USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Centennial history of Cincinnati and representative citizens, Vol. I, Pt. 1 > Part 81
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It is not probable that the theatre paid its expenses but the cause of the drama was up- held throughout the season and the sum of $50 given to charity. In the following year the Pittsburg Company of comedians headed by Mr. Drake, the so-called manager of the Kentucky theatres, stopped over on their way from Pitts- burg to Lexington and gave a series of perform- ances which met with considerable success. We are also told of the traveling museum of wax works and transparencies in charge of a Mr. and Mrs. Manley which visited the city in 1813 and furnished its share of amusement.
THE THESPIAN CORPS.
We learn from a communication to Liberty Hall January 11, 1815, that a number of young gentlemen of the city had united in the forma- tion of a society for the purpose of improving themselves through the medium of dramatic ex- hibitions and also of aiding in the relief of suffer- ing humanity by appropriating the accruing funds to the service of the poor. This excited great criticism and the correspondent returns to the subject two weeks later with a defense of the drama.
Rev. Joshua L. Wilson seems to have used the columns of the Western Spy for his attacks which were answered each week in Liberty Hall by "Theatricus." Despite the controversy how- ever the play proceeded and on February 18, 1815, the Thespian Corps presented their thanks to the good people for their reception of the performance given the night before which was so cheering as to induce them to repeat on Feb- ruary 21st the same plays "The Point of Honor" and "The Weathercock." A little later appcars the announcement that the Thespian Corps woukl exhibit on March 15, 1815, at their new play house the well known comedy of "John Bull" which would be preceded by an original pro- logue and followed by a farce called "Fortime's Frolic" and that the Harmonical Society had po- litely offered to assist in entertaining the audi- ence with selected music between the acts.
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. TIIE PITTSBURG COMPANY.
An announcement of April 1, 1815, is to the effect that "the lovers of the drama are respect- fully informed that the Pittsburg Company of comedians on their way to Kentucky intend pre- senting a few performances which they hope will receive and deserve their patronage. On Mon- day evening, April 3, will be presented a very celebrated drama in five acts called 'The Stranger or Misanthropy and Repentance,' after which a much admired musical farce written by Cole- man author of 'The Poor Gentleman,' &c., called 'Love Laughs at Locksmiths.'" Tickets were one dollar each to be had at the principal inns, and performances were on Mondays, Wednes- (lays and Fridays. The parts of the "Stranger," "Mrs. Haller" and "Countess Wintersin" were by Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Barret and Mrs. Turner, respectively, and those of "Risk" and "Lydia" were taken by Mr. Morgan and Mrs. Turner. The same company under the auspices of the Thespian Corps presented on April Ioth Sheri- dan's "School for Scandal" followed by a farce known as "The Wags of Windsor"; at this too the Harmonical Society assisted. Two days later by permission of the mayor was given the regu- lar performance of the company including the play "Man and Wife" and the musical farce "Of Age To-morrow or the Wild Goose Chase." The following week the play was "Richard III," in which the parts were taken by Messrs. Col- lins and Caulfield and Mrs. Barret and Mrs. Turner. In the fifth act was exhibited a new tent scene painted by Mr. Jefferson and the per- formance concluded with the farce called "The World is a Stage." Between the play and the farce Mr. Morgan sang a comic song. This was Mr. Caulfield's last performance for on the morning of April 22nd he died after an illness of but two days. The dramatic season closed during the following week. The Thespian Corps solicited an audience of the "good people" for their last benefit from the Pittsburg Company to take place April 26th, at which was to be given the tragedy of "Hamlet" followed by a farce entitled "The Prize or 2, 5, 3, 8." Between the acts Mrs. Barret was to entertain the audience by reciting an "Ode in Honor of Masonry or Female Curiosity Gratified by the Aid of Guyges Ring in a Display of the Masonic Attributes." Tickets which were a dollar were for sale in the theatre and at the Columbian Inn and the audience was especially enjoined to assemble a little earlier than usual so that they could be dis-
missed at a seasonable hour. The door was to open at six o'clock and the curtain positively to rise at a quarter past seven. The last play of this dramatic season was "Romeo and Juliet" followed by a musical farce "The Poor Soldier." Between the play and the farce Mrs. Barret re- cited an ode on Jackson's victory at New Or- leans. Apparently the success of the company was sufficient to induce them to reconsider their departure for on May 3rd "Romeo and Juliet" was again given, followed by the farce "Chil- dren in the Wood." A little later came the an- nouncement of a benefit for the poor which in consequence of the protracted stay of the com- pany was offered by the Thespian Corps to the "good people." This was given on May 8th. The principai play was "The Wonder or a
