1904 Season: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox season | {{Infobox season | ||
| year = 1904 | | year = 1904 | ||
| image = | | image = | ||
| management = The Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, president<br />William J. Dusenbury, manager | | management = The Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, president<br />William J. Dusenbury, manager | ||
| | | season = May 22, 1904 - Oct. 23, 1904 | ||
| | | theaterdates = May 15, 1904 - Sept. 18, 1904 | ||
| newattractions = [[Circle Swing]]<br />[[Colonnade|The Colonnade | | newattractions = [[Circle Swing]]<br />[[Colonnade|The Colonnade]]<br />[[Down and Out]]<br />Greenhouse<br />[[Mystic Castle|Mystic Castle or Castle Mystic]]<br />[[Ye Olde Mill (1)|Ye Olde Mill or Auquarama]]<br />[[Palace of Illusions]]<br />[[Penny Arcade (Colonnade)]]<br />Pony and Camel Track | ||
| theatermanager = W. W. Prosser | | theatermanager = W. W. Prosser | ||
| band = Wendell S. Powell's Olentangy Band | | band = Wendell S. Powell's Olentangy Band | ||
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}} | }} | ||
Olentangy Park, Theater, and Zoological Garden opened for the 1904 season on Sunday, May 22, 1904.<ref name="realopening">"Real Opening Day at Olentangy Park Today." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch | Olentangy Park, Theater, and Zoological Garden opened for the 1904 season on Sunday, May 22, 1904.<ref name="realopening">"Real Opening Day at Olentangy Park Today." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 22, 1904. Page 4.</ref><ref name="vaudeville">"Vaudeville for Olentangy." ''The Sunday Columbus Dispatch.'' March 6, 1904. Page 4.</ref> Around 30,000 people visited on opening day.<ref>"Amusements: Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 23, 1904. Page 4.</ref> Wendell S. Powell's Olentangy Band returned to play afternoon and evening performances.<ref name="opening">"Grand Opening Olentangy Park, Theater and Zoo." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 24, 1904. Page 4.</ref> The park was to open on May 15, 1904, but bad weather pushed the opening a week, and the theater presented vaudeville.<ref name="openingmoved">"Amusements: Olentangy Park" ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 20, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
On Sunday, June 12, the park experienced its highest attendance of the season, with around 40,000 parkgoers in one day.<ref>"Amusements: Olentangy Park" ''Columbus Evening Dispatch | On Sunday, June 12, the park experienced its highest attendance of the season, with around 40,000 parkgoers in one day.<ref>"Amusements: Olentangy Park" ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 13, 1904. Page 4.</ref> By mid-September, park president Joseph W. Dusenbury said the park saw around 750,000 attendees over the season, and the average attendance was 50,000 paid admissions weekly. The ''Columbus Evening Dispatch'' suggested this was due to improvements, excursions, and better trolley service.<ref name="newgreenhouse">"New Greenhouse, Baby Elk, Enlarged Zoo and Landscape Gardening." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Sept. 13, 1904. Page 7.</ref> | ||
The park's theater closed on | The park's theater closed on Sept. 18, 1904, and the park originally planned to close for the season on Oct. 2, 1904,<ref name="newgreenhouse" /> and even featured H. Wallace's balloonists, aerialists, parachute jumpers, and high divers.<ref>"Olentangy Theater." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Sept. 30, 1904. Page 4.</ref> The managers decided to keep it open longer, closing the park around Oct. 23, 1904.<ref>''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Oct. 9, 1904. Page 4.</ref><ref>Advertisement. ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Oct. 23, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
===Park Improvements=== | ===Park Improvements=== | ||
The park expanded to comprise over 100 square acres. The [[Ball Grounds]] were enclosed, and a large grandstand was added. The [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing Pavilion]] and [[Bowling alleys|bowling alleys]] were enlarged and improved. Rare and interesting birds and animals were added to the zoo, growing it to be three times larger than the previous season.<ref name="opening" /> The park spent over $50,000 | The park expanded to comprise over 100 square acres. The [[Ball Grounds]] were enclosed, and a large grandstand was added. The [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing Pavilion]] and [[Bowling alleys|bowling alleys]] were enlarged and improved. Rare and interesting birds and animals were added to the zoo, growing it to be three times larger than the previous season.<ref name="opening" /> The park spent over {{Tooltip |text = $50,000|tooltip = $1,805,983 in 2025 dollars}} on improvements and new attractions park's opening<ref>"Grand Opening Olentangy Park, Theater and Zoo." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' April 25, 1904. Page 4.</ref> and {{Tooltip |text = $31,000|tooltip = $1,119,710 in 2025 dollars}} during the season.<ref name="newgreenhouse" /> | ||
''For ride and attraction changes, see the Rides and Attractions section.'' | ''For ride and attraction changes, see the Rides and Attractions section.'' | ||
===Passenger Station Restored=== | ===Passenger Station Restored=== | ||
The park's passenger station | The park's passenger station was blown down during a windstorm in the previous autumn. The Columbus Railway and Light Company restored the station using a concrete foundation that extended 5 feet underground.<ref>"Olentangy Station Restored." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 10, 1904. Page 10.</ref> | ||
==Injuries== | ==Injuries== | ||
===Bear Attack=== | ===Bear Attack=== | ||
Peter Duffy, an attendant at the park's | Peter Duffy, an attendant at the park's zoo, was attacked by a Himalayan bear when feeding the animals raw meat. Duffy was carrying the meat in a basket when the bear reached out of its cage to grab it. He became angry and opened the cage to confront the bear and take back the meat. The bear attacked Duffy, causing lacerations all over his body. Other attendants saved Duffy, who survived.<ref>"Peter Duffy has Narrow Escape from Angry Bear at the Olentangy Zoo." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' March 22, 1904. Page 1.</ref> | ||
===Lion Attack=== | ===Lion Attack=== | ||
James Emmett, an animal tamer, and his friend visited the zoo on May 31 | James Emmett, an animal tamer, and his friend visited the zoo on May 31, and while walking by the cage with two untamed lions, tried to show how they sheath their claws. Emmett grabbed a lion's paw, and the lion used its other paw and claws to grab Emmett's hand and pull him further into the cage. Emmett's friend used his walking cane to beat the lion back. This aggravated the lion, and it tore at Emmett's arm. The zookeepers stepped in and used an iron bar to get the lion to let go. He survived and took the injuries in stride despite his friends' urging him to go to a doctor for treatment. During the incident, park-goers ran, some fainted, and a rumor spread that the cage had broken.<ref>"Ferocious Young Lion Claws Hand of Tamer at Zoo." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 7, 1904. Page 1.</ref> | ||
===Lineman Knocked From Tree=== | ===Lineman Knocked From Tree=== | ||
Park lineman Charles Mayers was knocked from a tree while coming into contact with a live wire | Park lineman Charles Mayers was knocked from a tree while coming into contact with a live wire while working at the park in June.<ref>"Knocked From a Tree By a Live Wire." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 10, 1904. Page 13.</ref> | ||
==Court Cases== | ==Court Cases== | ||
===Hayes-Mackey Fence Dispute Ends in a Lease=== | ===Hayes-Mackey Fence Dispute Ends in a Lease=== | ||
