DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

ARMORY HALL probably Iron Mountain’s first theater to Iron Mountain regularly feature motion pictures. According to the Iron Mountain Press, The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, the Bijou was the site of the St. Joseph’s Menominee County, Michigan, Volume Church Fair during the week of November XI, Number 8 [Thursday, May 16, 1889], 16, 1908. However, the theater was first page 1, column 4 listed in the 1913 Iron Mountain city directory, with Martin D. Thomas serving as Kendal’s “Pair of Kids.” manager. Across the street from the Bijou, where the post office now stands, was the A.J. One of the largest and best pleased Rundle Hardware Store and Rundle’s audiences that ever assembled in Armory Opera House, in all probability the Bijou Hall applauded and laughed immensely at Theatre’s biggest competitor. While the Ezra Kendall last evening in his latest play, Iron Mountain Press regularly featured “A Pair of Kids.” There is no plot worth news articles regarding the performances at mentioning to the play, merely a frame work Rundle’s Opera House, as well as frequent [sic – framework] to give Kendall scope to reviews, the Bijou Theatre’s first advertising display his oddities, mirth provoking actions campaign apparently began in March of and speeches. Arthur Dunn as “Flip,” and 1911. Jennie Dunn as “Pearl, a cash girl,” the pair Advertisements noted the Bijou’s doors of kids[,] sing very nicely and dance their opened at 7:30 p.m. for the two evening way into the good graces of an audience, performances scheduled at 8 and 9 o’clock. while Gilbert Sarony as “Polly Dofunny” is Music was provided by the Brooks also a good part of [need to copy Orchestra at that time. On March 30, the remainder of this article] advertisement noted “The Harmony Four” would appear, as well as “One Illustrated BIJOU THEATRE Story.” By June, the Bijou billed itself as “The Home of Good Photo Plays” and 104-106 West Ludington Avenue noted 3,000 feet of moving pictures were Iron Mountain shown at each performance.

In the spring of 1921, Manager Thomas The Daily News, Iron Mountain, Dickinson announced the extensive renovation of the County, Michigan, Volume _____, theater which included a new stucco front, Number _____ [Saturday, November an entrance and lobby area and two “toilet 27, 1982] rooms.” The “auditorium” had been

completely remodeled, now boasting a Bijou was first movie theater “composition incline floor” and 600 opera chairs of the latest design, as well as “one By BILL CUMMINGS of the very latest picture machines.” Even a new heating plant “of ample capacity” had The Bijou Theatre, located at 104-106 been installed in the basement. In short, West Ludington Street at the present site of the Iron Mountain News article noted that the Recreation Lanes and Lounge, was “no expense has been spared to make the house comfortable, sanitary and safe.”

1 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Three nights of high-class repertoire and up-to-the-minute vaudeville will be the rule at the Bijou Theatre, starting Monday, Aug. 26th, at which time the McPhee Imperial Stock company open their engagement. The plays are all new and guaranteed by the management. The stock company that can boast of specialists that can be featured are scarce. McPhee Imperials do not have them, but have the kind that pleases the people. This department is headed by the invincible Brothers Spaulding, Parisian novelty acrobats, who stand in a class of their own. The opening play, “For Her Brothers’ Sake,” is a new comedy-drama of the pleasing kind, overflowing with the best of comedy, a beautiful story, prettily told by a company of players equal to the best. Prices, 15, 25 and 35c [cents].

Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 12, Number 35 [Thursday, January 23, 1908], page 8, column 4

As these unidentified youngsters BRIEF CITY NEWS. awaited the opening of the Bijou _____ Theatre’s doors for a Saturday matinee performance, they probably were First masquerade of the season at the dreaming of winning one of the plump Bijou roller rink this evening. A good time is gobblers in the crate, offered as door assured. prizes. Although the photograph is undated, it was taken before 1921, when Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, the theater was extensively remodeled. Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 15, [Menominee Range Historical Museum Number 47 [Thursday, April 13, 1911], Photo] page 5, columns 5-6 [ADVERTISEMENT] Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 12, Number 13 [Thursday, August 22, 1907], page 8, column 2 THE BIJOU ______Bijou Theatre.

2 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

The Home of Good Photo Plays class lines and his management should be successful.

BROOKS’ ORCHESTRA Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 16, Number 24 [Thursday, November 1, Two Shows Each 1911], page 4, column 2

Night BRIEF CITY NEWS. _____ Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 16, Martin Thomas is now in charge of the Number 22 [Thursday, October 19, Bijou Theatre, assuming the management 1911], page 1, column 1 yesterday. During his recent visit to Chicago he arranged for some extra good New Theatre. films.

J.E. Becknell, who has been conducting Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, the Bijou for several years, is arranging to Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 20, open a new popular price theatre. He has Number 19 [Thursday, September 23, leased the building on East Hughitt street 1915], page 8, column 3 lately occupied by J.F. Cowling and will remodel the same at once. The place is To Remodel Theatre. conveniently located for theatre purposes. Mr. Becknell’s management at the Bijou Within a short time, the work of has been very successful and he proposes transforming the Bijou into a modern opera to make the new house a model from the house will commence. The building will point of safety. undergo many changes and when the work is completed it will be large enough to Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, accommodate the largest road attraction. Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 16, The present wooden floor, which is Number 22 [Thursday, October 19, elevated, will be taken out and the new one 1911], page 1, column 1 built of concrete. The present stage will be greatly enlarged and extended to the rear of Leased the Bijou. the building. It will have an opening of forty feet and will be fifty feet long. A loft will be Martin Thomas has leased the Bijou and constructed on top of the structure, will be will take possession the first of the month. [sic – which will] permit the use of drop Mr. Thomas has been connected with the scenery. The building will be equipped with house in various capacities – from manager a balcony and a new ventilating and heating to electrician – for a number of years. He system. A canopy will be built over the will leave for Chicago to-morrow [sic – entrance. The new house will seat tomorrow] evening to arrange for his films comfortably 800 people. While the work of and other attractions. Mr. Thomas construction is going on the building promises to conduct the house along first- formerly used by the Marion theatre will be 3 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] used by the management of the Bijou for building. The work will commence as soon motion picture shows. Many of the Bijou as the weather conditions will permit. opera chairs will be transferred to the Marion.

Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 20, Number 36 [Thursday, January 20, 1916], page 1, column 5

Matinees for Children.

The Woman’s [sic – Women’s] club has made arrangements with Manager Thomas for a special matinee for children at the Bijou Theatre each week, commencing next The remodeling of the Bijou Theatre to a Saturday. The pictures will be of an “modern opera house” began in the educational nature and special prices will spring of 1916, and included replacing maintain. Next Saturday, in addition to the the elevated wooden floor with a educational films, the fair story of Cinderella concrete one, as well as enlarging and will be produced as well as a comedy. The extending the stage to the rear of the club plans to have one of their members building. The stage opening was to be deliver a talk explanatory of the pictures. 40 feet, and the stage 50 feet long [deep]. A loft was constructed on top of Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, the structure to permit the use of drop Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 20, scenery. Frank Parent’s saloon at 102, Number 37 [Thursday, January 27, listed as “vacant” in 1913, can be seen 1916], page 1, column 2 in the background. [William J. Cummings Photo] Bijou Changes. Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 20, A.E. Brauns, owner of the Bijou Theatre, Number 39 [Thursday, February 10, has engaged the Foster Construction 1916], page 1, column 2 company to superintend the work of rebuilding and modernizing that place of amusement. The work will be done in Triangle Pictures. accordance with plans drafted by Architect Charlton, of Marquette, who has designed Manager Thomas, of the Bijou, has nearly all the leading show houses of the closed a contract for the production of the peninsula. In addition to many interior features of the Triangle Film company at his improvements, including a greatly enlarged house. The incorporators and principle stage, the main floor will be lowered to the producers of Triangle plays are D.W. street grade and a commodious gallery will Griffith, producer of “The Birth of a Nation,” be provided. Provision will also be made the most conspicuous photoplay success for a large exit on the west side of the yet achieved, Max Sennett and Thomas H. 4 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Ince. Mr. Griffith was regarded as a SOON TO BE OPENED premier producer even before he brought out “The Birth of a Nation,” and many of the _____ innovations that have largely revolutionized photoplay production in the past year or Early in May Manager two, including the fade away and the double Thomas Will Begin exposure, were worked out by him. In the Work at Colonial employ of the company are a notable _____ galaxy of stars, and its offerings have won the highest approval from disinterested The exterior alterations to the Bijou critics, to many cities the first releases of Theatre are nearing completion and these programs have been offered at prices manager Thomas hopes to open the house ranging from fifty cents down and at the about the first of May. The alterations will Kinckerbocker in New York the scale has include a new stucco front of a pleasing been from $2 down. Manager Thomas design, a new entrance and lobby and two says that he hopes to maintain the usual toilet rooms. The auditorium has been prices of admission at his house. entirely remodeled. It has been provided with a composition incline floor and will be Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, furnished with the latest opera chairs – 600 Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 20, of them and one of the very latest picture Number 48 [Thursday, April 13, 1916], machines. A new heating plant of ample page 1, column 4 capacity has been placed in the basement. No expense has been spared to make the Bijou Improvements. house comfortable, sanitary and safe. With the Bijou open, Manager Thomas will close It is expected to commence the work of the Colonial in order that it may be remodeling the Bijou at an early date. The decorated anew and remodeled in some house will be lowered to the street grade respects. A notable change will be made in and will be provided with a canopy rearranging and enlarging the lobby. It is entrance. Large side exits will be arranged proposed to place the ticket office in the for and modern heating and ventilating center, which will greatly expedite the sale systems will be installed; also a retiring of tickets. Manager Thomas has in mind room for ladies. As planned, the main some changes in the balcony arrangement auditorium will have a seating capacity of that will tend to the comfort of patrons. 500 and will have the latest opera chairs. The gallery will seat 300. Architect Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Charlton, of Marquette, has made the plans Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 1, and will superintend the work. Number 11 [Friday, April 22, 1921], page 2, column 1 Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 1, BIJOU THEATRE TO Number 3 [Wednesday, April 13, 1921], page 2, columns 7-8 OPEN NEXT MONDAY _____ BIJOU THEATRE IS 5 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Wallace Reid, in “The When completed the Bijou will seat Dancin’ Fool,” Opening approximately 700 persons, and the Attraction Colonial 900. Idealite screens – the latest innovation in motion picture screens – will _____ be installed in both theatres. Manager

Castell, of the Colonial orchestra, will The Bijou theatre, the remodeling and organize a second group of musicians for redecoration of which is practically the Bijou. completed, will open Monday, featuring Features At Colonial. Wallace Reid in “The Dancin’ Fool,” It is Mr. Thomas’ plan to use the according to M.D. Thomas, manager of Colonial largely, [sic] for showing of the both the Bijou and Colonial theatres. larger feature picture [sic], as well as the Beginning next week the Rex stock road shows, with lighter attractions at the company will open at the Colonial, featuring Bijou, which will be a motion picture theatre a number of popular plays on the week’s only. The first attraction booked for the bill. Colonial after the redecoration is complete The Colonial will be closed for a is “Something to Think About,” an intensely complete remodeling and interior interesting screen drama and one which is redecoration May 29. The improvements showing to capacity houses throughout the planned by Mr. Thomas will transform the country. In connection with this film Mr. theatre into one of the most attractive Thomas has planned an advertising playhouses in this section. The partitions at scheme which will, it is confidently the rear and at both sides of the entrance expected, give the residents of Iron will be torn out, widening both the foyer and Mountain “Something to Think About” the rear of the theatre proper. The stairs at besides the actual story of the film. the left of the entrance, leading to the Wally Reid at Bijou. balcony, will also be torn out and a new and In “The Dancin’ Fool” Wallace Reid is wider flight built in. particularly amusing and entertaining as a New Seats In Balcony. youth who invades the “wicked city” in All new seats will be placed in the search of employment. He has a distinct balcony, with the addition of a loge box liking for “jazz” music and the dance, which arrangement similar to that used in a characteristically carries him through a number of the more modern picture series of entertaining episodes, much to the theatres throughout the country. The loge disgust of his staid old uncle. The wind-up, boxes will accommodate private theatre in which Wallie exploits his uncle’s stock in parties and are used, largely, for that trade – earth jugs – by a clever advertising purpose. scheme, and his rather abrupt rise to fame, New Simplex projectors will be placed in constitutes a story which is unusually both the Bijou and the Colonial theatres. interesting. Bebe Daniels makes an The Simplex is the best motion picture excellent dancing partner for Wallie – which projector now in [sic] the market, and the is an added attraction. type used for both local theatres will be somewhat similar to that used in the new Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Delft theatre, at Marquette, said to be the Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ best equipped motion picture theatre in the Year, Number _____ [Wednesday, district. November 16, 1921], page 6, column 1 6 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

caliber as those now being shown at the OPENING OF BIJOU Colonial.

AWAITS BUSINESS Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, _____ Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ Year, Number _____ [Wednesday, No demand Now For Two November 30, 1921], page 2, column 1 Movie Houses, Manager Thomas Declares BIJOU TO BE OPEN _____ TWO DAYS A WEEK _____ Except for intermittent exhibitions, such as the Swedish films to be shown within a About Christmas time, according to few days, the doors of the Bijou theatre will Manager M.D. Thomas, the Bijou theater remain locked until business improves, will be opened for motion pictures Saturday Manager Martin Thomas declared today. and Sunday nights. The variety program, at Present conditions do not warrant the present being shown at the Colonial, will be operation of another theater here, he avers, transferred to the other playhouse and a and the newly outfitted show house will feature will take its place. Thus, patrons remain dark. who are following the serial may see it The Bijou was completely remodeled Saturday night, and then see the feature and refitted last spring and two expensive Sunday, or the reverse. In fact, they may motion picture exhibiting machines even see both shows the same evening. installed. The machines alone represent an Divergence in the tastes of the theater’s investment of more than $1,000, not patronage is responsible for the change. including the electric equipment necessary Some people do not care for the serial and to run them. the varied program; others prefer it to a Open For Few Days feature. Under the new system, they can Following the completion of the take their choice. alterations the theater was opened to the Changes are also anticipated in the public but remained open for only a short variety program. The Harold Lloyd time as business was not sufficient to keep comedies, the serial, and possibly Aesop’s both the Colonial and Bijou going. The fables, [sic] will be retained, but interest in theatre was closed and with the exception other “shorts,” Mr. Thomas says[,] do not of one or two evenings when it was used as warrant their continuance, and a feature will a lecture hall, has remained dark. be substituted. “As soon as business picks up and I find demand for another house, I will reopen the BRAUMART THEATRE Bijou,” Manager Thomas asserted, “but not East B Street at the present period of depression. I Iron Mountain confidently believe, however, that before the winter is over the Bijou will be running The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, continuously. When the theater is opened I Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 2, plan to exhibit pictures of the same high Number 182 [Friday, November 17, 1922], page 1, column 5 7 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Work Will Start in Spring BRAUNS CLOSES _____ BIG LAND DEAL New Colonial Theatre Company _____ Building to Be Located on “B”

Buys Central House And Street; Will Contain Offices Several Lots on East and Stores _____ B Street _____ Construction of a combined theatre, office and store building costing August E. Brauns has purchased the approximately a quarter of a million dollars property on East B street known as the will be started here in the spring by the Central house and the vacant lots on the Colonial Theatre company, it was west from Joseph Cordy. The announced today by M.D. Thomas, consideration is private, but the deal is one manager. The project has been under of the largest real property transactions to consideration for several months and it has be closed in some months. The property now been definitely decided to go forward has a frontage on East B street of over 92 with it, Mr. Thomas said. feet and extends back to the alley more The Colonial Theatre company, than 125 feet. Included in the deal is the composed of A.E. Brauns and Mr. Thomas, Central house, a large frame structure, now owns and operates the Colonial and Bijou tenanted by Casmir Recla. The Recla theatres in Iron Mountain and the Garrick, lease has more than a year to run. It is Bijou and Orpheum at Fond Du Lac, Wis. understood that Mr. Brauns will improve the Located on B Street vacant property. A year ago, a report was The new building will be located on East current that Marquette capitalists intended B street between the Cordy building and erecting a moving picture theatre on the Anegon’s candy kitchen. This property was site. purchased about a year and a half ago by the theatre company at what was Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, considered to be a very reasonable price Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ and since that time has grown considerable Year, Number _____ [Monday, February [sic – considerably] in value. 18, 1924], page 1, columns 7-8; page 2, Capacity of 1,200 column 1 No name has as yet been selected for the new theatre. It will have a seating THEATRE BUILDING HERE capacity of 1,200, making it perhaps the largest in the upper peninsula. The TO COST $250,000 Colonial theatre seats 900. As far as _____ beauty of design and equipment are concerned the theatre will surpass any Big Project Announced By north of Green Bay. It will be devoted solely to the exhibition of moving pictures. M.D. Thomas; Construction

8 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

The building is expected to be the most policy may be put into effect. No plans imposing in Iron Mountain and the have been made regarding the Bijou architectural design has been placed in the theatre after the new showhouse [sic] is hands of a well known Detroit firm which opened. It may be closed or kept open, does similar work for the Ford Motor depending entirely upon conditions at that company. time. The structure will be two stories in The contract for the construction of the height and of brick fireproof construction. It building will be awarded within 60 days, Mr. will have a full basement that will be Thomas declared. It is expected that the finished and leased for business purposes. total investment will approximate $250,000 A central heating plant will serve the entire and arrrangements [sic – arrangements] for building. financing the undertaking have been The property has a frontage on B street completed. of 96 feet and a depth of 130 feet. The Ready By Fall. Anegon candy kitchen, however, extends Construction work will began as soon as back only part of this depth and the the weather is favorable and the hope is unoccupied ground in the rear, 29x60 feet, held that the theatre will be ready for use by is included in the theatre purchase, making fall. The store fronts will be the most the total width in the rear 125 feet. This modern in the city, it is claimed, and special space of 125x60 feet will be devoted to the attention will be paid to obtain the utmost in theatre proper. natural light on the interior. Although ap- Stores In Front. The front part of the main floor of the NEW THEATRE TO building will be divided into two or three stores with a depth of 70 feet and allowing BE ERECTED HERE a width of about 20 feet for the theatre BY THE COLONIAL lobby. The lobby will be in the form of a vamp [sic] that will extend back 70 feet to _____ the auditorium. It will run north and south and parallel to it will be the stores. The $250,000 Project Is An- auditorium will run east and west. nounced Today by It is planned to model the lobby after M.D. Thomas those in the large cities. In the front will be _____ the box office and the runway back of that will be fittingly decorated and equipped. (Continued from page one.) Although plans are not definite as yet, the seats in the auditorium will probably plications have already been made to lease face west. The auditorium will also have a the stores, no contracts have yet been mezzanine floor upon which will be located made, according to Mr. Thomas. It is the projection booth. expected that there will be lively demand for No provision will be made for showing the stores and no doubt leases will be other than motion pictures at the theatre. signed during the next several weeks. Road show companies will be played at the The second floor of the building will be Colonial theatre. Special feature pictures arranged to suit tenants. It may be turned will also be presented at the Colonial where either into office rooms or fixed up suitable a one show a night and reserved seat 9 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] for lodge requirements. The suggestion Year, Number _____ [Wednesday, May has also been made that it include a large 21, 1924], page 2, column 3 dance hall but it is doubtful if this will be carried into effect. THEATRE PLANS “Increased patronage at the Colonial theatre and population growth have SENT BUILDERS enabled us to go forward with this new _____ project,” Mr. Thomas declared. “We expect to give Iron Mountain a theatre of Delay Encountered In Ob- exceptional beauty for a city of this size. It taining Use of Part will be modern in every respect and operated upon a popular policy. We Of Alley appreciate very much the patronage that _____ has been accorded the Colonial and Bijou theatres and in return want to give the city a Plans and specifications for the new theatre that it can well be proud of. theatre building to be erected on East B “We believe that the new building will be street by the Colonial Theatre company a valuable addition to the business district have been forwarded to contractors of Iron Mountain. It is a move forward in desiring to bid for the work, it was declared the development here and marks part of the today by Martin Thomas, manager of the transition in the character of our business theatre company. district.” The project has been delayed to some Stops Other Plans. extent by the time necessary to secure use Reports have been current for some of five feet of the blind alley in the rear of time that the Colonial company would go the property. The council granted the forward with the building project this year request of the company, vacating spent but Mr. Thomas’s statement today is the today at the company’s log- required first definite announcement on the subject. alterations in the plans as the building will It has been known that other theatre be extended five feet. [NOTE: It appears companies and individuals were some missing lines here, but is transcribed prospecting the field here with the idea of as printed.] building a theatre but in the face of the Despite the delay in starting work it is Colonial company’s decision and the size of hoped to have the theatre ready for the project it is thought whatever plans or occupancy some time [sic – sometime] in proposals may have existed otherwise will September, Mr. Thomas said. The building be abandoned. will also include two or three stores and The new theatre will make the Colonial office quarters on the second floor. The company one of the largest of its kind in this auditorium will be located in the rear at right territory, and equaling in size the Delft angles with the entrance which will be on B Theatres Inc., which operates in Escanaba, street. When completed it is expected to be Iron River, Munising and Marquette and at the best theatre in the upper peninsula. one time considered entering the field here. Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ Year, Number _____ [Tuesday,

10 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

September 2, 1924], page 6, columns 4- building. This contract has been awarded 5 on a basis that will be more economical than was originally expected. AWARD CONTRACT The auditorium will not have a balcony, as was first planned, but will seat 1,200 FOR PLAYHOUSE persons, or 300 more than the Colonial _____ theatre. The stage will be 15x40 feet.

