USA > Illinois > Cook County > History of Cook County, Illinois : being a general survey of Cook County history, including a condensed history of Chicago and special account of districts outside the city limits : from the earliest settlement to the present time, volume I > Part 54
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"Chicago Theater .- Our theater reopens this evening with the burletta of the 'Swiss Cottage.' The directress, Mrs. Porter, is, we understand, the daughter of Mrs. Duff, for years, as our read- ers are aware, a distinguished and favorite actress. The friends of the drama will, we trust, sustain the movement. We cannot see why a theater should not be supported here during two or three months of the traveling season."-( American, March 31, 1842.)
In April, 1842, Elder Amos B. Fuller, late of Nauvoo, Ill., lec- tured on "Mormonism" in Chapman's building at the corner of Wells and Randolph streets.
In the spring of 1842 H. B. Nelson, comedian, appeared here in a series of humorous entertainments; he was a capital story teller. Connected with Mrs. Porter's theater was W. H. Teller, who was famous as a delineator of negro character.
The press of Chicago at this date, like that of other cities, was very critical and discourteous in its language concerning Fannie Elssler, who appeared on the stage in tights. Articles of the most personal and insulting character appeared in the news- papers of that date. Such articles would not be permitted at the present time.
In August, 1842, Messrs. Lyne and Powell secured a license
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to open a place of entertainment. It became known as the Chicago theater. The opening day was August 18. Among the actors connected with this theater at the start were Messrs. Lyne, Powell, Hastings, Graham and Jackson; also Mrs. Hastings and Mrs. Ram- sey. The prices of admission were 25 and 50 cents. Among the first renditions were "Richard III.," "An Apostate, or Spanish Tyranny," "Soldier's Daughter," "Drunkard's Doom," "Chicago Assurance," and also the opera "Turnpike Gate." A little later Daniel Marble and Mrs. Salisbury appeared here in American com- edy. Among their plays were "Forest Rose," "Black-Eyed Susan," etc. On one occasion a number of drunken men forced their way into the theater without tickets, but were soon ejected and later were fined.
In September the theater was located in the Chapman's building and William P. Hastings was manager. Among the early plays were "Golden Slipper," "Lady of the Lake" (William P. Hastings taking the character of Roderick Dhu), "Hunting the Turtle," and others.
In October, 1842, a Mr. Haswell lectured on "Astronomy" before the Mechanics' institute. At this date there was organized here the Junior lyceum. A committee of the liquor interests, headed by Daniel Elston, after an investigation, reported that the grocery and tavern licenses (saloons) ought to be abolished because it was a taxation of a particular business and therefore was unfair. Owing to the need of revenue, they suggested that the licenses be reduced one-half, and that in 1842 all such licenses should be abolished.
At this time a Mr. Beddell, a celebrated ventriloquist from New York, gave an interesting entertainment in Chapman's rooms on Randolph street. The Irish comedian, Jack Reeve, appeared here in October, 1842, and one of his performances was entitled "Fiend of the Light House."
In July, 1843, J. S. Porter was granted a license to open a theater, paying therefor $25. In July, 1843, John Potter, of the Natchez and Vicksburg Theatrical company, came here and began the task of fitting up the Chicago City theater.
In September, 1843, Edward M. Clifford conducted a painters' studio in this city. He had some excellent landscapes and a few marine views of superior merit. About this time L. W. Montgomery opened a dancing acdemy.
In June and July, 1847, a new theater was built here in six weeks. It was under the management of Mr. Rice and was designed like the old Coliseum, with boxes, gallery, etc. The first company to appear there was the one conducted by Mr. Marble and Mrs. Hunt.
"Nearly ten years ago, entirely unsupported by other actors and with every disadvantage, Dan Marble came here and played, and ever since has made his periodical visits when other actors of his rank could not be induced to come. He was the pioneer in giving
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character to the theater in the West and deserves liberally of the Western people. He is the first actor in the comic line in the United States. Tonight is his benefit. Mr. Forrest will appear in "The Four Sisters,' 'Forest Rose' and 'Black-Eyed Susan.'"- (Democrat, July, 1847.)
