1908 Season: Difference between revisions

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{{Notice underconstruction}}
{{Infobox season
{{Infobox season
| year          = 1908 Season
| year          = 1908
| image          =  
| image          =  
| season        =
| management    = The Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, president<br />William J. Dusenbury, manager
| management    = Joseph W. Dusenbury, president<br />Will J. Dusenbury, secretary<br />The Olentangy Park Company
| season        = April 26, 1908 - Sept. 26, 1908
| openingday    = April 26, 1908
| postseason     = Sept. 27, 1908 - Oct. 25, 1908
| closingday     =  
| newattractions = [[Battle Scenes of the Republic]]<br />[[Hindoo Mystery]]<br />[[Infant Incubator]]<br />[[Loop-the-Loop]]<br />[[Motion Picture Exhibit]] (Rebuilt)<br />[[Snake Den]]
| newattractions = Snake Den
| stockcompany  = Vaughan Glaser Stock Company
| stockcompany  = Vaghan Glaser Stock Company
| band          = Neddermeyer's Band<br />Ellery Band<br />W. S. Powell's Big Union Band
| theatermanager =  
| size           = Over 100 acres
| band           = Ellery Band
}}
}}


The Olentangy Park, Theater, and Zoological Garden opened for the 1908 season on Sunday, April 26, 1908.<ref name="opening1">"Olentangy Park: Opening of Season." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' 12 April 1908. Pg. 5.</ref> Starting the second week, the Ellery Band performed free concerts twice daily.<ref name="opening1" />
Olentangy Park, Theater, and Zoo opened for the 1908 season on Sunday, April 26, 1908,<ref name="opening1">"Olentangy Park: Opening of Season." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 12, 1908. Page 5.</ref> despite rainstorms that occurred throughout the day. The nearly 35,000 attendees that day were the highest the park had seen.<ref name="opening0427">"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' April 27, 1908. Page 11.</ref> During the opening, Neddermeyer's Band and, starting the second week, the Ellery Band, both performed free concerts twice daily.<ref name="opening1" /><ref name="opening2">"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 19, 1908. Page 5.</ref><ref name="opening3">"Olentangy Opening." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' April 22, 1908. Page 16.</ref>  


The Columbus City Council once again looked at annexing Milo, Grogan, Indianola, Summit, and other territories, including the park grounds.<ref>"Annexation to Have Hearing." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 3 April 1908. Pg. 8.</ref>
The park closed for the season on Sunday, Sept. 27, 1908.<ref>"Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Sept. 20, 1908. Page 4.</ref><ref>"Olentangy." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Sept. 26, 1908. Page 10.</ref> The park opened for post-season "Special Sundays" on Oct. 4,<ref>"Olentangy Park and Zoo." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Oct. 3, 1908. Page 10.</ref>, 11, 18, and 25, 1908. The Dancing Pavilion was enclosed to allow operation in colder weather.<ref>"Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Oct. 11, 1908. Page 4.</ref><ref>"Olentangy." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Oct. 16, 1908. Page 20.</ref><ref>"Olentangy." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Oct. 24, 1908. Page 10.</ref>
 
==Notable Events==
In October, manager J. W. Dusenbury became a member of the American Association of Park Managers, a {{Tooltip |text = $32 million|tooltip = over $1.12 billion in 2025 dollars}} syndicate controlling 22 of the largest amusement parks and circuses. Parks included Olentangy Park (Columbus), Luna Park (Cleveland), and Dreamland at Coney Island (New York). Circuses included Ringling's Circus. The principals in the association were M. G. Helm, Kansas City; P. G. Howse, Chicago; Arthur Draper, Cincinnati; J. W. Dusenbury, Columbus; Felix Morris, Pittsburgh; Max Roosen, Baltimore; Al Ringling, Ringling Brothers' Circus; Gus Sohn, Pittsburgh; and others. The elected officers were M. G. Helm, president; P. G. Howse, vice president; Elwood M. Salsbury, secretary; and Arthur Draper, treasurer.<ref>"Gigantic Merger of Amusements Worth $32,000,000." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Oct. 6, 1908. Page 11.</ref>
 
The Columbus City Council again looked at annexing Milo, Grogan, Indianola, Summit, and other territories, including the park grounds.<ref>"Annexation to Have Hearing." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' April 3, 1908. Page 8.</ref> Testimonies were given in December. C. E. Miles, manager of Indianola Park, Olentangy Park's competitor, said the annexation project blocked plans for a {{Tooltip |text = $32,000|tooltip = over $1.12 million in 2025 dollars}} theater and pointed out how Olentangy Park was left out of corporate limits.<ref>"Take Testimony of Annexation." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Dec. 18, 1908. Page 3.</ref>