Woman Keeps a Secret" and the farce was "How to Die for Love." There were also comic songs and recitations. On May roth occurred Mrs. Barret's benefit at which was presented for the first time in this city Shakespeare's celebrated tragedy of "Macbeth." There was also an ode on Jackson's victory, a comic song "How to Please Woman" and a farce "The Padlock." Tickets were to be had at the usual places, at Mr. Zeumer's confectionery store and of Mrs. Bar- ret. Several gentlemen of the Thespian Corps kindly offered their assistance for this perform- ance. Mr. Jefferson's benefit took place on May 15th at which was given the tragedy of "George Barnwell" and a drama called "Tekeli or the Siege of Mont Gatz." Mr. Morgan's benefit on May 22nd was made the occasion of present- ing "a very elegant drama called 'The Found- ling of the Forest or the Unknown Female' fol- lowed by a popular farce 'Yes or No or Quaker Turned Soldier.' "
The issue of the paper announcing this bene- fit, that of May 22, 1815, contains a communica- tion complaining of the riotous and abusive dis- turbance which had been raised by a parcel of contemptible vagabonds during the dramatic per- formances at the theatre. This was a repetition of a complaint made on April 8th. The writer refers to the suggestion of the expediency of suppressing all theatrical exhibitions as the only efficient method of putting down the disturb- ance, which suggestion he very properly repro- bates. Mrs. Turner's benefit on May 20th in- cluded the play "The Doubtful Son or Secrets of a Palace" and the farce "The Bee Hive." Special announcement was made that a full band of music would perform in the orchestra. Spe- cial attention was called to this performance by a
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communication in the paper in which Mrs. Tur- ner was spoken of "as a much respected and old acquaintance of the citizens of Cincinnati .- As an actress she has been much admired and has frequently delighted the audience by a pleasing exhibition of talents not excelled by any perform- ance in the city .-- As a woman and mother of a family she is worthy of imitation and entitled to support. It is expected that the boxes of our theatre this evening will display the beauty and fashion of our growing town in an overflowing audience." This performance seems to have closed the theatrical season for that year.
CINCINNATI HARMONICAL SOCIETY.
The theatre was not the sole amusement of the people as was shown by the advertisements of the time. The Cincinnati Harmonical So- ciety has been referred to a number of times. On October 10, 1815, announcement is made of a meeting of this organization at Mr. Burt's tav- ern where it was resolved that the society should meet at the same place every Saturday evening. On December 16th the society gave its annual concert and ball .at the large brick house on Front street lately occupied by General Harrison.
THE AFRICAN APE AND THE CASSOWARA.
Another form of amusement was indicated by an advertisement of December 27, 1815, which headed by a striking woodcut of a monkey carry- ing a basket of apples reads as follows: "Naked Truth or Curious and Lovers of Natural His- tory are most respectfully informed that there will be exhibited at Mr. Joel Williams' ware- house at the ferry, corner of Water and Main streets from 9 in the morning to 9 in the even- ing for one week from this date the Royal Tiger of Asia. This animal is full grown and the only one in America ; he is nine feet in length, three and one-half feet high and weighs about four hundred pounds ; and is the only animal in the world that dare face the lion. Also the African Ape: likewise the Long Tailed Mamo- zett. Admittance fifty cents; children twenty- five. Good musik on the organ and violin." The "mamozett" and tiger must have been a success for shortly afterwards arrived another interest- ing animal. On January 20, 1816, appears the following advertisement : "To the Lovers of Natural History just arrived and to be seen at the Columbian Inn in Cincinnati the grand Cas- sowara of India, a bird of prodigious size weigh- ing one hundred and fifteen pounds and will take an apple out of a person's hand seven feet
high and swallow it whole. There are also two very pretty little animals called the Barbary and African Apes. Good music on the organ, clar- ionet, violin, etc."
GASTON'S FIREWORKS.
On April 21, 1815, Mr. Gaston informs the ladies and gentlemen of Cincinnati and vicinity that he is preparing an exhibition of fireworks on Martin Baum's lot near the corner of Broad- way and Fourth- streets to be exhibited on Tues- day the 16th May next if the weather permit ; composed of the following pieces : "Ist, a double sun the different coloured fires turned vertically. 2d, the Ladies' fancy in grand Chinese fire turn- ing horizontally in different forms. 3d, a Chi- nese vortex turning round a table in brilliant fire. 4th, a combat of four butterflies-of differ- ent colours turning vertically in a large circle of Chinese fires. 5th, a grand Chinese chandelier turning horizontally forming the rose of a water engine. The cascade and parasol furnished with Roman candles and brilliant sheaves. 6th, the grand Polar Star in grand illumination termin- ated by a glory of China fire. The whole con- cluded by the explosion of the Devil's Castle in grand brilliant fire and mosaic works and a bunch of Sky Rockets. Several flying rockets between each piece of the entertainment. The ascent of the Balloon will take place a quarter of an hour before sundown; it will be decorated by an American Coat of Arms descriptive of the present times ; the Balloon will be 80 feet in cir- cumference." In order that this fiery entertain- ment might not be too trying upon its observers, an enclosure with seats was constructed in which a bar and refreshments could be found.
