The Billboard 1915-01-02: Vol 27 Iss 1 (1915-01-02)

JANUARY 2, 1915. The Billboard 19 Not long ago we threatened to type a few names of wanderers in the West, and a few of the boys will be recognized in the lines to follow. Jeck Holland and Jack Reilly bumped into each other in Round-Up, Mont., nog long since, and exchanged greetings of the day. Holland is rounding up the publicity ahead of Richard & Pringle’s Minstrels, and Keilly was at the time spreading the news about The Virginian. Journeying on his way Reilly ran across Charles Davais, second man for Richard & Pringle, at Great Falls, Mont., and met the show at Big Sandy, and enjoyed dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Filkins, Mr. Filkins is manager of the show, which is on the way to the Coast, Charles Black, with his Dixie Serenaders, was encountered further along, and Cato Mann was discovered doing good work ahead of The Girl and the Tramp. That Printer of Udell’s is claiming its share of attention in that section, with Col. Johnson in advnace. That ‘Printer’ and The Hollowell Concert Company were both booked in Plentywood, Mont., on the same date, and both showed up. The Printer played the date and Hollowell will settle it in the courts. Reilly says: ‘‘Cultertson, Mont., a town of 1,000 souls, had the following attractions in one week: The Hollowell Concert Company, The Virginian, The Shepherd's Call and That Printer of Udell’s. Guess which one captured the business?”’ Harry LaBeck, an old trouper, is managing the house at Wolf Point, Mont., and also the one at Poplar. Harry have proved up on 9 homestead of 320 acres, and is raising horses and cattle. Some versatile chap, that Harry. The Shepherd's Call is a one-night-stand play, and no agent adorns the pay roll of the compary,. Everybody wonders when the show is coming, as there is never any paper up. Amick’s Pennant Winnere are also touring the West, and packed them to the doors recently while making a two weeks’ stand in Williston. Following is a list of attractions in the tall and uncut of Eastern Montana: The Virginian. That Printer of Udell’s, Hollowell Concert Company, Shepberd’s Call, The Swede and the Merry Widow, and Amick’s Pennant Winners. There seems to be plenty of showe in the tanks. Sherman Brown and Chalmer Traver, manager and press agent respectively of the Davidson Theater in Milwaukee, framed up a nice little surprise in the nature of a joke for De Wolf Hopper, during the latter's engagement in the eity, where Schlitz ig the favorite beverage, recently. Mr. Brown and Mr. Traver glided up to the curb in the former's sumptuous electric brougham, and Traver hopped out and disappeared into the Pfister to escort the comedian out to the ‘‘carriage.’"’ Brown walted outside, rehearsing to himself the best bebavior of a chauffeur, and presently the duo emerged from the hotel. ‘‘Where to, sir?’"’ mumbled the “chauffeur,’’ carrying out the words with a sweeping salute. ‘‘Press Club,"’ said Mr. Traver, and away they went. ‘Since when have they been using electric taxicabs in Milwaukee?’ queried Hopper, incidentally commenting upon the dexterous and agile accomplishments of the ‘“‘chauffeur."’ ‘‘Some expert chauffeur, all right, all right," were Hopper’s thoughts, when at the end of ten minutes the man at the wheel turned his head and “the game was off." Only by a miracle was the plate glass window of a nearby cafe saved from the cragh of the electric car, for when Hopper recognized his old friend the vehicle had to do its own steering for a little while. Will N. Corbin {is an advance courier who finishes his season's work about the time that the rest of the lads begin. Why? Because he is ahead of the floating palaces of amusement which ply the rivers in the warm weather. He bas just finished a long and pleasant season with Roy L. Hyatt's New Water Queen, and is now laboring for a large advertising company in Huntington, W. Va. Next season will see Corbin again take to the water ahead of the largest and most favorable known boat show on the river. He will have accompanying bim his Own opposition billposter. Our Weekly Special—An agent has penneq us the following flattering lines: ‘‘Your page is a credit to you, and the boys should feel very gtateful for same." However, the credit must be placed npon the shoulders of the agents who have so kindly favored us with items, without which the column would be nil. From the pen of an advance courier: ‘‘Agents are supposed to be live wires, but I notice that very few, as yet, are using the brains that God gave them for this column, There's nothing like being a live one while you are alive, and if I were you I would put the ones that do not write on the dead list... Maybe that is a good idea, so get busy and let us hear from you, or we shall te under the impression that you are sick, or a dead one, It's better to be in the swim here than floating down stream, Who was the agent ahead of Damaged Goods who alighted in