Variety (November 1924)

:l?siiir^'^*^'/*'''7^''™^''*^'■"*■■''^'^•*^^^ 'f% 7i 1D "CS w^ jW 1' *_ wryif''^-vmwmiwf»\>v Wednesday. November 26, 19M ♦**< ^ OR PAY CONTRACTS BY* iCrS FOR FAIRS NEH SEASON 'Changed Booking Conditions in Sight—Give Option Not Entirely Taken Up—AcU Lo«e Vaudeyille Routes Through It 4- t Th« new fair Beason Is certain to brlns a now status of booking con- ditions, according to the statement ' (Bt acts that next year I'hey will de- -; nand "pay or play contracts" and that under no consideration sign a tentative agreement that puts a stranglehold on their services in- definitely. The latter phase is better ex- plained that acts have signed fair dates under a ten weeks' option, to find the time doesn't materlallM and they are prevented from ae- '- osptlng other Immediate dates. ^' It Is reported that as a conse- ^'"fuence of this "service option" a ^ Aumber of acts have had very little ^Ifair work this past summer, when j.41ie Indications were (hat they wero Cto have ten weeks. If not more. ^ Lest Vaudeville Routes ^ 8«veral fair booking offices in l^ewYork are said to have lined up Artists who have thus been option- . ally signed, but who lost proffered ''■_ vaudeville routes as a result i It is understood blanket contracts ^jaiark the acts up for at least 10 or U weeks, which starts about Aug. IS, and ties them op Just when the new vaudeville season starts on the circuits' paying the best money. "Unfair" Say Agents "Unfair competition" la beinc cried In some quarter^ among the M«nta who have tak«n oertein acts, receiving so much for vaudeville ana demanding nor* for their pdr appearances. This past sumra«r as act which receives |4S0 in vawdevtUe got KM for Its fair date*. Another act that never got over tStO held out for $500, the agent doing the holding out-' , It is this condltiba the talr men themselves expect to eventu^Jly re- duce to a basis where they can ln> ereaso the number of acts without ipaklng fhelr show more expensive. Iaw and Ordar Crusade Trial Brings Laughter Lancaster, Pa., Nov. S(. The Law and Order Society's ac- tivities against alleged gambling de- ^,vices operated at the recent Lan- S taster Fair meeting have come to ^naught. Jacob P. Seldomrldge and I Charles J. Lebzelter, ofllclals of the Xjancaster Fair Association, were de- clared not guilty of the charge of permitting the devices to be used. The court directed the jury to re- turn a verdict of acqultUI, explain- ing the state had failed to prove the fair officials were responsible for gambling, even though It existed. The case was but one in a con- certed drive on the part of the anti- Tice crowd. It attracted much In- terest. The crowded court was rep- rimanded by Judge Landis for laughing over the testimony, which took a humorous turn. M It appears the society made ar- ^ rests without securing the proper l^avidence. Harry Stock, accused of t. runnlnc a "corn game" at the fair, was recently acquitted. So was ^ohn Sbeesley, accused of "suggest- •d" gambling. In all three actions the costs were thrown onto the Law and Order Society. 6«y«ral weeks ago Lebselter, who, with Seldomrldge, was arrested twice, offered to pay any member of .. the society tl.OO* If It could be ^proved that gambling or games of ^ chaaeo were operated at the fair u^ with his or EMdomridge's permls- ^#ton. No one stepped forward to ac- f>'«Hpt the challenge. I .,:.;>,- locks DT HOTKUI The American Sanitary Lock Corporation of Indianapolis, with branches In 22 cities, has instalU 1 its locks exclusively In the follow- tag CHilcago liotels: Atlantic, Blacfcstone, Brlggs, Carleon, Con-; cress, Drake, Fort Dearborn, Groat Northern, La Ralle, Planters, Roose- Wt, Sherman, Southern, Thomas, Warner and the Wlndson-*Cllftdh. They are also In use on 61 railway ^ttMOM throughout the country. Oldest Driver Is John Kathan, 84 Osage, la., Nov. 25. The oldest race horse driver In the United States and prob- ably in the world lives In Osage. His name Is John Kathan. Next March he will be S4, but there Is probably no man llTln~ who can hold a steadier rein over a trotting nag than he. One of hi« greatest races was at Dubuque a numl>«r of years ago. when he drove Roy the Kid, owned by Charles Phillips, of Mawusketa. ' Searchlight beat him by a nose In 2:04^. Among the horse* he has driven are Patola, S:ISU. started one season In I^ races and winning IS: Dulcle, 2:18; Roy the Kid, 2:04^; Buck Museovite. 2:07H: O. W., 2:14^: Allle Dale. 2.14; Black- ford, 2:13H: Victor L.. 2:14^: Dennle SuUivan. 2:11^, and Cket Wind. 2:15^. Hr. Kathan has, of course, knows ' most of the famous drivws. of the past halt cen- tury. Including Pop Oears. Many years ago Mr. Kathan and Pop Gears were walking off the track behind thdir sulkies. Another driver who had taken umbrage at some- thing -that had occurred dur- ing the heat, wan walking be- side them berating Rathan and calling blm names. Kathan made no reply to tho tirade for a time, but Just as they left the track he swung around and with one blow knocked the man headlong. Gears was Im- mensely pleased at this and never failed to remind John of It every time he saw him. MINNESOTA FAIRS Fm REPORT ON 1923 SEASON Questionaira Brings H«avy Response—73 Units Send ^■h In Data ■^ Chleac»i Not. M. The following report was made for the year of 1221, giving sta- tistics of the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs, in answer to a questlonalre sent out to all the county fairs In the state. With <• fairs reporting, the value of their grounds was given at t(04,-* 624.42. With 72 reporting, the value of buildings was given as tl,lt(,249.77. With 71 reporting attendance fig- ures were 797,247, or an average attendance at each fair of 11.32S. 72 fairs reported receiving $<3,220 from the County Commisisoners, the total receipts for 74 fairs being 2886,079.25. The amount of premium money given out by 78 fairs- for exhibits, etc.. was tl66.274.96. Horse racing at 63 fairs took the sum of'•68,089.79. Money spent on free acta and other attractions was tl26,64t.41 at 76 fairs. 