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In August, 1847, James E. Murdock appeared here in a series of performances. His rendition of Hamlet was pronounced superb. He was assisted by Mr. Harris, Mr. Mossop, Mrs. Hunt and Mrs. Rice. Among their plays were "Lady of Lyons," "Romeo and Juliet," "Hamlet," "Richelieu," "Othello," etc. Mr. Harris took the part of Iago and Mr. Ryer that of Othello.
In 1846 Gothic hall was used for theatrical purposes. In 1845 the Chicago theatrical building was destroyed by fire and was not rebuilt until 1847, when Mr. Rice completed it. The new one was 40 by 80 feet and stood at the corner of Dearborn and Randolph streets. It was a plain frame structure and was opened on June 28. It was called the New Chicago theater.
In July, 1847, J. B. Rice, the original Jim Crowe, upon a pay- ment of $20 was licensed to conduct a theater here. About this date his company presented "Rent Day," "Irish Tutor" and "Tom Pringle," the latter being a nautical drama. The acting of Mr. Harris of this company was declared to be unusually excellent. The Democrat of November 24, 1847, said: "Mr. Harris has personified almost every variety of character, in some instances with brilliancy and in all with the success which has not disap- pointed his many friends." Other plays presented by the company were "Our Flag" and "Wandering Minstrel," the latter being an amusing farce, of which the public could never get enough.
In November, 1847, a foot race occurred here on the lake shore. The runners were Gildersleeve, Smoke, Armstrong and Canada, the latter three being Indians. The distance was ten miles and a purse of $300 was offered. Gildersleeve won.
The Chicago theater opened for the season of 1848 on May 1. It was under the control of J. B. Rice. The Democrat said : "Rice, of the theater, is getting to be a great monopolist. The moment an actor or actress of distinction is to be heard, Rice secures him." Daniel Marble appeared there with a stock company for one week. Among the plays were "Sam Patch in France," "The Wool Deal- er," "Hunting the Turtle," "Deuteronomy Dutiful," etc. Among the company were the following gentlemen: Messrs. Harris, Mer- rifield, Mossop, Carroll. Clifford and Wilson. Among the ladies were Mrs. Rice, Mrs. Merrifield. Mrs. Price and Miss Willis.
In July. 1848, Edwin Forrest appeared here in repertoire. His first performances were "Othello," "Richelieu" and "Lady of Lyons." He was assisted by Mrs. Hunt.
"Chicago Genius .- The poets of Chicago are becoming famous. A young lawyer of this city has taken the prize of a silver cup, or
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$20, offered by the publishers of the St. Louis Republican for the best carrier's address. Another disciple of Coke in this city has written some jeux d'esprit of which Byron need not be ashamed, and which have created a sensation in some circles, while the daily and weekly papers are constantly filled with graceful and though- ful production of the Muse."-(Democrat, January 10, 1848.)
In May, 1848, Miss Julia Dean appeared here as "Lucretia Borgia." She was a tragedienne of unusual versatility and intense dramatic power.
In July, 1848, Raymond and Warring's menagerie exhibited in a tent. Gen. Tom Thumb was a part of this show. Among the animals were an elephant with huge tusks, several lions, etc. Gen. Tom Thumb kissed all ladies who desired the honor, and it is stated they were not a few.
In September, 1848, J. B. Booth appeared here in Shakespearean characters. All of Chicago turned out to hear him. The Demo- crat of September 25 said: "Mr. Booth belongs to a school of which he is the only surviving representative, and which has stamped its genius upon the age in which we live."
