The New York Clipper (December 1914)

DECEMBER 19 THE NEW YORK CLIPPER. XXI Merry Xmas and Happy New Year FROM MISS RAY SAMUELS TOURING ORPHEUM CIRCUIT PERSONAL DIRECTION MARTY FORKINS BT AL. O. HELD. to bake would only cherish It as a relic. Tlmo oranges all things, and minstrels; has cuunged Willi tho times. "1 remember playing an engagement In Loul-viJie some seventeen years ago, singing only songs composed by the then popular author, Will a. Hays. We advertised a Hays' nlgut. A little banquet fonoweu. Several bpoakers, prominent In literature and other pursuit*, were present. One, the (ore- most newspaper man of that day and of to- day, addressed himself to me, depicting the gulden gleanings awaiting tue minstrel man- ager iviio could and would produce a minstrel suow such as our daddies knew—all black face, tho banjo and the bones, the bed-tick costumes Instead of silks and uatlns—Just buck face singing, dancing mid gagging. •'■This was about the time Uaveriy began the Innovation of introducing vaudeville fea- tures in his minstrel entertainments. Uaver- iy always favored the black face show, but desertion of his famous stars forced him to seek novelties to hold his patronage. W. B. Cleveland, with bis Uaveriy Company, Mc- Nisb, Johnson and siavln, and the YV. 8. Cleveland Minstrels, imported such novelties as, the Craig .Family ol acrobats and Wain- ratta, 'king of the wire.' Cleveland's advent Into minstrelsy was the demarcation line as years of centuries, minstrelsy had its origin, between the straight black face minstrel and i'he Jews have a legend that when Uod the modern minstrel show. iNo straight black lace minstrel show, excepting one, has been a financial success since that time, aad the one exception was made successful by the popularity of the two stars at the head of it, and t&en only for a time. AL, G. FIELD. At. 0. Field talks to a Clipper representative of Minstrelsy's Past ana Present. In reply to a question as to his views of minstrels. Mr. Field said: "I have been in the minstrel maelstrom many years, and I have very decided views as to the past, present ana future of this style of stage amusement. Away back in the dim vista of the past, shadowed by the completed the world lie called to Him, one by one, the heavenly hosts and asked what they of the vision thought. One white angel bent low in. humble obeisance, lifting his voice said: 'Holy Master, bat one thing Is lacking, the sound of a song of rejoicing by the angels of heaven sung, entrancing all creation with the sound of voice and tongue.' And so Uod created music. And, even be- fore David, with tils harp of a thousand strings, enthralled the heart of Saul, min- strels, l'c., one who sings and accompanies his songs with a musical instrument, were common In ah countries of the world. "Ihe minstrels of those days were the chroniclers of the events of the times—the happenings of the day. Strolling from vil- lage to village, tbey sang of the hopes and tears of the poor. The ambitions and vir- tues of the powerful, love and hatred, peace and war were their song themes. In tboi<3 days all minstrels were of the masculine gender. This has been perpetuated In aU the traditions of the ages. "It Is a fact, established beyond contradic- tion, that no female has ever attained success as an entertainer on the modern minstrel stage. In the early days of the stage, all female characters were Impersonated by males, and so It has ever been on the min- strel stage, Many female Impersonators have acquired fame and fortune. Of the days gone by, Eugene, of Eugene and Unsworth; the only Leon,of Kelly and Leon; William Henry ltice and Tony iHart, were the most successful of all tuose 1 remember." "Mr. field, In your opinion, were the min- strels of the older times more talented than those of to-day?" "Ko more talented, but more thorouhly trained and better disciplined. The minstrels of the early days were compelled to serve an apprenticeship, and, IX talented, advanced. All the old time successful minstrel per- formers possessed dramatic talent, and bad opportunities to develop it The minstrel entertainments of early days were made up "Weli, to go back to Louisville—the news- paper man's speech, backed by his great reputation, impressed me so greatly that lor the following season the Al. 0. Field Min- strels were black face from the overture to tue finish, none but black face acts. All singers and musicians blacked up, altbougb for years 1 bad argued that It was Incon- gruity, personified, lor a big burly negro to sing of 'mother's pale cheeks and whiter hair,' and of 'sister's eyes of blue,' or of his true love's blonde tresses and crimson checks, and why a musician who did not par- ticipate In acts should be blacked up was simply following the old time custom. Against my Judgment I formulated an enter- tainment