The Billboard 1918-10-19: Vol 30 Iss 42 (1918-10-19)

The Billboard OCTOBER 19, 1818 T. M. A. NEWS Just received a souvenir program of a monster entertainment given by San Francisco Lodge, No, 21, T. M. A., for the benefit of San Francisco Chapter American Red Cross, at the Columbia Theater of that city, also a message that the benefit was a huge success and netted the Red Cross Chapter a splendid sum for their coffer. The elite of the Golden Gate City responded generously to raise funds for so noble a cause. The performers did their bit with military precision, under the direction of Bro. Ten Eyck Clay, stage director of the Twin Beds Company, and Sam Newman, musical director of the Casino Theater. When it comes to raising funds for any charitable purpose and for demonstrating their patriotism, these Native Sons are the first to respond. The program was sent by Bro. Ike Marks of No. 21, an enthu siastic T. M. A. worker, whom many of the delegates met during the World’s Fair, 1915. The many courtesies that he and the members showed us during our stay there will never be forgotten—a warm spot for the coast boys will always linger. Word received from Jean P. Jones, member of Cincinnati Lodge, that he is at present employed with the British Ministry of Munitions at Manchester, Eng. Jean has been stage manager at the Hippodrome Theater for the past three years. and some of the designs he created has interested the British Government, hence his new appointment. He was known to us as the “Beau Brummel’’ of the stage, having worked at the Grand Opera House for years. Many of his acquaintances about the country will be highly pleased to note his rise, which he jis entitled to. He is a graduate of the Cincinnati University and a son of Paul Jones, who wrote and produced Paoletta at one of our recent Fall Festivals at Music Hall. W. H. Torrence, of Pittsburg Lodge, includes in a report that all theaters and places of amusement have been closed indefinitely, that none of its members are afflicted with this dreadful malady, now epidemic. The Pittsburgers always were a lucky sort of dodgers to anything that interferes with making money. The scretary-treasurer of St. Paul Lodge, Fred Ribm, would like to hear at times from the several members that are on the road, Kindly take notice of this request and at your spare moments send in a line or two. A strange thing occurred to Bro. Walter H. Runge, of Milwaukee, recently, as the cool nights are beginning to make their appearance. Last spring he laid his ‘“‘Benny’’ away for 4 summer's rest, some place, somewhere—now he can’t find it. Now he is pondering just where that some place can be. Could it be that some absentminded person might be wearing it? D. L. Donaldson, the prez of Buffalo Lodge, bas heretofore kept in close touch with the members of Buffalo Lodge that are in the service, especially those that are oversea, since the Allied advance, those ‘‘over there’’ have had very little time to write, and the ones here in cantonments are moving about so fast that he has lost all track of them. Realizing the speed the Yanks have in them Bro. Donaldson has set his mind at ease, and is looking forward to the date when he can have them all back safely for a reunion and preside over them again. Some time ago James J. Quigley, our worthy hig Miffifif, left the Saratoga Springs on business, then to Plattsburg. We have not heard from him since. Could it be possible that Jim has taken on military training there and wants to surprise his admirers by coming out all dolled up in military uniform? Nowadays we are not surprised at anything. They say, ‘“‘No news is good news.”’ D. G. P. for the States of Missour! and Kansas Virgil D. Hudson is still on duty looking up possble prospects for lodges in his jurisdiction. Inclined to advance the order at all times is his motto. Cc. C. Chandler has recently made a visit to Washington Lodge in order to make his official report regarding conditions of the several lodges in his territory. It may be mentioned that Bro. James J. Blaikie, of San Francisco Lodge, still controls the exchequer job for No, 21, having held this position for a number of years. He is still hale and hearty, tho he is advanced in age. Bert F. Hews was elected secretary of Sacramento Lodge at the last meeting, William C. Buckley having lately taken up a new position at Reno, Nev, The members wish their old secretary success in his new venture. The nominations of all officers for the ensuing year will take place in all lodges at the regular meeting during the month of November, Now watch the friendly rivalry among the nominees.