Elmira, N. Y., and instituted 4 vain search for Manager White of the Lyceum Theater, not long ago? ‘Fess up, it was not your fault that Manager White was out of the city at the time. Let us know If you returned later and booked the show. A Rumor—Felix RBlei is going to take Kira over to South America. Kira was discovered by Felix in South Africa, and Kira is SOME magician, A bevy of agents who own their own homes: Walter Messenger, H. A. Morrison, Joseph R. Beymer, George A. Florida, R. Victor Leighton, Dave Altman, George Gaston, Grant Luce, Harry Leavitt, Ed H. Lester, Gus Meyer, Harry Lambert, Charles Collins and Charles Keough. And they nll belong to the Agents and Managers’ Theatrical Association, Looking back over the files of The Billboard We encountered the nathes of a few agents who were agenting the then popular attractions of the day. What has become of G. BE, Robinson, ahead of The Hottest Coon in Dixle, In 1907; Oharles Ellis, with Frank Mahara’s Operatic Minstrels: Sammy Fisher, with The Evil Eye; EB. H. Jones, ahead of The Two Orphans: Sherman Danby. with Wilton Lackave tn The Bondman; Jake Rosenthal, with The Umpire: Claude (Kid) Long, with Al G. Field's Minstrels, and Fred Tolver, with Vogel’s Minstrels? Charles L. Winston, formerly publicity representative for the National Theater in Boston, has the distinction of being the youngest theatrical manager in New England. He is only twenty-one years old, and is resident manager of three theaters in the western part of Massachusetts. They are the Empire and the Richmond in North Adams and the Taylor at Adams. Winston, before becoming associated with the Keith interests, was for several years in the editorial department of a Boston paper. His success at the National Theater bronght him praise galore, as some of the best blicity stunts ever pulled off in Boston were from the brain of this youngster. From the National Winston went to manage the Colonial at Haverhill, and it was while there that he received the offer from B. M. Taylor, owner of the three theaters in Adams and North Adams. His unique and effective publicity methods in the past have aroused much interest, and in the future there will be lots to be heard of from this lad. Right here we will have to slip a word in for Charles E. Singleton, who is better known to many as “* a live agent,’’ a title that fits Charles from his hat band to the sole of his shoe. It has been some time since Charles has graced the office with his stationery, but that old wheeze will now be brought out, “‘it’s better late than never.”’ Charles was much interested in the news which carried the import that Charlie McClintock was going to Texas to advance Raymond Hitchcock. It is not generally known, but it a fact, that though McClintock is younger than Singleton, he is still the latter’s uncle. The two Charlies used to pass programs together when they were kids, at the old White’s Opera House in McKeesport, Pa. And Singleton agrees with most every one else in the opinion that Charles McClintock is some agent. Singleton has now allied himself with W. D. Rohrer, an oldtimer, and together they are framing a musical comedy that is going to knock ‘em off the seats out front. Original script, elaborate costmes, special scenery and special music will all be mingled together in such a way that the result will spell Success. Soon after the first of the year will see the premier of this attraction, and Singleton will personally manage the company. By the way, Charles wants to know what has happened to Charlie Glickauf, who was ahead of e Calling of Dan Matthews, Earl Burgess is still the manager of the Primrose and Wilson Minstrels. Earl says: “We are getting the money in the South.”” It sounds good to hear words like those, and brings to mind the idea of Gus Hill, who says: “If you can't boost, don’t knock,’”’ or words to that effect anyhow. Harry Farley, the old reliable agent, is taking a short rest on his farm. Is that a Michigan farm? That latchstring mentoned not many moons ago in this column bas felt the frinedly touch of many worthy advance couriers, and we have eppreciated their calls. Do not fail to come in if you ave in the city, and if necessary we will be equipped with two latchstrings. If you are not in the city, WRITE. John A. McNamara, formerly advertising representative for the Club Theater, in Kochester, Pa., bas securcd the position of advertising man for the Gayety Theater in Detroit, of which George A. Chenet, formerly of the Club Theatr, is manager. McNamara has already taken up his new duties in the Michigan metropolis. George B. Moxley, in advance of The Little Cafe, was sighted down in old **Kaintuck”’ not long ago, furnishing the city of Louisville with sume new readin, wWatter in the form of advertising for his attraction. The town was billed like a circus. Leave it to Moxley. On the sick list this week we find the name of Ed M. Jackson, press agent with the SellsFloto-Buffalo Bill Circus