1899 Season: Difference between revisions

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The Columbus Street Railway Company opened the park for the 1899 season on Sunday, May 28, 1899,<ref>"Olentangy Theater." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 6 March 1899. Pg. 6.</ref> and was called the "Fairyland of Columbus."<ref name="fairyland">''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 6 May 1899. Pg. 14.</ref> Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra provided music throughout the season. Admission to the park was free. A casino with a theater was built<ref name="casinoplans">"Olentangy Park Casino." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 4 March 1899. Pg. 6.</ref> and the [[Dancing Pavilion (First)|Dancing Pavilion]] was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.<ref name="locationchange">"Location is Changed." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 27 March 1899. Pg. 7.</ref> Joseph W. Dusenbury, the Franklin County Director of Public Safety, had the largest shareholder stake in the park.<ref name="opentomorrow">"Olentangy Park: The Opening To-morrow." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 27 May 1899. Pg. 14.</ref>
The Columbus Street Railway Company opened the park for the 1899 season on Sunday, May 28, 1899,<ref>"Olentangy Theater." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 6 March 1899. Pg. 6.</ref> and was called the "Fairyland of Columbus."<ref name="fairyland">''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 6 May 1899. Pg. 14.</ref> Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra provided music throughout the season.<ref name="openingweek">"Olentangy Park: Opening Week." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 1 June 1899. Pg. 11.</ref> Admission to the park was free. A casino with a theater was built<ref name="casinoplans">"Olentangy Park Casino." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 4 March 1899. Pg. 6.</ref> and the [[Dancing Pavilion (First)|Dancing Pavilion]] was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.<ref name="locationchange">"Location is Changed." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 27 March 1899. Pg. 7.</ref> Joseph W. Dusenbury, the Franklin County Director of Public Safety, had the largest shareholder stake in the park.<ref name="opentomorrow">"Olentangy Park: The Opening To-morrow." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 27 May 1899. Pg. 14.</ref>


===Olentangy Park Casino and Theater===
===Olentangy Park Casino and Theater===
The rumors of a casino at the park began in December 1898 and plans were drawn by March 1899. Architects Mr. Yost & Frank L. Packard designed the building to have a "combination of towers, and turrets and pinnacles, that will rise from broad piazzas, balconies, terraces and a capacious theater." The original location was to be west of the entrance to the park, overlooking the Olentangy River 56 feet below. It was to face north and have its entrance at the northeast corner, just before the bridge that spans the ravine.<ref name="casinoplans" /> The Columbus Street Railway company decided to move the location to be nearer to the center of the park grounds due to the original location being too crowded. The final location was just past the bridge and just west of the refreshment hall (later to be known as the Colonnade). The building would now face the south with the theater being toward the north. This location allowed the balconies to look over the river as well as the park.<ref name="locationchange" />  
The rumors of a casino at the park began in December 1898 and plans were drawn by March 1899. Architects Mr. Yost & Frank L. Packard designed the building to have a "combination of towers, and turrets and pinnacles, that will rise from broad piazzas, balconies, terraces and a capacious theater." The original location was to be west of the entrance to the park, overlooking the Olentangy River 56 feet below. It was to face north and have its entrance at the northeast corner, just before the bridge that spans the ravine.<ref name="casinoplans" /> The Columbus Street Railway company decided to move the location to be nearer to the center of the park grounds due to the original location being too crowded. The final location was just past the bridge and just west of the refreshment hall (later to be known as the Colonnade). The building would now face the south with the theater being toward the north. This location allowed the balconies to look over the river as well as the park.<ref name="locationchange" />  


The casino covered a ground area of either 135 feet by 250 feet<ref name="opening2">"Olentangy Park: Theater Opening." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 29 May 1899. Pg. 9.</ref> and the theater alone of 80 feet by 150 feet and stood 56 feet above the Olentangy River. There were 11 arches on each side of the loggia and each arch was studded with lamps.<ref name="opentomorrow" /> The exterior was painted in olive green, surmounted by a red roof. The cornice is decorated with white and the whole building is covered in foilage. It was covered with electrical lights inside and out.<ref name="theater">"Summer Theatricals." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 13 May 1899. Pg. 14.</ref> In the center of each tower at the entrance was an arc light, while the entrance archway had a cluster of lamps.<ref name="opentomorrow" />
The casino covered a ground area of either 135 feet by 250 feet<ref name="opening2">"Olentangy Park: Theater Opening." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 29 May 1899. Pg. 9.</ref> and the theater alone of 80 feet by 150 feet and stood 56 feet above the Olentangy River.<ref name="openingweek" /> There were 11 arches on each side of the loggia and each arch was studded with lamps.<ref name="opentomorrow" /> The exterior was painted in olive green, surmounted by a red roof. The cornice is decorated with white and the whole building is covered in foilage. It was covered with electrical lights inside and out.<ref name="theater">"Summer Theatricals." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 13 May 1899. Pg. 14.</ref> In the center of each tower at the entrance was an arc light, while the entrance archway had a cluster of lamps.<ref name="opentomorrow" />