==Rides and Attractions==
==Rides and Attractions==


* Baby Rack
===New Rides and Attractions===
* [[Bathing Pavilion]]
The new attractions for the season included the [[Loop-the-Loop]], [[Infant Incubator]], the [[Scenic Temple]] showing the ''Battle Scenes of the Republic'', and the [[Snake Den]]. The [[Moving Pictures|Motion Picture Exhibit]] was rebuilt after the previous year's fire.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' April 12, 1908. Page 5.</ref>The Infant Incubator and Motion Picture Exhibit opened May 2.<ref name="concerts0502">"Olentangy Park Concerts." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 2, 1908. Page 10.</ref>
 
===New Loop-the-Loop===
''Main Article:'' [[Loop-the-Loop]]
 
Built near the [[Circle Swing]] and the [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing Pavilion]], the [[Loop-the-Loop]] was a looping steel<ref name="rcdb">"Loop the Loop." ''Roller Coaster Database.'' Accessed July 23, 2021. https://rcdb.com/3159.htm</ref> roller coaster.<ref name=":0">"Neck was Injured." ''The Union County Journal (Marysville, Ohio).'' July 23, 1908. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80090314/neck-was-injured-on-loop-the-loop-in/</ref> Designed by inventor Lina Beecher<ref name="rcdb" /><ref name="goldenage">Francis, David W., and Diane DeMali Francis. 2003. "The Roller Coaster's Early Years 1884-1909." ''In The Golden Age of Roller Coasters: In Vintage Postcards.'' Arcadia Publishing. Page 27.</ref>, up to four riders would ride on a single track down a slope fast enough to do a single inversion (upside-down loop).<ref name="rcdb" /> It was one of the first operating looping coasters in North America, and its teardrop shape was adapted from a shape pioneered by Edwin Prescott.<ref name="goldenage" /> The shape helped lower the excessive g-forces it put on its riders in comparison to past versions like the Flip Flap Railway, but the ride still caused many neck injuries.<ref>Francis, David W., and Diane DeMali Francis. 2003. ''The Golden Age of Roller Coasters.'' Arcadia Publishing. Page 27. Accessed through Google Books. https://books.google.com/books?id=4d9oXyOZubIC</ref> Luther Liggett, son of Mr. and Mrs. N. E. Liggett, rode the ride in July, and his swollen neck was reported on in a few newspapers around the state.<ref name=":0" />
 
The Famous Bickett Family gave open-air performances within the circle of the Loop-the-Loop the week of July 6, 1908.<ref>''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 7, 1908. Page 14.</ref>
 
===New Hindoo Mystery===
''Main Article:'' [[Hindoo Mystery]]
 
The ''Columbus Evening Dispatch'' reported that a "genuine Hindoo, 'T'Ishi, the wizard of India," performed at the "new Fantasma" in the [[Colonnade]].<ref>Postcard. "Olentangy Park, Columbus, Ohio." Published by The Valentine & Sons Publishing Co. 206.966 JV Accessed through Columbus Metropolitan Library Digital Collections. https://digital-collections.columbuslibrary.org/digital/collection/postcard/id/41463</ref> The performance included "Hindoo occultism and necromancy," the power of suggestion on audience members, magic acts, and an escape act where he'd escape from a large black bag and ropes. It took place in the original [[Fantasma]] building, which was renamed the "House of Hindoo Mystery."<ref>"Olentangy." ''The Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 19, 1908. Page 18.</ref>
 
===New Infant Incubator===
''Main Article:'' [[Infant Incubator]]
 
The new technology to help protect premature babies was built into the [[Colonnade]] as the [[Infant Incubator]]. At least one premature baby was given artificial food and air and became well. The baby replaced a ragdoll stage prop in the play, "The Heir to the Hoorah," performed the week of July 13.<ref>"The Incubator 'Heir'." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' July 12, 1908. Page 29.</ref>
 
===Gypsy Camp===
''Main Article:'' [[Gypsy Camp]]
 
Queen Stella Stevens performed as a genuine gypsy fortune teller. A classified ad said she spoke 14 languages.<ref>Classified advertisement. ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 23, 1908. Page 8.</ref> Donna Stevens was crowned the new queen on Aug. 15.<ref>Classified advertisement, ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 12, 1908. Page 16.</ref>
 
