The Huron Expositor, 1978-11-30, Page 1010 --TH1E HU ON EXPOSITOR, NOVEMBER 30, 1978
Serendipity
by Alice Gibb
Grand old days at the Grand
Now that London's Grand Theatre has opened it's doors
again, with a facelift which would be the envy of any lady.
it's fun to recall the days when the old lady of Richmond
Street attracted star-studded troupes of travelling playerrs
from around the world.
Anyone who Wants to take a trip down memory's lane at
the Grand Theatre and its' predecessor, the Grand Opera
House, can do so due to the diligence of Frank Adams, a
Londoner who faithfully collected theatre programs from
1892 to 1920.
Today the programs, brittle with age, rest in the
Regional Collection of UWO's Weldon Library, where they
offer a fascinating glimpse into days past on the London
stage.
In 1892, the curtain rose at the Grand_Opera House,
near Covent Garden Market, at 8:1,5 sharp and seats could
be booked by "mail, telegraph or telephone." After the
show, "Carriages can be ordered at the box office or of the
chief usher."
Opera glasses could also be rented at the box office and
the programs, generously sprinkled with advertisements
from local business firms, warned, "It is strange but there
is a class of people that seem to take an intense delight'in
bespatting the floor with tobacco juice and in being
boisterotis and using profane language."
Explusion
The punishment for these crimes, the program added,
was immediate expulsion from the premises.
In 1892, some of the attractions at the Grand included
[Ass Lillian , Lewis in Lady Id, a popularromance, of the
day, 'and the Robin-Hood Opera Company presenting the--
tale of England's most popular thief.
The Grand-Opera Ilouse -part of -an 18 theatre eireuit-
which included Cincinnati and Buffalo, was a popular
watering hole for Ida Van Courtland and her troupe of
players.
Story
In 1894, they presented a series of engagements,
including the story of Nellie Grazebrook, The Blacksmith's
Daughter, who married, lost her husband 'at the family
mansion in.New York City, only to be re-united with him at
what must haVe been a fittingly melodramatic climax at
White Sulphur Springs.
The' same year also saw .he extravaganza, Canine
Paradox, A Grand Display of Intelligent Dogs which
included Teddy, the ladder dog; Cigar, billed as the very
ordinary dog and the greyhounds, Trix and Star, listed as
the wonderful somersault dogs.
No doubt the canine troupe provided audiences with a
Letter show than some of their human counterparts.
Successor
By 1901, the original Grand Opera House had burned to
the ground and its successor on Richmond Street, owned
jointly by Ambrose Small, Canadian entrepreneur and
Colonel C.J.Whitney of Detroit, had opened its doors to
the public.
Among the star attractions that year were Coles arid
Johnson. a vaudevillian musical team presenting the
comedy A Trip To Coontown and Frederick Hamilton, a
Globe and-Mail `reporter who brought along his steropticon
views of the Boer War and tf7 Canadians who served with
the British Forces.
Patrons
By 1905, the theatre programs were less concerned
about patrons spitting tobacco juice, but printed the
notice, "Ladies who remove their hats will favgur the
tnanagetnent and add greatly to the comfort of those
sitting behind. Old ladies in danger of catching cold need
nat conform to this-request." -
The same year, the theatre inserted a handout,
originally printed by W.B.Masterton in' the New York
Daily Telegraph, attacking the trade of that odious spectre
blind in many theatres-• tio.„,,tuatua .critic.
The handout read, "A dramatic writer who will use the
columns of the newspaper he represents to sandbag a play
or a perforMer, is a very cheap skate at best."
By 1907, Ambrose Small was listed as the theatre's sole
proprietor, and some of his guest performers bore names
still immortal in theatre annals.
Audiences.
Mrs. Patrick ,Campbell. one of England's greatest
actresses, appeared in The Notorious Mrs. Ebbsmith, and
to doubt captured local audiences with her beauty just as
she had captured the heart of George Bernard Shaw.
Sarah Bernhardt, France's greatest tragedienne made
three visits to the Grand; Jane Cowl, one of the
few American actresses to handle the difficult role of
Camille, also brought her talents to the stage of the Grand.
