The Billboard 1908-07-04: Vol 20 Iss 27 (1908-07-04)

The Billboard JULY 4, 1908. Skating Rink Notes The excitement and interest has finally cooled down after the big Sea Beach meet at Coney Island. Frank Bacon the McKeesport (Pa.) skater who gained a world-wide prestige by winning the two international events, returned to his home and was met at the train with bands of music and giver a big reception by his fellow townsmen. This master champion of speed of the little wheels extended his many thanks for the beautiful Biliboard medal besides the money purse that went with it and there is some talk of Bacon and little Jack O’Brien doubling up as a team and touring the country in exhibitions of speed skating races. O’Brien proved that he was the fastest quarter or half-mile champion that ever buckled a skatestrap over his foot. He is alert and during the entire tournament he was always first away from the post and led his competitors up to the mile with a marvelous burst of speed but the little fellow. has not quite developed the atrength that the larger boys have been gifted with and while yet young and a great athlete it would not be surprising to see him show his heels to all the fast men in the country at longer races later on. Bacon is a strong hearty athlete of an unusual burst of speed and his skating is more of the mechanical style. He is a most finished skater and from now on all the skaters will have to be ai their very best to have a chance at any of the distances over a half mile to defeat the McKeesport skater. The Sea Beach meeting, while not being a — success the first week of the tournament, last week, when the finals were skated, the interest was unabated. the big stadium was packed each night. when one of the big finals was carded to be decided. Chas. Williams of Boston who won the 1,000 metre race and the Akoun cup must be considered as the most likely skater who has a chance to-day of taking the laurels away from Bacon. _This young skater from Beantown is more of a Pursuit skater and it is doubtful whether there is a man living to-day that can defeat him at this style of skating, not even Bacon. Bacon competed also in this race but bis skates went wrong after the first three thousand metre post had been reached and he was forced to retire. Mr. A’. Fiath who brought the clever Chicago amateur skater here took the management of the professional events immediately after his arrival and great credit is due Mr. Flath for his able and fair management of the racers. While Flath was severe at times he was fair and gave the contestants to understand they would have to skate fair and honest races right from the beginning. It was too bad that Blackburn and Golde, two clever speed skaters were 80 badly managed. If properly handled from the beginning, I am of the opinion that these clever New Yorkers would of secured some of the money during the tournament. Manager Akoun after the races Saturday evenlag gave a banquet to all the skaters and officials which lasted well into the morning hours. Every known dish and every good brand of wine was served to the guests in quantity by the hostesses, Mr. Akoun’s sister and mother. Those who enjoyed the feast were: President David H. Slayback of the International Skating Union; Vice-President Louis Rubenstein of the International Skating Union and Secretary of the Canadian Skating Union and the only American who has invaded Europe and brought the world’s championship figure skating medal and who came from Montreal to attend and act as chairman of the formal convention of skaters. Honorary President Allan I. Blanchard of the Western Skating Union of Chicago: Mr. Fred Tucker, secretary of the International Skating Union, Brooklyn; Mr. Al. Flath, of Chicago; President Blanchard, of the Western Skating Union called a meeting of all the officials of the Eastern, Western, Canadian International and the Professional Exhibition Roller Skaters Union of America. Louis Rubenstein was seleeted as chairman of the gathering. RUBENSTEIN WANTS TO FORM EUROPEAN ALLIANCE. Mr. Rubenstein immediately made known what he was there for and his speech on the International Skating Union of America being allied with international skating union of all Europe was greeted with applause. Mr. Rubenstein says: ‘‘Gentlemen, I have the pleasure of addressing the chief officials of all the skating clubs of America to-day and it is with pleasure I have the honor to address you relative to one much-needed arrangement that should have been Made some years ago. Both ice and roller Skating. Gentleman, we must be in harmony with other skating unions of the world. We must be recognized by the International Union of Europe which has a membership of thousands. We must arrange a program for figure skating which will give their skaters a chance to compete here in our country, also vice-versa. We must co-operate in such a way that we can send skaters to Europe each year and have them send their best men here. This is where interest in both ice and roller skating will be elevated to one of the highest points of Amerfean sports, a position where it should be today.’’ Geo. D. Phillips, who has won championship after championship on ice and rollers, and who has for many years been the great supporter of figure skating and its foremost promoter, a with Mr. Louis Rubenstein and offered his services to form a committee for the Eastern Skating Union, which is under the jurisdiction of the International for the promotion of figure skating both on ice and roller. Mr. W. F. Duffy, who is also a figure championship winner, and’ who is possibly one of the best posted on the fundamental principles of figure skating in America. seconded Mr. Phillips’ statements and offered his services to put his shoulder to the gun and assist In any way possible for the promotion of the most skilled athletic performance—figure skating. President Slayback, after hearing the many suggestions and speeches by the other officials, remarked: ‘‘Gentlemen, I believe we are again in harmony fer the good of skating. After you gentlemen have decided upon a course to pursue, if you will advise me I will be pleased to cooperate with you every way possible for the promotion of skating in all its branches.’’ Chairman Rubenstein was requested to get an opinion on the matter of a new figure skating program from the International Union of Europe immediately and upon news from the president and secretary of this union he was to report to President Slayback who would appoint a committee to go half way with the foreigners in adopting a world’s championship program. Among those who were present were Louis Rubenstein, Geo. D. Phillips, W. Duffy, David H. Slayback, Allan I. Blanchard, Al. Flath, Wm. Robinson and Earle Reynolds. Great credit is due Mr. Allan I. Blanchard, honorary president of the Western Skating Union, for the above meeting of all the officials of the five great skating unions of the American continent. This is twice during the present season that this able promoter of skating has journeyed to New York from Chicago to attend meetings which have been called and it must be said that skaters and skating rink managers of America owe a great deal for the progressive tactics of the Chicago man who has taken such interest in the sport for no other purpose only for the good of the sport. In other words it may be said that skating is a hobby with our genial honorary president of the Western Skating Union. Irving Brokaw, who won the figure skating championship of America two years ago, has gone to London and is practising in the artificial rink there for the Olympian games figure skating championship which will be held in October. Our American skater will meet the Europeans at their own game and I really think that Mr. Brokaw will bring the Olympian game championship back to the American sed with many points to spare. While I do not consider Brokaw any better skater than Dr. Keane or W. F. Duffy, great credit must be given Brokaw for utilizing his time and going after the honor in the right way. If they can defeat him it is quite evident that they can defeat any of the other skaters of the first rank we have here in America. * Mr. Geo. PD. Phillips and Mr. W. F. Duffy will form part of the Eastern skating figure skating committee. There will be eight or ten on the committee. Boston, Pittsburg and possibly Washington will be represented upon the committee. Mr. Bratton, of Pittsburg, at the meeting Sunday, was suggested as a likely committee man who would represent the Pittsburg district. * Prof. A. P. Demers pleased the big audiences at the Riverview Rink, Indianapolis, last week and goes to Atlanta, Ga., for a third return engagement. The public and managers must appreciate an act when they book an act for the third return. Hats off to you Professor: you have got one of the best, and you are always in demand. + Edward Bassett, who played Detroit last week with his ice skating act, was missed at the convention of ice skaters and roller skaters last Sunday and quite often during the afternoon some one would say: ‘‘Wished we could shake hands with Eddie.’’ Mr. Bassett won the figure skating championships on ice last year and was a great favorite with all. He’s showing the public on ice that real skating can be done on small space. He is the absolute hit of every bill upon which he plays and the press speak in the highest terms of his clever skating. + Manager Akoun, of the Sea Beach Rink, received a telegram from a party who is touring the small rinks in Kansas and who has secured these dates through his connection with a small Western amusement paper and not upon the value of the act he represents, to send the racers West to Kansas City and othere points. Had this telegram came from one whom we knew was responsible the telegram would have been given consideration. But it was not possible for the racers to go on a wild goose chase so far away from New York without some guarantee. So none of them availed themselves of the opportunity of taking such chances. If the rink manager had written or wired or written himself to President Slayback or Blanchard or Mr. Akoun for a sanction and a guarantee the matter would have been given immediate attention and possibly some arrangements