=== List of Rides and Attractions ===
 
* [[Bandstand (1)|Bandstand]]
* [[Boathouse]]
* [[Boathouse]]
* [[Bowling alleys]]
* [[Bowling alleys]]
* [[Mystic Castle]]
* [[Merry-Go-Round (2)|Carousel]]
* [[Carousel]]
* [[Circle Swing]]
* [[Circle Swing]]
* [[Colonnade]]
* [[Colonnade]]
* [[Creation or The Great Hereafter]]
** [[Hindoo Mystery|The Hindoo Mystery]] '''NEW'''
* [[Dancing Pavilion (Second)|Dancing Pavilion]]
** [[Infant Incubator]] '''NEW'''
* [[Egyptian Mystery]]
** [[Penny Arcade (Colonnade)|Penny Arcade]]
* [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing Pavilion]]
* [[Fair Japan]]
* [[Fair Japan]]
* [[Fantasma]]
* [[Fantasma]]
* [[Ferris Wheel]]
* [[Ferris Wheel (1)|Ferris Wheel]]
* [[Figure Eight Toboggan]]
* [[Figure Eight Toboggan]]
* [[Floral Conservatory]]
* [[Floral Conservatory|Floral Conservatory & Greenhouse]]
* [[Gypsy Camp]] '''NEW'''
* [[Gypsy Camp]]
* [[House That Jack Built]]
* [[Igorrote Village]]
* [[Igorrote Village]]
* [[Laughing Gallery]]
* [[Loop-the-Loop]] '''NEW'''
* [[Merry-Go-Round]]
* [[Merry-Go-Round (1)|Merry-Go-Round]]
* [[Miniature Railway]]
* [[Miniature Railway]]
* [[Moving Pictures|Motion Picture Exhibit]] '''REBUILT'''
* [[Museum of Ornithology]]
* [[Museum of Ornithology]]
* [[Ye Olde Mill (First)|Ye Olde Mill]]
* [[Ye Olde Mill (1)|Ye Olde Mill]]
* [[Palace of Illusions]]
* [[Palm Garden]]
* [[Penny Arcade (Colonnade)|Penny Arcade]]
* [[Pony and Camel Track]]
* [[Photographic Gallery]]
* [[Roller Skating Rink (Building)|Roller Skating Rink]]
* [[Scenic Coaster]]  
* [[Scenic Coaster]]  
* [[Scenic Temple]] '''NEW'''
** [[Battle Scenes of the Republic]] '''NEW'''
* [[Shooting Gallery]]
* [[Shooting Gallery]]
* [[Snake Den]] '''NEW'''
* [[Snake Den]] '''NEW'''
* Swings
* Swings
* [[Temple of Mirth]]
* [[Temple of Mirth]]
* [[Third Degree]]
* [[Water Toboggan]]
* [[Tours of the World]]
* [[Zoological Garden]]
* [[Zoological Garden]]


==Olentangy Park Theater==
== Theater, Vaudeville, and Stunt Performances ==
 
===Olentangy Park Theater===
''Main Article:'' [[Olentangy Park Casino and Theater]]
''Main Article:'' [[Olentangy Park Casino and Theater]]


The Vaughan Glaser Stock Company returned for another season of 12 weeks starting in June<ref name="glaserReturn">"Vaghan Glaser Will Come Back." ''The Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 10 January 1908. Pg. 8.</ref><ref name="opening1" />
Extra dressing rooms and reception rooms were added for the season, and a complete electric heating system was installed to make the theater comfortable any time of the year.<ref name="theaterLogan">"Olentangy Park." ''The Democrat-Sentinel (Logan, Ohio).'' May 14, 1908. Page 7. Accessed through Newspapers.com. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-democrat-sentinel-olentangy-park/80089738/</ref>
 
===Opening Weeks===
 
Bernard Begue and his wife, two noted operatic soloists from the Metropolitan Opera Company from New York, joined the Ellery Band during the opening weeks. They were followed by Mrs. Fiske and the Manhattan Company, performing "Romersholm" on Friday and Saturday, May 22 and 23.<ref name="theaterLogan" />
 
===Vaudeville===
Vaudeville performed for eight days starting Sunday, June 14.<ref name="doings">"Doings At Olentangy Park." ''Marysville Journal-Tribune (Marysville, Ohio).'' June 17, 1908. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com. https://www.newspapers.com/article/marysville-journal-tribune-doings-at-ole/140063128/</ref>
 
====Week of June 14====
Performers:<ref name="june15">"Olentangy Stock Company." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 15, 1908. Page 12.</ref>
* Robert and Louise Rogers, in their playlet, "Out of Sight"
* Grothus and Frizell - canceled after the first performance
* Soto Sunetaro and Company, Japanese performers
* Herbert and Willing, Blackface comedians and dancers, in a sketch, "Oh, Ma-a-n"
* Ansel and Dorian, hand-balancing
* Emory White, tenor; Nicholas Zan, baritone; Elaine Von Thiele - three Gypsy fortune tellers, singing in light opera, "Memory," "Torcador," (a song from ''Carmen''), and "Lucia"
* A troupe of "Lilliputians" (little people), entertainers, included a boxing match
* The Jessie Kellar Troupe, bicyclists
* Little Eva Prout, singing new songs, including "Bon Bon Buddy" in boy's clothes, "Late Hours," and "Be Sweet to Me, Kid" (later in the week)<ref name="june16">"Notes." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 16, 1908. Page 16.</ref>
 
