The Billboard 1915-08-14: Vol 27 Iss 33 (1915-08-14)

é | i ' j { Bi I t i bi aa ene ea Nena ne a Tw ke Sh ELAR al F5 eau RET a asa Tic eaaraie iieatiae 30 oe RN The Billboard AUGUST 14, 1915. PARK NEWS PARK FIRE CAUSES BIG LOSS Rock Island, Ill., Aug. 6.—The Black Hawk Inn, at the Watch Tower Park, a historical pleasure resort about three miles from this city, has been destroyed by fire. Valuable Indian relics and some costly paintings were Wiped totally out of existence The loss is claimed to exceed the $20,000 mark, THEY WERE ACQUITTED Birmingham, Ala., Aug. 6—Joe Martino, Albert Buckmiller, Mrs. Ida Cochrane, Jack Quewin and Mrs. Julia Sklower were found not guilty of operating a game of chance last week. They were arrested several days ago on the charge of operating an illegal device at East Lake Park. Mrs. Arnold, operator of the fish pond, was also cited before the court on the same charge, but no report has been issued regarding the outcome, TWIN PIERS TALK Flashed From California Shores By C. KING WEISBART Venice, Cal., Aug. 6.—D. L. Sternberger, with his race horse candy frame-up, is still getting top money. Three new concessions opened up cn the Ocean Park Pier last week—doll, keg and auto race candy game. Frank Kaufman's Animal Show, on the front at O. P., t not doing as well as it ought to; in fact, all the shows and attractions, except hustling Jim Sam's Puzzletown, and, of course, the picture shows, are not getting much kale In Venice the automatic ball games are getting top money. All the riding devices and shows are not doing as well as last year. Doc Ford, with his 6-in-1, left for Mexico last week. More concessions keep coming as the season advances. Felix's curio store, with its antiques gathered from all parts of the universe, looks like an Oriental bazaar. His chuck-luck concession, with its wealth of antiques, curios, tiger and polar bear rugs, and others too numerous to mention, makes the finest flash of the twin piers. During the week business all along the line is not very brisk, but Saturdays and Sundays are clean-up days. The Arabian Village has been reduced in numbers, also the pay roll, and now has hopes of getting by on the right side of the book. As the season advances the talent expect bigger business, although the Saturday and Sunday play has been all that could be desired. Jim Sams, with his Rosemary Picture House, has been playing to capacity every night. His Puzzletown is getting top money among the attractions. Hush! (Whisper.) This is a secret and all the boys are guessing about the mystery. Jim Sams is putting on a new concession. It has been a week in the framing, and I have promised not to tell any one what it is going to be, so you will excuse me, I know, until it is sprung. Felix's chuck layout is getting top money among those of its ilk, and Felix has a nice frame-up, too. What he hasn't utilized in the way of a flash in curios and antiques hasn’t been found yet. Sternberger’s race horse candy game is getting good money—really holding the lead among the concessions. Jake DeManville and Jim Mathews’ chuck-aluck layout is getting top money on the front. The big Ford Carnival starts here on August 7. and new concessions are springing up all along the line. CLEVELAND LUNA PARK CHIPS Cleveland, 0., Aug. 7.—The weather man is still against us. Rain has put the ‘jinx’? on all the picnics for the past two weeks. Happy Hi Hubbard was a recent visitor, paying his respects to many of the old-timers. FE. H. Doremus, better known as Army, has enjoyed good business all season, Army has the exclusive for weighing machines on the following fairs: Randall, Columbus, Indianapolis, Springfield, Louisville, Memphis, Dallas, Waco and Heuston. Army would like to hear from some of the boys who used to be with him, and all otber weight guessers. Lew Wagner, assistant aeronaut to the Bankstons, fought a very sensational battle in the air with a black bird the other afternoon. Some one whose brains were the size of a mustard seed had tied the feet of the bird together and rendered it helpless. Lew climbed the tree and, though we always credited Lew with nerve, he was very much afraid that Mr Blackbird would bite him. The Bankstons presented Lew with a beantiful pair of silk tights for this act of bravery. Al Stressinger—Did some one try and kid you on the 2d? Joe Long, on the rifle range, received a nice write-un in The Cleveland News for his clever work with the rifle. We just received word from W. Ormsby, who managed the ball game here and afterwards was sent to Detroit, that his mother in Indemendence, Mo., wos very ill. All of Will's friends