USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > The memorial history of Hartford County, Connecticut, 1633-1884, Vol. I > Part 70
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2 Centennial Papers of the General Conference of Connecticut.
581
SOCIAL LIFE AFTER THE REVOLUTION.
namely, " A Lecture on Heads . .. with Additions by the Lecturer." Among the " additions " in Part I. was the " Head of an American Sol- dier and Patriot contrasted with Alexander the Great ;" in Part II., " a London Blood ; the whole concluding with the 'Picture of a Playhouse, or Bucks Have At Ye All.'" Evidently the characters were given in costume. There was no mention of " play-acting" in the papers for several years after; but Mary Anne Wolcott Goodrich, writing in March, 1793, said, " We have a company of Players in Town, tho' I believe they exhibit nothing very naturally except their own folly." On July 28, 1794, the first advertisement of a theatre appeared.
Mondays and Thursdays were the nights selected for performances. The box-book was soon removed from Hudson & Goodwin's to the post- office, and patrons were asked "not to remove from the several parts of the house but by the Doors," for the sake of example, and to preserve tranquillity. On Sept. 10, the last night but one, Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Bergman had a benefit. "She Stoops to Conquer " and the farce "Seeing is Believing" were followed by " A Pantomical Finale, ' Har- lequin's Cook, or the Enchanted Pye.'"
The actors, nearly all of whom were English, divided their time between Philadelphia, New York, Providence, and Boston; and this tentative season of 1794 was so encouraging that they agreed to play regularly in Hartford if a suitable building was erected.1 A letter to the " Courant," in March, 1795, suggesting that, as the theatre was about to be established, the managers exclude everything indecent and irreligious, or else submit their plays to a committee of literary gen- tlemen, would seem to show that work on the building was begun. This, a plain white structure, was erected on what was known as Bachelor's Street, a name soon changed to Theatre Street, and on the suppression of the theatre, and possibly from the religious use to which the building was put, to Temple Street.2 The season of 1795 began on the 27th of July, with a concert in the State House. Pleyel's Symphony and an Overture were among the selections, and the orchestra, composed of French émigrés, included Brillat-Savarin, Pellissier, Du- puis, La Massne, some of whom became well known in France at a later date; and on this day an advertisement for pupils in French stated that Brillat-Savarin, " formerly a member of the Constituent Assembly of France, and of many literary academies," had met with much success
1 Hallam and Henry, who had established theatres in New York, Philadelphia, and Providence, petitioned the Massachusetts Legislature, in 1790, for leave to open a theatre. This was refused ; but in 1792 a "New Exhibition Room" was opened (in an old stable, it is believed). Its successor, the Boston Theatre, was first opened Feb. 3, 1794. - Memorial History of Boston, vol. iv. p. 359.
2 Until Nov. 15, 1796, this theatre was owned by Ephraim Root, and was located on the north side of the street, on what is now known as Nos. 24 and 26, which belongs to the Gil- man estate. The property was divided into sixty shares, fifty-seven of which were sold to the following named gentlemen : Jeremiah Wadsworth, Elias Morgan, Amos Bull, John Morgan, Timothy Burr, Benjamin Bigelow, Daniel Jones, Chauncey Gleason, Jesse Root, Jr., Samuel Marsh, John Caldwell, Joseph Bull, Barzillai Hudson, William Imlay, William Moore, George Goodwin, Charles H. Lathrop, Solomon Porter, Jonathan James, Archibald Wells, Jr., George Bull, Peleg Sanford, Daniel Wadsworth, Thomas Bull, Ezekiel Wells, Jr., Selden Chapin, Jesse Dean, Thomas Lloyd, Jr., James Tuffts, James Cook, Spencer Whiting, William Whit- more, David Goodwin, Elisha Lewis, Joseph Barrett, Henry Seymour, James Burr, Aaron Hosford, William H. Imlay, Samuel Trumbull, John Bishop, Nathan S. Whiting, John Wil- liams, Oliver Phelps, Mrs. Francis Hodgkinson, an actress from New York. - F. S. BROWN, in the Hartford Daily Times, April 26, 1884.