could have been made. Again I wish to state that during the carnival held some weeks ago that Charles Franks and little daughter, received ten times more applause the nights they appeared at this carnival than Tyler and Berton, Lasalle and all the rest of the skaters who appeared put together, according to a committee who went and reported this carnival. While Franks and little daughter only gave a couple of exhibitions of their skill, it was such an overwhelming popular victory for them it made no difference whether the judges gave them last place or not it was the universal opinion of all good judges and the public who attended that Franks and Baby Lillian simply outclassed the other contestants so far that it would have been folly to try to make a comparison. Baby Lillian’s skill and grace so far over shadowed even the men skaters who appeared, her toe spins and one foot spins and her hundreds of other graceful features were applauded to the echo. Even Major could not be restrained from barking his appreciation of the child wonder. Yes, no doubt his master tried to muzzle him but he got a few applauses in with a bark or two at that. John F. Davidson has refused a number of offers for park engagements during this month and next, but Johnny says I have made enoagh money this winter to take a little rest, and so away went Johnny up to the mountains trout fishing and camping for a few weeks. Harry Simmons came back into the folds and he had no more than landed back when there were a dozen rink managers after him. Prof. Simmons had about made up his mind te join Davidson, when two exceptionally fine return engagements were offered him and he felt it was his duty to accept them. This clever artist has added a comedy number to his already high-classed act and the number is so different and of such a novelty that it Is a scream and a big hit no matter where he presents it. We are glad to note that the instructors association is going to classify their acts. We wonder where the promoter will put himself when the time comes for classification. This will be looked forward to with interest. Oh my what an awful bump! Just think, some weeks ago there were 344 rink managers at a convention in Chicago and the membership has decreased last week down to 96. The market must be on the decline. Oh, of course, there will be excuses this weather is so dreadfully hot and one cannot expect a good, active market especially during grass-hopper time in Kansas. Did I say ‘hop?’ Wonder if it ain't true. + Frank Bacon, after having the beautiful Billboard medal pinned on his vest, was_ the proudest ‘Kid’? in Coney Island. Charley Williams and Jack Woodward said: ‘‘Bacon had his picture taken at every photograph gallery on the Island.’’ Good luck to you old boy; you deserve all the credit and honor that goes with it for it was a gruelling test of real speed and stamina which won you the undisputed speed skating chimpionship of the world. Mr. Wm. Robinson, the champion amateur of Chicago, succeeded in winning the big amateur event at the tournament from the scratch mark. Mr. Robinson, in all his races, was very much handicapped, some of the marks being as high as 150 yards considering that the turns were sharp and the stretches long this was virtually presenting the handicaps to tse long mark men those who could skate at all succeeded in qualifying for the finals. The Riverview Ripk management of Chicago, who sent this cer amateur here to compete, deserve great credit for the interest they take in the sport and it can be safely said that Mr. Robinson made nothing but friends during his stay here in the East and many of them by his clean and fair tactics in racing. The East will always extend their hand to such a clever skater and such a clever manager and romoter of race meets as Wm. Robinson and feree Al. Flath. By EARLE REYNOLDS. RINK NOTES. High officials of the International, Western, Eastern, Canadian and the Professional Exhibition Roller Skaters’ Union of America met in formal convention at Murray Hill Hotel, New York, last week. benstein. Allan I. Blanchard, David H. Slayback, Geo. D. Phillips, W. F. Duffy, Earle Reynolds made short but business and interesting speeches for the promotion of ice and roller skating. The Martinsburg Skating Rink, Martinsburg, W. Va., was closed June 20, after a most successful season. It is now being remodeled into a summer theatre where vaudeville will be given three nights each week. DRAMATIC. Maude Leone, leading woman of the Mack Leone Stock Co., which had made such a hit at the Lyceum Theatre, Duluth, Minn., the past season, will not appear with her company this summer, but will take a much-needed vacation. She will take a boat trip to Buffalo. geing from there to New York, where she will spend several weeks, returning to Duluth in time to open with her coming in time for the regular season. Isabel C. Jackson and her company closed a successful four weeks’ engagement at May’s Opera House, Piqua, O., June 20. They will open for four weeks at the Grand Opera House, Marion. 