can reach him at his mother’s address. Paddy Boyle, for years an employee of Luna, lost his best friend in the death of his mother. The empleyees of this park offer Paddy their most heartfelt sympathy in his hour of sorrow. Moxie had a couple of ribs broken, a sprained knee, a broken arm and other minor injuries, the other night as he was trying to crawl through a barbed wire fence. Ask O'Mall ey how the chickens acted when he broke into the coop with a bluecoat a close second. Mrs. Long treated the boys of the Scenic with SOME sandwiches the other night—regular home ond mother kind. Clande Wade—Why do you invariably turn your head as you start out with a train? Just plain May Noland, nothing else. ‘Nuff Ed Walford and Dick will make at least one fair this year. Silver Lake is the spot decided upon, Charles Miller would like to hear from Harry Morrison, formerly of Al Woods’ enterprises. Jack Kaster says: ‘“‘Me for Luna; I like the picnics—anyway the one we had on the 24d." Goldie was seen coming out of the stage entrance of the Colonial Theater the other morning. When do you make your ‘debut?’ Tom Bertram, Luna's Chief of Police, will be seen this winter in a new act, entitled Handing Out the Sandwiches. Gugliotta’s Orchestra is playing a return date at the Concert Garden. Will Lang, who is playing the theater this week, is making a hit with his popular numbers. Mr. Lang has a number of friends in the park. Joe Ito is thinking of making a few of the big fairs, and finishing the season with a pleasure trip to the big fair at Frisco. Don't forget to drop us a card. Chubby Bankston will fly for the J. J. Jones Show at Barnesboro, Pa. DUTTONS PLAY RETURN DATE The Duttons, society equestrians, played a return engagement at Ramona Park, Grand Kapids, Mich., last week, and scored as usual. The act is booked solid until November. MOXAHALA PARK MUSINGS By A. J. DILLEHAY Crooksville, O., Aug. 7.—Clink, clink, clink. No, not jitneys dropping into the cash boxes, but rain, rain, rain. The season opened at beautiful Moxahala Park on the 13th of May, and anyone who does not believe that 13 is a hoodoo, come over and talk to the boys and be convinced. Among the many new and wonderful attractions, as the advance sheets have it, out new four-abreast Hershell-Spillman carousel, owned by the Gooding Amusement Company, comes first. When that big $2,000 Berni strikes up Tipperary, and the 500 tungstens throw out their brilliant glare, the crowds simply can’t get by. Jimmy Kastetter keeps things going smoothly. Farl Ray, ably assisted by his efficient better half, is another newcomer, and has the neatest line-up of concessions ever seen here. They say that when Shorty gets out in front of that country store or gum joint and starts his line of talk, a nickel won't be still. He is assisted by his wife, ‘“‘Hughie,”’ and a couple of fine little girls. Harry, the Jap, from Coney Isle, is here with a swell front, and is taking his share of the coin. ¥ It takes some orchestra to draw the crowds through the rain and mud that we are contending against, but that is just what the unbeatable Hardin Orchestra has been doing all season. Leo Hardin is the leader and pianist. Frank Dillehay keeps the floor at just the proper “‘slickum,’’ and also sees that while on with the dance joy does not become unrefined. The “‘Bon Ton,’’ in charge of a real business lady, M. Brookover, is bright, cheery and clean, and. in consequence, people are eating their meals at the park this year who formerly carried their lunches. Part of the success is, no doubt, due to Mrs. McCarty, who bats about .785 in the Cookery League. A. J. Dillehay carries the tray. The thirst-chasing emporium is in charge of J. W. Fogle, who is ably assisted by Babe Flegal. Minnie, daughter of the Gypsy queen, is reading palms in a very successful manner. The Gonder shooting gallery, with its splendid array of moving and stationary targets, is being run by the ‘‘one and only Blonda.’’ Mrs. McCaslen passes out the pennies at the Arcade. The roller coaster, completely renovated, is better than ever (quoted from a Zanesville paper), and that is saying something. J. N. Crawford, speed artist, is in charce, and has proven the truth of his motto: ‘‘Better service, better balance.”’ Red Gregg is at the box ball, and puts in his word. No complaints. The Fulmer pool room, under the management of Elmer Young, is doing a fair business. Mr. Sheppard, at the boats, has been having his troubles on account of the heavy rains, but hopes that things may take a turn. L. D. Bell as manager, and Sylvia Liewllyn as cashier, are handling the business end im a verv creditable way. The lighting of the park is in charge of our old friend, Brook And still on the job, after ten years of service as park jellcuen, is Chief Knivht, diplomat, the man who has given Moxahala the rerntation of one of the cleanest and safest parks in Ohio. Mrs. Hardin, selling tickets at the dance, is the cashier that put the ‘‘fish’’ in efficiency. And who is responsible for the neat appearance of the grounds? Why, Bobby Guinsler. We close with greetings and best wishes to “Mister’’ Jim, Eddie and Whitie, our old friends of the road. CHESTER (CINCY) TATTLES By JED The quintessence of activity was to he found at the merry meadows of Chester on our recent visit. A loeal daily had given an outing to the young hopefuls of the Queen City, and, in spite of rain and clouds, they came, they saw and they conquered. The Captain and his force were kept busy, and we'll say that J. M. Martin enjoyed the prevailing atmosphere intensely. Tommy Donegan says farewell, Eddie Bowman. _ Chester's old friends, Midgie Miller and the sthoun Brothers, are due for a return date at the park: The veteran noisemaker of the Blue Streak. Dave Schwartz. will go out with a novelty stand this fall. working the fairs. Everything is quiet along the Potomac, says Iola Thomson—everybody’s behaving themselves, Slim is always eating. Even if Slim isn’t there Nettie gets her reading matter—and Grace gets her share. Question—Where does Bob get the green um brella that he carries occasionally? Molly Quinn is back off the Smith Greater Shows—she couldn’t stay away from the park. Lillie wants Midge (at the gate), but don’t know what she wants him for. Anna Berry likes her stocking joint so well that she is having a wardrobe made so that she can get upon the stand and ring the hoops, too. Anna says she wili go out to work at the fairs, and since Slim has cultivated a wild man act Anna cant think ot a better joint. It will be called Berry's One in-One Big Show. White, one of the favorite waiters, should have a pretty strong B. R.—since he made the move, Alice Freedman broke her arm recently. Don't kuow how she did it, but it must have been reaching for the change—or a man. Marcus is the best little grub moocher in the park, but later he was seen passing out the ecoffing, a la truck load, so we'll admit he is a plilanthropist at that. Cupid has put in some mighty hard licks at Chester this year. The mischievous little ras‘al has been lavishirg darts around the park, and from the looks of things the girls on the stocking and cane racks are due for a double barness act. Bert Snyder and Elizabeth and another couple, whose names we could not get, are guilty of the charge of matrimofy. Everybody's best. It was indeed a surprise—and a sad surprise— to learn that our old friend, Nettie, was the widow of Harry Hirsh, the well-known concessiuner of the Nat Keiss Shows, who died recently in Zlgin. The couple had just been married a year, and large plans had been laid for this coming fair season. It was a severe shock to Nettie, but the good little scout is bearing up nebly. She wants to hear from ber friends (in care of the park for the rest of the season). It’s a little too much mustard for Elizabeth Mollin, but then car-ny-valing this year has lost its luster, and Elizabeth don’t know whether she would rather feed the hungry mob or go hungry berself. The famous old Thriller and Derby bunch are still intact, and are the same old reliable crowd, headed by that one genuine chap, Charles Rose. Charles Rose is one who knows his business (ond attends to it), is ‘‘just one of the boys,"’ a companion of his employees, and is surrounded by « royal bunch of boosters——-Nick Wagoner, Jimmy teonalson, Charley Malliday, Harvey Sar, gent, Eddie McDonald, John Gray (the farmer); Elsie Lally, Mamie Wiggles and Ethel Kane. Floren Smith has laid of wrapping candy kong enough to convert her candy stand (‘neath the club house) into a check room. Herman “Schwartz was busy doing a funnygraf stunt with a foghorn, trying to keep the crowds back, while Lauterback chewed = the tickets up « they couldn't be used again. The boys on the Rolling Waves can't even get a smile since Toby has gotten his charms to working—pretty tough on the bunch. “ Dave Bernard has it all lined up for a three member act for vaudeville this winter, with Emma Flour, the jolly little Miss of soda fountain fame, and Clarence Brazleton, which they will take out and enter as a big-time act. John New is kept busy ushering the little boys away from the cigarette stand. Margaret was very much disconcerted the day of the T. M. A. outing, and was continually asking Eddie