Harry Lauder, Scotland's singing gift to .the world
played the Grand in 19.11 and Kitty Gordon; who the
ulptor Rodin called "the most beautiful woman on
stage" played in The Enchantress in 1912.
Film
In 1919, an American called Griffith produced a film
Birth of a Nation, and Ambrose Small foresaw in the new
medium the death of the glorious days of travelling theatre
groups.
Small sold the. Grand Opera House, and although
Blackstone the world's master magician worked his magic
on its stage in 1920, Ambrose Small had been' Correct tn"hiS
belief that the glorious days of professional theatre` ioupes
travelling the North American circuit was drawing to a
--dose.-
But Mr. Small, who mysteriously disappeared at about
the same time, never lived to enjoy the truth of his
prediction.
CM AWARD — Long time CNIB supporter E.C. Boswell poudly
displays the 60th Anniversary CNIB green pin which he received recently
to. Janice Van Vliet of Brussels while members of-the Sight Conservation
Committee John Cardno, Gordon Rimmer, Ross Ribey and Gordon
Beuternmiller look on. Miss. Van Vliet spoke at the Monday night Lion's
Club meeting and told of the services provided at the Lake St. Joseph
CNIB -Camp whith Lion's Clubs support.
(Photo by Oke:
Lions hear about camp
The Church
Restaurant
Innter Season
Cor. Brunswick & Waterloo
Stratford, Ontarib;
Dining and Dancing
Friday and Saturday night — Live orchestra
Lunch — a wide selection of a la carte dishes,
old favorites (CREPES, OMELETTES AND
PATE) and many new suggestions to enliven
your appetite.'
Dinner — famous Church Specialities including
fresh fish and lobster flown in from Halifax. We
feature a fixed price menu Tuesday to Thursday
— 3 courses and coffee $8.75, children $4.50.
The Church is perfect for Christmas parties
(140 persons maximum). With the new dance
floor, special orchestras or disco can be
arranged. Also available — our' private room
for 20 persons.
"The menus - including brunch • are ever changing
and never disappointing."
Diane & Lyrtri Brooks
LondOn Free Press Oct. 27, 1978
"Only in Stratford you say? That's right,
however no cause to say "pity". An
. autumn Sunday in the tranquil and
handsome community that includes
brunch at The Church is pure pleasure."
Winston Collins
Toronto Sunday Star Oct. 8, 1978
Please phone for reservations
(519)2713424—
Tuesday to Friday Lunch 12:00 - 2:00
Sunday Brunch
Tuesday to Saturday Dinner 6:00 on
Licensed by LL.B.&
said there was a continuing
program to update facilities
and at the moment Lions
Clubs including Seaforth,
were assisting in providing a
new fire alarm system.
The - speaker was
introduced by Joanne
Rimmer and appreciation
was sponsored by Dr. J.O.
Turnbull. Sight conservation
committee Chairman John A.
Cardno told the club that the
CNIB campaign has raised.
$1850.00 •
"Club president Gordon
Rimmer was in charge of the
meeting and welcomed
members of the Bayfield
Club John Siertsema, Bob
Snell and Roy Scotchmer.
Lloyd Hoggarth and Ray
Scotchmer won the meeting
draw and. Stu Copeland Car
Club Chairman • urged
members to turn in stubs. He
said the first draw would be
held in December, J.W.i -
Gould told members there •
had been a good response for
Christmas cheer canes,
'Try our Noon Buffet'
a luncheon feast
you won't want to miss
BUFFET 12 noon - 2
Monday through Friday
also 'A Daily Special'
For an Evening out come and enjoy the
entertainment
Friday & Saturday
December 1 & 2
KADEZE
HENSALL HOTEL
Pronto, 26202012 Ont.
COMMERCIAL
HOTEL
SEAFORTH
ENTERTAINMENT
Thursday, Friday and Saturday
a .••
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CHEYME:...COUNTRY.
3 piece country 8 western band
FINE FOOL)
FINE ENTERTAINMENT
Breaded Chicken Leg Dinner
Chicken Wings
Friday Special
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Blyth Centre plans community Xmas concert.