for the season just closed. Mr, Jackson has been confined in Mercy Hospital, in Denver, for several weeks, but is growing gradually better, and will be out in a short time, it is hoped. Too much hard work, Ed, but bope the mile-high climate will put you back in good shape right away. Will Rex, press agent, film actor, scenario writer and courier, has accepted the position of press agent with Breaking Into Society, Sorg and Ray’s latest sketch. At the same time Rex also handles the publicity for Bert Leonard’s and Art Busch’s songs. Rex, who at one time played with Norman Hackett in A Double Deceiver, knows the game from first to last, and should prove of great help to Sorg and Ray. He is still a young man, despite his varied experiences, and will continue to heard from, if we are not mistaken. The Spencer Crescent, a newsy sheet issued at Salisbury, N. C., now has on the pay roll a theatrical and circus agent of no small note, who answers to the name of N. C. Roberts. Roberts hails from Salem, Mass., and is holding down the advertising manager's position on The Crescent, and also is showing the theaters of the city that a full-page write-up once in a while is a thing te be desired. After entertaining the fear for several weeks that C. J. Meyers had deserted the ranks we have been agreebly surprised to hear that he is safely stowed away in Cleveland after his jaunt ahead of the Arab Show. During the tour Meyers traversed the States of Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia and Alabama, and a look at the dope sheet conveys the impression that, of the four, Georgia was the best. Meyers has been thinking of getting an assistant to help wane the Christmas Number of The Bill rd. Harry Morrison is back in New York, after closing as agent with Barney Gerard’s Follies of the Day company at Detroit, and has b en secured by Selwyn and company to go ahead of Twin Beds, opening Christmas Day in At lantie City. Earl King, formerly connected with SellsFloto-Buffalo Bill Circus, is now acting treas urer of the Miles Theater in Cleveland, O. King was for eight years treasurer of the old Lyceum, and is a valuable man on the money box, especially when it comes to handling crowds. Charles Gardner, also a Cleveland lad, is managing the Miles Theater, and with King and Gardner, C. H. Miles should be perfectly contented. to deliver the best Theatrical Goods, FRITZ S 19 West Lake Street, Largest Stock HOULT = = in the Country for Amateur end WE KNOW HOW Costumes, Tights, Trimmings, etc. Our lately revised catalogue sent free to any addrss. References—Our cust Z & CO. CHICAGO, ILL. Plays. School photo. Club Jugglers Wanted Young men, not over 5 feet 5 inches in height. MORRIS CRONIN, Orpheum Circuit as per route. All particulars with FOR LEASE---Alhambra Hippodrome, Chicago Seats 1,700. Splendid stock opening. Would consider™percentage proposi get them while they last tor tion. Lease expires Jan. 3rd, 1915. Address R. L. JACOBY, 19308. State Street, Chicago. Write or wire. Dp A T E B oO oO K Ss The Billboard’s are the best and you 10 CENTS EACH only 139 copies of our remain on hand. Send stamps. Only 139 Copies Left After providing for our files and setting aside the usual number of copies which experience has taught us will be required to replace copies lost, burned or mislaid during the coming year BIG CHRISTMAS ISSUE If your newsdealer cannot supply you we will mail copies while they last at the price 15 Cents Each And you will have to hurry. THE BILLBOARD PUB. CO., CINCINNATI, 0. A circus agent in the summer, a theatrical agent iu the winter, is Dan Hoffman, who is leading the Little Lost Sister around the couuiry. lloffman closed the white top season with Wheeler Bros.’ Greater Shows, and lst no time in following the shining rails in adVauce of the “opry house’’ shew. he white slave contests that he runs in all the leading dailies along the route are bringing success in goodly quantities. Next season Dan will again ce cuulracuug agent with a winner in the circue eld. Well, Christmas has ‘‘came’’ and ‘“‘went,’* and now it is rumornd that nothing stands in the way of better business for the new year. Still, we feel siighted as we failed to get one of the 50,000 greetings that George Alabama Florida sent out. However, the feeling of gloom has been somewhat subdued by the many cards and good wishes from press and advance agents, and we know that Alabam meant well, anyhow, Percy Heath, manager for Adele Blood in Milady’s Bouduoir, who was badly injured when shoved from a car in the subway in New York some time ago, is, with the assistance of a cane, able to migrate a little. He has been engaged by Charles B. Dillingham to take upon his shoulders the responsibilities of the press work of Watch Your Step. And when Heath ventures into the subway hereafter that ‘“‘watch your step’’ thought will be uppermost. Glad to know that you are recovering, Heath, and will be glad to get a line from you when you ean locate