—ED HOLLENKAMP, Grand SecretaryTreasurer, Cincinnati, O. SAN FRANCISCO LODGE NO, 2 Meeting held Tuesday, October 8. Bro. Geo. McCusie of Denver Lodge No, 22 paid San Francisco Lodge a short visit and made a few remarks. The Brother left for St. Louis on the afternoon train. Bro. Chas. Hill of this lodge also visited, his first in twelve years. The Brother is the etage carpenter with The Little Teacher Company, now playing at the Columbia Theater. The Brotber made a few remarks on the good of the order. Edward H. Morris, resident manager of the Hippodrome Theater. was initiated as a member of the lodge. The Brother made a few remarks on the good of the order. Oliver B. Eustace was also initiated into the order. He also made a few remarks. It is with deepest regret that we just received word that Brother Frank Cavanaugh, president of Baltimore Lodge, had died. The Lodge made a motion to send a letter of condolence to Baltimore Lodge. The Lodge received a letter from the San Francisco chapter of the American Red Cross acknowledging the proceeds of the benefit given by San Francisco Lodge Friday, September 27, at the Columbus Theater; also thanking the lodge for what it had done. The memoria] services will be held Tuesday, November 12 at the lodge rooms, “KRUSH THE KAISER’, See page number 38. The Glee Club will give its banquet Tuesday evening, October 15, at 11:30, at the T. M. A. lodge rooms, The lodge has just purchased Fourth Liberty Bonds to the amount of $500.—IKE MARKS, J. B. EARLY ILL Word reached The Billboard Monday that J. B. Early, well known in the carnival world as “Uncle Joe,” is lying quite ill at Cleveland, 0. McMAHON COMBINED SHOWS Close the Season at Callaway, Neb— Will Winter at Kearney, Neb. Callaway, Neb., Oct. 12.—The McMahon Combined Shows closed the 1918 season at the fair here October 12. The season was of 25 weeks’ duration and was the best since the organization 8&5 years ago. The gross receipts here doubled those of 1917. The last nine weeks were fairs, Albion (Neb.) Fair being the banner spot. The fair management reported 100,000 paid admissions on the four days against 60,000 last year. During the season twenty-two members were drafted into the service of Uncle Sam, among them being the two sons of the Governor. No preparations have been made at the present writing for the 1919 season. Next year the winter quarters will be changed permanently to Denver, Col., as the Governor owns a ranch twelve miles east of there. A large warehouse has been purchased and ample trackage has been secured, possession to be acquired next July. Kearney, Neb., will be the winter quarters this winter, as it was impossible to secure trackage for the cars at Marysville, Kan., the home of the Governor, Cyclone Clark and wife went to their home in Omaha. Col. Dan Brydon, manager of the Society Dog Circus, and his wife went to Chicago to play vaudeville. Tom Blantin, the cow boy giant, went to California. Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Westrupp, owners of the carry-us-all, shipped to their home, Abilene, Kan. General Agent Doc Hall departed for unknown parts in Dixie, presumably New Orleans. The writer will winter with her father, E. B. Grubs, of the Western Show Properties Company, at Kansas City. G. F. Woodworth and wife will winter in Kansas City. The complete lineup of the midway and the business staff at the closing: Society Dog Circus, Col. Dan Brydon, manager; Monkey Speedway, Joe Williams, manager; McMahon and son, owners. Wild Animal Show, McMahon and son, owners; G. F. Woodworth, manager. Athletic Show, McMahon and son, owners; Joe Acton, heavy weight wrestler, manager. Silodrome, McMahon and son, owners; Cyclone Clark, manager and rider. Texas Cowboy Giant, Tom Blantin, owner; Sid Robinson, manager. Caveta, Earnest Humphries, owner and manager. Crazy House, McMahon and son, owners; Capt. Fawnsworth, manager. Carry-us-all, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Westrupp, owners and managers. Eli Wheel, McMahon and son, owners; Herbert Lassee, manager; Merle