The Billboard 1906-11-24: Vol 18 Iss 47 (1906-11-24)

36 The Billboard NOVEMBER 24, 1906. co ‘ Summer Gardens Roof Gardens Parks Beaches, Piers, Pleasure Resorts \ i Zs GROWTH OF THE PENNY ARCADE. By Chris. Litcher, General Advertising Manager of the Mills Novelty Co. It has long been the wonder of thousands of people bow and why the Penny Arcade makes money so rapidly, and why such a surprising number acquire buge fortunes in this business. Thovesands enjoy incomes that would seem princely to the average business man of today. How do they 4o it? What is the secret? The meth ods employed are various, yet the business as a whole is simple, though marvelous—it can be made clear to even the most inexperienced person without the necessity of long study. There is practically no secret about this enterprise. In fact tthere are only two essential features, that is, first, to install good machines; second, to have a good location. After you are established there is no trick to get people to come to you, because in a Penny Amusement Parlor they get full value for their money. During the last quarter of a century there have been various lines of business in which an investment of capital and hard work brought what was considered by shrewd business men and financial men a good and substantial profit. The ingenious inventions in later years have developed these fields of investment so that they have proven of interest on the capital involved: however, in spite of thelr money making quality they were not considered desirable investments for the average man. Even some of the financial concerns were loath to entrust their money as there was always more or less fluctuations, due to the disadvantage of speculation; therefore, the average man with his small capital could not consider this investment. About six or seven years ago occurred to one of the ingenious and industrious large manufacturers of coin operated machines, the idea of starting a penny arcade. They tried at that time to interest certain capitalists who, even with their shrewdness and keen business ability would not venture into this enterprise and it was at that time universally considered an unsafe risk as there was a feeling of uncertainty and unrest, however, allow me to say right here, before proceeding any further, that they no longer consider it so and the rea is obvious. eorrhe great cry at that time and the reason for this refusing to advance money to establish this business was because they considered it only a novelty for a brief and limited period ; however, the industrious manufacturer still saw an opportunity and by his keen foresight and his ability for looking ahead, saw millions in this new venture and he was amply rewarded for it is acknowledged all over the world to day that the Penny Vaudeville or the Penny Areade is absolutely the best amusement industry of the 20th century. Not only that but it has developed into a dignified, respectable and highly profitable business worthy of the attention of any up-to-date progressive business man. Of all the various means for bringing quick returns in an honest and legitimate business, there is nothing to-day that pays so well as an investment in the Penny Areade. You never hear of Arcades failing or being unsuccessful. On the contrary find that mercantile agencies invariably give them favorable reports. The only way I can account for this is because of the fact that it is a strictly cash business. Ten successful venture was unheard of. the surest and best paying business in which anyone can venture. I have been asked what is the definition of a Penny Arcade and my reply in the least number of words is, “A Penny Arcade is an Amusement Parlor, usually occupying a store on a permanent business thoroughfare, equipped with coin eperated machines, in which you can find more amusement and obtain more for your money than in any other amusement resort of the present generation.” I ave often been asked whether or not I consider the Penny Arcade a permanent institution and I can safely say, without exaggeration, that the Penny Arcade or Penny Vaudeville has come to stay just as much so as the opera, theatre or the circus, in fact I might say, (and I think you will agree with me) that it combines al) of those, in a m-dified form and because it makes such a universal appeal to the public, practically to the poorer class and thus it is destined to grow constantly in popularity and in size. Do you realize that only about twenty-five per cent. of our total population are fortunate enough to bave a salary of more than $1,500 per year? If you take this into consideration you can readily surmise the percentage of those who can afford to pay from $1 to $5 for concert, opera or theatre tickets, in fact for most fifty cents for an evening’s entertainigemt would be comeidered a luxury, thus making tt enly fair then to estmate the