582
MEMORIAL HISTORY OF HARTFORD COUNTY.
as a teacher in New York.1 The admission to this concert was one dollar, and the politic Hodgkinson, who continually strove to disarm his foes by appealing to their patriotism, again followed custom by sign- ing the advertisement, " VIVAT RESPUBLICA." The theatre opened on August 3, with the comedy of "The Dramatist," - Vapid (with the Epi- logue in character), Mr. Hodgkinson. " An Occasional Address," spoken by the author, Hodgkinson, and a musical entertainment, "The Rival Candidates," preceded the comedy.
The "Courant " on the following week praised "the handsome and pertinent " prologue, and hazarded the assertion that in spite of prejudice the theatre was likely to prove a school of morality, a source of instruction, and an innocent amusement. During this season the curtain rose at half-past five o'clock, and ladies were urged to send their servants at five to secure their seats. "Young Gentlemen up to 12 and Young Ladies up to 14" were admitted to any part of the house at half price. Performances were given three times a week, and among the at- tractions were a Pantomime (clown, Mr. Durang; Columbine, Madame Gardie ;) Serious Pantomimes ; Pantomimical and Ballad Dances ; an Interlude Pantomime ; Sophia, or the False Friend ; and the Merchant of Venice. The advertisements took up much space in the "Courant ; " but early in October Mr. Martin announced that having failed in his first attempt for a benefit, he proposed to throw himself once more on the public, and soon after (October 15), Messrs. King and Cleveland had a benefit, " positively the last performance," as considerable losses had been sustained. On that occasion Mr. Hodgkinson's prologue contained the following lines : -
" If by rejecting all immoral plays, With all indecent scenes, we merit praise ; If virtue all this audience would applaud, And detestation feel for vice and fraud ; If nanght but purity is here approv'd, The villain spurn'd, the patriot belov'd, - With that in view, another year we'll try T' improve the heart while we ainuse the eye."
In publishing his thanks to his patrons he admitted that "during a SMALL part of the season " the theatre had not received the encourage- ment he expected.
" July the 4th, 1796, found the old American Company at Hartford, and their new manager [William Dunlap] with them." "The Theatre was opened on the 1th, with the "Provoked Husband," and " Purse."2 The season was a short and unsuccessful one. Dunlap, "after several delightful days passed with his friends [Theodore] Dwight, [Richard] Alsop, and [Mason F.] Cogswell," returned to New York, July 19th, leaving the business to Mr. Hodgkinson. The theatre was closed, with a " last night," September 13th. During the season the company gave such pieces as " Inkle and Yarico," " The Old Maid," Dibdin's musical farce, " The Waterman ;" also "An Indian Dance," "The Grateful Lion," in which Mr. Jefferson (the grandfather of our Joseph Jefferson) was harlequin. The patrons from East Hartford, East Windsor, and
1 The propriety of showing the actors attention was much discussed by society, and the con- clusion reached that the stage must be elevated, since it had become a fixture. The step was never regretted, and the leading ladies and gentlemen were highly esteemed by the best citizens. 2 Dunlap's History of the American Theatre, p. 152.
583
SOCIAL LIFE AFTER THE REVOLUTION.
Glastonbury were notified in the papers that the ferrymen had contracted to attend regularly every evening after the performance was concluded. After a closing concert we hear no more of the theatre until November, when a Mr. Winchester held preaching services there. In the summer of 1797 the curtain rose on "West Point Preserved, or the Death of Major André," from the manuscript of " the late Mr. Brown of Boston." At another time " The School for Soldiers" was given, and in the last act the Governor's Guard appeared in their uniform, and executed vari- ous manœuvres. Again, "The Taking of Quebec" afforded Mr. Chalmers a benefit, which was sadly needed, as " the only emolument he receives for the season arises solely from the receipts of this evening." On Octo- ber 2d the proprietors met to receive the report of the committee on Mr. Burr's account for erecting the theatre and to do some other very necessary business. In November the theatre opened for a few nights, when Hodgkinson's " Man of Fortune" and "The Launch, or Huzza for the Constitution," were played.1 In the latter a correet view of the North End of Boston, Charlestown, etc., " taken on the spot by Mr. Jefferson," formed part of the scenery, and an Allemand was danced by Madame Gardie and Mr. Jefferson. "The Launch,'" said the "Courant " next day, "excels any National Drama yet presented for the wit and chastity of its sentiment." "A Receipt to warm the Theatre this Evening " appeared in the same paper : " Fill the Boxes, Pitt, and Gallery."
