AMISTORY OF THE JUNCTICN CITY OPERA HOUSE INT JUNCTION CLTY KANSAS: 1880-1919 A thesis Presented to ‘the Faculty of the Department of Speech Kansas State Teachers College of Bnporis In Postial Foifilisent of the Requirorents for the Degree Master of Science ty August 1970fehl ‘the Li Departaent é i Approved for the Grate Council 303162cHaPreR r ‘TABLE OF CONTENTS AN DHTRCDUCTION 0 THE STUY ee Btotonent of the Problen eee Definitions of Terms Used . ee Sources to be Used ee Method of Organtzation .. 2... 2 eee 1, THE mrstoRy OF THE JUNCTION CITY OPERA HOUSE ‘The Founding of The Junction City Opera House ‘The Construction of the Opera House... opening of the Opera House. Physical Charscteristics of the Opers House. Remodeling of the Blakely Opera Mouse... « ‘The Burning of the Blakely Opera House... Rebuilding the Opera House. ee ee The End of an EPR Le ee pel maces BIBUICORAPEY Sv ee eee eee eee ee eee WEE ee eee WE eee Ae es Ce ees Por 1s 1s 6 Ey 2s 30 a a2 4 34 38‘APPENDIX 1887 1988 1689 190 aeo1 as92 ae92 1594 eos aa96 ass? 1e98 aes9 1900 901 902 1903 904 1905 1908 3907 1908 1909 as10 (continued) ww PAGE 38 26 a a 38 39 « a 2 “ “ 48 52 ss 80 a eo 64 orAPPENDIX aon aoe aos aoa 201s ais 1917 oie aoe APPENDIX 8 (continued) Speech Given by Judge Huxphrey House on Janvary 5, 1882. . APPENDIX € Figure 2 at the opening of Exterior Picture of the Junction city Opera House Figure 2 Burning of the Junction City Opera House . Figure 3 Exterior Pleture of the Junction City Opera House Figure 4 Opera House Boxes Figure Scenic Drop of the Junction City Opera House... PAGE cy a or 2 n ™ 6 6 n 80 a1 e 85 *6 87a APPENDIX ¢ (continued) PAGE Figure 6 ‘Stage of the Junction City Opera House... . Figure 7 ‘Stege of the Junction City Opera House. eee eee ODCHAPTER I AN TTRODUCTION To THE STUY In the ensl1 towns across Anerica one can find old butldings ‘whieh vore once the centers of cultural life in the community. Whether At was called on Odd Follovs Holl, 2 Masonte Temple, a Music Halt, on Opera House, or was just a hall with the owner's nome on the front, it brought a variety of entertainers and traveling shows to the community. And there throughout the country they stand today, many of thes, facing the world as bravely and proudly aa they did years ago when they wore the center of interest that brought their little world to ‘the Town Hall Tonight .2 ‘The world of the town hall, opera house or such brought the ‘traveling companies and Broadway shows to the esger awaiting public. Sone of then even visited the smaller tovns for a one night stand to break their Jumps between their week engtgenents. But these were ‘the nore pretentious one nighters vith thestera equipped to handle s big tine production. The smaller towns depended for thetr enter fainngat upon the traveling companies that Played the local tom sil ‘the existence of these auall tovn theaters was pertinent to the grovth of tho Americen Theatre; 1t 4s part of {ts legend and history. Being part of this history it has been greatly overshadowed by the the- atrical activities of the large cities. Av understonding of the history Tnarlow R, Hoyt, Town Hal Tontent (Nex Jersey: Prentice Wall, Inc., 1035), p. 19. Arwtd., p. 279. Stec. ott.2 of the American Theatre is not complete without research of these snail town theaters showi theatre grouth and development during the Late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. No history of the Junction City Opera House has been written. Ropefully this thesis, A History of the Junction City Opers House sn Junction City, Kanes; 1880-1019, vill add to the body of knowledge con- corning the developrent of the American Theatre, A history of the Junction City Opera House would give insight into the events which hoppened in Junction City during ite existence, ‘The desire for an opera house in Junction City was unquestioned, Mary LAs tlontgonexy recounts: Many of the village's residents were fron the Sast and a nenter of the mon stationed at Fort Riley vere southerners, They hed seen ferough rebble-rousing on this frontier and longed for = nore cul= ‘Tho Junction City Opera House played = major role in bringing theatrical activity to Kansas. ‘The Opera House new and elegant svon decane the top-ranking ‘theater for stock companies between Kansoe City ané Denver vith virtually evezy operetta, dans and concert stopping here for a night or tvo.® ‘The Mistory of the Junction City Opera House would not only pro- vide Mstorical infomation sbout Junction City and the atate of Kansas, but, hopefully, st will stimulate more research into the snéll tovn ‘thestres of Anertea. ‘ine Junction city Union, February 8, 1970. Sra.STATEAENT OF THE PROBLES ‘Tho purpose of this study 4s to present an historical account of ‘the Junction City Opera House in Junction City, Kansas, from ts origin to 1919 when it becano the City Theatre and to rocord its theatricel productions presented by local groups and traveling stock compantes. DEFINITIONS OF TERNS USEO ‘Te folloving toms have been uted by the researcher in compiling ‘thie study, This ters is defined as the physical er 0 Prysteat attributes of the facilities such as size, seating capacity, architec ture, floor plan, and equtpnent. ‘Traveling stock compentos. Traveling stock conpanies for the pur pose of this study, includes those conpantes organized, either nationclly or locally, to travel and perform various types of entertainnent. Thestrical productions. ALL productions that are dramatic pres~ fontations, or plays, minstrel shows and burlesques: Historical stuty, An historical study i the "study of 2 peried, person, or phenomena in husan develoment, in order to record discovered facts in an accurate, coherent, and critical narrative that posits causations and probabilities." 63, Jottrey aver, An Introduction to Research in Speech (Hew York: Hazyer & Brothers, 1859), P. 28.SOURCES TO SE USED Material for the study was researched fron the various sources. ‘These sources fal1 into the folloring categories: (1) historical refer~ fence books on the Anerican theatre, (2) state and local history books, (9) examination of the tocal newspapers, (4) Interviews with local ettt~ ‘zons, (6) material available from the Kansas State Historical Society. ‘The majority of the docunentation was gathered from the Junction City Unson and the Junction City Republican, the newspapers of the tine, Docause of their completeness in reporting the events vital to this study. ‘The baste historical {nfomation on the founding and establish- ent of the opera house was researched from the History of the State of by A, 7, Andreas, The Annals of Kansas 1886-1925 by Kirke Hechen, and 1Afornation recorded tn the Junction City Library. METHOD OF ORGANIZATION Chapter one presents the introduction to the study, the back- ground and purpose of the study, the definition of terms, the sources lused, and the method of organization used. Chapter two presents the history of the Junction City Opers Mouse. The chapter 1s divided into the following divisions: the founding of the opera house, the construction, the opening, the physical characteristics, the ronodeling, the christening of the Blakely Opera Mouse, the burning, the rebuilding, and the conversion fron opera house to movie theatre,Chapter three discusses the conclusions draun fron the research of the Junction City Opera Hlouse during the tine of this stuly. The Appendix A Lists in chronological order the theatrical events Which took place at the Junction City Opera House fron 1282-1919, These events Listed in the chapter are only those events mentioned or reviewed tn the nevspapers that vere researched. ‘The Appondix B gives the text of the speoch given by Judge Musphrey at the opening of the Junction City Opera Hlouse on January. 