Peterson, tickets. The concessions were: Cookhouse and juice, Eddie Brown; kaiser ball game, Mrs. Eddie Brown; Arkansas kids, Bill Norton; cookhouse, Harry Stevenson; long-range gallery, Bud Sher bin; clothes pins, Joe Smiths; perfume wheel, Mrs. Chas. Bedwell; candy race track, Chas. Bedwell; fish pond, ‘‘Daddy’’ Gray; Arkansas diamonds, Mrs. Gray; kewpie wheel, Mrs. J. B. Allen; colored glass, Mrs. Dan Bryden; pillow tops, Mrs. Bertha McMahon; four cats, Mrs. Humphries; ~ jewelry laydown, A. Heffener; kewpie roll-down, ‘“‘Snap Shot’’ Bill; Arkansas kids, Mrs. Fred Bishop; high striker, Phillips; novelties, Billie Betz. The business staff: “‘Governor’’ T. W. MeMahon and son, Chas. A., owners; ‘“‘Governor’’ T. W. McMahon, general manager; ‘‘Doc’’ Hall, general agent, assistant manager and press} Capt. Fawnsworth, secretary; Mrs. Bertha Mc Harry Mahon, treasurer; G. F. Woodworth, special agent; Joe Williams, electrician and lot superintendent; Fred Bishop, transportation. I could write a world of ‘‘dope’’ as we have two cookhouses, but the conservation of space in this valuable paper forbids. In closing, everyone sends best regards to everybody.—BERTHA McMAHON, CARNIVAL NOTES Willis J. Carter closed a successful fair season with the Zeidman @ Pollie Shows recently as ticket seller and talker on the ten-in-one, under the management of ‘‘Doc’’ Perkins, and returned to Chicago for a few days before going South, The Clifton-Kelley Shows brought its season to a close at Bourbon, Ind., October 5, and the paraphernalia shipped to Chicago to be placed in winter quarters, It is understood that some of the attractions will be taken out for a few fall fairs in the South. Ed (‘Spike’’) Howard, athlete and wrestler and well known in the profession, is now with the Eddystone Rifle Plant at Eddystone Pa., in the Employment Department, and extends an invitation to all brother and sister professionals who wish to come there and do their ‘‘bit.’* In a recent letter ‘‘Spike’ stated that he had placed over 3.0600 professional people there. He also stated that applicants could either address him care of the works or William J. Conway, Lock Box 428, Chester, Pa. M. H. Lunn writes that he had the public “bobbing’’ up and down on the little ‘‘wooden horses’’ in great numbers, until the Board of Health of Pittston, Pa.. told him to stop on October 4 until the epidemic of influenza had been checked. Therefore he and his wife closed a successful season and returned to their home in Buffalo, N. Y. Lunn states that he is now working at the Curtiss Aeroplane Works. HARRY WATSON, JR., (Continued from page 9) and Harry Watson convulsed audiences in his efforts to play an old battered trombone, closing the act with a rendition of Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep that was a knockout, Their vaudeville work attracted attention, with the result that they accepted a long contract at big money with Hurtig & Seamon. Veterans will remember Bickel and Watson with Ed Lee Wrothe in Me, Him and’ I, as well as their creditable work in early burlesque days, Next SERVING THE COLORS >. Claire White, late manager of the Star Theater of Petersburg, Il, is now ready for overseas service, Albert Ekhoff, of the Aerial Ekhoffs, is now with the colors, and would appreciate a few lines from his friends. Address him in care of the 4th Co., Hdqts. Inf., Camp Grant, Ill. Edward Carson was made a non-commisioned officer recently and holds the rank of a corporal. Friends can address him in care of Co. B, 89th Inf., Camp Sevier, 8. C. Pyt. Jack V. Newland was called to the colors the first week in September and is now stationed with the 41st Co., 11 Bn., 165th Depot Brigade, Camp Travis, Tex. Corp. E. B. Cassidy, who formerly was -featured as ‘‘the boy’? with Kusell’s patriotic sketch, Here and There, is now stationed with Co. B, 41st Inf., Camp Funston, Kan. Thad Rising is stationed with the Base Hospital, Group 73, Camp Greenleaf, Ga., for a ot training before going overseas to meet the uns. Joseph Meehan, who is with the American Expeditionary Forces ‘‘over there,” had the ‘“‘pleasure’ of speaking to a few German prisoners recently. He would like to hear from his many friends in and out of the profession. Address Bandmaster Joseph Meehan, No. 760,759, 54th Batt., American Expeditionary Forces. a Corp. John