4 1965 Fri Sun Sept 10 Sept 12 1965 1965 free Burdick, 102 �Day Date Year Tues Sept 21 1965 Sat Thurs Tues Sept 23 Sept 30 Oct 5 1965 1965 1965 Ticket price Reserved $3.75, Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Total attendance of summer stock was 14,137 with gross box office sales at $30,865. Mrs. Bernahl has denied the Foundation’s offer to settle and has threatened to sue. The board decides to hold the matter of Bernahl’s claim in abeyance. New rental fees are created based on revenue of the program. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting Wayne King & his Concert Wayne King Orchestra General admission $2.50 Sat Oct 9 1965 Tues Oct 12 1965 Thurs Wed Sat Oct 21 Oct 27 Oct 30 1965 1965 Sat Nov 6 1965 $5 adults, $3 students Adults $1, kids 75 cents Byways of Britain Travelogue Kiwanis Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Profit from the Wayne King performance is $967.78. Sales tax exemption is sought. Community Concert Board feels that the new rental fees are too high, but taking into account the cost of operation, the facilities, etc., it is an appropriate fee. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting Tibbits Executive Committee Meeting Two Go Dancing Ballet/ Classical Branch dance concert County Community Concert Association Pinocchio Reed Marionettes Puppet show Edith and Robin Reed Source 09-13-65 DR 09-17-65 DR 09-21-65 TA 09-17-65 DR 09-29-65 DR 09-16-65 DR 09-21-65 DR 09-22-65 DR 09-24-65 DR 09-27-65 DR 09-28-65 DR 10-01-65 DR 10-06-65 DR 10-06-65 DR 10-08-65 DR 10-07-65 DR 10-12-65 TA 10-18-65 DR 10-27-65 DR 10-04-65 DR 10-22-65 DR 10-28-65 DR 10-29-65 DR 11-01-65 DR 11-02-65 DR Burdick, 103 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source 11-04-65 DR 11-06-65 DR 11-08-65 DR Mon Nov 8 1965 Tues Nov 9 1965 Thurs Fri Thurs Thurs - Fri Nov 11 Nov 12 Nov 18 Nov 18-19 1965 1965 1965 1965 Sat Nov 20 1965 Sun Nov 28 1965 Reserved $3.75, General Admission $2.50 Sat- Dec 4-5 1965 Adults Michael Church, Lecture-Art University of Michigan College of Architecture & Design Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Michael Church of the University Extension Service of Fine Arts of the State of MI is interested and willing to help the newly appointed Arts Council. Carrico reports that it was necessary to have three performances for Pinocchio, and that profit for the show was $434.84. Tibbits Executive Committee Meeting Tibbits Meeting Tibbits Executive Meeting Noah Play Coldwater Phyllis High School Coscarelly, senior class student director Carolyn Gillespie Concert - Piano Branch Richard County Cass Community Concert Association Womenfolk Folk singers/ Tibbits Opera Jean Amos, recording artists Foundation Leni and Arts Ashmore, Council Barbara Cooper, Judy Fine, Joyce James Sing Americana Musical Review Sweet 11-05-65 DR 11-09-65 TA 11-10-65 DR 11-10-65 DR 11-16-65 DR 11-12-65 DR 11-15-65 DR 11-18-65 DR 11-19-65 DR 10-29-65 DR 11-15-65 DR 11-22-65 DR 10-28-65 DR 11-10-65 DR 11-17-65 DR 11-20-65 DR 11-23-65 DR 11-24-65 DR 11-26-65 DR 11-27-65 DR 11-29-65 DR 10-13-65 DR Burdick, 104 �Day Date Year Sun Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Adelines $1.50, children 75 cents Wed Thurs Dec 15 Dec 16 1965 1965 Sat Dec 18 1965 Sat Dec 18 1965 Thurs Dec 30 Jan 11 1965 1966 Sat Jan 15 1966 Sat Jan 22 1966 Tibbits Fine Arts Committee Meeting Mr. Crane Adults $1.25, kids 74 cents $5 adults, $3 students Performers Hansel & Gretel Piccolo Opera Company of Detroit Musical comedy Children’s Theatre / Musical fairy tale Quincy High School Brent Veysey Evelyn Orbach Tibbits Opera Foundation Patrons Cocktail Party: Financial status reviewed; board is looking into possibility of getting federal monies. Tibbits Executive Committee Meeting Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Review of previous year’s bookings. Most bookings made money, but Womenfolk lost money. Carrico reports a proposal is being prepared to submit for federal assistance to get a new front of the building, finish the basement according to plans, lounge, new seats and carpeting, work backstage for electrical systems, etc. ATF decides not to operate summer stock, so the board appoints Carrico to operate the theatre for the summer instead. He has chosen several large musicals since they have proven to be most popular. Proposed salary for Carrico is $150/week with a percentage of profits at the end of the season. Pop Organ Eddie Concert Osborn Inner Space Travelogue Kiwanis Source 11-12-65 DR 11-19-65 DR 11-29-65 DR 11-30-65 DR 12-01-65 DR 12-02-65 DR 12-03-65 DR 12-04-65 DR 12-06-65 DR 12-14-65 DR 12-13-65 DR 12-16-65 DR 12-07-65 DR 12-08-65 DR 12-10-65 DR 12-13-65 DR 12-14-65 DR 12-17-65 DR 12-20-65 DR 12-17-65 DR 12-20-65 DR 12-29-65 DR 01-11-66 TA 12-20-65 DR 10-06-65 DR 01-15-66 DR 01-20-66 DR Burdick, 105 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Wed Jan 26 1966 Wed Jan 26 1966 Sat Feb 5 1966 Wed Feb 9 1966 Sat Feb 19 1966 Mon Feb 28 1966 Thurs March 3 March 1966 Vocalinstrumental program Tibbits asks for donations of clothing and accessories to build the costume shop. 1966 Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Officers for the year are Roy Patterson, president; Duane Davidson, $5 adults, $3 students Source Joseph Wolman, piano; John Wummer, flute; David Sackson, violin-viola Meeting is held to discuss Tibbits to be organized as an Arts Council as well in order to avoid overlapping of events and dates, to coordinate use of the opera house, and to publish a brochure on the local arts groups in the community. Hamlet Michigan State Play Frank Roger Long, University’s Performing Rutledge Roger Arts Co. Cornish, Ann Matesich, Terry S. Williams, Bill Stock Norman Luboff Choir Concert Branch County Community Concert Association America Travelogue Kiwanis 01-15-66 DR 01-21-66 DR 01-27-66 DR Varsity Vagabonds 02-16-66 DR 02-17-66 DR 02-25-66 DR 03-03-66 DR Concert - Musical Arts Trio Adult $1.50, student $1 Performers Western Michigan University Branch County Community Concert Association Dr. Elwyn Carter 01-26-66 DR 01-15-66 DR 01-17-66 DR 01-26-66 DR 01-31-66 DR 02-02-66 DR 02-07-66 DR 10-04-65 DR 10-06-65 DR 02-17-66 DR 03-08-66 TA Burdick, 106 �Day Date Year Ticket price March 9 1966 Thurs March 10 1966 Thurs -Fri March 17-18 1966 Sat March 26 1966 Sun April 3 1966 Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers VP; Rae Kleindist, recording secretary; Dorothy Aitchison, corresponding secretary; Charles Bristol, treasurer. Arts Council has had a number of meetings and has elected officers. Carrico reports that summer people have been hired, budget is similar to last year, and that program ads have been sold with 95% participation. Rotary club donates an arc spotlight valued at $1200 in exchange for theatre rental. Camille and The Ruth Page’s Chicago Ballet Branch Josette Merry Widow Opera Ballet County Amiel, Orrin Community Kayan, Concert Patricia Association Kiekovic, Kenneth Johnson Piano Concert Branch Jean Paul County Seville Community Concert Association Our Town Play Coldwater Larry High School Carrico, junior class Linda Bennett 8 Wed Name of show/ lecture topic $3.50- $2 Spring Fashionata *to benefit the Hospital Auxiliary Fashion Show Dukes of Dixieland Dixieland jazz band (originally scheduled for March 20, moved Frank Assunto, Fred Assunto, Source 05-11-65 DR 05-21-65 DR 03-07-66 DR 03-08-66 DR 03-10-66 DR 10-04-65 DR 03-03-66 DR 03-14-66 DR 03-16-66 DR 03-17-66 DR 03-18-66 DR 03-17-66 DR 03-18-66 DR 03-19-66 DR 03-21-66 DR 03-22-66 DR 03-23-66 DR 03-24-66 DR 03-25-66 DR 03-28-66 DR 02-17-66 DR 02-19-66 DR 03-08-66 DR 03-10-66 DR Burdick, 107 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* to April 3) Papa Jac Assunto, Jerry Fuller, Gene Schroeder, Red Brown, Barrett Deems Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Arts Council organization is planning to have an exhibit at the fair this year. Carrico says summer shows will start June 29, tickets will go on sale soon, and that season tickets will be $13.75 and $15. Fabulous Forties Variety Show Rotary Tues April 12 1966 Thurs -Sat April 14-16 1966 FriSat April 22-23 1966 It’s A Great Life Sun April 24 April 28-29 1966 Auditions for Miss Branch County Pageant Sat April 30 1966 Tues May 3 1966 Thurs -Fri Thurs $1, Fri & Sat $1.50 1966 $5 adults, $3 students Performers Yucatan Trails Play St. Charles School senior class Variety Show Coldwater High School Travelogue Kiwanis Choir concert Coldwater High School Paula Weller Source 03-25-66 DR 03-26-66 DR 03-28-66 DR 03-30-66 DR 03-31-66 DR 04-01-66 DR 04-02-66 DR 04-04-66 DR 04-12-66 TA 03-30-66 DR 04-11-66 DR 04-12-66 DR 04-13-66 DR 04-14-66 DR 04-15-65 DR 04-18-66 DR 04-19-66 DR 04-20-66 DR 04-21-66 DR 04-25-66 DR 04-19-66 DR 04-26-66 DR 04-27-66 DR 04-28-66 DR 04-29-66 DR 10-06-65 DR 04-26-66 DR Arvid Berg 04-26-66 DR 05-02-66 DR Burdick, 108 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Source Dzidra Bonfiglio 05-03-66 DR 05-04-66 DR 05-04-66 DR 04-26-66 DR 05-03-66 DR 05-05-66 DR 05-06-66 DR 05-09-66 DR 05-10-66 TA Thurs Sat May 5 May 7 1966 1966 Tibbits Executive Board Meeting Tues May 10 1966 Fri May 13 1966 Adults $1.50, students 75 cents Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Carrico changes season ticket prices to $13 and $15 instead of previous cost. Suggestion to publicize what school activities have been held in the theatre to show how much it’s being used by schools. Royalties for all summer shows have been reduced. A refreshment stand in the alley south of the theatre is being planned. Estimate for 50 feet of concrete in the alley is $250. Virginia Symphony Concert William Orchestra Penny Hacker Sat May 21 1966 Adults 50 cents, children 25 cents Mon Sat May 23 June 4 1966 1966 Mon Tues June 13 1966 June 14 1966 Piano Concert Sleeping Beauty Children’s Play Coldwater High School Phyllis Coscarelly Season tickets go on sale for the Tibbits Summer Theatre (TST) season. General Cable of Quincy donates $1500 worth of cable and wire for house and stage wiring. $700 is still needed to complete the project. Deadline of June 18 is set. TST requests single rooms and apartments to house company members. Also searching for a sewing machine. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Carrico reports that all members of summer stock have been arrived and are hiring. Howard Teeter negotiates with John DeNoyer for use of the garage building on South Monroe St. as a workshop, Meier and Teeter are arranging to have the alley paved for the refreshment area, Wolf’s Floor Covering of Coldwater donates new beige carpeting to the Tibbits as well as the labor to install it, Kiwanis Club has repaired seats in the theatre, and General Cable Co. of Quincy is donating wiring, which Bob Sweet and his crew are installing (cost to the Foundation will probably be less than $800). Bryan reports work on the gutters along the side of the building because there has been a problem with rain running down the side of the building. President 04-26-66 DR 05-09-66 DR 05-10-66 DR 05-11-66 DR 05-12-66 DR 05-13-66 DR 05-16-66 DR 05-06-66 DR 05-17-66 DR 05-18-66 DR 05-20-66 DR 05-23-66 DR 06-04-66 DR 06-13-66 DR 06-14-66 DR Burdick, 109 �Day Date Year Sat Thurs Wed June 18 1966 June 23 1966 June 29 1966 JuneSept 1966 WedSat June 29-30, July 12, July 6-9 1966 Wed July 6 1966 Thurs July 7 1966 Tues July 12 1966 WedSat July 13- 1966 Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers Patterson reports that the Executive Committee will no longer meet weekly; instead, they will meet monthly. Carrico hosts a reception at his home for Board Members and the cast for the summer shows. TST Musical director Harold Themmen puts out a call for local musicians. Local merchants give away tickets for Tibbits to 180 people (originally reported that it was season tickets, but it was just for individual performances). Summer Stock- Larry Carrico will be general manager (production, hiring, box office, publicity/PR) as well as lighting. Jeffery K. Neill will choreograph, H. Kelly English will be the set designer. Mathew John Hoffman III, costume designer. Mitch Kessler, stage manager. Harold Themmen, musical director. Prices for the season are reduced because the Foundation is behind the season/ no ATF costs present this year. Ticket prices: Parquet $3.25, parquet circle $2.75, balcony $2.25. Season Tickets $13-$15. $2.25, $2.75, $3.25 $2.25, South Pacific Musical Tibbits Summer Theatre Jay Warren Byer Al Zolton, Lucille Frisa, John Whiting, Barbara Link, Robert McClaren, Marcie Guthrie, Larry Carrico Source 06-14-66 TA 06-23-66 DR 06-29-66 DR 06-30-66 DR 02-09-66 DR 02-16-66 DR 05-06-66 DR 05-23-66 DR 06-14-66 DR 06-23-66 DR 05-06-66 DR 06-23-66 DR 06-24-66 DR 06-27-66 DR 06-28-66 DR 06-29-66 DR 06-30-66 DR 07-02-66 DR 07-06-66 DR 07-09-66 DR 05-06-66 DR Rumplestiltskin Stevens Puppets Children’s/ Tibbits 06-23-66 DR (4 children’s shows Puppet Show Summer 07-05-66 DR originally planned for Theatre the summer-this is the only one actually produced) 07-07-66 DR TST asks for local women to assist with the sewing of costumes for Show Boat since it requires construction of over 100. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Lights are now needed in the alley where the concession stand is to be 07-12-66 TA placed. Discussion on employing someone for concessions. Show Boat Musical Tibbits Jay John Dietz, 05-06-66 DR 06-23-66 DR Summer Warren Charlotte Burdick, 110 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Theatre Byer Performers Source Button, Jefery Neill, Al Zolton, Robert McClaren, Barbara Link, Beryldene Powell 07-07-66 DR 07-11-66 DR 07-12-66 DR 07-13-66 DR 07-14-66 DR 07-20-66 DR 16, 2023 $2.75, $3.25 Fri WedSat July 22 1966 July 27- 1966 30, Aug 3-6 $2.25, $2.75, $3.25 Wayne Feller of Coldwater’s Music Mart donates Baldwin Style D Concert Grand Piano. The Sound of Music Musical Tibbits Albert Summer Zolton Theatre Mon Aug 1 1966 Sat Aug 6 1966 Tues Aug 9 1966 WedSat Aug 10-13, 1966 $2.25, $2.75, Costume designer Mathew Hoffman III asks Coldwater women for help sewing the Student Prince costumes. The plan is to build/create all of them from scratch in order to build up the costume collection at Tibbits. President Patterson sends letter to Wayne Feller/ Music Mart of Coldwater thanking him for the donation of a Baldwin Style D Concert Grand Piano, with an understanding that if the Foundation goes defunct, the piano will revert to ownership by Mr. Feller or his heirs. TST looking for large hairy dog to use in Camelot Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Dental Association donates $126.45. Foundation now has the legal title to the Baldwin piano from Mr. & Mrs. Feller. Carrico reports summer stock is going well as far as attendance and actors’ happiness is concerned. Treasurer Bristol reports that they are slightly over budget in some areas but sets and costumes have been very good and will be property of Tibbits. Royalties have all been paid. The Board offers Larry Carrico a full-time job starting Sept 1966 at $650/month plus bonuses for 9 months, and 3 months of summer stock pay to be handled separately. Executive Committee to meet every two weeks now. The Student Prince Musical Tibbits Albert Ed Kingins, Summer Zolton Beryldene Barbara Link, John Whiting, Robert McClaren, Beryldene Powell, many locals 07-22-66 TA 05-06-66 DR 06-23-66 DR 07-21-66 DR 07-22-66 DR 07-25-66 DR 07-26-66 DR 07-27-66 DR 07-28-66 DR 07-29-66 DR 08-03-66 DR 08-04-66 DR 08-01-66 DR 08-06-66 DR 08-09-66 TA 05-06-66 DR 06-23-66 DR Burdick, 111 �Day Date Year 17-20 Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Theatre $3.25 Performers Source Powell, John Whiting, Mike Kinter, Milt Bailey, Robert McClaren, Brad Gren, Larry Carrico, Marcia Guthrie, Raymond Sharp Edward Kingins, Al Zolton, Jeffery Neill, Beryldene Powell, Robert McClaren 08-05-66 DR 08-08-66 DR 08-09-66 DR 08-10-66 DR 08-11-66 DR 08-12-66 DR 08-13-66 DR 08-17-66 DR 08-18-66 DR WedSat Aug 24-27, 31, Sept 13 1966 Sun Aug 28 1966 Farewell party given for TST’s company by the Tibbits Foundation Board of Directors. Tues Sept 13 1966 Tues Oct 11 1966 Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Jerry Fair reports that the estimate of a new front to the theatre is close to $25,000. Carrico reports that the total summer attendance was 15,842 with a net profit of $700, along with a good inventory of scenery, costumes and tools. Carrico is officially hired on a full-time basis. Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Financial review, need for new memberships, Community Concert Association discussion. Proposal of grant coming along. $2.25, $2.75, $3.25 Camelot Musical Tibbits Summer Theatre Jay Warren Byer 05-06-66 DR 06-23-66 DR 08-18-66 DR 08-19-66 DR 08-22-66 DR 08-23-66 DR 08-24-66 DR 08-25-66 DR 08-26-66 DR 08-31-66 DR 09-01-66 DR 09-02-66 DR 09-07-66 DR 08-29-66 DR 08-09-66 TA 09-13-66 TA 10-11-66 TA Burdick, 112 �Day Date Year Sat Oct 22 1966 Wed Nov 2 1966 Tues Nov 8 1966 Thurs -Fri Nov 10-11 1966 Fri Nov 18 1966 Tues Nov 22 1966 Sat Nov 26 1966 Sat Dec 3 1966 Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Windjammer to Australia Type of event Travelogue Performers Kiwanis Cooking School Coldwater Daily Reporter Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Carrico and Fair (originally reported as Heikkinen) report back on Washington DC trip, at which time they presented a proposal for a financial grant. Board decides to offer summer theatre again next year. Carrico reports work being done in the dressing rooms such as mirrors, painting, lights and new flooring, which has been donated. Contract is now in progress for Ray Ford/Country and Western music, who wants to use the theatre Sat nights when available. Rental is $50 minimum per night. The Tavern Play Coldwater Larry High School Carrico senior class The Don Shirley Trio $5.50, $4.50 Rigoletto Goldovsky Grand Opera Theater The Pacific Northwest Adults Concert Travelogue Ray Ford Country & Concert Branch County Community Concert Association Tibbits Opera Foundation Don Shirley, pianist Director Boris Goldovsk y, conducto r Edward Alley Alexander Gray, Enzo Citarelli, J. B. Davis, Teresa Orantes, Rosemary Rosales, Franco Iglesias, Robert Hale Kiwanis Ray Ford, Source 10-11-66 DR 10-21-66 DR 10-21-66 DR 11-03-66 DR 11-08-66 TA 12-13-66 TA 10-21-66 DR 11-07-66 DR 11-08-66 DR 11-10-66 DR 11-11-66 DR 10-21-66 DR 11-10-66 DR 10-21-66 DR 10-26-66 DR 11-08-66 DR 11-10-66 DR 11-12-66 DR 11-15-66 DR 11-16-66 DR 11-17-66 DR 11-18-66 DR 11-21-66 DR 11-23-66 DR 10-21-66 DR 11-25-66 DR 12-01-66 DR Burdick, 113 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Western Music Show $1.50, children 50 cents Performers Law Brothers, Wayne Roberts, Jerry Howard and Big Tiny Tim Thurs Dec 8 1966 Sat Dec 10 1966 Sat Dec 10 1966 The Wizard of Oz Tues Dec 13 1966 Tibbits Theatre Foundation Board Meeting: Heikkinen reports that proposal for funds is being prepared for submission on Jan 15, 1967. Carrico reports a profit of $328 for the Reed Marionette show and a loss on Rigoletto. Board stresses the need for new membership. Carrico proposes that the room on the north side of the lobby be Ray Ford Country & Western Music Show Adults $1.50, children 50 cents Reed Marionettes “Stag Night” Tommy Watkins of the Detroit Lions will speak and show films of Lions games, door prizes, free cigarettes Concert Puppet Show Source 12-02-66 DR 12-09-66 DR 12-01-66 DR 12-08-66 DR 12-09-66 DR Coldwater Chamber of Commerce Ray Ford, Jim Pipkins, Tal Timber Boys, Wayne Smith & the Wheels, Tiny Ross, The Highland Ramblers Robin & Edith Reed 12-01-66 DR 12-02-66 DR 12-09-66 DR 10-26-66 DR 12-01-66 DR 12-05-66 DR 12-06-66 DR 12-07-66 DR 12-10-66 DR 12-12-66 DR 12-13-66 TA Burdick, 114 �Day Date Year Sat Dec 17 1966 Mon Dec 19 1966 Ticket price Adults $1.50, children 50 cents Name of show/ lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored Director by *OR RENOVATION MEETING/EVENT & PERSONS INVOLVED* Performers torn out and a display case for art exhibits and old theatre programs could be exhibited at estimated cost of $300. Board approves a trip to NYC for Carrico in regards to summer shows. Letter from Department of Labor received re: Barbara Bernahl’s claim of $737.50. Letter from attorney Arthur G. Lyon approved to be sent in reply. Ray Ford Country & Concert Ray Ford, Western Music Show Law Brothers, Wayne Roberts, Jerry Howard and Big Tiny Tim Duke Ellington Orchestra (never happened? No publicity of any sort) Source 12-01-66 DR 12-02-66 DR 12-09-66 DR 09-30-66 TA Burdick, 115 �Advertisements, Photos, & Documents 1958-1966 Burdick, 116 �1958 Burdick, 117 �Exterior: Tibbits Art Deco Facade, Movie Days. Interior: Tibbits, Movie Days. Burdick, 118 �Service Group Survey. 