Another place of entertainment was the Co- lumbian Garden of James Sinclair, which in the spring of 1815 was opened for the reception of company as a pleasure garden. It was located on Plumb street between Third and Fourth streets in the orchard formerly owned by Mr. Dexter, where patrons could be accommodated with inead, porter, ale and cider as well as fruits in their seasons.
In the review of Dr Drake's work published in Liberty Hall ( April 1, 1816), we are told that the Thespian Corps had found that the enor- mous expenditure attendant upon the erection of a building and to supply it with scenery, dress and decorations was so great as to leave little to be turned over to charity. They complained that exclusive of the free tickets given out the "good people" afforded them no better house than
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they bestowed upon strangers and the idea of acting any more was about abandoned. "We un- derstand that a reputable company of comedians now at Louisville who had been acting with very general applause at Pittsburg and Frankfort dur- ing the past winter are about to establish some- thing like a permanent system of Theatrics among a few of the principal cities of our inte- rior; and by what we learn from their auditors we think that they would not dishonor the Thespian boards of Cincinnati. They have hith- erto declined coming we are told on account of the opprobrium that is attached to the enormous tax levied upon shows by our corporation,-or rather by the mayor in whose discretionary hands the business is entirely left." This provision was regarded as intended to keep out vagabonds but not a regularly organized company.
MR. AND MRS. PEREZ.
The Thespian Corps became active again dur- ing the summer of 1815 at which time Mr. Perez exhibited a variety "of Interesting and Surpriz- ing Fetes on the Tight and Slack Rope alone and with Mrs. Perez including as follows :-- A horn pipe in fetters-with fireworks at his feet -balancing on a drumhead over the rope- bounding on his back-vaulting over musketry -with grotesque wooden shoes-grand trans- formation-stand heels over head on the rope and whirling around so rapidly as to be almost invisible -- the whole to conclude with a diverting Pantomime called 'The Mistaken Shoemaker.' This called forth a communication from "Tyro Quizicus and his Clan" in Liberty Hall of Au- gust 14th which eriticises the exhibition but asks the public to attend for the purpose of helping the Thespian band to pay its debts. Mr. Perez evidently did succeed, for his performances con- tinued for several weeks. The advertisements grow more and more thrilling with each per- formance and would do credit to a modern pres- tidigitateur, equilibrist and acrobat. The Thes- pian Corps on August 28th announces the first and only performance for the ensuing autumn of "Speed the Plough."
Another form of entertainment is indicated by an advertisement of Mr. Huntington's on No- vember 27, 1815, to the effect that his last per- formance will be given in "General Wingate's 1.ong Room". at half past six in the evening when "he will pronounce an oration endeavoring to demonstrate the utility at aiming at moral excel- lence and exposing the blighting influence of in- fidelity." He also delivered a commentary on
Shakespeare with recitations from his writings and concluded with a variety of satirical and en- tertaining recitations.
The Thespian Corps seems to have reconsid- ered its announcement of the carly fall for on December 5th we learn that they performed "The Sleep Walker" and "The Weathercock." "The Point of Honor" and "How to Die for Love" were given January 1, 1816. The first play was stated to be the favorite of Washington. This performance was repeated a few days later for the benefit "of the -unfortunate, individual who was lately thrown desolate upon the world by the conflagration of his building and its con- tents." The writer in the paper of the day lauds the performance to the skies and calls especial attention to the fact that the actors were drawn from the citizens themselves. An unfortunate result of this performance seems to have been the loss of some one's pocket pistol which ap- parently was stolen during the performance. The pistol was one of those in use on the stage.
On March 25th the Thespians produced "The Cure for Heartache" as well as other sketches, addresses, recitations and so on. The Harmonic- al Society furnished the music.
A few days later announcement was made that the Cincinnati Thespian Corps, having declined getting up any more comedies and being desirous of affording their country friends and those of the city who were prevented from attending their performance an opportunity of witnessing their last exhibition, would repeat "The Cure for Heartache" as well as the farce "Love Laughs at Locksmiths." The farewell address was also delivered.