During the season of 1797, performances varied in number from five to two nights a week, and " The Siege of Belgrade" and Garrick's " The Miss in her Teens " were among the plays. The price of the gallery was lowered to 2/3, and to people of color 1/6." No plays were given in 1798. In August, 1799, Hallam and Hodgkinson appeared as mana- gers and opened with Kotzebue's "The Stranger." A paragraph of the previous week having been misconstrued, they assured the citizens
" That no invidious distinction in favor of any class was meant to be intro- duced ; but as the Pit was not customarily visited by Ladies here, they wished to point out that it was an objection that existed only here, for that in Europe the most respectable citizens with their families give it a decided preference ; and anxious to do away the idea of exclusion from the Boxes, they have resolved, for this season, to reduce the price of admission to Three Quarters of a Dollar - Pit, Half a Dollar - Gallery, One Quarter of a Dollar."
Another advertisement promised " Strictly Moral and Truly Rational plays that shall refine, Amend, and instruct the heart while they Amuse the Eye and Captivate the Understanding," and ladies were urged to visit the pit, "with the Assurance that in Philadelphia and all parts of Europe Tradesmen and their Wives go there by choice." "The Stran- ger " was received "with reiterated bursts of unbounded applause." One highly popular "Historic Tragedy, Bunker Hill," included in its scenic effects Charlestown on fire, and elosed with a solemn dirge and
1 " It was the custom in the earlier days of the theatre to signalize passing events. The proposed launch of the frigate 'Constitution' was set down for Sept. 20, 1797, which was regarded by Manager Hodgkinson as an event worthy of his attention. . .. In forty-eight hours he completed a very passable piece, and announced its performance (at the Boston Theatre). The historic frigate moved only a few feet on the first attempt to launch it, and a second trial was abortive ; but the third trial, Oct. 21, proved successful." The new piece abounded in patriotic songs, etc., and was very popular, and the capture of the " Guerrière" by the "Constitution," in 1812, furnished fresh material for realistic effects. - Memorial History of Boston, vol. iv. p. 366.
584
MEMORIAL HISTORY OF HARTFORD COUNTY.
The public are refpectfully informed, tha for the reft of the feafon the doors will open at 5 and the curtair rife precifely at 6 o'clock.
THEATRE, Hartford.
FOR THE BENEFIT OF MRS. HODGKINSON. On Wednesday Evening, 04. 23, 1799, will be presented, a DRAMA in 5 acts, never perform- ed here, Called
Love & Liberty;
OR TRE CON PIRACY OF Count Benyowsky.
Written originally by KOTZEBUE, author of the Stranger, Self Immolation and Lovers' Vows, and firft tranflared into English, by the Reverend W. RENDER. and Mr. W. DUNLAP. The Englifh Reviewers, pronounce Count Benyorky the beft of that celebrated author's works, Count Benyowlky (a celebrated Pole, exiled to Kamifchatka) Mr. Hodgkinfon,
Iwan Fredrowitz, (Hettman of the Koffacks)
Mr. Jefferfon.'
Cruftiew.
Mr. Hogg,
Stepanoff,
Mŕ. Hallam, jun,
Gurcinin,
Exiles.
Mr. Price Mr. Lee.
Kudrin,
Mr. Perkins.
Ordonnanz,
Mr. Cromwell.
And, The Governor of Kamticharka, Feodora,
Mr. Hallam.
Mifs Brett.
And, Athanafia,
Mcs. Hallam.