Work on New Theatre Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Scheduled to Start Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ Year, Number _____ [Wednesday, Tomorrow January 28, 1925], page 2, column 1 _____

The contract for the new theatre to be NEW THEATRE TO built on B street by the Colonial theatre HAVE BIG ORGAN company has been awarded to the Foster _____ Construction company, of Milwaukee, and work on the building will be started tomorrow, according to an announcement Expensive Instrument Is made today by M.D. Thomas, manager of Purchased From Wur- the theatre company. litzer Company It is hoped, Mr. Thomas said, to have _____ the building enclosed before cold weather arrives. It is expected that it will be ready Contracts for purchase and installation for occupancy the first of the year or shortly of a Wurlitzer-Hope-Jones electrically thereafter. operated pipe organ were let yesterday to Several changes have been made in the the Rudolph Wurlitzer Co., of Chicago, by plans as given out by Mr. Thomas last the management of the new theatre being spring. Instead of the auditorium being in erected on East B street. the rear of the building and parallel The organ [is] of the same make as the lengthwise with the street, it will run north ones in the Chicago theatre, Chicago, and and south. The auditorium will be 73x90 the New State theatre in Minneapolis, and feet. In front of it and in the center will be represents a considerable investment. the foyer, 25x30 feet, and on each side a Electrically controlled and operated, the shop 25x40 feet. In addition, another store, system permits use of two manuals, 26x120 feet, will be included in the same embracing saxaphones [sic – saxophones], building, which will have a total area of traps and a complete assortment of 96x120 feet. “effects”. According to Frank H. Marshall, The cost of the entire project, including representing the Wurlitzer Co., the organ the theatre equipment, is estimated by Mr. will be equivalent to a 35-piece orchestra. Thomas at $200,000, or $50,000 less than It is the latest type Mahogany horseshoe when the plans were originally drawn. console, Mr. Marshall said, and will be Considerable time has been spent, “tailor made” for the new theatre here, with however, in awarding contracts in order to acoustics, size of the house, the chamber secure the best possible price for a fireproof 11 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] and other details being taken into As soon as the plastering is completed consideration. and the floor laid, decorators will begin their The organ, it was said, will eclipse any work of beautifying the interior of the in use north of Milwaukee and will be the structure. The theatre will hold equal of any in theatres of similar size in the approximately 1000 persons and is to be country. modern in every way the plans reveal. Two The contract calls for delivery March 1 stores and a number of offices will also be and for installation by March 15. A corps of housed in the building. workmen from New York will arrive here about the first of March to install the organ, Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Mr. Marshall said. Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ Year, Number _____ [Monday, March Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, 23, 1925], page 3, column 1 Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ Year, Number _____ [Monday, February BRAUMART ORGAN 9, 1925], page 2, column 2 IS RECEIVED HERE NEW THEATRE _____

OPENS IN APRIL Instrument in New Thea- _____ tre Finest North Of Milwaukee Select Name of Braumart _____ for Playhouse; Will Seat 1,000 When the new Braumart theatre is _____ opened next month it will have a part of its equipment a Wurlitzer-Hope-Jones Unit With the grand opening of the new orchestra, one of the finest instruments of Braumart theatre tentatively set for April 4, its kind that is manufactured today. workmen are today bending all their efforts The organ which, when installed, will be toward speeding the work on the $200,000 without question the best north of building so that the plans of its owners can Milwaukee, has been received here, and be realized. the console, or keyboard, is on display in Plaster work will begin on Wednesday of the window of the McLogan-Pearce Music this week and as soon as that is completed company. a floor will be laid. The temporary Installation of the instrument has already scaffolding is to be torn away tomorrow and been started and is to be completed by the the coating of the walls started. time that the theatre is ready for opening. Announcement has been made of the In conjunction with the organ the concert selection of a name for the theatre. It is to orchestra now playing at the Colonial will be be formally christened the Braumart, transferred to the Braumart and the two will derived from the names of the two principal alternate in playing the pictures. owners, A.E. Brauns and Martin D. Latest Achievement Thomas, on the opening night. The Wurlitzer organ is conceded to be the latest achievement in instruments of this 12 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] kind. Among the instruments and effects The amount of wiring in an organ is produced by it are the contra viol, tuba shown by the fact that the instrument being horn, clarinet, flute, viol, piccolo, installed in the Braumart contains more tambourine, sleigh bells, xlyophone [sic – than 100 miles of wire. xylophone], triangle, bass, cello, bass drum, The organ pipes and sound producing kettel [sic – kettle] drum, snare drum, units will be concealed in chambers built cymbals, bird, auto horn, fire gong, behind two huge grills, one on each side of steamboat whistle, hore [sic – horse] hoofs, the proscenium opening in the Braumart. tom tom, chinese [sic – Chinese] block, Egress of sound from the organ will be by electric door bell, the human voice and all graduated shutters opened out in different the other combinations usual to the ordinary degrees at the will of the organist. type of organ. The pipes in the instrument range in The console contains the keyboards, size from those not larger than a small flute stop tablets and combination buttons which to others as large in diameter as a are made to open and close the electric telephone pole. circuits that, in turn, control the maze of pipes and expression devices through the Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, relay board, the union board and the switch Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ board. Year, Number _____ [Friday, March 27, Combination Selection 1925], page 3, column 1 The union board enables the organist to select any combination or set of pipes in the NEW PROJECTOR organ from either of the two keyboards and by such combination to quadruple the PUT ON DISPLAY expressive capacity of the instrument. _____ They [sic – The] keyboards have two touches. One touch forces the keys down a Latest Type Machine In certain distance and with this finger Braumart Theatre pressure the organist brings into play part of the organ. Then, by pressing down the Equipment keys still further, an entirely different _____ expression is brought into action, according as the organist may arrange the stops. One of the two motion picture projection This is the famous double touch or second machines to be installed in the new touch that makes a two manual instrument Braumart theatre has been placed on as facile as a four manual in the ease and display in a window of the Parent clothing deterity [sic – dexterity] with which the company and is attracting much attention. player may control the expressive The machine is the latest model mechanism. Simplex, manufactured by the Precision The Relay Board Machine company, of New York. This The relay board is both electrical and make of projector is used by nearly all the pneumatic. By depressing the keys, the larger theatres in the country and is also in small pneumatic bellows in the relay board use at the Colonial and Bijou theatres. are brought into action which, in turn, The Braumart projectors are equipped actuate magnets under each pipe, thus with the newly developed reflecting type of opening valves admitting air. arc lamps. The machines are entirely 13 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] automatic, two motors being needed to made out for a period of 10 years with a operate each. privilege of renewal. According to the Electric current will be supplied to the council’s resolution, the theatre owners are projectors by either of two motor generator obligated to pay $100 in advance. sets which will change the ordinary city line The original plans for the theatre voltage into the 55-volt direct current building called for the structure to extend required. five feet into the alley, which is not used for Several spotlights will also be installed traffic. The plans were altered, however, in the theatre, including one in the booth and the wall was built on the boundary line. and others concealed in the ceiling above In order to build a ventilator, the the orchestra pit. One of the lights is also contractors were obliged to extend it on to on display at the Parent store. the alley-way. For this, leases must be The theatre screen will consist of a linen secured. sheet with a thin surface of white rubber, the advantage of this type being that Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, pictures are as distinct when viewing from Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, the side as form the center. Number 8 [Monday, April 20, 1925], The booth at the theatre is the first of page 1, column 6; page 3, columns 1-2 the new “Denver” type to be installed in Michigan and is the last word in safety and New Braumart Theatre To convenience. Be Opened Tomorrow Night; Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Special Program Prepared Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 4, _____ Number 304 [Wednesday, April 8, 1925], page 3, column 1 Finest Amusement House North of Milwaukee Will MUST RENT SPACE Be Turned Over To FOR VENTILATOR Public ______

Projects Into Alley Way; After being in the course of construction for several months, the new Braumart – the City to Demand $10 upper peninsula’s theatre de luxe – will be Yearly formally opened tomorrow evening. _____ The curtain will rise on the first show at 7 o’clock, dedicating the Braumart to its Martin Thomas and A.E. Brauns, daily task of entertainment. owners of the new Braumart theatre, which The Braumart will rank as the finest is nearing completion on B street, will be amusement house north of Milwaukee, notified by the city that they must enter into embodying as it does the most modern type a lease with it for building a ventilator in the of construction and the various and op-to- rear that projects over the alley-way. the-minute improvements in the technique The price was set by the city council last of motion picture projection. night at $10 per year and the lease will be 14 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Although having no balcony, the main above the heads of the audience, and are floor of the big auditorium will seat 1,000 concealed by grill work. persons. Four aisle ways provide easy In the angles formed by the two walls as access to the seats, which are deeply they shape inward to the proscenium arch cushioned and adjusted so as to give the at the front of the theatre are two large utmost comfort. The aisles are heavily grills, one on each side of the stage. A carpeted and entrance to them is gained false work gives them the appearance of through French doors leading off from the boxes but they conceal the large chambers long foyer, which is arc shaped. in which the organ equipment is installed. Inset at several places in the wall Special Screen. dividing the foyer from the auditorium are The proscenium arch represents an groups of three arched windows fitted with exceptional example of interior decorating. stained glass that reflect in various tints the It opens upon the stage, which is only a few soft glow of the indirect lighting system. feet wide as the theatre will be devoted Exceptional Decorations. entirely to motion picture programs. A The true beauty of the theatre is fully special screen with a thin white rubber appreciated in the auditorium. Decorations surface has been installed. The screen is are in practically all of the well known tints of a type that will receive the picture rays in and shades and a tapestry effect has been such a manner that no counteracting and executed in the panels on the side walls. distracting rays will be given off. Pilasters along the walls are all highly At each side of the stage and located decorated and each bears the well known about 10 feet above the floor is a large sign of the theatre – the mask of comedy chamber containing the organ equipment. and the mask of drama. The instrument purchased for the Braumart Heating engineers declare that the is a Wurlitzer-Hope-Jones and is the largest Braumart has a perfect system for and most completely equipped in the upper supplying a comfortable degree of heat peninsula and northern Wisconsin. although the ventilation system will be The equipment includes hundreds of constantly driving in a great pipes and a variety of orchestra (Continued on Page 3, Column 1) instruments, all electrically controlled from a keyboard in the orchestra pit. These NEW BRAUMART chambers are covered by the grill work previously mentioned and large shutters in OPENS TUESDAY back of the grill automatically regulate the _____ amount of sound that reaches the audience. Special Program Prepared Fresh Air Driven In. For Dedication Of The ventilation system of the theatre is unusual and very effectively installed. New House Instead of the customary process of _____ extracting impure air by means of suction fans, a big fan located in the basement (Continued From Page One) drives fresh air into the theatre under high amount of fresh air drawn from the outside. pressure and this forces the bad air out Radiators are recessed in the side walls, through the vents. The fresh air is distributed through a series of ventilators in 15 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] the top of the proscenium arch and is so In addition to the theatre, the Braumart well adapted that a waft of cigaret [sic – building includes a group of well lighted cigarette] smoke in the rear of the theatre is offices and two stores. Reservations for the instantly caught up and whirled away. offices, construction of which have is [sic] As the Braumart will feature its not completed, have already been made orchestra and organ concealed lights have and they will be occupied by the Fuller been placed in the ceiling so as to flood the Brush company, Union Oil company, J.I. orchestra pit for special numbers that are Corn Real Estate company and E.J. given. Dundon, attorney. The projection booth is located on the The stores will be occupied by the Riley second floor of the building and access to it and Lundell haberdashery and the Stronge is gained only by using the stairway that & Warner Millinery company. leads to the offices in the front of the The name Braumart was derived from a structure. There is no direct stairway from combination of the names of the owners, the theatre proper to the booth. Everything A.E. Brauns and Martin D. Thomas. It is a in the booth is electrically controlled and part of the chain of theatres included in the emergency apparatus has been installed so Colonial theatre group, which takes in the that if there is an interruption of the power Colonial and Bijou theatres here and four supply on one line it can be transferred to houses located in Fond du Lac, Wis. another. Noted Organist Coming. Automatic Light Regulators. A special and unique opening program The equipment includes two Simplex has been prepared for the Braumart. projection machines both of which can be Among the attractions will be Ambrose controlled at three stations in the booth. Larson, noted nationally as an organ player. The machines are even equipped with Larson played the organ for the opening of individual motors that automatically regulate the famous Capitol theatre in Chicago and the adjustment of the carbon arcs. In old stopped every performance during the first style lamp houses the light was given week. He has been engaged for two weeks directly to the screen through a series of here. lenses. The lamp houses on these The program will open with an overture, machines, however, incorporate a new then a film announcement and dedication. process of reflecting the light, thus doing This will be followed by Larson’s solo away with bluish and brownish spots upon numbers on the organ. Then will come the the screen. latest “Our Gang” comedy release, In addition, there is a spotlight machine “Mysterious Mystery,” which was reviewed and other equipment to make the projection last week in the Chicago Tribune by Mae perfect. The operator is even relieved of Tinee, who urged her followers to be sure the task of rewinding the reels, electricity and see the picture. The feature film also preforming [sic – performing] this job. offering will be “Charlie’s Aunt”, a late The booth is absolutely fireproof and the comedy release. portholes in front are guarded by automatic To close the program a novelty in “three steel trap gates that will drop when the dimension” projection has been prepared. temperature reaches a degree sufficient to It is known as plastigrams. The effect will melt a short strip of metal fuse attached to be the same as produced when gazing at a each projector. picture through the old time stereopticans Has Offices and Stores. that were a part of every household. To 16 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] execute the illusion, specially prepared But those who came inside the theatre colored lenses will be distributed to each early had plenty to occupy their attention person in the audience. until the curtain parted over the screen. The box office will open tomorrow Rich draperies on the organ lofts, the evening at 6 o’clock[,] the doors will open at beautiful trappings of the stage and the 6:30 and the first show will start a half hour decorations and fittings of the auditorium later. A second show will also be given at 9 kept the audience well occupied. o’clock. The regular schedule of the theatre Larson Stars will include a daily matinee starting at 2:30 Following the national anthem the o’clock. This will begin Wednesday. program continued with a special number by the Braumart concert orchestra. This Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, was followed by a “trip through the mighty Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, Wurlitzer”, an organ log – a combination of Number 10 [Wednesday, April 22, organ and stereopticon slides – that put the 1925], page 3, columns 3-4 big instrument through all its paces. Ambrose Larson, noted organist who has NATIONAL ANTHEM been secured for a limited engagement at the Braumart, presided at the keyboard and OPENS BRAUMART was greeted with rounds of applause at the _____ conclusion of the number. Then came [the] dedicatory announcement by the Brauns & 2,000 Persons Attend Thomas company, owners of the Braumart. Premiere of New When this had finished lenses were distributed through the audience for the Theatre Last Night presentation of the plastigram pictures _____ which give three dimension effect – height, width and depth. So realistic were the The strains of The Star Spangled pictures that there were those in the Banner coming from both orchestra and audience who “ducked” when an actor organ last night marked the formal opening poked a long stick in their direction, or of the new Braumart theatre. pointed a gun at them as he walked Two thousand persons witnessed the forward. An “Our Gang” comedy and a opening shows and all were struck by the feature film concluded the program. beauty and richness of the new playhouse. So great was the demand for A special program for the occasion added admittance that a number of persons were considerable [sic – considerably] to the turned away at the second show, which favorable impression created upon the started shortly after 9 o’clock. It was by far audience. the most auspicious event of its kind ever Doors of the theatre were opened at seen in Iron Mountain. And the audience 6:30 o’clock but an hour before that time conceded that there are few theatres in the there was a long queue of persons lined up country in towns of like size that can to the box office, which opened at 6 o’clock. compare with the Braumart. The house, which seats 1,000 persons, was completely filled 10 minutes before the Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, starting of the first show, which was at 7 Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, o’clock. 17 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Number 13 [Saturday, April 25, 1925], Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, page 3, column 2 Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, Number 19 [Saturday, May 2, 1925], Leon Goulard page 6, column 2 Held on Charge _____ EXPECT MANY AT

Leon Goulard, director of the Braumart LARSEN RECITAL theatre orchestra, is being held in the _____ Gogebic county jail at Bessemer on a serious charge preferred by an Ironwood Wurlitzer Will Be Given woman. Goulard was arrested here by the Real Test Tomorrow Gogebic sheriff but has not yet been Afternoon arraigned for hearing. _____

Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, The big Wurlitzer organ in the new Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, Braumart theatre will get a real initiation Number 13 [Saturday, April 25, 1925], tomorrow at the recital to be given by page 3, column 3 Ambrose Larsen, noted nation wide as an organist. MILLINERY SHOP Larsen is just concluding a two weeks’ engagement here and the concert, which IS OPENED TODAY will start at 1:15, is expected to be largely _____ attended because of the following that he has already built up by his work at the Stronge & Warner Co. organ. Has Place in Braumart The organ, the finest in the upper Building peninsula and the northern part of _____ Wisconsin, combines instruments, all of which will be worked in at the recital. The new Stronge & Warner millinery The program follows: shop in the Braumart theatre building was Light Cavalry Overture………………..Suppe opened today. Prelude in C Minor…………...Rachmaninoff The shop will carry a complete line of To Spring………………………………..Grieg millinery. It is in charge of Mrs. J.M. Record Largo…………………………………..Handel and her associate, Miss Lucille Applegate. Humoreske…………………………....Dvorak The interior of the shop is finished in Elegie……………………………….Massenet French gray, the fixtures being touched off Andantino……………………………..Lemars with a strip of red. Walls are of a dull Rustle of Spring………………………Sinding brown. The Rosary……………………………..Nevin A large show window provides ample Somewhere a Voice Is Calling…………Tate room for the display and also floods the Tannhauser March…………………..Wagner shop with light. Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, 18 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Number 35 [Thursday, May 21, 1925], and completion has been promised in 90 page 6, column 2 days. The cost of the building will be Lundell, Riley approximately $25,000. Construction will End Partnership be of the same type as that in the theatre. _____ The structure will have a brown brick front while the side and back walls will be of

white brick. The dissolution of the partnership of The building will have a full basement William Riley and Richard Lundell, who and the first floor will [be] designed for store were associated in the recently opened purposes. Offices will be built on the Braumart shop for men on East B street[,] second floor and will have the same was announced today. The partnership will stairway entrance as those on the second formally terminate on May 29. Riley’s floor of the theatre building. This entrance interests have been disposed of to City is at the west side of the theatre building Clerk Harold C. Lindholm and the shop will and gives access to a hall which will be hereafter be conducted by Lindholm and connected with a hall in the store building. Lundell. There will be room for seven offices in the

new building.

A central heating plant will serve both Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, structures. Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5,

Number 36 [Friday, May 22, 1925], page The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, 2, columns 5-6 Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5,

Number 41 [Thursday, May 28, 1925], WORK STARTED ON page 6, column 1 STORE BUILDING _____ CORDY BUILDING SOLD FOR $22,000 Owners of Braumart The- _____ atre Erect Structure Next Door. Purchased by Owners of _____ Anegon’s Confection- ery Store Construction work has been started on a two-story building to be erected by the _____ Brauns & Thomas company, owners of the new Braumart theatre, in the vacant lot next Sale of the Joseph Cordy building, 102 to the theatre building on East B street. East B street, occupied by the Anegon The lot is 25x120 feet and the building confectionery store, to Christ Anegon and will be the same size. The contract has Arthur Mitchell, owners of the store, was been given to the Foster Construction announced today. company, which also erected the Braumart, The purchase price was $22,000. The deal has been pending for some time and was closed late yesterday. 19 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

The building is a one-story brick Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, structure and is advantageously located for Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ the confectionery business, being next to Year, Number _____ [Friday, July 17, the Braumart theatre. The building does 1925], page 2, column 2 not occupy the entire lot, the rear part of which is owned by Brauns & Thomas[,] ORGAN RECITAL whose original plans were to use it for the Braumart. SUNDAY EVENT No changes in the building are planned _____ at this time, according to the new owners, although they will beautify the exterior. Zorn Will Present Pro- gram at The Braumart Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ Theatre Year, Number _____ [Thursday, July 9, _____ 1925], page 3, column 1 A musical treat is in store for Sunday NEW ORGANIST IS afternoon when George Zorn, solo artist, will give an organ given to a messenger boy WELL RECEIVED on the recital at the Braumart theatre. [sic – _____ possible line missing] Mr. Zorn, who came here recently, has Headliner Playing Inde- already established a local reputation for finite Engagement At his unusual ability and many persons have been looking forward to a recital by him. Braumart The program will start at 1:15 o’clock _____ preceding the regular matinee. It will be as follows: George J. Zorn, organ artist who has Raymond Overture……………...... Thomas been headlined at the Rivoli and Tivoli Roses of Picardy……………………….Wood theatres in New York city, is playing an Cavatine………………………………..…Raff indefinite engagement at the Braumart Kiss Me Again………………………..Heroert theatre. Tales of Hoffman…………………Offenbach Zorn gave his first program yesterday Lustspiel…………………………...Kela-Bella and was greeted with considerable Intermission applause. Special programs will be Poet and Peasant…………….….Von Suppe arranged during his appearance here. Ave Marie…………………..Shebert Wilhelm Zorn has an artistic touch and brings (Violin Solo on the Organ) into play every part of the big Wurlitzer Quartette from Rigeletto…….Verditx [Verdi] instrument. His combination effects are Schubert Serenade……………..….Schubert unusually good and patrons at the Braumart Kashmiri………………...…Woodford Finden last evening heard reproductions on the Zampa……………………………….....Herold instrument that have not been brought into use before. Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, _____

20 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Year, Number _____ [Tuesday, October Two experienced clerks, Dan 6, 1925], page 2, columns 5-6 Constantini and Wilfred Collette, of Iron Mountain, are on the staff of the shop. BRAUMART SHOE Final decorations for the opening tomorrow were being made this afternoon. SHOP IS READY _____ Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Year 6, Formal Opening of Es- Number 304 [Thursday, April 7, 1927], tablishment Will Be page 3, column 1