''Main Article:'' [[ | ''Main Article:'' [[Hays-Mackey v. The Olentangy Park Co.]] | ||
Daniel H. Mackey leased a tract of land on the west side of High Street adjoining Olentangy Park to President Dusenbury for 10 years. Otho L. Hays leased a plot of land 462.37 by 584 feet on the west side of High Street adjoining the land in the first lease to the Olentangy Park Company, a corporation, also for | Daniel H. Mackey leased a tract of land on the west side of High Street, adjoining Olentangy Park, to President Dusenbury for 10 years. Otho L. Hays leased a plot of land, 462.37 feet by 584 feet, on the west side of High Street, adjoining the land in the first lease to the Olentangy Park Company, a corporation, also for a term of 10 years. The leases began April 4 and April 12, respectively, at {{Tooltip |text = $500|tooltip = $18,060 in 2025 dollars}} per year each, payable in four installments of {{Tooltip |text = $125|tooltip = $4,515 in 2025 dollars}} each on the 15th day of May, June, July, and August.<ref>"Olentangy Leases Filed." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' June 12, 1904. Page 7.</ref><ref name="newgreenhouse" /> | ||
===Brown Lawsuit=== | ===Brown Lawsuit=== | ||
F .R. Brown sued J.W. Dusenbury for $108.60 | F. R. Brown sued J. W. Dusenbury for {{Tooltip |text = $108.60|tooltip = $3,923 in 2025 dollars}} due for building materials.<ref>''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 10, 1904. Page 2.</ref> | ||
===Tax Dispute=== | ===Tax Dispute=== | ||
County commissioners visited Olentangy Park in late July, | County commissioners visited Olentangy Park in late July, requesting property tax payments. President Dusenbury said he paid taxes on the land he leased from Henry T. Chittenden, but he released them to the various amusement companies that owned the buildings for the attractions there, and that they should pay those taxes. The commissioners said the taxes would be charged against Chittenden if they could not find the owners of the attractions.<ref>"Somebody Must Pay." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 26, 1904. Page 10.</ref> | ||
===Fence Lawsuit=== | ===Fence Lawsuit=== | ||
The Page Woven Wire Fence Company sued J. W. Dusenbury and the Olentangy Park Company for $814.39 | The Page Woven Wire Fence Company sued J. W. Dusenbury and the Olentangy Park Company for {{Tooltip |text = $814.39|tooltip = $29,415 in 2025 dollars}} due for labor and materials.<ref>''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 31, 1904. Page 6.</ref> | ||
===Musicians' Union Labor Dispute=== | ===Musicians' Union Labor Dispute=== | ||
A dispute with the park management at the end of the season was not settled with | A dispute with the park management at the end of the season was not settled with Local No. 103 of the American Federation of Musicians. The dispute was rooted in the fact that a non-union traveling band was employed to give a week's performance and engaged to reappear the next season. The union threatened to not play at the park unless they found a better solution.<ref>"Against the Shop." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Nov. 2, 1904. Page 5.</ref> | ||
==Rides and Attractions== | ==Rides and Attractions== | ||
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''Main Article:'' [[Colonnade]] | ''Main Article:'' [[Colonnade]] | ||
The [[Colonnade]] was a 270-foot | The [[Colonnade]] was a {{Tooltip |text = 270-foot|tooltip = 82.3-meter}} long building lined with columns and built to the east of the theater and offered refreshments and amusements."<ref name="opening" /><ref name="coneyisland">"Olentangy Park, a Coney Island Rival" ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 1, 1904. Page 4.</ref><ref name="newgreenhouse" /> It was constructed by J. W. Zarro, a show-goods manufacturer from Cincinnati.<ref name="billboard0423">''The Billboard.'' April 23, 1904. Vol. 16. Issue 17. Page 8.</ref> | ||
===New Funhouses=== | ===New Funhouses=== | ||
The [[Mystic Castle]], also | The [[Mystic Castle]], also known as Castle Mystic, was described in the ''Columbus Sunday Dispatch'' as "full of mirth and mystery," while the [[Palace of Illusions]] was described as "entertaining, mystifying, and instructive."<ref name="opening" /> The [[House That Jack Built]] was also listed in an ad, but could have been a name for one of the other funhouses.<ref name="opening-ad">Advertisement. ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 24, 1904. Page 4.</ref> They were also constructed by J. W. Zarro.<ref name="billboard0423" /> | ||
====Mystic Castle==== | ====Mystic Castle==== | ||
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''Main Article:'' [[Circle Swing]] | ''Main Article:'' [[Circle Swing]] | ||
The new<ref name="newgreenhouse" /> [[Circle Swing|Giant Circle Swing]] consisted of a 75-foot | The new<ref name="newgreenhouse" /> [[Circle Swing|Giant Circle Swing]] consisted of a {{Tooltip |text = 75-foot|tooltip = 23-meter}} tall steel tower (some sources say {{Tooltip |text = 90 feet|tooltip = 27.5 meters}}), which revolves around a vertical shaft. Connected to this shaft at the top of the tower were six radiating arms described as being "like spokes of a great wheel or legs of a gigantic spider." Steel cables extended from the arms to carry cars of passengers. An electric motor at the base spun the arms, cables, and cars with centrifugal force, raising the cars over {{Tooltip |text = 30 feet|tooltip = 9 meters}} above the ground at a full speed of {{Tooltip |text = 40 mph|tooltip = 64 kph}}. The circle created at its widest was {{Tooltip |text = 120 feet|tooltip = 36.5 meters}} in diameter. It was built by the North Penn Iron Company of Philadelphia and cost over {{Tooltip |text = $8,000|tooltip = $288,957 in 2025 dollars}} to construct.<ref name="coneyisland" /> It opened to the public sometime during the week of July 31, after delays in building,<ref name="july31">"Summer Amusements." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 31, 1904. Page 4.</ref>, but the ride worked irregularly for the first few weeks. | ||
===New Down and Out=== | ===New Down and Out=== | ||
''Main Article:'' [[Down and Out]] | ''Main Article:'' [[Down and Out]] | ||
The [[Down and Out]] was a type of slide that was a popular amusement park feature and was also at Steeplechase Park by 1903.<ref name="realopening" /> | The [[Down and Out]] was a type of slide that was a popular amusement park feature and was also at Steeplechase Park in New York by 1903.<ref name="realopening" /> | ||
===New Greenhouse=== | ===New Greenhouse=== | ||
''Main Article:'' [[Floral Conservatory]] | ''Main Article:'' [[Floral Conservatory]] | ||
Ground was broken for a new [[Floral Conservatory|Greenhouse]] on | Ground was broken for a new [[Floral Conservatory|Greenhouse]] on Sept. 13 to house flowers and plants to protect them from the winter frosts.<ref name="newgreenhouse" /> | ||
===New Ye Olde Mill or Auquarama=== | ===New Ye Olde Mill or Auquarama=== | ||
''Main Article:'' [[Ye Olde Mill (1)]] | ''Main Article:'' [[Ye Olde Mill (1)]] | ||