5, 1982, ‘The Appendix C shows photographs of tho exterior, the interior, and various productions of the Junction City Opers House,HAPTER a1 ‘THE HISTORY OF TIEE JUNCTION CITY OPERA HOUSE ‘The founding of the Junction City Opera House, Opera houses Aiourtshed in Kanses at the end of the nineteenth century, and they could be found in all of the major cities and many of the sneller towns. ‘Sunction City, at the beginning of the 1880's, was one of the few Larger cities in Kansas without an opera house. The people of Junction City were well avare of this deficiency which decane more pointed after a ‘snail group of interested theatre-goors attended a presentation of Seven Oaks given in the Ab{lene opera house. The Juiction City Unton carried ‘the folioving account of the trip: About seventy-five people, including the mombers of the "Seven oaks" Drenatic Club, went to AbiIene on Friday evening of Last meet, to witness the play of "Seven Oaks” in Bonebrakes Opera low «. , the Abilene people treated our party courteously and hand Sonely, and it will be our pleasure to reciprocate at the first opportunity, Our folks fell in love with Abilene's beautiful opere house and ali long for the day when Junction City can boast of one equally a2 good.) ‘The enthusiasm was strong, end tine wae not to be lost An making ‘the opera house a reality in Junction City. The folloving announcement appeared in the next issue of the Unfon: ‘An opera house meoting 1s to be held at the Bartell house this (Friday) evening, at which everybody interested 18 invited to Be present. Tet there be a good attendance of property holders and business non. A plen for tho reising of means to erect an opera house will be subaitted to the meeting, The project is feasible and there is money in 4.2‘The mocting was vell attended, and the desire for an opera house vas indicated by businessaen as well as the theatre enthusiasts, The | necting initiated a proposal thet vould incorporate an opera house and efty hall building to be bonded and voted upon by the people of Junction chty. The proposal was well accepted, and a committee was appointed to solicit nanes on a petition to be given to the city council. The fol- lowing account of the meeting was given by the Union on May 22, 1880; 7 ‘The opera house mesting at the Bartell house last Friday evening was attended by @ respectable nunbor of the business men of the city ‘and the prevailing sentizent wag that Junction City must have 3 spacious and cosfortable hall or opera house, Plans for a joint stock company were considered and after considerable discussion they were voted to be impracticable. On zotion of Hon. J. A. Neclure @ consittee of five vas appointed to solicit nanes fora petition to the counetl to submit a proposition to the people to vote bonds to ‘the amount of $20,000 for the erection of s city hall. Capt. teClure sustained his notion by one of the most sensible addresses ever made in this clty. He shoved that 2 public hall, vith a seating capacity of a thousand poopie, was an absolute necostity here, and that it could bo erected by the city without practically adding a dollar to its Indebtedness. 8. ¥, Plerce, J.C. Seott, ¥, 5. Blakely, George 8. Miler, H.R. Bitterman, aud’, 8, unter wore appointed the committee who have obtained « largo furber of anes. J. C. Scott offers to give a site for the building and Hesers, Scott and Pierce propose to lease it for 2 tem of years agreeing to pay the interest occurring on the bonds and algo the annual amount apportioned for the sinking fund, for the lease. The city can have Toons in this building for an engine house, council chamber, police Justice and ealaboose vithout expense. This is a scheno that should commend Atselt to the favor of every sagacious and public spirited nan tn ‘Sunetion city. ‘The city coune!l acted quickly upon the petition and resolution wes passed to submit to the voters proposition for the issuing of bonds in the anount of $20,000, A proclamation war issued in the paper stating the tine of the election, July 15, 1880, the anount of the bonds Srpid., May 22, 1880,was sot at $12,000 instead of $20,000, and the proposed site was to be Seventh and Jefferson, lots 8, 9, and 10.4 ‘The Junction City Union, outspoken on the opera house, made many comments urging the people to vote for the bonds: Now trichds of Junction City, is your opportunity of making 2 telling strike for your town. if this proposition fails, goot-bye to 8 public hall for years. The Union earnestly favors it and believes its adoption will be of incalculable benefit to the city.® ‘The people of Junction City responded well to the proposal by Eiving a strong majority vote in favor of the city hall butléing. The vote shoued 214 for the bonds end 86 against, a majority of 128 votes. ‘The Junction City Unton commented on the election by stating: Junction City covered itself all over with glory lest Thursday. ‘The proposition to issue bonds of the city to the amount of $12,000 for tho’ erection ofa city hall vas adopted by an emphatic and wholesome majority ‘Tho nows of the vote vas carried to various cities in the area and thoi neuspapers complimented the decision of the Junction City voters. The Saline Journal reported: ‘Tho people of Junction City have shown thetr good sense in voting to {ssue $12,000 bonds for construction of a much needed pubic hall, with a'seating eopsctty of 1,000.7 Sccuring the necessary votes, the city council appointed Hr. Kotner, Mr, Strand, and lr. Trovinger to s connittes thet would 4qoid., June 5, 1880. Srid., sme 19, 1880. Sroid., suty 17, 1880. Tamia. suiy 24, 1880,Superintend the erection of the efty hall building, The councti also enlisted Mr. Wolls, en architect fron Kansas City, to draw up plons ond specifications for the butlding and submit them to the next couneit eoting.® ‘On August 14, 1680, an announcoment appoared in the Union that i“ ‘the plane and specifications had been received by the counct1 and were accepted after sone alterattons sontruction.of the Opera House. In the desire to keap the construction within the community, sealed bids were requested from local merchants for the furnishing of materials and labor for the erection of ‘the bullding, The following contracts were open for bide: excavation, asons* work, carpenters york, plastering, and painting, The proposed completion date vas Janusry 1, 1864. On August sv, ivBv, the city council rejected the bids and solicited @ new advertisement in the paper for lover bias.9 ‘The second bids submitted wore acceptable and contracts were let: J. H, Strand, stone cutting; Hohigreen and Oberg, stone masons; Scott ‘and Thurston, Lime stone; Noknight and Bartell, brick for the building; Mr, Terhune, contractor, The tentative completion date was re-scheduled for Apeii, 1881.20 Septenber 4, 1880, AWrpid., September 25, 1880.10 (On Decenber 9, 1880, Mr, Terhune net with the tty councit and ‘asked for permission to guspend work until spring, Peraisston was granted. 22 Before work resumed on the butlding, the eity counct was served with s tonporary injunetion suit in the first veok of February, 1881. The injunction was fited by Mr, Jetmoe of Topeka and J. H, Franklin, county attorney of Davis county. The injunction was designed t @) stop the city council from constructing a city hall costing more ‘than $12,000, (2) stop construction on any portion that nay be used for other than public purposes, (3) keep the council from paying the inter- fest on the bonds issued by the city out of funds levied and collected for general revenue purposes.22 This injunction resulted from the feolings of a minority group of citizens who felt the council had taken too much Liverty when they engaged Mir. Terhune to construct the city hall for $15,000 whteh was $3,000 over the voted bond issu the city councii believed thts added expense was necessary to avoid making an inferior building. Legal questions arising were the following: 1) did ‘the mayor and the city council have the right to exceed the anount voted upon, (2) did they have the right to construct part of the butlding for uses other than public purpores.13 The payment of the interest on the bonds had already boon paid out of general revenue funds and could not comply with the restraining orter under the injunction, Lwid., Docender 11, 1880,a ‘The injunction case was heard by Judge J. H. Austin, He referred the question to the statutes of the city vhich would shoy the council's power and initations, By examination of the various sections of the Jay it was folt by the court that the council had acted out of concorn for the public in order to secure a city hall for public user. It was also felt that the funds derived fron the general fund, if there was surplus, could legally be diverted, ‘Te ruling of the court was tht a ‘tonporary injunction should not be granted.14 ‘The work on tho building resuned in March of 1881, but the Anjunction order was only one of many hurdles before the building wee to be completed. Im April the Union noted two accidents vhich occurred during construction of the city batldins: A rhool-barzow f011 froa the second story and Mt 2 gentionsn of color, Mr. Dobbs fortunately only received a slight sealp wound, Weduestsy afternoon Mr. Strand, son, and Mr. Augustus Johnson were about to place # stone cap on one of the windows of the upper ‘story when the scaffold gave vay, and tir. Johnson and the eap fell to the ground inside the building a distance of tuenty-eight fect. Mr, Johnson vas slightly injured on one of his legs, ir. Strand and son elung to the wall until rescued by fellow varimen,1® 1881, ‘The next wajor consequence vas the death of Mr. Terhune in Jun Mr. Terhune died from bilious fever. All work under tir, Terhune's contract was stopped. The nevspaper announced that the work would be Mpeg, 3rbid., april 90, 1881.12 completed by the ety, and a veek later the work resuzed. The shount of expenditures at this time was $10,500.16 On August 6, 1881, a major setback was incurred when a large portion of the building fe11 to the ground. The Union gave the follow Ang account About 4:90 a.me today (Friday) the tover and spire of the city building sank to the ground with s terrible crash carrying with it 8 portion of the roof over the etty offices, and the joces and : pertitions of all the stories north of the partition well. The alls north of the partition wall are so badly injured that they HILL have to be taken down. ME. Wicholson, the superintendent of the building, estinates the loss from the disaster will anount to at least $6,000, Mr, Nicholson has alvays said that the valle of the tover wore too weak and attaches the blane for the disaster to both the architect end contractor.1? ‘That same day the ity council went into a spectal session at 11:00 a.m, and onlered an examination of the building to determine the ‘cause of the accident 28 ‘The following week Mr. B. T. Carr and Goorge Wells, the original architect, representing Farrand and Welds Fir of Kanses City, arrived im Junction City to inspect the city building. Mr. Wells expressed his view by saying the late contractor, Mr, Terhune, did not follow the Dullding specifications. str, Carr felt that the plant were good but the Language of the specifications was ambiguous and gave too much latitude to the contractor, He also felt that the tover wee the only weak point in the butlding and that work could continue without interruption, He AWrpid., Jone 18, 1881. rsa. August 6, 1881. 