1958. Tibbits Opera House Archives, Tibbits Administration Building, Coldwater. June 9 1958. Burdick, 119 �1959 Burdick, 120 �Burdick, 121 Minstrel Ad. 1959. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 13 1959 p2. Minstrel Ad. 1959. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 7 1959 p3. �Minstrel Show. 1959. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 12 1959. Burdick, 122 �Minstrel Show. 1959. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 13 1959 p2. Minstrel Show. 1959. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 13 1959. Burdick, 123 �Gay Nineties Revue. 1959. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 15 1959 p10. Burdick, 124 �Coldwater Players Declaration. 1959. Tibbits property file, Coldwater Assessor’s Office. Oct 1959. Burdick, 125 �Coldwater Players Declaration. 1959. Tibbits property file, Coldwater Assessor’s Office. Oct 1959. Burdick, 126 �1961 Burdick, 127 �Coldwater Key Club. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 23 1961. Burdick, 128 �Burdick, 129 Karl Staley. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 11 1961. Key Club. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 23 1961. �Burdick, 130 Coldwater Exchange Club Scrub All. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 17 1961. Lions Clean Up Tibbits. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 16 1961. �Burdick, 131 Kiwanis & Rotary Help Out. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 3 1961. �Now Let’s Do it This Way Fellas. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 26 1961. Mr. Minstrel Himself. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 26 1961. Burdick, 132 �Ready for Debut Tonight. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 27 1961. Blackface Again. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 28 1961. Burdick, 133 �Brothers, Belles Meet.. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 27 1961. Burdick, 134 �Burdick, 135 Bull in a China Shop. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 16 1961. Scene From China Shop. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 14 1961. �The Banjo-Tainers. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 30 1961. Appear Tonight. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 4 1961. Burdick, 136 �Lonesome Polecat. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 1 1961, p10. To Sing Here. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 3 1961, p10. Burdick, 137 �Burdick, 138 Rotary Starts Work on Minstrel Show 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 12 1961. Final Rehearsal. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 2 1961. �‘Pure As the Driven Snow’ Poster. 1961. Personal collection of Terry Mulchahey. Dec 1961. Burdick, 139 �Lloyd Luce. 1961. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 15 1961 p2. Burdick, 140 �1962 Burdick, 141 �Burdick, 142 Norm Moore. 1962. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 31 1962. Tibbits Campaign Chairmen Named. 1962. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 22 1962. �Old Landmark Disappearing. 1962. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 7 1962. Burdick, 143 �Burdick, 144 In Final Rehearsal Stage. 1962. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 15 1962. �Rotary Minstrels Open Tonight. 1962. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 15 1962. Burdick, 145 �Burdick, 146 Burdette Harris. 1962. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 3 1962. Franc Gay. 1962. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 16 1962. �Burdick, 147 Free Parking This Way. 1962. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 18 1962. New Parking Lot. 1962. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 18 1962. �Burdick, 148 Twistin’ for Tibbits. 1962. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 16 1962. Engineers Check Tibbits Today . 1962. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 7 1962. �Twistin’ for Tibbits Ad. 1962. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 14 1962. Burdick, 149 �Burdick, 150 Beauties by the Sea. 1962. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 30 1962. Tibbits Mementos. 1962. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 8 1962. �1963 Burdick, 151 �Minstrel Ad. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 26 1963 p20. Burdick, 152 �Tax Relief Letters. 1963. Tibbits Opera House Archives, Tibbits Administration Building, Coldwater. Sept 22 1963. Burdick, 153 �Mrs. Joyce Stannell Godfrey. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 9 1963. Lights on Again. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 25 1963. Burdick, 154 �Roger Williams. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 1 1963. Artist Visits Theater. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 21 1963. Burdick, 155 �Coming Down. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 21 1963. Burdick, 156 �Signed Roger Williams Promo Photo. 1963. Personal collection of Terry Mulchahey. Oct 23 1963. Burdick, 157 �George Vaughn Lowther Letter to Family. 1963. Personal Collection of George Vaughn Lowther. Nov 7 1963. Burdick, 158 �Face Changing. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 5 1963. Grand Ole Opry Ad. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 16 1963 p3. Burdick, 159 �Grand Ole Opry Ad. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 13 1963 p2. Grand Ole Opry Ad. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 19 1963 p12. Burdick, 160 �Mrs. Gertrude Harding. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 21 1963. Burdick, 161 �Burdick, 162 Show Stopper Ad. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 28 1963 p8. �Sweet Adeline Chorus. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 2 1963. George Vaughn Lowther, Manager. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, De 6 1963. Burdick, 163 �Burdick, 164 Next at Tibbits. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, De 10 1963. Jack & the Beanstalk Ad. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 10 1963 p2. �Jack Shows Mother. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 12 1963. A Scene from Jack. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 16 1963. Burdick, 165 �Community Carol Sing. 1963. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 21 1963 p2. Burdick, 166 �1964 Burdick, 167 �Children’s Theatre at Coldwater. 1964. Personal collection of George Vaughn Lowther. The Fort Wayne News Sentinal, Jan 11 1964. Burdick, 168 �Burdick, 169 Children’s Theater at Coldwater. 1964. Personal collection of George Vaughn Lowther. The Fort Wayne News Sentinal, Jan 11 1964. �Burdick, 170 Trio & Accompanists in Concert. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 20 1964. Chad Mitchell Trio. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 10 1964. �Burdick, 171 Chad Mitchell Trio Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 13 1964 p3. �Burdick, 172 Agnes Moorehead. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 24 1964 p21. �Western Michigan University Choir. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 9 1964 p2. Tibbits to Feature ‘Pajama Game’ Soon. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 10 1964. Burdick, 173 �Western Michigan University Choir. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 11 1964 p2. Burdick, 174 �Burdick, 175 Seven Ways of Love. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 19 1964 p12. The Pajama Game Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 13 1964 p12. �Pajama Game. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 19 1964. Bruce King and Marty Bagdon. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 21 1964. Burdick, 176 �Cotton-Medina Play Wins High Praise. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 20 1964. Burdick, 177 �Signed Patricia Medina Headshot. 1964. Personal collection of George Vaughn Lowther. Feb 25 1964. Burdick, 178 �Signed Joseph Cotten Headshot. 1964. Personal collection of George Vaughn Lowther. Feb 25 1964. Burdick, 179 �New Wallpaper. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 22 1964. Howard Teeter. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 28 1964. Burdick, 180 �Burdick, 181 Kai Winding Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 4 1964 p12. �Signed Clebanoff Headshot. 1964. Personal collection of George Vaughn Lowther. March 6 1964. Burdick, 182 �Harding Plaque. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 9 1964. Ernest W. Luse. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 13 1964. Burdick, 183 �Coming to Tibbits. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 12 1964. The Friars. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 16 1964. Burdick, 184 �Fashion Show. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 16 1964 p10. Burdick, 185 �Mens Glee Club Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 17 1964. Kiess Donation. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 18 1964 p12. Burdick, 186 �Mural. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 19 1964. Naughty 90’s Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 21 1964 p20. Burdick, 187 �Bob Newhart Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 23 1964 p2. Burdick, 188 �Signed Bob Newhart Headshot. 1964. Personal collection of George Vaughn Lowther. April 12 1964. Burdick, 189 �Hear it in Person Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 23 1964 p10. All Aboard Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 26 1964 p2. Burdick, 190 �The Tibbits Mural. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 28 1964. Rehearsals Shift. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 27 1964. Burdick, 191 �Coldwater Rotarians. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 1 1964. The Three Producers. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 31 1964. Burdick, 192 �Rotary Show. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 3 1964. Burdick, 193 �First Night Sold Out. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 2 1964. Coldwater Rotary. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 4 1964. Burdick, 194 �Dave Nault. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 4 1964. The Outsiders. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 7 1964. G. Otis Pierce. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 10 1964. Burdick, 195 �Painting. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 12 1964 p41. The Button-Down Mind at Work. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 12 1964. Burdick, 196 �Henry L. Scott Promo Photo. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 16 1964. Henry L. Scott Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 17 1964. Burdick, 197 �Signed Henry L. Scott Promo Photo. 1964. Personal collection of George Vaughn Lowther. April 17 1964. Burdick, 198 �Wayne King. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 22 1964. Burdick, 199 �Spring Drum Festival Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 25 1964 p20. American Theatre Festival Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 27 1964 p12. Burdick, 200 �Jim Hayes. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 30 1964. Michigan Gas Donation. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 30 1964. Burdick, 201 �Boris Goldovsky. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 02 1964 p12. Wayne King Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 02 1964 p2. Burdick, 202 �Signed Jim Hayes Promo Photo. 1964. Personal collection of George Vaughn Lowther. May 2 1964. Burdick, 203 �Signed Wayne King Promo Photo. 1964. Personal collection of George Vaughn Lowther. May 2 1964. Burdick, 204 �New Welcome Signs. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 04 1964. Kenneth Kohn. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 04 1964. Burdick, 205 �Burdick, 206 Reynard the Fox. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 08 1964. The Crow. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 05 1964. �Virginia Symphony Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 13 1964. Burdick, 207 �Glenn Crane. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 14 1964. Kathy Zeller. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 15 1964. Black Like Me Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 15 1964 p12. Burdick, 208 �Jose Molina and Maria Del Rocio. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 20 1964. Griffin Speaks at Tibbits. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 21 1964. Jose Molina Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 22 1964 p2. Burdick, 209 �Jose Molina Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 25 1964 p2. Burdick, 210 �Molina Company in Spanish Costume. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 25 1964. Molina Costumes. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 27 1964. Burdick, 211 �Tom King. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 28 1964. Irene Belcher. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 03 1964. Burdick, 212 �William Walsh. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 04 1964. First National Bank Donation. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 05 1964. Burdick, 213 �Ladies Only Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 05 1964 p2. Welcome America’s Gracious Ladies. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 05 1964 p2. Burdick, 214 �Burdick, 215 American Theatre Festival. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 05 1964. �Virginia and Joel Marsh. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 08 1964. La Boheme. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 11 1964 p12. Burdick, 216 �Solid Gold Cadillac. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 16 1964. Tom and Rosemary King. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 18 1964. Dinner-reception. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 18 1964. Burdick, 217 �Burdick, 218 Solid Gold Cadillac Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 22 1964. Work, Work, Work. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 19 1964. �Last Minute Preparation. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 23 1964. Burdick, 219 �American Theatre Festival. 1964. Personal collection of Terry Mulchahey. June 24 1964. Burdick, 220 �Teamwork. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 26 1964. Pursuit. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 27 1964 p2. Burdick, 221 �ATF Producers Letter of Loan. 1964. Tibbits Opera House Archives, Tibbits Administration Building, Coldwater. 27 June 1964. TS. Coldwater, MI. . Burdick, 222 �Burdick, 223 Kathy Zeller and Tom King on Stage. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 30 1964. Stuckey’s ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 29 1964 p2. �Stukey’s Man Who Came to Dinner Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 06 1964p10. Scene from ‘Pursuit’. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 01 1964. Burdick, 224 �Veteran Actor. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 06 1964. William Walsh. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 08 1964. Special Pleading.1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 07 1964. Burdick, 225 �Irene Belcher. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 09 1964. Jack Shouse. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 10 1964. At Work. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 11 1964 p2. Burdick, 226 �ATF Yum Yum Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 13 1964 p7. Burdick, 227 �Stukey’s Yum Yum Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 13 1964 p10. Hogan. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 13 1964. In this Scene. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 14 1964. Burdick, 228 �Tom King. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 15 1964. Hogan. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 16 1964 p2. Suzy and Tony Showalter and Charlotte Button. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 17 1964. Burdick, 229 �Ten Nights in a Barroom Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 17 1964 p2. Burdick, 230 �Virginia Marsh and Bob Miller. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 18 1964 p2. Stuckey’s Ten Nights in a Barroom Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 20 1964 p10. Ten Nights in a Barroom. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 20 1964. Burdick, 231 �Pianist. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 21 1964. David Higgins and Jack Shouse. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 23 1964. Burdick, 232 �Burdick, 233 Mister Roberts ATF Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 24 1964 p2. �Howard Teeter. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 25 1964. Stukey’s Mister Roberts Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 27 1964 p2. Burdick, 234 �Mr. Roberts. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 27 1964. The Members of the Crew. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 28 1964. Burdick, 235 �Tensions Too Much to Handle. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 29 1964. Dreamer. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 30 1964. Burdick, 236 �Burdick, 237 The Girls in 509. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 30 1964 p2. �Stukey’s Girls in 509 Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 03 1964 p12. Nerves Already. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 31 1964. A Chauffeured Rolls Royce. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 03 1964 p2. Burdick, 238 �Stukey’s Picnic Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 08 1964 p12. Attorney Aubrey McKittridge. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 04 1964. William Walsh. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 05 1964. Burdick, 239 �ATF Picnic Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 08 1964 p2. Kathy Zeller and David Higgins, Picnic. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 08 1964. David Higgins. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 08 1964 p3. Burdick, 240 �Virginia Marsh Explains. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 13 1964 p2. Millie. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 11 1964 p2. Howard Bevans. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 12 1964 p2. Burdick, 241 �Burdick, 242 ATF Seven Year Itch Ad.. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 14 1964 p2. �David Higgins. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 14 1964. Stukey’s Seven-Year Itch Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 17 1964 p2. American Theatre Festival Favorite. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 17 1964. Burdick, 243 �Dr. Brubaker. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 18 1964, p2. Joel and Virginia Marsh. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 20 1964 p2. Heap Big Injun. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 21 1964. Burdick, 244 �Stilson Letter to Stukey. 1964. Tibbits Opera House Archives, Tibbits Administration Building, Coldwater. 24 Aug 1964. TS. Coldwater, MI. . Burdick, 245 �Little Mary Sunshine Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 24 1964 p10. Miss Keller. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 24 1964. Walter Stump. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 25 1964. Burdick, 246 �David Higgins as Yellow Feather. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 25 1964. Miss Keller. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 24 1964. Miss Tylor. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 28 1964. Burdick, 247 �American Theatre Festival Favorite. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 01 1964. Director Carleton Fitzgerald. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 31 1964. Stukey’s Light Up the Sky Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 31 1964 p12. Burdick, 248 �Carleton Fitzgerald. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 03 1964. Guest Artists. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 11 1964. William Walsh. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 05 1964 p2. Burdick, 249 �Stukey Letter to Stilson. 1964. Tibbits Opera House Archives, Tibbits Administration Building, Coldwater. 16 Sept 1964. TS. Coldwater, MI. . Burdick, 250 �Anita Bryant. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 17 1964. Stan Getz. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 25 1964. Stockton Burns. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 29 1964. Burdick, 251 �Stockton Burns. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 07 1964. Delta Iota Project. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 07 1964 p16. Carl Sandburg. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 06 1964. Burdick, 252 �Kiwanis Travelogue Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 17 1964 p3. Opening Tonight. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 08 1964 p2. Burdick, 253 �Stockton and Miss Chambers. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 31 1964 p2. Charles Marsh. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 03 1964 p2. Candida Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 03 1964 p2. Burdick, 254 �Mr. Burgess. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 03 1964. No Title. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 04 1964. Glenn Crane. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 05 1964. Burdick, 255 �Candida Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 06 1964 p2. To Appear. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 06 1964. Hummon Sisters Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 06 1964 p2. Burdick, 256 �Anita Bryant. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 07 1964 p2. Anita Bryant Sings. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 10 1964. Iva Jo Robison. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 12 1964. Burdick, 257 �Barbara Annear. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 16 1964 p2. Play Rehearsal. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 14 1964 p13. Burdick, 258 �Ondine Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 18 1964 p2. Miss Annear and Strong. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 18 1964. Man and Superman. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 17 1964. Burdick, 259 �Prince Eric. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 01 1964. Paul Sparer. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 19 1964. In One Scene. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 19 1964. Burdick, 260 �Hans and Ondine. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 20 1964. Joyce Jolley as Frosty. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 01 1964. Burdick, 261 �Kath Zeller. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 03 1964. March of Toys. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 02 1964. Burdick, 262 �Burdick, 263 Quartet to Perform. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 04 1964. The Sweet Adelines. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 03 1964. �Sweet Adeline Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 04 1964 p2. Stukey’s Adeline Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 04 1964 p12. Dial M For Murder. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 04 1964. Burdick, 264 �Beautiful Rapunzel. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 07 1964. Dial M For Murder Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 07 1964 p2. Burdick, 265 �Ray McKinley. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 08 1964. Stukey’s Glenn Miller Ad. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 09 1964 p14. Rapunzel. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 09 1964. Burdick, 266 �Burdick, 267 Tony Wendice. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 11 1964. Tense Moment. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 10 1964. �Trio of Headshots. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 18 1964. Rubinoff. 1964. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 31 1964. Burdick, 268 �Stilson Resignation Letter to Aitchison. 1964. Tibbits Opera House Archives, Tibbits Administration Building, Coldwater. 23 Dec 1964. TS. Coldwater, MI. . Parke Resignation Letter to Patterson. 1964. Tibbits Opera House Archives, Tibbits Administration Building, Coldwater. 26 Dec 1964. TS. Coldwater, MI. . Stukey Loan Donation Note. 1964. Tibbits Opera House Archives, Tibbits Administration Building, Coldwater. 30 Dec 1964. HS. Coldwater, MI. . Burdick, 269 �1965 Burdick, 270 �Burdick, 271 Kenneth Kohn Letter to Patterson. 1965. Tibbits Opera House Archives, Tibbits Administration Building, Coldwater. 06 Jan 1965. TS. Coldwater, MI. . �Winnifred Morency Letter to Board Members. 1965. Tibbits Opera House Archives, Tibbits Administration Building, Coldwater. 06 Jan 1965. TS. Coldwater, MI. Scene From The Shrew. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 05 1965. Frederic De Santis. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 04 1965. Burdick, 272 �Rubinoff Ad. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 07 1965 p2. Stukey’s Rubinoff Ad. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 07 1965 p12. Burdick, 273 �Rubinoff ‘s Greatest Attractions. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 11 1965. Rubinoff Shows His Proudest Possession. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 12 1965. Burdick, 274 �Stukey’ Taming of the Shrew Ad. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 21 1965 p2. Shrew Tamer. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 20 1965. Burdick, 275 �Taming of the Shrew Ad. 1965. Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 21 1965 p12. Purchase Perchance. 1965. Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 21 1965. Burdick, 276 �De Santis and Miss Cunningham. 1965. Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 25 1965. Kiwanis Travelogue Ad. 1965. Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 29 1965 p12. Burdick, 277 �Woody Herman. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 29 1965. Cooking School & Fashion Show Ad. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 30 1965 p3. Winning Cooks. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 01 1965. Burdick, 278 �To Appear. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 02 1965. Tonda Attardi. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 04 1965 p3. Woody Herman Ad. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 04 1965 p2. Burdick, 279 �Stukey’s Woody Herman Ad. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 04 1965 p12. Woody Herman Ad. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 10 1965 p2. Appears Tonight. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 10 1965 p2. Burdick, 280 �The Herd. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 11 1965. Roger Williams Ad. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 22 1965 p2. Stukey’s Roger Williams Ad. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 18 1965 p12. Burdick, 281 �Correction. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 22 1965 p3. Sunday Night. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 01 1965. In Coldwater. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 26 1965. Burdick, 282 �Stukey’s Roger Williams Ad. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 18 1965 p12. Junior Play. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 11 1965. Burdick, 283 �On Stage. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 13 1965 p2. Prop Girls. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 16 1965 p2. Poetry Corner. 1965. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 15 1965. Burdick, 284 �Burdick, 285 Baby Needs Shoes. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 18 1965. Pop Kwimper. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 17 1965. �President Patterson Letter to Burrill. 1965. Tibbits Opera House Archives, Tibbits Administration Building, Coldwater. 18 March 1965. TS. Coldwater, MI. Burdick, 286 �Roaring 20s Rotary Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 19 1965 p2. Burdick, 287 �Miss Kailer. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 24 1965. Carolyn Gillespie. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 19 1965. Enthusiasm Keynoted. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 19 1965 p2. Burdick, 288 �Covered With Color. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 26 1965. Spring Fashion Show Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 02 1965 p3. Summer Dress Up. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 011965. Burdick, 289 �Stukey’s Spring Fashion Show Ad. Microfilm Stukey’s Rotary Show Ad. Microfilm Archives, Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily The Daily Reporter, April 021965 p3. Reporter, April 06 1965 p2. Rehearsals. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 06 1965. Burdick, 290 �Rotarians Revive Twenties. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 09 1965 p2. Burdick, 291 �Holy Week Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 09 1965 p12. This Was The Scene. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 06 1965. Burdick, 292 �Jazz Concert Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 05 1965 p16. Rehearsals. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 05 1965. Stukey’s Concert Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 21 1965 p16. Burdick, 293 �Brenda Davis. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 06 1965. All-Star Jazz Band. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 07 1965. Robert Sphatt. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 11 1965. Burdick, 294 �Burdick, 295 Walter Stump. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 13 1965. Roger Blansit. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 12 1965. �Bye Bye Birdie Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 14 1965 p14. Stukey’s Bye Bye Birdie Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 14 1965 p14. Burdick, 296 �Burdick, 297 Cast Works Long Hours. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 15 1965 p6. Birdie Family. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 14 1965. �O-O-O Conrad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 17 1965. GRRRR. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 18 1965 p2. With Great Dignity. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 19 1965. Burdick, 298 �Hammel. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 20 1965. Next Season. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 21 1965. American Theatre Festival. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 27 1965 p2. Burdick, 299 �The Fantasticks. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 09 1965. Miss Arnberg. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 07 1965. Birdie Profits. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 29 1965. Burdick, 300 �Opens June 15. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 10 1965 p2. Harp Demonstration. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 14 1965 p2. Stukey’s Fantasticks Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 101965 p16. Burdick, 301 �Walsh. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 14 1965. It Depends. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 16 1965. The Fantasticks. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 15 1965 p2. Burdick, 302 �The Fantasticks. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 17 1965. Come Blow Your Horn Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 18 1965 p2. Arcola Clark. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 19 1965 p2. Burdick, 303 �Burdick, 304 Robert Sphatt. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 22 1965. Bum. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 21 1965. �A Shaken Buddy Baker. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 23 1965. That’s Some Cook. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 24 1965. Robert Sphatt. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 25 1965. Burdick, 305 �Shocking. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 26 1965 p2. Stukey’s Tibbits Festive Dinner and Show Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 28 1965 p12. Abie’s Irish Rose Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 28 1965 p2. Burdick, 306 �The Cast. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 28 1965. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Cohen. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 29 1965. Burdick, 307 �Abie’s Irish Rose Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 30 1965 p3. Nervous Bride. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 01 1965 p2. Rare Moments. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 30 1965. Burdick, 308 �The Way to Oz. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 01 1965. Stukey’s Music Man Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 03 1965 p20. Gary Indiana. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 02 1965. Burdick, 309 �Music Man Opens Tues. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 03 1965. Music Man . Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 06 1965. Stukey’s Music Man Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 06 1965 p12. Burdick, 310 �Music Man Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 06 1965 p2. Burdick, 311 �Donation. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 07 1965. Goodnight My Someone. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 08 1965. Music Man Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 09 1965 p2. Burdick, 312 �Afternoon and Evening. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 10 1965 p2. Again This Week. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 11 1965. The American Theatre Festival. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 09 1965. Burdick, 313 �Marian the Librarian. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 13 1965. Mrs. Paroo. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 14 1965 p2. Larry Life. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 16 1965. Burdick, 314 �Stukey’s The Drunkard Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 19 1965 p10. It’s Difficult. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 20 1965. Phil Goble. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 19 1965. Burdick, 315 �The Drunkard Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 20 1965 p2. Burdick, 316 �Stukey’s Happy Time Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 26 1965 p2. Mamma! Help! Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 22 1965. When People Are In Love. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 24 1965 p10. Burdick, 317 �Happy Time Cast. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 26 1965. Craig Davidson & Debbie Carnell. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 27 1965. Burdick, 318 �The Happy Time Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 28 1965 p2. My Fair Lady Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 30 1965 p2. Bibi Sticks With Cookies. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 28 1965. Burdick, 319 �The Transformation. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 30 1965. My Fair Lady. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 31 1965 p2. Stukey’s My Fair Lady Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 02 1965 p12. Burdick, 320 �The World’s Greatest Musical. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 02 1965. Quite a Shock to Discover. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 04 1965. A-A-O-O-W. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 05 1965. Burdick, 321 �Stukey’s My Fair Lady Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 02 1965 p12. My Fair Lady Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 09 1965 p12. Next Week. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 10 1965. Burdick, 322 �Too Early For Me. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 13 1965 p2. Stukey’s Mary Mary Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 16 1965 p12. New Role. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 12 1965. Burdick, 323 �Burdick, 324 Mary Mary Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 17 1965 p2. Opens Tomorrow. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 16 1965. �They’d Rather Fight. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 17 1965 p2. Sitting With His Wife. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 19 1965. Stukey’s Oklahoma Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 24 1965 p10. Burdick, 325 �Burdick, 326 Oklahoma. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 25 1965. The Whole Cast. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 20 1965. �I Cain’t Say No. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 27 1965 p2. Surrey With a Fringe on Top. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 24 1965. Shake Hands Fellas. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 26 1965. Burdick, 327 �Two Local Teenagers. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 30 1965. Don’t Shoot. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 31 1965. Burdick, 328 �Curley and Laurey. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 01 1965 p2. Music, Magic and Mirth Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 10 1965 p3. Watson. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 11 1965 p2. Burdick, 329 �Stukey’s Wayne King Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 30 1965 p3. Wayne King Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 24 1965 p2. Here on Oct 5. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 27 1965. Burdick, 330 �Byways of Britain Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 06 1965 p2. Wayne King Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 01 1965. Burdick, 331 �Final Plans. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 04 1965 p2. Kiwanis Travelogue Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 08 1965 p2. Preparing for Performances. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 13 1965 p16. Burdick, 332 �Folksingers to Appear Here. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 28 1965. Reeds and Their Marionettes. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 29 1965. Burdick, 333 �Pinocchio Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 29 1965 p2. Pinocchio. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 02 1965. This Afternoon. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 06 1965 p2. Burdick, 334 �Coming November. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 10 1965 p2. To Appear. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 15 1965 p2. Noah. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 15 1965. Burdick, 335 �Burdick, 336 Driven Beyond Endurance. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 19 1965. All Is Not Sound and Fury. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 18 1965. �Sweet Adelines Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 19 1965 p2. Womenfolk Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 20 1965 p7. Womenfolk Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 24 1965 p2. Burdick, 337 �One Performance. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 26 1965. Sunday Evening. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 27 1965 p2. Burdick, 338 �Stukey’s Sweet Adeline Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 01 1965 p14. Sing Americana Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 29 1965 p2. In Show. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 30 1965. Burdick, 339 �Sing Americana Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 02 1965 p16. The Galloping Grannies. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 011965. Give My Regards. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 02 1965. Burdick, 340 �Director. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 10 1965. First Time Tonight. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 04 1965 p3. Opening. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 06 1965. Burdick, 341 �Hansel and Gretel Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 14 1965 p2. On Saturday. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 14 1965. Hansel and Gretel Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 14 1965 p2. Burdick, 342 �1966 Burdick, 343 �To Be Presented. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 17 1966. Kiwanis Travelogue Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 20 1966 p2. Community Concert. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 21 1966. Burdick, 344 �Burdick, 345 Claudius. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 02 1966. Assistant Director. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 26 1966 p2. �Hamlet Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 31 1966 p2. Kiwanis Travelogue. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 17 1966 p14. The Carricos. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 16 1966. Burdick, 346 �Character Actors. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 28 1966. Performance Wednesday. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 07 1966. Burdick, 347 �Stukey’s Chicago Opera Ballet. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 08 1966 p2. Miss Josette Amiel. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 10 1966. The Wise. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 14 1966. Burdick, 348 �Mrs. Gibbs. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 16 1966. Opening Tonight. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 17 1966. Coming April 3. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 25 1966. Burdick, 349 �Over 400 Attending. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 28 1966. Dukes of Dixieland Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 28 1966 p2. Burdick, 350 �Stukey’s Dukes of Dixieland Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 011966 p2. Fred and Frank Assunto. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 30 1966. A Sure Sign of Spring. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 30 1966. Burdick, 351 �Fred, Papa Jack, and Frank Assunto. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 02 1966 p2. Stukey’s Rotary Show Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 12 1966 p2. Fabulous Forties Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 11 1966 p2. Burdick, 352 �Curtain Time Near. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 12 1966. Fabulous Forties Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 14 1966 p2. Ok Ya Bums! Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 13 1966 p2. Burdick, 353 �John Walker. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 14 1966. Larry Sherman. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 19 1966 p2. Burdick, 354 �Burdick, 355 Dukes of Dixieland Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 15 1966. �Burdick, 356 In a Series. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 21 1966. Aunt Gertrude. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 20 1966. �Opening Tonight. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 28 1966. Variety Show. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 27 1966. Lil Abner. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 26 1966. Burdick, 357 �Warming For Concert Night. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 02 1966. Dogpatch Characters. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 29 1966. Burdick, 358 �Tibbits Summer Theatre Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 06 1966 p2. Stukey’s Piano Concert Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 12 1966 p2. Appearing. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 03 1966. Burdick, 359 �Virginia Symphony Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 09 1966 p2. To Perform Saturday. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 06 1966. To Appear Here. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 11 1966. Burdick, 360 �Stukey’s Virginia Symphony Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 12 1966 p2. Marcia Gomley. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 18 1966. Marie Vonmaltzahn. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 17 1966. Burdick, 361 �Egad! Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 20 1966. Down to the Wire. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 04 1966. Sleeping Beauty Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 20 1966 p2. Burdick, 362 �Tibbits Summer Theatre Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 14 1966 p2. New Carpeting. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 14 1966. Burdick, 363 �South Pacific Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 20 1966 p2. Burdick, 364 �John Whiting. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 23 1966. Gracie O’Shanahan’s Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 24 1966 p3. Stukey’s South Pacific Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 24 1966 p2. Burdick, 365 �Younger Than Springtime. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 28 1966. Emile DeBecque. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 02 1966 p2. Luther Billis. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 29 1966. Burdick, 366 �Touching Moment. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 06 1966. O’ Shanahan’s Summer Theatre Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 07 1966 p3. Show Boat Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 07 1966 p2. Burdick, 367 �Beryldene Powell. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 13 1966. Looking Forward. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 08 1966. Show Boat. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 11 1966. Burdick, 368 �‘Show Boat’ Leads. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 14 1966. Stukey’s Showboat Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 18 1966 p2. Old Man River. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 20 1966. Burdick, 369 �President Patterson Letter to Wayne Feller. 1966. Tibbits Opera House Archives, Tibbits Administration Building, Coldwater. 06 Aug 1966. TS. Coldwater, MI. Burdick, 370 �A Fight Breaks Out. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 22 1966. The Sound of Music Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 21 1966 p2. Gracie O’Shanahan’s TST Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 21 1966 p16. Burdick, 371 �The Children. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 27 1966. Tom A. Aston. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 26 1966. Sound of Music. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 25 1966. Burdick, 372 �Outspoken Members. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 29 1966. Sixteen Going on Seventeen. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 02 1966. John Whiting and Barbara Link. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 03 1966. Burdick, 373 �The Student Prince. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 08 1966. Versatile Jeffery Neill. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 04 1966. The Student Prince Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 09 1966 p16. Burdick, 374 �Edward Kingins. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 09 1966. Harold Themmen and Tibbits Orchestra. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 12 1966. ‘Student Prince’ Opening. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 10 1966. Burdick, 375 �The Student Prince. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 13 1966. Camelot Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 18 1966. Reopens Tonight. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 17 1966. Burdick, 376 �Paul Larou. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 19 1966. Raymond Sharp. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 18 1966. Monk Watson. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 24 1966. Camelot Cast. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 22 1966. Burdick, 377 �Burdick, 378 �Before the Dinner. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 29 1966. Happy. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 01 1966. King Arthur. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 31 1966. Burdick, 379 �Caught in the Act. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 02 1966. Finishing. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 07 1966. Art Erickson. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 11 1966. Cooking School. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 03 1966. Burdick, 380 �Playing the Role. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 07 1966. Franco Iglesias. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 08 1966. Don Shirley. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 10 1966. The Tavern. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 08 1966. Burdick, 381 �Robin and Edith Reed. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 01 1966. Conductor to Appear. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 17 1966. Robert Hale to Perform Here. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 16 1966. Rigoletto Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 10 1966 p2. Burdick, 382 �Midwestern Jamboree Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 09 1966 p2. Wizard of Oz Scene. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 05 1966. Time Out. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 18 1966. Burdick, 383 �Men’s Stag Night Ad. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 08 1966 p2. Wizard of Oz. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 06 1966. Tommy Watkins. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 09 1966. Burdick, 384 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Tibbits Opera House Description An account of the resource Miscellaneous items related to the historic Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, Michigan Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Saving the Tibbits Opera House: From Wrecking Ball to Restoration. Description An account of the resource Built in 1882, the Tibbits Opera House, a Victorian opera house in Coldwater, MI, still performs live stage-shows via children's theatre, community theatre, and professional theatre. It also functions as a roadhouse for other entertainers like magicians, tribal dancers, and musicians. It has gone through several renovations in its time, functioning as a stage for live performances, to a movie house, and now back to a live-stage venue. With several other movie theaters in the area as competition, by the late 1950s, the Tibbits ceased functioning as a movie theater and went into disrepair. At this time, there was talk that historic building was going to be razed and turned into a parking lot, and that is when several community groups, led by the Coldwater Players, stepped in with a “Save the Tibbits” campaign. The Schulte Amusement Company agreed to sell the building to the Coldwater Players for a minimal sum of $7500. Not a day went by that there wasn’t an article or photo in the paper about the latest fundraiser, donation request, or labor request. From January of 1961 to April of 1961, everything from new fire doors to a new heating system to a fresh coat of paint was installed by various service groups, with the Tibbits in use from April until December of that year when the fire marshal ordered the building to be closed until further repairs were made. Another campaign was launched in January of 1962, and by the end of the year a non-profit Tibbits foundation was formed. Even without the balance in hand for repairs, in May of 1963 the board continued plans for repairs of the roof, sprinkler system, and heating system. In November of 1963, the unheated Tibbits officially opened for a Grand Ole Opry show, which played to a shivering but packed crowd. By December, George Vaughn Lowther was hired as manager and director, and in 1964, the Tibbits was back in use as a professional summer stock venue and roadhouse. Since 1964, the Tibbits has continued to be a steadily-used landmark of the community and has gone through several managers and renovations. Currently, the Tibbits still functions as a non-profit organization and the Foundation still owns the building, which is under restoration. In the fall of 2012, the outside restoration phase was completed and plans to restore the inside are currently underway. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stephanie D. (Hemker) Burdick Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 18, 2014 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource (c) Copyright 2014 by Stephanie Burdick, all rights reserved. Posted here with permission of the author. https://branchdistrictlibrary.org/archive/files/original/1826231338c55d3fdbce689da672acd7.pdf 7246e9ab6a871482219289c7325736f7 PDF Text Text Stephanie Burdick Tiffin University HUMA 600 Dr. Mary Grennen, TU Advisor The Tibbits Opera House: 1912 �Burdick, 2 Table of Contents I. Background/Introduction of the Study II. John Jackson Management, 1912 A. Legitimate Drama B. Concerts C. Lectures, Campaigns, and Misc. Uses D. Travelogues, Animated Illustrations, & Moving Pictures E. Vaudeville, Minstrels, & Magic F. Summary III. Works Cited IV. Appendix A-Advertisements of 1912 V. Appendix B-Press Release Photos of 1912 VI. Appendix C-Opera House Datebook of 1912 �Burdick, 3 I. Background/Introduction of the Study: The Tibbits Opera House, a Victorian opera house in Coldwater, MI, still performs live stage-shows via children's theatre, community theatre, and professional theatre. It also functions as a roadhouse for other entertainers like magicians, tribal dancers, and musicians. The Tibbits was built in 1882 by Barton S. Tibbits and has gone through several renovations in its time. Currently, the Tibbits Opera Foundation is in the process of restoring the theater to the glorious opera house that it was over 100 years ago. To date, only one book has been published on the Tibbits Opera House, which is a history of the theater from 1882 to 1904. Compiled by Carolyn Gillespie, a Coldwater resident who used the Tibbits as her dissertation subject in the 1970s, the book contains information from 1904 to the present that was scattered around the Coldwater community and in the newspaper archives in the Branch District Library. When I began my research, I intended to compile information from 1905 to 1912, when the archives of the early newspapers ended, or—depending on the amount of research available—from 1905 to the 1950s, when it was used as a movie theater. As I began researching, what I assumed was just a few folders of information and a handful of newspaper clippings was actually thousands of newspaper articles and photos. While I relied on the Holbrook Index, it quickly became apparent that the indexes for both the The Courier and Republican papers were severely lacking, and no listing for the The Daily Reporter was in existence. Instead of relying solely on this index, I began scanning through every published issue of the The Courier newspaper, which is on microfilm. Using this method, I was able to acquire over 130 additional newspaper advertisements, photos, and articles that had not previously been archived for 1912. �Burdick, 4 In Gillespie's book, A History of the Tibbits Opera House, she mentioned that by 1900, The Courier and Republican newspapers had such a poor relationship with John Jackson, the manager of the Tibbits Opera House, that they furthered their "attack on Jackson by not carrying Tibbits ads or providing pre-show publicity and reviews" (104). This relationship must have remained the same until 1912, when The Courier finally began documenting advertisements, photos, press releases, and critiques for the Tibbits almost daily. Prior to that, press coverage regarding the Tibbits came only if it was publicity for the YMCA, the schools, or local clubs that were holding fundraisers or other events. Many times between 1905 and 1911, the coverage was as small as a sentence, naming pertinent information, such as the event and date, which was easily lost in the disorganized, text-heavy newspaper. Meanwhile, The Daily Reporter consistently covered theatrical events at the Tibbits by running advertisements, pre-show publicity, and reviews. In the entire year of 1905, The Courier mentioned the Tibbits only five times, and one of those was for a city land auction that the powers-that-be decided to host at the Tibbits because of the possibility of inclement weather. Compared to the 162 advertisements or articles found in The Daily Reporter from January to May of 1905, it is evident that the coverage from The Courier continued to be unfair and uneven. Additionally, there was no set format for where theatrical information could be found in The Courier. Some information was found under the "Local Happenings" heading several pages into the paper, which at many times was a mere date and title of the show or event, and other times it was buried elsewhere in the paper. Many times there was no headline at all. Furthermore, when headlines appeared above the actual �Burdick, 5 articles carried by The Courier, they did not lend much help in identifying what was actually in the article. For instance, one front-page article was titled "Just Heard the News," when it could have been better titled "Horses Spook: Corwin Pinned in Accident." The Daily Reporter's formatting had a much cleaner look with specific headings, such as "Things Theatrical," which was usually found on the second or third page. Partway through 1912, John Jackson himself began submitting information about what was happening at the theater, and he titled his column, "Tibbits' Opera House (By J. T. Jackson)." The information gathered for this project—specifically the year of 1912— was compiled from The Courier and The Daily Reporter archives, both located in the Holbrook Heritage Room at the Branch District Library in Coldwater, MI. Local historian Randall Hazelbaker supplied some photos of the early years of the Tibbits Opera House, in addition to the photos that he had published in his books Images of America: Coldwater (MI) and Images of America: Branch County (MI). �Burdick, 6 II. John Jackson Management: An Overview of 1912 John Jackson assumed management of the Tibbits in the spring of 1894, soon after his marriage to Huldah Henning, the daughter of Joseph Henning, who had purchased the theater from Barton Tibbits (Gillespie, 99). Gillespie's research covers the first ten years of Jackson's management of the Tibbits, when he helped his father-in-law, Joseph Henning. This does not end the Jackson management era, as he was transferred the property in 1904 by Henning, and managed until 1920, when it was sold to Dennis Vanes (Gillespie, 99). As previously mentioned, research was lacking for the years 1905 through 1911, in the sense that only one newspaper, The Daily Reporter, covered Tibbits events, and that newspaper was not indexed. While there is much information that could yet be gathered from The Daily Reporter for those years, at this point in the researcher's schedule, researching each day of the microfilm would require an inordinate amount of time. Therefore, this section will be limited to the year 1912—just over halfway through Jackson's management of the theatre with his wife—a period about which a plethora of information from both The Daily Reporter and The Courier is available. Like those who managed before him, Jackson brought in a vast array of entertainment for the people of the Coldwater area. Gillespie mentioned that some of the popular stars were unwilling to perform in Coldwater at the town's lower prices, so Jackson found it necessary to raise admission prices in 1894, which led to complaints from the press (Gillespie, 103). Some articles, like one titled "The Edward Doyle Company," gave insight to the people of Coldwater regarding the cost of actually mounting a show. The article delves into the fact that there are heavy royalties to pay on up-to-date plays, that there are heavy company payrolls "whose combined salary in one �Burdick, 7 week is equal to the entire pay of the old time companies for a month," and that along with the full company of actors, a vaudeville show of four or five acts is carried ("The Edward Doyle Company"). Booking the best shows at the Tibbits Opera House was something that the public wanted, as mentioned in that same article, but a Courier article of Sept 6, 1912 p3, "An Entertainment Worth While," also states that the public "want scenery and new plays." Jackson tried to educate the public, while giving them the best pricing that he could. From 1894 until the end of the research in 1904, many advertisements and press releases were loaded with the phrase "Popular Pricing," for shows that were 50 cents and under. Furthermore, for stock company shows that played for a week's engagement, Jackson admitted ladies free on Monday nights, as long as they were accompanied by someone who held a paid ticket. Other advertising tricks, such as testimonials scattered throughout the newspaper, were used in previous years. In regards to one YMCA lecture series event held at the Tibbits, Mrs. L. J. Byers said, "I have heard Campanari on three occasions. I consider him to be worth the price of the course" (No title. Courier, Oct 28, 1910 p2). Another testimonial in a 1910 paper was by Mrs. L. Sloman, who said, "I heard Campanari last spring. Am I going? Oh! Certainly. He is perfectly grand" (No title. Courier, Oct 28, 1910 p3). Between testimonials that told the public that the show was well worth the price, and advertisements or articles educating the public about discounts or about reasons for high prices (after all, they wanted quality entertainment), Jackson was able to keep a high attendance at the opera house. �Burdick, 8 A. Legitimate Drama The biggest draw for the Opera House was legitimate drama, whether through a special one-night engagement from a traveling company or amateur event, or through a stock company's week-long engagement. Throughout 1912, at least 67 plays or musicals were produced onstage (see Appendix C-Datebook of 1912). Some additional shows were mentioned in newspaper articles, but no specific dates were listed, omitting from the datebook the dates of some 15 other shows. Even though shows were, for the most part, well attended, as previously mentioned, the audience wanted a high-caliber show. As early as 1882, the scenery that was provided by the Opera House had lost its glamour, and by 1886, traveling companies began bringing in their own elaborate sets (Gillespie, 67). The fascination with the set pieces still continued in 1912, as many press releases touted how many railroad cars of scenery were needed for each production. A revival of Uncle Tom's Cabin, which was seen at the Tibbits in October, was advertised to require "two seventy-foot cars to transport the special scenery, 30 head of horses, ponies, donkeys, burros, bloodhounds, log cabin and other novelties to make it the largest production of Uncle Tom's Cabin ever attempted" ("Martin-Kibble Big Company: Children's Night With Uncle Tom's Cabin"). In September, an Edward Doyle Stock Company production was promoted by saying, "Not only do they carry all of their own scenery, but furniture, properties, draperies and light effects ("The Rosary"). The audience's fascination with the technical aspect of productions must have escalated because newspaper reviews began to include information on costuming as well. Some articles briefly mentioned the costuming, like one on the Edward Doyle Stock Company: "Costumes and scenery were in keeping with the company, being much better �Burdick, 9 than generally seen in the traveling stock" ("The Stock Co. Well Received: Large Audience Attended First Production Last Evening"). Other articles, like one on the LeBrun Grand Opera Company, dove into detail. Though the LeBrun Grand Opera Company appeared in 1912, one particular article from The Courier that mentioned costuming appeared at the end of December, 1911. This article expressed that this "finest musical organization of its kind" used the best in costuming—costing over $5,000 for their show. One $500 gown worn in the show was covered completely with solid silver spangles and was imported from Paris. Another costume weighed 40 lbs and had metal that was gold-washed, including the helmet and sword scabbard. Another costume was made of heavy satin, and embroidered with gold lace. Still another was a tapestry, trimmed in ropes of pearls. Finally, the jewelry worn during the production was appraised at several thousand dollars ("LeBrun Grand Opera Co.: The Fourth Number on Y.M.C.A. Course Next Wednesday Evening"). The same detailed costume report was given for a local production of Fi Fi and the Toy Shop. One article touted, "The costumes are pronounced dreams of loveliness, being attractive and artistic in appearance" and that, "the paper dolls are most unique, dainty creations of crepe paper with large flower picture hats to match" ("Costumes for FiFi are Here"). Local amateur productions, like Fi Fi, were appreciated as much as professional shows. While there were only a few local productions per year, there was a good deal of coverage leading up to the production, including coverage of how rehearsals were progressing. The musical Fi Fi was a large local production with a two-night showing, and it was said that, "It is probable that a more difficult dramatic production has not been attempted by local people in the last 20 years" ("Characters in 'Fi-Fi' Difficult"). �Burdick, 10 Admission prices for amateur events topped off at 50 cents, which was higher than the cost of some shows brought in by professional traveling companies. Fi Fi was even compared to some of these professional companies. It was said that "those going to see Fi Fi [would] be given a little idea of how close to the professional an amateur performance can be made" ("Characters in 'Fi-Fi' Difficult"). Other amateur productions in 1912 included Under the Stars and Stripes, which featured Lew Johnson, a Coldwater boy ("'Under the Stars and Stripes' a Rare Treat"), and the operetta Sylvia, which drew a large audience that showed its support by attending this high school production ("Operetta 'Sylvia' To-Morrow Night" and "Operetta a Great Success: 'Sylvia' Drew a Good House and Delighted Everyone Fortunate Enough to be Present"). The variety of stock companies coming to the Tibbits drew the audience during 1912. Advertisements were placed in The Daily Reporter almost daily, and shows were promoted with articles, ads, and photos at least a week in advance. If a show was coming straight from New York or Chicago, that was always in the description. When the "great American play" Paid in Full was shown in February, it was known that it was being presented by a New York cast and production ("The Great American Play Paid in Full"). The Alvarado Players, who performed in April, were promoted with an article that touted their stage achievements in other locations. They had "been having remarkable success in the large towns of the middle west, having played a forty weeks engagement at the Garrick Theatre, Grand Rapids last season" ("One Year in Grand Rapids"), which was meant to stir up excitement about their coming engagement. Though sometimes complaints about ticket costs arose, the audience was generally forgiving, especially when the performing company was one of their favorites. �Burdick, 11 When the Dixie Chorus had to postpone its performance until after 9 o'clock due to baggage issues of the company delaying their arrival at the train station, the "audience was patient and had forgotten the tiresome wait earlier in the evening" because the entertainment was so excellent ("The Dixie Chorus: Gave a Novel and Excellent Entertainment at the Opera House Last Evening"). The Shannon Stock Company, which held a week's engagement at the Tibbits, was also a favored company, with reviewers saying, "This company is far above the average one at small prices" ("Shannon Stock Co. Good"). One particular show that was of great interest to the Coldwater audience was Captured by Wireless, a play about the famous murder case of Coldwater native Harvey Crippen, who was found guilty in England of murdering his wife and was hanged in November, 1910. He was the first criminal to be captured by the aid of wireless communication, hence the title of the play. The Alvarado Players presented it in April of 1912, a year and a half after Crippin's hanging. Critics wrote, "The play starts at the point in the famous criminal case where the murderer is first discovered so that the author, by using the many sensational incidents connected with Dr. Crippen's escape and final capture by aid of the wireless telegraph, has written an intensely interesting play without resorting to the more gruesome incidents of the crime" ("They Are Here Tonight"). Prior to Captured by Wireless, one review of the company said that the Alvarado Players "easily proved themselves one of the best stock companies that has ever appeared in Coldwater" ("The Show Last Night"). There was no review given for Captured by Wireless; however, newspapers went on to promote the next stock company and its production of The Cat and the Fiddle, which had a company of 40 singers, dancers, and comedians, along with a beauty chorus and the promise of "novelties, stage �Burdick, 12 illusions and transformations, magic and beautiful stage settings" ("At the Opera House: The Cat and the Fiddle"). Mutt and Jeff, a play based on Bud Fisher's original cartoons, was performed at the Opera House one night in April of 1912, and was promoted with the fact that the show was "undoubtedly the most talked of play in a number of years, not only among theatrical people, but by theatergoers all over the country" ("'Mutt and Jeff' Next Wednesday"). Later in April, the same company that brought The Cat and the Fiddle returned with The Cow and the Moon. Reviews for it were favorable, but did not top those for The Cat and the Fiddle: Those who have witnessed The Cat and the Fiddle were delighted with its numerous illusions, its variety of stage mechanisms and its wealth of scenery and stage effects, were just as much delighted with The Cow and the Moon. As a musical show, The Cow and the Moon is not the success that The Cat and the Fiddle is. There are none of the pieces in it which compare with those in the latter production. The general effect, however, is good and the piece accomplished its main mission and makes the audience laugh most o the time. The scenery used is gorgeous and there is a great deal of it used. The properties of the production are enormous. ("The Cow and the Moon Good") It is surprising that even though The Cow and the Moon had many special effects—such as the company on stage in a replica of the latest sleeping car model, or an "approaching locomotive, commencing with a tiny speck of light in the distance and gradually approaching, little by little until the huge bulk of a giant engine appears and stops at the �Burdick, 13 footlights, the grinding of wheels and the breaks hissing of steam and the clanging of bell" ("The Cow and the Moon")—it was still incomparable to The Cat and the Fiddle. In May, Beverly came to the Tibbits, with upcoming star Dorothy Howard, who, "although young in years, is a thoroughly experienced actress, having as a mere child played prima donna soubrette roles in comic opera and later an ingénue in leading stock organizations of the principal cities" ("Seat Sale Tomorrow"). While the Ben Greet Players were supposed to appear in June, their engagement was postponed until August 6, which was the season opener. From May to August, the theater was dark in terms of plays being performed. With the opening of the new season came a successful start, as headlines boasted about the Greet Players. Prior to their engagement, one article said that the players "seem to possess a quality of freshness and spontaneity quite unequalled by any form of dramatic production. It's been said that many people attend these performances, who rarely, if ever, go to the regular theatre" ("Ben Greet Players: Big Advance Sale of Seats"). Once the players presented their production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the reviews that followed were equally complimentary, saying that "last night's production was the finest of its kind ever seen in Coldwater. It is certain that ne'er before has a Coldwater audience been favored with such a perfect interpretation of the text of Shakespeare as was the performance of last evening" ("Greet Players were Excellent"). The Margy South Stock Company (at other times referred to as Culhane's Comedians and still other times referred to as the Arlington Stock Company) spent a week at the Tibbits in August, with lead actress Margy South, "one of the youngest and best stock actresses in the profession" ("The Straight Road the Play Tonight"). Special mention was also �Burdick, 14 given to crowd favorites, such as Will Culhane, Clementina St. Felix, and Harry Warner. Each production from that company got rave reviews night after night. One such review appeared after the company's performance of A Final Settlement, which "delighted both young and old and found approval on every hand" ("Stock Company is Well Patronized: Production Last Evening at Opera House Brought Forth Many Favorable Comments"). With fall and winter came larger shows with larger admission prices. The top priced shows of the year at $1.50 per ticket were in September and October, beginning with The Flirting Princess starring Harry Bulger and several present stars who numbered on the same program at Tony Pastor's New York Theatre ("Harry Bulger in The Flirting Princess"), and The Littlest Rebel, which advertised a cast of 50 onstage during a battle scene ("'The Littlest Rebel' Soon"). In September, The Rosary returned to the Tibbits stage, and The Daily Reporter said, "The story is interestingly told with an excellent cast and its scenic effects that are brilliant; the production is worth attending" ("The Rosary"). Even though Faust had appeared before at the Tibbits, it was also a hot-ticket show, with admission prices topping off at $1 each. One article noted that because of the advanced cost