Held Tomorrow _____ STYLE SHOW AT BRAUMART WINS The Braumart shoe shop, one of the PUBLIC PRAISE most attractive in the upper peninsula, will be formally opened tomorrow. _____ The shop is located in the new addition of the Braumart theatre building and So Successful An Extra occupies quarters that have been Performance Will Be attractively designed and laid out. Given. Fixtures are of mahogany and of the _____ most modern style. Equipment includes 24 upholstered seats for customers and eight A style show so interesting that it even fitting stools to match. There are also held the rapt attention of the men, a style several display tables. Men’s and boys’ show so abounding in revelations of shoes will be carried on one side of the fashion’s latest creations that it drew shop and the other half will be devoted audible “ahs” and “ohs” from the feminine exclusively to women’s footwear. contingent in the audience, and a style An exceptionally large stock will be show so all-around good that it was carried, more than 3,000 pairs now being genuinely entertaining – that was the on the shelves. Both staple and fancy offering at the Braumart theatre last footwear will be shown and hosiery, rubbers evening. and accessories will also be shown. Only Iron Mountain may be more than 1,200 standard makes of shoes are being carried miles from New York, but the gowns, and boxes will be individually labelled [sic – dresses, coats, hats and shoes exhibited labeled] with the name of the shop. last evening were convincing proof that in The store is owned by R.J. Reynolds, fashion at least the city is located on formerly of Watertown, S.D. Mr. Reynolds Broadway. is an experienced shoe expert, having been More than a score of models a salesman for a number of years. He also participated in the display, which advanced conducted a store at Rochester, N.Y. in a steady rhythmic manner. A runway, His investment here is about $20,000, it built out over the front seats, brought the was stated. models within close vision of the audience,

21 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] so that every detail of the latest modes with the style show and the picture itself is could be examined. one of real mirth and interest. Extra Performance[.] The style show was sponsored by the So popular was the public response to Iron Mountain Woman’s club and its the show that it will not only be given again direction was in the hands of Mrs. A.G. this evening, but an extra performance is to Buchman and Mrs. Melville Kelly. Its be held tomorrow night. unqualified success was largely due to their Although last night’s show was not ardent work and it is likely that the club will scheduled to start until 8 o’clock, the make it an annual event. theatre was packed 20 minutes before and The participating merchants were as hundreds were turned away at the door. follows: A. Sackim company, Levy-Unger To attempt to describe the gowns, company, Oshins, Woman’s Fashion shop, dresses and coats would be to engage Gift and Tot shops, Vogue Hat shop, Style upon a well nigh [sic – well-nigh] shop, Braumart hat shop, Mary Ann shop, interminable or impossible task. It is L.J. Will jewelry store, Men’s store, sufficient to remark that they were without Braumart shoe shop, Fugere Bros., The exception exemplary achievements in Bootery, Braumart beauty shop and the design, workmanship and chic appearance. Beauty shop. And the models exhibited them in a graceful and artistic manner. Approaching from the Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, right side of the stage, each would walk to Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ the center, thence out on the runway, Year, Number _____ [Wednesday, July revolve slowly and then saunter off to the 29, 1935], page 3, column 1 left exit. Four children, Billy and Slater Harding, COLONIAL TO BE twins, Dickie Erdlitz and Juliet Huguet, were especial [sic – special] attractions. REOPENED AFTER Feature Pictures. BEING IMPROVED In connection with the style show was a “leader” picture depicting the contrast _____ between the modes and customs of 1914 and those of the present day. It showed, Braumart Will Also Un- among other things, a Henze-Tollen wagon dergo Extensive Re- loaded with real beer and a group of men modeling Program who held in their hands bottles of the same _____ beverage. The scene was a pathetic [sic] reminder to many and received a generous When the modernization program now ovation. Then several young ladies in progress at both the Braumart and appeared in front of Morgan’s millinery Colonial theaters, operated by the Braumart shop, which was a popular establishment in Theater company, is complete, the the Iron Mountain of 1914, and gave first community will have two theaters which hand views of the latest in headgear. should compare favorably with any of their The feature picture of the program, size in the state of Michigan. Colleen Moore in “Orchids and Ermine”, The Colonial theater will be opened with was an especially appropriate and happy a matinee performance Monday, August 3, selection. The theme coincided perfectly 22 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] and will be operated regularly thereafter. Improvements to be effected there will Both the exterior and interior of the theater include the tearing down of the electrical have been rebuilt and redecorated along signs, the marquee, display frames and new and modern lines. ticket office, and a complete remodeling of Attractive Decorative Scheme the entrance. All decorating of the Colonial, inside and A new glass front, finished in royal blue out, is being done by the Bond Decorating with chromium trim, will be built at the company of this city. The exterior is a terra Braumart, with the new ticket office cotta base, trimmed in dark brown. The constructed of blue glass and chrome and terra cotta will be “high-lighted” to bring out extended to the sidewalk line. Overhead a more effective blend with the trimming. will be a new marquee of enameled steel, Inside the decorative scheme has been with clusters of electric lights and neon worked out in a grayish-tan theme, with tubing. mulberry paneling, trimmed in gold. The The theater name will be inscribed in wainscoting along the walls is of gray-tan, electric lights across the front of the the outer panels of mulberry, with gold marquee, in a combination of both neon borders, and the inner panels of light green. and silhouette letters. The display frames, The ceiling is finished in ivory, and the or attraction boards at either side of the same grayish-tan motif prevails in the theater lettering, will be set at an angle and balcony and corridors. will be visible from both the front and sides. The general effect, both inside and out, Silhouette letters will stand out from the is very attractive and the design was background of illuminated opal glass, and prepared by the Bond company. the marquee will be considerably larger New Sound Equipment than the present one, extending almost High intensity lamps, a new generator, a across the entire front of the theater. new wide range Western Electric sound Improvements will also be made in the system and an improved screen will bring lobby, which will be finished with a blue the projection and sound equipment up to glass wainscoting, terminating in a chrome the highest approved standards. The new trim. New chrome display frames will be marquee at the front of the theater is being installed, as well as modern lighting provided with hundreds of electric lamps fixtures. Large circular French mirrors will and many feet of neon tubing to present a be set in the side walls. striking color effect. A new suite of rest rooms [sic – Seats recently removed from the restrooms] will be reached by a wide, Braumart to make room for new ones will curving stairway extending down from the provide added comfort for patrons of the foyer. This stairway will lead directly into a Colonial. All of the seats have been re- carpeted lounge fitted with modernistic conditioned. chrome furniture. To the right of the lounge The Colonial will operate on the same will be situated two ladies’ rooms, finished schedule as now prevails at the Braumart, in shades of pale green and brightly which will be closed while being re-fitted. illuminated. One room will be fitted with as Although the new seats have already been a dressing and smoking lounge. installed at the Braumart, the general Two new men’s rooms will be provided program has only begun there. at the left of the lounge. Work on the Braumart will start the day About 10 days will be required for the the Colonial opens – August 3. improvements, which will make the 23 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Braumart one of the most modern-equipped theaters north of Milwaukee.

Both the Braumart Theatre and the Colonial Theatre were “modernized” in 1935, just a year before these two photograph were taken. “A new glass front, finished in royal blue with chromium trim,” was added to the Braumart, “with a new ticket office constructed of blue glass and chrome and extended to the sidewalk line. A new marquee of enameled steel with clusters of electric lights and neon tubing” was constructed overhead. The theater name was inscribed in electric lights across the front of the marquee in a combination of both neon and silhouette letters. “The General Died at Dawn” came out in 1936, starring Gary Cooper and Madeleine Carroll. [City of Kingsford]

The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain- Kingsford, Dickinson County, Michigan, 32nd Year, Number 38 [Saturday, May 24, 1952], page 3, column 1

Thomas Co. To Construct New Drive-In

Bids for the construction of a 400-car drive-in motion picture theater on property situated near the intersection of highway US-2-141, southeast of the city, by the Thomas Theater Co., Inc., of Iron Mountain, will be accepted not later than June 15 at the company’s offices, in this city, Martin D. Thomas, president, announced here today. Plans, Thomas said, call for completion of the theater by Aug. 1 of this year, when it will be opened to the public. This is the

24 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] program announced a few years ago by the company president, but which, he said yesterday, was halted by government restrictions on theater-building. “These restrictions have now been lifted,” Thomas said, “and we are ready to go ahead.” The 40-acre tract purchased by the company is situated just east of the highway intersection, where US-141 cuts off to Niagara, Wis. As quickly as the contract is awarded, grading of the tract will be started in preparation for the installation of equipment. “We believe there is a demand for an out-door theater in this area,” Thomas said, “and we plan to make it a good one – modern in every respect.” Another Development Beginning Wednesday, June 4, the Thomas Theater Company will also take over full operation of theaters in Iron Mountain and elsewhere in which, for the past 15 years, the Fox-Wisconsin Amusement Enterprise Corporation, of Milwaukee, has been associated with the Thomas company. Besides the Braumart The Florence Mining News, Florence, and Colonial, in Iron Mountain, this Marinette County, Wisconsin, Volume I, development affects also theaters in the Number 6 [Saturday, February 5, 1881], Copper Country and in Stevens Point and page 3, columns 3 Janesville, Wis. In addition to the above-mentioned HON. JOHN L. BUELL, is fitting up his houses, Thomas Theaters also operates Opera House, at Quinnesec, in the most theaters in Ironwood, Menominee, approved style. The stage, including the Marinette and Hurley, Wis., and has interest green room, will be 18x45 feet. The entire in theaters at Madison, Wis. In all, the Iron stage scenery is being made in Chicago Mountain company either operates, itself, or and the drop curtain will represent a is associated with others in about 20 magnificent view of the Lower Quinnesec theaters throughout upper Michigan and Falls. This painting, as we are informed, Wisconsin. will be well worth the price of an ordinary admission ticket. BUELL’S OPERA HOUSE Quinnesec The Florence Mining News, Florence, Florence County, Wisconsin, Volume III, Number 18 [Saturday, April 28, 1883], page 1, column 4

25 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

A LABORATORY is being fitted up in romantic traditions of the ore boom of 1879 the Opera House block, at Quinnesec, by in the Quinnesec district. Mr. Buell, who has secured the most Discovered by workmen returning improved apparatus for testing iron, gold, shortly after 11 p.m. from the Ford plant in silver, and lead ores. Iron Mountain, the fire had already gained such headway that saving the building was Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, out of the question. Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 9, The blaze which burst forth in the front Number 19 [Thursday, October 6, 1904], from the ground level to the roof, [sic] page 5, column 2 worked havoc with the electric wires, putting out of commission the electric pump QUINNESEC ITEMS. that provides the community water supply. _____ Water was then obtained from a storage tank. The two main spans of the new bridge Iron Mountain Department Aids. are completed, and the bridge men will Iron Mountain fire department No. 2 celebrate the event by giving a dance at worked until about 3 o’clock this morning Buell’s Opera House to-morrow [sic – directing its efforts chiefly to saving the tomorrow] night. Two hundred invitations surrounding buildings which were menaced have been issued and a good time is by sparks, flying torches and falling wires. anticipated. A telephone pole within radius of the flames was burned to cinders and stood a The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, smouldering [sic – smoldering] torch Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, menacing the fire fighters until an early hour Number 112 [Friday, August 21, 1925], this morning when telephone linemen cut it page 3, columns 1-4 off at the base. A second pole affected by the flames leaned far over and hung dragging the net Suspect Arson In Fire That work [sic – network] of wire above with its Destroys Quinnesec weight. Repair men were working to set it right this morning. Building Telephone service between Iron _____ Mountain and Escanaba was cut off while the lines in the fire zone were Third Blaze Within Month unapproachable. Service was resumed Destroys Buell Structure; about an hour after repair crews were able Iron Mountain Depart- to work in the damaged section. Third Fire In Month. ment Summoned The brick building, situated on the _____ through highway between Iron Mountain and Norway, is the third within a month in The hand of a “firebug” is suspected in Quinnesec to burst into flames, the fire in the destruction by fire last night of the Buell each instance occuring [sic – occurring] building in Quinnesec, a struction [sic – about the same time late in the evening. structure] about which clung more or less The other two buildings in which fire broke out are the old abandoned school 26 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] house, long unoccupied and practically a prosperity died and since that time has ruin, and the old abandoned school house, never been a paying property. long unoccupied and practically a ruin, and It was pointed out by persons grouped [sic – lines repeated] the old John McKenna about the smouldering [sic – smoldering] residence, also deserted. ruins that of the few business places in the The store building which today was still little community, the building, though the smouldering [sic – smoldering], was fully largest was the one which could be occupied until two days ago when a soft destroyed with least loss or crippling of drink parlor, of which Roy Beauchamp, of trade. Quinnesec, was the proprietor, was padlocked by federal officers. By padlock proceedings the portion of the building BUTTERFLY THEATRE occupied by the soft drink place was to be 102 East Main Street closed for one year and the building itself North Side [Chapin Location] was under injunction prohibiting its sale. Iron Mountain Dance Hall On Second Floor. A dance hall comprised the second The Daily Trubine-Gazette, Iron Mountain, story and in the rear of the structure were Dickinson County, Michigan, Forty-Ninth the real estate offices of the McKenna Year, No. 78 [Tuesday, April 13, 1920], Brothers, Parnell and Ed. page 1, column 7 A star sedan owned by Roy Beauchamp and a big Studebaker owned by Leo “MOVIE” PATRONS Brasspfenniaks [sic – Brasspennicks] parked in the rear of the structure were PLEASED WITH removed without damage. “THE BUTTERFLY” The fire is thought to have originated behind the bar in the soft drink place, _____ though no definite grounds for this belief have been shown. The new movie theatre, “The Butterfly,” The owner, George Meehan, of Iron owned by Americo Sonaglia and Jim Mountain, who purchased the place at a Givogre, had its real opening last Saturday cost of about $8000 [sic – $8,000] a year night and large crowds were present at both and a half ago, had not been informed of shows. The program was a very good one the destruction of the building until after 0 and pleased everybody. o’clock this morning. The loss was covered The theatre has a seating capacity of with about $8000 [sic – $8,000] insurance. about three hundred and is a neat and cozy Built in 1879. place. The building was remodeled and The building was erected in 1879 by everything put in the right condition to make John L. Buell, according to an old settler of it an inviting place for a movie theatre. the district. This was at the time of the The management have [sic – has] boom in Quinnesec and Norway when the closed contracts with the leading film Cundy mine was opened. companies for motion pictures that will meet For about five years saloons, dance with the approval of all. Among the halls and drug stores flourished and companies who will furnish pictures for “The prospered, he declared, after which the Butterfly” are as follows: Universal, Pathe, Metro and the Robinson-Coe. 27 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Two shows will be given each night and A dance hall will be located on the second matinees on Saturday and Sunday floor. afternoons. Forms for the foundation are now Mr. Sonaglia and Mr. Givogre, nearing completion and it is expected that proprietors, are Iron Mountain young men concrete will be poured the early part of and are popular. The former is a veteran of next week. the World war and the latter spent several The heating and ventilation plants will years in the United States Marine corps. be housed in the basement. It is also “The Butterly” is located at 102 Main planned to arrange quarters in the street, Chapin location. basement for a billiard room and barber The management will make it an aim to shop. conduct the theatre in a creditable manner The main floor of the theatre will have a at all times and give the public the best of seating capacity of approximately 600 service. persons and a balcony will accommodate 250 more. The stage will be sufficiently large to have home talent and traveling CAPITOL THEATRE vaudeville attractions. 409 West Breen Street, Breitung The building will rest on a 16-inch re- Kingsford inforced concrete foundation, and will be of steel, brick and tile construction. The The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, dimensions of the auditorium will be 60x96 Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, feet. Number 23 [Thursday, May 7, 1925], It is expected that the theatre will be page 6, column 1 opened late in July or the early part of August. Interior decorations will be a BREITUNG TO HAVE feature, according to Mr. Brassington, who has already contracted for the work. $60,000 THEATRE Mr. Brassington is a former _____ superintendent of schools, having had charge of the schools at Alpha for four Construction Work Al- years, and also holding a similar position in ready Started; Ready the lower peninsula. At the present time he is engaged in building and electrical In August contracting. _____ The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Construction of a new theatre building Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, has been started at the corner of Breen and Number 205 [Thursday, December 10, Roseland streets, Breitung, by G.W. 1925], page 2, column 1 Brassington, a resident of the community. The structure will be completed during the summer months and will represent an NEW THEATRE IN investment of approximately $60,000. VILLAGE AREA IS The building, which is to be a semi- fireproof structure[,] will be 70x120 feet, and FINE STRUCTURE two stories high with a full mixed basement. _____ 28 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

OPEN NEXT WEEK $68,000 Building Will _____ Have Accommodations For 1,000 Persons Projection Machines And _____ Seats Are Being Installed Interior decorations and installation of _____ seats are the only things that remain to be completed in one of the finest buildings in the village of Kingsford area. This is the Formal opening of the new Capitol new Capitol theatre, located at 409 West theatre on Breen avenue, Breitung, will be Breen street, being erected by G.W. held early next week, it was stated today by Brassington, electrical contractor and a G.W. Brassington, owner. former superintendent of schools in Alpha. Two Simplex projectors, of the latest Mr. Brassington is planning on having type, and a motor generator for the his formal opening within two or three machines, were being installed today in the weeks, possibly at Christmas time. He is operating booth, which is to be modern in now completing his plans for his initial every respect. Installation of seats, more program which will include a feature motion than 900 of them, was also in progress this picture. It is also intended to have a afternoon. several piece orchestra for regular Mr. Brassington has already engaged a programs and vaudeville on various seven-piece orchestra for the opening occasions. week. The feature movie attraction and the The theatre is of brick and tile with steel remainder of the program will be re-enforcement throughout. It will cost announced within a few days. approximately $68,000 and will One of the features of the theatre will be accommodate about 1,000 persons, 750 on the interior decorations, which were the main floor and the remainder in the designed by the Bond Decorating company, balcony. of Iron Mountain. The interior designing is being done by the Bond Decorating company, of Iron Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Mountain. The decorations will be one of Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, the outstanding features of the show house. Number 222 [Thursday, December 31, The front part of the building is divided 1925], page 10, columns 1-2 into a lobby and two small stores. FORMAL OPENING The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, OF NEW CAPITOL Number 216 [Thursday, December 24, EVENT TONIGHT 1925], page 2, column 1 _____

NEW THEATRE IN Breitung Motion Picture BREITUNG TO BE Theatre One of Best In District 29 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

_____ Drapes of the screen and stage are especially effective. The proscenium arch The new Capitol theatre on Breen street drape is a rich rose colored [sic – rose- in Breitung, completed at a cost of $68,000 colored] velour with gold and blue and one of the most attraction motion trimmings. The theatre’s monogram is in picture houses in the district, will be the center. formally opened at 7 o’clock tonight. The next drape, which appears to merge A special program, the feature of which with the arch, is of blue velour interwoven will be “The Man on the Box,” a Warner with garlands of silver. On each side of the production starring Syd Chaplin, one of the stage are lofts in which it is later planned to screen’s most celebrated character install an organ. Drapes in harmony with comedians, has been booked for the those on the stage cover these openings. occasion. The screen is 13x16 and of gold fibre The theatre has been in the process of [sic – fiber]. Its cost is about $500 and it is construction for months and represents an one of the best that can be obtained. achievement in decorative effect and Projection equipment is also thoroughly arrangement. The building is of brick, tile modern and includes two Simplex motion and steel, and has a length of 118 feet and picture machines, motor generator, and a width of 56 feet. other appliances. Seating Capacity of 1,000 Indirect lighting is used entirely in the Accommodations are afforded for 1,000 auditorium. Even the fixtures are patrons, with 750 seats on the main floor concealed and diffulge [sic – diffuse] a soft and 250 in the balcony. Seats are of a radiance that will not distract the eye. comfortable type and arranged for utmost Owned by Brassington convenience and the minimum of fatigue. The Capitol is owned and will be The lobby of the theatre is small, but managed by G.W. Brassington, electrical very attractive. It is furnished in antique contractor in Breitung and a former copper and gold blaze, the same color superintendent of the schools in Alpha. scheme being carried out in the auditorium. He intends to exhibit only the best A chandelier with branches of sparkling programs and at present plans to steadily lights is suspended from the center of the employ a 10-piece orchestra. The theatre lobby ceiling. will be open daily. The foyer, long and narrow, gives A large attendance is expected for the access to the main floor, balcony and two formal opening tonight. Two performances offices located in the front of the building. will be given, the first at 7 o’clock and the The decorative theme in the auditorium second at 9 o’clock. There will also be a has been excellently executed, embracing special program at each performance by dignity of tone with a subdued but attractive the Ford Motor company band. effect. The lower part of the walls has a Feature Picture cane stone finish, the color blending with The feature picture, which is booked for lattice work concealing four radiators three days, is a late release and shows Syd recessed in the wall on each side. These Chaplin at his best. In one sequence Syd are surmounted by large panels with impersonates a flirtatious maid, and with his tapestry designs. features disguised with wig and make up, Drapes Are Attractive proves quite an attractive picture. The picture is an adaption [sic – adaptation] of 30 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] the novel and play from thepen of Harold and chairs have been used to MacGrath. The story concerns the accommodate the audiences. romantically amusing adventures of Bob The liquidation committee of the bank Warburton, young, wealthy and charming, took over the theatre on October 24 when who hires out as a coachman. Theodore the owner, George W. Brassington, failed to Lorch, Helene Costello, David Butler, Alice meet obligations that were owing. and Kathleeen Calhoun and Charles F. Erected Several Years Ago. Reisner, director, are included in the The theatre was erected by Brassington supporting cast. several years ago during the Ford boom and its cost was estimated at between The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, $30,000 and $40,000. Designed to seat Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ nearly a thousand persons, with the Year, Number _____ [Wednesday, balcony, the structure was a very November 13, 1929], page 3, column 1 substantial addition to the business district in Breitung. CAPITOL THEATRE The Ford slump and consequent losses in population reacted seriously against the SOLD FOR $13,500 venture, and there was difficulty in keeping BY BANK AGENTS the playhouse open. Lease of the theatre to new managers was followed by a dispute _____ for possession of the building, and the removal of the seats was regarded as one Phelps Men Buy Structure of the outgrowths of this controversy. Since From Liquidation that affair Brassington has been operating Committee the house. _____ Mr. Weed, one of the new owners[,] has had considerable experience in managing theatres, and has been operating a house Sale of the Capitol theatre, Breen at Phelps, Wis. avenue, Breitung, to E.I. Weed and Clyde