62 fairs reported their ntain at- tractions as follows: 36 per cent of the fairs featured their boys' and girls' clubs, to per cent their car- nival attractions, and tho other tS per cent their fireworks and free acts, one fair reporting fireworks and Magnus Johnson. LEAGUES MONEY FOR WHITEWASH INOMNA ELECTION J. E. Qreen Elected President—Also Banquetted. Munde. Ind.. Nov. S&. The Indiana Association of County and District Fairs held Its annual meeting at Muncle, Ind., Nov. 20-21, at the Chamber of Commerce. This meeting was the first entirely di- vorced from the Board of Agricul- ture at Indianapolis and was most BuccessfuL The address of welcome was given by J. A. Green. Reports of the last meeting were read from the Clipper representative's notes taken la^t year, taking the place of minutes, of which there were none available. A banquet was held at the Cham- ber of Commerce, given by the Eastern Indiana Livo Stock Breed- ers' Association to the assembled guests and visitors, nearly iOO being present at the function: 2> fairs were represented. The election of officers resulted in the following appointments for the' ensuing year: President, J. B. Green, Muncle, Ind.; vice-president, J. H. Clauasen. Crown Point, Ind.: secretary, W. M. Jones. Indiana State Fair; treasurer, E!. W. Plck- hardt, Huntlngburg. Ind. The next meeting will be held at Laporte, Ind., about the same time next year. W. A. S.' A. Thru .Barnes Taking Advantage Chicago, Nov. 25. Tho World Amusement Servi.e Association has inveigled the Show- man's League into advertising to exonerate one of their oSlclala from blame. It would not be so bad if Fred Barnes paid for the ad out of his own pocket, but making the League go to the expense n^en Barnes is the psesiding officer of tho I<«ague (Jerry Mugivan taking no Interost) seems like taking advantage. The League's money that la sup- posed to be held for obaHtable pur- poses, not to whitewash or boost World Amusement Service officials or their fair booking agency: Murphy Buys Interest In Nat Reiss Shows Chicago, Nov. 25. Purchase of an interest In tho Nat Reiss shows by J. F. Murphy will materially strengthen this or- ganisation. Despite never a complaint against tho shows, which were welcomed In cities for their cleanliness and meHt, the past season was not a propitious one for them. The addi- tion Of T. F. Murphy to their execu- flVe staff will be a great help. He WAS At oM time partner with H. A. De Vaux lii the operation of the Great Aniisricah sMows, later rnh- ning the J. F. Murphy shows with success. lA. FAIR ELECTIONS Burlington. la., Nov. 2S. Iowa county fair associations are disposlnc of preliminary details Of their organiaatlon oarly that in- coming officers may have oppor- tunity to tackle their problems be- fore the spring rush of plannlng.- The Tri-State Fair directors have re-elected J. p. Mailasdt. president: H. M. Ofelt, secret try, and ~' E. Toothaero, troasury. New directors added to the board bavo taken hold. Secretary Ofelt was authorised to represent thcf as- sociation at the state fair secreta- ries' meeting In Deo Moines, Dec. 8-10. The Dubuque county fair associa- tion directors 'aave set Sept. 8-10 for their 192S fair and officora for the'year elected as follows: Presi- d«nt.'C. L. Meis; vice-president. Goorgo rrtedman; secretary, C. F. Ferrlng; treasurer. H. B. Willen- borc. Mr. Ferrlng was named dele- gate to tho state secretaries' meet- ing. E. Fe ADbee's Address and Advice To Outcfoor Showmen of America Si v New Tork, Nov. 20. ltS4. The outdoor^howinen cover a vast territory and enormous Inter- ests. This Hold embraces every known amusement phase of enter- tainment except the dramatic. Its influenoe on the community at large can be estimated only In the character of its entertainment and the personal bearing of those who have charge of different inter- ests and those who are empl6]fed by them. There has been much criticism of undeeirabte conditions which has not contributed to the proper standard of the outdoormen. It Is regrettable. If there are those who are dirMtfors of different fairs, expositions, etc., who desiro entertainment 'of a character which would not reflect credit on the outdoor showmen, these men should be plainly told that they at'O working directly against the interest of their fairs, expositions, etc., and It would be a discredit to the out- door showmen generally.