Collins writes that France is the same aS ever with the exception of the rainy weather. ‘“‘At the present time we are taking it pretty easy,’’ he writes. Collins is with Co. E, — Inf., A. P. O. 763, American Expeditionary orces. Jimmie Kane, in private life known as James (. Everhart, has arrived safely ‘‘over there” and at present is in Italy. He is very anxious to hear from Billy Doyle, Gene Naquin, H. R. De Vaux, Virginia Vaughn, Kyral J. Walker and Jimmy Duprie. Address James C. Everhart, in care of the U. 8. Base Hospital No. 102, A. P. O. 901, American Expeditionary Forces. Walter E. Goodenough writes to The Billboard from “over there:’’ ‘‘I arrived safely across the pond, and I was only too glad to put my foot on land once again, There is only one more time I ever want to cross that much water again, and that is when I go back, and the fastest way will be the shortest.’” Walter is with Co. A, 140 M. > ag American Expeditionary Forces. A. P. Harry Nugent, formerly advertising agent for Broadway Belles, was given an honorable discharge from the army October 3, owing to disability. He was stationed at Camp Shelby, Hat tiesburg, Miss., for the past six months. Earle Newton, of the team of Earle and Daisy Newton, is now in the service of Uncle Sam, and would appreciate a line from bis friends. dress Pvt. Earle N. Schlechty, H. Q, Co., “, A., Camp Knox, West Point, Ky. Ad70th Ralph E. Dav's is getting along nicely. He is in ae Base Hospital, Ward 36, Camp Sherman, 0, Basil _Ruysdael, basso of the Metropolitan Opera Company, has enlisted in the naval aviation service at Great Lakes Training Station, Illinois, Pvt. Jake Goodman writes a little poem, entitled A Trouper’s Dream at the End of a Season: Little bank roll, ere we part, Let me hug you to my heart; All the year I've clung to you, I’ve been faithful, you've been true, Little bank roll, in a day, You and I will go away To a gay and festive spot— I'll come back, but you will not. Goodman is with the Post Hospital, Taliaferro Field, Hicks, Tex. Edward Carson, formerly with John Cloud, of the Wortham & Rice Shows, has joined the colors. He can be addressed in care of Co, B, 89th Inf., Camp Sevier, Greenville, 8S, C. Pvt. Harry C. Laird is now somewhere in France, with Co. B, 131st Inf., American Expeditionary Forces. Corp. Frank J. Kuba can be addressed at Camp MacArthur, Co, 36, A. R. H. I. 997 R, American Expeditionary Forces. He would appreciate letters from his many friends, Harry Goldman sends his best regards to all his friends. He is in the U. S. A, General Hospital, No. 2, Fort McHenry, Md, T. J. “Bob’’ Tuttle is at present attending an officers’ training school and expects to go across in the near future. He can be addressed in care of Student Officers’ Co. 8, Camp Johnston, Fla. Cards have been received from the following boys announcing their safe arrival overseas: Al Fisher, formerly agent for the Clifton-Kelley Shows; Raymond S. Oaks, formerly of the Nat Reiss Shows, and Harry Fine. Lt. Al Kaufman, formerly of the Famous Players-Lasky Company, has sailed for overseas service. He can be reached by addressing the Signal Corps, American Expeditionary Forces, Edwin H. Smith sends his best wishes to all his carnival friends, and would like to hear from Jay McFarland and T. J. Lovitt and the rest of the bunch. Joe Esler, well known to showfolk. is now stationed at the Great Lakes Training Station, Regiment 9, Co. 57. He would appreciate a line from his many friends. Two brothers, Clifford Coddy Thomas and Carl Thomas, formerly of the Thomas Bros.’ Shows, have arrived safely in France. Clifford can be addressed in care of Co. E, 55th Inf., American Expeditionary Forces, while Carl can be reached in care of Battery C, 131 F. A., American Expeditionary Forces. Alvin De Belle ie with the 35th Co., 164th = om Brigade, Camp Funston, Kan. Friends — came thefr affiliation with F. Ziegfeld, Jr., in various editions of The Follies. Then the tnevitable split came, both men making a bid for popularity upon their individual merits, each taking the customary dip into the silent drama. During the years that have intervened since Harry Watson began his career as a knockabout acrobat on the stock bill at Bordwell’s Opera House, Saginaw, Mich., his funmaking ability has constantly undergone the healthy ripening influence of careful study, until now in “telephone booth’’ specialty, which he does again this season with Odds and Ends, his laughprovoking ability stands polished to the 18-karat quality.