The [[Ye Olde Mill (1)|Ye Olde Mill]] or Auquarama was a new water ride where boats with upholstered seats carry riders through "gloomy caverns, fantastic grottos, and unsurpassed scenery" with a torrent of water by an immense water wheel. After floating through subterraneous passages, they emerge into rooms containing electrically lighted scenic effects in scenes showing cotton plantations and Black musicians playing banjos. The next scene was based on Dante's ''Inferno'' with weird and ghostly effects, followed by "The Rock of Ages," with water flowing around a rock with a center of natural flowers. From there, riders pass through Arctic regions, then, under the sea with serpents and numerous "uncanny figures of every description." Mirrors were placed to enhance the immersive ride. The ride looped around to the start for the next set of riders. It was later often | The [[Ye Olde Mill (1)|Ye Olde Mill]] or Auquarama was a new water ride where boats with upholstered seats carry riders through "gloomy caverns, fantastic grottos, and unsurpassed scenery" with a torrent of water by an immense water wheel. After floating through subterraneous passages, they emerge into rooms containing electrically lighted scenic effects in scenes showing cotton plantations and Black musicians playing banjos. The next scene was based on Dante's ''Inferno'' with weird and ghostly effects, followed by "The Rock of Ages," with water flowing around a rock with a center of natural flowers. From there, riders pass through Arctic regions, then, under the sea with serpents and numerous "uncanny figures of every description." Mirrors were placed to enhance the immersive ride. The ride looped around to the start for the next set of riders. It was later often referred to as the "Tunnel of Love."<ref name="newgreenhouse" /><ref name="coneyisland" /><ref name="historian">Barret, Richard E. 1984. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1.'' April 1984. Page 11.</ref> | ||
The ride was constructed under the supervision of C. B. and N. A. McDaniel of New York City and cost $15,000 | The ride was constructed under the supervision of C. B. and N. A. McDaniel of New York City and cost {{Tooltip |text = $15,000|tooltip = $541,795 in 2025 dollars}}.<ref name="coneyisland" /> | ||
===Boathouse=== | ===Boathouse=== | ||
''Main Article:'' [[Boathouse]] | ''Main Article:'' [[Boathouse]] | ||
The Boathouse boats were swept away in a July 7 flood over the dam, landing near residences. Only | The Boathouse boats were swept away in a July 7 flood over the dam, landing near residences. Only 19 of the 22 boats were recovered by the next day.<ref>"Out for Salvage." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 8, 1904. Page 3.</ref> | ||
===Zoo=== | ===Zoo=== | ||
The zoo was expanded to be three times its size. One of the additions included a large, pressed-brick animal house.<ref name="coneyisland" /> A baby elk was born on Sept. 11.<ref name="newgreenhouse" /> Plans were made to enlarge it further for the following season, using the newly acquired land.<ref name="newgreenhouse" /> | |||
=== List of Rides and Attractions === | |||
===List of Rides and Attractions=== | |||
* [[Bandstand (1)|Bandstand]] | * [[Bandstand (1)|Bandstand]] | ||
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* [[Mystic Castle]] '''NEW''' | * [[Mystic Castle]] '''NEW''' | ||
* [[Museum of Ornithology]] | * [[Museum of Ornithology]] | ||
* Pony and Camel Track '''NEW''' | |||
* [[Ye Olde Mill (1)|Ye Olde Mill]] '''NEW''' | * [[Ye Olde Mill (1)|Ye Olde Mill]] '''NEW''' | ||
* [[Shooting Gallery]] | * [[Shooting Gallery]] | ||
* Swings | * Swings | ||
* [[Water Toboggan]] | * [[Water Toboggan]] | ||
* | * Zoological Garden | ||
==Theater, Vaudeville, and Stunt Performances== | == Theater, Vaudeville, and Stunt Performances == | ||
===Olentangy Park Theater=== | ===Olentangy Park Theater=== | ||
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===Vaudeville=== | ===Vaudeville=== | ||
Vaudeville returned for the 1904 season with two sets of performances daily throughout the season.<ref name="vaudeville" /> The Dusenbury Brothers made a deal with the Vaudeville Managers Association of America to obtain a vaudeville franchise for Columbus.<ref name="vaudeville-2">"Vaudeville at Olentangy." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch | Vaudeville returned for the 1904 season with two sets of performances daily throughout the season.<ref name="vaudeville" /> The Dusenbury Brothers made a deal with the Vaudeville Managers Association of America to obtain a vaudeville franchise for Columbus.<ref name="vaudeville-2">"Vaudeville at Olentangy." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' March 20, 1904. Page 4.</ref> W. W. Prosser of Columbus was hired to manage the casino, and J. K. Burke, former manager of Minerva Park, booked acts from New York.<ref>"Notes." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' March 17, 1904. Page 4.</ref><ref name="vaudeville-2" /><ref name="opening" /><ref>"Summer Parks Open." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 15, 1904. Page 4.</ref> Although the park's opening was moved due to poor weather, the theater season began on May 15.<ref name="openingmoved" /> | ||
====Week of May 15==== | ====Week of May 15==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>"Olentangy Theater." ''The Sunday Columbus Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>"Olentangy Theater." ''The Sunday Columbus Dispatch.'' May 8, 1904. Page 4.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Park: Bill for the Opening." ''The Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 10, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* Frederick Bond and Company | * Frederick Bond and Company | ||
* Soto Sunetaro, "The Great Japanese Wonder" | * Soto Sunetaro, "The Great Japanese Wonder" | ||
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====Week of May 22==== | ====Week of May 22==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>"Amusements: Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>"Amusements: Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 22, 1904. Page 4.</ref><ref name="realopening" /> | ||
* The Beautiful Ballet Unique, singing and dancing by eight girls | * The Beautiful Ballet Unique, singing and dancing by eight girls | ||
* Dixon, Bowers, and Dixon, in their famous "The Three Rubes" act | * Dixon, Bowers, and Dixon, in their famous "The Three Rubes" act | ||
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====Week of May 29==== | ====Week of May 29==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>"'The Old Neighborhood' Headliner at Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>"'The Old Neighborhood' Headliner at Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 29, 1904. Page 4.</ref><ref>Advertisement. ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 30, 1904. Page 9.</ref> | ||
* Callahan and Mack, Irish comedy, in "The Old Neighborhood" | * Callahan and Mack, Irish comedy, in "The Old Neighborhood" | ||
* Frantzmathes and Lewis, rifle and pistol shooting | * Frantzmathes and Lewis, rifle and pistol shooting | ||
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====Week of June 5==== | ====Week of June 5==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>"Cressy and Dayne at Olentangy Theater." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>"Cressy and Dayne at Olentangy Theater." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' June 5, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* Will M. Cressy and Blanche Dayne in "Village Lawyer" or "The New Depot" | * Will M. Cressy and Blanche Dayne in "Village Lawyer" or "The New Depot" | ||
* Duffy, Sawtelle, and Duffy in "Papa's Sweetheart" | * Duffy, Sawtelle, and Duffy in "Papa's Sweetheart" | ||
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====Week of June 12==== | ====Week of June 12==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' June 12, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* Mr. and Mrs. Neil Litchfield in "Hollowe'en at Brook Farm," a comedy | * Mr. and Mrs. Neil Litchfield in "Hollowe'en at Brook Farm," a comedy | ||
* Armstrong and Holly in "The Expressman," a comedy | * Armstrong and Holly in "The Expressman," a comedy | ||
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====Week of June 19==== | ====Week of June 19==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' June 19, 1904. Page 4.</ref><ref>"Amusements: Olentangy Theater." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 20, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* Emma Littlefield and Victor Moore in "Change Your Act or Back to the Woods" | * Emma Littlefield and Victor Moore in "Change Your Act or Back to the Woods" | ||
* Cal Stewart, storyteller and entertainer | * Cal Stewart, storyteller and entertainer | ||
