The Billboard 1901-07-27: Vol 13 Iss 30 (1901-07-27)

4 THE BILLBOARD. Published Weekly at 420 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. A. Address all communications For the editorial or business departments to THE BILLBOARD PUBLISHING CO. Subscription, $4.00 a year ; 6 mos., $2.00; 3 mos., 1.00, in advance. ~ ADVERTISING RATES: Advertisements will be published at the uniform rate of ten cents per agate line; no discount for time or space. Copy for advertisements must reach us before noon on Saturday previous to week ofissue. Our terms are cash. The Biliboard is so'din London at Low's Exchange, 57 ¢ having Cross, ard at American Advertising Newspaper Agency, Trafaigar Buidings, Northumb.1iand Ave.,W.C. Jin Paris at Brentano s,31 Ave. del’ Opera, The trave sup plied by the American News (o.and tts branches. Remitlance should be made by post-office ur express money order,orregist red lettvy adds essea and mate payable to the Biliboard P16 Co. — _ The editor can not undertake to return unsolictt d manuscript; correspondents should ke: poopy. When itis necessary to wireus theinstructiors and copy for advertisements, grevt saving inthe matter of telegraph tolls may be had by 9 ecous Se to tne Dona’dson Cipher Code. Entered as S°cond-Class Matter at Post Ofice at Cincinnati, Ohio. Saturday, July 27. 1901. It is not the province of “‘The Billboard” to deal in roasts; nor will it be the policy of this paper. Again, we urge upon all correspondents that if they have personal differences to settle to seek another medium. “The Billboard’ will absolutely not take up the private quarrels of any individual 7’. * *£ That the street fair has come to stay is now an assured fact. In spite of the large percentage of failures last year the total this year bids fair to exceed last season's by almost fifty per cent. The percentage of failures among those already held is much lower than that of last season and is due almost entirely to bad weather. There is considerable room for improvement in their conduct, but better management can be expected now that it is proved to be worth while. The function will change somewhat in character. Wherever it becomes established as an annual event, it will gradually assume the characteristics of the old-time “Jahr Markt.” Immoral features and cinch games will have to be eliminated. But this will all come in time. *¢ The sun of the twentieth century dawning upon this great country of ours revealed a condition of prosperity unknown in any era of history in any other part of the world. Our conditions, political, economic and social are of such a nature as to submerge in oblivion the theory of pessimism, and to make every man an optimist; an optimist in the sense of taking the faintly written promises of continued development and enjoying in anticipation their realization. “The Billboard” is daily in receipt of hundreds of letters from every section of this great domain. Through the paper's interest in County and State Fair exhibitions, we are brought to know the mind, and in a sense the financial condition of even Iisolated sections of territory. It may be accepted as a fact that when the farmer is prosperous all other classes find themselves enjoying the reflex of his good fortune and that the American farmer of to-day is enjoying a condition of stable prosperity is shown through the development of that peculiarly farmer’s institution, the County Fair. In our fair list may be read the names and dates of more than 950 of these exhibitions, to be given within the next three or four montlis, all over the ‘country. Corresponding personally with the _ secretaries of the associations under whose auspices these exhibitions are to be given, asking for information concerning them, responses have come to the extent of 95 per cent. In not one has been heard the faintest whine of a calamity howler. The universal expression has been-one of prosperous anticipation. In about 80 per cent. of the letters came the information of extensive improvements on grounds, enlarged facilities for entertaining patrons, and the announcement that a greater number of higher-priced attractions would he used as drawing cards than ever before. In nearly .every instance the premiums for this year are anounced to be in cash, not as used to be the custom, diplomas, pickle dishes, imitation cut glass match safes and red ribbon badges. The greater number of fair associations have so developed their enterprises that to-day, instead of the stock being far below par and high at any price, the shares stand usually at a premium, and are recognized to be good marketable property. It may be taken that the County Fair is an index to the county's financial condition; that a successful exhibition. large