====Week of June 22====
Joe Weber and his original New York company of seventy-five artists performed "The Burlesque of the Merry Widow." Prices ranged from {{Tooltip |text = 25 cents|tooltip = $8.74 in 2025 dollars}} to {{Tooltip |text = $1.50|tooltip = $52.41 in 2025 dollars}}.<ref name="doings" /><ref name="june19">Advertisement, ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 19, 1908. Page 18.</ref> The show featured Joe Weber, Lois Ewell, Lillian Russell, Dave Warfield, Sam Bernard, Fay Templeton, Louis Mann, Charles Bigelow, Albert Hart, Douglas Stevenson, Ada Henry, and others.<ref>"Coming Next Week." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 20, 1908. Page 10.</ref> George V. Hobert was responsible for the burlesque.<ref>"Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' June 21, 1908. Page 5.</ref><ref>Smythe, Penelope. 1908. "Olentangy Park: 'Merry Widow' Burlesque." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 23, 1908. Page 14.</ref><ref name="doings" />
 
It was originally by Henry W. Savage. Savage sued Joe Weber and Company for performing the opera outside of where the original opera had been played. The court said Savage was from New Jersey and did not have the jurisdiction to sue a New York City company in New Jersey. Savage planned to go to the state courts over the matter, while Weber said his ability to put the show on and pay Savage royalties while in Chicago proved the opera could be performed outside of New York City.<ref>"Sues to Enjoin the 'Merry Widow.'" ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 23, 1908. Page 3.</ref><ref>"Merry Widow Case Again in Courts." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 24, 1908. Page 13.</ref> For the third attempt to stop the show, the courts sided with Weber, allowing the company to complete their engagement.<ref>"Joe Weber Not Enjoined." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 25, 1908. Page 13.</ref> Savage sued for the fourth time for {{Tooltip |text = $10,000|tooltip = $349,418 in 2025 dollars}} in damages.<ref>"Savage Attaches Effects of Merry Widow Company." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' June 28, 1908. Page 1.</ref>


Members:
===Vaughan Glaser Stock Company===
The Vaughan Glaser Stock Company returned for another season of 12 weeks starting on June 29.<ref name="glaserReturn">"Vaughan Glaser Will Come Back." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Jan. 10, 1908. Page 8.</ref><ref name="opening1" /><ref name="stock">"Olentangy Stock Company." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 10, 1908. Page 14.</ref>
 
The Vaughan Glaser Stock Company included:<ref>"Stage Favorites at Olentangy." ''Marysville Journal-Tribune (Marysville, Ohio).'' July 9, 1908. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com. https://www.newspapers.com/article/marysville-journal-tribune-favorites-at/50478491/</ref>
* Kate Blancke
* Frank Camp
* Wayne Campbell
* Frank Carton
* Fay Courtney
* Belle D'Arcy
* William Deming
* William Deming
* Frank Camp
* James A. Hester
* Theo. Johnson
* Fred Kerby
* William Ross
* Harrison Stedman
* Helen Wilton
 
Kate Blancke left on July 20 for a two-month visit with her sister in Massachusetts<ref>"Miss Blanke to Leave." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 14, 1908. Page 12.</ref>
 
Fay Courtney was injured on July 16 from falling down stairs, suffering a black eye and facial cuts, but returned by the following night<ref>"Popular Actress Fay Courtney is Hurt by a Plunge Down a Stairway in the Darkness." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 17, 1908. Page 1.</ref>
 
====Shows====
 
'''Week of June 29:''' Vaughan Glaser and his stock company opened Monday, June 29, with Henry Dixey's comedy, "The Man on the Box."<ref>"Olentangy Park: Summer Stock." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' June 28, 1908. Page 5.</ref>
 
'''Week of July 6:''' "Before and After" by Leo Ditrichstein.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 3, 1908. Page 12.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Park: Before and After." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 7, 1908. Page 14.</ref> The theater sold out Thursday, July 9.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 10, 1908. Page 16.</ref>
 
'''Week of July 13:''' "The Heir to the Hoorah" by Paul Armstrong.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 9, 1908. Page 14.</ref><ref>"The Heir to the Hoorah." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 14, 1908. Page 12.</ref>
 
'''Week of July 20:''' "Graustark"<ref>Advertisement. ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 25, 1908. Page 10.</ref>
 
'''Week of July 27:''' "The Girl of the Golden West" by David Belasco.<ref name="july26">"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 25, 1908. Page 10.</ref><ref>"The Girl of the Golden West." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 28, 1908. Page 12.</ref>
 
'''Week of Aug. 3:''' "Old Heidelberg" by Richard Mansfield. A souvenir photo of James Hester was given to the purchasers of the downstairs tickets on opening day.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 2, 1908. Page 27.</ref>
 
'''Week of Aug. 10:''' "A Bachelor's Romance." A souvenir of Will Deming was given to the purchasers of the downstairs tickets on opening day.<ref>"Olentangy Park: A Bachelor's Romance." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 9, 1908. Page 27.</ref>
 
'''Week of Aug. 17:''' "In The Bishop's Carriage" by Mariam Michelson. A companion play to Leah Kleschna.<ref>"In The Bishop's Carriage." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 18, 1908. Page 12.</ref>