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* The Gagnoux, a famous European act with jugglers and equilibrists | * The Gagnoux, a famous European act with jugglers and equilibrists | ||
* Alice Lewis, singing comedienne | * Alice Lewis, singing comedienne | ||
* Dorothy Walters, singing and whistling comedienne<ref>"Amusements: Olentangy Theater." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch | * Dorothy Walters, singing and whistling comedienne<ref>"Amusements: Olentangy Theater." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 23, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
The American Vitagraph showed new pictures by Hoyt Burnett. | The American Vitagraph showed new pictures by Hoyt Burnett. | ||
====Week of June 26==== | ====Week of June 26==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' 26 | Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' June 26, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* Horace Vinton and Eda Clayton in the one-act comedy, "Bill Casey, Burglar" | * Horace Vinton and Eda Clayton in the one-act comedy, "Bill Casey, Burglar" | ||
* Martini and Maximillian, known as "The Illusionists Extraordinary" or "Two Comical Trixters" | * Martini and Maximillian, known as "The Illusionists Extraordinary" or "Two Comical Trixters" | ||
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* Sophie Burnham, soprano | * Sophie Burnham, soprano | ||
* Kholer and Kholer, acrobats | * Kholer and Kholer, acrobats | ||
* Bud Farnam, Blackface comedian and musician<ref>"Amusements: Olentangy Theater." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch | * Bud Farnam, Blackface comedian and musician<ref>"Amusements: Olentangy Theater." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 27, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
The American Vitagraph showed new pictures and a rerun of "The Great Train Robbery." | The American Vitagraph showed new pictures and a rerun of "The Great Train Robbery." | ||
====Week of July 3==== | ====Week of July 3==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' July 3, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* Adelaide Herrmann, Queen of Magic, performed the "Magic of the Orient" and "The Sleeping Beauty or a Dream in Midair" with assistance from Adele Dewey | * Adelaide Herrmann, Queen of Magic, performed the "Magic of the Orient" and "The Sleeping Beauty or a Dream in Midair" with assistance from Adele Dewey | ||
* Curtis and Adams, German comedy | * Curtis and Adams, German comedy | ||
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====Week of July 10==== | ====Week of July 10==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''Columbus Sunday Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' July 10, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* Emmet De Voy and Company in "The Saintly Mr. Billings" | * Emmet De Voy and Company in "The Saintly Mr. Billings" | ||
* Burton and Brookes in their original comedy skit, "A Can of Humor" | * Burton and Brookes in their original comedy skit, "A Can of Humor" | ||
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* A. O. Duncan, ventriloquist | * A. O. Duncan, ventriloquist | ||
* Helen Ogden, southern classical vocalist | * Helen Ogden, southern classical vocalist | ||
* Tom Hardle, comedy acrobatic tramp act<ref>"Amusements: Duncan is a Hit." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch | * Tom Hardle, comedy acrobatic tramp act<ref>"Amusements: Duncan is a Hit." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 12, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
====Week of July 17==== | ====Week of July 17==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' July 17, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* Zazell and Vernon, horizontal bar performers | * Zazell and Vernon, horizontal bar performers | ||
* Dick and Dick, a European pantomime act | * Dick and Dick, a European pantomime act | ||
* Brooke Eltrym, the "Singer of Good Songs" | * Brooke Eltrym, the "Singer of Good Songs" | ||
* The Four Webbs, human bridge builders, made of three men and one woman | * The Four Webbs, human bridge builders, made up of three men and one woman | ||
* Crawford and Duffy, comedy sketch team | * Crawford and Duffy, comedy sketch team | ||
* Frank Bowman, monologist and comedian | * Frank Bowman, monologist and comedian | ||
====Week of July 24==== | ====Week of July 24==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''The Columbus Evening Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''The Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 23, 1904. Page 4.</ref><ref>''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' July 24, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* Mr. and Mrs. Edward Esmonde in "The Soldier of Propville," written by Si U. Collins | * Mr. and Mrs. Edward Esmonde in "The Soldier of Propville," written by Si U. Collins | ||
* Borani and Nevaro in "Weary Waggles, the Dandy Dude Tramp" | * Borani and Nevaro in "Weary Waggles, the Dandy Dude Tramp" | ||
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* The Three Poiriers, novelty ring and bar act | * The Three Poiriers, novelty ring and bar act | ||
====Week of | ====Week of Aug. 7==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' | Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 8, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* George E. Boniface, Jr., and Bertha Waltzinger in a singing and comedy sketch called "The Woman Who Hesitates in Won" | * George E. Boniface, Jr., and Bertha Waltzinger in a singing and comedy sketch called "The Woman Who Hesitates in Won" | ||
* Murphy and Williard in "Have a Doughnut" | * Murphy and Williard in "Have a Doughnut" | ||
* Louise Henry, as the "Sal Skinner Girl," mimic and comedienne | * Louise Henry, as the "Sal Skinner Girl," a mimic and comedienne | ||
* Blanche Gibson, soprano | * Blanche Gibson, soprano | ||
* Kenyon and DeGarmo, gymnasts and balancers | * Kenyon and DeGarmo, gymnasts and balancers | ||
* The Three Madcaps, acrobatic dancers | * The Three Madcaps, acrobatic dancers | ||
====Week of | ====Week of Aug. 14==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>"Summer Amusements." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 15, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* Fred Vice and Emily Viola, comedy creators, in "The Tramp, the Hats and Her" | * Fred Vice and Emily Viola, comedy creators, in "The Tramp, the Hats and Her" | ||
* Blanche Gibson, soprano | * Blanche Gibson, soprano | ||
| Line 297: | Line 294: | ||
Laura Deane, singing comedienne, was originally booked but did not perform. | Laura Deane, singing comedienne, was originally booked but did not perform. | ||
====Week of | ====Week of Aug. 21==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Aug. 21, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* The Sully Family in "An Interrupted Honeymoon," a comedy | * The Sully Family in "An Interrupted Honeymoon," a comedy | ||
* Harris and Walters in "A Political Pull" | * Harris and Walters in "A Political Pull" | ||
* The Carter and Walters Company starring Robert Carter, Katheryn Walters, and Willard Hester in "The Wise Mr. Conn" | * The Carter and Walters Company starring Robert Carter, Katheryn Walters, and Willard Hester in "The Wise Mr. Conn" | ||
* Charles W. Leonard and Ethel Drake in "The Girl and the Gee" | * Charles W. Leonard and Ethel Drake in "The Girl and the Gee" | ||
* Charles Carlos and his acting dogs (started | * Charles Carlos and his acting dogs (started Aug. 22) | ||
* The Van Camps, magicians (started | * The Van Camps, magicians (started Aug. 22) | ||
====Week of | ====Week of Aug. 28==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Aug. 28, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* Mary Dupont and Company in her one-act play, "A Leap Year Leap," with the assistance of Willard Hutchinson | * Mary Dupont and Company in her one-act play, "A Leap Year Leap," with the assistance of Willard Hutchinson | ||