Kersh where her Mack was. Milton Kline is one of the most “‘account’’ bosses at the park. buck Uuckley is very busy these days, carrying the suit case in the penny arcade. Fanny and Johnny are going black On the trail, ye sleuth foot! The effect of the crazy bar was too much for Walter Miller, as they have him now behind the burs in the Penny Arcade. Milton Kline was trying to find out who annexed the combination on the orangeade machine. Milton likes roast beef so well (and believes in it so much) that he is feeding them all on beef now. Wonder why Milton never goes to dances? Eddie Hearst is taking pills—since the T. M A. outing. John Ragan is wondering why nobody notices him. Our obl friend, Catherine Miller, is back on the Blue Streak—we knew the park couldn't get along without Catherine. We were very sorry to learn that Mrs. Lee and Tony were not at the sausage stand on our last visit. Fannie, of the Frog Pond, is crazy as ever, and is kept busy tickling the frogs in order to keep Mollie Quinn from getting homesick. Officer Jack Crawford, of Hilarity Holl, has seen so much this summer that he has become Dieary eyed—he'’s so ner-r-r-r-vous. Always on the job is our friend, Tommy Lor ing, superintendent of the park. Tommy always has things moving, and the general clean state of affairs in the park is due to Tommy's ever watchfulness. Say, Tom, how about all that good stuff froma the farm that you've been kiddirg the bunch about? Kick in. J. R. Kandall has a bunch of lives ones on hand. Even the Photo Gallery gets a little glimpse of war once in a while, and the Missus is some warrior. John Feltes is still entertaining the stranded actors of the Flea Circus. Why don't you clean them out of the cellar and please the Missus, Jchn? Mutt and Jeff were holding a private little bout at the refreshment stand at Hilarity Hall, on our recent visit. Barbara Baker, alias Jeff, and Mrs. Irving, alias Mutt, are some comic characters. Barbara has been one busy kid, and had two assistants. Besides Mrs. Fauley she had the wonderful little kidder, Moretta Miller, who can sling ice with greater precision than anybody we know. Jack Hubbell has been promoted to ticket seller at Hilarity Hall. Mr. MeCusick, the vaudevillist of the old school, is still at the old stand, and remarked reminiscently: ‘‘Do you know I have never been to Chicago? It has been a hobby of mine to stay away from Chicago. I have been to every peint in the United States, but never in that city. And my old partner, John St. Leon, the old time impersonator, has been arrested twice as an impersonator. John is a wonder at that, and when we were younger he would go ort, on the streets in girl’s attire. ‘This attracted the attention of a doctor, who fell in love with him. The coctor followed him to his home, and later came there to see his supposed lady friend. You can imagine how he felt when John’s mother told him the truth. John is now perspiring over the stove in Doc Joy's hotel for actors and actresses, just outside the park.’’ berrying. Strange where all those packages go which Tela carries out the back gate. Matrimony, Iola? Dave Schwartz is some poker player Dave has adopted the watchful waiting policy—perseverance will win him a home yet, Jimmy Donatson is net fishing any more, but is still electroenting all suckers in his old relisbie clair. MeDonald has been advanced from the Honeyiaoon Express to the Thriller, and still Le can't seen to tand one, Age is no issue with George Green—he loves the ladies, Poor old Jack Vedder is despondent, and soulfully remarked, ‘Guess the wedding bells won't (w) ring for me, as I understand Margaret has left the city."" Poor old Jack. ‘There seems to be quite an attraction around the Honeymoon Express. Nobody knows whether it's Ticket Taker Bennett or Henry Farber. And speaking of Henry Fa:ber, it might be men tioned that he evidently is studying up the German war tactics, for he was laying an automatic Germen stink bomb for us-—-which we narrowly escaped. 