The Billboard 1908-07-18: Vol 20 Iss 29 (1908-07-18)

JULY 18, 1908. The Billboard 13 CHAT WITH MRS. GERMON. Mis Jane Germon, of this city, the vet in comedienne whose acting was the de eht of the older generation of playgoers, and sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Sanders, of Sap Fran also well known in the theatrical profes sre first cousins of the late Joseph Jef t op and are the only remaining members of ' third generation of the American branch of Jefferson family Like the genial, well-beloved Rip, they are sodehildren of the elder Joseph Jefferson, the ented actor of three-quarters of a century Z ‘Tne two sisters have bot seen each other for half a century, and during the greater part f the last 10 or 15 years one of their prin pal means of communication has been through ‘ =tr den Mrs. Sanders’ greatest triumphs were behind the footlights of theatres on the Pacifie Coast, while Mrs. Germon's were in Eastern cities especially Since they retired from the stage > or 20 years ago, Mrs Sanders has made ber bome in San Francisco and Mrs. Germon in Baltimore, with her son, Dr. Frank W Germon, at S22 North Green street Mr. Jefferson kept in touch with beth of the sisters, and when he had any news from the me would send it on to the other A year ago Mrs. Sanders were extremely ill and for a long time her life was despaired of Mr. Jef ferson was kept informed of her condition, and the last letter that Mrs. Germon received from him—and one that she naturally values most highly—is one that he wrote from Palm Beach at that time and in which he give his latest pews of Mrs. Sanders The letter is written n a big dashing hand and is signed ‘Your loving cousin, J. Jefferson."’ In spite of her advanced years, Mrs. San ders recovered and a few weeks ago. when she celebrat her eighty-s venth birthday, she was showered with gifts and congratulatory lessages Reflects Sunshine From Within. Mrs. Germon is three years younger than her sister, a wee bit of a body now and by no means as robust-looking as she was when the accompanying pieture Was taken, while she was st on the stage Rut she is just as sprightly as ever, with clearness of memory and a keenness of interest In the world of men and yvomer and affairs that might be envied by many f her juniors She is a great bellever nu fresh alr and usually takes a walk every fair lay She seorns the idea of needing somebody to look out for her and nearly always goes for her walk alone She enjoys a stroll in the shopping district, and before the great fire of last vear she used to include the territory that was devastated by the fire in her rambles But she has not been in the burnt district since the fire it is not the same place,"" she says She rarely goes out In the evening, but once in aw e she attends a matinee performance at ‘ f the theatres, where she is always an wnored guest Debut With Edwin Forrest. The years have touched her lightly as they have sped along, and she a& perpetual youthfulness of heart, coupled with ai keen sense of humor, that comes her a delightful companion She has scores upon se , stiniles to her credit that she called : When she was on the beards of the y eharacters in her repertoire she is especial ¥ rethembered for her impersonation of the blun dering Mrs. Malaprop and of Mrs. Toodles She was bern in New Orleans, and begat her stage career when she was a little lassie ‘ mother, Mrs. Euphemia Jeff was then playing in Washing little girl was taken to the great Trest, whe was also in Washington Were big enough to try the part William Tell He thought she and so she began her career, which over 6 years, and during which she Was asseciated with Junius Brutus Booth. James Wallack, Charles Matthews John L I e, John E. Owens, Charles Feehter. Ade laide Neilson, Edwin Booth, Mary Anderson, Maggie Mitchell, Mrs Langtry and others She acted with Feehter in Ruy Blas: created the mle of Mrs. Toodles with John Sleeper Clark: Mrs. Malaprop and the shrewish Gret chen with Joseph Jefferson “Another Joseph Jefferson."’ One day of the wizter when she began her career of playing Albert to Forrest's William Tell between reheareals aml theatre time she Was playing with her dolls in her mother's root, When a letter was brought to her mother Quickly tearing Mrs. Andersen glanced throng t and . there is another Jo seph Jefferson in the family." The little girl looked up and was told that Uncle Joseph, in Philadelphia, had written about his little son, Who was to continue the family name And many a time after that." Mrs Ger men said When she was telling the story, ‘Il dandied that daby cousin on my knee.” Mrs Anderson died when the little Joseph Jefferson was about 2 years old, and her daugh ters made their home from then on until they married with the father and mother of the ‘Hpersonater of Rip and Bob Acres The re ‘tions between the cousins were like those of brother and sisters, and the affectionate regard Was continued through all the years He was always thoughtful of wus."’ Mrs said, “and whenever he came across Me that would interest us he made haste » send it." rsen “ome ten or twelve years ago he found this nd ‘n old) book stall in) Washington’ she hed over a pile of clippings and letters until . he fo a Newspaper vellowed with age war A copy of the National Intelligencer of h or heton, of July 19, 1830, and it contained b ‘ollowing notice of the death of Mrs. An ,, St Annapolis, om Tuesday morning last, in ‘Wenty-elghth year of her age. Mrs. Euphe ‘ie Anderson, daughter of Mr. Joseph Jeffer son, Sr, comedian. Her health had been bad some years past and at the time of her : i in that place, a few weeks since. no . ‘Hering of hope remained that medical skill 1 be able to subdue the disease which had ” long . Kk preyed upon and enfeebled her naturally yo leate constitution Her light and perfect Ji whieh, when health bloomed upen her vk and mirth sparkled in her eyes, won adt tration of the beholder, now Hes molder rot the clod of the valley Let us wtnans ro the spirit Which animated {ft has hin ie wey to the Mansion of that God bel rey is extended to all who devoutly td Sincerely repent. She died with esiktation ‘ Her aged parents, several brothers and sis be amd two young and interesting daughters ‘re left to lament her death."’ Souvenir of ‘‘Rip.”’ Another reminder of Mr. Jefferson that Mrs. Germon prizes highly is a photograph he had taken in London between 20 and 30 years ago. She has one of the souvenir silver spoons, too, that he bad made some years ago and that he sent her at the time The spoon bears on the handle a tiny portrait of the donor as Rip, with his dog Sehneider crouching at his feet, and engraved in the bowl is Rip’s toast: “Here's your good health and your family’s. and may they all live long and prosper."’ PLAYHOUSES. Work is now under way on the construction of the new Opera House at Yazoo City, Miss The building will be erected at a cost of $40,000 and will be completed according to the terms of the contract by September 23 The house is to replace the old Opera House Wuich was totally destroyed by fire four years ago. Erlich and Coleman, of New York City have leased the theatre for a period of three years and will play high-class attractions. Forty-five Minutes from Broadway will be the opening attraction on October S The Pictorial Theatre at Hillsboro, Texas, formerly owned by W. E. Scobey. has been sold to Messrs. Jones and Dewees, of San Antonlo They are installing a perfect sys tem for proper ventilation, new ceiling fans and more wall fans are being added to keep the pretty little theatre one of the coolest in Texas. The name of the house has been changed to the Wonderland. Charles Hamilton Musgrove, press representative for the Avenue and Masonic Thea tre. Louisville, Ky., was in Chicago during the recent Republican Convention in the interests of the Louisville Evening post Mr. Musgrove is a prominent Friar and is well known by all managers am! agents who visit the Kentucky metropolis. Messrs. Booth and Janke have leased the Kline Opera House at Gonzales, Tex., and will open it as a first-class vaudeville house August 8 until the opening of the regular season when they will play one-night stands and stock companies. Fred M. Clancy, of Ft. Smith, Ark.. has been appointed manager of the house. The Grand Theatre at Peru, Ind., was opened July 4 with high-class vaudeville to § R. O. business On the inaugural bill were Thompson and Farrel, Sol. Berns, va San Francisco Letter eH By Our Own Correspondent OLLIE FULLER (Mrs. Fred Hallen shows that when managers deliver the who underwent an operation for | purse strings loosen Henry Miller and com appendicitis has passed the danger | pany follow for a six weeks’ season, opening point and is now rapidly recovering. | July 6 in The Great Divide, for a two weeks’ The Chutes Theatre, Empive and | run. Novelty now devote one night a week to ama Richard J. J teurs, when each house is packed before the | American Theatre this week. He appeared with curtain rises. a company of capable actors in a farce coms the ose was the big drawing ecard at called Instantaneous is surely up house is packed every night, Wilfred and Lottie, equilibrists, one of the | Don’t Tell My Wife May Robson opened July big ecards on the S. & C. Circuit, paid this office ]6 in The Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary ; ture with the Great Henri French and Fred [ger in his original character of Dr. Blotz, and Hallen Shows, which depart for Honolulu July May Boley, William Burress, Arthur Cunning 25, Where they open at the Royal Hawaiian |ham. Vir; Barrett in principal roles made an hen. hit at the Princess Theatre and Two Heads, comedy aecrébats, also called and and the local papers never devoted so mucr have just finished their California time, leav Space to praising the show. The advance sale 4 Visit this week This act is booked as a fea It Happened in Nordland, with Julius Ste z . xinia Foltz, Frank Farrington and Zoe Theatre, under the management