0., June 22, followed with a number of park engagements. This company is beyond a doubt one of the strongest stock organizations ever seen in Piqua and Miss Jackson made many friends during her stay there. Percy H. Levin has the management of the company this season. Jack Hoskin’s A Texas Ranger Company is now in its forty-fourth week and enjoying excellent patronage. One of the big features of the show is the cowboy band. Mr. Hoskins will organize two companies to produce this piece next season. Joe Angell will manage the Eastern company with the other in charge of Mr. Hoskins. Miss Julia Dean has resumed her position as leading lady of the Hunter-Bradford Players at Hartford, Conn., she having fully recovered from the injury she sustained two weeks ago. PLAYHOUSES. Wm. Dougherty, of the Lyric Theatre, Harrisburg, Pa., is receiving much praise for the excellent manner in which his playhouse is conducted. The ten-cent admission scheme, which was recently inaugurated, has proven a winner and the attendance at every performance is very large. Besides a manager of executive ability, Doingherty is a performer of rare merit. He has had varied experience in the amusement field, and like many other suc cessful showmen, has graduated from the tent shows. Manager Beehler, manager of the Orpheum Theatre, Sioux City, Iowa, is making a tour of inspection of the theatres on the Orpheum Circuit and also the houses controlled by the Western Vaudeville Association, in the interests of the home office. The Novelty Theatre, Spokane, Wash., will be opened July 15, under the management of the Causey Spencer Company. John F. Causey, formerly of Butte, Mont., will have the direct management. Moving pictures will be exhibited exclusively. M. Meyerfeld and L. Abrams, of the Orpheum Circuit, and John W. Considine, of the Sullivan and Considine Circuit, were in Spokane, Wash., June 18. They are now on a trip through the Northwest looking over the houses in which Orpheum Shows will open next August. The Racine Theatre, Raicine, Wis.., was closed for the season June 21. The reopening is announced for August 2, with Paid in Full as the inaugural attraction. Hinton, W. Va., is to have a new theatre. It will cost $75,000 and will be opened early in September under the management of W. D. Fredeking. Sell CAMPAIGN FOBS The crowds cry for ’em at 10 cents. Think of it—A 25c fob for 10 cents. Some of the boys insist on getting 25 cents for them, they are such goo lookers and ‘bang up”’ sellers. They se:m to have no trouble in doing 80 either, judging from their sales. This Fob is a beauty — Oxidized Silver Finish, with genuine leather — and nickel-plated buckle. Taft and Bryan Fobs now ready for immediate shipment. We can enter orders however for the Demo«ratic nominee, no matter who he will be, to be shipped promptly after the convention. Prices—Per doz. 75c. ; per grosr, $9.00. Postage 13 cents per doz. extra. Special prices on larger qua: tities. Terms— strictly cash with order or C. O. D. when cash accompanies order, Sample mailed for 12c. Descriptive f. lder on requi st. JAS. H. MATTHEWS & CO., Ine., 306 Wood St.. Dept. M. PITTSBURG, PA. ARCADE and PARK OWNERS We have the largest stock of used Arcade Out. fits and all kinds of Slot Machines, Oall or write. OOIN AUTOMATIO CO., 451 Kane &t., Hammond, Ind. MILLS NOWELTY COMPANY, Only Manufacturers of the Original and Genuine Mills Coin-operated MACHINES. Mills Bidg., Jackson Bivd. & Green Sts., Chicage BARGAINS in Machines, films and slides; also supplies of all kinds. Films and machines bought, sold and exchanged. New and oods. Send for list. IDEAL FILM EXGE, 112 E. Randolph St., Chicago, Il, ORSALE 1 Regal, 44-note Electric Piano, slightly used, $150; 1 Pianova Electric Piano, 44-note, slightly used, $100; 5 Majestic, 65-note Electric Pianos, slightly used, $150 each. Music roll for above, $1.00 per roll; 2 Regina Music Boxes 51, each; Paddle Wheels, 48 numbers, Moving Picture Machines, $25 each. J. E. NELSON & CO., 48 River St., Chicago, Ill. At Liberty A-1 M. P. Operator and Electrician Best of references. Address J. J. Snick, Coney Island Park, Coraopolis, Pa. R. F. D. No. 1. WANTED—0On account of disappointment, Sketch Team. Do single and double (Dancers). Other Med. People write. Join on wire. If you can’t come, don’t write. ERMAN MEDCINE CO., Pence, Ind. WANTED—Medicine or Vaudeville Team that can make a change 2 or 3 times a week. Prefer lady that can play an Organ or Piano. State salary wanted. Address J. H. CKRELL, 1421 Salem St., LaFayette, Ind. FREE OPEN-AIR ATTRACTIONS wanted for Clarksville’s Annual Autumn Fiesta, Ang 27 and 28, 1908. Tell all in first letter. @ A. NEAL, Secretary, Clarksville, Iowa. WANTED—Performers doing two or more single acts. Salary must be low. RBIPPEL’S WAGON SHOW, Kouts, Ind., July 3; Hebron, Ind., July 6; Crown Point, July 7; Lowell, Ind., July 9; Shelby, Ind., July 10 THEATRE OUTFIT FOR SALE Including 1 Baker-Lockwood Tent, 60x100 ft.; Stage, 16x30; stage outfit complete, border and fooflights, 10 lengths of Blues, 60 Chairs, Box-office, Property Box, Tenant Poles. Everything ready to set up at a moment's no tice. For sale very cheap, if taken at once. CAPT. GEORGE T. WAT 8, Marianna, Ark.