38yy19.Fr also estinated the repatr cost for the damages at $1,500 to $2,000.29 After returning to Kansas City with the findings fron the acefdent he sent a letter to the city council of Junction City containing his recon mendations for completion of the building. ‘The work on the butlding continued smoothly with an opening date set for January, 1882; In October, 1861 the gas Lighting equiment arrived and Cept. J, C, Walkinchow from Leavenworth, Kansas, cane to direct the installation, The Union noted the reaction of Mr, Valktashow after he had been in the opera house: Capt. J.C, Walkinshow, of Leavenworth was in the city 1ast tucsday, 19 give sono directions as to the arraagenent of gas burners ‘on the stage of the opera house, The Captain is im love with our opera house and says ours will be the largest and hand~ Sonest in the state, He {s an old oxperienced stage carpenter.20 (on October 29, 1881, the nevspaper pointed out that the city counetl had ordered 600 chairs from the Anerican Store Stool Cospany of Chicago. ‘They had ordered enough to £111 the dress circle and in the future hoped to add 300 more seats.21 Because of the limitation of eity Tunds the other equipsent needed for the theatre had to be obtained by other neans. A letter addressed to the public of Junction City by one of the moubers of the Junction City Dranatic Club appeared in the paper wnien stated: ‘The new city Nell in which all citizens of Junction city take @ deep interest, will soon be ready for occupancy. The gas machine, hich has beon on the road several weeks, 1 ali that delays the 28rmid., August 13, 1881. 2ypid., October 22, 1881, Aryid., october 29, 1862.M opening. Tt seens to us proper at this time to say that the fur- nishings, stege, scenery, foot Lights, coal, gasoline, and various Sundries, have boen procurred on tine, and have run our expenses higher then we at first anticipated. “The payment of the bills vas guarantoed by a fev of the public spirited citizens, who leased the hall from the city couse with « promise thet as soon as they had been reimbursed for this outlay, the lease to terminate, and the property to bo turned over to the city clear of incutbrance. Tt vas the only way in which the stage could be furnished, as the council was not authorized by law to spend city funds for stage appurtenances. Tt was hoped we could have the hall early in the season, a2 we had a celebrated combination engaged, and wore intending to haves "Grand Opening,” but this to our disappointrent has been found impracticable at this season of the year, Of course this opening entertsintent cones under the lease, ané it behooves us to make It af rommerative to ourselves as possible as we have concluded to ‘open with an anateur conpany. Wo vill thus be able to put the price fof admission so that all moy cone; and thus by patronizing us help pay for the scenery, ete. We have already sade dates with sone first class conpantes later tho season, and the persons who Will be disappointed in not secitg ‘profegaionals" nt the opening will he gratified in die tise, Wa ‘think that when the public understands our reasons for using hone tovn talent they will lend a helping hand in the sano spirit ve ack At that of making tB{s the finest hall in the state a successful enterprise. 22 [As the opening of the opera house grew nearer the Junction City Dramatics Club began rehearsals of a Spanish drans called Miralda to be feiven at the opening along with an address by Judge Humphrey. The Junction City Union carried the following coment which told of the dramatic club's reason for christening the new building as the "City Wa11" because: “there are so many snide towns all around with opers houses, that the boys thought the nane overdone"? 22qyid., December 24, 1681, 2rys4,, Decenber 31, 1881.15 Opening of the Opera House. The new Opera House opened its doors to the Junction City public on January S, 1882. The program opened with speech by Judge Humphrey that was followed by the Spanish drana, Miralda, given by the Junction City Drazatic Club. The play was given ‘two nights and cleared $170.00 which vas used to help pay for the fumishings, ‘The production by the dranstic club was amateur and the desire to officially open the opera house with 2 professional company was fulfilled fon January 10, 1882, The Union esrried the following announcenent: Our city hall 1s to have another opening next Tuesday night, the performance of the Clayton Star Concert Conpany is to be given here, which will be attended by exoursion parties from Clay Center land Manhattan. Arrangosents will also be made to procure the assis tance of tho Fort Riley band or orchestra. As the concert conpany As one of the best on the rosd, a splendid treat 1s in store for cur citizens. The audience wilt be large, fashionable and tony, and the formal opening of the hall by a foreign or professional company rill be interesting and briitient .24 Tho citizens of Junction City witnessed two offietal openings giving the Opera House a solid beginning, A, L, Barnes was in charge of managing the Opera House and J. ¥, Barney wat secrotazy end treasurer.25 people of Junction City were proud of thetr new opera house which was Located on the corner of Soventh and Jefferson, It vas a red brick structure reflecting a Victorian taste in architecture. The windows gave evidence of a provincial French style. The tell tover held s four rps, January 7, 1882, Sryid., Decenber 31, 1681.6 faced clock, suiible and visible in all directions to the people of Junction City, On the west sige of Jefferson Street was the entrance here a porte-cochere served the carriages that brought thestre-goers to ‘the opera house.26 The front of the building housed the fire dopartaent, poltee department, jail, and the etty counctl room on the second f100r, ‘the interior of the opers house was Large with a possible seating space of 1,000 although shen it fixst opened only 600 seats were snstenzed.27 ‘Tho auditorium vas Lighted by large prismatic reflector with sixty gas burners, Ts ges chandelier was suspended fron the ceiling high over the auditortin, 28 ‘To stage was locsted at the south ond of the auditorium, it was twenty feat deep by stxty-ten fect wide etth » pracceniim opening shout thirty-six foot square, The front curtain was flown up into the fy gallery tnstead of the old means of using 2 roller.29 Sconery for the opera house wes arranged snd stocked by the fim of Noxon, Halley, and Tooney, artists of St. Louis, Missouri. it is best deserited in the folloring article taken fron the Junction City Mr. P. J. Tooney, of the {tm of Noxon, Halley & Tooney, artists of St. Louis, is in town, actively at work stocking aod arranging the stage of the Opera House. It is vory complete in all appoint ents and vill undoubtedly be the Randsonest in Kansas, The stock 2rpia., February 3, 1970, 2tryid., October 29, 1881. 2rid., December 3, 1801. 