1914 Season: Difference between revisions

From Olentangy Park Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
← Older editNewer edit →
VisualWikitext
Line 55: Line 55:


Dance lessons began in late May in the [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing Pavilion]], taught by Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Layman. They were held each day from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.<ref name="pofk">"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' May 27, 1914. Page 18.</ref>
Dance lessons began in late May in the [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing Pavilion]], taught by Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Layman. They were held each day from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.<ref name="pofk">"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' May 27, 1914. Page 18.</ref>
===Motion Pictures===
Motion Pictures were shown in the open air every evening.<ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Olentangy Park|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = July 11, 1914|page = 10}}</ref>


===List of Rides and Attractions===
===List of Rides and Attractions===

Revision as of 04:29, 28 January 2025

This page is under construction. Please remove this notice when complete.

1914 Season Season
Leadership The Olentangy Park Company
Joseph W. Dusenbury, president
William J. Dusenbury, manager
New Attractions Canoe Club Boathouse
Stock Company Vaughan Glaser Stock Company
Band(s) Selby's Orchestra
Park Size 125 acres

The Olentangy Park and Theater opened for the 1914 season on Sunday, May 3, 1914.[1][2][3] Cincione and his Italian Union Concert Band[4] and Barracks Drumland Trumpet Corps with Colonel Dodd of the Barracks[5] played during opening day.

The boathouse was torn down, and a new one was built. The Dancing Pavilion was enlarged, the Theater was improved,[6], Fair Japan was rebuilt, and a new steel bridge was constructed across the ravine north of the theater.[3]

For ride and attraction changes, see the Rides and Attractions section.

Notable Happenings

Dusenbury Acquisition of the Grand

The owner of the Grand Theater (also known as Thomas Theater), Helen Chittenden Ziegler, leased the theater to the Dusenbury Brothers for 30 years beginning May 1. They planned improvements of $150,000 ($4.7 million in 2024), mainly for remodeling. After being condemned by the fire marshal, they planned to remove the balcony and gallery and replace them with a new reinforced concrete balcony. They also planned to rebuild the lobby, tear out the boxes, enlarge and extend the stage, install new seats, and redecorate and refurbish the entire theater. The building was to get new elevators, remodeling of the seven storerooms on the ground floor, repainting and overhauling the five floors above the storerooms and a general rearrangement of the rooms and halls. The Dusenbury Brothers rented the theater for $15,000 ($473,500) a year for the first twenty years and $16,500 ($520,845) per year for the following ten. They will have the option to buy the property at the end of their lease. The Dusenburys planned to have the theater be a motion picture house. With this acquisition, the brothers became Columbus's most prominent theater owners and lessees. They also controlled the Southern Theater, the Vernon Theater, the Olentangy Park Theater, and the Colonial Theater, which had been operating as a motion picture house.[7]

Engine Room Fire

A painter put their paint-covered overalls on a boiler, resulting in a fire that caused $700 ($22,100 in 2024) in damage. Joseph Katona, the park florist, used a small hose to save the greenhouses and keep the fire from spreading.[8]

Leo Haenlein Arrested

Leo Haenlein was arrested in June for exhibiting a gambling device at the Penny Arcade. The police raided his place and seized six slot machines with $51.55 ($1,627 in 2025). He pleaded not guilty.[9]

Free Outdoor Performance for Children

On June 22, every child in the public schools - 23,000 at the time - was invited to see an outdoor performance of "Robin Hood," performed by other school children.[10] It took place in the open-air stage next to the Whirlwind[11] and was performed every night that week.

Park Employees Accused of Theft

Park employees B. A. Legg, 69; J. T. Abbott, 62; and Kenneth Rhoades, 17, were charged with keeping admission tickets to resell. The men had been working at the park for several seasons. Legg and Abbott pleaded not guilty to embezzlement and their cases were continued until July 11. Abbott's case was delayed again until July 29, while Legg failed to appear in court.[12] The charges of embezzlement were changed to fraudulent conversion of trust property. The men claimed they would hold onto the tickets when the crowds got too big to process each one, but the Dusenburys claimed they stole hundreds of dollars over the years.[13]

Fourth of July Celebration

For the Fourth of July, the park held concerts by Cincione's Italian Band and other bands throughout the park. An orchestra performed in the Dancing Pavilion where parkgoers danced from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday that weekend. Free motion pictures were shown each evening.[14]