of living, this particular show actually had a reduction to the price of admission so that the company would be guaranteed a full house ("Faust: "Will Be at the Opera House This Week-Matinee and Night"). The White Sister, a production that was three years old, arrived in November and was interesting in the fact that unlike other shows, this show had only one company playing on the road. Also, with the exception of the lead, the cast remained original. Until it was staged in Coldwater, it had never been played in a city that had fewer than 25,000 people in population. This particular show had been performed in 14 different �Burdick, 15 state penitentiaries and was the only play allowed to be shown in Sing Sing ("The White Sister"). Advertisements for this show were heavy, as were articles leading up to the performance. The same held true for The Only Son, featuring Thomas Ross, which was said to be one of the "most discussed plays of the last two seasons" (The Courier Nov 28 1912 p3). Satan Sanderson was a show that touted the only woman stage director in the dramatic profession, Miss Jessie Bonstelle, who was also a well-known stock actress in over four hundred plays ("Hackett- 'Satan Sanderson' Tonight"). Jackson was finally given a nod in December for his efforts at the Tibbits, as reviews from Satan Sanderson said, "Manager Jackson deserves great credit for being able to give to Coldwater theatergoers the opportunity to see such productions." The article went on to say that Jackson's "greatest accomplishment is bringing Thomas Ross here tomorrow night" ("Last Night's Show was Fine"). In that same article, Ross was acknowledged as one of America's greatest actors. Finishing out the year was The Divorce Question, a play that was considered a little daring because it was an argument against divorce. It was said to be morally strong— a "Wonderfully gripping play, and one that ably portrayed sad conditions arising through the numerous divorces of the present day." Even though it was the last play of the year, the audience was noted as being "exceedingly poor," since fewer than half of the seats were filled ("The Divorce Question Good"). B. Concerts Aside from legitimate drama, concerts were also popular (in terms of drawing a crowd and creating excitement) at the Tibbits. Even though there were only seven �Burdick, 16 concerts in 1912, they were with well-known musicians such as Grilley and Rogers, Vanda Enos, the LeBrun Grand Opera Co., the Ellery Band, and the Sousa Band. The first concert of the year brought a YMCA entertainment course, Rogers and Grilley, who had previously performed in Coldwater. Articles prior to their engagement claimed, "Mr. Grilley is a reader and storyteller of exceptional talent, while Mr. Rogers has perhaps no equal as a harpist in this country" ("Y.M.C.A. Course Next Monday: Rogers and Grilley will be the Attraction at the Opera House"). The Courier also gave this promo, saying that Grilley and Rogers were "always a great treat" ("Always a Great Treat"). After the performance, The Courier noted that it was a sold-out house and that the program was "much enjoyed by all present" ("Saturday At Opera House: Good Matinee and Night Performance Promised"). Vanda Enos appeared in March with her violin as an attraction alongside a double show of comedy and vaudeville. Enos was billed as "a brilliant and widely known music artist and violin virtuoso" and that those who attended the program were witnessing "a unique and uncommon event [that was] of great benefit to musicians, students of music, and music lovers" ("Three Days Only"). The LeBrun Grand Opera Co.was at the Tibbits for only a one-night engagement and left the following day for Mount Pleasant, MI. Over the course of 30 weeks, it had performed six entertainments each week, traveled 25,000 miles, and appeared in 28 different states. In May the company appeared at the Tibbits and delighted the audience, as already mentioned with the article regarding their costuming. Reviews were favorable, giving credit to Madame LeBrun for her "wonderful soprano voice" and acting ability "of unusual ability." Miss Dorothy Wilson, the contralto, was also given credit for her "splendid voice" and "clever acting." Fritz Huttmann, the tenor, and Arthur Deane, the �Burdick, 17 baritone, were given credit for winning their "full share of applause" ("Entertained in Fine Style: Large Audience Delighted with LeBrun Grand Opera Company"). The Ellery band, "recognized among the best authorities as being the foremost concert band in this country," also caused a great stir in town ("Ellery's Greatest Band"). Numerous articles with accompanying photos advertised their coming, and after the performance the reviews said that the band gave "one of the best concerts that the people of this city have listened to in some time" ("Gave a Fine Concert"). Ellery's band had a successful run in England and Scotland, and one notice published for the Glasgow Exposition where the band played to tens of thousands daily said, "Never in history of band music has a musical organization achieved such an amazing triumph in so short a time as has the Ellery Band. Sousa had his victories and none will gainsay their worth, but the Ellery Band has out-Sousa-ed Sousa…Mr. Channing Ellery, the founder of the Band, has openly admitted that his aim in organizing it was to surpass the standard of perfection set by Sousa" ("Greatest Concert Band"). Ticket prices for the Ellery Band's engagement were in line with Sousa's band, which appeared at the Tibbits five months later. Having two bands of this magnitude in one year was a feat for Jackson, and he was commended for "being able to secure for the citizens of Coldwater such a rare musical treat" ("Sousa's Band Drew Crowd"). Much hoopla surrounded Sousa's coming, and it was assumed that many people would find it impossible to gain admission to his performance. Sousa, who had given more concerts than any other man in the history of music, drew many people from out of town, exhausting the capacity of the Opera House (No Title. The Courier, Oct 31, 1912 p3). There wasn't much of a review for Sousa in �Burdick, 18 The Courier, but it did say that, "it is unnecessary to say that the program was excellent and that it was enthusiastically appreciated, for Sousa is known better and appreciated more throughout the civilized world than any other of the many famous conductors" ("Sousa's Band Drew Crowd"). The year was rounded out with smaller acts, such as the Hussars and the Oberlin College Glee Club. C. Lectures, Campaigns, and Misc. Uses Most lectures were brought to the Tibbits through the YMCA entertainment course. The first of the YMCA lectures was in February, when Adrian Newens appeared, having replaced Phidelah Rice, who missed his train connection (due to poor railroad service in Toldeo, Ohio, according to The Daily Reporter) earlier that month and couldn't make it to perform ("Adrian Newens Pleasing to All"). The audience was pleased with Newens, who had previously entertained in Coldwater: "From the beginning to the end of his work last evening, the audience was his. Mr. Newens is an impersonator of rare ability and combines that gift with a rare good judgment in the selection of subjects with which to entertain" ("A.M. Newens at Opera House"). The next number (and the last of the season) sponsored by the YMCA was Albert L. Blair, whose topic was "The Whir of the Newspaper Press". Blair asserted that while inventions such as the telephone, the telegraph, type setting machines, and high speed presses now in use were wonderful, there would come a day with "still more remarkable inventions." He affirmed that "the future holds still greater possibilities" ("Albert L. Blair at Opera House"). Unfortunately, the reviewer for The Daily Reporter found his lecture to be "the longest, driest, and most uninteresting discourse that was ever thrust over the �Burdick, 19 footlights at a local audience. Facts were given as facts without any attempt to garnishment in the way of figurative language or interesting detail. They were simply piled up and thrown at the audience in chunks, much as cement blocks of good size would be handled." The reviewer went on to say that while Mr. Blair knew what he was talking about, no one else did, and that his hearers were so stupefied that they either fell asleep or went home ("Gave Lecture on the Press"). Locals used the stage as a platform for their campaigns as well. In February, there was a local option meeting hosted by the Branch County Anti-Saloon League, with Senator Seaborn Wright speaking about whether or not saloons should be banished from the state ("Meeting at Opera House"). In March, Mr. Woolley, a candidate for the presidency on the prohibition ticket, spoke to a packed Opera House. The reviewer for the newspaper said that his lecture was given "in a quiet and logical way, [presenting] the cause which he champions, and [carrying] his arguments and illustrations through in such a way that they are clearly understood and hard to combat ("Opera House Was Packed: Hon. John G. Woolley Greeted by a Splendid Audience and Gave a Stirring Address"). Father Dennis A. Hayes, of the local Catholic church, spoke on two occasions to influence the number of "Dry" voters, regarding prohibition ("Last Local Option Meeting" and "Fr. Hayes at Opera House"). Interestingly, one article requested no children be brought to the theater, that "Children can co-operate best in this campaign next Sunday by giving their seats to the adults" ("Last Local Option Meeting"). This was reminiscent of a request made by Barton S. Tibbits, when he asked in a Coldwater Republican article titled "Darling Little Baby" that children be left at home so as not to disturb the theater-goers who paid to see the show on stage, or the actors and actresses, �Burdick, 20 who deserve to be given the limelight (Gillespie, 288). In October, both the Republican and Democratic parties also held rallies at the theater. Other miscellaneous uses for the Tibbits included holding a festival in May, and commencement ceremonies in June. D. Travelogues, Animated Illustrations, & Moving Pictures Travelogues, animated illustrations, and moving pictures were also on the scene during 1912. Though Lyman Howe brought his motion picture travelogues, or Travel Festivals, regularly two times a year, documentation shows that three occurred in 1912. These popular Travel Festival shows gave the audience an opportunity to see far-off places that they might not otherwise have seen. January's travelogue was titled Reaching the World's Highest Altitudes: Hunting from an Aeroplane. October brought a collection of death-defying races in air and sea, the burial of the Maine, and a tour along Paris and Versailles. With December came All the World's a Stage. In regards to the travelogues, a December Courier article commented, "Superficial observers regard its success as phenomenal. They are wrong because it is based on sound principles of actual merit: Because it furnishes as inspiring and beautiful a form of entertainment as the human mind could conceive ("Success is Based on Actual Merit"). The only animated illustration listed during 1912 was Dante's Inferno, which for a 10 cent admission fee, was said to be "impressive at many moments and disappointing at others," according to the St. Louis Post ("Dante's Inferno"). The Brooklyn Standard Union found it to be the "most elaborate film ever prepared in the moving picture world." In their showing, they found that the audience was "much impressed with the vast amount of work that must have been necessary to depict such a strange story with its wonderful setting" (The Daily Reporter, March 5, 1912 p3). Motion pictures also included a �Burdick, 21 September showing of Oliver Twist, with Nat Goodwin as Fagin. Goodwin had been playing the character in New York, but was the only one of the "all-star cast" who appeared in the revival to be seen in the pictures. Even so, "the other characters are splendidly taken and the films themselves are remarkably clear and distinct" ("'Oliver Twist' in Moving Pictures"). The final set of pictures shown at the Opera House were shown for the Michigan National Guard in December, who used it (and the accompanying lecture by Major M. M. Phillips of Owosso) to secure new recruits for Company A ("Dandy Dixie Minstrels Soon"). E. Vaudeville, Minstrels, & Magic Aside from legitimate drama, other forms of entertainment held at the Opera House included a variety of vaudeville shows, minstrel shows, and magic shows, among others. Although only eleven vaudeville, minstrel, and magic shows are listed in the 1912 datebook (Appendix C), that is a very deflated number from what actually appeared at the Tibbits, because with touring stock companies came vaudeville acts that entertained the audience during intermission of the main feature. For our purposes, those additional vaudeville acts will not be mentioned in this section. In January, the Manhattan Gaiety Girls took to the stage, with the slogan "Everything new, everything best," the company having replaced the "faded beauties" with a new cast of "handsome young women" ("Manhattan Gaiety Girls"). However, these beauties received no comment after the fact from either The Daily Reporter or The Courier, as they were overshadowed by the publicity for J. C. Rockwell's Sunny South Company, which was said to be a "first-class colored organization" in an article in The �Burdick, 22 Courier ("J.C. Rockwell's Sunny South Co."), and "one of the strongest, brightest, most complete and capable colored organizations ever sent on tour" with "more new songs, new music, new ideas, new specialties, new dances than any similar organization and it is brim full of laughable situations and charming musical numbers that are new and catchy" in an article in The Daily Reporter ("J.C. Rockwell's Sunny South Co."). Apparently, plantation shows were in vogue because later in February, Thomas P. Kelley's Colored Carnival arrived at the Tibbits. May brought two nights' worth of local vaudeville shows from the ladies of St. Agatha's Guild, and while the attraction provided "a constant change of color, music and singers that made the attraction most enjoyable," there was only a fair-sized audience ("The National Troubadours"). Other local vaudeville included two performances sponsored by the Phi Gamma Sorority. Other entertainment included Reno the Magician, who was met with the utmost favorable reviews ("Reno is Certainly a Great Magician"). Reno was contracted in by the YMCA committee as entertainment at no cost to the audience, in order to make up for its last lecture that caused "great dissatisfaction" ("New Course of Entertainment"). The next YMCA entertainment wasn't until November, when Miss Bargelt, an accomplished crayon artist, took to the stage along with her company of musicians ("First Number Excellent: Bargelt Company Opened the Y.M.C.A. Lecture Course Last Night"). Another type of entertainment was a dog and cat circus in October that was coupled with a vaudeville show. It was given one sentence of publicity prior to the engagement, and none thereafter (No Title. The Daily Reporter, Oct 15 1912 p3). �Burdick, 23 The only true minstrel company to visit Coldwater was the DeRue Bros.' Ideal Minstrels, which promised a clean, classic and honest show ("Minstrels Coming: We Guarantee This Attraction"). Furthermore, a handful of the performers from this group had the distinction of being some of the few acrobatic duos who had performed and appeared before royalty ("DeRue Bros.' Ideal Minstrels"). Reviews indicated approval of the group, and "it was the general opinion that the minstrel was better than many attractions demanding a large entrance fee ("A Good Show Last Evening"). The local Fortnightly Ladies Minstrel Club held a minstrel show just after the DeRue Bros. left town, and reviews were equally favorable, boasting the show as "one of the best of the kind that was ever staged in Coldwater ("Crowded House First Night"). The other local paper commented that there was "not a weak point in the cast and the songs and jokes were well chosen and well given. The chorus was especially fine and the dancing girls were excellent" ("First Night of Minstrels was Success"). While the show might have been good, it seems as though reviews for local productions were a bit more flowery than reviews for traveling shows. One of the final entertainments of the year was a vaudeville production by the National Theatre, which had prices of up to 50 cents per ticket. Jackson explained that the high prices for the show were commensurate with the performers' merit. "Recognized vaudeville performers are expensive people" ("Vaudeville for Thanksgiving"). Gus Sun's Ohio Vaudeville Circuit came for Christmas, and the final entertainment of the year (on the 31st of December) was LeVard's Dixie Minstrels, another colored company who had "won distinction on the vaudeville stage" ("From Fiske University"). �Burdick, 24 F. Summary of Findings Though the public demanded more, John Jackson had a successful year of managing the Tibbits Opera House in 1912 by supplying Coldwater with a constant array of entertainments. Admitting ladies free on some Monday evenings was a good business practice, as was advertising "Popular Prices." Legitimate drama was seen most often on the stage of the Tibbits, with successful shows starring greats like Dorothy Howard, the Ben Greet Players, Margy South, Will Culhane, Harry Bulger, and Thomas Ross. Stock companies would play a rotation of shows for a week's engagement. The audience was fascinated with the technical aspects of the show, and newspapers reflected that with articles on royalties, costuming, lighting effect, and scenery. Some of the finest concerts were given at the Opera House, with popular musicians such as Grilley and Rogers, Vanda Enos, the LeBrun Grand Opera Co., the Ellery Band, and the Sousa Band. The most popular performers were Sousa and Ellery, who was said to "out-Sousa Sousa." Aside from drama and concerts, lectures, campaigns, and general local events were held at the Opera House. Most lectures were brought there through sponsorship of the YMCA lecture and entertainment series. When a dry, uninteresting program was delivered to the audience in the way of Albert L. Blair, the YMCA tried to set things right by offering a free magic show to make up for the disappointment of the lecture. Candidates--both Republican and Democrat--used the stage for campaigns and rallies. Meetings were also held to discuss prohibition and the role of saloons in Michigan. Other local events included a May Festival and commencement ceremonies. Travelogues allowed people to experience what they might not otherwise have had the opportunity to, and they were popular, with showings at least twice a year. Other �Burdick, 25 moving pictures shown at the Opera House included Oliver Twist, Dante's Inferno, and a recruiting program for the local National Guard unit. Vaudeville and minstrel shows were also popular. Colored carnivals and plantation shows were booked several times throughout the year and were well-received. Other varieties