as nearly on tho lines laid down by my newspaper lrlend as possible. I engaged IS. M. Hall, Frank Cuahman, Len Spencer and all black face talent procurable, end bad Ihe first part dressed in black satin suits. I felt I had organized a company destined to 11.1 a long felt want. My opening nights and my one-night stands were as profitable as lu preceding years, but the two and three day stands were far below our standard of re- ceipts of other years, particularly the ladles and chlldrens' matinees, which had been eo profitable previously. When we played Louis- ville the paper presided over by the well meaning gentleman who had pounded tbe potency or the old time negro show into me, printed that the reason of the decline In my receipts from preceding years waa that tbe show was too sombre, it lacked color and brilliancy In the mounting and costuming. "We fay oft our company one week prior to Christmas each year. When that week came around that year the singers appeared In white wigs, blue satin costumes, the end men in red and gold, and tho orchestra la ■■'■'■'■ T1!, '" J I ™}$fJtA mfwlti?nwl«!n«M th/remalml- acts that have since been the foundation j; e 3«g 0 %^^HnS2g tt fir^'l[ni the old time negro show are beautiful themes of many comic operas and musical comedies, to say nothing of the farce comedies and other comedy productions of the past twenty years. I recall a musical comedy that had a prosperous career, also a modern comedy and numerous farces that were based in their entirety on sketches that were produced by the minstrels of years ago. "Many successful actors graduated from the mlnsttel stage. The earl; training In the uuustrols made for their success In drama and opera. I could mention fifty successful uctors who oegan their career in the mln- strels, and they never forget it. Their love lor the tambourine and bones the burnt cork and clog shoes lingers with tbe greater num- to dwell upon In reveries of the past, but are not encouraging as wealth accumulators. TLTie changes, and stage entertainments must be abreast, if not ahead of the times to at- tract the paying public.". t m "Is minstrelsy as popular as In the days pastV' "No style of stage entertainment la as popular as In tbe old days, nor are the stage stars. The finicky followers of the stage entertainments have such a great variety io choose from that the offering must be up to their fastidious fancy If accepted. "Universally, the minstrel manager that popular. If an ambitions lot of amateurs scheme to assault the public the weapon chosen Is a minstrel entertainment. If a society, fraternal or political, secular or sacred, desires to replenish its funds. you invite (him to go in the parade. 1 "Wan the minstrel show of the olden day superior to that of to-day?" "Well, that borders on a hypothetical ques- tion, which can only be answered In a hypo- thetical way. You will Temember that min- strelsy, as we know it, is of American origin, and, for a long time after Its inception was toe popular stage amusement of the day in this country. One who cherishes the mln- , nwvt-cu •»• nu>«,t> uodo.i.-, Btrels of those days would answer as Mark the minstrel 'first part' as the premier part twain rcpinlngiy wrote: 'Where is the ' nigger" show of my youth? It was a Joy to . "£.?**^"beie » rotund Billy Bice? Where Is Biny Birch or Charley Backus, or David Uambold, or Hughey Dougherty, or dozens of their brethren who made life a pleasure to me forty year ago, and later? They havo all gone, and with them tbe "al, genuine nigger show, the extravagant nigger' show, the show which to me had no peer, and whose peer has not yet arrived In my experience. We have the grand, opera, and I have witnessed and greatly enjoyed the first act of everything which Wagner created, but the effect on me has been so iwworftil that one act was quite sufficient, whenever I have 'Witnessed two acts I have gone away physically exhausted, and when- ever 1 have witnessed an entire opera the result has been the next thing to suicide. If i could have the 'nigger' show back again, in ail its priaftlno purity, and, to my mind, Perfection, I should have but little use tor the opera. "There's many who pine for the old tlmo nigger* show, deluding themselves with the f? n iX that "- would appeal to them now as it did In the days of old. But fortunately, or unfortunately, that sentiment that Impels ones respect and veneration for tbe things « long ago Is only treasured by few of earth's creatures, and the old Ume 'nigger* •now to the many who pay the coin of the realm to ba entertained would be ac- cepted no more than would be the backwoods tavern, the old time stagecoach, or the wash- tub for bathing purposes, why, even tbe fellow who pines for the bread mother used minstrel show Is tbe "magnet they employ. Even the Lambs Club, composed