* Hallen and Hughes, blackface performers and soft shoe dancers | * Hallen and Hughes, blackface performers and soft shoe dancers | ||
| Line 316: | Line 313: | ||
* John Geiger, the Wizard of the Violin | * John Geiger, the Wizard of the Violin | ||
====Week of | ====Week of Sept. 4==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Sept. 4, 1904. Page 4.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Theater." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Sept. 5, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* Cal Stewart, "The Yankee Monologist" | * Cal Stewart, "The Yankee Monologist" | ||
* The Gregsons, singing and dancing | * The Gregsons, singing and dancing | ||
| Line 325: | Line 322: | ||
* F. Christopher, necromancer and magician | * F. Christopher, necromancer and magician | ||
====Week of | ====Week of Sept. 11 (Closing Week)==== | ||
Acts and performances:<ref>''Columbus Sunday Dispatch | Acts and performances:<ref>''Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Sept. 11, 1904. Pages 4-5.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Theater." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Sept. 13, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
* Fisher and Clarke, comedy acrobats | * Fisher and Clarke, comedy acrobats | ||
* Nellie Burt, singing and dancing comedienne | * Nellie Burt, singing and dancing comedienne | ||
| Line 334: | Line 331: | ||
* Russel and Dunbar, blackface performers | * Russel and Dunbar, blackface performers | ||
* Ad Hoyt, blackface comedian | * Ad Hoyt, blackface comedian | ||
* Rena Arnold ( | * Rena Arnold (Sept. 11-17)<ref>''The Billboard.'' Sept. 17, 1904. Vol. 16. Issue 38. Page 15.</ref> | ||
* The Great Zamora Family ( | * The Great Zamora Family (Sept. 12-17)<ref>''The Billboard,'' Sept. 17, 1904. Vol. 16. Issue 38. Page 16.</ref> | ||
* Waldorf and Mendes ( | * Waldorf and Mendes (Sept. 18) | ||
* Howard and Linder ( | * Howard and Linder (Sept. 18) | ||
===Outdoor Performances and Stunts=== | ===Outdoor Performances and Stunts=== | ||
On Sunday, July 24, Professor Donavin and his trained horse, "Glorious Moonshine," gave a free exhibition at the park.<ref>''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch | On Sunday, July 24, Professor Donavin and his trained horse, "Glorious Moonshine," gave a free exhibition at the park.<ref>''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' July 24, 1904. Page 8.</ref> | ||
==Music== | ==Music== | ||
Wendell S. Powell's Olentangy Band, with 30 musicians, returned to play afternoon and evening performances at both the [[Olentangy Park Casino and Theater|theater]] and the [[Dancing Pavilion ( | Wendell S. Powell's Olentangy Band, with 30 musicians, returned to play afternoon and evening performances at both the [[Olentangy Park Casino and Theater|theater]] and the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing Pavilion]].<ref name="opening" /><ref>"Olentangy Park: Its Many Attractions." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 3, 1904. Page 4.</ref> The open-air concerts were given at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and lasted an hour each.<ref>"Amusements: Olentangy Park, Theater, and Zoological Garden." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 9, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
From | From Sept. 7-10, Creatore and his Italian band of 60 members played at the park.<ref>"Olentangy Theater." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 27, 1904. Page 4.</ref>Mme. Barili provided a soprano solo on Sept. 8.<ref>"Mme. Barili Will Sing." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Sept. 8, 1904. Page 7.</ref> The cost of the tickets was {{Tooltip |text = 25 cents|tooltip = $9.03 in 2025 dollars}}, {{Tooltip |text = 50 cents|tooltip = $18.06 in 2025 dollars}}, {{Tooltip |text = 75 cents|tooltip = $27.09 in 2025 dollars}}, and {{Tooltip |text = $1|tooltip = $36.12 in 2025 dollars}}. Matinee tickets were {{Tooltip |text = 25 cents|tooltip = $9.03 in 2025 dollars}} and {{Tooltip |text = 50 cents|tooltip = $18.06 in 2025 dollars}}.<ref>"Olentangy Theater." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Sept. 6, 1904. Page 4.</ref> | ||
==Activities== | ==Activities== | ||
| Line 354: | Line 351: | ||
''Main Article:'' [[Ball Grounds]] | ''Main Article:'' [[Ball Grounds]] | ||
The ball grounds were enclosed, and a large grandstand was added. The park hired N.A. McCoy as the manager of the ball grounds, clubs, and teams from Columbus and the surrounding areas. There were games every day, with special games on Sundays and holidays.<ref name="opening" /> | The ball grounds were enclosed, and a large grandstand was added. The park hired N. A. McCoy as the manager of the ball grounds, clubs, and teams from Columbus and the surrounding areas. There were games every day, with special games on Sundays and holidays.<ref name="opening" /> | ||
===List of Activities=== | ===List of Activities=== | ||
| Line 363: | Line 360: | ||
* [[Canoe Club Boathouse|Boating]] | * [[Canoe Club Boathouse|Boating]] | ||
* [[Bowling alleys|Bowling]] - All year activity | * [[Bowling alleys|Bowling]] - All year activity | ||
* [[Dancing Pavilion ( | * [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing]] | ||
* Dining and Refreshments | * Dining and Refreshments | ||
* [[Ball Grounds|Football]] | * [[Ball Grounds|Football]] | ||
* General Games | * General Games | ||
* Picnics | * Picnics | ||
* | * Pony and Camel Riding '''NEW'''<ref name="opening" /> | ||
* [[Bathing Pavilion|Swimming]] | * [[Bathing Pavilion|Swimming]] | ||
Latest revision as of 03:29, 3 October 2025
1904 Season
| Leadership | The Olentangy Park Company Joseph W. Dusenbury, president William J. Dusenbury, manager |
|---|---|
| Season | May 22, 1904 - Oct. 23, 1904 |
| Theater Open | May 15, 1904 - Sept. 18, 1904 |
| New Attractions | Circle Swing The Colonnade Down and Out Greenhouse Mystic Castle or Castle Mystic Ye Olde Mill or Auquarama Palace of Illusions Penny Arcade (Colonnade) Pony and Camel Track |
| Theater Manager | W. W. Prosser |
| Band(s) | Wendell S. Powell's Olentangy Band |
| Park Size | Over 100 acres |
Olentangy Park, Theater, and Zoological Garden opened for the 1904 season on Sunday, May 22, 1904.[1][2] Around 30,000 people visited on opening day.[3] Wendell S. Powell's Olentangy Band returned to play afternoon and evening performances.[4] The park was to open on May 15, 1904, but bad weather pushed the opening a week, and the theater presented vaudeville.[5]
On Sunday, June 12, the park experienced its highest attendance of the season, with around 40,000 parkgoers in one day.[6] By mid-September, park president Joseph W. Dusenbury said the park saw around 750,000 attendees over the season, and the average attendance was 50,000 paid admissions weekly. The Columbus Evening Dispatch suggested this was due to improvements, excursions, and better trolley service.[7]
The park's theater closed on Sept. 18, 1904, and the park originally planned to close for the season on Oct. 2, 1904,[7] and even featured H. Wallace's balloonists, aerialists, parachute jumpers, and high divers.[8] The managers decided to keep it open longer, closing the park around Oct. 23, 1904.[9][10]
Park Improvements
The park expanded to comprise over 100 square acres. The Ball Grounds were enclosed, and a large grandstand was added. The Dancing Pavilion and bowling alleys were enlarged and improved. Rare and interesting birds and animals were added to the zoo, growing it to be three times larger than the previous season.[4] The park spent over $50,000$1,805,983 in 2025 dollars on improvements and new attractions park's opening[11] and $31,000$1,119,710 in 2025 dollars during the season.[7]
For ride and attraction changes, see the Rides and Attractions section.