a spare moment. Towneend Walsb, are you still illuminating the advance path for Grace George? Promises are easily broken, it seems. Don't you ’member? Let us hear from you some day. Joe Rosenthal, working in advance of the French Models, was a Billboard caller last werk while in the city making preparations for his attraction to move into the Standard Theater. The French Models are posing at that house this week. Arthur Harris, who was ahead of the Moulin Rouge Girls. is now managing Sam Levi’s Charming Widows. A. & M. T. A. JOTTINGS, It Is certainly pleasing to note that almost all of the members of the A. & M. T. A. are employed, and that the majority of those now at liberty are merely waiting for the openings and reopenings of their respective shows, It is true that a number of the members are out with feature filuws, but as this branch of amusement is as profitable and as lucrative ag the legitimate, none are complaining. The two most youthful members of the association are battling again, and this time the dispute is about their respective ages. The duo consists of Frank Chapman, treastrer (pro tem) of the club, and Sam C. Mott, both old-timers of the most famous and capable school. Frank declares that Sam was with him at the battle of Bunker Hill, while Sam accuses Frank of having hidden under an ammunition wagon at the battle of Waterloo. Now, who is right? War discussions and the song, It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, have been put under the ban at the club rooms. Harry Leavitt and his committee, which was Tecently appointed to search for more commodious quarters in which to house the Association, has not yet rendered a report. A new impetus has been given to the re eruiting for the ranks of the A. & M. T. A., and .new members are coming in daily. Since the last regular meeting, which was held December 14, over twenty new applications have been received and out of which eighteen have been accepted. Among these are several well known road managers and agents, while nine of the new members are house managers, from various parts of the country, who have voluntarily asked for admission to the association. Among the latest of the new applicants are: Maurice Cain, ahead of Hurtig & Seamon’s Social Maids; James F. Donaldson, press agent with 101 Ranch, and this season with the Ringling Bros.’ Shows; Fred T. Wilson, of the Klaw & Erlanger forces; Max F. Farbish, manager Virginia Theater, Atlantic City; Wells Hawks, ang Will Counihan, of Counihan and Shannon, Road members are showing a strong interest in the club, and letters requesting application blanks are coming in daily, as are actual applications, all of which are acted upon as soon as proper investigation is made. The rule which restricts membership to bona fide road and house managers, advance and house press agents is being closely adhered to and the organization has already proven its value and usefulness in various and obvious ways. To bring about a closer and more intimate relationship between the permanent and traveling representatives of the executive branches of the amusement business and to bring about an affiliation of protection and social benefit is the aim of the association. and with the present warm interest and the highly satisfactory indications which are manifest it is well to presume that the new organization will soon be in a position to contemplate the erection of its own club building in New York City. Leo Leavitt, manager of Polly of the Circus, reports a strong improvement in business conditions throughout the Middle West and looks for a successful season. Harry Leavitt is in Richmond, Va., heralding the coming of the Belgian war pictures. George Alabama Florida left New York last week to return to the advance management of The Yellew Ticket, which reopened this week. The initiation fee for club membership will advance to $10 after Feb. 1. Agents and menasere who are not already members should get brey. The next regular meeting will be held Jan. 2. WALTER DUGGAN'S NOTES. We've written this column at other times ip the waiting rooms of the Northwestern, Chicago & Alton and Rock Island roads without being charged for excess. Now we'll test the Interstate Commerce laws in the baggage room of the Burlington Road, in Streator, Ill., for even columns might as well be hurled into the rules and reculations of the Interstate Commerce Commission to prevent this commission from being disappointed in not involyng more expense for theatrical folks. Between keeping our agreement with the baggagemaster to toss wood into the stove, if we were to use his coldstorage plant. and thinking of the most gentle manner in which to attack this borrowed machine, which is claimed to be one of Streator’s most ancient relics, gathered up the day Jim Wingfield made the local discovery, we anticipate somewhat of a busy session for the next half hour, prior to the arrival of the rattler for Joliet. (Continued on page 43.)