of entertainment included magicians, a crayon artist, and a dog and cat circus. In closing, Jackson provided entertainment for the community almost year-round on at least a weekly basis, with the theatre unused during the month of July. He strived to bring in a variety of plays, entertainments, lectures, and concerts, and also allowed locals to use the theatre for their needs, such as school festivals, plays, and commencement ceremonies. �Burdick, 26 III. Works Cited Gillespie, Carolyn L. A History of the Tibbits Opera House, 1882-1904. Kent State University: June 1975. "Adrian Newens Pleasing to All." The Courier 26 Feb. 1912. "Albert L. Blair at Opera House." The Courier 27 March 1912. "Always a Great Treat." The Courier 17 Jan 1912. "A.M. Newens at Opera House." The Daily Reporter 24 Feb. 1912, p3. "At the Opera House: The Cat and the Fiddle." The Courier 27 March 1912, p2. "At the Opera House (St. Louis Post Dispatch)." The Courier 6 March 1912, p3. "Ben Greet Players: Big Advance Sale of Seats." The Courier 4 Aug. 1912, p3. "Characters in 'Fi-Fi' Difficult." The Daily Reporter 15 April 1912, p3. "Costumes for FiFi are Here." The Daily Reporter 9 April 1912, p3. "The Cow and the Moon." The Daily Reporter 17 April 1912, p3. "The Cow and the Moon Good." The Daily Reporter 27 April 1912, p3. "Crowded House First Night." The Daily Reporter 13 Nov. 1912, p3. "Dandy Dixie Minstrels Soon." The Courier 28 Dec. 1912, p3. "Dante's Inferno." The Daily Reporter 5 March 1912, p3. "DeRue Bros.' Ideal Minstrels." The Daily Reporter 4 Nov. 1912, p3. "The Divorce Question Good." The Courier 13 Dec. 1912. "The Dixie Chorus: Gave a Novel and Excellent Entertainment at the Opera House Last Evening." The Courier 8 March 8 1912. "The Edward Doyle Company." The Courier 14 Sept. 1912, p2. "Ellery's Greatest Band." The Courier 12 June 1912, p2. �Burdick, 27 "Entertained in Fine Style: Large Audience Delighted with LeBrun Grand Opera Company." The Courier 1 May 1912. "An Entertainment Worth While." The Courier 6 Sept. 1912, p3. "Faust: Will Be at the Opera House This Week-Matinee and Night." The Courier 10 Nov. 1912, p3. "First Night of Minstrels was Success." The Courier 13 Nov. 1912. "First Number Excellent: Bargelt Company Opened the Y.M.C.A. Lecture Course Last Night." The Courier 16 Nov. 1912. "Fr. Hayes at Opera House." The Courier 1 April 1912, p3. "From Fiske University." The Daily Reporter 30 Dec. 1912, p3. "Gave a Fine Concert." The Courier 19 June 1912. "Gave Lecture on the Press." The Daily Reporter 26 March 1912, p4. "A Good Show Last Evening." The Daily Reporter 7 Nov. 1912, p3. "The Great American Play 'Paid in Full'." The Courier 7 Feb 1912. "Greatest Concert Band." The Daily Reporter 10 June 1912, p3. "Greet Players were Excellent." The Daily Reporter 7 Aug. 1912, p3. "Hackett- 'Satan Sanderson' Tonight." The Courier 3 Dec. 1912, p3. "Harry Bulger in 'The Flirting Princess'." The Courier 21 Sept. 1912, p3. "J.C. Rockwell's Sunny South Co.". The Courier 31 Jan. 1912. "J.C. Rockwell's Sunny South Co.". The Daily Reporter 3 Feb. 1912, p3. "Last Local Option Meeting." The Courier 29 March 1912, p2. "Last Night's Show was Fine." The Courier 4 Dec. 1912. �Burdick, 28 "LeBrun Grand Opera Co.: The Fourth Number on Y.M.C.A. Course Next Wednesday Evening." The Courier 22 Dec 1911. "'The Littlest Rebel' Soon." The Courier 8 Oct. 1912, p2. "Manhattan Gaiety Girls." The Courier 29 Jan. 1912. "Martin-Kibble Big Company: Children's Night With Uncle Tom's Cabin." The Courier 16 Oct. 1912, p3. "Meeting at Opera House." The Courier 28 Feb. 1912, p3. "Minstrels Coming: We Guarantee This Attraction." The Courier 2 Nov. 1912, p3. "Mr. Hackett Coming." The Courier 28 Nov. 1912, p3. "'Mutt and Jeff' Next Wednesday." The Courier 1 April 1912, p3. "The National Troubadours." The Daily Reporter 22 May 1912, p3. "New Course of Entertainment." The Daily Reporter 5 April 1912, p4. No Title. The Courier 28 Oct. 1910, p2. No Title. The Courier 28 Oct. 1910, p3. No Title. The Courier 31 Oct. 1912, p3. No Title. The Daily Reporter 15 Oct. 1912, p3. "'Oliver Twist' in Moving Pictures." The Daily Reporter 21 Sept. 1912, p2. "One Year in Grand Rapids." The Daily Reporter 4 April 1912, p3. "Opera House Was Packed: Hon. John G. Woolley Greeted by a Splendid Audience and Gave a Stirring Address." The Courier 25 March 1912. "Operetta a Great Success: 'Sylvia' Drew a Good House and Delighted Everyone Fortunate Enough to be Present." 13 March 1912. "Operetta 'Sylvia' To-Morrow Night." The Courier 11 March 1912. �Burdick, 29 "Reno is Certainly a Great Magician." The Courier 27 May 1912. "The Rosary." The Daily Reporter 14 Sept. 1912, p3. "Saturday At Opera House: Good Matinee and Night Performance Promised." The Courier 24 Jan. 1912. "Seat Sale Tomorrow." The Daily Reporter 30 April 1912, p3. "Shannon Stock Co. Good." The Courier 28 Feb. 1912, p3. "The Show Last Night." The Daily Reporter 11 April 1912, p3. "Sousa's Band Drew Crowd." The Courier 2 Nov. 1912. "Stock Company is Well Patronized: Production Last Evening at Opera House Brought Forth Many Favorable Comments." The Courier 14 Aug. 1912. "The Stock Co. Well Received: Large Audience Attended First Production Last Evening." The Courier 10 Sept. 10 1912. "The Straight Road the Play Tonight." The Daily Reporter 12 Aug.1912, p3. "Success is Based on Actual Merit." The Courier 22 Dec. 1912, p2. "They Are Here Tonight." The Daily Reporter 8 April 1912, p3. "Three Days Only." The Daily Reporter 12 March 1912, p3. "'Under the Stars and Stripes' a Rare Treat." The Courier 8 Jan. 1912. "Vaudeville for Thanksgiving." The Courier 26 Nov. 1912, p3. "The White Sister." The Courier 20 Nov. 1912, p3. "Y.M.C.A. Course Next Monday: Rogers and Grilley will be the Attraction at the Opera House." The Daily Reporter 16 Jan. 1912 p3. "You Will Like Louise," The Courier 4 Sept. 1912, p3. �Burdick, 30 IV. Appendix A: Tibbits Opera House 1912 Newspaper Advertisements �Burdick, 31 January Ads The Man on the Box. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 1 1912 p2. �Burdick, 32 Our Navy. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 1 1912 p3. �Burdick, 33 Under the Stars and Stripes. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Jan 9 1912 p2. �Burdick, 34 February Ads Paid in Full. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 6 1912 p3. �Burdick, 35 Kelley's Colored Carnival. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 9 1912. �Burdick, 36 Shannon Stock Company. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 22 1912 p3. �Burdick, 37 The Village Gossip. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 27 1912 p3. �Burdick, 38 March Ads The Flower of the Ranch. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 18 1912 p3. �Burdick, 39 The Cat and the Fiddle. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 23 1912 p2. �Burdick, 40 The Missouri Girl. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 26 1912 p3. �Burdick, 41 Dante's Inferno. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 4 1912, p2. �Burdick, 42 Vanda Enos. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 9 1912, p2. �Burdick, 43 The Power of the Cross. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 15 1912, p3. �Burdick, 44 April Ads Mutt & Jeff. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 3 1912, p2. �Burdick, 45 Mutt & Jeff. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 29 1912, p6. �Burdick, 46 The Alvarado Players. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 4 1912, p3. �Burdick, 47 Fi Fi of the TOYSHOP. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 13 1912, p2. �Burdick, 48 The Cow & the Moon. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 24 1912, p4. �Burdick, 49 May Ads May Festival. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 24 1912, p2. �Burdick, 50 Beverly of Graustark. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, May 1 1912, p4. �Burdick, 51 June Ads Ellery's Band. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 12 1912 p4. �Burdick, 52 August Ads Ben Greet. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, July 31 1912, p2. �Burdick, 53 The Straight Road. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 7 1912, p2. �Burdick, 54 Victor E. Lambert Ad. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 24 1912 p3. �Burdick, 55 September Ads Culhane's Comedians. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 27 1912, p4. �Burdick, 56 Louise Brown. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 5 1912, p2. �Burdick, 57 The Rosary. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 11 1912, p2. �Burdick, 58 Nat C. Goodwin. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 25 1912, p5. �Burdick, 59 October Ads Big Republican Rally. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 6 1912 p4. �Burdick, 60 Rally. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 15 1912 p3. �Burdick, 61 Great Republican Rally Ad. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 17 1910. �Burdick, 62 November Ads Ladies' Minstrels Ad. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. Courier, Nov 5 1912 p3. The �Burdick, 63 Evelyn Bargelt Concert Co. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Nov 10 1912 p2. �Burdick, 64 Sousa and his Band. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 29 1912, p2. �Burdick, 65 Ladies Minstrels. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 08 1912, p3. �Burdick, 66 Faust. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 13 1912, p2. �Burdick, 67 Ideal Minstrels. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 5 1912, p2. �Burdick, 68 Satan Sanderson. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 29 1912, p3. �Burdick, 69 The White Sister. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 21 1912, p3. �Burdick, 70 Vaudeville. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 29 1912, p3. �Burdick, 71 December Ads Thos. W. Ross. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 30 1912, p2. �Burdick, 72 Oberlin Glee Ad. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room], Coldwater. The Courier, Dec 18 1912 p2. �Burdick, 73 The Divorce Question. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 07 1912, p2. �Burdick, 74 V. Appendix B: Tibbits Opera House 1912 Press Release Photos �Burdick, 75 The Opera House Tibbits Opera House 1. Circa 1900. Photograph. Randall Hazelbaker Personal Collection, Coldwater. �Burdick, 76 Tibbits Opera House 2. Circa 1900. Photograph. Randall Hazelbaker Personal Collection, Coldwater. �Burdick, 77 Tibbits Opera House 3. Circa 1900. Photograph. Randall Hazelbaker Personal Collection, Coldwater. �Burdick, 78 Tibbits Opera House 4. Circa 1900. Photograph. Randall Hazelbaker Personal Collection, Coldwater. �Burdick, 79 Tibbits Opera House 5. Circa 1900. Photograph. Randall Hazelbaker Personal Collection, Coldwater. �Burdick, 80 January Engagements Lew Johnson. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Jan 8 1912. �Burdick, 81 February Engagements The Dixie Chorus. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 29 1912, p3. �Burdick, 82 Scene from 'Paid in Full'. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 5 1912, p3. �Burdick, 83 Lorene Shannon. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 27 1912, p3. �Burdick, 84 Scene from 'Paid in Full'. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Feb 7 1912, p3. �Burdick, 85 March Engagements Frank F. Farrell. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, March 29 1912. �Burdick, 86 The Sailor Boys. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The March 27 1912 p3. Courier, �Burdick, 87 Bunch of Beauties. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 20 1912, p3. �Burdick, 88 The Missouri Girl. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 29 1912, p6. �Burdick, 89 Vanda Enos. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 12 1912, p2. �Burdick, 90 George Harris. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 21 1912, p2. �Burdick, 91 A Scene from 'The Cat and the Fiddle'. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 26 1912, p4. �Burdick, 92 A Scene from 'The Cat and the Fiddle'. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 27 1912, p2. �Burdick, 93 Miss Phyllis Jackson. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 11 1912, p3. �Burdick, 94 Miss Margaret Rose. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 11 1912, p3. �Burdick, 95 Clyde Doerr. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 8, 1912, p3. �Burdick, 96 William Alt. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 8 1912, p3. �Burdick, 97 Roscoe Stewart. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 9 1912, p2. �Burdick, 98 Mrs. Fern Doerr Broughton. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 9 1912, p2. �Burdick, 99 A scene from 'Flower of the Ranch'. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 22 1912, p3. �Burdick, 100 William Alt. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 11 1912, p3. �Burdick, 101 A scene from 'The Flower of the Ranch'. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 23 1912, p4. �Burdick, 102 The Missouri Girl. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, March 28 1912, p4. �Burdick, 103 April Engagements Cow and the Moon. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. Courier, April 26 1912 p3. The �Burdick, 104 Dorothy Howard. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, April 29 1912 p2. �Burdick, 105 Mutt & Jeff. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, April 1 1912 p2. �Burdick, 106 Avarado Players. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, April 10 1912 p2. �Burdick, 107 Alvarado Players. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, April 8 1912 p2. �Burdick, 108 Andrew Waldron. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 8 1912, p3. �Burdick, 109 Mutt & Jeff. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 3 1912, p2. �Burdick, 110 Florence Radinoff. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 30 1912, p3. �Burdick, 111 The Minister and the Maid. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 5 1912, p3. �Burdick, 112 A scene from 'Mutt & Jeff''. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 2 1912, p4. �Burdick, 113 The Cow and the Moony. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 25 1912, p4. �Burdick, 114 Cow and the Moon. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 24 1912, p4. �Burdick, 115 Mutt & Jeff Tonight. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 3 1912, p2. �Burdick, 116 No Title. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 25 1912, p4. �Burdick, 117 LeBrun Grand Opera Quartette. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 30 1912, p2. �Burdick, 118 Margaret T. Shayne. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, April 29 1912, p4. �Burdick, 119 June Engagements Ellery's Greatest Band. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, June 12 1912 p2. �Burdick, 120 The Ellery Band. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, June 17 1912 p2. �Burdick, 121 The Ellery Band. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, June 14 1912 p2. �Burdick, 122 Joseph Giulii. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 17 1912, p3. �Burdick, 123 Making out a Program. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, June 17 1912, p4. �Burdick, 124 August Engagements Alma Kruger. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Aug 4 1912 p2. �Burdick, 125 The Servant in the House. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 23 1912, p3. �Burdick, 126 The Drain Man. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 27 1912, p2. �Burdick, 127 The Servant in the House. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Aug 26 1912, p4. �Burdick, 128 The Servant in the House. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Aug 28 1912 p3. �Burdick, 129 The Servant in the House. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Aug 25 1912 p2. �Burdick, 130 September Engagements Margy Southwell. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Sept 28 1912 p3. �Burdick, 131 Harry Bulger. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 24 1912, p3. �Burdick, 132 Miss Louise Brown. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 4 1912, p2. �Burdick, 133 Miss Melra Clanton. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 7 1912, p4. �Burdick, 134 Prof. Rego. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 11 1912, p4. �Burdick, 135 W.E. LA Rose. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Sept 6 1912, p4. �Burdick, 136 J.F. Marlow. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Sept 7 1912 p3. �Burdick, 137 The Flirting Princess. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Sept 24 1912 p4. �Burdick, 138 Margy Southwell. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Sept 29 1912 p3. �Burdick, 139 American Beauty Chorus. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Sept 25 1912 p4. �Burdick, 140 W.E. LaRose. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Sept 10 1912 p3. �Burdick, 141 The Rosary. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Sept 15 1912 p2. �Burdick, 142 The Rosary. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Sept 17 1912 p2. �Burdick, 143 Edward Doyle Stock Co. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Sept 8 1912 p4. �Burdick, 144 Miss Louise Brown. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Sept 5 1912 p2. �Burdick, 145 October Engagements Miss Virginia Root. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 31 1912 p3. �Burdick, 146 Sousa and his Great Band. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 28 1912, p4 �Burdick, 147 Charles E. Townsend. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Oct 3 1912, p2. �Burdick, 148 The Shepherd of the Hills. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 5 1912 p4. �Burdick, 149 Preachin' Bill. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 8 1912. �Burdick, 150 The Shepherd of the Hills. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 6 1912 p4. �Burdick, 151 The Littlest Rebel. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 10 1912 p4. �Burdick, 152 The Littlest Rebel. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 9 1912 p4. �Burdick, 153 Mr. Farnum. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. Oct 11 1912 p3. The Courier, �Burdick, 154 Sousa. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 27 1912 p3. �Burdick, 155 Lyman Howe Travel Festival. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 22 1912 p4. �Burdick, 156 Chameleons Tongue. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 26 1912 p3. �Burdick, 157 When Horse and Lion Meet. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 24 1912 p3. �Burdick, 158 Apollo Concert Companyn. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 31 1912 p2. �Burdick, 159 Maine Burial. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 27 1912 p4. �Burdick, 160 Miss Nicoline Zedeler. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Oct 29 1912 p3. �Burdick, 161 November Engagements She Stoops to Conquer. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Nov 8 1912 p2, �Burdick, 162 Norman Hackett. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 30 1912, p4. �Burdick, 163 Mohala and Floyd. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 6 1912, p2. �Burdick, 164 Sylvester A. Long. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Nov 7 1912, p3. �Burdick, 165 Scene from Faust. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Nov 10 1912 p3. �Burdick, 166 George G. Wakefield. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Nov 12 1912 p3. �Burdick, 167 Scene from Faust. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Nov 14 1912 p4. �Burdick, 168 Faust. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Nov 14 1912 p3. �Burdick, 169 The White Sister Ad. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Nov 20 1912 p4. �Burdick, 170 The White Sister Logo. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Nov 27 1912 p3. �Burdick, 171 The White Sister. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Nov 23 1912 p3. �Burdick, 172 Miss Clara Lewis. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Nov 24 1912 p4. �Burdick, 173 The White Sister. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Nov 26 1912 p3. �Burdick, 174 December Engagements Lizzie Hudson Collier. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 5 1912, p4. �Burdick, 175 Reno B. Welbourn. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 12, 1912, p2. �Burdick, 176 The Divorce Question. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 11 1912, p3. �Burdick, 177 The Glee Club. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Daily Reporter, Dec 10 1912, p4. �Burdick, 178 The Divorce Question. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Dec 11 1912 p3. �Burdick, 179 The Divorce Question. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Dec 8 1912 p5. �Burdick, 180 The Only Son. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Dec 1 1912 p3. �Burdick, 181 The Hussara. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. 10 1912. The Courier, Dec �Burdick, 182 Norman Hackett. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Dec 3 1912 p2. �Burdick, 183 The Only Son Scene. 1912. Microfilm Archives, Holbrook Heritage Room, Coldwater. The Courier, Dec 5 1912 p4. �Burdick, 184 VI. Appendix C: Tibbits Opera House Events 1912 Datebook �Day Date Year Mon Jan 1 Tues Tues Name of show/lecture topic Company name Type of event 1912 The Man on the Box Trousdale Bros. Play Jan 2 1912 Lyman H.Howe Travelogue/ Travel Festival Jan 9 1912 "Reaching the World's Highest Altitudes/ Hunting from an Aeroplane" Under the Stars and Stripes *originally listed 1912 for Jan 16, but again listed in the Feb 14 & Feb 20 papers as "coming soon" with no further articles Mon Jan 22 1912 Sat Jan 27 1912 Tues Jan 30 1912 Sat Feb 3 1912 Ticket price Play: War Drama Matinee: 25 cents adults, 10 cents for children; Evening: 2535-50 cents Matinee: 1025 cents; evening: 25-35-50 The Hobo and the Lady Rogers & Grilley Concert: Vocal & Harp J.M. Hill Musical: Farcical Comedy in 3 Acts Manhattan Gaiety Girls J.C. Rockwell's Sunny South Co. Variety/ Vaudeville Director Performers Mr. Will H. Dorbin, Miss Bernice Trousdale Company A 2nd Infantry M.N.G. Play: 4 Act Comedy The Country Boy 50 cents upstairs, 75 downstairs Sponsored by Henry B. Harris YMCA Locals George H. Hoskyn, Lew Johnson, Mrs. Susan Hoskyns Alfred Cooper, Frank McCormack, Dean Borup, Frank E. Jamison, George Svaheffer, Olive Templeton, Elda Furry, Charlotte Langdon, Nellie Fillmore Van Veachton Rogers, Charles F. Grilley Billy Ward Variety: Singing, dancing, specialties of Negro Burdick, 185 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/lecture topic Company name cents Type of event Sponsored by Director Performers characteristics Fri Feb 9 1912 25-5-75 Paid in Full cents and $1 25-35-50 cents 50 cents Tues Feb 13 1912 Wed Feb 14 1912 Fri Feb 23 1912 Mon Tues Wed Thurs Sat Feb 26 Feb 27 Feb 28 Feb 29 March 1 March1 and 2 March 2 March 5 1912 1912 1912 1912 1912 1912 No charge March 7 1912 "Epic of the Negro- a story of 300 years" Fri-Sat March 8-9 Tues March 12 1912 50 cents downstairs; 75 upstairs 10 cents 25-35-50 cents Sylvia C.S. Primrose Play: American Thos. P. Kelley's Minstrel/ Plantation Show Colored Carnival Phidelah Rice *missed Impersonation YMCA Marvelous Craig train connection/show SatSun Sun Tues Thurs 10-20-30 cents Based readings on "The Singular Life" The Last Round Up The Village Gossips The Banker's Child What Money Will Do The Price He Paid 1912 Old Farmer Allen 1912 The Girl From the West "Should saloons be banished from the state?" 1912 "Dante's Inferno" Adrian Newens *in place of Rice Shannon Stock Co. Lecture/ Impersonation Plays & Vaudeville YMCA Dickinson's orchestra; Seaborn Wright, speaker [Orchestra prior to ] Lecture/ Meeting Branch Co. AntiSaloon League St. Charles Catholic School orchestra, vocal solos by locals Mrs. Fern Doerr Broughton, William Alt, Mrs. Alliene Claxton, Mrs. W.A. Grifith.; sax solo by Homer Dickinson YMCA Mr. Henry F. Coleman, Mr. Louis Johnson Dixie Chorus Concert Play: Musical Animated Illustration Play: Operetta in 2 Acts Harry, Hazel, Lorene, and Harry Jr. Shannon Coldwater High Phyllis Jackson, Mrs. Clyde Doerr, Broughton Burdick, 186 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored by Director William Alt, Fern Doerr Broughton, Roscoe Stewart, Margaret Rose School Thurs March 14 March 15 1912 March 16 March 23 1912 1912 25-50-75 cents, $1 and $1.50 March 24 March 25 March 27 1912 No admission Sat March 30 1912 Sun March 31 1912 Wed April 3 1912 Fri Sat Sat Sun Mon Wed 1912 10-20-30-50 Pardners cents Power of the Cross 1912 1912 25-50-75 cents, $1 and $1.50 Matinee: children 10 cents, adults 25 cents; Evening: 2535-50 cents 35-50-75 Vanda Enos Players & the Camiljo Co. Musical: Western Comedy Mr. Woolley Alert L. Blair Lecture/ Meeting Lecture Play: Musical Review Joseph E. Howard Jess Harris, Miss Betty Caldwell, house musicians to augment the orchestra YMCA Charles A. Harry B. Watson, Nellie Waters, Sellon George E. Wakefield, JO. Campbell, Lawrence Gotthard, Matty Martz Play: Comedy The Missouri Girl Influence toward increasing the number of dry voters Mutt & Jeff Vanda Enos, violinist Play: Comedy Play: Pastoral Comedy Drama in 3 Acts Play The Girl of the Sierras The Flower of the Ranch Fighting the liquor traffic "The Whir of the Newspaper Press" The Cat and the Fiddle Performers Father Dennis A. Hayes Local Option Meeting Play: Musical Gus Hill Mssrs Gray and Burdick, 187 �Day Date Year Mon April 8 1912 Tues Wed April 9 April 10 1912 1912 Thurs April 11 April 12 1912 Fri Sat Sat Tues & Wed 1912 April 1912 13 April 1912 13 April 1912 16 &17 Ticket price cents-$1 10-20-30 cents Parquet circle, 30 cents; parquet, 20 cents; upper two floors, 10 cents 10-20-30 cents First floor, 30 cents; dress circle, 20 cents; gallery 10 cents 10 cent matinee 25-35-50 cents Name of show/lecture topic The Minister and the Maid The Price of Silence The Tie that Binds Company name Alvarado Players Type of event Play: Comedy Captured by Wireless–a play founded on the famous Dr. Crippen (of Coldwater) case Play The Girl of Eagle Ranch FiFi of the Toy Shop Director Performers DeWitt Andrew Waldron Comedy Play: Rural Comedy Drama Play Play: American A Runaway Match ? Sponsored by Play Play: Western Play: Musical Comedy in 3 Acts Presbyterian Sisterhood Director Mr. Harry Emmet Munsey, musical directoress Miss Warsabo Locals; 150 people: Mare Welch, Clare Wise, Mrs. Alliene Claxton, Frank Ott, Edward Hutchinson, Chas Hendricks, Miss Luella Taylor, Miss Dorothy Pray, Miss Esther Sloman, Miss Mae Miller, Hugh VanAken , Guy Finca, Charles Burdick, 188 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored by Director Performers Daniels, Mrs. Foy Shattuck, Miss Sallie Smullen, Clyde Doerr, Margaret Rose Fri April 26 1912 Prices 3550-75 cents, $1 and $1.50 Martha and Il Trovatore Charles A. Cast of 40+, including Ed Sellon Play: Musical extravaganza Cow and the Moon Tues April 30 1912 LeBrun Grand Opera Co. Concert: Opera YMCA Musical director W. H. Humiston Fri May 3 1912 Prices 2550-75 and $1 Beverly Play Thurs May 9 1912 25-35-50 cents Across the Rio Grande Play: Mexican Comedy Drama Coldwater Lodge Fraternal Order of Eagles Mr. & Mrs. Mac Dowell Tues & Wed May 21 1912 & 22 The National Troubadours Variety: Character Sketch, Drills, Dance Steps, Solos St. Agatha's Guild of St. Mark's church Miss Geraldine Parrotte Oscar Eagle Gilmore, Wm. Gross, Clarence Sterling, Walter Wilson, Hazel Rice, Maude Amanda Scott. Mme. Antoinette LeBrun, soprano; Miss Dorothy Wilson, contralto; Fritz N. Huttmann, tenor Dorothy Howard, Florence Radinoff, Lawrence Evart, Boyd M. Turner Local talent: Lewis P. Johnson, S.C. Creighton, Herbert J. Revello, W.A. McDowell, Wm. J. Roach, W.O. Larabee, Lulu M. Newton, June Mack, Vina M. Noel Neva Kennedy, pianist; Grace Jones, Sallie Smullen, E. L Miner, Dr. Cook, Miss Parrotte, Miss Charlote Brewer and Burdick, 189 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/lecture topic Company name Type of event Sponsored by Director Performers Maurice Payne. Guy inch, Hugh VanAken, Dorothy Pray, Hugh VanAken, Marion Nestl Sun May 26 1912 Fri May 24 1912 May Festival Thurs Wed June 6 1912 June 12 1912 Commencement Play SatSun June 15 1912 & 16 Tues Reno the Great Magician A Midsummer Night's Dream **rescheduled for August Magic Show Ben Greet Players Vaudeville June 18 1912 50-75 cents and $1 Aug 6 ****** 1912 $1, 75 and 50 cents 1912 10-20-30 cents; ladies free. Ellery's Greatest Band Concert: Band A Midsummer Night's Dream Ben Greet Players Play: Musical Drama The Straight Road Margy South Stock Co./Culhane's Comedians Play: Comedy Drama in 4 Acts SEASON OPENER ****** Mon Aug 12 YMCA Fern Doer Broughton, musician & instructor; Neva Kennedy,pia nist Local talent Phi Gamma Sorority Director Taddeo di Girolamo YMCA Pupils of different grades of city schools; Stone's orchestra 50+ people; Croce Margadonna, Joseph Giulii, Antonio Decimo 25 players, including Ruth Vivian; accompanied with Mendelssohn's exquisite music. Miss Margy South Clementine W. Felix, Lottie Burdick, 190 �Day Date Year Ticket price Name of show/lecture topic Tues Aug 13 1912 15 cents downstairs, 10 cents upstairs The Final Settlement Play Wed Thurs Aug 14 Aug15 1912 1912 Play Play Fri Aug 16 1912 A False Friend The Lights of New York Du Barry 10-20-30 cents **replaced previously announced show** Sat Aug 17 1912 Sat Aug 17 1912 **All of these shows were originally listed in the paper as well for the week's engagements with the company, but specific dates were not. Matinee: 10 cents evening 10-20-30 cents Wed Aug 28 1912 50-75 cents, $1, Box chairs are $1.50 Mon Sept 9 1912 Tues Sept 10 1912 10-20 cents, upper floors; Little Miss Nobody Company name Type of event Sponsored by Director Performers Weston, Harry Warner, Art Atkins, Robert Coe, Edwin Ness, Will E. Culhane Play: Historical French Margy South Stock Co./Culhane's Comedians (cont.) Play Billy's First Love That Real Show For Love and Honor Play: Comedic Play Play The Midnight Express Play St. Elmo Nedra The Fighting Chance Play Play Play Lena Rivers No Mother to Guide Her The Servant in the House Play Play Alice of Old Vincennes Everybody's Doing It Play Play: Miracle and Morality Edward Doyle Stock Play: Comedic Musical director, Robert Coe Henry Miller, director; Merle H. Norton, producer Victor Lambert, Blanche Morrison Louise Brown, star; J.F. Marlow, leading man; Burdick, 191 �Day Date Year Ticket price Sponsored by Name of show/lecture topic Company name Type of event Wed Sept 11 1912 30-50 cents Thurs Sept 12 1912 *Originally scheduled for Thursday night Fri Sept 13 1912 Sat Sept 14 1912 Matinee: 10-20 cents Sat Sept 14 1912 10-20-30-50 cents Tues Sept 17 1912 25-50-75 cents and $1 The Parish Priest Last Night My Wife's Gone to the Country The Country Girl Sapho Company Play Play Play The Factory Girl Edward Doyle Co. (cont.) Play The Rosary Rowland & Clifford Play Wed Sept 25 1912 50-75 cents, $1 and $1.50 The Flirting Princess Play: Musical Comedy Fri Sept 27 1912 Oliver Twist Motion Pictures: Photo Play Mr. Nat Goodwin Mon Tues Sept 30 1912 Oct 1 1912 The One Girl Thelma Wed Thurs Fri Sat Oct 2 Oct 3 Oct 4 Oct 5 1912 1912 1912 1912 10-15-25 cents 10-20-30 cents. First Night Courtesies to Ladies Play Play: 4 Act Comedy Drama Play Play Play Play Sat Oct 5 1912 Margy Southwell, Harry Warner, Clementina St. Fleix Sally St. Felix, Lottie Watson, Andrew Ness, Art Atkins, Wm. H. Chase, Harry Cue, Will E. Culhane Matinee: 10 cents Evening: Director Rego the famous Italian harpist; Doyle Bros, jugglers; and Miss Melba Glanton, W.J. Vance, W. E. LaRose Play Play Culhane's The Mountain Girl Comedians/ the Lena Rivers The Turn of the Road Arlington Stock Co. Tempest and Sunshine The Trail of the North Play Performers Mort H. Singer Blosser Jennings, Florence Wright, Eleanor Rella, Harry Price, Nettie De Goursey, Reginald Knorr, Henry Garron, Thos. Kilday, A. C. Van Slyke Harry Bulger, Helen Darling, Fileen Sheridan, Dale Fuller, Herbert Heywood, Harry Dickerson, large chorus of "American Beauties." Burdick, 192 �Day Date Year **All of these shows were originally listed in the paper as well for the week's engagements with the company, but specific dates were not. Mon Oct 7 1912 Ticket price 10-20-30 cents 10-20-30 cents Name of show/lecture topic Company name Sponsored by Director Play Republican Rally Tues Oct 8 1912 Thurs Oct 10 1912 Fri Oct 11 1912 25-50-75 cents, $1 and $1.50 The Littlest Rebel Play: 4 Act Civil War A.H. Woods Thurs Oct 17 1912 25-35-50 cents, Children w/parents, 15 cents Uncle Tom's Cabin Play Kibble and Martin Fri-Sat Oct 18- 1912 19 The Shepherd of the Hills Performers Play Play Play Play From Sire to Son For Home and Honor The Story of Life The Girl from Smoky Hollow Money (Honey?) Mad Senator Charles E. Townsend, candidate/speaker 25-50-75 cents & $1 Type of event Rowland & Clifford Play Woodbridge Ferris & Claude Carney, candidates/speakers for governor and congress Democrat Campaign Lecture Mullen's (Hellman's?) Circus, Dog and Cat Circus Vaudeville Producers Messrs Gaskill and MacVitty Music by Coldwater male quartet and city band Margaret O'Brien, Louis Ramsdell, Thomas Fitzgerald, Halley Myers, Lew Silvers, Montgomery Holland Violet Savoy, Mr. Farnum, Mr. Walter Ryder (a local boy) Wellman the magician Burdick, 193 �Day Date Year Thurs Oct 24 1912 Mon Oct 28 1912 Thurs Oct 31 1912 Fri Nov 1 1912 $1-75-50 cents John Phillip Sousa & his Band Concert Thurs Nov 7 1912 25-35-50-75 A Fountain of Mirth cents DeRue Bros. Ideal Minstrels Minstrel Show: Vaudeville Acts, Impersonator, Jokesters TuesWed Nov 12-13 1912 Fri Nov 15 1912 Ticket price 25-35-50 cents Name of show/lecture topic Whaling, Paris, and Nature He Fell in Love With His Wife Company name Type of event Hon. John M.C. Smith Lyman H. Howe Rally Evalyn Bargelt and her company Sponsored by Travelogue/ Travel Festival Play Director Performers Mr. Gus Bothner Charles R. Johnson Minstrel Show: Singers, Dancers Fortnightly Ladies Variety: Crayoned Drawings & Readings, Musical YMCA Virginia Root, soprano; Nicoline Zedeler, violinist; Herbert L. Clark, cornet virtuoso Billy and Bobby DeRue, Fox Brothers, Gold Dust Twins, Leo Dube, Vonder and Delmare, the Golden City Quartette, the Empire Musical Trio Locals: Laura Pullen, Charlotte Dunks , Alliene Claxton, Nina Cocks, Florence Beers, Celia Hurley, Fern Broughton, Ella Spofford, Mabel Hilton, Mrs. Roy Shattuck, Four Gnomes, Misses Root, Calkins, Moore and Brewer, Mrs. A.B.Walker, Fern Broughton Burdick, 194 �Day Date Year Sat Nov 16 1912 Wed Nov 27 1912 Thurs Nov 28 1912 Fri Sat Nov 29 Nov 30 1912 1912 Tues Dec 3 1912 Thurs Dec 5 1912 Fri Wed Dec 6 Dec 11 1912 1912 Thurs Dec 12 1912 Ticket price Evening: 2535-50-75 cents, boxes $1; Matinee: 25-35 cents, children 15 cents 25-35-50-75 cents and $1 Name of show/lecture topic The White Sister 35-50-75 cents and $1 Type of event Dan Cupid & Co. Play National Theatre Vaudeville Satan Sanderson Play: Drama The Only Son Play A Hungry People Scientific Demonstration The Divorce Question Sponsored by Program Play Faust 10-25 cents matinee Evening prices are 25-35-50 cents. 25-35-50 cents (other article says 10-20 cent prices matinee, night 10-20-30 seats) 35-50-75 cents and $1 35 cents to $1.50 Company name Sylvester A. Long Prof. Reno B. Wlbourn, scientist Rowland & Clifford Lecture Lecture Play Director Performers Messrs. Manley & Campbell Mr. George Wakefield, Mina Manley Miss Clara Lewis, Laura Jean Libby, Dorothy Dix Jessie Bonstelle Norman Hackett Thomas W. Ross and the original company YMCA Willis Hall, Edmund Caroll, Douglas Lawrence, Barbara Douglas, Grace Nile Burdick, 195 �Day Date Year Company name Type of event Sponsored by Fri Dec 13 1912 The Hussars YMCA Dec 18 1912 Oberlin College Glee Club Musical Program Concert Wed Dec 21 (?) WedDec Thurs 25-26 Fri-Sat Dec 27-28 1912 1912 10 cents Tues 1912 10-20-30 cents Dec 31 Ticket price Name of show/lecture topic "All the World's a Stage" 1912 Lyman H. Howe Gus Sun's Ohio Vaudeville Circuit Michigan National Guard A Holiday in Dixie LeVard's Dixie Minstrels Director Performers J.E. Wirkler L.A. Cok, J.G. Gray, C.W. Johnson, E.U. McKee, R.S. Sargent, D. Bradley, R.L. Curtis, B.R. Gibler, A.S. Sprunger, R.I. Watkins, H.D. Haas, C.T Habegger, R.F. Kimball, T.O. Wedel, E.R. Kimball, W.T. Martin, W.W. Swisher, J.E. Wirkler Travelogue/ Travel Festival Vaudeville Military Movies; Lecture by Major M.M. Phillips of Owosso Minstrel Show: Comedians, Creole Dancers, Vaudeville Burdick, 196 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Tibbits Opera House Description An account of the resource Miscellaneous items related to the historic Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, Michigan Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Original Format If the image is of an object, state the type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data 196 pages 90 megabytes Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Tibbits Opera House: 1912 Description An account of the resource <h3>Table of Contents</h3> <ul> <li>Background/Introduction of the Study</li> <li>John Jackson Management, 1912</li> <li>Legitimate Drama</li> <li>Concerts C. Lectures, Campaigns, and Misc. Uses</li> <li>Travelogues, Animated Illustrations, &amp; Moving Pictures</li> <li>Vaudeville, Minstrels, &amp; Magic</li> <li>Summary</li> <li>Works Cited</li> <li>Appendix A-Advertisements of 1912</li> <li>Appendix B-Press Release Photos of 1912</li> <li>Appendix C-Opera House Datebook of 1912</li> </ul> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stephanie (Hemker) Burdick Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 2011 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource (c) Copyright 2011 by Stephanie Burdick, all rights reserved. Posted here with permission of the author. advertisements concerts drama John Jackson minstrels Stephanie (Hemker) Burdick Stephanie Burdick Tibbits Opera House travelogues vaudeville