The Billboard 1907-08-03: Vol 19 Iss 31 (1907-08-03)

The Billboard AUGUST 3, 1907. Philadelphia Office The Billboard HE week following the great Elks’ Reunion week, contrary to the rule, was quite a lively one in Philadel phia. While most of the Elks returned to their various homes or elsewhere, quite a number were on the streets last week. Many went over to Atlantic City for a few days and then returned to Philadelphia. The Glidden automobile tourists came through Philadelphia and created a sensation. Then there Were one or two conventions which brought a great many people to the city. The Court of Honor remained intact and was lighted up on Tuesday night in honor of the Glidden tcurists. The Court of Honor will not be destroyed until after some conventions in September, which are expected to bring large crowds to the city. It is so beautiful and attractive that it is really a pity to have it torn down, but as it is made up only of temporary structures and takes up space on Broad Street, of course, it will have to go in a few weeks. Business in amusement circles was good both at the down town houses and at the parks. KEITH’S ¢ The bill at Keith’s for last week was a very excellent one, and it was marked by the ap arance, as a feature attraction, of Rose Coghan in a one act play entitled The Higher Law. Miss Coghlan ranks among the dramatic stars of the American stage and in the Higher Law she demonstrated the high order of her ability in the character of Mrs. Margaret Westbrook, the wife of the’secretary of State, who had an affair before her marriage, of which her husband was in ignorance. She was married to an international spy who had a wife living. They separated but the spy pursued her, trying to secure important State papers in ber husband's possession, and threatening to produce letters in his possession written by the wife of the Secretary. She anticipated discovery, however, and wore a ring in which was concealed a small dagger filled with poison. When she was about to commit suicide, she accidentally inserts the dagger into the hand of the spy, who quickly succumbs to the poison. This freed her with her secret unrevealed. Miss Coghlan played the part with much @ramatic foree. She was assisted by Franklin Ritchie and Grace Barton. An excellent little comedietta, entitled A Shine Flirtation, was well received. The characters in this were taken by Beatrice McKenzie, Walter Shannon and Harry Sullivan. They were applauded both for their singing and their acting. Still another dramatic sketch, entitled In Dreamland, was presented by Emmett De Voy & Co. Other artists on the bill included Matthews & Ashley in a comedy sketch entitled, Smash Up In Chinatown, Bessie Wynn, the pretty little comic opera singer, Lawrence Crane, an Irish magician; Thomas and Payne, dancing comedians; International Musical Trio, Rooney Sisters, singers and dancers; Lewis Raffin’s trained monkeys; Camille Trio, comedy bar artists; Peiser and McDonald, comedy acrobats; Mildred Flora, eccentric comedienne; Kennedy and Wilkins, novelty dancers. CHESTNUT STREET OPERA HOUSE. The Chestnut Street Opera House offered an unusually strong bill for last week, again demonstrating the fact that Klaw & Erlanger are amply able to keep up their end of it in the present struggle for supremacy in the vaudeville world. One of the features, and a very excellent one was Bert Earle, a California artist, who appeared as a substitute for another performer. He is known as the ‘‘King of Banjoists,’’ and he certainly has no equal in the world. His principal feat was the rendition of Rossini’s difficult overture, entitled Semiramide. Mr. Earle enjoys the distinction of having played banjo duets with King Edward VII., of England. The Sisters Raffo, two girls of Russian type, appeared in a series of wonderful character dances, wearing a b of chang of costumes including military, Cossack and Circassian. Those well-known and clever entertainers, John and Eva Fay, made their first appearance in Philadelphia, presenting a number of cabinet tricks, and introducing a clairvoyant exhibition entitled Thaumaturgy. Mr. Fay is the son of Anna Eva Fay, consequently Mrs. Fay’s gifts are not hereditary, as she is the daughter-inlaw of Anna Eva Fay. The younger Mrs. Fay is very clever, witty, quick at apprehension and repartee, and made a distinctive hit with the audience at the Chestnut Street Opera House. In answering questions she dispenses with the sheet her mother-in-law wears over her head and body. Sadi Alfarabi makes a great hit in equilibristic work; Sadie Furman was very clever in her own particular line of comedy. Mitchell and Cain presented an operatic burlesque which had many Iudicrous ‘‘Take Offs.’ The London Models, a beautiful series of living pictures played their third and last week. Several new poses were offered, including the Lost Chord, posed by Miss Hind; Life in the Old Dog Yet; Love, The Conqueror; The Eagle Slayer, Mrs. Siddons, Perseus, and Duchess of Devonshire BLANEY’S ARCH STREET THEATRE. Blaney’s Arch Street Theatre during the summer was given some new decorations and was put in thorough ship-shape for the opening, Saturday, July 27 The opening attraction was Chas E Blaney’s new production entitled Lottie, The Poor Saleslady, or Death to Dishonor, with Miss Lydia Powell in the leading role. Souvenirs were given away Monday night. , Manager John Eckhardt has been very busy for the past several weeks getting the house in order, and about the only relaxation he has had has been an occasional trip to Atlantic City. He expects a brilliant season for his house, and intimates that Blaney’s new production will be in the nature of a pleasing surprise to his many friends. BIJOU. The Bijou presented an excellent burlesque program last week. The opening comedy, Our Boarding House, was presented by a company that includes three clever people, Jules Herron, Jack Matthews, and Edna Davenport. Edna Davenport is valued very highly at the Bijou for her indefatigable work, drilling girls in the chorus and putting on various musical numbers. She is a talented performer and at the close of the stock company’s season at the Bijou, will be seen with one of the big burlesque companies. The bill concluded with A Manager’s Troubles. The olio introduced Miss Ruth Wright in songs, Reilly & Morgan in a comedy sketch. Misses Wills and Ransley in songs and dances, and other clever performers. THE TROCADERO. Lottie Blackford and Clara Conley, a clever sister team, are two bright, attractive Philadelphia girls who are making a hit with their songs and dances with Billy Watson’s Cozy Corner Girls, at the Trocadero. They have signed to go with one of the big burlesque companies the coming season. The Cozy Corner Girls are still drawing a good attendance to Manager Wilson’s popular house. LYCEUM. Thirty splendidly costumed girls are introduced in the Adamless Eden Beauties, who present a splendid program of songs and dances and marches and comedy at the Lyceum. There was an athletic carnival on Thursday night. BEECHWOOD PARK. Beechwood Park continues to do its share of the business. Last week was the second week of its advanced vaudeville. A number of excellent people appeared on the bill, including Nellie Seymour, a clever performer; Nestor, the Boy Soprano; Leslie and Leonard, in a blackface act; Edna Brown, a dainty little soubrette, The Third Regiment Band was succeeded by the Franklin Concert Band of this city, under the direction of William Hentschke. Beechwood is becoming recognized as a picnic center, and a great many organizations are going there. Young people are attending in greater numbers than ever before. WHITE CITY. It was certainly demonstrated to the management of the White City by the tremendous crowds that visited that beautiful place that it pays to put in free sensational features. Little Hip, the trick baby elephant, was a tremendous card. Thousands visited the resort of afternoons to see him bathe. A feature last week was Hill, the wonderful cornetist. It was his first appearance in America. He gave exhibitions on the lake every afternoon and evening, and gave some remarkable demonstrations of what can be done with an ordinary canoe. ‘ It is a delightful ride to the White City. After one gets there he finds plenty of attractions to engage his attention, including music, dancing, skating, Yellowstone Park, Love’s Voyage and other novel features. WASHINGTON PARK ON THE DELEWARE. Washington Park continues much in evidence —it was very much in evidence during Elks’ Reunion week. The situation of this park on the banks of the Delaware, is ideal, and the visitor on his first trip to this beautiful resort will be astonished at the wealth of attractions. Among the musical features just now are concerts by Magliana’s Roman Imperial Band, the New York Quintet and Contourier’s cornet solos. WOODSIDE PARK. Woodside Park is doing a phenomenal business, the crowds being large. Every afternoon and evening and on Sundays, tens of thousands of people take the park trolley through beautiful Fairmount Park and land at this sylvan retreat so appropriately called Woodside. The big musical feature at Woodside now is Haley’s Washington Orchestra and Band. This is a combination of both band and orchestra and enjoys the distinction of having filled an engagement of seventeen months on an Atlantic City Pier. In Washington it is the only Civilian Band ever invited to play at the White House, where the Marine Band is supreme. Mr. Haley introduces in his programs a number of his own popular compositions. Mr. Haley was born in 1857 in Washington, D. C., and was apprenticed at an early age to the United States Marine Corps and attached to the band. In 1877 both Sousa and Haley left the band and started on their careers. Mr. Haley has a number of eminent soloists with him, including Jean Moerrmann, saxaphone soloist, and A. Galopin, the cornetist. The various attractions on the grounds are all doing a fine business with the result that the various concessionaires wear happy and expansive smiles. The Metropolitan railway, the scenic railway, the Temple of Mirth were doing a land-office business on Sunday. WILLOW GROVE PARK. Manager George Wynkoop, of Willow Grove Park, certainly made a ten strike when he secured Lincoln J. Beachey, the nervy young aeronaut, of Toledo, 0., to make a series of flights at Willow Grove Park. His engagement opened Sunday following Elks’ Reunion week. and the announcement that he would aprear, attracted tremendous crowds. There was a strong wind blowing Sunday, yet he made a highly successful flight, proving that Philadelphia WILL S. HECK. Chestnut Street. air-ship construction has reached a point where it can be safely demonstrated that air-ships can be navigated regardless of the direction of the air currents. Although the wind was very capricious, young Beachey cleverly