Another theatrical notice of the same day is that of Mrs. Williams' benefit, given April 1. 1815, at which was presented the tragedy "Doug- las" and Coleman's faree "The Wags of Wind- sor." The Harmonical Society also assisted at this performance.
The Thespian Corps and a few wandering com- panies of actors and the traveling mountebanks were obliged to struggle along in a rather pre- carious existence however during the most of this period as it was not until 1819 that the thea- tre gained a fixed position for itself.
The craving for another form of amusement created a demand for music books as shown by the advertisement of one John McCormick in Liberty Wall during April, 1815. who sets forth his intention to publish by subscription a new and valuable collection of music entitled "The Western Harmonist." Another book of the same
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF CINCINNATI
character "The 'Columbian Harmonist" was printed by Timothy Flint at the Liberty Hall of- fice in 1816. The announcement is made that the author, having been nearly two years in the con- templation of this work, "flatters himself that he will be able to furnish the different societies with the most useful tunes and anthems." The Har- monical Society met regularly on each Saturday evening and on the Fourth of July, 1819, they played after the toasts of the banquet and among the selections were the following: Life let us Cherish, Will you Come to the Bower, Hail Co -. lumbia, The White Cockade, Victory of Orleans, Italian Waltz, Echo, Monroe's March, America, Commerce and Freedom, Liberty or Death, Ma- sonic Dead March, Liberty's March, Hull's Vic- tory, Friendship, Lafayette's March, March in Blue Beard, Adams and Liberty, Star-Spangled Banner, Sweet Harmony, Massachusetts March, Ilaydn's Fancy, Miss Ware's March, Pleyel's Hymn, Lawrence's Dirge, Away with Melan- choly, Rural Felicity, Harmonical Society's March.
Another society mentioned by Klauprecht is the St. Cecilia Society described above. Even before this time, a band of amateurs practiced at the house of Amalung on Sycamore street be- low Fourth. To this society are said to have be- longed Martin Baum, Menessier the jurist pastry cook, Albert Von Stein, builder of the water works, the confectioners Carl G. Ritter and Au- gustus Zeumer. the dancing master Philibert Ratel, the piano maker George Charters and the druggist Edward H. Stall.
The mechanical side of music received atten- tion as well. Adam Hurdus, the Swedenborgian minister and keeper of a dry goods store, built the first organ here in the year 1810, which was utilized until a very recent date in a church at Wyoming. A few years later one Adolph Wuper advertised as a music teacher and a repairer and tuner of pianos and George Charters as piano- forte maker.
There was also a little German band of uncer- tain date in which Sebastian Rentz played the clarionet, Henry Schmidt the violin and Jacob Selmetz the piccolo.'
That there was no lack of instruction is shown by this remarkable advertisement which appeared in 1815:
MUSICAL ACADEMY
at Mrs. Hopkins', opposite Columbian Inn, Main street, Cincinnati. For teaching in a scientific and compre- hensive manner, a scholar thirteen tunes at least, in
cightcen lessons, or no compensation will be required, on any of the following instruments, viz. :
Clarinet, Flagotto or bassoon,
Trumpet, Serpent,
French horn,
Flagolet,
Bugle horn,
Sacbut,
Oboe, Hurdygurdy or beggar's lyre,
Grand oboe or voice umanc,
Violin,
Trombone,
Violincello,
Fife,
Bass drum,
German flutc,
Octave Hute,
Cymbals, etc., etc., etc.
Military, bands taught accurately and expeditiously, on a correct scale, on any of the above instruments, with appropriate music, by
JAMES H. HOFFMAN, P.
In the kindred field of art the principal name seems to be that of A. H. Corwine, the portrait painter and John Nagle, known for his picture of "The Blacksmith.'