Rides and Attractions

New Canoe Club Boathouse

Main Article: Boathouse

Originally the oldest building at the park, it was torn down around April 19. The original structure was built in 1880 by Joseph Gettner when the area was known as "Olentangy Villa." The building was replaced with a new boathouse.[15] The new boathouse was to have places for 300 boats and canoes, private clothes lockers, shower baths, and other conveniences for parkgoers and the general public.[3] The Canoe Club held "pick and shovel days" where members were urged to prepare the site for the construction of the new boathouse. Those who helped received free food in the evening.[16] The new Canoe Club boathouse was opened on June 20, 1914.[17]

During the building of the new structure, bowling was moved to new bowling alleys in the Colonnade.[3][18]

Dancing Lessons in the Dancing Pavilion

Main Article: Dancing Pavilion (2)

Dance lessons began in late May in the Dancing Pavilion, taught by Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Layman. They were held each day from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.[19]

Motion Pictures

Motion Pictures were shown in the open air every evening.[20]

List of Rides and Attractions

Theater, Vaudeville, and Stunt Performances

Olentangy Park Theater

Main Article: Olentangy Park Casino and Theater

Camp Johnson Benefit Concerts and Vaudeville

A singing concert was given on Sunday, May 10, in the theater, featuring Edward H. Allen and Charles R. Cornell, tenors; Jessie L. Prentice, soprano; and Lousie Hartman, contralto, as soloists. Mayor George J, Karb also sang, "Oh Tannennbaum Wie Gruen Sind Deine Blatter."[21]

Beginning May 12, and lasting the rest of the week, the Democratic Glee Club had vaudeville acts performed by local artists nightly. The proceeds of these performances went to the "mother and the kiddies fund" for Camp Johnson, courtesy of the Godman Guild Committee. The program was organized by Mose Schlesinger.[22][23] The vaudeville shows were scheduled to begin May 11, but inclement weather postponed the opening night to the following Tuesday.[24][25] After 300 theatergoers braved the cold weather, the Wednesday night performance was canceled.[26]

Performers included:

  • Lawrence Williams and Paul Edwards, in a sketch called "Nobody and Nothing"
  • Fuchs and Schmidt, German comedians
  • Joseph McBee, new conjuring act
  • Steve Barrian, blackface comedian
  • J. Elmer Troutman, whistler and singer
  • Evelyn Schlesinger, dancer
  • Buckeye Comedy Four
  • Mr. Wheeler, lantern slides
  • E. Carson Blair, conjurer
  • others

Smith's All Star Variety and Cabaret Show

Smith's All Star Variety and Cabaret Show, benefitting the Knights of Pythias, opened June 2, 1914, and was comprised of twenty vaudeville acts. The main act was by Adele Bantini, the wife of George W. Smith, who will perform seven dances and ballet. The dances included "Ballet of the Birds," a Scarf duet, and the "Dance La Grace." The last one was assisted by Vera Hughes, Hazel Lloyd, Marie Baker, Helen Dorbert, and Matilda Roberts. A Russian dance by Elizabeth and Ralph Wimans was also a main act.[19][27] Orchestra music was provided by the Olentangy Park orchestra, directed by W. H. Pekinpaugh for the event.[28]

Other acts included:[29]

  • Baby Marcella Caldwell, appeared as a doll baby, and sang "I've Got a Pain in My Sawdust"
  • Large, Morgner, and Hannan, the "three fellows with four legs," acrobatic stunts
  • Harold Sinclair and Marie Flemming, with a chorus of twenty-two boys and girls, sang "You're a Great Big Blue-Eyed Baby"
  • Edna Fox Zirkel, singer

Perkins' International Band

Theron D. Perkins' International Band, with Grand Opera Singers, opened on Monday, June 8, in the theater. They performed Perkins' "Peace Triumphant."[28]

Vaughan Glaser Stock Company

Vaughan Glaser's Stock Company opened its engagement on Monday, June 15, headed by Fay Courtney.[28] A special train was required to transport the members and the scenery and effects.[30]

Glaser held contests for the audience to choose what was shown during their eight-week engagement.[31]

Admission prices were: 25 cents ($7.89 in 2025) for the matinee with a few 60-cent ($19) seats, 25 ($7.89) and 50 cents ($15.78) for night performances with some 75 cent ($23.67) seats.[32]

Members:

  • Ainsworth Arnold
  • Louise Cook
  • Fay Courtney, leading woman
  • Estill Doty
  • Arnold Englander, scenic artist
  • Stuart Fox
  • Vaughan Glaser
  • Robert Hilton
  • Selmer Jackson
  • Constance Kenyon
  • Marion Lord
  • Helene Marqua
  • David Murdock
  • Walter Renfort
  • Isabelle Sherman
  • Harrison Steadman
  • Harry Shunk
  • William Webb

Shows

Week of June 15: "The Man Between" by Rupert Hughes, originally called "The Bridge"

Week of June 22: "Drifted Apart," a vaudeville sketch by Vaughan Glaser and Fay Courtney, followed by "The Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary" by the stock company

Week of June 29: "The Grain of Dust," a novel by David Graham Phillips, dramatized by Louis Evan Shipman

Week of July 5: "Quincy Adams Sawyer" - used real cows provided by a local resident[14]

Week of July 12: "Our Wives" by Helen Krafft and Frank Mandel

Music

Cincione and his Italian Union Concert Band[4] and Barracks Drumland Trumpet Corps with Colonel Dodd of the Barracks[5] played during opening day.

Selby's Orchestra provided music for the Dancing Pavilion.[5]

Stating May 17, Guiseppe Creatore's Band performed every day for two weeks and remained for the third Sunday.[33]

Professor W. D. Campbell and his public school orcestra gave a free concert on June 20 in the north bandstand.[34]

Activities

Bowling

Main Article: Bowling alleys

During the building of the new boathouse, bowling was moved to new bowling alleys in the Colonnade.[3][18]

List of Activities

References

  1. ↑ Advertisement. The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, April 19, 1914. Page 30.
  2. ↑ "Olentangy." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, April 19, 1914. Page 5.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Olentangy Park Opens." Ohio State Lantern (Columbus, Ohio), April 29, 1914. Page 4.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch, April 28, 1914. Page 18.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch, April 30, 1914. Page 18.
  6. ↑ "Olentangy Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, April 26, 1914. Page 5.
  7. ↑ "Grand Theater Will Be Leased to Dusenburys." Columbus Evening Dispatch, April 11, 1914. Pages 1-2.
  8. ↑ "$700 Fire Loss at Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch, April 15, 1914. Page 3.
  9. ↑ "Slot Machine Seized." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 15, 1914. Page 9.
  10. ↑ "Free for Children." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 18, 1914. Page 2.
  11. ↑ "Lincoln Green Gambols Open for Every Tot." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 22, 1914. Page 3.
  12. ↑ "Trial is Postponed." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 10, 1914. Page 3.
  13. ↑ "Park Employees are Accused of Thefts." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 29, 1914. Page 3.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Olentangy Park: Looking for Cows." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 3, 1914. Page 12.
  15. ↑ Columbus Evening Dispatch, April 19, 1914. Page 12.
  16. ↑ "Canoe Club Near Boat House Goal." Columbus Evening Dispatch, May 12, 1914. Page 16.
  17. ↑ "Vote for Most Popular School at Field Meet." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 17, 1914. Page 2.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Olentangy Theater: The Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, June 21, 1914. Page 5.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch, May 27, 1914. Page 18.
  20. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 11, 1914. Page 10.
  21. ↑ "Mayor Karb Says He Will Sing at Concert." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, May 10, 1914. Page 9.
  22. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Democratic Glee Club." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, May 10, 1914. Page 5.
  23. ↑ "To Raise $700." Columbus Evening Dispatch, May 11, 1914. Page 9.
  24. ↑ "Opening is Postponed." Columbus Evening Dispatch, May 12, 1914. Page 13.
  25. ↑ "Postponement." Columbus Evening Dispatch, May 12, 1914. Page 20.
  26. ↑ "Theater Too Cold and Show is Called Off." Columbus Evening Dispatch, May 13, 1914. Page 3.
  27. ↑ Perrill, Penelope Smythe. "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 2, 1914. Page 18.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 1, 1914. Page 14.
  29. ↑ "Olentangy Park: The Pythian Show." Columbus Evening Dispatch, May 28, 1914. Page 22.
  30. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Vaughan Glazer." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 6, 1914. Page 10.
  31. ↑ "Olentangy: You Choose!." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 8, 1914. Page 16.
  32. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Stock Opens Tonight." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 16, 1914. Page 2.
  33. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. 1914. "Stage and Studio." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, May 10, 1914. Page 5.
  34. ↑ "Olentangy: Music in the Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 20, 1914. Page 10.


Retrieved from "http://olentangypark.com/wiki/index.php?title=1914_Season&oldid=9536"