- Keep yoiir shows clean and free from criticism. Make your organi- sation legitimato and praiseworthy. Stand for the thftigs that will k elevate, not destroy. Test of a Qeneration The Barnum and Rlngling shows have stood the test of a genera- tion and have gained their enviable reputation through a desire to deal with their patrons In an honest and high-minded manner. No theatrical interests, in fact, no business can progress and prevail without proper business principles, and unless the outdoor showmen are active in stamping out all evils and demand that legitimate prlh- clples In every dealing be strictly adhered to, then their organisa- tion, or any other organization for that matter, is going to deterio- rate. NVaudeville's Realisation The managers of vaudeviUo hous«fe throughout the United States and Oanad-i have realize] In the past eight years that proper princi- ples of conducting their business, combined with humane considera- tion for those they employ have advanced vaudeville In the estima- tion of tho pObllo a thousand per cent, and has gf96n a sense of- ■comXort and- security to all who make their living Ip vaudeville, as well as the assurance that they will receive a square deal. All this meant hard work, but the results are worth the effort, for today vaudeville is en a solid business basis, devoid of at least 95 per cent df iU former evils and with a disposition to clean up the other 5 per cent' whenever and wherever complaints arise. From my olC show e^perienco with circuses, fairs, outdoor enter- tainment, etc., I feel I am qualified to sympathize and advise wNb the outdoor showmen. I want to see them advance, I want to see them prosperous, and I would like to see the heads of the theatrical business In all branches eliminate all of Its abuses and be recog- nised on the same footing with men of affairs In Other branches of business throughout the world. This can only be done by adopting proper principles. Men of high ideals who are willing to sacrifice their personal time should be chosen to lead. No reform can be successful without a display of unselfishness. All must work together for a stated pur- pose and be absolutely loyal to.thnr leader. Co-eporation Is Paramount I am prompted to write this article on account of the great succes* that the vaudeville managers have made to their branch of the busi- ness. Thj unfortunate are 'taken care of, the dead are burled and those they leave behind receive consideration, disputes are settled by arbitration, etc. No one exalts himself above the other. We all work on the same footing, and co-operate for the Interest of the entire vaudevilU business. The artists and managers are friends and work for each other's Interests. There is no reason why the outdoor showmen can not adopt all these principles, and I trust that they wlU. I do not want to inject myself into your affairs in any way, hut offer my services at any time I can be of use In any way. I salute you with sympathetic thoughts and sincere good wishes for your welfare and the success of all your undertakings. ' - Cordially and faithfully yours, £. F. .ALBEE FLA. STATE FAIR Jacksonville. Fla., Nov. 25. The seventh annual Florida State Fair, opening Thursday, wcs prob- ably the best in history, due to ex- port handling by R. M. Striplin, who not only manages this state fair, but the Southeastern Fair at At- lanta, the biggest event of Its kind in Georgia. Splendid weather for the open- ing, fixhibits and displays were overflowing everywhere. The Johnny~J. Jones Shows again provided the midway attractions. On \Va native heath It gave satis- faction to officials and public. Owing to a number of shows closing and many wintering In the South, the grounds were the mecca for many and a regular showmen's reunion was held. A serious accident was narrowly averted when the show train was in the Jacksonville ya.-ds. An en- gine belonging to the Atlantic Coast Line Jumped the switch' and completely demolished the rear platform of the Jones' private car. The train was only going at eight miles an hour, which prevented more serious consequences. The Jones shows go from Jack- sonville to Orlando, Fla., winter quarters. Zeidnuin-PoUie's Advance With Simpson Connection Chicago, Nov. 26. The change of management result^ Ing from the purchase by Jlmmio Simpson of Henry J. Pollle's Interest in the Zeldman and Pollle shows has put that organization In the very forefroiSt of the carnival business, helped materially by exhaustive pub- licity the past year. Preparations are under way to surpass, if possible, the splendid array of shows and attractions al« ready carried. Fair secretaries arc unanimous in'their statements th« organization is of the highest dasa. RODEO IN PARIS Newspaper Planning Contests M Summer Event—Kernan in Charao Paris, Nov. 25. During the exposition of decora- tive arts here next summer the local Journal will again organize a series of shows with Tom Kernan at tho head. Arrangements are now being made for this rodeo to be given in tho exposition enclosure If space per- mits. VARIETY'S FREE INFORMATION J VarMty't Infomuttion Bvreau will furnish information concerning the outdoor show bmino»s, without charge, to any fair secretary, park manager or civic orga2Uzation, also officials of municipalities. Thid gerVice may be obtained by communicating inrith Variety, State-Lake Theatre Buflding, Chicago, or Variety, New York.