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS
Still another form of amusement was of more public character. There was reason for an or- dinance concerning its limitations, for during the carly days the celebration of the Fourth of July was regarded as of great importance. On the first anniversary after Cincinnati became a town, there was a dinner at Major Ruffin's at the cor- ner of Lawrence and Front streets, and a cele- bration by the Republicans at George Fithian's where Daniel Symines furnished the song; also a dinner at Major Perry's in Columbia. In 1803 Captain Smith's infantry paraded in front of Anderson's at the West End of the town and in front of Ruffin's at the. East End. Below Mill creek on the banks of the Ohio there was a din- ner at Ewing & McCullum's where an oration was delivered by Matthew Nimmo. At Colum- bia a dinner was held at Thomas Frazer's. Here Mr. Spencer presided, assisted by Colonel Ari- strong. A distinguished guest was Gen. Jolin Stites Gano. The Republicans celebrated the Fourth of July, 1804, in a bower built in front of the Court House at Fifth and Main streets. Judge Symmes was the presiding officer and Thomas Rawlins delivered an oration. There was of course the usual dinner. A similar bower at the same place was erected for the celebration of the following year. Judge Symmes again presided with Matthew Nimmo as vice-president and Thomas Rawlins was again the orator. Lieut. Elmore Williams headed the troops of Light Dragoons in the parade and Captain Smith led the light infantry to Beechen Grove. At the dinner there were 19 toasts. At Columbia there was an equally enthusiastic meeting at which
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Colonel Spencer presided, once more assisted by Colonel Armstrong. This dinner was at Thomas linkinson's and 17 toasts added interest to the proceedings. This day was also celebrated across the river at Newport, Kentucky, where Washington Berry presided. In the following ycar the Republican dinner was at Disbrow's at Fifth and Main streets. This was attended by uniformed volunteers. Exercises were held at the spring above Deer creek. Daniel Symmes presided, William Goforth was vice-president, Elias Glover delivered the oration and J. Dela- plaine furnished the song. On this occasion Daniel Gano acted as captain of a boys' com- pany of infantry. The regular Light Dragoon Company was in charge of Capt. J. Ferguson. The Select Council dined at Yeatman's and among the distinguished guests were John S. Gano, George Gordon and Andrew Burt. A year later the dinner was held once more in the Becchen Grove near Mound street. Captain Wheeler's company of artillery took part and the orator was Thomas Henderson and the reader of the declaration, William McFarland. Fourth of July in 1808 came on Sunday, which made it proper for Rev. Joshua L. Wilson to deliver a sermon. At the exercises in Thomas McFar- land's orchard on Front street, Ethan Allen Brown was the orator and Thomas Henderson the reader. The marshal of the day was Col. John Riddle. Nine cheers and two guns of the Independent Artillery enlivened the proceedings. A feature of the exercises was a derisive toast to Senator John Smith who had just left the country on account of the unjust charges made against him in connection with the Burr con- spiracy. Col. John Riddle was marshal the fol- lowing year. A military salute of 17 guns ush- ered in the day. At the Court House, Ethan Allen Brown read the Declaration of Independ- ence, at a meeting presided over by John O'Far- rell and Daniel Symmes. The party marched to the foot of Elm street and dined at Swing's. An organization known as the Socratic Society marched to Menessier's farm in the valley of Deer creek where they listened to an address from young Francis J. Menessier and took din- ner. In 1810 the exercises were held in part at the Court House and part at the Beechen Grove near Mound street. James L. Looker was the reader and Seth M. Leavenworth, the orator. The next year saw a much more general celebra- tion. The growth of the settlement tended to divide up the celebrants into parties. At the Court House after the reading of the all import-
ant document by Elias Glover, an oration was delivered by Judge Symines who gave an account of the settlement and life in the early days which would be most interesting reading at this time. Colonel Riddle acted as marshal and led the pro- cession to Mr. L'Hommedieu's new ropewalk in the West End. The dinner was by Fowble. On this occasion United States Judge Byrd presided, as- sisted by Judge Silvers of the State Court. The Republican celebration included a parade of mil- itary and citizens from Columbia street to the First Presbyterian . Church and concluded with a dinner at the Wheat Sheaf Hotel. Robert Wal- lace, Jr., was the reader and Col. John Monroe the orator of this party. Another party met at the Columbian Inn under the auspices of Dr. Allison and General Gano while a celebration was held in a bower at Ezekiel Hutchinson's Spring in what was afterwards known as Cumminsville. Military of all descriptions, including artillery. cavalry and infantry, participated in the proceed- ings of the day. Independence Day in 1812 was naturally made more of because of the impend- ing war. There was a recruiting station in the town in charge of Lieut. Hugh Moore and a senior corps of Home Guards . under William Lytle. There was a meeting at the Court House, salutes from Jenkinson's artillery and the read- ing of the Declaration of Independence as well as the declaration of war and proclamation of the President by David Wade. The orator of the day was William Hendricks, then teaching school at the Court House and the marshal was of course Colonel Riddle. Another party, gath- ered in the orchard on the south side of Colin- bia street now Second street, included General Harrison, General Gano, Colonel Spencer, Oth- niel Looker and Dr. Allison. The toasts deliv- ered naturally related to the impending war and the one given by General Harrison showed none of the prophetic instinct. It was as follows : "General Hull and his Army -- They have passed that scene immortalized by the victory of Wayne ; the spirit of that hero will animate them to deeds like his and teach them the lesson of victory or (leath."
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