Passenger Station Restored
The park's passenger station was blown down during a windstorm in the previous autumn. The Columbus Railway and Light Company restored the station using a concrete foundation that extended 5 feet underground.[12]
Injuries
Bear Attack
Peter Duffy, an attendant at the park's zoo, was attacked by a Himalayan bear when feeding the animals raw meat. Duffy was carrying the meat in a basket when the bear reached out of its cage to grab it. He became angry and opened the cage to confront the bear and take back the meat. The bear attacked Duffy, causing lacerations all over his body. Other attendants saved Duffy, who survived.[13]
Lion Attack
James Emmett, an animal tamer, and his friend visited the zoo on May 31, and while walking by the cage with two untamed lions, tried to show how they sheath their claws. Emmett grabbed a lion's paw, and the lion used its other paw and claws to grab Emmett's hand and pull him further into the cage. Emmett's friend used his walking cane to beat the lion back. This aggravated the lion, and it tore at Emmett's arm. The zookeepers stepped in and used an iron bar to get the lion to let go. He survived and took the injuries in stride despite his friends' urging him to go to a doctor for treatment. During the incident, park-goers ran, some fainted, and a rumor spread that the cage had broken.[14]
Lineman Knocked From Tree
Park lineman Charles Mayers was knocked from a tree while coming into contact with a live wire while working at the park in June.[15]
Court Cases
Hayes-Mackey Fence Dispute Ends in a Lease
Main Article: Hays-Mackey v. The Olentangy Park Co.
Daniel H. Mackey leased a tract of land on the west side of High Street, adjoining Olentangy Park, to President Dusenbury for 10 years. Otho L. Hays leased a plot of land, 462.37 feet by 584 feet, on the west side of High Street, adjoining the land in the first lease to the Olentangy Park Company, a corporation, also for a term of 10 years. The leases began April 4 and April 12, respectively, at $500$18,060 in 2025 dollars per year each, payable in four installments of $125$4,515 in 2025 dollars each on the 15th day of May, June, July, and August.[16][7]
Brown Lawsuit
F. R. Brown sued J. W. Dusenbury for $108.60$3,923 in 2025 dollars due for building materials.[17]
Tax Dispute
County commissioners visited Olentangy Park in late July, requesting property tax payments. President Dusenbury said he paid taxes on the land he leased from Henry T. Chittenden, but he released them to the various amusement companies that owned the buildings for the attractions there, and that they should pay those taxes. The commissioners said the taxes would be charged against Chittenden if they could not find the owners of the attractions.[18]
Fence Lawsuit
The Page Woven Wire Fence Company sued J. W. Dusenbury and the Olentangy Park Company for $814.39$29,415 in 2025 dollars due for labor and materials.[19]
Musicians' Union Labor Dispute
A dispute with the park management at the end of the season was not settled with Local No. 103 of the American Federation of Musicians. The dispute was rooted in the fact that a non-union traveling band was employed to give a week's performance and engaged to reappear the next season. The union threatened to not play at the park unless they found a better solution.[20]
Rides and Attractions
New Colonnade
Main Article: Colonnade
The Colonnade was a 270-foot82.3-meter long building lined with columns and built to the east of the theater and offered refreshments and amusements."[4][21][7] It was constructed by J. W. Zarro, a show-goods manufacturer from Cincinnati.[22]
New Funhouses
The Mystic Castle, also known as Castle Mystic, was described in the Columbus Sunday Dispatch as "full of mirth and mystery," while the Palace of Illusions was described as "entertaining, mystifying, and instructive."[4] The House That Jack Built was also listed in an ad, but could have been a name for one of the other funhouses.[23] They were also constructed by J. W. Zarro.[22]
Mystic Castle
Main Article: Mystic Castle
This new[7] attraction had the endless tunnel, the haunted swing, the rocky pass, the collapsable platform, the grotto, Kelly's slide, Jacob's ladder, the fountain of youth, the observatory, the magic mirror, the drunkard's pathway, Dooley's art gallery, the mysterious elevator, and other features.[21]
Palace of Illusions
Main Article: Palace of Illusions
This new[7] attraction had magical illusions, ghost shows, and other "weird and uncanny effects never before seen in Columbus."[21]
New Circle Swing
Main Article: Circle Swing
The new[7] Giant Circle Swing consisted of a 75-foot23-meter tall steel tower (some sources say 90 feet27.5 meters), which revolves around a vertical shaft. Connected to this shaft at the top of the tower were six radiating arms described as being "like spokes of a great wheel or legs of a gigantic spider." Steel cables extended from the arms to carry cars of passengers. An electric motor at the base spun the arms, cables, and cars with centrifugal force, raising the cars over 30 feet9 meters above the ground at a full speed of 40 mph64 kph. The circle created at its widest was 120 feet36.5 meters in diameter. It was built by the North Penn Iron Company of Philadelphia and cost over $8,000$288,957 in 2025 dollars to construct.[21] It opened to the public sometime during the week of July 31, after delays in building,[24], but the ride worked irregularly for the first few weeks.
New Down and Out
Main Article: Down and Out
The Down and Out was a type of slide that was a popular amusement park feature and was also at Steeplechase Park in New York by 1903.[1]
New Greenhouse
Main Article: Floral Conservatory
Ground was broken for a new Greenhouse on Sept. 13 to house flowers and plants to protect them from the winter frosts.[7]
New Ye Olde Mill or Auquarama
Main Article: Ye Olde Mill (1)
The Ye Olde Mill or Auquarama was a new water ride where boats with upholstered seats carry riders through "gloomy caverns, fantastic grottos, and unsurpassed scenery" with a torrent of water by an immense water wheel. After floating through subterraneous passages, they emerge into rooms containing electrically lighted scenic effects in scenes showing cotton plantations and Black musicians playing banjos. The next scene was based on Dante's Inferno with weird and ghostly effects, followed by "The Rock of Ages," with water flowing around a rock with a center of natural flowers. From there, riders pass through Arctic regions, then, under the sea with serpents and numerous "uncanny figures of every description." Mirrors were placed to enhance the immersive ride. The ride looped around to the start for the next set of riders. It was later often referred to as the "Tunnel of Love."[7][21][25]
The ride was constructed under the supervision of C. B. and N. A. McDaniel of New York City and cost $15,000$541,795 in 2025 dollars.[21]
Boathouse
Main Article: Boathouse
The Boathouse boats were swept away in a July 7 flood over the dam, landing near residences. Only 19 of the 22 boats were recovered by the next day.[26]
Zoo
The zoo was expanded to be three times its size. One of the additions included a large, pressed-brick animal house.[21] A baby elk was born on Sept. 11.[7] Plans were made to enlarge it further for the following season, using the newly acquired land.[7]
List of Rides and Attractions
- Bandstand
- Bathing Pavilion
- Boathouse
- Bowling alleys
- Circle Swing NEW
- Colonnade NEW
- House That Jack Built NEW
- Palace of Illusions NEW
- Penny Arcade NEW
- Dancing Pavilion
- Down and Out NEW
- Ferris Wheel
- Figure Eight Toboggan
- Laughing Gallery
- Merry-Go-Round
- Miniature Railway - listed as "new"[4]
- Mystic Castle NEW
- Museum of Ornithology
- Pony and Camel Track NEW
- Ye Olde Mill NEW
- Shooting Gallery
- Swings
- Water Toboggan
- Zoological Garden
Theater, Vaudeville, and Stunt Performances
Olentangy Park Theater
Main Article: Olentangy Park Casino and Theater
Vaudeville
Vaudeville returned for the 1904 season with two sets of performances daily throughout the season.[2] The Dusenbury Brothers made a deal with the Vaudeville Managers Association of America to obtain a vaudeville franchise for Columbus.[27] W. W. Prosser of Columbus was hired to manage the casino, and J. K. Burke, former manager of Minerva Park, booked acts from New York.[28][27][4][29] Although the park's opening was moved due to poor weather, the theater season began on May 15.[5]
Week of May 15
Acts and performances:[30][31]
- Frederick Bond and Company
- Soto Sunetaro, "The Great Japanese Wonder"
- Mlle Latina, from Columbus, singer
- Mooney and Holbein, Australian tourists, singing, dancing, and comedy
- Georgia O'Ramey, comedy
- Eddie Mack, dancing comedian and monologist, including the one-act comedy, "My Awful Dad"
The American Vitagraph showed pictures of the "Great Train Robbery," which was based on an actual robbery on the Northern Pacific Railway.