of J. ¢ Co Potter-Hartwell Trio, The Man with the] for a run The ing next week for Denver; also Miss Lucile Jis big The performance is all one could desire Tilton from every point of view, and will build up the The difference between a Cless A theatre patronage of the Princess Theatre Mr. Selli building and a shack for amusement purposes | Simonson, the new musical director, will be is defined in a singular order issued to the va| come a favorite. It’s the kind of show *Friseo rious policemen throughout the city last night. | likes. Entertainments by mechanical devices now af Mrs. Fiske is at the Aleazar this week. ap iford immunity from arrest for unsafe struc| pearing in Ibsen's Rosmersbolm. Her opening tures The order reads to arrest all singers, | night was not as brilliant as she had on all performers, announcers and musiciczns in aick-}her previous visits here. Evidently Ibsen's elodeons and penny arcades not of a Class A] plays are not popular with the regular theatre character Film machines, phonographs and | goers Her company includes Arthur Forrest electric pianos may pass undisturbed, and may [George Arliss, Fuller Me lish, Albert sruning be operated under any old kind of shelter from [and Mary Maddern "1 a tent to a shack. Spieling, singing or human An enthusiastic greeting was accorded Her efforts call for safe structures. ehel Mayall and Edna Ellsmere upon their re The Victory Theatre has been leased to the | appearance at the Central Theatre this week Frank Brothers’ Yiddish Opera Co., who opened Jin The Convict and the Girl Miss Elismere the house for a season on July 5, playing only | made her entrance first, and the moment she Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. stepped upon the stage the audience For the second time in three veers, desth in | their seats and cheered and waved unusual and violent form has carried off the | chiefs and gloves, while «a dozen beautiful head keeper at the City Zoo at East Lake Park, | Moral offerings were passed over the footlights to the actress She was so overcome by the rose in handker —rPe>? Pnooonnny Li sd +2 : y uf AJL mig 2 ME MVE. CHASE-LISTER PAVILION THEATRE CO. unexpected heartiness of her greeting that she was hardly able to more than stammer her thanks. Then came Herchel Mayall, and the storm of cheers and applause was renewed, which lasted for seversz] minutes Floral pieces, bouquets and about everything in the Way of flower tributes were showered upon the st > Mr. Mayall made a neat speech. At the popular Orpheum Theatre Marcel’s Living Statues holds first place with the newcomers, and are repeating their success of former visits. Fred Bond and Miss Freemont sen ton cause considerable laughter with their farce. Handkerchief No. 15 The performers are far better than the farce Alf Grant and Ethel Hoag offered a good singing and talking ret Leipzig, a sleight of hand man. mystified the audience completely with a series of card and coin tricks which ranks with the best of its kind that ever appeared here Of the hold overe We must hend it to Prof. Grau’s Baboons. The National Theatre comes to the front with another good bill, all the acts seemingly pleasing the big audiences, judging from the liberal applause Leon and Adeline, excellent jugglers, opened the bill Miss Adeline is a lady juggler of merit, doing an equal amount of work as her male partner, who furnishes the comedy. The Gleasons and Fred Houlihan are well-known dancers and were here recently. Georgia O’Ramey received much applause for her singing specialty. Miss Franklyn Gale and Jovee Sisters and Miss Nellie Beck. Cc. #. Baker bas the management of the house. Levens and Wilbur opened their new Airdome at Fairbury, Neb.. June 2 to big business The house has a seating capacity of S800 and is devoted to high-class vandeville and moving pictures. The Lyric at Alton, Ill, of which J. C. Bramhall is manager. has been closed for the season All the moving picture paraphernalia has been removed to the Airdome. MUSICAL COMEDY. The Lewis and Lake Musical Comedy Company closed their engagement at the Columbia Theatre, Spokane, Wash., June 27. The house will remain dark until August 23 when it will be reopened with Orphenom shows. Billu Sutton, with the C. W. Parker Shows No. 2. has signed with The Millionaire Tramp Company for the season of 1908-09. DRAMATIC. Col. Stanton, of the Jere McAuliffe Company, is summering in St. Johns, N. B. ART AND ADVERTISING. I watched an artist man at work Depicting cans of beans and pork. “Hlow can you give Your art toe such a task?’ asked I. And straightway he did make reply: “I gotta live."’ That ts the way with men who carve, Or write or paint. We cannot starve! Your stove or sieve We'll help you on the market put. We may not love the labor, but We gotta live Louisville Courier-Journal. NO DIFFERENTIATION. First Summer Girl-—Who ts that clean shaven, handsome boy? Second Summer Girl—Oh, he’s an actor. ; First Summer Girl—No; I mean the other one Second Summer Girl—Oh, he hasn't any money elther London Tatler, Company have one of those intense dramatic Los Angeles Herman Gerson, who was clawed | sketches, called The Seamstress. Miss Gale by and bitten by a man-eating tiger on June 18, | her finished artistic acting holds audience died of blood poisoning June 30, resulting from |every minute and stamps her a high-class lethe injuries sustained. Edward Rabe. Gerson’s | citimate actress McNish and Penfold do an predecessor, died two years ago after being bit excellent singing. talking and dancing act. Mc ten by a rattlesnake Nish is an old ‘Frisco favorite Two late mo The local French colony will commemorate | tion pictures were included in the above prothe fall of the Bastile at the Chutes July 14. | gram. These affairs are annual events at the Chutes The Great Hardeen, handcuff king, and brothand always draw large crowds. of of Houdini, is the feature act at the Empire After twenty minutes’ deliberation a jury | Theatre, and is a good drawing card. The act yesterday found Zena Pollard not guilty of havjis a perfect duplicate of Houdini’s in almost ing attempted to murder her husband, Harry }every particular. even to the Stage settings, Pollard, on the evening of April 5 last. Pol|costumes worn by the lady and man assistant, lard, who is a well-known actor, declared all | and also the announcement. Joe Morris, Hebrew along that he shot himself accidentally while | comedian, with the Irish bagpipes, is a very twirling a revolver on his fingers, but the fact | popular number on the program. Mazie Oliver that all five chambers of the weapon were dis-|and Maude Martelle present a little tragedy charged and the peculiar position of his wounds [called A Woman's Sac rifice, which immediately caused his story to be discredited by the police net much favor, and show these two ladies as The Sisters Beardsley, after a most success Strictly legitimate actresses. Others on the ful season of over twenty weeks on the Coast, | bill were Fred Leslie, Esco Ives, Johanna Kris finished their engagement at Spokane and went jtoffy and Post's Gaiety Girls direct to New York City. Manager Sam Harris, of the Wigwam Thea Manager Dailey, of the Novelty Theatre, | tre, continues keeping his cozy theatre packed which is now open as a straight vaudeville |at all performances, and the Missionites show house, has cause to be proud of his first two | their loyalty for his untiring effert to please weeks’ receipts. as the business went far be| them This week his bill was composed of yond his most fondest hope. The house is full | Wilford and Lottie. equilibrists; Macks, LaMarr every night. the performance most acceptable, |and Hart in their New England playlet, Cyn and the Friday night amateurs turn "em away thia’s Visit The Seven Samois Arabain Miss Carrie Goebel Weston, daughter of Mr. | whirlwind acrobats: The Great Henri French, and Mrs. William A. Weston, has been award| impersonator: Rachael Acton and Jack Kloville ed a handsome gold medal with solitsire diaJin The Nightingale; Potter and Hartwell, com mond setting from the Conservatory of Music Jedy acrobats; Camille's at the College of Notre Dame, San Jose, for }and two rolls of moving pictur her wonderful talent as a violinist. She gradu The People’s Theatre with its four vaudeville ates next year, then expects to study two years | turns and moving pictures continues doing a abroad, prior to a concert tour. satisfactory business Clara Throop, Whitman and Davis, Marco The Grand Theatre, formerly Mission Thea Twins, Mart M. Fuller, Robert DuMont Duo, |e. Under new management, is now open as a Mrs. Peter Maher and Alpha Troupe have left |™°tion picture theatre: also giving illustrated for Denver, to open at the Majestic Theatre. songs at 5 and 10 cents admission. It is the in Rinaldo, the wandering violinist, will join | *®®tlon of the management to add several vau The Great Henry French and Fred Hallen | deville turns Shows, which leave here July 25 for Honolulu, after which they proceed to Australia. The Coliseum, Seattle, is closed to allow preparation for the Orpheum acts, which will be seen beginning August 24. The name of the house will be changed to The Orpheum, and the regular Orpheum scale of prices will prevail Greyhounds IN OAKLAND. The Rose of the Ranch by a loca! is filling in a week and faring well The Thief comes over from the Van Ness The atre, "Frisco, and the excellent press notices received here is benefiting the advance sale. ill make a record, and there is no doubt it The Thief continues to pack the Van Ness Ye Liberty Theatre Stock Company played Theatre for a second week, and the receipts | Are You a Mason? doing a nice business. In the rank as a record-breaker for this house. While | cast were Isabel Fletcher, Georgia Cooper, Liltimes may be somewhat hard and money tight. | lian Elliott, Estelle Warfield, lone Bright, Bes~ the sight of the crowds that flock to see The Thief would easily disprove it and it again company, (Continued on page 49.)