of the most tn'ented of actors, forecasted and planned an entertainment to please the public, finally selected that time honored and stage classic, the minstrel 'first part' as the premier part of their program, and some very successfu 1 stage entertainers In other lines got a bump when they went up against the minstrel thing. "The minstrel first part affords one or a hundred performers opportunities, aad many who have delivered the goods In other Hues found the minstrel first part a little out of their line. "Dan Emmett was the founder of Ameri- can minstrelsy. He was the author of the song of 'Dixie,' for which honor there Is a new claimant being forced forward. Dan Kuunctt made his farewell tour under my management He was a ward of mine until bis death. I was nearer to blm the last years of his life than any other human being. When the dispute as to the authorship of 'Dixie' came up The New York Herald sent a representative to Mt. Vernon, O., and In connection with this man the honor of the authorship of the song of 'Dixie' was estab- lished beyond sll doubt. All tbe documents to substantiate this are in possession of the Librarian of the State of Ohio, with a his- tory of Emmett's career written by me. "The generally accepted statement as to the writing of the song of '01x16* is that Em- mett, the musical director of Bryant's Min- strels playing a season's engagement lu New York 'City, requested Emmett to write a num- ber for tiielr finale. The Walk Around* as it was then termed: that Brumett went homo and between Saturday night and the Monday morning rehearsal, "Dixie' was written and orchestrated, rehearsed Monday morning and put on Monday night .- .. . " 'Dixie' may bars been rehearsed Monday morning and produced Monday night. Prof. Arnold, pott living in Memphis Tens., re- minded Emmett In my presence, that be Em- raett. played and sang 'Dixie' in the Mont- gomery, Ala.. Theatre ten months prior to the production of the song at Bryant's Ball, In New York, and Emmett admitted this was true. Investigating further, I learned that Mramctt hod eung the song of 'Dixie' through certain sections of tbe South one year prior to its production In New York City, but no: under the title of 'Dixie,' but The Land of Cotton.'' I simply mention this to contradict the claims of a new author of the song of •Dixie.' "A magazine, which should be better posted, Is pushing the claims of tills claimant to the authorship of the song of 'Dixie.' In In my book. 'Watch Yourself Go By,' this matter is disposed of In a way that no person can reasonably dispute. "Dan Emmett was a most interesting man. A student of ancient history, he would poro for hours over a book descriptive of the early wars of the world, yet rarely read a dally newspaper or a magazine detailing current events. "While making his farewell tour of the country under my management, Emmett was tbe recipient of many social attentions. Tbe author of 'Dixie,' like the song, was as popular North as In the Sooth. General John B. Gordon delivered his famous lecture. The Last Days of the Confederacy,' day and date with our company, Nashville, fenn. Emmett was Invited to a seat on tbe stage with the speaker. At the finish of bli lec- ture General Gordon graciously introluccil Emmett as the author of tbe Soutb't be- loved song—the Immortal song of 'Dixie.' "The General, after referring to Emmett In a manner highly complimentary, launched into a most eloquent eulogy of the song of 'Dixie,' designating it as the song of tbe South, the power which had Inspired hone and courage in tbe hearts of the sons of toe South when battling for their homes and loved ones.' •••"Dixie" was the song of the South when war clouds first hovered over bill and vale of Southland's sunny elopes,' he said. " • "Dixie" was the song the South heard above th* cannon's roar and, now that peace has come to our land, "Dixie*' is all tbe more loved and cherished by those of the South who fought for the South. " The North—the world—might endeavor to wrest the song of "Dixie" from Its place In the hearts of those of tbe South, but any man that wore the gray would fight for "Dixie," the song, as they fought for Dixie, their beeloved land.' "The Applause was universal. From all parts of the hall came calls for Emmett. The old minstrel, tall sad stately, with a dig- nified bearing natural to him, arose and said: 'General Gordon, I never was as greatly honored and confused as I am to-night. Whan I made "Dixie" (Emmett always re- ferred to "Dixie" as being made), If I had ever dreamed that the song would have caused the war between the North and the South —' The laughter was as loud as the applause that followed the eloquent gen- eral's speech. Emmett got no further. Whether he Intended to be facetious or in tamest was never revealed. Emmett was absent-minded in his