exceedingly large mumber who can and do patronize the Penny Arcade, which, for a few cents will provide one-half of one hour’s entertainment and it is surprising to the uninformed to learn of the immense amount of money made from the operation of the penny machines. As the Arcades developed they naturally ipment. This, of course, resulted in the munafecterers building more substantial and higher priced machines, in fact they have improved each year and today it is not an unusual oceurrence to install large numbers of ef amusements which are ided in these institutions for a penny. ou can hear e eplendid end perf phic machi celebrated orchestras and bands of noted musicians. You can listen to the dis shed opera stars, and hear them as distinctly as if paying $5 for a theatre ticket instead of one cent in a Arcade. In our picture machines you can be transoorted hundreds of miles away im an instant, as it were, to many interesting spots all over the continent and in which are reproduced scenes that would cost thousands of dollars to reach by traveling. Various athletic and gymnasium apparatuses have been perfected and for a penny you can test your lungs, test your grip, get your weight to a fraction of a pound, in fact you can get any amount of information regarding your physical capability that is worth considerable to you and for which information the average physician would charge a very substantial fee; therefore, 1 contend that the Arcade as it exists today, is an educator, equally so much so as a drama, a lecture or the museum. There is practically no limit to the future and it is not surprising to learn that there is a large manufacturer located in Ohicago, who now operates hundreds of Arcades throughout the United States, and which involves an investment of thousands of dollars. Isn’t this remarkable when you consider the oddity of this business where only pennies are taken in, and at that only one at a time. Do you know why they have been so successful? This can be accounted for because of the fact that they do not hesitate at the cost of the rent, in other words they choose the site first. the rent being a second consideration. Furthermore, they are successful because of the attractions of their Arcade and in making it plain in all its atmosphere so that it is a fit place for any and every person to enter including man, woman and child. The field of the Penny Vaudeville so far has, and I believe will continue to be unlimited. THOMAS J. Q. MEIER, JR. Thos. J. Q. Meier, Jr., the ‘‘world’s greatest shallow water, head-first diver,’’ made his first professional appearance at the very early age of six, and he has been on the road constantly since that time doing nothing but water work. He is the oldest member of the Meier Family of high divers and swimmers. His father, Capt. J. T. Q. Meier, owned and operated The Swim in Cincinnati for twenty years, coming from St. Louis, where he had operated a similar pleasure resort for seven years. The three younger members of the family are now attending school at Columbus, O., and are preparing and booking an aerialwater act that promises to be the biggest and most sensational of its kind. As the children do not work during the winter, Mr. Meier is considering propositions from companies going south for the cold months. There are still hundreds of cities throughout the United States, in fact, throughout the world, that are capable of supporting one or two arcades all the year round, and one of the easiest things to contend with is finding a location. As mentioned before, this is a strictly cash business and the profits accrue from the day of opening; therefore, real estate dealers never hesitate, but on the contrary are always anxious to promote the Penny Arcade as it has a tendency to boost the business of merchants in the immediate vicinity. Today the Penny Vaudeville is a metropolitan institution and I could name many Arcades that were originally equipped for a few hundred dollars several years ago,, but have been 80 successful that today it would require a small fortune to them. ( STREBT FAIRS ) | CARNIVALS ) HATCH SHOWS CLOSE. After a very Michand Wisconsin a short tour South, the Va., Nov. 10. The shows that closed were James Howard's Creation, Ralph Smith’s Katzenjemmer Kastle, Jack Reed’s old Plantation, Joe Epstein’s Labelle Fatima Show, King Carlo, Agoo, The Girls in Red, Mysterious India, a wild | West, merry-go-round and Ferris wheel, besides Prof. Swing’s Band of twelve pieces. Harry Six, high diver, and Samoya, trapeze artist, put on | the free acts. | | changed. | Fla., STREET FAIR NOTES Notes from the General Amusement Co: Fine weather, fine crowds and very poor electric light service in Lenoir City, Tenn. ‘‘Red’’ Stump made a decided hit with his jneen contest. “Curly’’ Hess and ‘“‘Slim’’ Rath? are taking top money with the No Name Show. ‘“‘Baldy*’ Swein recentiy