The Christrfias theme will
b'ewearried through in the
solos of Mrs.Wittich of Blyth,
who 'will also lead the audi-
ence in a carol sing-along: To
compliment the musical pro-
gramme. a selection of
Christmas readings will be
given by Rev. , John Roberts
of Belgrave.
It was sight conservation
light at the Seaforth Lions
Club on Monday when
members and guests learned
of activities at the Lake St.
Joseph CNIB Camp which
Lions ofAlisWet A support.
Janice Van Vliet of
Brussels recalled her.
experiences during the past
mcr —summers- when. she
served as a guide at the
.camp. Containing 11 units of
10 rooms each the camp
provides a wide range of
summer activity for blind
people from young children
to elderly people. She
recalled an 84 year old blind
man taking part in surfing.
All programs, she said, were
carefully supervised and
facilities were specially
.designed so they could be
used by blind persons.
Located near Macteer the
camp accomodates 150 guest
olus staff. Miss Van. Vliet
The Blyth Centre' for the
Arts will continue to carry
out its policy of providing
local and touring 'perform-
ances for Huron County resi-
dents during the winter
months by presenting an
evening of Christmas music
next week. Performed by
area residents, the . Com-
Win K of C
turkey bingo
The second annual turkey
bingo. sponsored by the
members of the Father
Stephen Eckert Council,
Knights of Columbus of
Seaforth and area, was held
Sunday evening iii the St.
Columban Parish Hall at
8:30 . p.m.
Following arc the winners,
of turkeys: Clem Regier;
Matt - Murray; Matt
Denomme; Roy MeGonigle;
Jerry Murray; Charlie Rau; •
, June Breen; Hazel
McGonigle; Mike Connolly;
Ted Tittiss; Susan Wagler.
Share-the-wealth games
went to Margaret Hicknell;
Trudy Shuss and M.
Alphonse Cronin. The Grand
Knight's special was won by
John Wild. Consolations
were won by Jerry Murray
and Mike' Conn'olly, Door
prize went to Chas. Rau.
munity Christmas Concert
will be held in the Memorial
Hall at 8 p.m., Wednesday
December 6th. The M.C. for ,
the evening will be well-
known Blyth resident Jim
Lawrie.
Two area choirs will be
by John Baker
Children's Christmas Party
On Sunday December 17th
Branch 156 will be holding
their annual Children's
Christmas party. This •party
is for the children of all
Legion members, Regular,
Associate, Honorary and
Fraternal.
Any member who has a
child or grandchild who
wishes to participate in the
program, should contact
Mrs. Barbara Scott at 527-
1787.
Legion Grey Cup Draw
Last Sunday at the Legion
Grey Cup party the Grey Cup
draw was made, the lucky
winner was Frank Case.
Congratulations Frank.-
- Earlybird
Just, one more month to
get in on the, special Early
Bird rate. Pay your 1979
membership' before Decem-
ber 31st and save $2.00.
featured on the programme.
The Goderich Concert Choir
will be giving , its second
performance on the Blyth
stage. Now about to enter its
third year as a recognized
choral group, the choir will
offer the audience a variety
Hospitalized
Legion members and
friends of Frank Phillips
were sorry to hear that he
was in the Seaforth Corn-
munity Hospital and wish
him a speedy recovery.
of selections, including
traditional carols.. Another
relatively new choir in the
area is the F.E. Madill Choir
from Wingham. At this con:
cent the senior students of
the high school choir will
present a medley of Christ-
mas songs under the direc-
tion of Mrs. M. Douglas. J.
Herdman is the director of
the Gdderich choir.
Tickets for this evening of
family entertainment will be
available at the door at $2.50
for adults w and $1.00 for
children. A reception will be
held in the basement of the
hall following the concert. '
Legion news
Seaforth' Beavers Old Timer's
Annual New Years Eve
DANCE
Seaforth Community Centre
Sun.', Dec 81 st
Disc Jockey Dancing 9-?
MRS. MILLER CATERING
Tickets availabe from team members, Ron Drisco14
Jack McLlwain, Bob Benetenmiller