20rviawv of scones consists of beutiful landscape drop curtain, palace chaxber of the Louis XV style, a plain chamber, s rustic kitchen, @ Bastillion prison, a scene each of street, landscape, garden, hori- zon, and rocky pase, a set plece, a set house, genien statuot, Gerden belustrades, flower vases, set rocks, set waters, tomenter ings, and doors, drapery toniers and sky border. All of the above Scenety is of tho latest designe and most artistically gotten up. ‘The size of then 1s ixtoen feet high and twenty-four fect wide, the Bene cs in the larger cities. There are three sets of grooves, with ‘anply wide entrances of five and halt feet.20 ‘The Junction City Opera House was new, Dé wutiful, and well equipped to bring to the community the entertainnent and culture of the onster cities. christening of the Opers House. On January 1, 1890, the Opera House whteh had been known as the City Hall bullding for many years was finally given a nore formal nano, thet of Willan Blakely who died in 1885, The following review of the occasion was reported by the Junction ity Union on Janusry 4, 1890. ‘The christening of the Opera House took place Wednesday, January 1, there was a laige audience acsonbled to see the “Noble Outcast.” The house was decorated very nicely in honor of the occasion. P. Van Trovinger appeared after the curtain vas dram, and after a for appropriate renarks gave a briof sketch of the gontlenan after vhon the house vas to be named, Suspended above the stage ves a board bearing the vords, "Blakely Opare House,” and st the close of Mr. Trovinger's renaris the nane vas unverlod, There was grest appleuse When the name was mace known, aj, Millian Sayer Dlakely died June 31, 1635, He represented the county in the legisisture, held several county offices, tas nayor of the city shen the opera house as built, vos postnester eignt years, and hold several less promi- heat positions. His public spirit and his greet Liberality nade hin a very populer gentieman,92 30ypi<. SAppig., January 4, 1690.a ‘The renodeling of the Blakely Opers Youre. In the sunner of 1890, the opera House under the senagonent of A, T, Trott was closed for Fenodeling of the interior. The e1ty council let contracts for the alteration of raising the sests to an angle vhich vould tnprove viei- bidity. The contract for the work was given to Révin Ncltee for $225. A contract vas let to Davo Carr to build a flue on the southwest side of the building and to change a window to a door on the south end of the building to provide more unified heating.5? Electricity was hooked up to the building and electric Iights vere installed, The interior walls and ceiling wore painted and pepered by A, J. Watung.9? The celebration of tho rencdeled Blakely Cpera House was held on Septenbor 4, 1990, with 8 band concert 24 tne burning of the Biakely Ope: Mouse, The burning of the Blakely Opera House occurred on Friday evening, Jenusty 14, 1898. The cause of the fire vas unknown, There wes gone speculation that it started over the stage snd scenery aroa.35 the blaze apread quickly snd ‘there was not much hope of saving the bullding. ‘The Junction City Union carried the following story the next ay: Oniy 2 few people heard the threo taps of the fire bell, but the word that the opers house is on fire ren fast along the street, and 26 With one bound everybody in the torn was at the scene to see the flames burst fron the roof. Tho fire hed spread so rapidly through S2rpia., sary 26, 1690, %xpid., July 19, 1690, 4rbid., Septerbor 4, 1890, *Sapid., Janvary 15, 1898.19 ‘the scenery and along the dry roof that the entire building seened to be ablaze when the first stream was throws. Only three taps of ‘the fire bell had been sounded when the rope vas burned off, s0 sore intiaation may be gained of the condition of the blaze vhen it was Gtacovered. The department got action on itself quicker than 1t over did in ita history, but it vas to no avail, and at no tine did Chiet Ziegler think the’ building could be saved.** ‘the fixe departnent worked hand to keep the fire from spreading to any of the nearby buildings. Rain and snov nade the job easier tn preserving the nearby business houses of W. W. Hicks, J. J. and W. F. Muenzenmayer, and the Vhite Lunber Company.7 Mrs, Fred Durand, during an interview on July 14, 1970, recalled standing scross the street on the vest side of the butlding during the fire, She said it war snowing and at exactly six o'clock, when the clock in the tover was striking, it fell to the ground.9® ‘the building was « conplate lose; portions of the east, west, land south valis and the roof fell to the ground. The front wall of the building resained, the only salvagable portion of the butLding.59 It was 0 tragic loss for Junction City, but the people would not Jet their opera house end as a pile of rubble on the corner of Seventh and Jefferson. An interview with many of the local businessmen on Seventh and Washington revesled to a reporter of the Republican no seri~ ous opposition to the rebuilding of the opera house, of al the peorle ya. Myra, Jaovary 11, 1992, S8iaterview with Mrs, Fred Durend. 2sunction City Republican, January 21, 1898.20 he had Anterviewed only two or three were opposed and many of the rest urged that the tty couneti take imvodiate ection on the sttuation.40 Seven hundred dollars was collected by S. W, Pierce, J. C. Scott, AH tell, and M, K, Bitterman for rebullding the opera house. ‘They all had businesses on Seventh Street and wanted to see the street butte up. 41 ‘The week folloving the fire representatives of the six insurance companies that had insured the building for $10,000 inspected the ruins snd propared the necessary papers for payment to the etty.42 The city couneti met in a special session on Tuesday, January 4, 1898, in the evening. The counetl all agreed to the rebuilding of the efty hall at once. It would be the sane size utilizing as much of ‘the foundation and the old butlding as possible. The structure was to bbe modern and would be safe and adequate to fulfill the needs of the people, 43 Rebuilding the Opera House. The city counct1 acted quickly in Securing the bids for work on the new building. Mr. J.C. Holland, an architect fron Topeka, Kensas, vas employed to prepare plans and apeci- fications for the bullding.44 The contract for hesting the bullding was let to @ fim in Kansas city for $500.49 ‘xvid. Anes. 42gunction City Unton, January 27, 1998, Sry0, 44yunction City Republican, February 10, 1896. ‘Srpid., april 7, 1898,a ‘The work on the building procecded very rapidiy and within span of eight months now and impressive building vas raised on the corner of Seventh and Jefferson, The front portion of the building was built of brick which housed the fire department, police court, and jail on the first floor, The second floor of the front section housed the city counct room and the toard of education office, The back helf of the building housing the opera house was constructed of native stone. The entire bullding vas covered with a slate roof. The tover on the front ‘of the bullding was supplied with a new Seth Thonas tover clock and & 2500 pound bell, manufactured by the Meneely Boll Conpany of Troy, Now York. . To enter the opera house the people no longer had to clinb steire; the ticket office was near the door on the ground floor, The stage was loceted on the south end of the building, The house proper hhad a seating capacity for 820 people, ‘The baleony, as well as the dress circle and parquet, was seated with opera chairs. There were six private boxes furnished vith willoy chairs end harmonious drapes and carpeting.“ ‘The walls were decorated, painted, and froscoed in different ‘shades of terre cotta and gold. The work was done by Durbon Brothers of Junction city.47 Decorations used throughout vere of plastic relief furnished by A. A, Pratl of St, Loute, Missouri 45 ‘Srpia., October 7, 1898, ary 8ry14,22 ‘The stage floor had an area of 2000 square fect vith » proscenium opening twenty-five feet high by thirty fect wide. The fly gallery was high enough to raise scenery well out of sight. A light bosrd was 4 ‘talled to handle the electric 2 (te hich 2 k Pp on The Derby; same company 6 Yeront; same conpany Mastake; sane company Ive Jotty Rovers Old Arkansaw ‘An Orphan's Proyer ‘an American Gentlenan; Miss Gountier and ‘Coapany Fred Ranond Company Spotless Town; Leslie Morsoco and Leila Shaw ‘The Yoluntoer; Miss Core Van Tassell and ‘Company Ie Little Waite; Lincoln J. Carter Company Her Only Sin; Lincoln J, Carter; suite Gray ‘A Daughter of Corsica; Jack Hootfier Stock Company Ranch King; sane company ‘The Bowery Boy; sane companyoctober october october october Cctober october 22 ey 2 October 30 cctober 31 Novenber Novenver Noventer Novenber Noventer Novenber Noventer Novester November Noventor Decenber December Docenber Decenber 2 4 “ 16 18 1 20 aL 1s 4 1003 (continued) (€) Alphonse and Gaston; same company (©) A Ganblor's Daughter; E, Laurence Lee Company (©) Grand Ruby; Jack Hootfler Conpany (©) Because She Loved Him $0; sane conpany (©) Master and Men; sane company (©) Prince of Liars; sone company (©) Sign of the Cructtix; sane company (©) Jesse Janes; sane company (©) In Convict Stripes; B.C. Whitney Company (©) ‘The New Dominion; Joseph C. Logan Company; Ur, Clay Clenent (0) Te Ive Orphans; CLtbert Faust Company (©) A Thoroughbred Tronp; Finer Walter's Company (©) Morey Stock Company (©) A Fatal Lixenese; sone company (©) Mane unkown; sane company (©) Nome unknown; some company (©) Lutte Miss mititary; sane company (©) Wan to Man; Butterfield and Brontlaw Company; ‘Winan and davis (©) The midnight Expross; Zeb and Zarrow Company (©) A Bunch of Keys; Gus Boehner Conpary (©) A Trip te Chinatown; Saylor ond MiMer Com any; eek CanpelT (©) Uncle Ton's Cabin; Leon Washburn Company (©) Mr. Jolly of Joliet; névard Garvie Conpsny,Docesber 17 Decenber 22 Decenber 21 Senuazy 2 January 6 January 9 Senuary 14 January 20 January 23 January 26 January 28 March & March 21 Apri 12 May 24 August 22 August 30 Septeabor 22 September 29 october 10 october 22 35 1903 (continued) (©) Much Ado About Nothing; F. Lavrence Company; Mr, Chas. B, Wanford and Mise Marie Drofaah| (©) Rudolph and Adolph; Mason and Mason (©) The Gane Feoper; Rowland and Clifford Company ©) The ‘The Elnore Sisters (©) Im the Palace of the King; Molen Granthy (©) Mize Mursey from Jorsey; Martin and Elting Company; Harie Ds’ (©) me (©) Quincy Adams Scwyer; Puritan Company (©) Pickings Prom Puck; Mr. Millard Stmns and tonpany (©) Ward and West's Minstrels (©) Morchant of Venice; Joseph Shipman (©) The Punkin fusker; Lawrence Russel (©) Motty-Toity; HH. Oviatt (©) Dovitts Avetion; cha 4M, Yate Company (©) Mis Absent Boy; Harry Corson Clark Company (©) Vache Josh Perting; Frayeo and Bay Company (©) & Broken Hoart; J. €, Logan Conpar (©) Finnigens Ball; Ollie Mack and Joe Spears (©) For Mother's Sake; Marie Heath (©) The War of Woalth: Morey Stock Company (©) Faust; sane companyoctober 12 octover 13 october 14 Cctover 15, october 18 october 22 october 29 Noventer 1 Novenber 5 Novenber 12 November 24 Novenber 25 Novenber 28 Noventer 29 Novenber 20 Decenter 6 December 10 Decenber 16 Decenber 17 December 20 © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © 86 1904 (contsnued) Mane unknown; same company Rison from the Ranks Worey sane conpany; Luella Cleopatra; sane company On Cizews Day; sane company At the Races; The Lyman Twins Company IWo Little Waifs; Lincola J. Carter Company Over Magara Palis; Rowland and Company Under Southern Skies; Harry Doel Parker Company ‘The Ranker's ChLid; arey Shennon ‘A Ghinese Honey-tloon ; Nex York Casino Company Matoney's wodaing The Princess of Patches; The Loci Conpany and ‘The Hear of Kew York; sane company Clover Dale; Chat saster Company ‘Te Man From Arizona; same company ‘The Doctor's Prescription; and The Black avi My Girls Leave Home; Vance and Sullivan Company Sandy Botton; Manpton and Hopkins ‘quincy Adans Sauyer; Puritan Company Hor Only Sin; Lineotn J, Carter Company; Julia Gray That Little SwedeJenvary 5 Senvary 5 Senuary 14 Jenvary 21 Senuary 24 February 2 February 7 February 10 February 16 Pobruary 25 February 27 Maren 3 March 28 March 22 March 24 Maren 90 April 3 Apri 10 Apri 35 April 37 May 8 87 1905 (©) Sherlock Holnes; Willian Gilette Company (©) Peck's Bad Boy; sane company ¥, B. Patton (©) Me Minister's Son; (©) Ax English Daisy; Murry and Wack Company (©) Gemsn Litiputtans; Songs and Dances (ects T+); & quiet Fanily (©) Artzon: Melvitle 8, Reynond Company (©) Hor Lord and aster; Janos B, Dolcher Company; Sige Halen Grently (©) My Yonen Sin; M. W. Taylor Amusement Company (©) ay Down East; Wm. A. Brady Lancoln 3. Carter (©) The Hoart of Chicas: Company (©) The inte of Calizornia (©) fre. Delaney of Newport; Melvilte B, Raynond Enterprises (© The Hoosier Girl (©) by witers Famtiy; Bert St, John Conpany; Hal ‘Stephens and Harty Linton (A) The Fort Reley Minstrets (©) Macbeth ; John. Hickey Company; John Gristith (©) Thoima; Spedden and VanCook Company ; Miss Cisire Paice (© A Trip te Buypt: shes Amusement Company (©) Mm Menzy's Minstrels (C) The Muay and the Hunaing Bird; Jules Murzy Gonpany; Paul Giinore (©) & Wonan's Yay; Fulton Bros, Stock CompanyAugust 28 August 29 August 30 August 31 September 5 Septenber 12 Septenbor 16 September 23 Septenber 27 October 10 cetoter 12 october 12 Cctober 12 October 20 October 23 Cetoser 24 october 25 Cetover 21, Novenber 11 Noventer 12 Novener 22 Noventer 24 November 25 Noventer 27 1905 (continued) (©) Nebraska; Chas. treckenstdge Stock Company (©) Land of the Sky sane company (©) Te Diarond Ki 1; game company (©) & False Friond; sane company (©) & Hunan Slave; Eugene Spoftord (©) christy Bros, Minstrels (©) At Ceippte Crest; #, J, Carpenter Conpasy (©) Mat Little Suede; Ir. Frank Nopkins (©) Rip Ven Winkie; Cosoa ond Miblo (©) Mares of g Kind; Norey Stock Company (e) The Hinistor"s Suocthcarts; sae conzany (©) Only 5 Prtyste; anna compeny (©) te Power of the Cxos; sane company (©) A Littne Cutesst: ©. J, Cazzonter Company, (©) A Becholoz"s Honayncon: Fountain Company (©) Yercont Folss: sane company (©) he Mastiod Bait sans compeny (©) Under Southern Site8; Marcy Doel Parker Company (©) Si Plunterd: 3. ¢, Lewis and Company (©) Dosdsood Dict: Jz-; Mugh Moreison "= Company (©) The Slava Gist; Te Leckes and Company (©) pouty and 1; sane company (©) Little teeseure; natinee; The Shadows of the Fast; sane conpeoy (©) woity-Toity; febor and Fields ConranyDecember 2 Decerber 6 Decenber 9 Decesber 11 December 16 Decenber 19 December 20 Docenber 23 December 25 January 9 Jenuary 13 January 20 Fobruary 3 February 7 February 17 February 24 Maren 5 March 8 Maren 20 Maren 30 89 1908 (continued) (©) Lord Baltinore; Jap Rentfrov Company (©) Devil's Auction; Chas, H, Hale Company (© A Royal Stave; Jules sturry's Company (©) Don Pasquale; Alice ieteen (©) An Artstocratic Tramp; Kilroy and Britton (©) Babes in Toylend; Fred Hanlin and Julian Mitchell Conpany (©) Strongneart (©) Bora Thorne: Rowland and Clittoné Conpany Robert Saison (©) te Marriage of Eitty; Jules Murry's Comedy Conpany; Hiss Alice Johnson © me + B.C. Witney Conpany (© Over Ningara Felis; Yovlend and Cliftoré ‘Gompany (©) A Trtp to Reypt: ©. Norbert Keir Company (©) Te Vonan Hater; J, J, Colenen Conpany (©) Buster Brom; Melviiie 5, Raymond attreetions (©) pretty Pecgy; Arthur C. Alston and J. Brmett Baxter Canpny (©) A Poor Relation; Davis and Bugene (©) Shadows on the Hearth; Arthur C, Alston's Company (©) She Stoops to Conquer; Robert Lee Allen: largaret Ralph (©) King Richard the Third; John Hickey Company; Sohn Griteits (©) A Message From Mare; David ProctorApri 19 May 15 August 28 September 4 Septeaber 15 Septonber 17 Septenber 18 Septonber 19 Septenber 20 Septonber 21 october 8 cctober 9 octover 10 october 12 october 27 october 27 November 1 Novenbor & Novenber 9 Novenber 10 Novenber 15 Novenber 17 Hovenber 19 © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © 6 1908 (continued) Pife! Poff! Pouf!; B.C, Waitnoy Company The Holy Clty; Gordon and Bennett Company At Cripple Creek; E. J. Carpenter Company ‘the Freedom of Suzanne; Arthur C. Atston Company; Jane Corcoran ‘The Cow Puncher; W. F. Mann Conpany Rosenond; Fulton Bro: Stock Company Mon and Master; sane conpany Mane unknown; same company Jane; sane company ‘the Way of the World ; sane conpany ‘he Belle of Richnond, The, Morey Stock Company ‘The Darkest Hour; sane conpany Reaping the Harvest; sane conyany ‘The Whole Dann Pantly; sane company LS Highnoss, The Bey; W. C. DeWitt ‘The Shoo-Ply Reginent; Melville B, Rayzond Conpany ‘The Yolunteor Organist; W. W, Nevcomer Company ‘The Rustlers; The Lyman Twins and Company Wonderiend; Julian 1itehett Company ‘The Little Honostead; Macauley and Patton Company key and Aboy; Elvan! Salter Company Monte Cristo; Me. Bugene Moore and Company ‘A Bunch of Keys; Hoyt's companyNovenber 24 Novester 30 Decenbor 7 Decenber & Decenber 11 Docenber 15 Decenber 19 Docenber 25 Decenber 27 January 2 January 4 January 7 January 12 Sonuary 12 January 23 January 26 January 30 February 8 February 19 61 11906 (continued) (©) As Told in the HUL28; W. F, Mann Company (©) ‘The VandorbiAt Cup; Joseph M, Gattes Company (©) The Toast of the Town; Clyde Fitch Company (©) Me King of Tramps; Cohan and Southerland Company (©) Dovit's Auction; ches, H. Yele Company (© A Nad Love; Edward R. Salter Company (©) Mise Anorica £2 the Philippines; Moss Conte Opera Company (©) Te Merry Wives of Windsor; Louie Janes (©) Buster Brown; Melvitie B, Raynond Amusement Company 007 (©) Torns and Ozange Blostons; Rowland and Caifterd Company (©) Te Squaw Mon; Liebler and Companys tr. Henry Jewett (© poly City; Luela Horey (©) A Royal Slave; Gordon and Bennett Company (©) 4 Messenger Boy; George D. Sweet Company (©) Sueet Clover; Donalds and Hockey Company; Tullette Atsnson (©) Te zayan of Bhong (©) Te District Leader; Sardam and Lindsay company (©) The onan Hater; Harry Beresford (©) Te College Boy; Riggs CompanyFebruary 2 February 26 March 29 March 22 March 29 March 30 Apri 30 April 37 Soptonbor 5 September 7 Septenber 12 Septenber 18 Septeaber 21 october 7 october october 9 october 10 cetober 11 october 22 cctover 25 october 28 Novenber 12 62 1907 (continued) (©) In A Woman's Power (©) Me Slow Poke; Mocauley and Patton Compeny (©) Te Little Prospector; King-Perkins Conpany (©) The Minister's Son; Macauley end Patton Company (©) The Mtikado; Boston Ideal Come Opera Company (©) Mascotte; (natines) Fra Diavole; (evening) Bane company (©) The Belle of Japan; Harrie Eldon Company (©) Susan tn Soareh of Teabet Teving Husband; Lisbler Company; (© David Corson; Harry Doel Parker Conpany (©) The Three of Us; Valter N. Lawsence Company (©) The Trust Busters; KLIroy and Britton Attrac- Tone (©) The Vanderbiit Cup; Joseph M, Gaites Company (©) Sis An New York; 41 Nathan (©) Anita; Horey Stock Company (©) The Little Homestead; sane company (C) Tobe Hoxte; sane company (©) The Minister's Son; same company (©) The Word and the Wonan; sano Coupany (©) Are You g Mason: J, W. Treadwell Conpsny (©) How St Pluniard; J.C. Lewke and Company (©) dust