closed with the Rob.nson Amusement Co. and is now on tbe front of the Sing Sing show, making good. The s. it. C. siga is tre rule rather than the exception at Lewis’s ld Plantation. joined us last week. Dare Icvil Barl is winning new laurels at every siand with h's leap-the-gep act. Managers Passman and Green have looked some live towns ahead and are weking a “B line”’ for the Sunny Sorth. The Barkoot Amusement Co. opens its season of indoor carnivals and fairs at Titusville, Pa., Dec. 3 in the Armory Hall under the auspices of the Eagles. Joseph L. Barbeau, the well known carnival and theatrical man, will have the affair in charge. The advance work is being taken care of by F. M. Potter and Geo. A. Marthaler, who have booked a first-class route through Pennsylvania continuing until the middle of April. The company is said to be first-class. Harry Fox Gilliam would have come out away ahead on the season's work had it nct been for the immense loss he sustained at the big fire in Kansas City, Kan. However, he will be back in the game next season with both feet, as he expects to land some exclusives. He says: ‘I will carry twelve privileges next season, and the first time I see an old lady filling a gasoline stove while it is burning it’s understood my joints come bown P. D. Q. and ‘‘23”’ for me. F. 8S. Wolcott’s Earthquake Show is making good with the General Amusement Co. Mr. Wolcott has recently purchased 3,000 feet of the latest feature films, has made an entire change of front, and now calls it the Florine’s Electric Palace. He is featuring The Life of a Cowboy and James Jones, soloist. Manager E. E. Cheney, of the Key West and Havana Carnival Associations, wishes to announce that the dates for the two carnivals have been The event at Havana, Cuba, will occur Dec. 7-Jan. 17, and the carnival at Key West, comes off Jan. 17-Feb. 1. During the engagement of the Hampton Amusement Co. at Anderson, S. C., the members of that organization visited in a body the erave of Maude Broadwick, the balloonist, who lost her life there one year ago. Prof. Jenison’s Band rendered appropriate selections. Mrs. Mary Weltch, sell \nown In the carnival world, was last week divoree] from her husband, ksse W Itch. The charge was desertion. They were married three years ayo. Camden, N. J., is to have a heme coming week early in the spring. Tbe city council has already made appropriations. Two more shows and ten concessions | Frank A. Dodd closed with the LaRuse Electric Fountain at Deci*i*, Ala... anil is now stage uanager of the Bijyen [hestre at Streator, ML The great Louisville, Ky., Exposition will be held at the Armory March 18-30, when Creatore’s Band will be one of the features. The Murrays, the well known advertisers, bave enjoyed a great season at the fairs and carnivals. The Harper Amusement Co. will be out all winter, and plans are being made to that effect. Mr. and Mrs. Jennison’s musical act is a great free attraction with the Hampton Amusement Co. |. .FAIRS.. EXPOSITIONS ' DANNER TO —— KEY WEST Key West, Florida, will hold its third annual Mardi-Gras and Carnival Dec. 5-15. Great interest is being shown among the natives of this little isle, the merchants have promised their support, several new attractions have been secured, and the Firemen of Key West are working hard to have this eclipse all former events. All shows and concessions are under the direct management of Fred A. Danner. Manager Danner has joined hands with W. A. Sassaman, former contracting agent of Smith’s Greater Amusement Co., and after the Key West engagement these gentlemen will take a company of shows to Cuba, playing all the principal cities, including Havana, for six weeks, and returning to the States about March 1. Mr. Sasstamen has been in Havana for over a month, looking after the interests of the company in that city. Anfong the shows booked are Buckskin Ben’s Wild West, Liberty Theatre, Shield’s Lunette, Capt. Lewis’ Big Snake Family, Eden Musee, Ossified Man, Marchall and Shear’s Old Plantation, Eveben’s World in Wax, Kossoka’s Mysterious Orient, Katzenjammer Kastle, Ferris Wheel, Ocean Wave and Merry-go-round. JACKSONVILLE’S BIG ONE. The third annual event of the Jacksonville Florida Carnival Association, held Novy. 5-10, was declared by all to be one of the moet suceerful carnivais ever held in the south. The weather was idenl and the attendance far ahead of the expectations of every one. The Hippodrome’s excellent attractiors, direct froin New York ircme, were all given as promised, and the only possible objection was that before the close of the performances not even standing room could be had. The shows on the ‘‘Wonderway”’ were nearly all strangers to the city, but expressed themselves as entirely pleased with the liberal patronage received from the crowds that visited | FTHis wasYour A} 3 =<) SOOFTIN THEAIE ore, Oe Woutpse THE 9,5 mente