===Performances===
'''Week of Aug. 24:''' "The Three of Us." A souvenir photo of Vaughan Glaser was given to the purchasers of the downstairs tickets on opening day.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 24, 1908. Page 10.</ref> Stock members Fay Courtney, Vaughan Glaser, and Milton Hoffman fell into the Olentangy River while boating in a canoe that week.<ref>"'The Three of Us' Get Good Ducking in the Olentangy." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 25, 1908. Page 2.</ref>


====Week of ...====
'''Week of Aug. 31 (Closing Week):''' "Prince Karl" by Richard Mansfield.<ref>"Olentangy Park: Prince Karl." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 28, 1908. Page 16.</ref><ref name="aug27">"Olentangy Park." ''The Democrat-Sentinel (Logan, Ohio).'' Aug. 27, 1908. Page 5. Accessed through Newspapers.com. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-democrat-sentinel-olentangy-park/140064452/</ref>


==Music==
==Music==
During the opening, Neddermeyer's Band and, starting the second week when the theater opened, the Ellery Band, both performed free concerts twice daily.<ref name="opening1" /><ref name="opening3" /> The ''Columbus Evening Dispatch'' described the director of the Ellery Band, Taddeo Di Girolamo, as having "artistic perceptions and with volcanic enthusiasm.<ref name="concerts0502">"Olentangy Park Concerts." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 2, 1908. Page 10.</ref> The Ellery Band performed until June 12.<ref>"Olentangy." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 12, 1908. Page 18.</ref> Afterward, W. S. Powell's Big Union Band provided open-air concerts, and two big orchestras played at the Dancing Pavilion and Theater.<ref name="doings" />


==Stunts and Outdoor Shows==
==Stunts and Outdoor Shows==
'''Week of May 5''' - James E. Hardy, the King of the Highwire, known as the "Hero of Niagara," performed free shows twice daily.<ref name="opening2" />
'''Week of July 6''' - The Famous Bickett Family gave open-air performances within the circle of the Loop-the-Loop each afternoon at 4:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.<ref>''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 7, 1908. Page 14.</ref>
'''July 25, and Week of July 27''' - Huber's Trained Bears and Kangaroos performed instead of the stock company.<ref name="july26" />
'''Week of Aug. 31''' - The Meier Family performed aquatic exhibitions, including high dives by Minnie, 9, and Elma, 11, assisted by Baby Neptune, 5.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 31, 1908. Page 10.</ref><ref name="aug27" />


==Activities==
==Activities==
===List of Activities===


* [[Ball Grounds|Baseball]]
* [[Ball Grounds|Baseball]]
Line 81: Line 180:
* [[Canoe Club Boathouse|Boating]]
* [[Canoe Club Boathouse|Boating]]
* [[Bowling alleys|Bowling]] - All year activity
* [[Bowling alleys|Bowling]] - All year activity
* [[Dancing Pavilion (Second)|Dancing]]
* [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing]]
* Dining and Refreshments
* Dining and Refreshments
* [[Ball Grounds|Football]]
* [[Ball Grounds|Football]]
* [[Gypsy Camp|Fortune Telling]]
* General Games
* General Games
* Picnics
* Picnics
Line 93: Line 193:


[[Category:Seasons]]
[[Category:Seasons]]
{{#seo:|description=The 1908 season at Olentangy Park opened on April 26, 1908, and closed on October 25, 1908. New attractions included the Loop-the-Loop, Infant Incubator, and others.}}
{{#seo:|keywords=1908 Season, Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, Olentangy Park Columbus, Columbus amusement park, amusement park, Clintonville, defunct amusement park, Olentangy Theater, Olentangy Theatre, Vaudeville, Zoo}}

Latest revision as of 03:05, 12 July 2025

1908 Season
Leadership The Olentangy Park Company
Joseph W. Dusenbury, president
William J. Dusenbury, manager
Season April 26, 1908 - Sept. 26, 1908
Post-season Sept. 27, 1908 - Oct. 25, 1908
New Attractions Battle Scenes of the Republic
Hindoo Mystery
Infant Incubator
Loop-the-Loop
Motion Picture Exhibit (Rebuilt)
Snake Den
Stock Company Vaughan Glaser Stock Company
Band(s) Neddermeyer's Band
Ellery Band
W. S. Powell's Big Union Band
Park Size Over 100 acres

Olentangy Park, Theater, and Zoo opened for the 1908 season on Sunday, April 26, 1908,[1] despite rainstorms that occurred throughout the day. The nearly 35,000 attendees that day were the highest the park had seen.[2] During the opening, Neddermeyer's Band and, starting the second week, the Ellery Band, both performed free concerts twice daily.[1][3][4]

The park closed for the season on Sunday, Sept. 27, 1908.[5][6] The park opened for post-season "Special Sundays" on Oct. 4,[7], 11, 18, and 25, 1908. The Dancing Pavilion was enclosed to allow operation in colder weather.[8][9][10]