The Chicago Race Course was established early in the '40s on the lake shore. Annually thereafter trotting and running exhibi- tions could be seen. In 1848 two horses, Lady Jane and Jack Ros- siter, trotted for a purse of $1,000. They trotted to saddle and the first mile was made in 2:33 and the second in 2:36. Jack Rossiter was owned in Chicago. He was taken East by his owner and at the Buffalo race track won two races from Lady Jane and Chau- tauqua Chief. Two other horses famous for their trotting qualities were Butcher Boy and Nonesuch. Late in 1848 a beautiful exhibi- tion of chemical dioramas was given at the "City Saloon." Among the scenes presented were "The City of Babylon," "Funeral of Napoleon," "Milan Cathedral" and the "Court of Babylon." The scene at the cathedral was midnight mass and the scene at the Court of Babylon was the famous Feast of Belshazzar. These beautiful exhibits of pictures were well patronized and greatly enjoyed by the citizens.
In 1849 the Empire Minstrels and Alleghenians appeared here. About the same time Miss M. Jones, tragedienne, appeared as Kate O'Brien in the captivating play "Perfection." Miss Julia Turnbull gave dancing exhibitions as an interlude. In May, 1849, Jamieson, a celebrated tragedian, appeared here in Shakespearean plays. His acting, according to the newspapers, was a revelation to the people of Chicago. He was assisted by Miss M. Jones.
In June, 1849, the Chicago Museum opened under the manage- ment of William Buckley. The institution was named "The Chi- cago Museum and Gallery of Fine Arts." It had curiosities from all parts of the world. In this museum the Drummond or calcium light was exhibited in Chicago for the first time. There was a stage where music and dancing could be enjoyed.
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About this time Mr. Holland appeared here in comedy. Two of his best plays were "Who's Your Friend?" and the charming bur- letta, "A Play After the Fair." In June, 1849, Miss Julia Dean again appeared here in repertoire. She was supported by Messrs. Harris, Meeker, Warwick, Wilson and McVicker. Among the plays presented by this distinguished lady were "Evadne," "The Hunchback," "Prisoners of Limbourg," ."Orphan of Paris," "Pi- zarro" and "Taming of the Shrew."
In July, 1849, Crane & Co.'s Great Oriental Circus appeared here. They had 240 men and horses and ten camels.
In 1849 Charles L. Green was a successful and popular actor liv- ing here; also Mr. Fleming. The latter appeared here in the char- acter of Hamlet and was highly spoken of. Miss Helen Mathews also appeared on the stage here about this time.
In February, 1849, the sporting fraternity of Chicago took much interest in the great prize fight at Baltimore between Yankee Sulli- van and Thomas Hyer. The Democrat of February 10, 1849, said : "So great was the anxiety, even in this city, to obtain intelligence of the fight, that at some cost a private dispatch was telegraphed tc the head gambling quarters in this city."
Early in 1849 Mr. Rice thoroughly reorganized his theater. A new drop curtain was painted by Mr. Beckwith, the artist; the room and stage were ornamented with much taste. The orchestra was conducted by Mr. Brookton. In April the theater opened with Mr. McCready as leading character in a series of plays. He was assisted by the superb stock company of Mr. Rice. This theater stood on Randolph street, one door from the corner of Dearborn street.
In April, 1849, there was exhibited at the "City Saloon," West's great painting, "Death on the Pale Horse." In the picture were forty life-sized figures. The scene was taken from the sixth chapter of Revelations and was considered grand almost beyond description.
About this time E. F. Matties' Grand Olympic Arena and United States Circus, with 250 men and horses, brass bands, etc., exhibited in a large tent. Among the equestrians were W. Waterman, H. Buckley and John Goodspeed; the latter gave exhibitions on the tight wire.
In May, 1849, the distinguished actor, J. R. Scott, appeared here for a few evenings. The death of Daniel Marble in May, 1849, was sincerely mourned here by theater-goers. He was regarded as the most distinguished delineator of Irish character on the Ameri- can boards. His wife was a sister of Mrs. J. B. Rice of Chicago.
P. Von Schniedau conducted a daguerreotype gallery in 1849. He took the only view of the Chicago flood of that year. The picture was executed by R. N. White.