The SCENERY of this GRAND DRAMA, Will reprefent the inhofbitable CLIMATE OF KAMTSCHATKA,
As covered with PERPETUAL SNOWS, And will be painted by MR. JEFFERSON. End of Act zd, MRS, HODGKINSON will fing the much admired Song of SWEET ECHO. Accompanied with the Flute only, by MR. HODGKINSON. End of Act 4th, MRS. HODGKINSON, will recite the
SEVEN AGES OF WOMAN, Being a kind of comparifon between that and Shakefpear's SEVEN AGES OF MAN.
To which will be added (for the loft time ) the favorite mufical Entertainment of the
SMUGGLERS;
OR THE
GENEROUS TAR.
Written by the Author of the " Adopted Child," and performed in London, with even greater eclat than that celebrated Piece.
Tum, Mr. Hodgkinfon,
Smugglers, Meff. Roberts & Cromwell
Capt. Pendant, Mr. Hallam.
And, Shingle,
Mr. Jefferfon.
Valentine, Mr. Hallam, jun.
Sample,
Mr. Hogg.
Stella,
Mifs Bretr.
Beacon,
Mr. Lee.
Margery,
Mrs. King.
Edward,
Mifs Harding.
And, Phillis,
Mrs. Hodgkinfon.
Tickets, and places for the Boxes to be had as ufual, and of Mell Huden Es' Goodwin.
FAC-SIMILE OF A PLAY BILL, 1799. BELONGING TO MR. F. S. BROWN.
Baturin,
585
SOCIAL LIFE AFTER THE REVOLUTION.
funeral procession. On the last night the house must have been crowded to see " The Yankey turned Duelist " and the pantomime, " Harlequin in Hartford, or The Touchstone of Truth." The words and music of the pantomime, by Dibdin and Garrick, had been rewritten by Hodgkinson, and Mr. Jefferson had painted " correctly " a view of the State House, and of the city, "taken on the water near Williams' wharf." One of the play-bills of 1799, a fac-simile of the unique copy possessed by Mr. F. S. Brown, is reproduced on the preceding page.
In May, 1800, the General Assembly passed " An Act to prevent Theatrical Shows and Exhibitions," imposing fifty dollars' fine on who- ever exhibited, or aided or assisted in exhibiting, " any tragedies, come- dies, farces, or other dramatic pieces or compositions . . . on any public theatre, or elsewhere, in this State," and received from the spectators any "reward for their service and labour therein." Hannah More's " Sacred Dramas, chiefly intended for the Young," was reprinted in Hartford in 1801, and " Pizarro," and other profane representations were given for years after, at the close of school terms in adjoining towns, and often in meeting-houses; but no attempt was made to re- open the theatre, which was seldom occupied for any purpose, and was put to its best use, the public thought, when Mr. Hawes's congregation worshipped there during the erection of their new church. Children always viewed the building with awe, because lightning was made in it, and men were stabbed but never arrested. In 1809 Mr. Bernard, manager of the Boston Theatre, gave a " Rational " entertainment, un- der the title, " Shoot Folly as it flies," consisting of recitals and musical rhapsodies, - a feeler, perhaps. In 1811 a meeting of the proprietors was called, but their proceedings were never made public.
A Philo-Literary Society was formed in 1826 by a number of young clerks, mechanics, etc., who hired what was called the "old circus," a small unplastered building about on the site of the present American Hall. The performances became so popular as to attract people from neighboring towns, but progressed rapidly from readings to tightrope-walking, etc., and then to regular plays, till the law interfered, and the members of the company who could not pay their fines were im- prisoned. "Dan." Marble, an apprentice of Jacob Sargeant the jeweller, and a leading actor, ran away, joined a theatrical company, and subse- quently attained fame as a personator of Yankee characters. Variety shows, concerts, etc., diverted the public till 1852, when a new law was passed by the legislature, allowing each town to regulate its own amuse- ments, and in 1853 the common council of the city licensed theatres and circuses.
From an advertisement of May, 1787, we get a good idea of the dancing-schools of those days : "Mr. Griffiths ... from New York, will open his Dancing School at Mr. Enos Doolittle's long room, . .. and continue the same three times a week." The hours of attendance were from 9 to 12 A.M. for ladies ; 6 to 9 P.M. for gentlemen. He pro- posed to have weekly balls, to which spectators should be admitted, and to teach "4 different kinds of Minuets; also Cotillion minuets, Cotil- lions, Country-dances, and the Hornpipe." "Inquire at Mr. John Avery's, merchant, where he is lodged." In returning his compliments to his patrons on leaving, in August, he regretted that he could not
586
MEMORIAL HISTORY OF HARTFORD COUNTY.