Neldberg, of Phelps, Wis., was announced The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, today by Dan Boyle, acting secretary of the Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 9, liquidation committee of the former Number 215 [Saturday, December 21, American Security bank. 1929] , page 2, column 5 The purchase price was given as $13,500, and the new owners have already taken possession. Although operation of CAPITOL TO BE the theatre will not be suspended, it is understood that Weed and Neldberg are OPENED SUNDAY; planning extensive remodeling and NEW EQUIPMENT improvements. New seats will be installed, _____ the old ones having been removed some time ago by the company that sold them, the claim having been made they were Considerable Sum Has never fully paid for. Since then benches Been Spent In Im- proving Theatre 31 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

_____ HISTORY OF THE COLONIAL THEATRE Formal reopening of the Capitol theatre, Breitung, under the management of its new Compiled by William J. Cummings, 2010 owners, will be held tomorrow, with a matinee and two evening performances. In its May 18, 1916 edition, The Iron The house has been entirely renovated Mountain Press announced that August E. and about $8,000 spent in improvements. Brauns was to erect “a theatre second to These include a new heating plant, none north of Milwaukee” on the property ventilating system, talking picture opposite the city hall building on East equipment, different lighting arrangement, Ludington Street, then occupied by two new seating equipment and other features. frame buildings and known as the Farmers’ The opening picture will be “The Hotel. Brauns purchased the property, Sophomore,” starring Eddie Quillan and having frontage on East Ludington Street of Sally O’Neill. It is a story of college life, 60 feet and a depth of 75 feet which with unusual twists, and this is its first extended to the alley, from the Commercial showing in this district. The picture is a Bank during the week. There was also an sound film. There will also be short alley on the west side. subjects. The proposed theatre building was to The Capitol has been practically closed cover the entire property with the main since the new owners purchased it about entrance on Ludington Street and exits on six weeks ago. Originally they planned to the side and rear alleys. spend about $4,000 in improvements, but Architect Charlton, of Marquette, was doubled that amount in order to bring the commissioned to draft the plans for the theatre entirely up to standard. The house, theatre with instructions to design “a house of brick construction, was erected several second to none in the Upper Peninsula,” years ago. containing “everything modern and up-to- date in accordance with the state’s sanitary and safety laws.” COLONIAL THEATRE Plans were to construct a theatre which 209-211 East Ludington Street would be able to show the higher grade Iron Mountain motion pictures, and have a stage sufficient to accommodate larger theatrical companies. Martin Thomas, then manager of the Bijou Theatre at 104-106 West Ludington Street, was to manage the new house. By June 8, 1916, Contractor Anton Meinch was removing the frame buildings which Brauns had sold to Joseph Tamborini, and excavation for the new “opera house” was to commence as soon as the buildings were moved. An article in October 26, 1916 edition of The Iron Mountain Press stated that the new opera house would “be illuminated with 32 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] one thousand electric lamps, many of them booked. The dressing rooms were large of large power.” The brick masons had and comfortable and there were toilet finished work on the building and the rooms for women and men. scenery loft was almost enclosed. The “machine operating room” Plumbers were then engaged in installing (projection booth) was located in the front of the heating, ventilating and water systems. the house directly under the balcony. It The ventilating system was to include all was fire-proof in every respect, ample in that was “new and modern.” size, well ventilated and equipped with two The Colonial Theatre, described in the of the latest motor driven machines December 14, 1916 edition of The Iron (projectors). Mountain Press, as “Iron Mountain’s The entrance to the theatre was very beautiful new play-house,” opened roomy, featuring “an artistic tile floor” and Saturday evening, December 16, 1916 with mahogany swinging doors. To the left of “Poor Little Peppina,” starring Mary the lobby was a rest room for ladies with a Pickford, America’s sweetheart in motion toilet. The men’s restroom was on the right. pictures. Both were equipped with sanitary fixtures. For the grand opening all seats in all The ventilating system consisted of departments sold for twenty-five cents. For “what is known as the force system with future motion picture attractions the which all modern theatres are now following prices were: main floor, 15 cents; equipped,” while the heating plant had what balcony, 10 cents; and box seats, 25 cents. was known as “the down draft boiler Seats in boxes could be reserved for all system.” occasions. The plans for the theatre were made by The Colonial was constructed of tile with Architect Charlton, of Marquette, and the a covering of grey stucco. The front had “a building was erected under the supervision most artistic design” with 60 feet of frontage of Hans Nelson. on East Ludington Street. At the alley, the An article appearing in the third edition building was 75 feet wide, and the total of Iron Mountain’s new newspaper, The depth was 120 feet. Iron Mountain Daily News, dated The main auditorium had a bowl-shaped Wednesday, April 13, 1921, an article concrete floor and could be flushed directly announced that the exterior alterations to into the sewer system, “ensuring the utmost the Bijou Theatre were nearing completion. cleanliness.” There were 550 upholstered The Bijou reopened on Monday, April 25, opera chairs of the latest design on the 1921, and the Colonial Theatre closed for a main floor, while the balcony contained 360 complete remodeling and interior opera chairs “of comfortable design.” There redecoration on Friday, May 29, 1921. were three boxes, each with a seating The remodeling project included capacity of seven persons. The chairs in removing the partitions at the rear and at the boxes were “of a neat wicker pattern.” both sides of the entrance and widening Thus, the theatre had a seating capacity of both the foyer and the rear of the theatre 931, affording everyone “an unobstructed proper. The stairs at the left of the entrance view of the entire stage.” which led to the balcony were to be torn out The stage had an opening 32x18 feet and a new and wider flight built to replace with a height of 50 feet from the floor to the them. In addition, all new seats were to be gridiron, and was 30 feet deep. It was placed in the balcony “with the addition of a arranged so the largest attractions could be loge box arrangement similar to that used in 33 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] a number of the more modern picture A modernization program for both the theatres throughout the country.” The loge Braumart and Colonial theatres, operated boxes were mainly used to accommodate by the Braumart Theater Company, was private theatre parties. undertaken in the summer of 1935. An New Simplex projectors and Idealite article in the July 29, 1935 edition of the screens were placed in both the Bijou and Iron Mountain News announced that the Colonial theatres at the time of the Colonial Theater would open with a matinee remodeling. performance on Monday, August 3, 1935. When the remodeling was completed, Both the exterior and interior of the the Colonial Theatre seated 900 patrons theater had been rebuilt and decorated and was used largely for showing larger along new and modern lines. feature pictures, as well as road shows. All decorating of the Colonial, inside and The Bijou, accommodating 700 patrons, out, was “designed and executed” by the was used only for lighter attractions and Bond Decorating Company. The exterior was a motion picture theatre only. had a terra cotta base, trimmed in dark Just two years later the Colonial Theatre brown. The terra cotta was “high-lighted” to was once again redecorated. An article in bring out a more effective blend with the the June 30, 1923 edition of The Iron trimming. Mountain News reported that “the Colonial Inside the decorative scheme was Theatre will within the next several weeks worked out in a grayish-tan theme, with be transformed into the prettiest theatre in mulberry paneling, trimmed in gold. The Cloverland, according to plans for wainscoting along the walls was of gray- remodeling and redecorating the interior. tan, the outer panels of mulberry, with gold A contract for the work was closed by borders, and the inner panels of light green. Martin D. Thomas, manager, and the The ceiling was finished in ivory, and the Decorative Supply Company and Andrew same grayish-tan motif prevailed in the Jasinski & Company, both firms being balcony and corridors. located in Chicago. High intensity lamps, a new generator, a The plans called for a large amount of new wide range Western Electric sound decorative plaster work, including pilasters system and an improved screen brought on the side walls and fancy moldings the projection and sound equipment up to around the proscenium. The theatre was to the highest approved standards. The new be thoroughly renovated, the color scheme marquee at the front of the theater of the painting consisting of old rose and contained hundreds of electric lamps and gold and gray. Ernest Bond, local many feet of neon tubing to present a decorator, was associated in the work. striking color effect. The box office was removed and a new Seats, all reconditioned, which had one built in the center of the lobby. New recently been removed from the Braumart entrance doors were installed and the to make room for new ones, provided outside canopy rebuilt and painted. added comfort for patrons of the Colonial. The entire gallery of the theatre was The Colonial Theater, closed in June, equipped with new seats and repairs were 1952, was reopened on Christmas Day of made to the seats on the first floor. In that same year with Frank Osteroth, of addition, all aisles were thickly carpeted Hancock, a Korean War veteran, named and new lighting fixtures installed manager. An article in the December 16, throughout. 1952 edition of the Iron Mountain News 34 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] also noted that redecorating and cleaning of Architect Charlton, of Marquette, has the the theater under Osteroth’s supervision order to draft the plans for the theatre and was underway in preparation for the his instructions are to _____ a house December 25 opening. second to none in the upper peninsula. Mr. Braun’s orders _____ plan an opera house The Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, containing _____ thing that is modern and Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 21, up-to-date in accordance with the _____ Number 1 [Thursday, May 18, 1916], sanitary and safety laws. page 1, column 3 [NOTE: Segment of While the theatre will _____ show the this column missing, resulting in higher grade _____ pictures, such as the incomplete transcription] _____ now unable to produce _____ provided with a _____ sufficient to BUILD NEW THEATRE accommodate _____ theatrical companies _____ Marquette, Ishpeming, ______country towns. The opera house _____ capacity of one A.E. BRAUNS WILL ERECT A FINE thousand _____ main floor _____. _____ HOUSE ON E. LUDINGTON. brick will be _____ -tion, and _____ make it _____ st_____ estimated that _____ considerable more _____. The decision _____ Iron Mountain Modern in Every Feature, Will Seat _____ should meet _____ -tion at the Over One Thousand People and ha_____. It is evidenced _____ Iron To Cost Over $25,000. Mountain _____ Iron Mountain _____ Mr. Brauns _____ -ing his belief _____ sums of Iron Mountain is to have a theatre money _____ city proper, but _____ -ming second to none north of Milwaukee. resources _____ the vicinity. His several It will be erected by August E. Brauns, enterprises stamp him as a good citizen on the property opposite the city hall and in his latest enterprise he should have building, on East Ludington street, now the hearty and undivided support of all occupied by two frame buildings and known citizens. as the Farmers’ Hotel. In this connection it is pleasing to record The property was purchased by Mr. that Martin Thomas will have the Brauns during the week from the management of the new house. Mr. Martin Commercial Bank, and is splendidly located is in close touch with the likes and dislikes for the purposes of a modern theatre. of Iron Mountain people and it is his The property has frontage on East constant endeavor to please theatre-goers Ludington street of sixty feet and a depth of and bring the better class of attractions seventy-five feet, extending to the alley. here. With the new house he will be There is also an alley on the west side. enabled to enlarge upon his ideas in this The theatre building will cover the entire direction. His selection as manager will property with the main entrance on prove popular and assures Iron Mountain of Ludington street and exits on the side and a class of theatrical attractions of rear alleys. metropolilan [sic – metropolitan]. [sic] No decision has been reached relative to the future of the Bijou. It may be 35 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] maintained as a picture house and it may The Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, be converted into a high-grade skating rink Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 21, with added accommodations for balls and Number 31 [Thursday, December 14, large gatherings. 1916], page 1, column 1 It is expected to commence work on the new house as soon as Mr. Charlton can NAMED COLONIAL formulate the plans. _____ The Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 21, IRON MOUNTAIN’S MODERN AND Number 4 [Thursday, June 8, 1916], PRETTY NEW PLAY-HOUSE. page 1, column 6 _____

New Opera House. The House Will Inaugurate a Picture Service Saturday Evening: Contractor Meinch has commenced the A Brief Description of House. work of removing the frame buildings on East Ludington street sold by A.E. Brauns to Joseph Tambourini [sic – Tamborini], and “The Colonial,” Iron Mountain’s beautiful as soon as the removal is accomplished new play-house, will be thrown open to the excavating for the new opera house will public next Saturday evening. commence. Architect Charlton is now The opening attraction is Mary Pickford working on the plans and will have his in “Poor Little Peppina.” For this occasion sketches ready for submission to Owner all seats, in all departments, will sell for Brauns in a few days. twenty-five cents. For future picture attractions the following schedule of prices Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, will maintain: Main floor, 15c; balcony, 10c; Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 21, box seats, 25c. Seats in boxes may be Number 24 [Thursday, October 26, reserved for all occasions. 1916], page 2, column 4 The Colonial is second to no theatre in all appointments north of Milwaukee. The building is constructed of tile with a BRIEF NEWS NOTES. covering of grey stucco. The front is of a _____ most artistic design. It has a frontage on East Ludington street of sixty feet and on The new opera house will be illuminated the alley it is seventy-six feet wide. It has a with one thousand electric lamps, many of total depth of one hundred and twenty feet. them of large power. The brick masons The main auditorium has a bowl-shaped have finished work on the building and the concrete floor and can be flushed directly scenery loft is about inclosed [sic – into the sewer system, ensuring the utmost enclosed]. Plumbers are engaged in cleanliness. It is seated with 550 of the installing the heating, ventilating and water latest pattern in upholstered opera chairs. systems. The ventilating system will The balcony is seated with 360 opera include all that is new and modern. chairs of comfortable design. There are three boxes, each with a seating capacity of

36 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] seven persons. The chairs are of a neat house is a beautiful one and Mr. Brauns is wicker pattern. This gives the theatre a deserving of praise for erecting the same. seating capacity of 931. There is not a The Colonial will be managed by Martin “poor seat” in the house, everyone [sic – Thomas. The gentleman has been highly every one] affording an unobstructed view successful in guaging [sic – gauging] the of the entire stage. wants of Iron Mountain in an amusement The stage has an opening 32x18 feet way in the past, and with a modern theatre with a height of 50 feet from the floor to the at his command he is certain to enlarge his gridiron, and is 30 feet in depth. It is so capacity as a successful manager. arranged that the largest attractions can be The Press wishes Owner Brauns and booked. The dressing rooms are large and Manager Thomas every success. comfortable and there are toilet rooms for women and men. The Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, The machine operating room is located Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 25, in the front of the house directly under the Number 12 [Thursday, August 5, 1920], balcony. It is fire-proof in every respect, page 1, column 6 ample in size and well ventilated. It is equipped with two of the latest motor driven Another Theatre. machines. The entrance to the theatre is very While in Chicago recently, Martin roomy. It has an artistic tile floor and the Thomas, manager of the Colonial, swinging doors are mahogany. To the left completed arrangements for the erection of of the lobby is a rest room for ladies with a another theatre building in Iron Mountain. toilet. The toilet for males is on the right. The new house will be similar in Both are equipped with sanitary fixtures. construction to the Colonial, which is one of The ventilating system is what is known the best theatre buildings in the west, but as the force system with which all modern will have a larger seating capacity and will theatres are now equipped. The heating embrace all that is new in the latest plant is known as the down draft boiler amusement houses. Construction will start system. at as early a date as possible in the spring. All the other appointments are of the latest in theatre construction. The Iron Mountain Daily News, Iron The plans for the theatre were made by Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Architect Charlton, of Marquette, and it is in _____ Year, Number _____ keeping with his other work in this city – of [Wednesday, April 13, 1921], page 2, a high order. columns 7-8 The theatre was erected under the supervision of Hans Nelson. The work was commenced about the middle of August. BIJOU THEATRE IS Mr. Nelson was on the job early and late SOON TO BE OPENED and the speed with which the building was _____ erected is most creditable to his ability as a master builder and superintendent. The house is owned by A.E. Brauns. It Early in May Manager is a magnificent monument to his enterprise Thomas Will Begin and faith in the future of our city. The Work at Colonial 37 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

_____ vote being taken among the members of [the] Michigan Moving Picture Exhibitors The exterior alterations to the Bijou association to determine their stand on the Theatre are nearing completion and Clara Smith Hamon pictures. “I wouldn’t manager Thomas hopes to open the house take them if they were offered me without about the first of May. The alterations will price and under guarantee that they would include a new stucco front of a pleasing pack the house for a week,” he declared. design, a new entrance and lobby and two All the comment heard on the subject toilet rooms. The auditorium has been indicates that the Michigan exhibitors will be entirely remodeled. It has been provided practically a unit against any attempts to with a composition incline floor and will be capitalize the notoriety of the slayer of Jake furnished with the latest opera chairs – 600 Hamon, the former Republican boss of of them and one of the very latest picture Oklahoma, through the medium of the machines. A new heating plant of ample picture houses. The majority of upper capacity has been placed in the basement. peninsula managers have already taken a No expense has been spared to make the stand against showing the Hamon pictures, house comfortable, sanitary and safe. With which will be presented under the guise of a the Bijou open, Manager Thomas will close moral lesson designed to keep girls the Colonial in order that it may be included “fit” [?] be wayward on the straight decorated anew and remodeled in some and narrow path. respects. A notable change will be made in “This moral lesson stuff reads very rearranging and enlarging the lobby. It is prettily,” Mr. Thomas remarked yesterday. proposed to place the ticket office in the “But the cold fact of the matter is that the center, which will greatly expedite the sale purpose of the producers is to make molney of tickets. Manager Thomas has in mind out of the unenviable notoriety gained by an some changes in the balcony arrangement erring and unfortunate woman. that will tend to the comfort of patrons. “It would be one of the most serious injuries pictures ever suffered if the attempt The Iron Mountain Daily News, Iron should meet with a cordial reception. Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Personally I am confident it will not. All Volume 1, Number 3 [Wednesday, April over the country house managers have 13, 1921], page 2, column 1 been taking a firm stand against these pictures, and I am hopeful that the COLONIAL CLOSED TO prospective producers will be so discouraged by this display of sentiment CLARA SMITH HAMON that they will give up the project.”1 _____ The Iron Mountain Daily News, Iron Manager Thomas Says He Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Would Not Take Pic- _____ Year, Number _____ [Friday, April 22, 1921], page 2, column 1 ture Price Fee _____ BIJOU THEATRE TO

M.D. Thomas, manager of the Colonial OPEN NEXT MONDAY theatre, will register an emphatic “no” in the 38 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