In 1849 Griggs Brothers & Co. were music dealers. W. D. Bradbury, the famous composer, was connected with them. The
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coming here of Mr. Bradbury was regarded as an event of great importance to the musical advancement and interests of the city.
In August, 1849, a lady of this city issued a small volume of poems. The book was published by a New York house.
In the summer of 1849 Mr. McVicker distinguished himself as an actor. He was particularly pleasing as Billy Lackaday in the popular comedy, "Sweethearts and Wives," and as the Dodger in the farce, "Artful Dodger"; also as Dick in the drama, "Ellen Wareham." About this time "Othello" was presented here, with N. B. Clarke in the title role and C. D. Pitt as Iago. Mr. Pitt also took the part of Werner in the tragedy of that name. Mrs. Coleman Pope appeared here in Shakespearean plays. She was particularly strong and noble as Rosalind in "As You Like It."
Brainard & Mould, at 176 Lake street, were music publishers in 1849. A song entitled "Array Thee, Love," was issued by this house, the composer being L. D. Hoard, of Chicago. The words were by the poet Thomas Moore.
In 1849 the Choral Union was a popular and well-patronized musical organization of this city. It had been in existence for a number of years. At this date the members assembled and changed the name to the Mozart Musical society. Connected with this or- ganization were C. N. Holden, A. D. Sturtevant, George Davis, Frank Lumbard, William Dunham, W. B. Aiken, A. Runyon and S. Johnson.
The City hospital of 1849 was 16 by 40 feet and 12 feet high. The nearest dwelling was about 400 yards.
In the fall of 1849 a Masonic lodge was organized at Dutch- man's Point with a membership of about fifteen. W. H. Davis was master; S. Anderson, senior warden; and Joseph Filkins, junior warden.
In February, 1850, a Professor Sharpe, a mesmerist, gave a series of bewildering entertainments. He succeeded, to the intense amusement of his audience, in mesmerizing several of the citizens, causing them to see snakes, gardens, giants, bees, fruit, etc. A little later C. Chauncey Burr, also a mesmerist, called his entertainments "biological performances." He lectured on the subject to lawyers, doctors and others and created great interest among the leading citizens. He announced that his experience showed that about twenty persons out of twenty-five could be "biologically affected." This science is now called hypnotism.
In January, 1850, the 113th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Paine was celebrated in this city. Among those present were John Ludley, A. S. Jenks, J. Bell, R. Breese and Mrs. Charlotte Bowen. Among the toasts were the following: "Thomas Paine," "Free Thinkers," "Heroes of the Age," "Government and Religion," "Education," "Frances Wright," "The Science of Phrenology." etc. At this date O. S. Fowler lectured before the Young Men's association on the subject of "Phrenology."
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In October, 1850, the great painting, "Sea and Shore of the Mediterranean," was exhibited at the "City Saloon" by Mr. Hutch- ins. At this time Kimberly's famous operatic troupe and Camp- bell's celebrated minstrels entertained the theater-goers of Chicago.
It was in October, 1850, that the famous concerts given by Mr. Dyhrenfurth at the new Tremont saloon began to attract the atten- tion of Chicagoans and to earn their patronage and highest praise. He engaged the greatest musicians of the country and gave enter- tainments that surpassed in brilliancy and musical excellence any- thing ever witnessed in this city up to that date. Among the stars who first appeared at his concerts were the following: Carlous Lenssen, a distinguished European violincello player; Messrs. Weinman, Paline, Koenig, Stumps, Hartung, Psarrdrescher and others. Mr. Dyhrenfurth had a complete orchestra and chorus and rendered as well solos, double quartettes, etc.
In October, 1850, Reverend Giles delivered a series of lectures before the Young Men's association. Among them were "Don Quixote," "Literary Fame," "Dulcinea," "Womanhood" and "The Enthusiast."