" complete that pleasing task, the embellishment of his scholars, who for so short a time (considering their number to exceed ninety), he presumes to say, have equalled, if not excelled, any school upon the continent." He proposed to return in April, and would charge three dollars entrance, and three dollars per quarter." Old scholars were to be charged four dollars, but no entrance-fee. To enumerate all the dancing-masters who paid attention to the heels and " the morals and manners of the young " is unnecessary. De Berard, Hulett, Guey, Ig- natius Curley Frazier, Whale, and Fuller were some of them; and nota- bly the Values (one of whom was said to be "a real count"), whose subscription " publics " and cotillion parties were frequent. J. Devero was a well-known and highly popular teacher for many years before and after 1800.
The Rev. John Bennett's "Letters to a Young Lady," published in Hartford in 1791, recommended dancing as an accomplishment, thus echoing the sanction the old ordination balls had given it.1 In 1799 a small pamphlet was published in Hartford, entitled "Twenty-four Fig- ures of the most fashionable Country-Dances, together with Eight Cotil- lions in the year 1800. Composed and selected by John H. Ives." Another, entitled "Innocent Recreation," was "Printed for the Pur- chasers " in 1803, and no more definite place of publication revealed than "New England." Among the country-dances in this are Con- stancy, Orange Tree, Springfield Assembly, Miss Foster's Delight, and The President, the latter to be danced as follows : First couple cross at the top; cast down one couple ; allemand six down the middle ; up again ; cast off one couple ; right and left. In this year Federal dances and pettycoatees were taught.
The Assembly - a name that even now brightens many a dim eye and sets in motion many a weary foot - grew very naturally out of the cotillion parties. The writer cannot discover just when the As- semblies began ; but in 1790 Chauncey Goodrich, in writing to Fred- erick Wolcott,2 says he is bidden to say "that our Assemblies are most brilliant, and that at the last there were forty Ladies in most superb attire, among whom was Mrs. Goodrich in a most elegant fancy dress." Among the ladies who graced these balls between 1791 and 1813 were : the Misses Butler, Hudson, Bull, Chester, Root, McCrackan, Wadsworth, Talcott, and Wyllys; the accomplished Miss Nancy Glea- son ; Miss Olivia and Miss Nancy Sargent ; Miss Laura Wolcott, of Litchfield ; Miss Harriot Cowles and sister, of Farmington; the first Mrs. Sigourney; and Mrs. Phillips, of Wethersfield; and we hear of the independent Miss Trumbull, who was admired for wearing a simple white gown one entire season, - though "they did say" that only a young lady in her social position would have dared to do it. White India muslin or blue crape was much worn over blue or rose-colored " slips," which were matched by the sashes and shoes. In the minuets the ladies carried their trains over their arms. At the Assembly on the week after Washington's death, by request of the managers, the
1 In 1786 Mary Anne Wolcott wrote from Litchfield to her brother Frederick, at Yale, "I have been dancing all the forenoon. .. . We dance again this evening ; meantime you are poring over some antiquated subject. Our dancing is 'an amusement that profits the mind.'" - Wolcott Memorial.
2 Wolcott Memorial.
587
SOCIAL LIFE AFTER THE REVOLUTION.