Week of May 22
- The Beautiful Ballet Unique, singing and dancing by eight girls
- Dixon, Bowers, and Dixon, in their famous "The Three Rubes" act
- Smirl and Kessner, comedy acrobats, in a sketch, "The Bellboy and the Waiting Maid"
- The Hollands, comedy acrobats
- Eugene Wack, cornet soloist
- Musical Bentley, xylophone player
The American Vitagraph showed new pictures.
Week of May 29
Acts and performances:[33][34]
- Callahan and Mack, Irish comedy, in "The Old Neighborhood"
- Frantzmathes and Lewis, rifle and pistol shooting
- The Hollsworths, music and comedy
- Loredo and Blake, comedy acrobats
- Louis Granat, whistler
- Reata Winfield, violin soloist
- Farlardo, sound mimic
- John Cartmell, black-face performer, "The Columbus Boy"
The American Vitagraph showed new pictures.
Week of June 5
Acts and performances:[35]
- Will M. Cressy and Blanche Dayne in "Village Lawyer" or "The New Depot"
- Duffy, Sawtelle, and Duffy in "Papa's Sweetheart"
- Jones and Walton in "Our Country Cousin"
- Claude and Fanny Usher, comedians, in "Tough Love"
- Dorothy Kenton, banjoist, known as "The Girl with the Banjo"
- Eugene Wack and Harry Davis, cornet and euphonium duet, assisted by the full concert band
The American Vitagraph showed new pictures.
Week of June 12
Acts and performances:[36]
- Mr. and Mrs. Neil Litchfield in "Hollowe'en at Brook Farm," a comedy
- Armstrong and Holly in "The Expressman," a comedy
- Harry Stanley and Doris Wilson in a musical comedy sketch called "Before the Ball"
- Don Gordon, comedy novel cyclist
- Vera King, songs and stories
- Ferguson and Beeson in "The Arrival of His Lordship," a comedy
The American Vitagraph showed new pictures.
Week of June 19
Acts and performances:[37][38]
- Emma Littlefield and Victor Moore in "Change Your Act or Back to the Woods"
- Cal Stewart, storyteller and entertainer
- Brown and Bartoletti, comedians
- Milt and Maude Wood, singing, dancing, and acrobatic sketches on boards
- The Gagnoux, a famous European act with jugglers and equilibrists
- Alice Lewis, singing comedienne
- Dorothy Walters, singing and whistling comedienne[39]
The American Vitagraph showed new pictures by Hoyt Burnett.
Week of June 26
Acts and performances:[40]
- Horace Vinton and Eda Clayton in the one-act comedy, "Bill Casey, Burglar"
- Martini and Maximillian, known as "The Illusionists Extraordinary" or "Two Comical Trixters"
- Raymond Finlay and Lottie Burke in "In Stageland Satire," a skit with singing, dancing, comedy, and wordplay
- Billy Clifford, of Clifford and Huth, singer and dancer
- Sophie Burnham, soprano
- Kholer and Kholer, acrobats
- Bud Farnam, Blackface comedian and musician[41]
The American Vitagraph showed new pictures and a rerun of "The Great Train Robbery."
Week of July 3
Acts and performances:[42]
- Adelaide Herrmann, Queen of Magic, performed the "Magic of the Orient" and "The Sleeping Beauty or a Dream in Midair" with assistance from Adele Dewey
- Curtis and Adams, German comedy
- Bean and Hamilton, line barrel jumping
- Dora Pelletier, singing, yodeling, and imitations
- Lillian Shaw, singer
- James B. Donovan, monologist, in an act called "The King of Ireland"
The American Vitagraph showed new pictures.
Week of July 10
Acts and performances:[43]
- Emmet De Voy and Company in "The Saintly Mr. Billings"
- Burton and Brookes in their original comedy skit, "A Can of Humor"
- Marlow Plunkett and Company in "A Lesson in Shakespeare"
- The Great Zamora Family in "El Trapezo Trio Alquimer"
- A. O. Duncan, ventriloquist
- Helen Ogden, southern classical vocalist
- Tom Hardle, comedy acrobatic tramp act[44]
Week of July 17
Acts and performances:[45]
- Zazell and Vernon, horizontal bar performers
- Dick and Dick, a European pantomime act
- Brooke Eltrym, the "Singer of Good Songs"
- The Four Webbs, human bridge builders, made up of three men and one woman
- Crawford and Duffy, comedy sketch team
- Frank Bowman, monologist and comedian
Week of July 24
Acts and performances:[46][47]
- Mr. and Mrs. Edward Esmonde in "The Soldier of Propville," written by Si U. Collins
- Borani and Nevaro in "Weary Waggles, the Dandy Dude Tramp"
- The Three Poiriers, novelty ring and bar act
- The Dorothea Sisters, singing and dancing
- Chihuahua Mexican Troubadours, a singing trio
- Baby Lund, singer
- Rinaldo, juggling, feats of balancing, and hoop manipulating. His off-stage name was Clyde Rosebrough.
Week of July 31
Acts and performances:[24]
- John and Maude Allison in a comedy sketch, "Minnie from Missouri"
- The Saville Sisters, singing and dancing, including the Butterfly Dance
- Borani and Nevaro in "Weary Waggles, the Dandy Dude Tramp"
- Rinaldo, juggling, feats of balancing, and hoop manipulating
- Halley and Meehan, blackface performers
- Paul Barnes, monologue and songs
- The Three Poiriers, novelty ring and bar act
Week of Aug. 7
Acts and performances:[48]
- George E. Boniface, Jr., and Bertha Waltzinger in a singing and comedy sketch called "The Woman Who Hesitates in Won"
- Murphy and Williard in "Have a Doughnut"
- Louise Henry, as the "Sal Skinner Girl," a mimic and comedienne
- Blanche Gibson, soprano
- Kenyon and DeGarmo, gymnasts and balancers
- The Three Madcaps, acrobatic dancers
Week of Aug. 14
Acts and performances:[49]
- Fred Vice and Emily Viola, comedy creators, in "The Tramp, the Hats and Her"
- Blanche Gibson, soprano
- The Three Ronaldos, contortionists
- The Melrose Acrobats
- Marshall and Lorrain, comedy duo
- Mr. and Mrs. Alfrey Kelcy, comedy skit
- Jimmy Castle and Tommy Collins, blackface comedians and dancers
Laura Deane, singing comedienne, was originally booked but did not perform.
