The New York Clipper (December 1916)

December 20, 1916 THE NEW YORK CLIPPER 65 PROVIDENCE'S NEW THEATRE IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION PBOvmracE, B. L, Dec 10.—Among those at the ceremony of the breaking of ground for the erection of the new B. F. Keith Theatre were Mayor Joseph Cainer, who turned the first spadeful of earth, and who also spoke in behalf of the city of Providence, and Henry A, Carpenter, one of the leading members of the local cham- ber of commerce, who made a speech in behalf of that body. George Gardner, president of the Union Trust Company, ■poke for the business interests of the city. Edwin Arden spoke for the actors, as did Mjhb Helen Reimer, who for six- teen consecutive years has been a member of the Albee Stock Company, and who came on from New York especially for the ceremony. The different speakers' were introduced by Charles Lovenberg, manager of the B. F. Keith Theatre. The following is Mr. Albee's letter, read by Mr. Lovenberg: "Thirty years ago, associated with B. F. Keith, I came to Providence to lease for him what is now the Nickel Theatre. Since that time, and up to the time of his death, I was closely associated with him in all of his theatrical enterprises throughout the United States. In the later years of B. F. Keith's life the bur- den of the business rested on the shoulders of bis son, A. Paul Keith and myself, and upon his death A. Paul Keith and myself became partners in the ownership of the wonderful B. F. Keith circuit of theatres, which be labored so long and hard to es- tablish. How well he established these theatres is a matter of pride and record throughout the world. "Some fifteen years ago B. F. Keith turned over to me the present Keith'B Theatre after he had remodeled the same at a very urge expense, and with the right to use the name of B. F. Keith. I have endeavored since that time to keep up the high standard set by him in all his theatres and, feeling that the time had come when Providence should to repaid for its loyal patronage, A. Paul Keith and myself decided to erect one of the moat magnificent theatres in this country. The site chosen for the same, by a coincidence, li the very one where B. F. Keith first did business in Providence, and the owner of this site, J. Edawrd Studley, is the same gentleman' with whom B. F. Keith did business when he first came to Providence. "In behalf of A. Paul Keith and myself, and in memory of B. F. Keith, I want to state to those attending the ceremony and to the citizens of Providence that an in- stitution will be erected here that every man, woman and child will feel proud of. ATI the modern devices known to thea- trical architecture will be employed and the welfare and safety of its patrons has been given the greatest consideration by Mr. Keith and myself and your worthy in- spector of buildings, Spencer B. Hopkins. "Mr. Keith and I feel that the constant growth of Providence entitles it to jnst such institutions to keep pace with its enterprise end future, and we are proud to be among those who have established a name in business in your thriving metro- politan city and trust that for the length of this lease, which is for seventy-five years, the name of B. F. Keith, with all that It stands for, will be honored." One of the Highest CU»» BALLADS of die Decade "A TEAR, A KISS, A SMILE" ^ Words by DARL MacBOYLE Music by OTTO MOTZAN For All the Best Singers in the Country Professional Copies to Recognized Artists Only KARCZAG PUBLISHING CO. 62-64 West 45th Street NEW YORK CITY AL G. FIELD Al G. Field began bis stage career at the early age of 14 years as a member of Palmer's Pflgrim Progress Co. Then with Sam 8harpley'8 Iron Clad Minstrels, and later with the Thayer-Noyea Circus ap- pearing in the concert, Bidwell and Mc- Donough's "Black Crook," George L. Fox's Original Humpty Dumpty Co., Haverly*s Southern Minstrels and Simmons' and Slocum's minstrels, prior to organizing the Al G. Field Greater Minstrels. While on a short visit to the Sells Brothers' Circus, a proposition was mads to Mr. Field to assist in some work with the show for a couple of weeks, but he remained nine years, filling every official position excepting that of treasurer. During his career as a circus man, Field planned the minstrels that bear bis name. Mr. Field is now interested in the street car system of his home city, Columbus, Ohio, a stockholder in several banks, and a director in the Central National Bank. He is also a real estate owner and dealer. His farm, "Maple Villa," is known as the most beautiful place on the Olentangy river. "Watch Yourself Go By" is the title of a book written by Mr. Field. Originality is stamped on the pages of the hook from foreword to finis. The Al G. Field Greater Minstrels was launched in 1886 at Marion, Ohio. The organisation has toured continuously since, and has never experienced a losing season. The organization has toured the same route annually, and the public an- ticipate the coming of the Al G. Field Greater Minstrels. A new production every year ia one of the Field policies. Al G. Field produces all his shows, writes the acta, sketches, and, in some instances, the songs, although the Wltmark Music House has pub- lished and written music for the show for many years. Much work has already been done on next season's production, which will be entirely different. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year T O A L L NEW YORK GIRLS ;:- COMPANY PETER S. CLARK, Manager N. B.—Columbia Theatre this week. GREETINGS Al. Matthews (GOODMAN) Musical Director "So Long Letty," Shubert Theatre, New York TO EVERYBODY I WISH YOU A Merry Chris trip's ALICE HANSON