Packard focused on safety, comfort, and "perfection of arrangement." The original cost was to be $25,000 ($880,400 in 2022) and would include the largest theater capacity in Columbus. The entrance was "a splendid archway rising from artistic flying buttresses of Mansfield stone and [was] surmounted on either side by a belfry where the electrician's art will manifest in dancing colored lights at night." "Easy steps" lead to the loggia, or main piazza. The width was so broad that "50 ladies may stroll abreast, arm in arm, from the eastern to the western end and back and have covered two-thirds of the distance an athlete runs in a hundred yard dash." Each side had a promenade and a balcony above them off the mezzanine floor of the theater. Each balcony and nook had a table and comfortable benches where cooling liquids were served, called by electric bells, from the refreshment rooms at the southwest corner of the building. The promenade on the eastern side of the theater led to the ladies' retiring and toilet rooms.<ref name="casinoplans" /> The interior color scheme was of reds and cream.<ref name="theater" /> The curtain was a dainty spring scene, entitled "Apple Blossom Time." The interior was filled with electric lights - 200 incandescents were in the proscenium arch alone.<ref name="opentomorrow" />
Packard focused on safety, comfort, and "perfection of arrangement." The original cost was to be $25,000 ($880,400 in 2022) and would include the largest theater capacity in Columbus. The entrance was "a splendid archway rising from artistic flying buttresses of Mansfield stone and [was] surmounted on either side by a belfry where the electrician's art will manifest in dancing colored lights at night." "Easy steps" lead to the loggia, or main piazza. The width was so broad that "50 ladies may stroll abreast, arm in arm, from the eastern to the western end and back and have covered two-thirds of the distance an athlete runs in a hundred yard dash." Each side had a promenade and a balcony above them off the mezzanine floor of the theater. Each balcony and nook had a table and comfortable benches where cooling liquids were served, called by electric bells, from the refreshment rooms at the southwest corner of the building. The promenade on the eastern side of the theater led to the ladies' retiring and toilet rooms.<ref name="casinoplans" /> The interior color scheme was of reds and cream.<ref name="theater" /> The curtain was a dainty spring scene, entitled "Apple Blossom Time." The interior was filled with electric lights - 200 incandescents were in the proscenium arch alone.<ref name="opentomorrow" />
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===Music===
===Music===
Fred Neddermeyer's Band performed throughout the season. His band was composed of 15 musicians and they performed at the bandstand on the loggia overhanging the Olentangy River.
Fred Neddermeyer's Band performed throughout the season at 2:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. daily.<ref name="openingweek" /> His band was composed of 15 musicians and they performed at the bandstand on the loggia overhanging the Olentangy River.


===Dancing Pavilion===
===Dancing Pavilion===

Revision as of 04:04, 2 July 2022

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

1899 Season Season
Leadership Columbus Street Railway Company
Season 4 (under Olentangy Park name)
New Attractions Theater/Casino
Band(s) Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra

The Columbus Street Railway Company opened the park for the 1899 season on Sunday, May 28, 1899,[1] and was called the "Fairyland of Columbus."[2] Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra provided music throughout the season.[3] Admission to the park was free. A casino with a theater was built[4] and the Dancing Pavilion was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.[5] Joseph W. Dusenbury, the Franklin County Director of Public Safety, had the largest shareholder stake in the park.[6]

Olentangy Park Casino and Theater

The rumors of a casino at the park began in December 1898 and plans were drawn by March 1899. Architects Mr. Yost & Frank L. Packard designed the building to have a "combination of towers, and turrets and pinnacles, that will rise from broad piazzas, balconies, terraces and a capacious theater." The original location was to be west of the entrance to the park, overlooking the Olentangy River 56 feet below. It was to face north and have its entrance at the northeast corner, just before the bridge that spans the ravine.[4] The Columbus Street Railway company decided to move the location to be nearer to the center of the park grounds due to the original location being too crowded. The final location was just past the bridge and just west of the refreshment hall (later to be known as the Colonnade). The building would now face the south with the theater being toward the north. This location allowed the balconies to look over the river as well as the park.[5]

The casino covered a ground area of either 135 feet by 250 feet[7] and the theater alone of 80 feet by 150 feet and stood 56 feet above the Olentangy River.[3] There were 11 arches on each side of the loggia and each arch was studded with lamps.[6] The exterior was painted in olive green, surmounted by a red roof. The cornice is decorated with white and the whole building is covered in foilage. It was covered with electrical lights inside and out.[8] In the center of each tower at the entrance was an arc light, while the entrance archway had a cluster of lamps.[6]