_____ best equipped motion picture theatre in the district. Wallace Reid, in “The When completed the Bijou will seat Dancin’ Fool,” Opening approximately 700 persons, and the Colonial 900. Idealite screens – the latest Attraction innovation in motion picture screens – will _____ be installed in both theatres. Manager Castell, of the Colonial orchestra, will The Bijou theatre, the remodeling and organize a second group of musicians for redecoration of which is practically the Bijou. completed, will open Monday, featuring Features At Colonial. Wallace Reid in “The Dancin’ Fool,” It is Mr. Thomas’ plan to use the according to M.D. Thomas, manager of Colonial largely, [sic] for showing of the both the Bijou and Colonial theatres. larger feature picture [sic], as well as the Beginning next week the Rex stock road shows, with lighter attractions at the company will open at the Colonial, featuring Bijou, which will be a motion picture theatre a number of popular plays on the week’s only. The first attraction booked for the bill. Colonial after the redecoration is complete The Colonial will be closed for a is “Something to Think About,” an intensely complete remodeling and interior interesting screen drama and one which is redecoration May 29. The improvements showing to capacity houses throughout the planned by Mr. Thomas will transform the country. In connection with this film Mr. theatre into one of the most attractive Thomas has planned an advertising playhouses in this section. The partitions at scheme which will, it is confidently the rear and at both sides of the entrance expected, give the residents of Iron will be torn out, widening both the foyer and Mountain “Something to Think About” the rear of the theatre proper. The stairs at besides the actual story of the film. the left of the entrance, leading to the Wally Reid at Bijou. balcony, will also be torn out and a new and In “The Dancin’ Fool” Wallace Reid is wider flight built in. particularly amusing and entertaining as a New Seats In Balcony. youth who invades the “wicked city” in All new seats will be placed in the search of employment. He has a distinct balcony, with the addition of a loge box liking for “jazz” music and the dance, which arrangement similar to that used in a characteristically carries him through a number of the more modern picture series of entertaining episodes, much to the theatres throughout the country. The loge disgust of his staid old uncle. The wind-up, boxes will accommodate private theatre in which Wallie exploits his uncle’s stock in parties and are used, largely, for that trade – earth jugs – by a clever advertising purpose. scheme, and his rather abrupt rise to fame, New Simplex projectors will be placed in constitutes a story which is unusually both the Bijou and the Colonial theatres. interesting. Bebe Daniels makes an The Simplex is the best motion picture excellent dancing partner for Wallie – which projector now in [sic] the market, and the is an added attraction. type used for both local theatres will be somewhat similar to that used in the new The Iron Mountain Daily News, Iron Delft theatre, at Marquette, said to be the Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, 39 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Volume 1, Number 68 [Wednesday, men a week,” he said. “”With the exception June 29, 1921], page 2, column 1 two who came through here on special trips, I haven’t seen one for the past six or COLONIAL CLOSES; eight weeks.” “Many of these producers and TO OPEN JULY 24 distributors don’t know the war is over. If _____ they expect to sell their product, they’ll have to come down. Take Bill Hart, for example; Has Been Operating at Loss last year he made six pictures and paid tax For Over a Week, on an income of $700,000. Film salesmen Says Manager are paid as high as $125 a week and _____ expenses; agency managers get as high as $200 a week. There’s only one thing to do;

that’s to start using the paring knife.” With the ending of the second performance last evening, the doors of the The Iron Mountain Daily News, Iron Colonial theatre were closed, to remain Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, closed until July 24, when the Gifford Stock _____ Year, Number _____ [Friday, company will open a week’s engagement. July 29, 1921], page 2, column 4 “This step, while extremely distasteful, is necessary, unless we are to run up a deficit which we will not be above to overcome this “POLLYANNA” IS PLAY fall,” said M.D. Thomas, manager. “For the AT COLONIAL TONIGHT past week or more, we have been operating at a loss.” _____ Mr. Thomas produced figures to show that on the last night the box office receipts “Dawn o’ The Mountains” were less than the film rental, exclusive of Pleased Audience operating cost and advertising. Last Evening “The condition is general,” he continued. _____ “In Marquette, the opera house is closed, and will remain so, according to reports, “Dawn O’ the Mountains,” a play of the until next spring. In Ishpeming, the Butler is Kentucky hills, was the attraction presented closed; in Negaunee, the Liberty. In the by the Gatlord [?] Players at the Colonial copper country, seven out of nine theater last evening, and was well received playhouses have closed their doors. In by a large audience. The production was Milwaukee, it is reported, only two theatres on the order of “The Trail of the Lonesome of any size will remain open during the Pine” and the parts were well portrayed. summer. The Tivolli, Chicago’s two million Tonight, the play will be “Pollyanna,” a dollar motion picture house, is reported to dramatization of the book which scored be losing thousands of dollars a week. I such a phenomenal success. The play see Tivoli bonds advertised for sale in the tomorrow evening will be “One Girl’s Chicago Tribune.[”] Experience.” The film companies realize the crisis, too, Mr. Thomas says. “Before the The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, depression, I used to see about three film Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 2, 40 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Number 163 [Tuesday, October 24, Plans Call For Making It 1922], page 2, column 3 Prettiest Theatre in Cloverland HIST! PLENTY OF _____ ‘MOON’ THURSDAY The Colonial theatre will within the next _____ several weeks be transformed into the prettiest theatre in Cloverland, according to Musical Comedy Will Be plans for remodeling and redecorating the Seen at the Colonial interior. A contract for the work has already Theatre been closed by M.D. Thomas, manager, _____ with the Decorative Supply company and Andrew Jasinski & company. Both firms are located in Chicago. A creole beauty chorus, the famous The plans call for a large amount of Blue Devil jazz orchestra and Billie King, decorative plaster work, including plasters comedian, are the outstanding features of [sic – pilasters] on the side walls and fancy “Moonshine,” a musical comedy that will be moldings around the proscenium. The seen at the Colonial theatre Thursday theatre will be thoroughly renovated and the evening. color scheme of the painting will consist of According to advance notices, old rose and gold and gray. Ernest Bond, “Moonshine” is one of the best of the lighter local decorator, will be associated in the musical comedies now on the road. It work. hasn’t any plot to speak of but there is The present box office is to be removed sufficient for a lot of tom foolery and and a new one built in the center of the amusement. The orchestra is composed of lobby. New entrance doors are to be talented musicians. installed and the outside canopy rebuilt and The show is out of the ordinary in that all painted. the performers are colored and dancing and The entire gallery of the theatre is to be singing are second nature to these equipped with new suits [sic – suites – ?] residents of the south. The company and repairs will be made to the seats on the enjoyed a long run in New York and first floor. In addition, all aisles will be Chicago and is at present making a tour of thickly carpeted and new lighting fixtures the upper peninsula. installed throughout.

The theatre will be closed July 30 and The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, reopened about August 20. A large force of Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 3, men will be employed on the work and no Number 69 [Saturday, June 30, 1923], time lost in making the transformation. An page 2, column 3 expert in theatre decorating who is familiar with every show house in the peninsula COLONIAL WILL declares that the Colonial will without question be the best appearing of all when BE RE-DECORATED the work is completed. _____

41 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, decapitation, is an interlude in Oriental Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 4, Nights. Number 121 [Wednesday, September 3, Two double length railroad baggage 1924], page 2, column 1 cars are required to transport the paraphernalia and live stock [sic – livestock] FAMOUS MAGICIAN of the Blackstone outfit. Twenty-eight persons, including the corps of beauty, are AT THE COLONIAL in the entourage. The performance is _____ divided into two acts and 26 scenes.

Blackstone Here For Two Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Days; Carries Big Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 4, Number 122 [Thursday, September 4, Company 1924], page 2, column 1 _____

Blackstone, famous conjurer, and his LARGE AUDIENCE company of assistants will be the attraction SEES BLACKSTONE at the Colonial theatre today and tomorrow, _____ with matinee performances. Blackstone enjoys the reputation of being one of the country’s most noted magicians and carries But It Doesn’t See How with him elaborate settings for the He Performs His performance of his tricks. Tricks. The entertainment value of the show is _____ assured. All forms of known amusements have been called upon to contribute their Blackstone, the famous, demonstrated share in the Blackstone amalgamation. to a large Colonial audience last night that There is magic, circus, musical comedy, he has lost none of the deftness and ability revue, comedy and drama all rolled into that has made him one of the foremost one. Blackstone himself uses the magicians in the country. somewhat grandiose phrase “a girliesque Ably assisted by his large company, the necromantic extravaganza.” Doubtless this past master in the art of staging a is as a veracious and comprehensive necromantic exhibition have a performance description as it is possible to compass in that has never been equaled here by other some many words. magicians. His tricks and illusions are Oriental Nights, one of the many clever, mystifying and, as far as the incidents in the Blackstone program, is a audience is concerned, impossible to solve. colorful pageant of the far east. Camels, He makes things disappear or appear with horses, Arabs and a whole seraglio of the ease of a real miracle performer. intriguing nautch [sic] girls provide an exotic A baggage car of equipment is carried setting for a series of Blackstone mysteries by the Blackstone company and includes a themselves redolent of the occult Levant. fair sized menagerie. It is the most Burned at the Cross, Blackstone’s elaborate production of its kind ever staged sensational crucifixion and escape from here.

42 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

A matinee performance was given today James Brewster, Ned Dundon; Tom and the closing performance of the Higgins, Morris Clauson; Parsons, Leo engagement here will be held this evening. Lefebvre; Rainbow soloist, Miss Carpenter. Master Jack, Robert Brauns; Priscilla, Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Catherine Gensch; Daisy, Coral Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, Obermeyer; Vera, Elizabeth Richards. Number 14 [Monday, April 27, 1925], Bridesmaids – Gwendolyn Skeels, Edna page 2, column 3; page 8, columns 2-4 Hanna, C. Elliott, Lois Straub, Winifred [photograph – To Be Seen In Springtime Kingsford, Merle Malin, Babe Eisele and – bridesmaids performers] Mrs. Disher. Wedding Guests – Jovan Basso, Ruth ANNOUNCE CAST Vincent, Freda Peterson, Gladys Peterson, Marguerite Wallace and Lillian Williams. OF ‘SPRINGTIME’ Jury – Carmen Conte, Dorothy E. _____ Bonen, Marie Zonomski, Maxine Elliott, Elizabeth Ahrens, Lucile Payant, Audrey Musical Comedy to Be Hess, Esther DuChaine, Grace Spencer, Given This Week At Jean Cudlip, Helen Reigart, Avis Anderson, Ardelle Mahoney, Helen Larkin and Myrtle Colonial Beard. _____ Playmates – Jeane Parmelee, Martha Thompson, Guenivere Schenl; Leslie The cast of “springtime,” [a] musical Coffin, John Reigart, Josephine Benzo, comedy to be presented Wednesday and Maxine Tomilson, Jeane Oliver, Viola Thursday evenings at the Colonial theatre, Feracca, R.F. Raidle, Billie Seaman, Robert was announced today. Parmelee, Elizabeth McCamant, Kathryn Rehearsals for the play are being held King, Dorothy Parent, Betty Parent, Bobby both afternoons and evenings and a Eisele, Dickie Boll, Jean Drury, Jeannett finished production is looked forward to. Will and Robert Pearce. The show is being presented by the Guest girls – Claire Boyle, Marbell Woman’s club, the John B. Rogers Peterson, Dorothy Coffin, Eleanor Van Producing company directing. Laanen, Marjorie Taylor and Helen “Springtime” is a romantic story that Richards. covers two periods of time. Costuming will Memories – Clare Unger, Alfire conform to the vogue of the period that is Malmberg, Lorrene Tollen, Naomi Holland, being portrayed. Lenora Nelson, Audrey Hess, Erna Hess The cast follows: and Dorothy Bonen. Priscilla, Mrs. Ellen Andrews; Elvira, Futurists – John D. Boyle, Ernest Miss Florentine Beering; Primorse, Miss Brown, Wallace Wedin, Lester Goodney, Jane O’Neil; Zenabia, Mrs. H.W. Martin; John Richards, Clyde Detra, Edgar Abigail, Mrs. Harold Sandercock; Joyce, Erickson, Edward McKelvy, Philip P. Miss Clara Rahoi; Desiree, Miss Rose James, Orvbille Hitchens and Marshall Philips; Sue, Miss Mae Selley; Thankful, Barkhurst. Miss Alice Meighen; Mrs. Erkins, Mrs. A.G. Buchman; Jack Wainwright, Donnell Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Anderson; Bobby Brewster, Henry Burton; Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, 43 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Number 15 [Tuesday, April 28, 1925], Hanchette, Mary Jane Peterson and Helen page 3, column 2 McNichols. Mardi Gras – Claire Boyle, Mabelle GOOD SEAT SALE Peterson, Dorothy Coffin, Eleanor Van Laanen, Helen Richards, Clare Unger, FOR ‘SPRINGTIME’ Lorrene Tollen, Naomie Holland and Lenora _____ Nelson. Pillow bearers – Martin Travis and Woman’s Club Show to Russell Hanchette. Be Presented Tomor- Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, row Evening Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, _____ Number 16 [Wednesday, April 29, 1925], page 2, columns 4-5 The advance ticket sale for “Springtime”, the musical comedy which will be presented tomorrow and Thursday nights at the CLUB SHOW TO Colonial theatre under the auspices of the OPEN TONIGHT Woman’s club, is growing rapidly and _____ indications point to two capacity houses.

Rehearsals, which have been under the direction of Miss Mary Jane Casey, of the “Springtime” Due Then John b. Rogers Producing company, have Anyway, If It Isn’t been in progress for three weeks. More Here Otherwise. than 200 persons are included in the cast. _____ The show has been presented in several nearby Wisconsin towns with great success Indications today were that a packed but this will be its first presentation in the house will greet the opening presentation at upper peninsula. the Colonial this evening of “Springtime,” Additional members of the case the home talent production put on under the announced today are as follows: auspices of the Woman’s club. Wedding soloist – Johanna Clifford. A novelty touch to home talent Maids of honor and best men – Elsa productions will be the sale of candy Miller, Anna Goodrich, Eleanor Blixt, Adele between the acts by high school students. Verville, Robert Steven and Emerson The girls will pass through the aisles and McGrath. distribute the candy to those desiring to Society group – Antonette Van Laanen, make the purchase. Mayhap they’ll also do Marjory Unger, Edith Levy, Irene Harvey, a little sales talking in the old approved Gladys Gemlick, Edith Bennett, Olga fashion. Tramontine, Bernice Quinlan, Bert Harvey, The story of the play covers a period of Leo Lefebvre, William Bennett, William more than 50 years and deals with the Sanderson, Morris Clausen, John Boyle, blighted romance of a scion of 1864 John Richards and H.W. Martin. aristocracy and the daughter of the founder Flower girls – Joyce Israelson, Martha of the famous Brewster Pills. Their hopes Betty Travis, Mary Alice King, Mary are realized as nearly as possible in the marriage of their grandchildren in 1924. 44 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Special scenery and costumes have BEING IMPROVED been provided for the show by the John B. Rogers Production company. _____ One of the features of the first act is the wedding scene in 1864, the solo part being Braumart Will Also Un- taken by Miss Johanna Clifford. A group of dergo Extensive Re- 20 children dance and sing in the second modeling Program act and in addition to a solo dance by Miss _____ May Seely and the Spirits of Memory dance. When the modernization program now The third act depicts a temple of fun, a in progress at both the Braumart and rag time [sic – ragtime] jury in a court of Colonial theaters, operated by the Braumart love ending a hilarious mardi gras [sic – Theater company, is complete, the Mardi Gras] party. community will have two theaters which

should compare favorably with any of their Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, size in the state of Michigan. Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, The Colonial theater will be opened with Number 42 [Friday, May 29, 1925], page a matinee performance Monday, August 3, 6, column 4 and will be operated regularly thereafter.

Both the exterior and interior of the theater Contract Signed have been rebuilt and redecorated along For Amateur Show new and modern lines. _____ Attractive Decorative Scheme All decorating of the Colonial, inside and The Knights of Columbus have entered out, is being done by the Bond Decorating into a contract with the LaGrande Sisters company of this city. The exterior is a terra Productoin [sic – Production] company for cotta base, trimmed in dark brown. The the presentation of another home talent terra cotta will be “high-lighted” to bring out show, “Apple Blossom Time,” which will be a more effective blend with the trimming. given at the Colonial theatre December 3 Inside the decorative scheme has been and 4, it was announced today. worked out in a grayish-tan theme, with The same company staged the “Doings mulberry paneling, trimmed in gold. The of the Bowsers” for the organization last wainscoting along the walls is of gray-tan, February. The new show is heralded to be the outer panels of mulberry, with gold even better than the last one. The sisters borders, and the inner panels of light green. will take part in the production. The ceiling is finished in ivory, and the same grayish-tan motif prevails in the Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, balcony and corridors. Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ The general effect, both inside and out, Year, Number _____ [Wednesday, July is very attractive and the design was 29, 1935], page 3, column 1 prepared by the Bond company. New Sound Equipment COLONIAL TO BE High intensity lamps, a new generator, a new wide range Western Electric sound REOPENED AFTER system and an improved screen will bring

45 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] the projection and sound equipment up to glass wainscoting, terminating in a chrome the highest approved standards. The new trim. New chrome display frames will be marquee at the front of the theater is being installed, as well as modern lighting provided with hundreds of electric lamps fixtures. Large circular French mirrors will and many feet of neon tubing to present a be set in the side walls. striking color effect. A new suite of rest rooms [sic – Seats recently removed from the restrooms] will be reached by a wide, Braumart to make room for new ones will curving stairway extending down from the provide added comfort for patrons of the foyer. This stairway will lead directly into a Colonial. All of the seats have been re- carpeted lounge fitted with modernistic conditioned. chrome furniture. To the right of the lounge The Colonial will operate on the same will be situated two ladies’ rooms, finished schedule as now prevails at the Braumart, in shades of pale green and brightly which will be closed while being re-fitted. illuminated. One room will be fitted with as Although the new seats have already been a dressing and smoking lounge. installed at the Braumart, the general Two new men’s rooms will be provided program has only begun there. at the left of the lounge. Work on the Braumart will start the day About 10 days will be required for the the Colonial opens – August 3. improvements, which will make the Improvements to be effected there will Braumart one of the most modern-equipped include the tearing down of the electrical theaters north of Milwaukee. signs, the marquee, display frames and ticket office, and a complete remodeling of The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain- the entrance. Kingsford, Dickinson County, Michigan, A new glass front, finished in royal blue 32nd Year, Number 38 [Saturday, May with chromium trim, will be built at the 24, 1952], page 3, column 1 Braumart, with the new ticket office constructed of blue glass and chrome and Thomas Co. extended to the sidewalk line. Overhead will be a new marquee of enameled steel, To Construct with clusters of electric lights and neon New Drive-In tubing.

The theater name will be inscribed in Bids for the construction of a 400-car electric lights across the front of the drive-in motion picture theater on property marquee, in a combination of both neon situated near the intersection of highway and silhouette letters. The display frames, US-2-141, southeast of the city, by the or attraction boards at either side of the Thomas Theater Co., Inc., of Iron Mountain, theater lettering, will be set at an angle and will be accepted not later than June 15 at will be visible from both the front and sides. the company’s offices, in this city, Martin D. Silhouette letters will stand out from the Thomas, president, announced here today. background of illuminated opal glass, and Plans, Thomas said, call for completion the marquee will be considerably larger of the theater by Aug. 1 of this year, when it than the present one, extending almost will be opened to the public. This is the across the entire front of the theater. program announced a few years ago by the Improvements will also be made in the company president, but which, he said lobby, which will be finished with a blue 46 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] yesterday, was halted by government December 25 restrictions on theater-building. “These restrictions have now been lifted,” Thomas Frank Osteroth, of Hancock, a veteran said, “and we are ready to go ahead.” of the Korean war, has been named The 40-acre tract purchased by the manager of the Iron Mountain Colonial company is situated just east of the theater, which will be reopened to the public highway intersection, where US-141 cuts on Christmas Day. The theater was closed off to Niagara, Wis. As quickly as the last June. contract is awarded, grading of the tract will Mr. Osteroth, a graduate of Painesdale be started in preparation for the installation high school, entered the service on Sept. of equipment. 26, 1950. He was trained at camps in this “We believe there is a demand for an country and then was sent to Korea, where out-door theater in this area,” Thomas said, he fought with the 45th Infantry Division. “and we plan to make it a good one – He was returned to the United States modern in every respect.” under the rotation plan and given his Another Development honorable discharge on Sept. 26, 1952, at Beginning Wednesday, June 4, the Fort Custer. He was a corporal in the Thomas Theater Company will also take medical corps of the 45th division when over full operation of theaters in Iron discharged. Mountain and elsewhere in which, for the Starts Training past 15 years, the Fox-Wisconsin Mr. Osteroth then went to work for the Amusement Enterprise Corporation, of Thomas Theater company, which assigned Milwaukee, has been associated with the him to Hancock for training in preparation Thomas company. Besides the Braumart for his new assignment here. and Colonial, in Iron Mountain, this He is now in Iron Mountain for the final development affects also theaters in the stages of his training before taking charge, Copper Country and in Stevens Point and on Dec. 25, of the Colonial. Janesville, Wis. He today announced that he would In addition to the above-mentioned introduce a double-feature policy at the houses, Thomas Theaters also operates theater, with the show bills changed three theaters in Ironwood, Menominee, times weekly. The theater will be open Marinette and Hurley, Wis., and has interest every night and for matinees on Saturdays in theaters at Madison, Wis. In all, the Iron and Sundays. Mountain company either operates, itself, or Redecorating and cleaning of the is associated with others in about 20 theater was started today under the theaters throughout upper Michigan and supervision of Mr. Osteroth. Wisconsin.

Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, COOTWARE’S MOVIE Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ THEATER Year, Number _____ [Tuesday, Bostrom Building, Norway December 16, 1952], page 2, column 3 Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Colonial To Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 15, Number 36 [Thursday, January 26, Reopen On 1911], page 3, column 3 47 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

and also to furnish light to operate his NORWAY NEWS NUGGETS moving picture machine.

Elmer Cootware will start a moving Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, picture show about the 10th of next month Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 21, up-stairs [sic – upstairs] in the Bostrom Number 42 [Thursday, March 1, 1917], building. page 4, column 1

CUCULI’S OPERA HOUSE CHIPS FROM CHANNING. Channing _____

Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, John Cuculi has installed his new Delco Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 20, lighting system in his opera house and will Number 17 [Thursday, September 9, have no trouble with the movies from now 1915], page 4, columns 2-4 on.

CHIPS FROM CHANNING FLANAGAN BLOCK _____ 425 South Stephenson Avenue Iron Mountain Cuculi’s opera house and dance hall has been completed and the grand opening Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, will be held this (Thursday) evening. Good Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 8, music will be furnished and a cordial Number 40 [Thursday, February 25, invitation is extended to all to attend. 1904], page 1, column 4 … John Cuculi, one of the progressive citizens, has built an opera house. The BIG BLAZE LAST NIGHT building is 36x56 feet on the foundations _____ with fourteen-foot studdings. The stage is 32x10 feet in size. Mr. Cuculi will install an Flanagan Building Totally Destroyed – electric lighting plant. A grand opening will Heavy Losses. be given tonight. At an early hour this morning the Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Flanagan building at the corner of Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 21, Stephenson avenue and East A street was Number 40 [Thursday, February 15, almost completely destroyed by fire. 1917], page 4, column 1 The building was occupied by Kurz Brothers, the well-known horse dealers, as CHIPS FROM CHANNING. a carriage, cutter and harness depot; L.N. Richard, barber shop, and A.I. Khoury, _____ confectionery dealers. The total loss is in the neighborhood of John Cuculi has purchased and will $9,000. The loss of Kurz Brothers is install a Delco lighting plant, for use in between $3,500 and $4,000, with $2,000 illuminating his residence and opera house, 48 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] insurance; L.N. Richards, loss $400, no _____ insurance; A.I. Khoury, loss unknown, insurance, estimated at $900; loss on With a dance attended by 160 couples, building, owned by Judge Flanagan, of the Liberty theatre at Channing was opened Sagola, estimated at $4,000, no insurance. this week. Dancers were in attendance The building was one of the first erected from all parts of Iron, Dickinson, and in Iron Mountain and was for many years Marquette counties, according to Ed. used as a variety theatre. Vermullen, manager. Johnson’s orchestra, of Escanaba, furnished music. The new theatre is a large one, 800 IDLE HOUR THEATRE seats being provided. The seats are Sagola removable, allowing the floor to be cleared for a dance hall, as was done at the Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, opening. Several late motion picture Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 21, features have been booked for showings in Number 43 [Thursday, March 8, 1917], the near future, Mr. Vermullen declared. page 5, column 3

SAGOLA NEWS GOSSIP MARION THEATER/HALL _____ Marion Higgie and J.E. Becknell, Proprietors James Anderson, of Channing, will give 207 East Hughitt Street a stereopticon and moving picture show at Iron Mountain the Idle Hour Theatre next Saturday evening. Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, … Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 16, The Idle Hour Theatre, under the Number 22 [Thursday, October 19, management of the Maccabees, is putting 1911], page 1, column 1 on two good movie shows each week, on Tuesday and Saturday nights. The New Theatre. Universal firms are now featured, and beginning April 10th the Vitagraph films will J.E. Becknell, who has been conducting be shown also. the Bijou for several years, is arranging to open a new popular price theatre. He has leased the building on East Hughitt street LIBERTY THEATRE lately occupied by J.F. Cowling and will Channing remodel the same at once. The place is conveniently located for theatre purposes. Iron Mountain Daily News, Iron Mountain, Mr. Becknell’s management at the Bijou Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 1, has been very successful and he proposes Number 11 [Friday, April 22, 1921], to make the new house a model from the page 3, column 2 point of safety.