Notable Events

In October, manager J. W. Dusenbury became a member of the American Association of Park Managers, a $32 millionover $1.12 billion in 2025 dollars syndicate controlling 22 of the largest amusement parks and circuses. Parks included Olentangy Park (Columbus), Luna Park (Cleveland), and Dreamland at Coney Island (New York). Circuses included Ringling's Circus. The principals in the association were M. G. Helm, Kansas City; P. G. Howse, Chicago; Arthur Draper, Cincinnati; J. W. Dusenbury, Columbus; Felix Morris, Pittsburgh; Max Roosen, Baltimore; Al Ringling, Ringling Brothers' Circus; Gus Sohn, Pittsburgh; and others. The elected officers were M. G. Helm, president; P. G. Howse, vice president; Elwood M. Salsbury, secretary; and Arthur Draper, treasurer.[11]

The Columbus City Council again looked at annexing Milo, Grogan, Indianola, Summit, and other territories, including the park grounds.[12] Testimonies were given in December. C. E. Miles, manager of Indianola Park, Olentangy Park's competitor, said the annexation project blocked plans for a $32,000over $1.12 million in 2025 dollars theater and pointed out how Olentangy Park was left out of corporate limits.[13]

Rides and Attractions

New Rides and Attractions

The new attractions for the season included the Loop-the-Loop, Infant Incubator, the Scenic Temple showing the Battle Scenes of the Republic, and the Snake Den. The Motion Picture Exhibit was rebuilt after the previous year's fire.[14]The Infant Incubator and Motion Picture Exhibit opened May 2.[15]

New Loop-the-Loop

Main Article: Loop-the-Loop

Built near the Circle Swing and the Dancing Pavilion, the Loop-the-Loop was a looping steel[16] roller coaster.[17] Designed by inventor Lina Beecher[16][18], up to four riders would ride on a single track down a slope fast enough to do a single inversion (upside-down loop).[16] It was one of the first operating looping coasters in North America, and its teardrop shape was adapted from a shape pioneered by Edwin Prescott.[18] The shape helped lower the excessive g-forces it put on its riders in comparison to past versions like the Flip Flap Railway, but the ride still caused many neck injuries.[19] Luther Liggett, son of Mr. and Mrs. N. E. Liggett, rode the ride in July, and his swollen neck was reported on in a few newspapers around the state.[17]

The Famous Bickett Family gave open-air performances within the circle of the Loop-the-Loop the week of July 6, 1908.[20]

New Hindoo Mystery

Main Article: Hindoo Mystery

The Columbus Evening Dispatch reported that a "genuine Hindoo, 'T'Ishi, the wizard of India," performed at the "new Fantasma" in the Colonnade.[21] The performance included "Hindoo occultism and necromancy," the power of suggestion on audience members, magic acts, and an escape act where he'd escape from a large black bag and ropes. It took place in the original Fantasma building, which was renamed the "House of Hindoo Mystery."[22]

New Infant Incubator

Main Article: Infant Incubator

The new technology to help protect premature babies was built into the Colonnade as the Infant Incubator. At least one premature baby was given artificial food and air and became well. The baby replaced a ragdoll stage prop in the play, "The Heir to the Hoorah," performed the week of July 13.[23]

Gypsy Camp

Main Article: Gypsy Camp

Queen Stella Stevens performed as a genuine gypsy fortune teller. A classified ad said she spoke 14 languages.[24] Donna Stevens was crowned the new queen on Aug. 15.[25]

List of Rides and Attractions

Theater, Vaudeville, and Stunt Performances

Olentangy Park Theater

Main Article: Olentangy Park Casino and Theater

Extra dressing rooms and reception rooms were added for the season, and a complete electric heating system was installed to make the theater comfortable any time of the year.[26]

Opening Weeks

Bernard Begue and his wife, two noted operatic soloists from the Metropolitan Opera Company from New York, joined the Ellery Band during the opening weeks. They were followed by Mrs. Fiske and the Manhattan Company, performing "Romersholm" on Friday and Saturday, May 22 and 23.[26]

Vaudeville

Vaudeville performed for eight days starting Sunday, June 14.[27]

Week of June 14

Performers:[28]

  • Robert and Louise Rogers, in their playlet, "Out of Sight"
  • Grothus and Frizell - canceled after the first performance
  • Soto Sunetaro and Company, Japanese performers
  • Herbert and Willing, Blackface comedians and dancers, in a sketch, "Oh, Ma-a-n"
  • Ansel and Dorian, hand-balancing
  • Emory White, tenor; Nicholas Zan, baritone; Elaine Von Thiele - three Gypsy fortune tellers, singing in light opera, "Memory," "Torcador," (a song from Carmen), and "Lucia"
  • A troupe of "Lilliputians" (little people), entertainers, included a boxing match
  • The Jessie Kellar Troupe, bicyclists
  • Little Eva Prout, singing new songs, including "Bon Bon Buddy" in boy's clothes, "Late Hours," and "Be Sweet to Me, Kid" (later in the week)[29]