later days. Ex-Senator Thomas Bayard, then our Minister to England, tendered Emmett a re- ception when the minstrels visited Wilming- ton, Del. Emmett, accustomed to large easy shoes, was reminded that on this occasion he should appear in neater footwear. He was finally Induced to struggle with a pair of patent leather shoes of the latest and most approved style, pointed toes, etc. Emmett suffered tortures with the bumps corns and bunions on his feet lie fidgeted and com- plained of the pain, as we rode to tbe sub- urban home of the distinguished host. Ai the carriage rolled up tbe broad avenues to the Dig house. I noticed that ■Dennett was struggling with his feet concealed under tbe lap robe. The weather was very cool. Miss Uayard had met Emmett at the hotel earlier In the day. With a number of guests, she stood oa the veranda to greet Emmett, 1 alighted, bowed to the host, and turning about to escort Emmett, I was horrified to note that be had removed his shoes, and was approaching Miss Bsyard In his stocking feet, and his hose was none too tidy. Wincing as he walked, he bowed in a courtly manner, heading straight for Miss Bayard, explaining —'Miss, has your cap an old pair of shoes or slippers I can wear until tho frolic Is over? No use talUn*. I can't wear those wimmin'e shoes Alf bought me lie can take them back to tho store be got them from.' And turning to me he reproachfully re- marked: 'You have ipiled the whole thing for me.' After vainly trying to get his feet into numerous shoes brought ban, an old pair of servant's slippers were partly palled on his feet, snd thus he stood throughout the reception. "Rmntett's eighty-second birthday foundui In Dallas. Several citizens of the Texas city, old-time friends of tin aged minstrel, to con- •f*-"^' -V-V HARRY WEBER Presents Blackface Eddie Ross And His African Harp A MERRY XMAS AND HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS HEW YEAR TO ALL MERRY XMAS BILLY BRYANT STOCK GO. Manas;—tent SAM BRYANT junction with the members of the minstrel company. combined In presenting Kmmetl with a (old watch. Inscribed as follows: -To Dunlel Decatur Emmett, the Originator of American Minstrelsy, the Author of the Song of 'Dixie,' this watch la presented as a memento of the events mentioned and m a token of friendship.' After Emmett's death this watch could not ba found, and to this day no trace of It has ever been obtained. "Emmett, at the end of bis engagement with nnr company, returned to his home near Mt. Vernon. 0. Tho writer visited him sev- eral times each year. lie was hmpy 'a the pwocMion of his humble home, his chickens and other pets. He peacefully awaited the final sunanone. reeding bis Bible dairy. Ha became very devout, his health was good until the last He cued very suddenly. Shortly after bis death cltlsens of Bit. Vernon decided to erect a monument to hi* memory. The writer was chosen chairman. Distentions arose. The Mayor of Mt. Ver- non re-organised the committee. Mr. Chase, of Chase's Theatre, Washington, D. C, was then chosen chairman of tbe committee. Nothing further was dons In the matter. Col. Cunningham, editor of The Confederate Veteran: Col. Crawford, one of the owners of The Memphis commercial Appeal; myse'f, and others, instituted a movement to erect a monument to Emmett's memory, the monu- ment to he located in some Southern city. '1 ho Daughters of tho Confederacy were In- terested. Tbe matter was deferred for a time owing to Col, Cunningham being Inter- ested in collecting funds for two other monu- ments. When this work was accomplished the matter of tho monument to lOmmett was to have been puihed to completion, but un- fortunately. Col. Cunningham was called be- fore arrangements were completed. In the meantime, James Smith, the ex-manager of the Opera House, "Ashtabula, O., has taken upon himself to erect a monument to Km- mett's memory. The cltlsens of Mt. Vernon hare accepted Mr. Smith's generous offer, and Ihe monument will be erected In Mt Vornon, 0., Emmett's birth and burial pises. "At this time there Is a movement on foot to erect a monument to Emmett in some Southern City, Richmond, probably. To aid this project 1 contemplated giving a mam- moth Minstrel Festival in the open air In the baseball park, Columbus, 0., the capital city of Emmett's native State. It is pro- poied to have minstrel people from all over the country patldpate and a chorus of sev- eral hundred voices singing Emmett's songs, ThS plans have not been fully matured ai yet. nor will they be until the various min- strel managers and members of the profes- sion have heen Interviewed. Thus far, all consulted have expressed the opinion that the originator of American minstrelsy, tbe author of the song of 'Dixie,' is deserving of n monument preserving to future generation! tho memory of their patron saint.