Packard focused on safety, comfort, and "perfection of arrangement." The original cost was to be $25,000 ($880,400 in 2022) and would include the largest theater capacity in Columbus. The entrance was "a splendid archway rising from artistic flying buttresses of Mansfield stone and [was] surmounted on either side by a belfry where the electrician's art will manifest in dancing colored lights at night." "Easy steps" lead to the loggia, or main piazza. The width was so broad that "50 ladies may stroll abreast, arm in arm, from the eastern to the western end and back and have covered two-thirds of the distance an athlete runs in a hundred yard dash." Each side had a promenade and a balcony above them off the mezzanine floor of the theater. Each balcony and nook had a table and comfortable benches where cooling liquids were served, called by electric bells, from the refreshment rooms at the southwest corner of the building. The promenade on the eastern side of the theater led to the ladies' retiring and toilet rooms.[4] The interior color scheme was of reds and cream.[8] The curtain was a dainty spring scene, entitled "Apple Blossom Time." The interior was filled with electric lights - 200 incandescents were in the proscenium arch alone.[6]

Within 60 days, 600,000 feet of lumber was used to create the theater.[7] It was an octagonal plan with a bowling floor dropping 10 feet from the entrance to the stage. The actual seating capacity was 3,000, but was made to be comfortably wider lowering it to 2,248. It seated 1,200 people on the main floor, 600 in the balcony, 400 in the gallery, and 48 in the boxes.[6] Each row of chairs were 32 inches from back to back and 20 inches wide. Larger chairs were available halfway back and across the theater. There were five aisles and no row was larger than 10 chairs across.[4] The opera seats had iron frames with gold bronze decor.[6] Four boxes were on either side, beginning at the stage and running back diagonally to the main walls and decorated with Turkish draperies.[8] The mezzanine and balcony had 850 of the seats. The stage was 40 feet by 60 feet - as large as the one at the Great Southern Theater at the time and had six large, airy dressing rooms underneath. There were nine full sets of scenery. The orchestra pit was the largest in the city at the time.

A unique feature of the theater was how the walls opened to the outdoors. Sliding sides and curtains were operated from the stage to obtain wanted darkness.[4] There were six large exits upstairs and six downstairs to allow for evacuation within 2-3 minutes. [6] The structure of the theater was made of wood instead of the common brick or stone and the scenery was painted by P.J. Toomey of St. Louis.[9] There were numerous large ventilators in the ceiling to provide circulation and fresh air.[6]

A music stand was located at the northwest corner of the loggia, overlooking the river as well as the grounds.[4] Two bridges crossed the ravine, one of which entered the broad loggia that encircled the entire building. Flagstaffs were at every angle of the roof with flags of "all nations (except Spain)" - being only a year removed from the Spanish-American War.

Local Pushback

After a push for liquor being banned from the original Olentangy Villa, alcohol was not permitted on park grounds.[10] There were rumors that the residents of Clinton Township would also work to prevent performances, especially on Sundays. It was believed that competing theaters would try to prevent the Olentangy Theater's opening.[11] High Street Theater manager Ovens was said to be one of the competing managers behind the movement, but he said he had an agreement with West.[12]

Arrests were threatened against managers and actors based on an affidavit filed before Magistrate Andrews by E.F. Prettyman. The threatened included George L. Chennell, Doc Quigley, W.G. Vad[?], W.G. Richards, Vernie Ramsey, Bert Coons, Mamie Abt, Viola Abt, Professor E. Abt., McPhee, Hill, Harry and Eva LeReane, Robert Downing, Bonic Clarke, Joseph Williams, Fred Edwards, Freda Gallick, Eleanor Ronaele, Will H. Fox, Fred L. Neddermeyer, Ed J. Gould, Paul Lehman, Cyril Tapa, John Learnmouth, Frederick Darby, John Wall, W.S. Powell, James Whelpley, Charles Morris, and W.T. McCague.[13] The affidavit charged them with participation in an exhibition at Olentangy Park Theater on the theater's opening Sunday, violating the Sunday theater closing law.[12] Magistrate Andrews instructed Constables Thomas and Bell to not make any arrests on that Sunday or disturb the entertainment and to bring them to court later. Magistrate Helwagen had not received any affidavits as of May 29, but knew they were in the process of being filed despite reports that Constables Logan and Walker were in attendance with warrants.[13]