Week of June 22

Joe Weber and his original New York company of seventy-five artists performed "The Burlesque of the Merry Widow." Prices ranged from 25 cents$8.74 in 2025 dollars to $1.50$52.41 in 2025 dollars.[27][30] The show featured Joe Weber, Lois Ewell, Lillian Russell, Dave Warfield, Sam Bernard, Fay Templeton, Louis Mann, Charles Bigelow, Albert Hart, Douglas Stevenson, Ada Henry, and others.[31] George V. Hobert was responsible for the burlesque.[32][33][27]

It was originally by Henry W. Savage. Savage sued Joe Weber and Company for performing the opera outside of where the original opera had been played. The court said Savage was from New Jersey and did not have the jurisdiction to sue a New York City company in New Jersey. Savage planned to go to the state courts over the matter, while Weber said his ability to put the show on and pay Savage royalties while in Chicago proved the opera could be performed outside of New York City.[34][35] For the third attempt to stop the show, the courts sided with Weber, allowing the company to complete their engagement.[36] Savage sued for the fourth time for $10,000$349,418 in 2025 dollars in damages.[37]

Vaughan Glaser Stock Company

The Vaughan Glaser Stock Company returned for another season of 12 weeks starting on June 29.[38][1][39]

The Vaughan Glaser Stock Company included:[40]

  • Kate Blancke
  • Frank Camp
  • Wayne Campbell
  • Frank Carton
  • Fay Courtney
  • Belle D'Arcy
  • William Deming
  • James A. Hester
  • Theo. Johnson
  • Fred Kerby
  • William Ross
  • Harrison Stedman
  • Helen Wilton

Kate Blancke left on July 20 for a two-month visit with her sister in Massachusetts[41]

Fay Courtney was injured on July 16 from falling down stairs, suffering a black eye and facial cuts, but returned by the following night[42]

Shows

Week of June 29: Vaughan Glaser and his stock company opened Monday, June 29, with Henry Dixey's comedy, "The Man on the Box."[43]

Week of July 6: "Before and After" by Leo Ditrichstein.[44][45] The theater sold out Thursday, July 9.[46]

Week of July 13: "The Heir to the Hoorah" by Paul Armstrong.[47][48]

Week of July 20: "Graustark"[49]

Week of July 27: "The Girl of the Golden West" by David Belasco.[50][51]

Week of Aug. 3: "Old Heidelberg" by Richard Mansfield. A souvenir photo of James Hester was given to the purchasers of the downstairs tickets on opening day.[52]

Week of Aug. 10: "A Bachelor's Romance." A souvenir of Will Deming was given to the purchasers of the downstairs tickets on opening day.[53]

Week of Aug. 17: "In The Bishop's Carriage" by Mariam Michelson. A companion play to Leah Kleschna.[54]

Week of Aug. 24: "The Three of Us." A souvenir photo of Vaughan Glaser was given to the purchasers of the downstairs tickets on opening day.[55] Stock members Fay Courtney, Vaughan Glaser, and Milton Hoffman fell into the Olentangy River while boating in a canoe that week.[56]

Week of Aug. 31 (Closing Week): "Prince Karl" by Richard Mansfield.[57][58]

Music

During the opening, Neddermeyer's Band and, starting the second week when the theater opened, the Ellery Band, both performed free concerts twice daily.[1][4] The Columbus Evening Dispatch described the director of the Ellery Band, Taddeo Di Girolamo, as having "artistic perceptions and with volcanic enthusiasm.[15] The Ellery Band performed until June 12.[59] Afterward, W. S. Powell's Big Union Band provided open-air concerts, and two big orchestras played at the Dancing Pavilion and Theater.[27]

Stunts and Outdoor Shows

Week of May 5 - James E. Hardy, the King of the Highwire, known as the "Hero of Niagara," performed free shows twice daily.[3]

Week of July 6 - The Famous Bickett Family gave open-air performances within the circle of the Loop-the-Loop each afternoon at 4:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.[60]

July 25, and Week of July 27 - Huber's Trained Bears and Kangaroos performed instead of the stock company.[50]

Week of Aug. 31 - The Meier Family performed aquatic exhibitions, including high dives by Minnie, 9, and Elma, 11, assisted by Baby Neptune, 5.[61][58]