"City Sewerage Lecture Tonight .- Professor Davis delivers his lecture on city sewerage at the City Hall this evening. It will be a free lecture. Professor Davis deserves a great deal of credit for the time and attention he has bestowed upon the subject of proper sewerage for this city. His plan is, we think, the very best that has been proposed and advocated in this city."-(Democrat, Octo- ber 19, 1850.)
Rice's theater, which was progressing rapidly in October, 1850, had a stage forty feet deep and the whole theater hall was 100 feet deep. There were three tiers of boxes and the ceiling was high enough for a fourth tier.
At the fair of the Mechanics' Institute, held in the fall of 1850, George Davis, artist, was awarded a silver medal for excellence in drawing and painting. His studio was filled with paintings of rare merit.
Another interesting entertainment was rendered here in Novem- ber. It was a presentation of Shakespearean characters by little children thoroughly trained to act their parts. It was such a novelty and the performances were so meritorious that the enter- tainments were well patronized.
In November, 1850, the skeleton of a mastodon was exhibited in Tremont hall.
The entertainments given by Julius Dyhrenfurth came to be called "Dyhrenfurth's Promenade Concerts." They were the most popular ever given in Chicago up to this date. They were so well attended that improper characters sought to secure admission, but Mr. Dyhrenfurth, realizing the importance of the social features of his entertainments, rigidly excluded every person whose character could not be vouched for.
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On December 10, 1850, William Bross lectured before the Young Men's association in the "City Saloon" on "Evidences of Fluidity of the Central Portion of the Earth and the Stratification of the Rocks." Other lectures before the association were held in . Warner's hall. Among the lecturers were Benj. F. Taylor, Dr. Daniel Brainard, Rev. Dr. Tucker, Rev. Mr. Clarkson, S. Lisle Smith, the most brilliant orator living in Chicago in early times, and Rev. M. Patterson.
During the winter of 1850-51 one of the greatest attractions and treats enjoyed by the music lovers of Chicago were the famous concerts given by Mr. Dyhrenfurth. They continued to be patron- ized by the most distinguished and cultured people of the city. They were something in the nature of sociables. The people were permitted to promenade around the hall while the concert was in progress. They thus furnished facilities for social intercourse among the select, accompanied with the most ravishing music. The Democrat of January 16, 1851, said: "Promenade Con- certs .- The first of these series of concerts was a brilliant affair. It was attended by the youth, beauty, fashion and democracy, too, and all went off merrily. These concerts promise to be the most attractive affairs ever gotten up in this city."
On December 30, 1850, Rice's new theater was nearly completed and was wholly so by February, 1851. The Excelsior society cele- brated its third anniversary on January 7, 1851; many of the best people of the city were enrolled as members. John Rogers was president and C. Bentley secretary.
In February, 1851, the theaters of the city were never more brilliant. The leading actors in attendance were Messrs. McVicker, Archer, Hahn and Mrs. Rice. Among the most attractive plays presented were the following: "Brigand," a musical drama ; "Bold Dragoons," a comedy ; "Simpson & Co.," a comedy ; "Sleepwalker," a comedy; "Serious Family," a comedy; "Stranger," a comedy ; "Lend Me Five Shillings," a farce; and "Ladies, Beware !" also a comedy.
Early in 1851 Mr. McVicker continued to distinguish himself in various characters. He was popular as Shubael Rabbit; he also appeared in "Othello," "Rendezvous," "Rob Roy," "The Wind- mill," "Pizarro," etc. At this time Messrs. Archer, Hahn and War- wick and Mrs. Rice and Mrs. Reynolds were popular to Chicago theater-goers.
So popular were Mr. Dyhrenfurth's concerts that he began to have imitators early in 1851. Mr. Robinson, at Warner's hall, instituted a series of entertainments similar to those of Mr. Dyhren- furth's, but they had not the same high qualities. Probably his dances, quadrilles. polkas, schottisches, etc., were superior to those of Mr. Dyhrenfurth.