Rides and Attractions

Music and Performances

Olentangy Park Theater

A new casino was built with a theater (see info above).[4] Theater performances were twice per day at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. [14] Manager Frank Burt of Burt's Theater booked the performances for the theater's first season.[15] A local manager, George L. Channell, who worked with Burt in Cleveland the past summer, helped run the theater during the season.[16] The first booked were Barlow Bros. Minstrels; Pauline Hall, opera singer; Marie Jensen; Raymon Moore, ballad singer; Marshal P. Wilder, entertainer; O'Kabe's Japs, a troupe of nine people with 14 acts; Pianka and her lions; McPhee and Hill, horizontal bar artists; George H. Fielding, juggler; Welby, Pearl, Keys, and Nellis, in acrobatics and high kicking; the five Walton Brothers; Adgie and her lions; Pete Baker; The Noss Family, musical artists; Ollie Young, the Columbus Club Swinger; the three Goldsmith Sisters, comediennes; Akimoto's Japanese Troupe; and others. [15][17][2]

The opening act was Robert Downing and Company of six people in a one-act play showing the arena scene in "The Gladiator."[18] Other opening performances included comedy pianist Will H. Fox's impersonation of "Paddy-whiski;" Little Viola, the "Child Wonder," aged 6, and her sister in a set of dances; McPhee and Hill performing an act on triple and high bars; Professor E. Abt an artist showing dissolving views of art pictures and battle scenes from the Spanish-American War; and Harry and Eva La Reanes giving an Irish comedy sketch.[18][7]

Other acts throughout the season included Lockhart's act of six performing elephants. It was one of the highest-priced vaudeville attractions at the time, costing Burt $8,000 ($281,730 in 2022) and transportation bills for eight weeks in his circuit -- one of which was to be in Columbus. Diana, the "Queen of Light," brought seven electricians with her to illuminate her mirror dances. The Fire Flying Bicketts performed a trapeze act. Some theatrical performances included "Aladdin, Jr." and "Robinson Crusoe," each carrying 30 drops, transformations, and 40 people. The Barlow Brothers and J.H. Haverley's minstrels were also famous touring shows of the time that performed at the new theater.[17]

Reserved seats for theater performances were sold at Smith's Cigar Store at 7 High Street and the newsstands at the Neil House and Great Southern hotels.[18][19] Box seats were 25 cents ($8.80 in 2022), all seats on the lower floor were 15 and 20 cents ($5.28 and $7.04), balcony seats were 10 cents ($3.52), and gallery seats were free.[20] The tickets for the opening performances were sold out in three days.[21]

Music

Fred Neddermeyer's Band performed throughout the season at 2:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. daily.[3] His band was composed of 15 musicians and they performed at the bandstand on the loggia overhanging the Olentangy River.

Dancing Pavilion

Main article: Dancing Pavilion

The Dancing Pavilion was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.[5]

Activities

Bowling

Bowling was available for parties and leagues prior to the park's season opening. The Dancing Pavilion was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.[5]

Ice Skating

Ice skating on the Olentangy Rive was advertised throughout the winter.

Other Activities

  • Baseball
  • Boating
  • General Games
  • Picnics
  • Refreshments

References

  1. ↑ "Olentangy Theater." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 6 March 1899. Pg. 6.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Columbus Evening Dispatch. 6 May 1899. Pg. 14.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Olentangy Park: Opening Week." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 1 June 1899. Pg. 11.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 "Olentangy Park Casino." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 4 March 1899. Pg. 6.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Location is Changed." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 27 March 1899. Pg. 7.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 "Olentangy Park: The Opening To-morrow." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 27 May 1899. Pg. 14.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Olentangy Park: Theater Opening." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 29 May 1899. Pg. 9.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Summer Theatricals." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 13 May 1899. Pg. 14.
  9. ↑ Columbus Evening Dispatch. 22 May 1899. Pg. 4.
  10. ↑ "No Liquor Allowed." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 17 May 1899. Pg. 7.
  11. ↑ "Sunday Theater May Be Opposed by Clinton Township Residents." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 24 May 1899. Pg. 10.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Constables Were There But Did Not Serve Warrants at Olentangy Casino." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 29 May 1899. Pg. 6.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Actors and Actresses." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 29 May 1899. Pg. 3.
  14. ↑ Ad. Columbus Evening Dispatch. 20 May 1899. Pg. 14.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Theatrical Forecast." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 11 March 1899. Pg. 14.
  16. ↑ "Columbus Evening Dispatch. 18 March 1899. Pg. 14.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Theatrical Forecast." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 25 March 1899. Pg. 14.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 "Olentangy Theater: Opening Sunday Week." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 20 May 1899. Pg. 14.
  19. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Seat Sale Wednesday" Columbus Evening Dispatch. 22 May 1899. Pg. 11.
  20. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Theater Seat Sale." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 24 May 1899. Pg. 11.
  21. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Theater Opening." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 26 May 1899. Pg. 11.
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