Week of Aug. 21
Acts and performances:[50]
- The Sully Family in "An Interrupted Honeymoon," a comedy
- Harris and Walters in "A Political Pull"
- The Carter and Walters Company starring Robert Carter, Katheryn Walters, and Willard Hester in "The Wise Mr. Conn"
- Charles W. Leonard and Ethel Drake in "The Girl and the Gee"
- Charles Carlos and his acting dogs (started Aug. 22)
- The Van Camps, magicians (started Aug. 22)
Week of Aug. 28
Acts and performances:[51]
- Mary Dupont and Company in her one-act play, "A Leap Year Leap," with the assistance of Willard Hutchinson
- Hallen and Hughes, blackface performers and soft shoe dancers
- Waldorf and Mendes, comedy acrobats
- Dave Nowlin, monologist
- Gladys Van, monologist and imitator
- Brunnel and Kimberly, comedians
- John Geiger, the Wizard of the Violin
Week of Sept. 4
Acts and performances:[52][53]
- Cal Stewart, "The Yankee Monologist"
- The Gregsons, singing and dancing
- Kohler and Kohler, comedy acrobats
- Gladys Van, monologist and imitator
- Patsy Doyle, known as the Dancing Doyle
- F. Christopher, necromancer and magician
Week of Sept. 11 (Closing Week)
Acts and performances:[54][55]
- Fisher and Clarke, comedy acrobats
- Nellie Burt, singing and dancing comedienne
- The Tourist Trio, singing
- The Pelots, comedy juggling
- Anna Burt, wire walker
- Russel and Dunbar, blackface performers
- Ad Hoyt, blackface comedian
- Rena Arnold (Sept. 11-17)[56]
- The Great Zamora Family (Sept. 12-17)[57]
- Waldorf and Mendes (Sept. 18)
- Howard and Linder (Sept. 18)
Outdoor Performances and Stunts
On Sunday, July 24, Professor Donavin and his trained horse, "Glorious Moonshine," gave a free exhibition at the park.[58]
Music
Wendell S. Powell's Olentangy Band, with 30 musicians, returned to play afternoon and evening performances at both the theater and the Dancing Pavilion.[4][59] The open-air concerts were given at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and lasted an hour each.[60]
From Sept. 7-10, Creatore and his Italian band of 60 members played at the park.[61]Mme. Barili provided a soprano solo on Sept. 8.[62] The cost of the tickets was 25 cents$9.03 in 2025 dollars, 50 cents$18.06 in 2025 dollars, 75 cents$27.09 in 2025 dollars, and $1$36.12 in 2025 dollars. Matinee tickets were 25 cents$9.03 in 2025 dollars and 50 cents$18.06 in 2025 dollars.[63]
Activities
Ball Grounds
Main Article: Ball Grounds
The ball grounds were enclosed, and a large grandstand was added. The park hired N. A. McCoy as the manager of the ball grounds, clubs, and teams from Columbus and the surrounding areas. There were games every day, with special games on Sundays and holidays.[4]
List of Activities
- Baseball
- Bathing
- Billiards
- Boating
- Bowling - All year activity
- Dancing
- Dining and Refreshments
- Football
- General Games
- Picnics
- Pony and Camel Riding NEW[4]
- Swimming
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Real Opening Day at Olentangy Park Today." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. May 22, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Vaudeville for Olentangy." The Sunday Columbus Dispatch. March 6, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Amusements: Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 23, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 "Grand Opening Olentangy Park, Theater and Zoo." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 24, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Amusements: Olentangy Park" Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 20, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Amusements: Olentangy Park" Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 13, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 "New Greenhouse, Baby Elk, Enlarged Zoo and Landscape Gardening." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Sept. 13, 1904. Page 7.
- ↑ "Olentangy Theater." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Sept. 30, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ Columbus Evening Dispatch. Oct. 9, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ Advertisement. The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. Oct. 23, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Grand Opening Olentangy Park, Theater and Zoo." Columbus Evening Dispatch. April 25, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Olentangy Station Restored." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 10, 1904. Page 10.
- ↑ "Peter Duffy has Narrow Escape from Angry Bear at the Olentangy Zoo." Columbus Evening Dispatch. March 22, 1904. Page 1.
- ↑ "Ferocious Young Lion Claws Hand of Tamer at Zoo." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 7, 1904. Page 1.
- ↑ "Knocked From a Tree By a Live Wire." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 10, 1904. Page 13.
- ↑ "Olentangy Leases Filed." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. June 12, 1904. Page 7.
- ↑ Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 10, 1904. Page 2.
- ↑ "Somebody Must Pay." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 26, 1904. Page 10.
- ↑ Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 31, 1904. Page 6.
- ↑ "Against the Shop." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Nov. 2, 1904. Page 5.
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 21.6 "Olentangy Park, a Coney Island Rival" The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. May 1, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 The Billboard. April 23, 1904. Vol. 16. Issue 17. Page 8.
- ↑ Advertisement. The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 24, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Summer Amusements." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 31, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ Barret, Richard E. 1984. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1. April 1984. Page 11.
- ↑ "Out for Salvage." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 8, 1904. Page 3.
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Vaudeville at Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch. March 20, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Notes." Columbus Evening Dispatch. March 17, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Summer Parks Open." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. May 15, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Olentangy Theater." The Sunday Columbus Dispatch. May 8, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Olentangy Park: Bill for the Opening." The Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 10, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Amusements: Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 22, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "'The Old Neighborhood' Headliner at Olentangy." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. May 29, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ Advertisement. Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 30, 1904. Page 9.
- ↑ "Cressy and Dayne at Olentangy Theater." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. June 5, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Summer Amusements." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. June 12, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Summer Amusements." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. June 19, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Amusements: Olentangy Theater." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 20, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Amusements: Olentangy Theater." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 23, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Summer Amusements." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. June 26, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Amusements: Olentangy Theater." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 27, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Summer Amusements." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. July 3, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Summer Amusements." Columbus Sunday Dispatch. July 10, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Amusements: Duncan is a Hit." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 12, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Summer Amusements." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. July 17, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Summer Amusements." The Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 23, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. July 24, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Summer Amusements." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 8, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Summer Amusements." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 15, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. Aug. 21, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. Aug. 28, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. Sept. 4, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Olentangy Theater." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Sept. 5, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ Columbus Sunday Dispatch. Sept. 11, 1904. Pages 4-5.
- ↑ "Olentangy Theater." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Sept. 13, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ The Billboard. Sept. 17, 1904. Vol. 16. Issue 38. Page 15.
- ↑ The Billboard, Sept. 17, 1904. Vol. 16. Issue 38. Page 16.
- ↑ The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. July 24, 1904. Page 8.
- ↑ "Olentangy Park: Its Many Attractions." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 3, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Amusements: Olentangy Park, Theater, and Zoological Garden." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 9, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Olentangy Theater." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 27, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ "Mme. Barili Will Sing." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Sept. 8, 1904. Page 7.
- ↑ "Olentangy Theater." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Sept. 6, 1904. Page 4.