manipulated both the rudder and propeller, and finally returned to the point from which he started. It was hard work and he was in danger sev eral times of colliding with some of the buildings, but by rapid manipulation of the rudder and throwing his weight in the stern, he sent the ship high in the air and cleared for another tack. While Willow Grove always has large attendance because of its manifold and high-class attractions, Beachey’s engagement brought a largely increased attendance to this popular resort. He made flights every afternoon when the weather permitted. Victor Herbert’s Orchestra continues to be the great musical feature at Willow Grove. Director Herbert has certainly won a lasting place in the hearts of the music loving public of Philadelphia. Many people go there at every opportunity they can find, just to enjoy the delightful music of this great orchestra. BLANEY’S CAMPAIGN. Chas. E. Blaney’s campaign for the season of 1907-08 will be a strenuous one. He will have about twelve shows on the road besides conducting his chain of houses known as Blaney’s Theatres in Philadelphia, New York City, Brooklyn, Newark, Baltimore, Pittsburg, and New Orleans. Among his productions for the coming season will be two plays in which Cecil Spooner will star in the better class of theatres. A little play written by Blaney, entitled Josie, The Little Mad-Cap, in which Lottie Williams will appear. The Boy Detective, in which Harry Clay Blaney will be seen. Dion O’Dare, a story of the fifteenth century, in which Fiske O’Hara, the Irish tenor, will be the Irish Romeo; Young Buffalo, King of the Wild West, in its third season. A Child of The Regiment, in which Vivian Prescott will play her second season, as a Blaney star; Kidnapped For Revenge, in which Will H. Vedder will appear; His Terrible Secret or The Man Monkey, written by Manager Blaney for William H. Turner, the latest of the Blaney stors. Parted On Her Bridal Tour, and Lottie, The Poor Saleslady or Death to Dishonor, in which Miss Lydia Powell made her debut Saturday at Blaney's Arch Street Theatre in this city. MOVING PICTURE ENTERPRISE. On Thursday of Elks’ Reunien week, I witnessed the great parade of the Elks, and I stepped into the Chestnut Street Opera House Saturday night and saw the parade again. Of course, it was a moving picture of the parade. The film manufacturers certainly manifested a great deal of enterprise in taking these pictures and getting them out so quickly. They were shown at Keith’s Theatre and the Chestnut Street Opera House Saturday night. Forepaugh’s Family Theatre opened up with these pictures the Monday following Elks’ Reunion week. pictures show the parade just as it took place. The court of honor was the place selected for taking these views, and all the views are perfect. They show the drills, floats and all the chief features of this greatest of all Elks’ parades. Many of the five-cent theatres around town are also showing the parade pictures. PENNSYLVANIA THEATRICAL CIRCUIT CO. Governor Stuart has granted a charter for a new theatrical combination under the title of the Pennsylvania Theatrical Circuit Co. organized to conduct a general amusement business in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. The incorporators are Fred G. Nixon Nirdlinger, Samuel P. Nirdlinger, George M. Smith, of Philadelphia, Julius Cahn, of New York, Edward Bloom, of Blue Point, Long Island. Samuel P. Nixon stated in an interview that the combination had nothing to do with the proposed hundred million theatrical trust fathered by Klaw & Erlanger. “We have organized our circuits in four different states in a similar manner,”’ he said. “The other states are Ohio, Maryland and Delaware. In the four states we control nearly a hundred theatres, twenty-five of which are in Pennsylvania. It is our purpose to extend our business as rapidly as possible, and we expect to organize circuits in other states soon. We are after every good theatre that we can get hold of. The Bijou in Pittsburg, which was purchased by us on Tuesday, will be controlled by this circuit. EDWIN FORREST’S OLD HOME. It is not generally known that the large brown-stone building at Broad and Master streets in Philadelphia, now occupied by the School of Design for Women, was formerly the home of Edwin Forrest. This house was built by Frederick Gaul, a well-known brewer, and at the time of its purchase it was still incomplete. Forrest bought it in 1855, when his resolve to retire from the stage had been hurried by his unfortunate divorce suit. Having purchased it he furnished it to his own taste and adding to it two adjoining lots, on one of which he raised vegetables. He was in the habit of working in this garden and it was owing to this habit that the brown-stone wall in the Broad street front of the property was erected. One day he was working in his garden when he was startled by a shrill boyish cry, ‘‘There he is!” The famous actor was dressed in a light linen coat and old hat. Secarcely had the boy spoken when a man shouted, “It is Richelien!’ Hearing these comments, Forrest turned and was astonished by the sight that met his view. He found the iron railing bounding the property on Broad street, literally covered with a crowd of curious men and boys. The actor made a quick entrance to his house, followed by choruses of voices calling the names of stage heroes he ad made familiar. Sbortly after that be built a large stone wall, behind which he could work without being annoyed. He intended to bequeath his library to the Actors’ Home, which he had established by his will, but after his death a fire destroyed many of his possessions. Forrest died in 1872. It has been said that he intended this house as a home for the members of his profession, but after his death his executors had to arrange with his divorced wife and they lost the possession of the Broad street house. About 25 years ago the school of design secured the property, and has used it since as its home. MODEL CAPTURES MILLIONAIRE. One of the notable events in local theatrical circles last week was the marriage of Miss Mabel Irene Humphreys, of London, a charming girl appearing with the London Models, the artistic feature which bas been attracting such interest at the Chestnut Street Opera House. She was married on the 20th of July to Viscount Jacobus Jobannus Nolthenius, a millionaire tobacco planter of Batavia, Netherland Colony of the coast of Java. He came to this country to examine a tobacco plantation belonging to his uncle at Quincy, Florida, and met Miss Humphreys. He could not speak a word of English, and Miss Humphreys quite naturally offered to teach him. This was an opening of which the Viscount immediately took advantage. He progressed rapidly in his studies and one day astonished her by saying, ‘‘I love you."’ A few days later he asked her, “‘Will you become my wife.’’ She refused him, but bis bull-dog tenacity finally won out. Miss Humphreys is a native of Bath, England, and a brunette girl of remarkable beauty. She has been on the stage for five years. he Viscount and his ‘‘model’’ wife will make their home in Florida, it Is said. GENTRY REFUSED A PARDON. Many Elks were disappointed by the announcement during Elks’ week of the refusal of a pardon for James B. Gentry, the actor and a member of the order, serving life imprisonment for the murder of Madge York, an actress, in this city, February 17, 1895. Madge York was a member of The Baggage Check Company that had just finished an engagement in Chester, Pa., and had come here to play a week's engagement at the Empire Theatre. Gentry was a member of the Willie Collier Co., which had completed an engagement in Boston, and was to open at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. On the day of the murder, Gentry wired Miss York to meet him at the Pennsylvania Railroad Station at 1p. m. She kept the engagement but Gentry did not. She came back to Philadelphia, Gentry arriving after her departure, followed her to this city. He found her at the Walnut Street Hotel, in the company of Eliza Ann Clarke, another actress. Gentry was drunk, and he looked like a maniac. He refused to listen to her, and the next minute he shot her down, as he had said he would do a few hours before. She died instantly. In fleeing by the fire escape, Gentry fell and fractured his skull and a rib. He hid himself in the park, where he was found two days later. In the meanwhile he tried to end his life with a pen knife. He was taken to the hospital and his life hung in the balance for several weeks. He was tried the following summer and sentenced to death, but this was afterwards commuted to life imprisonment. Last May a movement by the Elks was started to free Gentry. The burden of the argument for pardon was that Gentry was insazpe when he killed the young woman, who had once been a member of the same theatrical company to which he belonged, and that during his years of imprisonment he had become a changed man, but the Board of Pardons was unable to get away from the cold fact that the killing of the pretty actress was a brutal and apparently premeditated murder. RECEIVER APPOINTED FOR BEECHWOOD PARK. Beechwood Park, near Philadelphia, has gone into the hands of a receiver. On the petition of Mr. Frank H. Libbey, of Philadelphia, one of the bond holders of the Beechwood Park Amusement Co., Judge Isaac Johnson, president of the Delaware County Court, appointed L. N. Downs, of Philadelphia, receiver of this park on July 23d. Mr. Libbey was represented by Morton C. Paul and Fred Taylor Pusey, two Delaware County attorneys. Mr. Libbey, in his application for a receiver, attributed the failure of the park to the continued bad weather this season, and the poor management; he claims that for the last two weeks the park has been run at a loss of $700 a week, and says the indebtedness at the present time amounts to $30,854.63. The park enterprise was capitalized at $300,000, consisting of 3,000 shares, this amount being fully paind into the treasury. In addition, 150 bonds were issued at $150 each, and 108 of these bonds were never sold. In his petition Mr. Libbey says that he thinks several large salaries ought to be eliminated and that at least $400 per week can be saved to the company if the park is properly managed. The park consists of 19 acres of ground, which with the buildings, is covered by a mortgage. Hugh Kyle, of the Beechwood Park Amusement Company, had the following to say in regard to the apvointment of a receiver: “This is entirely a friendly affair, and will not interfere with the park in the slightest degree. It is practically a re-organization, with Major Downs, as director. Mr. Libbey is treasurer of the old company, and will also ald in the reconstruction work that will be commenced immediately. More amusements will be added and the change of officers will simply lead to abo