NEW THEATRE AT Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, CHANNING OPENED Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 16,

49 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Number 24 [Thursday, November 1, named “The Marion.” This name was 1911], page 1, column 1 selected by the judges from a total list of 147 names, which were suggested by the Our New Theatre. contestants. The prize of $25.00 was awarded to Hugo Ohmen, one of the three J.E. Becknell, who will open the new selecting the same name, and won by theatre in the Mitchell building on East drawing lots. Hguhitt [sic – Hughitt] street, has let the contract for the improvements. The second Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, floor is to be removed and replaced with an Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 16, arched steel ceiling. A balcony will be Number 26 [Thursday, November 16, erected over the main entrance. It is also 1911], page 5, column 5 proposed to strengthen the building and provide roomy and safe exits. Mr. Becknell The work of remodeling the Mitchell declares that he will have one of the best building on East Hughitt street for theatrical arranged and safest playhouse [sic – purposes is progressing rapidly under the playhouses] in the upper peninsula. direction of Architect Parmelee. Plans call for a tasty front and interior decoration. Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Manager Becknell has given Mr. Parmelee Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 16, a free hand, only requesting that it be made Number 24 [Thursday, November 1, safe and sanitary correct [sic]. 1911], page 4, column 2 Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, BRIEF CITY NEWS. Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 16, _____ Number 29 [Thursday, December 7, 1911], page 1, column 4

Architect Parmelee is at work on the The Marion. plans for the new popular price theatre which J.E. Becknell will open in the Mitchell building on East Hughitt street. The plans The work of converting the Mitchell call for a new front of a tasty design. Mr. building on E [sic – E.] Hughitt street into a Becknell expects to open up, [sic] the latter picture theatre is progressing at a rapid part of the month. rate. A dozen or more men are employed in the work and “The Marion” should be Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, ready for dedication in the course of two Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 16, weeks. An agreeable surprise awaits the Number 26 [Thursday, November 16, public at “The Marion.” It will be one of the 1911], page 1, column 2 neatest and best arranged theatres in Michigan with a seating capacity of about “The Marion.” four hundred. The house is well provided with exits and could be emptied in a couple of moments, and in addition the sanitation The photo play-house [sic – playhouse] is all that could be desired. on east [sic – East] Hughitt street, which is soon to open under the management of Marion Higgie and J.E. Becknell, has been 50 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, by daylight or in a well-lighted hall at night. Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 16, Only one curtain of this kind is sold in any Number 33 [Thursday, January 4, 1912], one place. Manager Becknell has the page 1, column 4 exclusive right to use the curtain in this city.

A Handsome Play-House. The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ The Marion, the new photo-play-house, Year, Number _____ [Monday, October was opened to the public for the first time 17, 1921], page 2, column 2 last Saturday night. The seating capacity of the theatre is four hundred twenty-five and MARION HALL NOW the attendance was so great that the proprietors, Marion Higgie and J.E. ATTRACTIVE PLACE Becknell, found it necessary to give three _____ shows instead of two, as was at first planned. During each show the house was New Floor Has Been Laid, filled to its capacity, which means that over and Interior Completely twelve hundred people were in attendance Refinished. on the opening night. The little Gerry _____ sisters, of Chicago, aged seven and five years, furnished one of the leading features Those who have attended dances at in their singing act, which brought forth Marion hall since it has been remodeled encore after encore from the well-pleased declare that it is now one of the best, if not audience. Taken all in all, the opening the best, dance halls on the range. night of The Marion was a grand success Remodeling was started over a month and the management is deserving of great ago and completed within the past two credit for supplying a new and up-to-date weeks. A new hardwood floor has been place of amusement for the public. The laid, the stage enlarged and extended, the theatre is one of the best arranged and entire interior whitewashed and repainted safest in the north country. Extra attention and dressing rooms equipped for ladies and has been given to sanitation. Juvenile gentlemen. Storm doors have been attendants are assured of the close installed at the entrance for cold weather. personal supervision of the proprietors. The interior walls are finished in blue, as

is the proscenium arch. A balcony, finished Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, in gold, adorns each side of the stage. The Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 17, latter has been enlarged sufficiently to Number 45 [Thursday, March 27, 1913], accommodate an orchestra. page 1, column 2 The new floor, large enough to

accommodate 50 couples comfortably, has Handsome New Curtain. been surfaced and waxed until it has been pronounced the best in this vicinity. Chairs A new gold fibre [sic – fiber] picture are provided around the sides. curtain has been installed at the Marion The balcony provides a place for those theatre[.] The curtain is something new and who do not care to dance but to watch makes it possible to show moving pictures those who do. It, too, has been provided 51 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] with chairs. A passageway leads from the company, of Kansas City, Mo., it was balcony to the dressing rooms, which are anounced [sic – announced] today. located on the second floor of the building The building will be 58x113 feet and of next to the theatre. The partition which was brick fireproof construction. It will be two formerly under the balcony has been stories in height, with two stores and a removed, allowing considerably more space barber shop on the first floor and living on the dance floor. quarters on the second. Furnishing of the new hall has been Construction work will start within two attractively done. Cretonne curtains cover weeks, it was said. The estimated cost of doors and windows. An illuminated sign to the building is $25,000, not including the the left of the stage announces the different theatre equipment. dances, while a more or less lifelike The theatre is to be operated by the representation of the moon furnishes Bustler company in which it was said, two illumination for the “moonlight” dances. brothers are associated. The plans are to Three dances have already been held in be finished within a week. the new hall, and the Mason school of dancing and expression has sessions every Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Monday, under the direction of Miss Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ Frances Mason. Year, Number _____ [Thursday, July 3, 1924], page 1, column 1 MARY ANNE THEATRE Corner of West Hughitt and Stockbridge THEATRE WORK Avenue Iron Mountain STARTS MONDAY _____ Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ Plans For New Structure Year, Number _____ [Wednesday, June Completed, Bustler 18, 1924], page 1, columns 2-3 Declares _____ Drawing Plans For Theatre Building on Hughitt Street Excavation work for the Mary Anne _____ theatre building, which will be located on the corner of West Hughitt street and

Stockbridge avenue, will begin Monday, it Kansas City Investment was said today by Frank Bustler, member Company Back of New of the firm of the Bustler Investment Project Here company, of Kansas City, Mo. _____ Plans and specifications on the structure are completed, according to Mr. Bustler, Plans for a new moving picture theatre who said that the building will be 58 feet building to be located at the corner of West wide and 116 feet long. The cost of the Hughitt and Stockbridge avenue are beng combination theatre and store building will drawn by F.E. and G.F. Parmelee, amount to $55,000. architects, for the F. Bustler Investment 52 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

The structure will be built out of red Bidders for possession of the opera fireproof brick with three fronts facing house were extremely numerous last Hughitt street. The foyer, leading to the evening, the township board being deluged auditorium in the rear of the building, will with proposals. Wm. Whalen was awarded also be in the front. the lease at $48 per month. The second floor of the building will be … divided into apartments, which are to be Some of our prominent citizens are equipped with all modern conveniences. talking of erecting a large building on the The auditorium of the theatre will occupy old opera house site. The building, if a space approximately 75x58 feet. It will erected, will be 46x100 feet, one story with have a seating capacity of 625 and is to be a 20-foot ceiling, and is intended for a beer an exclusive moving picture house. It is hall, concert room, roller rink, opera house, estimated that $20,000 will be expended on dance hall, or anything that the necessities equipment. may require the people and the people are willing to pay for. The scheme will probably NORWAY OPERA HOUSE take definite shape in a day or two, and if Main Street (Old Town) the parties interested conclude to build, the Norway new structure will be completed and opened to the public by July 4th. The Florence Mining News, Florence, Florence County, Wisconsin, Volume III, The Current, Norway, Menominee County, Number 35 [Saturday, September 1, Michigan, Volume I, Number 12 1883], page 1, column 6 [Saturday, April 25, 1885], page 1, column 1 FIRE AT NORWAY. The painters are now busy at work

putting the finishing touches on the opera On Wednesday morning at about 2 house. o’clock a fire broke out at John

O’Callaghan’s Opera House, at the foot of The Current, Norway, Menominee County, Main Street, which had just been fitted up, Michigan, Volume I, Number 24 and opened as a roller skating rink. The [Saturday, July 18, 1885], page 1, blaze spread unimpeded to adjoining column 1 buildings and consumed in short order

William Dickie’s livery, Lieverthal’s clothing The painting of the opera house is store, and the old Nicholson drug store, finished. which contained some stock. The loss is estimated at $25,000, with small insurance. The Current, Norway, Menominee County, The origin of the fire is shrouded in mystery. Michigan, Volume I, Number 29

[Saturday, August 22, 1885], page 1, The Current, Norway, Menominee County, column 1 Michigan, Volume I, Number 11

[Saturday, April 18, 1885], page 1, The council chamber, in the opera column 2 house building, has been tastefully

furnished, the handiwork of that eminent

53 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] artist, J.B. Knight. It certainly presents a –The work on the new stage and very inviting appearance. scenery at the Opera Hall is almost … completed, and it is thought everything will Our readers should bear in mind the be done in time for the Abbie Carrington supper and entertainment to-night [sic – entertainment on the 22d. [sic] tonight] at the opera house for the benefit of the M.E. church. Supper served at six The Current, Norway, Menominee County, o’clock, entertainment begins at eight. Michigan, Volume II, Number 49 [Saturday, January 1, 1887], page 1, The Current, Norway, Menominee County, column 2 Michigan, Volume I, Number 50 [Saturday, January 16, 1886], page 1, –Those who may desire the use of column 1 Opera Hall are requested to call on or write to the managers, Messrs. R.M. Sampson A social hop was had at the Opera Hall and Anton Odill [sic – O’Dill]. last night, which, considering the notice given, was a success in every respect. The Current, Norway, Menominee County, About a dozen couples were present from Michigan, Volume III, Number 11 Iron Mountain and Quinnesec, and every [Saturday, April 16, 1887], page 1, one [sic – everyone] seemed to have a column 2 good time. Come again, ladies and gentlemen, but give the commitee [sic – –The show business has opened up in a committee] some idea next time as to how manner which promises to make it many are coming, and you shall not go profitable for the leasers of Opera Hall, away hungry. Messrs. Sampson & Odill [sic – O’Dill]. We shall be pleased to note their success. The Current, Norway, Menominee County, –On Saturday next, April 23rd, there will Michigan, Volume II, Number 45 be a dance at Opera Hall, and a raffle for a [Saturday, December 4, 1886], page 1, horse afterwards. Music will be furnished column 2 by the Norway orchestra, and a good time may be expected. –The Town Hall is being thoroughly repaired and renovated by Mr. Hall, and t. The Current, Norway, Menominee County, Harper is building a new stage therein. Michigan, Volume III, Number 14 Appropriate scenery has been ordered, and [Saturday, May 7, 1887], page 1, it will be put in as soon as it arrives. This column 2 will give Norway as fine an outfit for the accommodation of home talent or traveling –The Social hop at Opera Hall on troupes as any on the range, and will fill a Saturday night was a very enjoyable affair. long felt want. The horse raffled by Mr. Frank Ahlich was won by Capt. William Ross, who will keep it The Current, Norway, Menominee County, for his own use. Michigan, Volume II, Number 47 [Saturday, December 18, 1886], page 1, column 3 PALACE THEATER 600 Block, Main Street 54 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Norway the movie house as well as adjoining buildings. Museum Musings, Jake Menghini Museum, The origin of the fire was believed to be 807 chestnut Street, Norway, Michigan, electrical, starting on the south wall switch July 17, 2002 box working its way up to the attic where it fed on dry rafters and tar paper. Lost in the By BILL VANWOLVELAERE fire was the $15,000 Wurlitzer, but the For The Current heroics of fire department personnel saved Today they are an endangered species, several cases of explosive film as well as but at one time every community had a some expensive equipment. family theater. Norway had the Rialto, Proprietor Vandenbergh in appreciation Niagara, the Our Theater. In Iron Mountain wrote: “Every member of the Norway Fire you could see a movie at the Braumart or Dept. has my sincere thanks for the efforts the Colonial. For a reasonable price you extended at the time of the theatre fire of could take your family to the cinema, or Monday morning. Each man worked like a send the kids when parents needed a veteran at the game. Special thanks [to] break. Chief Dave Martin and Frank Heydens and Norway’s movie house was found in the I voice my satisfaction and give them praise 600 block of Main, the present location of for their labor. But for these two men who the Norway Senior Citizens’ Center. entered the picture booth; [sic - ,] the In 1924 in the era of silent films various machinery would have been totally Tedeodore Sophie came to Norway from ruined and I am truly grateful.” Oak Park, Illinois, and together with During the course of the fire, a number Theophil Vandenbergh[,] of Norway[,] of vehicles were removed form the Rialto purchased the existing Palace Theater from Garage, located south of [the] Rialto at the the Bergeron family. Renovation began present location of [the] Credit Union. immediately and the name was changed to Firemen and volunteers prevented the fire the Rialto Theater. from reaching the garage. On the north A $15,000 Wurlitzer organ was wall, Combs Barber Shop and second-story purchased and an entertainer from Chicago rooms of Sophie and Vanderburgh were was hired to play the instrument. damaged, but not destroyed. Employees at the time were: Louis Van Total loss was estimated at $43,950, Wolvelaere, projectionist; Nellie Powers, half covered by insurance. Plans were cashier; John Eklund and Art Salina were made to rebuild. the ushers. Disaster struck one early December morning in 1929. Emil Eklund, a night REX THEATRE watchman for the Penn Mining Company at Corner of Breen Avenue and Hooper the West Vulcan mine, spotted fire at 3:20 Street, a.m. form his elevated position and called Breitung the Norway Fire Dept. They made the four Kingsford block run down Main in record time. As they hooked up the four hoses to nearby Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, hydrants, sheets of fire were breaking Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ through the roof. There was concern for Year, Number _____ [Tuesday, April,

55 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

14, 1936], page 5, columns 6-8 [Grand The management of the Rialto theatre Opening Advertisement] has entered into a contract for the installation of a Wurlitzer pipe organ at the GRAND OPENING cost of approximately $13,000, it was announced today by Gust Sophie, manager. REX THEATRE The organ, which is known as the Located at corner of Breen Ave. and Wurlitzer Hope-Jones Unit orchestra, [sic] Hooper St., Breitung will be played here for the first time on June 15, the time called for in the contract. Wed., Thurs., Friday, April 15, 16 and 17 Manufacture of the organ was started today in the Wurlitzer factory at Chicago. The Showing “HEADLINE WOMAN” contract was closed Saturday with the AND THREE SHORT FEATURES McLogan-Pearce Music company. The organ will consist of approximately SPONSORED BY BERT CARPENTER POST 550 pipes, ranging in length from four to 16 DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS feet, and will be equipped with facilities to produce 42 different effects. Practically TWO SHOWS DAILY 7 AND 9 O’CLOCK – PRICE 15c every instrument known to music in addition to a number of effects such as whistles, Matinee for Childred at 4 O’clock Daily – horse hoofs, electric door bell, etc. can be Price 5c produced on it. The unit will be installed in the northeast corner of the theatre and will be especially RIALTO THEATRE constructed for that part of the showhouse Main Street [sic – show house]. It will be concealed Norway behind the stage with only the front part visible to the audience. Miss Julia Sphie, The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, daughter of one of the Rialto owners, and Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 4, Miss [sic – Mrs.] Reginald Quayle will be Number 302 [Monday, April 6, 1925], trained as organists. Miss Sophie will leave page 6, column 1 for Chicago soon to study under a capable instructor. Mrs. Quayle will be tutored by the organist who will play the Wurlitzer RIALTO THEATRE instrument at the Braumart theatre in Iron TO INSTALL ORGAN Mountain, where a similar unit is now being _____ installed. Interior decorations costing several Contracts for Wurlitzer thousand dollars were started today at the showhouse [sic – show house]. An Instrument; Re-decor- illuminated dome center piece, which will be ating Started suspended from the center of the ceiling, _____ will cost approximately $1,000. That part of the ceiling not covered by the dome will be decorated in beautiful scenic designs while

56 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] the walls will undergo similar Fairbanks, has also been booked for the improvements. three opening nights in addition to other According to the manager of the Rialto, novelties. it is the intention to give Norway an Miss Julia Sophie, who has been in excellent theatre. Only the best feature Chicago taking lessons in playing the pictures are being booked for the next organ, will arrive home next week. several months. Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, Number 216 [Wednesday, December Number 44 [Tuesday, June 2, 1925], 23, 1925], page 10, column 5 page 6, column 1 FOOD POURS IN PIPE ORGAN TO AT MATINEE TO BE READY SOON FILL BASKETS ______

Big Wurlitzer Instrument Benefit Performance Is Expected Here Today Success; Aid For 30 Or Tomorrow Families ______