ladies wore white trimmed with black, and the gentlemen " a crape " on their arms. The secretary's book covering the period 1807-1813 has been preserved, and from this the following list of subscribers is taken. Those in 1807 were : -
Andrew Kingsbury, David Porter, Christopher Colt, James B. Hosmer, Eliphalet Terry, Jr., Richard E. Goodwin, Jacob Sargeant, Daniel Wadsworth, Nathaniel Terry, John Morgan, David Goodwin, Ward Woodbridge, Amos Ran- som, Samuel Tudor, Jr., Thomas Glover, Henry Hall, Charles Sigourney, Timo- thy Burr, John King, Chauncey Gleason, Thomas K. Brace, Henry Newberry, Peter B. Gleason, James Ward, Jared Scarborough, John Lee, Normand Knox, Titus L. Bissell, Stedman Adams, Joshua P. Burnham, Henry King, John Rip- ley, Christopher Ripley, Robert Starr, Anson Hayden, William E. Lee, Thomas S. Williams, Aaron M. Church, George Goodwin, Jr., Seth Terry, Edward Wat- kinson, John Pierce, Philo Hillyer, Joseph Trumbull, Edward Perkins, Orson Seymour, Solomon Smith, John Wales, Samuel Curtis, William Watkinson, Seth Whiting, Francis Gibson, Hezekiah Flagg, James Goodwin, 2d, Elisha Phelps, George Goodwin, 2d, Charles Hosmer, Richard I. Goodman, James Dodd, Roswell Bartholomew, Moses Tryon, Jr., Henry Kilborn, William Dodd, Asa Butler, Charles B. King, - 65.
Among new names in 1810 were : Thomas Day, Dudley Buck, Ralph Wells, George Beach, Russell Talcott, and Robert Davis; and among the fifty-two who subscribed twelve dollars each, in 1812, were : Enoch Perkins, Lynde Olmsted, and A. W. Robbins. Many of the subscribers were from adjoining towns.
Among the fourteen regulations which governed the Assemblies at the time of their dissolution were these : -
" No Lady under fifteen years of age, or Gentleman during his apprenticeship,1 will be admitted. No Card-playing will be permitted, except in the Gentleman's drawing-room. The drawing for Partners and Places will commence at 6 O'Clock, or sooner, provided a sufficient number appear to form a sett. No sett shall be called up after 2 O'Clock, nor any expense incurred to subscribers after dancing ceases. Ladies who are below stairs first after dancing ceases, will be first entitled to carriages."
Strangers for whom subscribers became responsible could be admit- ted by paying three dollars for the evening. If a lady had no brother, her father subscribed for her. The only entry in the secretary's book concerning entertainment is dated 1811, when Mr. Ransom made the following agreement : "Suppers to be provided for Gentlemen and La- dies, at one table, for 28. 3d. each. Wine: best Madeira, 7s. 6d. per bottle ; Porter, 28. 3d. do .; Lemonade, 1s. 6d. mug; Brandy, as usual, 3s. per pint." Syllabub was one delicacy that was furnished, and at first the refreshments were very simple. Ransom's appears to have been a popular place, and Thursday evening a favorite time. The assemblies began in January, and were held every other week for two months or so.
1 Apprentices boarded with their employers, and being often of as good families, were treated more like sons than servants, and were subject to the same restrictions ; one of which was that they should be in by ten o'clock. One merchant, who was out till that hour, came up the steps just as the clock struck, to hear the key turned in the lock by an irreverent clerk, who thought the rule should work both ways.
588
MEMORIAL HISTORY OF HARTFORD COUNTY.
The war and the consequent hard times probably would have brought the Assemblies to an end if nothing else had occurred ; but two resolu- tions adopted in 1812 suggest the thought that the company was grow- ing less exclusive, and that some of the gentlemen had brought reproach upon it ; that is : "only ladies residing in Hartford shall be invited," and " no Loo shall be suffered to be played in the Gentleman's drawing- room." There were occasional cotillion parties up to 1817, when the Assemblies were revived, and continued two years. It is thought that Dr. Hawes " preached them down," as many of his flock, and not a few of his church-members, were attendants; and doubtless the revivals that occurred during his ministry turned the thoughts of many to more serious subjects ; but the Election Ball was a fixture ; and from time to time there were winter cotillion parties, quarter balls, and other chances " to foot it in the dance that Folly leads," as a local poet of that day expressed it. Besides these not very giddy butterflies, there were plenty of bookworms, who preferred to study Greek or read Scott aloud evenings ; "averse," as the obituary notice of one of their number described her, "to the thoughtless indulgence of fashionable excess; be- lieving an improved understanding and a virtuous heart to be the most important and rational attainments of this transient life."
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