cash premiums and healthy purses in the speed ring prove the very strongest advertisement of the native’s energy and the county’s resources. The careful reader of the fair department in this issue of “The Billboard’ can not fail to be impressed with the truth of this article, as he sees the reports from a limited number of the great mass in our possession, all of which brings the same story of improved development, financial strength and prosperous promise. Frontispiece. On the aeot pose of this week’s issue pears a splendid photograph of Mr. E. W. Shanklin, Secretary of the Lexington (Ky.) Horse Show, Fair and Carnival. Mr. Shanklin comes from an historic family, his father, the Hon. George Shanklin, being one of the heroes of the Civil War and a Representative in Congress, from the Ashland District, at its close in 1865, while his mother is a direct descendant of the famous Crockett family, pioneers in the settlement of Kentucky. .Mr. Shanklin is a Kentuckiun by birth, having first seen the light of day in Jessamine County, in that State, June 1, 1862. For the past ten years he has been manager of blooded-horse sales, und, in that capacity, has visited all the principal cities of the United States. He is a map of much experience in this business, hav'ng Qevoted a number of years of his fe to practical farming and fine stock raising, has wonderful executive ability and is a wost original and successful advertiser. His office is now at Lexington, Ky., where he is busily engaged in arranging the preUtmumaries for the Lexington Horse Show, Fair and Carnival, which will be given under the anspices of Lexington Lodge, No. 89, B. P. O. Elks, August 12 to 17. This chlerprise was conceived by the members of this lodge in 1899, the first and only assuciation in America which has attempted to combine the features of live stock show,* agrieuitural, fair and carnival. Neither time, money nor labor has been spared to provide the very best attractions in each separate department, and in the past their efforts have been appreciated by the general public to the extent of a very large attendance. Their live stock show is said to be one of the best in America, and for their amusement features they have scoured not only America, but even invaded Europe. Under the direction of Mr. Shanklin the fair is advertised this season by the distri-. bution of 25,000 handsome catalogs, the use of more than 50,000 sheets of lithograph paper, from 150,000 to 200,000 long quartersheet heralds and liberal space in something like 200 newspapers. Mr. Shanklin is eminently qualified to fill the very responsible position of manager, and the success of the society's pe meetings may be attributed in. no small sense to his untiring effort and enthusiastic zeal. Socially he is a gentleman suave, debonair and courteous, while, in the business world, he ranks as a man of far more than average executive ability. Testimonial Fund for C. A. Davis. That prince of good fellows, Charley Davis, is down at Arizona, fighting for his life. He is suffering from consumption. He has a chance to live if he can continue to stay in the dry air and sunshine of the desert. But it costs money. His funds, none too strong at the outset, are now exhausted, after eighteen months’ battle with the dread disease. He must either have assistance or give up the struggle. ‘“‘The Billboard”’ has been asked to inaugurate a testimonial fund in his behalf, and does so most cheerfully herewith. C. A. Davis is a deserving man. We invite subscriptions. All will be acknowledged. PI EE ews cians ovaseses snsed $10 Se Mie MND isdn op ns eveesodewsed 5 PO Te, EE op ateanesbicsrentevsese 5 Dis Me in ceed dees 600s ccnescsree 2 J. S. O’Mealia Interviewed. A correspondent of “The Billboard’ Interviewed Mr. J. F. O’Mealia at the Wellington Hotel, Chicago, July 20, and writes as follows, viz.: “Mr. O’Mealia talked freely. The one feature of the convention that displeased him most was the return of the official organ to the association. He believes it should be continued as an independent stock company, or it will be In danger of falling back into the old rut, whence it was so long in emerging. Many others, he says, are of the same opinion. He refused to discuss Promoter Davis’ plans and movements, although tacitly admitting that he was fully informed on the subject. He is by no means certain that Pratt and Gude will eventually get together, notwithstanding the fact that preliminary documents have been signed. If they don’t agree, that is, if something THE BILLBOARD should turn up at the last moment to prevent the deal, as has been the case heretofore, a long and serious fight is more than a probability. Jim said: ‘I sincerely hope New York and Van B. will consolidate before the peace agreement expires, for, if they don't, it will mean $50,000 to them, and heaven knows how much to the rest of us.’ “Not the least noteworthy feature of the Buffalo meeting is the fact that both sides still claim a victory. The keen edge of ran cor and vindictiveness seems to have been rubbed down for a while, that’s all.’ Thinks It’s the Best. Lincoln, Neb., July 14, 1901. To the Editor of ‘*The Billboard:” Dear Sir—Having received your valuable publication every week (through my newsdealer), I write this to offer you my best wishes, and to say I believe “The Billboard” to be the greatest paper of its kind in America... I have conducted my various amusement enterprises in the West for 11 years, and I believe there will be big money out bere this fall for every one. have secured a monster Octopus from Tampice, Old Mexico, which, after considerable trouble and no little expense, I have landed here, and will place this deep sea monster on exhibition at the various street fairs, ete. Kindly publish my “The Billboard” as follows: Hastings, Neb., Aug. 6 to 9; Beatrice, Aug. 20 to 23; Lincoln, Aug. 30 to Sept. 6; Omaha, Sept. 11 to 21. Wishing you unbounded success in the future, 1 remain yours very truly, COL. DICK TANNER. Hot Weather Poster. route in Taking his typewriter vigorously in hand Rey. Dr. G. R. Robbins, builder and pastor of the Lincoln Park Institutional Baptist Church in Cincinnati, last week, proceeded to press agent off and duly sign the following star brand of announcement of his services for last Sunday. It will be seen, too, that he adds a 105-degree-in-the-shade slam at his vacationing brother pastors; likewise at pastors who are massing their depleted congregations in union meetings during these high-stepping mercury days: MIDSUMMER REVIVAL SERVICE! ELECTRIC FANS—TWO CHOIRS. INSPIRING MUSIC. NO LET UP IN SOUL SAVING BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER! THIS CHURCH MAKES IT HARD FOR PEOPLE TO GO TO HELL, AND EASY TO GO TO HEAVEN. THERE IS NO NEED OF CLOSING CHURCHES IN CINCINNATI, NOR HOLDING UNION MEETINGS IN ORDER TO GET A CONGREGATION. As a matter of fact, while many churches in the city have closed for July and August, and at others the congregations have dwindied in some instances almost pitiably, the big attendance for which Dr. Robbins’ church is notable is keeping right up, and the novelty of a midsummer revival is to be seen there, with great good being accomplished. Posters do bring good returns. Reese, of Scranton, Talks. To the Editor of ‘“‘The Billboard:” A great deal has been said pro and con relative to the situation at Scranton, with, however, only one side heard from, and, being one of the interested parties on the “other side,”’ I should like to place this side of the story along with the other, and allow my friends and enemies alike an opportunity to judge for themselves as to the merits of the case. Having been in the business here with my stepfather, Mr. W. W. Murphy, since 1879, I should be conversant with the local situation. In 1891, Mr. Murphy died, and in 1892 I started in business for myself, buying out my stepbrothers in 1898, and in 1894 forming a comany with H. R. Long, who had the yilling for the only large theater at that time, the Academy, which partnership continued until November, 1900, when Mr. Long sold to J. D. Ferber, who, in turn, sold to §S. H. Robison in March, 1901. Somewhere about 1895 Messrs Wagner and Reis concluded a lease of the then FrothIngham Theater, and came to us with a proposition to the effect that unless we wanted to do their bill posting at the same price that Mr. Castner did in Syracuse—2 cents per sheet—that they would start a plant of their own, or, rather, bring in their own bill poster, which they did later in the shape of Mr. Castner, who advised us that unless we made the terms asked for he would have to come in, and we had to take their offer. On asking Mr. Kerr, their representative, what assurance we had that next season, or the following one, they would not make the same bluff, he said that if we contracted to do the work at that price they would contract to give us the work as long as they were here, and which was embodied in a contract reading that, “In consideration of our doing the work for 2 cents per sheet, we should do all posting for a period of three years, or as long as they controlled the Frothingham Theater.” They still control the theater, or at least’ Mr. Reis, who is the successor to the firm of Wagner & Reis, does. About three years ago Mr. Long entered into an agreement with Mr. Castner to go in bustness in Scranton, which fell through, and Mr. Castner made me a proposition to take him in, which I did not do. Some time during last season the local manager, a boy named Duffy, developed a personal feeling and has had his little hammer working t the effect that this season the theaters wil: do their own work and ignore entirely the: contract of five or six years ago. I do not believe that Mr. Castner is financially in terested in the plant here, but is is one of Castner’s men who is laying out the boards now, and it was only last week that Duffy, on being asked for work by a circus bil! poster, told him that Mr. Castner was tv send the bill poster down from Syracuse. 