The $12,000 Wurlitzer pipe organ which The attendance at the matinee at the the Rialto theatre ordered two months ago Rialto theatre yesterday afternoon made is expected to arrive here today or certain that the poor of Norway and Vulcan tomorrow. An entire freight car is required will be provided with Christmas cheer. A to transport the instrument. packed house attended the show, which Two factory representatives will was given to raise funds and collect food for supervise the installation of the organ which destitute families. will be placed in the northeast corner of the Cash receipts totalled [sic – totaled] theatre. The room where the organ will be more than $10 and food donations installed has already been prepared. amounted to more than 200 items. The Rialto also received assurances Contributions to the Christmas baskets yesterday that the Wurlitzer company will included candy, cookies, jelly, jams, fruit, furnish an expert organist for the first week. canned goods, and vegetables. According to the contract entered into More than 30 families will be provided between the theatre and Wurlitzer people, with a real Christmas dinner as a result of the instrument must be installed by June the matinee. The cash taken in at the door 15. and money donated by club members will Theodore Sophie, manager of the be used to buy the meat roast for each theatre, has arranged an excellent program needy family. for the opening week. The feature Some of the baskets were to be attraction will be an organ recital. “The delivered this afternoon and others will be Thief of Bagdad,” featuring Douglas 57 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] distributed tomorrow. Mrs. Henry Ebeling, elevated position at the West Vulcan chairman of the committee of the Woman’s property perceived the fire from that point. club, which is sponsoring the distribution of The hour was about 3:20[.] Eklund phoned baskets, stated that she had the names of to the fire department and the half dozen 30 families to whom the baskets would be volunteer firemen were roused from their given. Families whose names have not slumbers and on their way, making the been turned in should be reported not later short run of four blocks down [the] street in than tonight to either Mrs. James record time. O’Callaghan, president, or Mrs. Ebeling. The fire had gained great headway, [sic] “We are very grateful to Mr. Sohie for before their arrival, however, as through the turning over the theatre to the Woman’s roof great sheets of flame emitted. Hose club in order that we could raise funds and connections were quickly made and four collect food for our poor,” Mrs. O’Callaghan streams of water were directed on the fire. said today. “It was Mr. Sophie’s generosity The pumper, stationed at the hydrant at that will enable the club to provide [the] corner of Iron and Raymond streets, Christmas cheer to needy families.” worked to perfection. Hose lines also extended form the Standard Oil station corner and another from Hall’s Plumbing The Current, Norway, Dickinson County, shop corner. Michigan, Volume ___, Number ___ ORIGIN MYSTERY [Friday, December 20, 1929], page ___, The origin of the fire remains a mystery, column ___ but it is the belief of Mgr. VandenBergh [sic] that it started at the switch boxes just off the Rialto Theatre Gutted in Early stage on the south wall of the building, at least it was in that section where the ______greatest inroad of the fire showed. It _____ worked up into the attic where dry joists and beams and a tar paper roof proved ready $40,000 IS LOSS prey, and within a couple of hours all that SAY SOPHIE AND showed of the lower half of the structure VANDENBERGH was the walls. One of the first tasks was to forestall a _____ possible explosion in the movie picture booth and several cases of films were Plan to Rebuild The sought and removed outside. Fire Chief Showhouse At David Martin and Frank Heydens braved Earliest the deadly fumes around the “coop” up front _____ and due to their heroic labors, costly machinery, though somewhat damaged, The Rialto Theatre, Norway movie was saved. picture show house, was destroyed by fire SAVE CARS at an early hour Monday morning, causing The Rialto Garage, conducted by E.O. a loss estimated at over $40,000. Hellberg and adjoining on the south, had a The blaze was discovered by Emil number of autos stored therein and for fear Eklund, a night watchman and police officer that the blaze would spread to it, all of the of the Penn Mining Co., who from his cars were shoved outside and parked for a 58 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] couple of blocks up and down the street. rheostatic changable [sic – changeable] Efficient work of firemen[,] whose force was lights for our stage effects. A new style augmented by other volunteers to the curtain will also be installed. The latest number of twenty or so, kept the flames voicophone [sic – voiceophone] equipment form spreading to the garage block, has been ordered and it will be equipped however. with new style speakers. Rest rooms, too, Coombe’s barber shop, adjoining the will add to the comfort of patrons. north wall[,] was somewhat head occupied Ventilation has not always been what it by Theo. Sophie, damage therein but should be in the past, and we are also rooms over- smoked up and there was no going to get the best we can in that line. co-partner with VandenBergh, was “All told we are going to have one of the somewhat damaged. [sic – lines inverted – best little show houses in a city the size of was somewhat damage(d) therein but Norway to be found anywhere in Michigan.” rooms overhead occupied by Theo. Sophie, co-partner with VandenBergh, was The Current, Norway, Dickinson County, somewhat damaged.] Messrs. Michigan, Volume ___, Number ___ VandenBergh and Sophie, in a check-up, [Friday, January 31, 1930], page ___, figure their fire loss to be $43,950 and column ___ carried insurance of about one-half this amount. It is their intention to rebuild. ‘BIGGER & BETTER THAN EVER’ SHOW The Current, Norway, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume ___, Number ___ TO BE READY SOON [Friday, January 17, 1930], page ___, _____ column ___ Reconstruction Work New Theatre At The Rialto _____ Theatre _____ Today the Parmalee architects are to deliver plans for the new Rialto theatre Today a corps of workmen under building which will be placed in the hands of Theodore Gustafson is busy renovating and contractors. As soon as bids are in, and rebuilding the Rialto theatre, which was the lowest selected, construction work will gutted a few weeks ago, when fire of an be started. It is expected to re-open about unknown origin almost demolished the the middle of March. building. With the fire insurance settlement In discussing the reconstruction adjusted, plans completed by the following the disastrous fire of a few weeks Parmelees, and the workmen now busy, it ago, Theodore Sophie said today, “we are is expected to reopen about the last week going to take out the wall back of the barber of March or the first week of April, shop between the bowling alley and the according to Theodore Sophie. theatre. Then we are going to make the New voiceophone equipment is to be stage wider. Seats are going to be the new installed but there will be no organ. “We upholstered type. We’ve also going to have are going to try a full orchestra when we re- 59 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] open,” said Mr. Sophie, “and this, with first hall with a well-equipped stage above class pictures, will tell us whether Norway is Rundle’s Hardware Store. a good show town, and I really think that it The building was on West Ludington is.” Street, the site of the present post office. “There will be no balcony in the new While the entrance to the store was on theatre but the main floor will be bigger. Ludington, you entered the opera house Every one of the 500 seats will be fully through a wide door facing Milwaukee [sic – upholstered. In fact, we are leaving nothing Merritt] Avenue and the tracks. undone to give comfort. The heating and There was no foyer, just a broad cooling system is to be of the very latest stairway you had to climb to reach the land design so that on the hottest evenings or of enchantment. At the door you presented the coldest winter nights patrons will be your ticket and as it opened you faced the able to be entertained in comfort. ornate curtain that would presently rise to “Rugs will be laid in all the aisles and we reveal a scene from the romantic world of are going to have a double lobby. This will “East Lynn” or perhaps the sad views of prevent drafts in the rear seats. Ladies’ “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” rest-rooms are to be provided. The walls Traveling companies provided the and ceiling will be attractively decorated theater with one-night stands and stock and the lighting fixtures are to have companies brought a repertoire of several especial beauty. plays, mostly romances, for a week of “Needless to say the new screen and entertainment. stage settings, which are to still be There were also variety shows of the selected, will be in keeping with the rest of vaudeville type. I remember being taken to the house. a matinee on December 24, 1897. It was “Our new heating plant is to be put my first show where I heard new songs to under the Rialto Barber shop and today banjo music and saw a little girl dance. they are preparing to lay the foundations for Occasional home talent productions were the walls that have to be rebuilt. presented. The most elaborate of these “Yes,” continued Mr. Sophie, “when we was the annual Elks’ Minstrel, always done open up we’ll have a grand reunion of the in black face, which today would no doubt Rialto orchestra, and we’ll get the best be banned. This was the night when the pictures we can, not only for that night, but local young blades had an opportunity to for all the time.” exhibit singing and dancing talents and a chance to try their wit in the humor of the day, “roasting” prominent citizens to the RUNDLE’S OPERA HOUSE delight of everyone except, of course, the 105-107 West Ludington Street victims. Iron Mountain, Michigan But the Opera House served many purposes other than theatrical. There were By Myrtle (Thompson) Bartholomew occasional concerts and lectures to stimulate the cultural life and politicians As far back as I can remember, 1896, “hired the hall” to announce and defend “The Opera House” was the entertainment their platforms. It was here that the senior center of the community. It was not a real classes from the Hulst School celebrated opera house with foyer and plush seats their commencement exercises for youth such as Calumet could boast, but a large and parents, a memorable event. In those 60 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] days, since there were no caps and gowns for the graduates, dress for graduation was of upmost [sic – utmost] importance. The class was seated on the stage in full view of their world. Actually, the classes were small, that of 1908 the largest to date with 25 members and the audience was not large. The program consisted of a lecture by a college professor, intended to inspire the youth and not always a success!

Finally, the opera house was the scene of the big social events of the year, the Taken in the late 1890’s or possibly the Easter Dance, the Elks’ Ball and the big early 1900’s, the camera faced private parties. For this purpose the banks northwest, showing several buildings on of seats were moved to the side walls, the the north side of the 100 block. The floors cleaned and waxed, plants and color rooftop in the left foreground was brought in to add glamour and the big hall Rundle’s Hardware Store and Opera became a ball room [sic – ballroom] ready House (on the second floor), 101-103 for the arrival of society, young and old. West Ludington Street. In 1902, the I wish I could tell you more about these three buildings facing the camera, from parties but when my sister and brother were left to right, were: 108, Daprato & most actively involved I was still a little girl. Rigassi (John Daprato and Charles I do remember the popular dance was the Rigassi), grocery store; 104-106, waltz and that my sister carried her dancing Thomas Williams, second-hand store; slippers in a silk bag and had a beautiful 102, Frank Parent, saloon. In the upper white fan I wasn’t supposed to touch. Her right the First Presbyterian Church can escort arrived for her in a hired hack. be seen at the northwest corner of West From 1912 on the opera house is only a Brown Street and Carpenter Avenue. memory to me. I had gone to college in Across Carpenter Avenue at 118 West 1909 and do not remember having ever Brown Street is T.H. Byrne’s meat gone to anything there since. Only, when I market, housed in the two-story white returned to Iron Mountain in 1923, I found building in 1892. [Menominee Range that Rundle’s was only a fine hardware Historical Museum] store. [Born From Iron, pp. 110-111]

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clothing, the animal was moved to a Rundle’s Opera House was located on position where less harm was likely to the second story of A.J. Rundle’s follow. hardware store, located at 105-107 West Ludington Street, where the Iron The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, Mountain U.S. Post Office now stands. Menominee County, Michigan, Volume The raised area on the roof would have XI, Number 3 [Thursday, April 11, 1889], been used as “fly” space for scenery for page 1, column 5 theater productions. This photograph probably dates between 1900 and 1910. Sitting in Rundle’s opera house last [Menominee Range Historical Museum] Monday evening we noticed the number of business cards on the stage drop that are The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, already out of date. It is not two years we Menominee County, Michigan, Volume think since this curtain was painted, yet ten XI, Number 2 [Thursday, April 4, 1889], of the advertisements already represent page 1, column 5 business houses that no longer exist[,] either having suspended entirely or WE are informed that Mr. Thomas changed hands. For instance: McLaughlin Rundle contemplates making great & Devere are no longer insurance agents, improvements around his property, which is having been succeeded by the Menominee now occupied by the opera house and John Range Insurance agency; T.B. Catlin sells Saving, the merchant tailor. The sidewalk groceries, fruits, candies, cigars, etc., on Ludington street will be raised several instead of furniture; Laing Bros[.] are feet and carried right around to the succeeded by Hoose & Waters; L.M. entrance of the hall, while convenient steps Hansen, not John Minnis, is proprietor of from the main level of the street to the new the Iron Mountain livery stable; Verhalen side walk will make all parts of the building Bros. left Iron Mountain a year ago or more; easy of access, at the same time instead of Rundle’s Bros. it is now Thos. considerably enhancing the value of the Rundle; instead of Robbins & Blackney, it is whole property. Blackney & Son; instead of Schuldes & Carriere it is C. Schuldes, and Lieberthal & The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, Co. have no further use for an Menominee County, Michigan, Volume advertisement on Rundle’s drop curtain, nor XI, Number 3 [Thursday, April 11, 1889], have Hathaway & Flatt. page 1, column 3 The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, QUITE a crowd of men and children Menominee County, Michigan, Volume were attracted to Rundle’s opera house last XI, Number 6 [Thursday, May 2, 1889], Tuesday afternoon, when Hosking’s little page 1, column 3 dray horse was led up the steps to be on hand to play his part in Kerry Gow in the THOMAS RUNDLE has two bill boards evening. It was proposed to stable the put up, one on the corner opposite his store horse for the time being over John Saving’s and the other opposite the Chapin shops, [sic – Savings’] tailor shop, but when it was which will be used to advertise troupes that suggested that John might object to have are to appear in his opera house. stable extract dripping down on to his 62 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, a burlesque of Misererie in Ill [sic – Il] Menominee County, Michigan, Volume Trovatore. Millard was the comedian of the XI, Number 6 [Thursday, May 2, 1889], troupe and created mirth with every action. page 1, column 3 His representation of Le Barron Tei Monteig was simply immense. The second part of Beach and Bowers Minstrels. the programme, comprising dissolving views, several of the scenes accompanied The reputation this excellent troupe had by singing by the quartet, was an already won in this city insured them a large appropriate ending to a strictly first class house at Rundle’s opera house last musical entertainment. THE RANGE Monday evening. It is undoubtedly the best regrets that the troupe was not more minstrel troupe that ever came to this city, liberally patronized. Too much and although it may be said, possibly, that encouragement cannot be given to this Iron mountain is a little slow on classic class of entertainments. music, its citizens are always ready to attest their appreciation of negro minstrels. The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, Menominee County, Michigan, Volume XI, The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, Number 10 [Thursday, May 30, 1889], page Menominee County, Michigan, Volume 1, column 3 XI, Number 6 [Thursday, May 2, 1889], page 1, columns 4-5 Law and Crime.

Richards’ Musical Tourists. Judge C.B. Grant will address the people of this city on the above subject in We feel justified in saying that the above Rundle’s opera house next Sunday named company furnished last Saturday evening, and a cordial invitation is extended evening, in Rundle’s opera house, the most to every body [sic – everybody] to hear him. thoroughly enjoyable entertainment ever What the judge will have to say will be of witnessed in this city. Unfortunately they interest to every citizen of this city, and the came here while the Catholic fair was on, writer, having heard the judge talk before, and as the latter presented so many can assure our readers that he will say it in features in which a large portion of our an entertaining and pleasing manner. Turn people were deeply interested, the Tourists out, and pack Rundle’s opera house to its suffered in consequence. They played to a utmost capacity. Very likely this will be the small house, but a more appreciative last opportunity our people will have to hear audience was never assembled in Iron Mr. Grant speak. Mountain. Every number on the programme received hearty applause, and The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, the soloists, F.W. Walters, tenor; C. Laroy Menominee County, Michigan, Volume Millard, 1st bass; and Charles Noble, 2d XI, Number 11 [Thursday, June 6, [sic – 2nd] bass; [sic] were encored after 1889], page 1, column 1 each appearance. It is unnecessary to particularize; they were all first class. Miss JUDGE GRANT found it necessary to Grace Holingsworth appeared in a duet with stop twice during his discourse in Rundle’s F.W. Walters, and also as Tresa Allcash, in hall last Sunday evening, and tell the boys

63 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] in the gallery to keep still. The second time Judge Grant, some two weeks ago, some shameless hoodlum, was trying to informed the writer hereof that he desired to talk louder and faster than the judge talk to the people of this city upon the himself. We suppose the time will never subject of Law and Crime, and with the come when all boys will understand that it is assistance of several of our prominent an evidence of good breeding to maintain a citizens arrangements were made for him to respectful silence on such occasions. address them in Rundle’s opera house last Sunday evening. At the appointed time the The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, hall was packed to its utmost capacity, both Menominee County, Michigan, Volume on the main floor and in the gallery, and XI, Number 11 [Thursday, June 6, probably 1000 [sic – 1,000] people 1889), page 1, column 4 assembled to hear what the learned judge had to say. A choir under the leadership of Coming Attractions. K.S. Buck sang the familiar hymn “Coronation,” in which the audience was Next Thursday evening the popular invited to join, followed by reading of the actor, Newton Beers, who has already scripture and prayer by [need to copy appeared before an Iron Mountain remainder of this article] audience, will be at Rundle’s opera house. The attraction of the season for our The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, Swedish citizens will be the Swedish octette Menominee County, Michigan, Volume [sic – octet] which will appear in Rundle’s XI, Number 13 [Thursday, June 20, opera house July 2. This will probably be 1889), page 1, column 3 one of the finest entertainments ever given in this city, and will be enjoyed by our THE CITY. English and American born citizens as well [as] by the fair haired sons and daughters A very neat and attractive Opera House of the land of the midnight sun. programme has been issued from the King & Franklin’s colossal shows and Journal office, with O.F. Spencer as wild west, [sic] will hold forth in this city in a publisher. canvas tent Friday, June 21. Their advertisement appears elsewhere. The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, Forepaugh’s “best show on earth” will Menominee County, Michigan, Volume spread its tents in this city July 17. XI, Number 13 [Thursday, June 20, Bristol’s horse show will exhibit in 1889), page 1, column 3 Rundle’s opera house the 17th and 18th of this month. Another Good One Coming.

The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, From the notices of them that we see in Menominee County, Michigan, Volume our exchanges, we feel safe in assuring our XI, Number 11 [Thursday, June 6, readers that the Swedish octet, which are 1889), page 1, columns 4-5 [sic – is] to appear in Rundle’s opera house July 2, will be one of the most classic and Judge Grant’s Talk. pleasing musical entertainments ever given in this city. Certainly if they compare with

64 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] the Swedish Lady Quartet that traveled through the upper peninsula some years The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, ago they are grand, and they have the Menominee County, Michigan, Volume reputation of being even superior to this first XI, Number 13 [Thursday, June 20, class troupe. Our Swedish citizens will 1889], page 8, column 1 undoubtedly appreciate this entertainment. That favorite actress, Nellie Waters, will The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, appear at Rundle’s Opera House on Menominee County, Michigan, Volume Saturday evening, June 22, in a particularly XI, Number 13 [Thursday, June 20, strong play entitled “Criss Cross.” Miss 1889), page 1, column 4 Waters has played in this city a number of times, and needs no introduction to an Iron Two Good Entertainments. Mountain audience. Larger crowds have greeted her on each successive The comic opera, Erminie, was appearance. Her present support is said to presented at Rundle’s opera house last be very strong, and we look for an immense Friday evening by the Andrews opera audience Saturday evening. company. This is one of that class of entertainments that we like to see The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, encouraged, and they were deserving of Menominee County, Michigan, Volume the crowded house that greeted them. The XI, Number 14 [Thursday, June 27, company is a strong one, and every 1889), page 1, column 4 character was well portrayed. The music was excellent and the songs sung by the Criss Cross. Misses Nannie Wilkinson, Florence Clayton and Laura Rhodes provoked hearty Miss Nellie Walters, supported by an applause, as did also the duets and excellent company, entertained a large choruses of the company. Manager Rundle audience at Rundle’s opera house last has reason to feel gratified that he was able Saturday evening, in her characteristically to give the people of our city such an pleasing manner. This charming actress excellent entertainment, and that in this has lost none of her vivacity since she case at least his efforts were appreciated. entranced an Iron Mountain audience at Monday and Tuesday evenings Prof. this same opera house about a year ago. D.M. Bristol’s educated horses, mules and She labored under the disadvantage of a ponies appeared in Rundle’s opera house severe cold, which, however, did not and entertained the large audience with apparently mar the excellence of her their wonderful and comical performances. performance. Criss Cross is a play written It seems that these dumb animals can be especially for her, and affords an educated to display such evidence of opportunity for the display of her talents in intelligence and to be under such complete different character roles. The comments of control. The novelty of the performance the audience, when the curtain dropped on naturally drew large and enthusiastic the last scene of the play, were such as audiences and the animals received indicated by their perfect enjoyment of the applause that would be flattering to any play. company of human actors.

65 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, Menominee County, Michigan, Volume Menominee County, Michigan, Volume XI, Number 14 [Thursday, June 27, XI, Number 19 [Thursday, August 1, 1889], page 1, column 4 1889], page 1, column 2

THE Capt. Thomas Comedy Company, The Georgia Minstrels. which was advertised to show in Polka Dot hall last Saturday, Monday and Tuesday This famous troupe of course drew a evenings, had the funniest time on record. crowded house at Rundle’s opera house When they opened up the first evening they last Friday evening. The music was found that the Nellie Walters troupe had exceptionally fine, and there appeared to be monopolized the amusement loving people nothing the matter with Billy Kersand’s of this city, so they closed up and went over mouth. Will G. Huff gave a remarkable to Rundle’s opera house and bought six exhibition of his skill in playing the tickets for the entertainment themselves. harmonica, extracting some of the sweetest Between the second and third acts the music from it we ever heard from that young ladies of the comedy company were instrument. Will Gauze in his introduced and gave an exhibition of their impersonation of the Black Patti was skill as performers on the cornet and immense. He possesses a soprano voice trombone, and they played very well; and acts the part of a black prima donna however, it only served to draw a six dollar with wonderful fidelity to the character. The house Monday evening. Capt. Thomas’ [sic vestibule car porters and drum majors – Thomas] concluded to make it a free made a fine spectacle in their peculiar drill, show, and gave the tickets back to the and altogether the show was first class in audience, and invited them to come again every respect. the next evening, but the next evening nobody came. Capt. Thomas comedy The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, seemingly does not strike the people as Menominee County, Michigan, Volume being so awfully comical. XI, Number 19 [Thursday, August 1, 1889], page 1, column 3 The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, Menominee County, Michigan, Volume ELECTRIC light is very nice, but it is XI, Number 19 [Thursday, August 1, also very annoying when it flickers out as it 1889], page 1, column 2 did last Friday night and leaves a large audience sitting in the dark. Manager TOM. RUNDLE, while digging a trench Rundle was forced to rush over to his store in front of his store during the storm last and get a dozen oil lamps, make tin Saturday, had the misfortune to lose a reflectors, etc., all of which exercise served diamond pin from his necktie. to make him somewhat hot under the collar. THOS. RUNDLE has had a new The Electric Light Company appears to be sidewalk laid in front of his opera house, unfortunate in the matter of furnishing a which is about four feet above the level of steady reliable light at all times, but we the street. The street, it is claimed, has hope they will succeed in overcoming all been cut down below grade, but isn’t difficulties in the future. Tommy’s sidewalk a little above grade?