0. E. Goes, the genial ticket man, is advertising for a stenographer to handle his correspondence. Tke cabaret bunch—the bunch of 100-proof good spirits—-were all, with but one or two exceptions, laying their plans for departure for the very near futucs. Some to vaudeville, some burlesque, some legit., etc. Billie Joyce and Midgie Bauer both chanced on the same notion at the same time. They both will revert to their own, natural names. Billie from bence on will be known as Edith, and Midgie shall sign all checks Florence—so beware. Billie, rawther Edith Joyce, is having an extensive and elaborate wardrobe built in Cincinnati preparatory to her venturing forth for vaudeville honors this fall. Edith has a clear full-tone voice and a dainty appearance, and should tdind the big (ime easy picking. She wants to extend her appreciation to the song publishers fer their courtesy and prompt service. Her big numbers this summer have been Kentucky Jubilee and Sweetheart Frown Sweetheart. The Two Zils, or Mr. and Mrs. Plopper, have run some record at the park, thirteen consecnutive we-ks. They will jump to Chicago and do some vaudeville work this winter. Midgie. to be known as Florence Baner, is a vell-known figure in the game—the little mite with the strong personality. Last season Flor ence was in burlesque, aad as Plopper says, was door tender at the Comedy for seven years until the abolition of colored belp put her out of a job Rut we'll say that Florence is one of the prettiest ond cleverest little cabaret entertain ers at the park, and deserves a bunch of snecess in her ve andeville ventures this winter. Plopper's nnew joke: Walking up to a figure of the Statue of Liberty he asks, ‘Is stat chu, lib?’ Morris Unger is one of the new ones on the bill, singing The Firemen. He sings some very nice songs. Outside of that Morris is O. K.— even if be did come from Chicago. Al Saunders says he hasn't got long to live. Hess Marshall is showing the Cincy folks what real cabaret shoull be. Beers will leave soon to go out with Joe Levitt’s Big Revue, and cnly last Saturday she threatened to throw away her tights. The team ef Blackburn and Woodward have split. Woodward is playing the cabaret aml cleaning ap. Carry Ritchie has changed her hair from blond to red. Frank and Louise Plopper, the two popular xylephonists, the guy with the Charley Chaplin soup strainer, is leay ing for a short stay in Chicago. Good luck an! good-by to all their Cincy friends. Al Saunders says he don’t know what he'll do with no one to kid him. Billy Joyce gave a party Saturday night, and yet Tommy Lyons doesn't know whether it was he or Billy who gave that said varty. 7 Ressiec Marshall has a mania for hanging around the rear spring of an automobile, in specting the shock absorbers. Midgie Bauer and Judze Moeller are still on good terms. A! Saunders, the Slew Foot Rastus, has worn a nice trail from the piano to the bar. Fay Todd ard Jimmy Peace are still doing I Didn't Think He Cared They will do it in veudeville 1his season. rhis hard working pair deserve a let of credit, and should earn a good spot in the variety field thix season. George Graesaeff, one of the cabaret force, put on a clever Italian character act, and as fer the eharacter work of its kind he is a leader. Hie wardrobe and voice conld not be improret upon. He recently left to join Diamond Dick's Show at Grand Rapids, to do a Ceesack riding Stunt, PARK NOTES Rusiness at the Dixle Zoo. operated by Charles Rernard at Oxford Lake, Oxford. Ala., is said to be increasing. althongh no picnics or special events are advertised to attract patronage to the park. The lake boating privilege, the bathing pool, dancing pavilion, bowling alleys, refreshment booths and Mack's Musical Comedy Company at the Casino, constitute the attractions. The Dixie Zoo has proven a magnet: the ostriches are particularly ‘nteresting to the natives who view the birds for the first time. In addition to the four large Nubian ostriches Mr. Rernard now has over sixty animals, a number of the rare specimens not nuanally exhibited in traveling companies, Some excellent fair dates for September and October have been secured by Mr. Bernard for his Dixie Zoo. Myers’ Lake Theater, at Canton, 0., will remain open until September 17 this season, presenting vaudeville for the balance of the current summer. Art Needham, business manager for this theater during the summer, will co ahead of the Margaret Fields Stock Company this season. Needham has occupied a like position with the Nancy Boyer Company for several years. Hank and Mandy have heen booked for Grand River, Ia., as the vandeville feature of the Reunion. They also will appear at Corydon, making Mr. MeHlale’s fourth engagement there. They present a rural comedy gymnastic act, full of laughs from start to finish. Thomas and Marguerite Qiney finished an engagement August 1 at Knoxville, Tenn., and open August 9 at Ontario Beach Park, Char gm FUTURE PHOTOS Visible and Invisible, $2.00, 1,000, Horoscopes, Printed Fortunes, Palmist’s Supplies, te for samples J. LEDOUX & SON, 169 Hamburg Avenue, Brooklyn, WN. Y. FOR SALE SLOT MACHINES OF ALL KINDS for sale cheap.. Address SICKING MFG, CO., 1931 Freeman Av« Omeinnatl, 0. | “MAKE MORE MONEY.” | SEE GUM AD ON PAGE 27.