—FRED E. BUTTON, his LOS ANGELES NOTES The Stage Women’s War Relief Association has opened a new tea room in the Leon Baskt Grotto of Grauman’s Theater. All benefits from the delightful retreat will go to the soldiers and sailors. The committee in ‘charge are Pauline Palmer, Josephine Dix, Mesdames Hughie Hughes, Gloria Mayne, David Butler and Blanche Hardy Morgan. Douglas Fairbanks pulled off a highly successful rodeo at his Beverly Hills residence for the benefit of the Liberty Loan. Admission was secured by purchasing a Liberty Bond at the front door. The new administration building at the Sunshine Comedies’ studio has been completed, and Henry Lehrman has moved his forces into it. His personal suite is particularly elaborate. Carl Laemmle arrived from the East during the week and scattered considerable optimism among the film folks by his predictions of good things to come in the picture line. Harry Sherman and Harry Garson have left for New York. Hank Mann has written from France saying: “Tell my friends if they can not reach me in France that my mail address some time in the future will be ‘General Delivery, Berlin.’ " Richard Dix will leave the Morosco cast soon after the close of the Pipes of Pan engagement. The Hippodrome has again changed its vaudeville policy, giving two bills a week instead of one as formerly, New bills now open on Monday and Thursday. Nat Holt, formerly manager of the Kinema, has been engaged as house manacer A. L. Bernstein, former manager, is now personal representative of Adolph RKamish, co-owner with Ackerman & Harris. Wedgewood Nowell has been engaged to play the heavy lead in Kitty Gordon's first picture. The William Fox service flag now has 91 stars. Ruth Stonehouse is rapidly recuperating from an operation for appendicitis.—BOZ. WAR ON “SPECS” Is Declared by Theatrical Managers, Who Pledge Support to District Attorney in His Crusade New York, Oct. 12.—Pledging their unitea efforts to stamp out the evil of ticket speculation the leading theatrical producers and managers of the city, in a conference with District Attorney Edward Swann, joined actively in the war on ticket speculators. The meeting was in response to an invitation extended to the theatrical folk by the district attorney and was for the purpose of discussing appropriate means for overcoming the evil, The producers and managers heartily agreed with the district attorney that the practice should be curbed and offered suggestions, which were later adopted, for proposed legislation. One of the suggestions offered was to require that a license be obtained by all dealers in theater tickets who operate independently of the theater. The license fee to be $250, and no person to be allowed to sell under the license except the one holding it. This would necessitate a license for every person engaged in the sale of theater tickets, either for himself or some one else. It is also proposed that the sale of tickets be permitted only at the office covered by the license. Other suggestions were: “To make the sale of a theater ticket at a price more than 50 cents above the price stamped upon the ticket as received from the box-office plus the war tax or other tax a ground for revoking the license, a sale at a greater amount to be a misdemeanor, if that would be constitutional. “The sale of a theater ticket except at boxoffice without a license to be a misdemeanor.”’ Following the conference Assistant District Attorney Kilroe stated that he was confident the managers could stop the ticket speculation evil, “They have not been working in harmony ip the past,”’ he said, ‘‘and that’s how the evil got a foothold in New York. But from now on we are going to join hands and pull together.” At another session held in the District At torney’s office the only theatrical manager pres ent was Florenz Ziegfeld. Jr. In the course of the session A. L, Jones, partner of Charles Levy and Joe LeBlang in the ownership of the Broadway Ticket Company, is said to have made the statement that 95 per cent of all the thes ter tickets sola in New York are handled by ticket brokers, The statement was ridiculed by theater managers, who assert that it is absur.