Activities

List of Activities

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Olentangy Park: Opening of Season." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 12, 1908. Page 5.
  2. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. April 27, 1908. Page 11.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Olentangy Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 19, 1908. Page 5.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Olentangy Opening." Columbus Evening Dispatch. April 22, 1908. Page 16.
  5. ↑ "Olentangy." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. Sept. 20, 1908. Page 4.
  6. ↑ "Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Sept. 26, 1908. Page 10.
  7. ↑ "Olentangy Park and Zoo." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Oct. 3, 1908. Page 10.
  8. ↑ "Olentangy." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. Oct. 11, 1908. Page 4.
  9. ↑ "Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Oct. 16, 1908. Page 20.
  10. ↑ "Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Oct. 24, 1908. Page 10.
  11. ↑ "Gigantic Merger of Amusements Worth $32,000,000." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Oct. 6, 1908. Page 11.
  12. ↑ "Annexation to Have Hearing." Columbus Evening Dispatch. April 3, 1908. Page 8.
  13. ↑ "Take Testimony of Annexation." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Dec. 18, 1908. Page 3.
  14. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. April 12, 1908. Page 5.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Olentangy Park Concerts." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 2, 1908. Page 10.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 "Loop the Loop." Roller Coaster Database. Accessed July 23, 2021. https://rcdb.com/3159.htm
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Neck was Injured." The Union County Journal (Marysville, Ohio). July 23, 1908. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80090314/neck-was-injured-on-loop-the-loop-in/
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Francis, David W., and Diane DeMali Francis. 2003. "The Roller Coaster's Early Years 1884-1909." In The Golden Age of Roller Coasters: In Vintage Postcards. Arcadia Publishing. Page 27.
  19. ↑ Francis, David W., and Diane DeMali Francis. 2003. The Golden Age of Roller Coasters. Arcadia Publishing. Page 27. Accessed through Google Books. https://books.google.com/books?id=4d9oXyOZubIC
  20. ↑ Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 7, 1908. Page 14.
  21. ↑ Postcard. "Olentangy Park, Columbus, Ohio." Published by The Valentine & Sons Publishing Co. 206.966 JV Accessed through Columbus Metropolitan Library Digital Collections. https://digital-collections.columbuslibrary.org/digital/collection/postcard/id/41463
  22. ↑ "Olentangy." The Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 19, 1908. Page 18.
  23. ↑ "The Incubator 'Heir'." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. July 12, 1908. Page 29.
  24. ↑ Classified advertisement. Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 23, 1908. Page 8.
  25. ↑ Classified advertisement, Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 12, 1908. Page 16.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Olentangy Park." The Democrat-Sentinel (Logan, Ohio). May 14, 1908. Page 7. Accessed through Newspapers.com. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-democrat-sentinel-olentangy-park/80089738/
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 "Doings At Olentangy Park." Marysville Journal-Tribune (Marysville, Ohio). June 17, 1908. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com. https://www.newspapers.com/article/marysville-journal-tribune-doings-at-ole/140063128/
  28. ↑ "Olentangy Stock Company." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 15, 1908. Page 12.
  29. ↑ "Notes." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 16, 1908. Page 16.
  30. ↑ Advertisement, Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 19, 1908. Page 18.
  31. ↑ "Coming Next Week." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 20, 1908. Page 10.
  32. ↑ "Olentangy." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. June 21, 1908. Page 5.
  33. ↑ Smythe, Penelope. 1908. "Olentangy Park: 'Merry Widow' Burlesque." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 23, 1908. Page 14.
  34. ↑ "Sues to Enjoin the 'Merry Widow.'" Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 23, 1908. Page 3.
  35. ↑ "Merry Widow Case Again in Courts." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 24, 1908. Page 13.
  36. ↑ "Joe Weber Not Enjoined." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 25, 1908. Page 13.
  37. ↑ "Savage Attaches Effects of Merry Widow Company." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. June 28, 1908. Page 1.
  38. ↑ "Vaughan Glaser Will Come Back." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Jan. 10, 1908. Page 8.
  39. ↑ "Olentangy Stock Company." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 10, 1908. Page 14.
  40. ↑ "Stage Favorites at Olentangy." Marysville Journal-Tribune (Marysville, Ohio). July 9, 1908. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com. https://www.newspapers.com/article/marysville-journal-tribune-favorites-at/50478491/
  41. ↑ "Miss Blanke to Leave." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 14, 1908. Page 12.
  42. ↑ "Popular Actress Fay Courtney is Hurt by a Plunge Down a Stairway in the Darkness." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 17, 1908. Page 1.
  43. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Summer Stock." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. June 28, 1908. Page 5.
  44. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 3, 1908. Page 12.
  45. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Before and After." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 7, 1908. Page 14.
  46. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 10, 1908. Page 16.
  47. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 9, 1908. Page 14.
  48. ↑ "The Heir to the Hoorah." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 14, 1908. Page 12.
  49. ↑ Advertisement. Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 25, 1908. Page 10.
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 25, 1908. Page 10.
  51. ↑ "The Girl of the Golden West." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 28, 1908. Page 12.
  52. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 2, 1908. Page 27.
  53. ↑ "Olentangy Park: A Bachelor's Romance." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 9, 1908. Page 27.
  54. ↑ "In The Bishop's Carriage." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 18, 1908. Page 12.
  55. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 24, 1908. Page 10.
  56. ↑ "'The Three of Us' Get Good Ducking in the Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 25, 1908. Page 2.
  57. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Prince Karl." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 28, 1908. Page 16.
  58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 "Olentangy Park." The Democrat-Sentinel (Logan, Ohio). Aug. 27, 1908. Page 5. Accessed through Newspapers.com. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-democrat-sentinel-olentangy-park/140064452/
  59. ↑ "Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 12, 1908. Page 18.
  60. ↑ Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 7, 1908. Page 14.
  61. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 31, 1908. Page 10.


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