out of college; George Ade's Conpacy (© By Dixte Girt; Dodge and Doffield CompanyNovenber 14 Noventer 19 Novenber 21 November 23 Novenber 26 Decenber 6 December 21 December 28 January 3 January 10 January 25 February 11 Fobruary 14 February 19 Fepruary 25 Maren 13, Septenber 26 october 6 october 12 © © © © © © © © © © wo © © © © © © © © 63 1907 (contsmued) “The Stow Poke; W, B. Patten ‘Bo Merry Tramps; Wood and Word's Company At the Olé Cross Roads; Arthur C. Atstons The Gow Punches; W. F. Mann Company: ‘An Old Swoothoart of Mine; Jules Murry High ‘lass Anusenent Enterprises, Inc. : Jp the Btshops Cerriege; Liebler and Company Big Jubilee Minstrels; Sanford Ricaby's Minstrels A Doll's House; C. Aiston Company; Jane Corcoran 1908 The Conedy of Errors afte Joseph M. Gaites Company; 8. Liter Kent Variety Show Little Dollie Dunples; C. Hl. Kerr Company; Grace Caneron Rainting the Town; Chas. H. Yale Anusoment Company Cupid at Yasser ‘The Men of tho Hour; Mm. A Brady and Jos. R. Getsner Coopeny ‘Te Holy City; Luella Morey Ban cupid Parsital; lartin and Bnery Company In Spite of ALL; More Stock Companyoctober 13) october 14 October 15, Cctober 16 October 17 October 22 October 31, Novenber 24 November 25 ovenber 27 Decenber 3 Decenber 5 Decesber 19 Decenter 26 Decester 31 January 2 January 4 Sonuary 8 January 9 January 13 January 14 © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © oa 1908 (continued) ‘sane company ‘sane company ‘sane company ‘same conpany sane company ‘The Devil: Honzy W. Savage Company hen We Wore Friends; Willian Macauley Honeymoon Teafl; Princess Amusesent Compeny, Tres Te Heart of Am Indien ‘The Man From Hone; Liebler Conpany ‘The Yankee Drunners; The Lyman Trins Company ‘The WoE; Canadian Hudson Bey Company Isle of Spice; Mr. Frayse Ma's Now Husband; Harry Scott Company ‘Tho Might of the Play; M, Osterman; Kathryn Ostersan 909 A Good Woman Wi21 Win; Lincoln J. Carter ‘Company ‘The Tening of the Shrov; F, Lawrence Walker Company; Charles 6. Hanford and Marie Drofnah ‘The Burgonaster; Wm, P. Cullen Company A Gey Old Gir2; Reginald Poole ‘The Rivale; The Jeffersons The Thiet; Charles Frohman CompanySenuary 16 Seouary 19 Senuary 23 January 26 Sanvary 30 Fopruary 2 Fobruary 6 February 10 February 12 February 12 February 15 March 5 March & March 22 March 22 March 27 March 29 Apri § April 6 April 7 April 8 april 9 6s 1909 (continued) (©) Long Rivers; Burton Dixon Company (©) Meadow Brock Farm: W. F, Mann Company (©) Marsying ary; Jules Murry High Class Anus. ent Enterprises; Miss Florence Geer (© A Bunch of Keys; Hoyts Company (©) Witte Dolly Dimples; Caneron Opera Conpany (©) Under Southern Skies; Harry Doel Parker Company (©) The Boys of Conpany B; Jules tury Wigh Chest Rousenest Enterprises ; Paul Gilmore (© A wuionaize Tresp; Elmer Walter's Company (©) Montana; Harzy D, Carey Company; Miss Frances Rooper (©) Tempest and Sunshine; VW. Re Mann Compeny Iagon end Mason (©) Retolgh end £do2; (©) Clzsenstes: Jules “ursy High Class Amusement Enterprises, Ine (©) The Intsh Sonstor; Joseph W. Spears Company (© Ths cuenensn; George HW, Brennen Company (© Te ¥: 199 Doodle Pov; Povoll ang Cohn Conpany (©) A Knight for 2 Days Frayce and Mote Company (©) The House of Bondage: Joma Cort (©) Rotesbution; The Recéieis Company (e) Tae O34 Sexton; sane company CC) f Pink Mask: same company (©) The Shoes of Sin; same conpany (©) Monte Grist 250 companyApri 10 prt 15, Apri 24 September 9 September 22 Septender 25 September 27 cetoner 7 october 11 october 12 cetober 13 october 14 october 15 october 16 octobe: a october 22 october 26 October 28 october 29 october 20 Novenber 9 Novenber 19 6 1909 (continued) (©) The Gsnbier and Lady; sane compeny (©) The Lion ond The Mouse; Honey B, Harris Conreny (©) Si Plenkard (©) The Widow Perkins; Glines and Verde (©) then Heerts; Willian Fronklin Riley Company (©) The Wot; San 8, and Lee Shubert, Tne. (© A Dry Town; Joe. M. Gorter Company (©) A Girt at the Holm: Janos H. Browne Coxpany, (©) Anita, the Singing Girl; The Morey Stock Company (©) The Mon and the MIE + sene company (©) Nave unknown; sane company (©) The Gey Docatver: sane conpony (© Only a Private; sone company (©) The Whole Den Fansiy; seme compeny (©) The Bod M22; Martin and Bresy's Company (©) & Stubborn Cindezelte; Homer B. Mason Princess Rnusenont Company (©) Jock and J112; Hodkins-Mangold-Sinopoulo Company; Ada Wocde (©) 4 Sitont Partner; Den Russell (©) Sekenna's Fiirtation; seme company (© The Motinoe Girl; sane company (©) The Roysh Chet; F, F. Sturgis (©) Little Johary Jones; Colontel Amusement ‘CompanyNovenber 20 Novenber 25 Novenber 30 Docenber 4 Decenber & December 14 December 17 Decenber 21 Docenber 22 Doceaber 27 January 3 Sauary 6 January 12 January 37 January 20 Jenuary 21 January 25 January 27 6 1909 (cont imuea) (©) The Mouse of g Thousand Candles; W. T. Gaskell ‘and Evand Rowland Compeny © Sen S. and Lee Shubert Company Blue Nous (C) Te Time, The Place, and The Girl; HH. Frazee Conpany (©) Girls; Sam $, and Lee Shubert Company (©) A Gonttonan from Misetesippt; Millian A. Brady, ‘ua Joseph Crisnaer company Girl and the Gark; the Lockes Company © (©) The Little Homestead; Macauley and Patton Company Shubert (€) Te Groat John Ganton; San 8. and Le Gonpany (C) The Blockhead; W. B, Patton (©) Me Great Divia Henry Miller Company aio (©) The Anorican Lord; Marie Drofuah and Charles 1B, Nanton ) Fort Riley Minstrels (©) As the Sun Wont Down: Arthur C, Aiston Com pany; Estha Willians (©) Gar) trom U. 8. A.; Harry Scott ) The Inside Inn; Junction City Lodge 1037 BPO, Bike (A) sane production (©) Paid In Full; Wogonhal and Kenper Company (©) Classmates; Jules Murzy Company; Horan HackettFebruary 18 Fobruary 24 March 4 Merch 11 March 26 March 31 Apri 1 April 6 april 8 une 7 August 26 August 29 ‘August 30 August 31 Septonbor 1 September 2 September 3 Septenber 19 September 29 Septenber 21 Septenber 22 Soptenber 29 oe 1910 (continued) (©) Polly of the Circus, (©) Gtet Question; H. H. Frazee Company (©) The Servant in the House; Henry Miller Associate Players (©) The Top O' Th’ World; Fréd Battey and Rolph instin (©) The Flowers of the Ranch (©) The Thine egsee; Henry B. Harris Company; ‘Frovanda Blison, Rolph Ransoy and Paul Bvecton (©) The Clinse; Joseph M. Weber Conpany (8) The Toastmaster; Junction City Senior High Bchool Play (©) ‘the Traveling Salesman; Henry B. Harris Conpany; Bob Blake (©) The Gingerbread Mon; Rico and Varley Company () Breezy Point; Bath Machey's Elecution Clase (©) Nano unknown; Norsy Stock Company (©) What A Wonan WIL Do; sane company (©) Mast A Wonan WEL Do; sane company (©) vnizt of Secsety; sane company (© Kew Nagadate seme company (©) ve Married Men; sane company (©) The Little Princess; Dorthy Stock Company (©) Dortny; sane company (©) A Royal Prisoner; seme company (©) A Wonan of the People; sane company (©) Mise Nobody from Starlandoctober 3 october 5 october 18 cetober 25 october 28 october 29 Novenbor 7 Rovenber 11 Yovenber 12 Novenber 25 December 3 December 10 December 19 Decenber 28 January 6 January 14 Sonuary 21 January 27 February 1 February 17 March 3 69 1910 (continued) (©) Me House of Thousand Candies; Miss Clare (©) The Cat and the Fiddle; Harry B, Watson Company (©) ste of Splee; B,C, Mitney Company (©) wuatire; Loretta Morey (©) Me Tine, the Place, and the Otel (€) The Man on the Box; Trousdale Bros. Company (C) Me Queen of the Moulin Rouge: Sam‘ E, Port Company (©) oneynoon Teath; Fitzgerald Company (6) Dan cupid (©) me Squee Yan; Bavard Westfield (©) The Port of Missing Hen (© Ie Chinen; Te United Play Company (© the Neviyreds and Thet Baby (©) The Golden Gizl; Mort H, Singer Company: Toons Weteom isi (©) De Wout Monger; Dantel ¥, Arthur (©) Me Goddess of Liberty; tort H. Singer Company w Te College Midow; Junction City High School Bentor Class Play (©) Poly of the Circus; Frederte Thompson (©) me Netting Pot; Liebler and Conpany (©) The Flirting Princess; Mort H. Singer Company (©) Paid in Full; Wagenhats and Kenper CospanyMaren 29 April 5 Moy 1 September 18, Septenber 19 Septenber 20 Septenber 21 Septenber 22 September 23 october 2 october 3 october 4 Cctober § October 6 october 7 cctover 9 october 16 oetoner 22 Novenber 7 Noventer 11 Novenber 16 Novenber 24 © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © 10 191i continued) ‘The Munny and the Hunning Bird; Paul Gilmore ‘and Conpany Blue Mouse; E. J. Cerponter Conpany The Paradise of Mahomet ; Daniel V. Arthur ‘Company For Hhmanity's Sake; Charles Breckenridge Btock Conpany Nebraska; ease company Down vere the Cotton Blossons; sane company Teddy OMMaLLey; sane company ‘Thoms and Orange Blossons; sane company ‘The Cowboy; sane company A Yonan of Nystery; Norey Stock Conpany Hed Ctrele; sane company eng Rivers; sane company ‘The Grast Dionond Robbery; same company Cast Aside; ane company Don't Tell Your Vite; sane company Girl of Ny Dreans; Jos, M, Gaites The Aviator; Trousdale Bros. Company The Prince of Tonight; Mort H, Singer Company ‘The Lion and the Mouse; Uatted Play Compony ‘Te Rosary; Rovland and Clifford Company ‘The Tyrangy of Toars; The Associate Henagers; Glinore Brown Madene Sherzy; Frazee and Lederer ConpanyDecember 19 Decenber 22 Deconber 28 January 8 January 9 January 19) Sanuary 28 January 27 veoruary February 13 Fobruary 17 Popruary 24 March 16 Apri 3 April 24 May 22 Noverber 15 Novenbor 16 na 1911 (contimued) (© Machoth; The Coburn Players (©) Got Rich Quick Wallingford; Cohan and Harris i (©) The Fortune Hunter; sane company a2 (©) Bright Byes; Josoph M. Gaites Company; Cecil Tean, and Florence Holbrook. (©) Polly of the Circus; Prodrick Thompson Company (©) The Newlyveds sed These Baby (©) The Heart Breaders; Nort H. Singer Company; George Danerel (©) Rosatind at Redgate; Garett and Macvitty Coapany (©) checkers; Kirse Lasne1ie Company (© The Traveling Salesnen; A, 8. Steams Coxzany; Dorthy Grey and Dos Tae Miller (©) dy wisere Fousty; Dan Russel (©) Miss Nobody fro= Starton Conpany; Cite Vail Mort H, Singer (A) Tee Frosheon; Junction Céty High School Senior aes Play (©) he Deep Purple; Liedler and compeny (© Graustark; George Barr HeCutcheon's Company @) Babul; Junction City High School Chorus $56; Cosan ond Marsis Conpaiy mitiias a, 3% sy CompanySenuary 3 January 4 Senuszy 11 February 12 Fobruary 25 February 26 Mareh 19 Apri 15 Novenber 7 Novenber 15 Noventer 19 Decenber 6 Senuary 8 January 18 January 21 February 11 March 10 April 6 prt a7 © © © wy © © w wo © © © © © © © © © © © 2 ass ‘The Prince of Tonight; LeConte end Fleshor ‘conrany Madane Shezzy; Yow Arsterdam Thestre Produc Kindling; United Pley Conyony BLk's Minstrel Show; presented by Junction city ELs's Club The City; Unite Play Company The Hise Nolte: Mew York Casino Melody Con ‘pany; Velesie Surat ‘A Rivel By Roqusst; Junetion City High School Senior Class Pay The House Tse Jeet: Built; Local tatenty Uibifen Devideon, director Beliave te; Billy "Single" Clifford Company Madoce x he Rose Maid; Plovence Mitier, Lev Lederer Gea Howesd "aren Fine Fasthors: #. H, Frazoe Conzany aoa Ready Nonsy; Willian A, Bredy Company The Fizefly; Arthur tanmerstein Production Te Right Princess; tr, Robert Denpater and eonpeny Little Wonen; Willian A, Brady Company ‘The Pink Lady; Pishe and Stevens Company Lazy BULL; W. B, Patton Company Mutt and JefeSeptenber 23 November 13, Novenber 19 Decenber 10 Decenber 29 Docenber 31 Senuary 16 Senuary 21 Jonuary 28 rovruary 5 February 12 April 16 April 19 april 20 Apri 21 May 13 Septonber 13, Septenber 14 Septonber 15 September 16 n 2014 (continued) (©) Rosalind at Red Gate; Nattonsl Play Company (©) 12 trovetore: Boston English Opera Company (©) ‘The Rod Widow; New York Astor Theetze Musical Gonedy Company (o) Mutt and Jeff in Moxico; Gus Hi11 Company (©) Peg oO! My Heart; Oliver Morosco Company (©) 45 Manutoe from Broseway; Metropolitan Opers House Studio Conpany aos 19; Fredztek Company (©) men Droans cone (©) he Winning of Barbers Worth; Gertrude Barker (©) High Joes (© seryvoman; Henry W. Savage Company (©) Baby Mine; milion A, Ready Company ) Merry Minstrel Hetés; Wonen's Guild of Episcopal Church (©) The “Welly and Kneeland” Musical Company tn Tabloid ©s 1e company (©) sane company () A Day On Coney List Churen 1¢; Ladies of the Untyerss- ©) me ‘conpany ‘of the World; North Bros. Stock (©) The Poor Rich; sane company (©) Too Much Married; sane company (©) The Final Sottlonont; sano companySeptenber 17 Soptonber 18 Septenber 23 october 14 Noveaber 1 Novenber 3 Novenber 6 Novenber 19 Decenber 1 December 1 Decenber 18 Decenber 20 January 7 Senvary 20 January 23 Fobruary @ Apri 28 May 26 october 2 October 18 © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © ° wo © © ” 1o15 (continued) Tee Yonen God Forgot; sane company Driven From Home; seme company Richard and Pringles Minstrels ‘the Commanding Office Bice Dovey Famous Players Company; Mithin the Lew; Dove Caxpron and lise Florence Terie Polly Primrose and Her Merry Minstrel Maids ‘The Blue Youse; North Bros. Stock Conpany Nigh Jinks; Miss Betty Biye ‘The New Henrietta; Joseph Brook Company Robin Hood; Dehoven Opera Company ry Scott ‘and Janes Stevens Little Lost sister Ereckles; The Broadeay Anusenent Company 116 Twin Bede; Salvyn and Company September Morn; Martin and Lenle Company Ps alr of Sixes; H. H, Frazee Company It Pays te Advertise; Cohan and Harris Company. ‘The Fortune Hunter Cottege Kansas State Agricultural The Varsity Couch; Junction City High School Senior Class Play Charlie on the Stage San Coltin's "Black Sensation” Minstrel Showcctoner 19 october 20 November 20 Hovender 29 Decenber 20 Decenber 27 January 12 January 17 February 23 March 6 May 9 May 29 May 28 August 22 August 27 August 28 August 29 August 30 August 31 September 1 © © © © © © © © © © © « w © © © © © © © 18 1916 (continued) sane company ‘The Polynesian Princess; Foster Producing Boreas The Only Girl; Joe Weber Company Alga; Chicago English Opora Company Fair and Vamer; Selvyn and Company Morers. Shubert Company Hobson's Chote asi ‘The Bohentan Qiri; Aborn Opera Company ‘The Blue Paradise; Messe. 's Shubert Company Macbet ‘Tho Ganon of Allch; Licbler Company Intolerance; D, W. Griftttn Company Mindnitie of Holland; Junction Clty School, Seventh and vighth erodes The Blossoning of Mary Ann; Junction City High School Senior Class Play A Might na Cabaret; The Anericen Gingor Garis Company 10917 Vode Ravue; Chet. Davis Musical Comedy Copsny Septesber Yorn; same conpany ‘sane company sane company ‘same company sane company,Septenber 3 Septonber 4 Septender 5 Boptender 6 Septeaber 7 September Septosber 10 Soptonbor 12 Septenber 24 october 2 october 2 October 3 october 4 october $ October 6 october 12 october 13, October 14 october 15 Docenber 31 Septenber 30 Cctober 2 © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © rc) © © © © 1917 (continued) Troubles in 3 Hotel: sano company sane company ane company seme company same company sane company ‘The Lonesome Town; W. H, Hughes Company Honeymoon Tr=il; Hughes Musical Comedy Company Married Again; Al Loown and Company ‘The Gir} from Navajo; Jack Antek's Pennant Wonere sane company sane company sane company sane company sane company, Assessing of Gloon; Gorge M, Hall Company sano conpany sane company sane company Young Mrs. Kinthrop; B. 8, Gallup Compsny: aie The Liberty Girls; Mack and Hasting Company sane conpeny.october 2 october 2 october 4 october 5 october 6 october 7 october 8 cctover & Novesber 12 Novenber 13 November 14 Novenver 16 Novester 17 Noveaber 18 November 19 Novenber 20 Decenber 28 January 22 Jonuary 28 February § © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © © ® n 1018 (continued) same company sane company sane company ‘seme company ‘sone company ‘same conpatiy sane company same company Honpecked Henry; Halton Powell Musics! Conedy company Protty Papa; sone company ‘sane conpany ‘ame company sane conpany ene company sane company sane company ‘Step Lively; same conpany Frank King's Dainty Girls Musical Conedy asi9 Mutt and Jeff in the Wooly Nest; Bud Fisher Company Stop, Look, and Listen ‘The Khaki Minstrels; Soldiers from Camp FunstonFebruary 10 © February 15 © February 18 © March 3 4) March 4 © Mazen 5 © March 7 © March & © Mazen 10 © Mazen 12 © Maren 19 © Mazen 20 © March 21 © Maren 27 © March 25 © Mazen 29 © Maren 31 © Apri 4 © apr. 7 © apr 8 © Apri 9 © aprtt 16 © Apel 2s © e 919 (continued) One Girl in g Thousand; Dubinsky Bros. Stock ‘Company My Marey? ‘The Trail of the Lonesone Pine; Eugene Welter Conpany same company Forty-five Minutes fron Broadvay; G. , Dunn Btock Company ‘The Girl and the Gaxbler; sane company Kick In; sane company ‘Tompest and Sunshine; sane company Polly-Anna; sane company Make Yoursel* at Hone; Harry Segel Company sane company The Killer; Dubinsky Bros. Company Lena Rivers; sane company Mogete Pepper; same company ‘The Heart of Hmanity; Allen Holubar Coopany seme company sane company A Soldier's Bride Uncle Sonny's Minstrels ‘The Bell-Hop; The Transatlantic Girle sane: company sane company Ole and Mis Sveethesrt Company ‘The Pixiessone 6 Jone 12 0 1919 (continued) (A) A Morzy Company; pupils of St. Xavier School (A) A12 of a Sudden Posey; Junction City High ‘School Senior Claes Pley[SPEECH GIVEN BY JUDGE HUMPHREY AT THE OPENING OF THE OPERA HOUSE ON JANUARY 5, 1882 Ladies snd Gentienen: It has been discerned appropriate on this ‘occasion of the formal opening of this Hall to the public to offer sone remarks fitting the auspicious event. That duty has beon dele~ Gated to me, Soversl years ago this town vas without » place in hich the poopie could meet for ruryoses of rational cnusenent and Secular instraction., Through the enterprise and energy of severs) of the Indies of Junction City, aided by the liberelity of individ- wal citizens, the neods then existing ware supplied by the erection of 2 Hall that furnished st lecst a tenzorery house for the local talent thot before thon hac sin demant for tho lec! of those fecilities for frequent and congenis1 sesociation with fit surround Angs which tend to povezxfully to quicken tho intellcctyel end sects) Life of the comunity. As a result of thst enterprise