1 do not blame Mr. Castner for wanting tv get a good town on his circuit of cities i it could be done in a fair way, but it is not fair to build a house with bricks from another man's house. With the assurance to my friends and others that I am stil! doing business at the old stand, I am, Respectfully, J. G. REESE. Pennsylvania Restricts Distributing. Mr. Wm. M. mee the bill poster and distributor at Carlisle, Pa., sends us the following extract from the State law, re stricting the distributing of samples. He writes that owing to the careless m ‘thod employed by some traveling distributurs, « grandchild of his was made seriously ill by eating samples of patent medicines in the form of pills, which were sugar-coated, which the child picked up on doorways in that town. To protect children, and making it a mis demeanor to place free or give samples of medicines, dyes, ink, coloring or polishing compounds on any farm where children can procure the same. Section 1. Be it enacted, etc., that it is hereby made unlawful for any person or persons to distribute or send free any samples of medicines, dying, ink, coloring or polishing compounds in any of them, in any form of preparation, upon the ground, sidewalks, porches, into yards, or into or under doors or windows, or in any way or manner that children may get possession of or secure the same. Sec. 2. That any person or persons found guilty of a violation of any of the provis ions of Section 1 of this act shall be found guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall, upon conviction thereof before any Alderman or Justice of the Peace, be finde in a sum not exceeding twenty dollars ($20), said fine for the use of the county in which convic tion is had, or not more than twenty days’ imprisonment in the county jail, at the dis cretion of the officer before whom such per son or persons may be convicted. Sec. 5. That any person or persons who shall distribute any such free or said sam ples, as named in Section 1 of this act, to adult persons only, shall not come within the provisions of this act. A Convention Photograph. In this issue appears a photograph of 114 of the 300 bill posters who were in attend ance at the Buffalo convention last week. From the business transacted and by the popular issue of this great meeting, this paar yh will be treasured by the mem vers of the association as a souvenir of one of the pleasantest, as well as the most prof itable meetings in the history of the craft Mr. Max Winckler, No. 14 Pearl street, Buffalo, N. Y., was the artist, and that gen tleman will supply all who may desire copies of the original (14x17 inches in size) for $1. By addressing him, enclosing a dollar, you will receive the picture, which, in a neat frame, will remain an or namental souvenir. Our readers and subscribers in all lines are inwited to avail themselves of “ The Billboard's" new mail scheme. We have an experienced clerk in charge of this department. He keeps track of people and forwards their mail wherever possible, the moment it is received, thus avoiding delay. Letters are only advertised when we do not know the whereabouts of the persons to whom they are addressed. Letters advertised for four weeks and uncalled for will be returned to the post-office. Circulars, postal cards and newspapers excluded, Letters are forwarded without expense. GENTLEMEN'S LIST. Anderson, J. R. Leonard, BE. M. Aimee Dramatic Co, Liess, A. Bechett, H. B. Lynch, the Great. Burne, A. H. Larid, BE. Cc. Reck, L. J. Liles, Chas. Burk, EB. W. Lockhart, Mr. Reach & Bowers, Magors, H. BE. Cronin, 8. Moriarty, David. Dennelly, Phillip FE. Monk, Isaac. Dawson, Sam M Palmer, John Lay. Elder & Olson's Cir’s. Pareno, Prof. Al. Edwards, John W. Rowe, H. 8. Frynoyle, Mr. Rice, M. FB. Gentry's D. & P. Sh. Schiller Bros. & Glaseer, Otto. Orr's Show. Gautier, the Great. Sparks, John A. Greene, Jas. T Stuart, C. R. Gentry Bros. Stetson's U. T. C,. Co. Hainey, Red. Taylor, Parson. Hines, Ralph T. Wallace, Capt. I. ope. Billy. Warren, Bert. Ireland, Owen. Waller, Phil. G. Junker, W. A. White, Frank M. Lowery Students. Young Bros. LADIES’ LIST. Brandon, Mabel. Proseto, Madame, odsey, Mayme B. Royal, Delia EF.