At Rice's new theater in April, 1851, the prices for box seats
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were 50 cents, pit 25 cents, and gallery for colored persons 25 cents. Among the plays presented were "Broken Sword," a tragedy; "Beauty and the Beast," "Lady of the Lake" and "Black-Eyed Susan," and a little later "Richard III.," "Forty Thieves," "Maid of Crevscey," "Born to Good Luck," "Cousin Cherry," "Gilderoy, the Barney Boy," "The Blue Devils" and "Don Juan."
About this time Mr. and Mrs. John Drew and Mrs. Marble ap- peared here in a series of brilliant entertainments. The power of the drama had never been fully appreciated here until its merits were revealed by the superb acting of the Drews. They were assisted by Mrs. Warwick, Mr. Archer and Mrs. Mossop.
In April, 1851, Ignats Cranz, a distinguished Hungarian vocal- ist, appeared here in the Dyhrenfurth concerts. He was assisted by Mrs. Prats on the piano and by Mr. Dyhrenfurth on the violin. In the spring of 1851 the Young Men's association succeeded in raising $20,000 for building purposes. In May, 1851, the grand panorama entitled "A Voyage to Europe" was exhibited here. In May, 1851, Mr. Merrick, who owned the old race course on the lake shore, sold twenty acres of it at $350 per acre. This course Ivas on the lake shore in the present Hyde Park.
It was in the '50s that the first noticeable improvements in archi- tectural design rendered Chicago an attraction for lovers of the building arts. Irving Ranger was given much of the credit due for the taste displayed in the buildings of this date. He was consulted by architects and artists and his fiat was deemed authority.
In the '50s the famous Hutchinson family of New Hampshire, probably the greatest vocalists America ever produced, appeared here in their exquisite and beautiful songs of sentiment and patriot- ism. Mr. Dempster also appeared here in his character songs and was always welcomed by Chicago people.
In June, 1851, Miss Julia Dean appeared here again and ren- dered her old favorites, "Wrecker's Daughter," "Rough Diamond," etc.
It was at this time that the spirit rappers made their appearance in considerable numbers in this city. They soon had large and enthusiastic followings. They attracted the attention of priests and the clergy and large crowds assembled to learn if possible if there was any truth in the declaration that the souls of the departed could be conversed with. A number of the citizens became crazy on the subject and at least two were pronounced insane by courts appointed to test their sanity.
In June, 1851, Mr. Collins, the famous Irish comedian and vocal- ist, again appeared in a number of entertainments, among which were "Teddy the Tiler," "Wife Hunters," "Born to Good Luck," "Nervous man" and "His Last Legs."
On June 23, 1851, the attention of the city was called to a parade on Michigan avenue of four young ladies dressed in the
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famous bloomers. The newspapers commented sarcastically on the spectacle and regarded the parade as immodest. The young ladies, be it said with regret, were followed by a crowd of small boys, who jeered and hooted them.
Among the stars to appear here in July, 1851, were Mlle. Valle, Agnes De Vere and Mr. De Bar. They rendered "The Artful Dodger" and "Dumb Girl of Genoa." In July, 1851, Marshall Story, a portrait painter of unusual genius, opened a studio at 69 State street. In, July the famous Charlotte Cushman appeared here in the following plays: "Guy Mannering," "Stranger," "Dead Shot," "Romeo and Juliet," "Lady of Lyons," etc. Miss Cushman appeared as Romeo and Mrs. Logan as Juliet and also as Pauline in the "Lady of Lyons." Mr. Hahn assumed the part of Claude Melnotte. In August, 1851, James E. Murdock again presented "Hamlet," "Robbers," "Money," "Blue Devils," "Rough Dia- mond," etc. Madame Anna Bishop gave an interesting entertain- ment at Tremont hall late in August, 1851.
In August, 1851, Mr. Rice planned a larger and better theater building to be located on Dearborn street south of Randolph. It fronted eighty feet on Dearborn street and extended back toward State street. In August, 1851, Miss Julia Bennett appeared here in the "School for Scandal," "State Secrets," "Love Chase" and "The Intrigue."
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