T fon TALK OFTHE TOWN === ay 7 ro Ait Fogg ‘eee a YY TCONYNE-KITE |= »_ | HIGHEST score | — F — at WORLO'S FAIR oa (fA 7 < Sone Ft eanneh >), ed ao 2 MITE FOLDED Tie : . GPEN — 4 ~ ““e mame A TIP TO aaa Theatrical, Show and Rink Managers, an Aerial “Ad.” can be used in winter as well as in summer. It will reach them all at any time. N°3 OUTFIT READY FOR SHIPMENT WT.I0L8S. BOSTOCK’S MEET ME AT ANIMAL THE SKATING SHOW, R'NK TO-NIGHT GET IN LINE EARLY, so as to get the bencfit of all the bie days I RECUMMEND No. 8 OUTFIT as the best size. Consiste of (as per cut): 16 ft. Kite, 1,00 feet Linen Line ard one Big Banner, 9x18 ft , with your “AD.” on. Price, $15.00. Terms, one-third with order, balance U. 0. D. Send for photo and information. (No agents wanted,) SILAS J. CONYNE, 401 McLean Ave., CHICAGO, ILL. CINCINSATI FILM EXCHANGE New FILMS FOK RENT. Office, 214 W. 5th Street, Cincinnati, O. FUR 8aLE—Hambaugh perfume machine, doubie post card, love letter, fortune teller, Rosenfield Canuy 630 Ov, fim, Brits & Nelson tight, 83000. Will exchange all for 2iron mutocopes. Harry Turner, Montgomery, Ala. ARMORY HALL, VACAVILLE, CALIFORMIA. Drawing population. 7,000. Beating — ay 700. Beok ing for season 1906-7. Correspondence solicited from reputable attractions. H. L. CONDON, Manager. Send full WANTED —To buy itusions; a hago a , Gen. Delivery. description in letter. F. M. FaRKEL Cortland, N. Y., until 28th : : : FOR SALE::: 1409 ft. Side Wall, 8 and 10 ft. high. Also special r from | to 2 sheets. Glock and five eoten teneneeen work, lc a sheet if sola quick. rienty of ii. Also scenery trunk. Vali or address GUYERT & MENZIE, Greensburg, Ind. the carnival daily. Among the scores of amusement divices, aside from the Hippodrome, were: The Mysterious Orient, Phillipino Midgets, Vaudeville Stars, She, Old Plantation, Jumbo. Ferari’s Great Animal Show, Museum in Wax. The Deep Sea Diver, The Spider Web, Mamie The Ossified Man, The Varisian Vaudeville Show, Mrs. Carpenter, the crack rifle shot; San Francisco Disaster and J. L. Avant’s Indian Vilsage. Confetti throwing afforded more real amusement on the *‘Wonderway"’ than any thing else. The sale of which was controlled by Mr. C. S. Claypoole, and reached over $3,000. Considerable praise is due Manager E. E. Cheney for the excellent manner in which the carnival was managed, and nothing but expressjons of fair dealings were heard from the concession people. FORECAST OF FLORIDA FAIR. The Florida State Fair is now wu us and on Wednesday, Nov. 14, the big gue will be thrown open, when an enormous crowd of people are expected to be on hand. ‘The fair has been well advertised all over the south, including such states as Georgia, Tennessee, Ala bama, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, ee Virginia, West Virginia and Kenucky, The big exposition building is just loaded down with exhibits of almost every source and hature, and the live stock exhibit will be one of the features of the fair, being second to none in its completeness and make-up. The horse show will also be another feature. There will be horse racing every day during the fair — some of the fastest and most spirited animals in the country will be on hand to take part In the meet. Good purses are offered; this mentee a ota thousands to the fair grounds. t is expected that from the ni day, Nov. 14, till the closing day, Nov. 20, that at least 150,000 people will be in attendance. That the fair will be a success is almost an assured fact, for with such men as Thos. J. L. Brown and J. L. Hufforker at the head of the movement, failure is ahnost an impossibility, The big Hippodrome Show, from White City. Chicago, will also be one of the fair’s special features, being brought to Tampa at an enormous expense, and it will occupy the big space inside the race track. ‘The hippodrome will give two shows a day, at 11 a. m., and 8 Pp. m. The acts that will appear at the hippodrome are as follows: Belford Family of seven performers; Clayton, Jenkins and Jasper, in a comedy act; Prof. Sunlin in high school horse act; Mrs. Sunlin, with an animal act; Paul Brachard, contortion act; Pauline Viola, with her trained wolf hounds; Martinette and Sylvester, in acrobatic act: The Yerxas, aerial artists; Shaar Troupe, in bicycle act: Powers trained elephants; Howard's trained ponies; The Great Karolys, in jockey and novelty act; O'Donnell and McCree, in hurdle act: Florian Sisters, in equestrian act: RF. Schwepp, equestrian; Wilkes Lloyd, equestrian: Mr. and Mrs. Stickney, equestrian; Harold Bushea’s leap of death act: Grenada and Floradora, in wire walking act; Donnelly and his comical donkeys, and a regiment of funny clowns, high jumpers and leapers. Mr. Barnes will be the hip podrome manager, and E. Schwepp, be equestrian director. The ‘Range’ will be bigger, better and grander than ever this year, and all the at (Continued on page 38.)