the histri- tonic talent of tha tom conceived and executed "Sevenoai:" and brought upon the hoards ‘Pinafors," so eraiitably as to vin vice spread snd unqualified enconiuns fron the rross of the state. Those doveloznants nade ovary citizen of Junetion City feel provder of his hone, "'Pinafore" and ‘Sevenost:," inspired the ublic Hiberality and munificence to uheh thoss noblo valle have bear raised; and we hive for provided an ample and apactous tenple in which to house, and the young nan end woren in our midets Mo sheli sey that the expenditure of money for thts purpote, lavish es it has truly boon has beon nissayptied sie or umteciy expected? Tt Is probably true that fron a xotertelistie point of view, the investuent 92 not pay. But the value of investment cannot in ali eases be mossuret by the percentage of net returns in cash, There is a broqéar and highsr view to be taken of this matter, ond in the Light of that broader view it will probably pay. Mile it vill not add to material wealth ond confort, a public building cevoted to the use to which this 1s designed will serve to stanp on the comminity 2 certain image and superscription. To illustrate: Let us suppose an intelligent stranger to cone to ‘Junction City, He ts curious or interested to learn the charscter fof the people, Thore are two ways in which he may gein such infor nation, The Zizst is to form ent cultivats an intimate personal ‘aquaintance with each individcal tn the community tho possess any weight, to learn his views, his feclings, the state of his intel~ Joct, his peculiarities and his eccentricities; and vhen an inven tory'of each citizen, ale and female, has been taken, to strike, by fa process of generalization, a general averege, But it will be se that this method 1s impracticable,‘The second 1s to go through the town, to observe the character of the business houses and the residences; these ney give hit sone clue to the kind of people who do business snd dyell therein, fut these will fat] to furnish @ full or satisfactory test, and the intelli~ font stranger will not stop there. Ho will need to inforn hincolt fof the number and character of the school butldings, the churches, fand the public places. In these he sill find an expression of tho Soul's needs, and in proportion as he shall find these ants sup~ plod will ho gauge the condition of the conmunity in respect to Civiltzation, and the prevailing tenper of the people. Suppose he shall find churches in abundant supply, but no play- house (if T nay so designate a place set apart chiefly for purposes for rational atusenent) ; he vill, if he possesses a philosophical ‘tum of mind, say: Hore are the evidences of plety, but yoked to a Solenn stupidity. In such a community he will recognize the fact that one side of Minanity 1s entirely neglected, and he vill reflect, that such noglect is sure to bring in its wake, rude, avakening Fevenges. Such a comsunity 1s preparing the next generation to dospise the religion of 18 fathers, Tm shutting up the playhouse, loon is throm around the church windows. This to sone will sees Daredoxical. It neods but a brief reference to history to dispel ‘the seening contradiction. Iconoclasts tn religion in this country were not born én Virginia, where piety vas tempered by the courtly graces and innocent goleties Of the cavalier, but they were nourished amid the puritanical rigors of New England.” Theological negations, and rationalistic theories in religion grow most prolific upon the thin soil of Plynouth Rock. ‘The Duke of Alva, whose name has Decone the synonym of unrelenting porciless cruelty in war was the product of an age of sscetteism fn Spein; an age which had witnessed the voluntery abdication of his vast fover and dominions of tho greatest monarch of his tine, drain his life avay in the meditations of the sonastery, an age whose religious zeal inspired the persecutions of the Misgenots, the massacre of St. Bartholomew, and the ruthless sacrifices of the noble Servetus, produced Voltaire and his scoffing conpeers, ‘The British comzonwoalth of England brought forth Hobbs, Tindal, Bolingbroke, and a debauched dranatic Literature too vile to survive among decent men. The rugged lines of Calvintss in Scotland stimu- ated the incisive skepticisn of Hume. Bob Ingersoll vas surtured 4m the boson of a Presbyterian faniiy at a tine vhen the sharp angles and rough edges of Calvinion tad not been worn off the creed. Mon must unbend from serious tasks and cultivate the sirthfulnoes of thetr natures, or with perverted sensibilities, become the vic= tins of morose and melancholy moods, Such 1s the omer of natur that after the philosopher cones the clorn, and in sccordance with this ontination, this evening's progreame has provided the represen tation of a farce to follow this soneyhat grave discourse,ea Thus are we prepared to maintain the even tenor of things, and of Lite, and guard the future-against pernicious reactions fron’ extreme courses. Hore we nay call our merchants and bankers fron their ‘exchanges and money getting, the lauyers fzom their papers and pless, the preachers fron their pulpits, the mechanic fron his tools, the farmer from his tillage, and the vonen from their monotonous enploy= monts, and, commingling here, listen to the eloquence of tho orstor land to the'musie of song, and witness the inpersonations of the drana--the innortal productions of earth's master minds, To these buses, so necessazy to man's oven, hoalthy and harmonious covelorment ss civilized boing, this bomutifut temple is dedicated. If you ask me: Wi11 it pay? T ansuer: Yes~-if human enjoyment land happiness {s of greater value than nore money, Yes--if the attractions of this place shall serve to drav our young aon from Places of porsiciour resort, and shall stimulate thon to the culti- vation of the ancaities snd’ graces of art. Yes--if knowledge is of priceless value, and if from this stage imyortant lessons in science find its history shall be taught to the attentive minds of this community. Did it pay Greece to lavish upon splendid piles all the rich resources of her unequalled art, and the wealth of the stste? Upon temples reared after the most sinptuous designs, and adorned ond perfected with every grace of form? The exponents of the artistic Skill of one age, and the education of the next; tenples that inspired the matchless eloquonce of her unrivaled orators, the thrilling susie of whose strains they were filled to transmit ‘through ali the conturies of future tine. Upon the national 1ife of Greece was impressed 2 straight and distinctiveness of character that presents to us, at the distance of twenty-four centuries, a people oxgenized to impart to the human Face great lessons in’poetry, in philosophy, and the arts; whose achievenents were destined to shed lustre upon the huxen family, and illustrate the dignity of hunsn nature. ‘The rental of her grest Renples was not remunerative, but they were among the means by which Greece achieved immortal fone. Wo nay not onulate Greece, but from her S1ustrious example we fay draw lessons of deepest import. We may learn that, to attain perfection in the art of civilization, man must cultivate every side of his nature. ‘Tho clown must not be despised; he is a philosopher In disguise. And the farce is not an unreality; its counterpart exists in sone nook or corner of nature and it may serve the useful purpose et least of aiding in the digestion of more serious things, ‘and recognizing this fact, I nov yield this stage to its presentation.85 FrcuRE 1 EXTERIOR PICTURE OP THE JUNCTION CITY OPERA HOUSE This picture of the Junction City Opers Hot which was shown in the Saturday 1esue of the Junct April 29, 1882.86 vrouee 2 BURNING OF THE JUNCTION CITY OPERA HOUSE ‘mts picture was token Jomuary 14, 1898, during the fire that completely destroyed the Junction City Opera Hose and City Hall. Taken fron the Pennell Collection in the Regional History Department of Spencer Library at the University of Kansas, Larrence, Kansas.FIGURE 3 EXTERIOR PICTURE OP THE JUNCTION CITY OPERA ROUSE mis picture of the Junction Clty Opers House was taken in 1908. ‘This photograph shows what the Opera House Tooked like after the rebutli- ing after the fire thet destroyed the old building in 1608, Taken fron ‘tho Pennell Collection in the Regional History Department of Spencer Library at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, “7Frau 4 OPERA HOUSE noxeS sis picture of the Junction City Orera Howse boxes vas takon atter the rebulleing of the nev opera house in 1098, Notice the cur teins, wicker chairs, and opera seats. Taken fz0m the Penne]! Collec tion in the Regional’ tistory Dopartnent of Spencer Library at the University of Kansas, Lavrence, Ranses.29 Froune 5 ScmIc DnoP OF THE Jt crry opera HUSE nin 1208, The @edoted? and fal Wistoxy sTmis photograph of s back drop curt title of the Scene 15 not given, but notice perspective. Takon fron the Pennell Collection in the Regio y at the University of Kansas, 190 Proves 6 STAGE OF THE JUNCTION cLTY OPERA HCUSE