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The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, cater to lady audiences. Nothing was said Menominee County, Michigan, Volume or done to offend the most fastidious. Any XI, Number 20 [Thursday, August 8, one [sic – Anyone] who can attend the 1889], page 1, column 3 opera or the Kiralfy productions need not hesitate to see this company, and they are Schofield’s Quintette Banjo Club sure of large audiences during their short engagement here. –Sentinel, Milwaukee, Gave a very pleasing entertainment in March 2. Rundle’s opera house last Monday evening. They appear in Rundle’s opera house, All the vocalists were enthusiastically this city, tomorrow evening. encored and Mr. Sisson, the funny man of the troupe, was called back in the second The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, part, half a dozen times or more – in fact Menominee County, Michigan, Volume until he stepped on to the stage, pulled off XI, Number 21 [Thursday, August 15, his wig, bowed and shook his head, to give 1889], page 1, columns 4-6 the audience to understand that he proposed to give the other excellent artists The Visiting Firemen. in the troupe a chance. Mr. and Mrs. Schofield, in their banjo duets[,] were very Last Saturday was a beautiful day for pleasing and responded to encores after the firemen’s tournament, as it has been each appearance. called, in this city. The Negaunee Fire Company, accompanied by the Negaunee The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, City Band, were met at the M. & N. depot Menominee County, Michigan, Volume on the arrival of the 6:45 train, by XI, Number 21 [Thursday, August 15, companies No. 1 and 2, of this city, led by 1889], page 1, column 3 the Iron Mountain City Band. Parade was formed as soon as the visitors alighted, and WM. MICTHELL has moved his grocery the procession, conducted by Chief and fruit store to Rundle’s opera house Hancock, marched up Stephenson avenue building, and will keep a larger stock of to fire engine house No. 1, where the goods than heretofore. visiting firemen were greeted by the firemen of this city and citizens with a round of The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, hearty cheers. During the evening the Menominee County, Michigan, Volume visitors were shown the sights of the city by XI, Number 21 [Thursday, August 15, their entertainers, who spared no pains to 1889], page 1, column 3 make them feel thoroughly at home and welcome. Saturday a large number of our Duncan Clark’s Female Minstrels. business men [sic – businessmen] joined with the firemen to make the occasion a Duncan Clark’s Monster Combination grand holiday. Late in the forenoon our opened to a big house at the Palace Family home companies turned out with their Theater last night, considering the very cold machines handsomely decorated with flags weather, and everyone was well paid for and flowers, and accompanied by the turning out. The show is out of the common Negaunee firemen, paraded the principal rut of female minstrels, being organized to streets of our city. The line was halted in

67 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] front of Hansen & Mortensen’s photograph seeing themselves so much overmatched[,] gallery, where two excellent photographs got somewhat rattled, and did not do as were taken[,] which were afterwards well as they should have done. Besides[,] presented by John J. Saving, with the the members of the regular nine in this city mayor’s compliments, to the Negaunee Fire are all firemen. Still, if the Negaunee men Company and the Negaunee City Band. had had a good catcher, they would After the photographs had been taken the doubtless have made it very interesting for line of march was resumed, taking in a part the Iron Mountaineers. The following is the of the Chapin location and then returning to score by innings. engine house No. 1, where the procession 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R. O. disbanded. Iron Mt. 1 8 6 2 1 3 1 22 21 The ball game, which was the feature of Negaunee 3 0 2 0 2 3 0 10 21 the afternoon, drew quite a crowd to the In the evening a firemen’s ball was base ball [sic – baseball] park, and the given in Rundle’s hall at which about 50 game was called about 3 o’clock. Mr. couples were present. The Negaunee band Fisher, of Republic, was chosen umpire, played excellent music while in this city and and performed those arduous duties to the is one of the finest bands on the upper entire satisfaction of all concerned. The peninsula. The Negaunee firemen showed Iron Mountain boys won the toss and went themselves individually and collectively, to to bat first, scoring one run, the Negaunee’s be a nice lot of men, and we hope to see scoring 3 runs. Foster was pitcher and them here again in the near future. Williams was catcher in the first inning and it needed only one inning to demonstrate The Menominee Range, Iron Mountain, that Williams can’t catch ball. The second Menominee County, Michigan, Volume inning Weber pitched and Hill caught, XI, Number 41 [Thursday, January 2, resulting in a score of 8 for Iron Mountain 1890], page 1, column 2 and 0 for Negaunee. With this battery it was evident that the visiting firemen stood The Old Year Out and no show whatever, so in the third inning the New Year In. another change was made in the battery, Foster going back into the pitcher’s box with The two Methodist churches united with Hill to catch. Foster pitched easy balls, [sic] the Presbyterian church last evening in a that were knocked out into the field, where watch service lasting from 8 till past 12 our boys did some excellent fielding in o’clock, thus praying the old year out and capturing them. In several instances the the new year in. At Rundle’s opera house a Iron Mountain players purposely fanned more youthful and joyous assemblage were wind, and in other ways gave the visitors engaged in “Chasing the glowing hours with every possible advantage, while keeping up flying feet” in the merry dance. Probably an appearance of playing ball. The trouble the police court record will show that others was that as the Negaunee company had passed from the old year to the new in a asked for a game of ball the Iron Mountain state of howling inebriety and thus we have companies supposed they would come illustrated the different tastes of different down here with a strong team, so they got persons. But the “dusky hour friendliest to ready for them, and as the result shows sleep and silence” found the writer hereof, they got too good a [sic – and] ready. Then[,] probably[,] the visiting firemen[,] 68 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] and probably the large majority of the Died, in this city last Tuesday evening, denizens of this city of consumption, Thos. Rundle, aged nearly “As fast lock’d up in sleep, as guiltless 34 years. labor, Mr. Rundle, though a young man in When it lies starkly in the traveler’s years[,] was one of the oldest residents of bones.” this city, and for years one of its most prominent business men [sic – The Iron Range, Iron Mountain, Dickinson businessmen]. Mr. Rundle was born in County, Michigan, Volume XIII, Number England and came to this country with his 23 [Thursday, August 27, 1891], page 1, parents when he was about one year old, column 2 his father, the late Capt. Thos. Rundle, settling first in Ontonagon county. In 1879, SOMETHING went wrong at the electric when the Chapin mine had been opened up light station last Saturday night and the sufficiently to show that it was a valuable audience in Rundle’s opera house was left property, Capt. Rundle was appointed in darkness until oil lamps were procured. superintendent and Tom was given a place The electric lights started up again in about in the office as bookkeeper. In 1880 fifteen minutes. Rundle Bros. – Thomas and A.J. – bought out the hardware store of Kern Bros., and VREELAND’s operatic minstrels gave a conducted the business successfully for very satisfactory entertainment in rundle’s several years. John retired from the firm opera house last Saturday evening to a fair about three years ago and Thomas audience. The weather undoubtedly kept continued it alone until failing health many at home who would have otherwise compelled him to retire and John again attended. The entertainment was first class returned to this city and bought his brother’s of its kind. interest in the business. The deceased has been one of our most energetic, A.J. RUNDLE is now the manager of the enterprising and public spirited citizens and opera house and one of the improvements by hard work and strict integrity had he has made is to put out the arc lamps that acquired considerable competency. He heretofore hung from the center of the made Iron Mountain real estate his bank ceiling and substitute a circle of and all his earnings were judiciously incandescent lamps in its place. A row of invested in good city property. At the time lights also surrounds the proscenium, and of his death he was the owner of the opera the hall is now much more brilliantly lighted house block, and other store buildings and than heretofore. residences, the income of which will leave his family in comfortable circumstances. In The Iron Range, Iron Mountain, Dickinson May 1882, he married Miss Jennie Warner, County, Michigan, Volume XIII, Number of Muskegon, and two children, a boy and 25 [Thursday, September 24, 1891], [a] girl[,] have blessed their union. Mr. page 1, column 4 Rundle was for a number of years captain of the fire company, and was always the Obituary. hardest worker at a fire. It is likely that he contracted the fatal disease that terminated his life so untimely form exposures thus endured. The funeral took place this 69 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] afternoon, under the auspices of the Iron No. 584 [Saturday, May 28, 1898], page Mountain Lodge, F. & A.M., and was 3, column 2 attended by an immense crowd of sorrowing friends. CITY NEWS ITEMS. _____ The Iron Range, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume XIII, Number All the old soldiers are cordially invited 40 [Thursday, December 24, 1891], to the Memorial Day exercises at theopera page 4, columns 1-2 [sic – the opera] house Monday morning.

JOHN RUNDLE has purchased of the The Daily Tribune, Iron Mountain, Dickinson heirs of Thos. Rundle, deceased, the opera County, Michigan, Second Year, Whole house block, and thereby becomes the No. 593 [Thursday, June 9, 1898], page possessor of a valuable piece of property 3, column 2 on the street destined to become one of the best business streets in the city. John has CITY NEWS ITEMS. in contemplation several improvements that _____ will add much to the comfort of the public on occasions of public gatherings. He will One of the many amusing incidents in lower the building to its proper grade, put in “A Breezy Time” which will be at the opera steam heat, and put the stage at the south house tonight is that of a blind man singing end of the hall. The stage will also be “All Coons Look Alike to Me.” enlarged.

The Daily Tribune, Iron Mountain, Dickinson The Daily Tribune, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Second Year, Whole County, Michigan, Second Year, Whole No. 593 [Thursday, June 9, 1898], page No. 582 [Thursday, May 26, 1898], page 3, column 4 3, column 4

At the Opera House Tonight. Cineograph Pictures. “A Breezy Time,” the new musical farce The blowing up of the battleship Maine comedy which will be at Rundle’s opera will be vividly illustrated at Rundle’s opera house tonight has one of the best casts house Saturday night by the cineograph now traveling. It has been the purpose of motion pictures. The pictures will illustrate those interested in the production to make several scenes on United States battleships everyone that sees it glad that he has been and will be both wonderful and instructive. there, and will not be ashamed to advise his There will be in addition, several scenes of friends to follow suit. In following out this the Klondike country, and the fourteenth purpose the very best talent that could be round of the Corbett & Fitzsimmons fight secured, the very best music that has been will be shown. The prices will be 10, 20 composed recently for the American and and 30 cents. English variety and concert hall stage and the very best costumes and scenery that The Daily Tribune, Iron Mountain, Dickinson can be made by theatrical firms have been County, Michigan, Second Year, Whole secured.

70 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

numbering eighty people, travel in their own The Daily Tribune, Iron Mountain, Dickinson train of palace cars. This is positively their County, Michigan, Second Year, Whole only appearance in this city, and all lovers No. 594 [Friday, June 10, 1898], page 3, of good shows should take advantage of column 2 the opportunity and see it.

CITY NEWS ITEMS. The Daily Tribune, Iron Mountain, Dickinson _____ County, Michigan, Second Year, Whole No. 594 [Friday, June 10, 1898], page 3, Chief Harvey gave his personal column 5 attention to the boys in the gallery at the opera house last night, and the “A BREEZY TIME.” consequence was that less noise was _____ made. Hereafter boys who are disorderly or who “bust pop-corn bags,” are going to Excellent Performance at the Opera be put out by the police. It is a good move. House last Night. _____ The Daily Tribune, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Second Year, Whole Those who failed to see Fitz & No. 594 [Friday, June 10, 1898], page 3, Webster’s “A Breezy Time” at the opera column 4 house last night missed one of the very best performances that has been seen in “DARKEST AMERICA.” Iron Mountain for many years. It was not _____ intended that there should be a deep plot in the play, it being written to introduce the A Genuine Colored Minstrel Show at the specialty features of the company, which Opera House Next Thursday. were first-class. The “three-legged sailor” _____ was a great hit, and was very amusing. The act of the contortionist was exceedingly The attraction at the opera house clever, and was loudly applauded. There Thursday the 16th will be John W. Vogel’s wasn’t a poor actor with the company, and Darkest America, a combination of genuine the play which was bright, clean and funny, colored minstrel performers which is made went along smoothly form the time the up of popular features and features that curtain went up. The singing and dancing please the masses. was first-class all, the songs being new. Mr. Vogel[,] with his usual good The work of John G. McDowell, W.J. judgment, has not only selected first class Madden, Eddie Bowers and Phil Rado, the talent, but has introduced a great variety of male members of the company, was material of a novel and original character excellent. Of the lady members, Jessie and arranged the program in an admirable Bertman deserves particular mention, while manner. There is plenty of good dancing, the acting of Luella Morey, Georgia Kelcey much popular music, both vocal and and Edith Bowers, [sic] was all that could instrumental, and many other features be asked. The grand cake walk at the calculated to please, high class specialties, close of the performance was a big hit. A beautiful marches, etc. The company, good-sized audience was present, but we

71 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] predict that when it returns next fall[,] the and continued throughout the entire reputation it left in this city especially, will evening. The audience laughed until they insure a packed house. sank back in their seats exhausted. Taken it all in all it was a good show, as the term The Daily Tribune, Iron Mountain, Dickinson goes now, and everyone present seems to County, Michigan, Second Year, Whole have gotten more than their money’s worth. No. 594 [Friday, June 10, 1898], page 3, column 6 The Daily Tribune, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Third Year, Whole Most of the ladies at the opera house No. 620 [Monday, July 11, 1898], page last night removed their hats, for which the 3, column 3 public is very grateful. The minute a lady removes her hat in the opera house a Tonight. dozen men sitting behind her inaudibly express the belief that she is an angel. We Judging from the advance sale, the dare not publish what they say when a lady “Standing Room only” sign will be displayed keeps her hat on. early at the opera house tonight when Ferris’ Comedians make their bow to the The Daily Tribune, Iron Mountain, Dickinson amusement of lovers of Iron Mountain in County, Michigan, Second Year, Whole their musical farce comedy, “Greased No. 600 [Friday, June 17, 1898], page 3, Lightning,” written for laughing purposes column 5 only and admirable filling the bill; it is also the vehicle for their many musical numbers FUN AT THE OPERA HOUSE. and specialties. Go and take your family, _____ they will enjoy it as well as yourself. Tonight only, every lady accompanied by One of The Largest Audiences of the the holder of a paid 30 cent ticket will be Season Greets “Darkest America.” admitted free. If you cannot get tickets for _____ tonight, reserve them early for tomorrow night. Prices 10, 20 and 30 cents. “Darkest America” was greeted by a large audience last night, the opera house The Daily Tribune, Iron Mountain, Dickinson being completely filled so far as the seats County, Michigan, Third Year, Whole were concerned, many standing during the No. 621 [Tuesday, July 12, 1898], page whole performance. “Darkest America” is 3, column 4 really a reproduction of “The South before the War,” which was very popular and drew A GOOD COMPANY. immense crowds all through the middle _____ western states last winter. The singing and dancing last night by Ferris’ Comedians Gave a Satisfactory the company was excellent, the orchestra Performance Last Night. music being especially enjoyed. Several _____ very fine voices were heard, especially in the singing by the colored quartette. The Ferris Comedians played “Greased fun started as soon as the curtain went up Lightning” last night to a good sized house.

72 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

The play has no plot and it is not intended press declare to be of a very high standard, that there should be any, but it abounds in has been carefully developed for several fun, the specialties introduced being seasons under the guiding hand of especially good. Augustin Daly. Tonight “Over the Garden Wall” will be given with an entire change of specialties. Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 4, Number 12 [Thursday, August 10, 1899], page 8, column 1 Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 4, BRIEF CITY NEWSITES. Number 12 [Thursday, August 10, _____ 1899], page 1, column 6 “A Wise Woman” at the opera house A Wise Woman. this evening. _____ Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 4, A Great Attraction to Be Seen Number 13 [Thursday, August 17, at the Rundle Opera House 1899], page 1, column 4 This Evening. A BREEZY TIME. Manager Rundle announces that Wilfred _____ Clarke’s great London comedy success, “A Wise Woman,” presented by Marie Lamour and a well selected company of players, the A First Class Comedy Attraction leading man of which is Frederick J. That is Deserving of Much Praise. Murphy, has been secured as the attraction at the opera house this evening. Manager Rundle should be This announcement will undoubtedly congratulated on securing so good an attract widespread attention among the attraction for next Saturday evening, [sic] as theatre-goers as much of a highly “A Breezy Time.” If he always books an complimentary manner has been written attraction like this the amusement loving and said about this attraction. The people of Iron Mountain will have no cause remarkable run of 238 nights which Mr. to complain. Wherever this company has Clarke’s comedy had on its initial appeared this season the press and public presentation at the Strand Theatre, London, have been unanimous in pronouncing their is conclusive evidence of the popularity of performance the very best ever seen. the play with the public, and added to this “A Breezy Time” is in three acts, the plot the fact that Miss Lamour’s support of which is so light that it is hardly worth embraces the best available talent is mentioning, although each set has been sufficient assurance that the engagement in happily impregnated with everything that is this city, without question of doubt, will be new and up to date, including music, songs, the event of its kind during the present dances and clever specialties, all of which season. Miss Lamour’s talent, which the

73 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] are introduced in an easy and perfectly Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, legitimate manner. Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, The cast of “A Breezy Time” company Number 16 [Thursday, September 13, consists of the pick of some of the foremost 1900], page 8, column 2 artists now appearing on the face comedy stage, who have the ability to depict in a BRIEF LOCAL MENTION. fine and artistic manner the finely drawn _____ characters in this, the funniest of all comedies. A.J. Rundle had business in Marinette yesterday. Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, … Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 4, A.J. Rundle contemplates making some Number 18 [Thursday, September 21, important improvements to the interior of 1899], page 1, column 4 his opera house.

MINSTREL ATTRACTION. Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, _____ Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, Number 21 [Thursday, October 18, 1900], page 1, column 3 Booked for the Opera House For Thursday of Next Week. IRON MOUNTAIN Manager Rundle takes pleasure in MINSTRELS. announcing to his patrons, [sic] that he has _____ secured Shepard’s Great Minstrel Jubilee for next Thursday evening, Sept. 29th [sic – Sept. 28th]. This popular aggregation of Invitations Will Soon Be Issued for blackface talent has not toured the west for the Third Annual Ball – Nov. 2nd is several years until this season. They travel the Date. inn their own special train of Pullman cars. Thirty-five artists all told are in the The Iron Mountain Minstrel company company, and a genuine treat in old has selected Friday evening, November minstelsy [sic – minstrelsy] is promised. 2nd, as the date for their third annual ball Among the many features are Ogawa’s and the invitations will be issued in a few Troupe of Royal Japanese; Lieut. Walter days. The ball will be held in the opera Allen, America’s premier ventroliquist [sic – house and Wallace’s famous orchestra has ventriloquist]; Donna & Weaver, blackface been engaged for the occasion. The travesty artists; Draper, the king of swinging functions of this organization have been wire; the Living Music Sheet, and the among the most successful of our social Poster Girls’ Cake Walk. A magnificent free events and this season’s will be no street parade will be given at 2:30 p.m., and exception to the general rule. Following are an open-air concert of the most popular a list of the committees in charge: overtures in the evening. Arrangements – Gilbert V. Carpenter, Robert H. Sherman, Max Kurz, Merton A. Sturgis, William J. Clark.

74 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Invitation – Art Connelly, William G. companies and the voices of the soloists in Sundstrom, Harry Soady, J.C. excellent condition. Several good-natured Chamberlain. local hits were made, and Catlin’s political Floor – Herb Little, John Simmons, John speech was one of the specially good Harris, Burr Catlin, Jr. features of the evening. Where all were to Decorations – Joseph Miller, Joseph excellent in their several parts, it is difficult Pascoe, Edward Lundin, Master Kahn. to select any one or two for special mention, but we cannot refrain from Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, speaking of little Willie Kahn, who was a Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, host in himself, and displayed wonderful Number 21 [Thursday, October 18, talent. He has a high, clear soprano, 1900], page 1, column 3 strong, full and round, which is capable of great things in the future. TOLD IN A PARAGRAPH. The music was furnished by Wallace’s _____ orchestra, and, as usual, was of a high order. A.J. Rundle is arranging for a grand re- _____ opening of his opera house as soon as the improvements are completed. He has Like its predecessors, the annual ball of secured “Tennessee’s Pardner” as a the Iron Mountain Minstrels, which took special attraction. Announcement later. place last Friday evening, was an unqualified social success. The Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, arrangements for a good time were Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, excellently planned, and about one hundred Number 22 [Thursday, October 25, 1900], and fifty guests participated in the page 1, columns 4-5 pleasures of the evening. The condition of the floor was perfect, and the music, [Advertisement for Rundle’s Opera House furnished by Wallace’s orchestra, of presentation of Tennessee’s Pardner, with Marinette, was of a most delightful quality illustration] and left nothing to be desired. The refreshments were served by Mrs. Colburn Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, in her usual dainty style. Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, Number 24 [Thursday, November 8, 1900], Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, page 1, column 2 Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 9, Number 25 [Thursday, November 10, Iron Mountain Minstrels. 1904], page 5, column 4

The third performance of the Iron Repetoire Company. Mountain Minstrels was greeted by a large and appreciative audience at the opera The Powell Portello company, which house last evening. Every number was well comes to the opera house for three nights, rendered and enthusiastically received. commencing this evening[,] will present that The vocal selections were very much popular drama “East Lynne,” as their superior to those usually given by traveling opening bill. A special feature is made of

75 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] vaudeville between the acts, consisting of Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, illustrated songs, moving pictures, new Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 14, dances, etc. The above company is well Number 39 [Thursday, February 17, spoken of by the press in every city where it 1910], page 5, column 5 has played, and in fact is said to be one of the strongest popular priced attractions on PERSONAL MENTION. the road. The prices will be 15, 25 and 35 _____ cents, with one lady free this evening with each paid 35 cent ticket. Manager Rundle has completed arrangements to give moving picture shows Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, at the opera house each evening, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 12, commencing to-night [sic – tonight], with a Number 15 [Thursday, September 5, Saturday matinee. He has secured a first 1907], page 1, column 5 class up-to-date machine and the pictures are the latest and best. Opera House Opening. _____

The Rundle opera house, which has Splendid Attraction. been in darkness for nearly two years, will be re-opened the night of October 2nd. Managers Wm. A. Brady and Jos. R. Manager Rundle is now engaged in giving Grismer’s big production of George the house a thorough overhauling making Boradhurst’s great play, “The Man of the everything as neat and tidy as a new gold Hour,” with a special company[,] will appear piece. The opening attraction is the Irish at Rundle’s Opera House next Wednesday Pawnbroker, a strong card. This will be evening. “The Man of the Hour” is followed on the 7th by Nobody’s Claim. conceded by critics everywhere to be the The other bookings for fall dates are the best American play ever written. There is Edwards Stock company, Billy Barry’s not a discordant note in it, every character minstrels and the Devil’s Auction. moves and breathes and lives – lives a

natural life[.] It is a play for the people who Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, like their strings played upon and who cling Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 12, to the old beliefs about rugged honesty and Number 19 [Thursday, October 3, 1907], love for women and home. A mere recital page 8, column 3 of the story conveys little idea of the

sparkling charm there is in the play; it is full PARAGRAPHIC CITY NEWS. of surprises, heart interest, apt comedy and _____ a round-up in which everybody rejoices.

The re-opening of the opera house last evening attracted a very large audience, The Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, standing room being at a premium. The Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 15, Irish Pawnbrokers was the attraction and Number 17 [Thursday, September 15, gave good satisfaction. 1910], page 1, column 3

Colonial Vaudeville. 76 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Martha Washington’s Daughters’ Martha Washington’s Daughters’ Colonial Vaudeville at the Rundle Opera colonial Vaudeville at the opera house this house next Thursday, Sept. 22nd, under evening. It will be one of the most attractive the auspices of the Women’s Guild of Holy and unique entertainments ever given in the Trinity church. One hundred and twenty- city. The musical numbers are snappy and five talented dames of Iron Mountain in popular. Don’t miss this treat. attractive colonial costumes. A chorus of one hundred dames, assisted by the best Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, soloists to sing the old plantation melodies Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 15, and catchy tunes from the popular operas. Number 19 [Thursday, September 29, The whole will make one of the most 1910], page 8, column 3 attractive and entertaining entertainments ever given in Iron Mountain. You must not Colonial Vaudeville. miss it. The Colonial Vaudeville at the opera Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, house last Thursday evening attracted a Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 15, large audience and gave splendid Number 18 [Thursday, September 22, satisfaction. It can be said that it was one 1910], page 1, column 1 of the most pleasing entertainments ever given in the city. Many of the “acts” were Musical Comedy. worthy of special mention, but space will not permit the extended notice the The sparkling musical comedy entertainment richly deserves. “Managing Mildred” is announced as the attraction at the opera house for to-morrow Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, [sic – tomorrow] evening. The famous Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 15, English Opera Singers, who made such an Number 28 [Thursday, December 1, impression through the west last season, 1910], page 1, column 2 are featured in this comedy and will introduce the last two scenes of Verdi’s “Il Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Trovatore” in costume. The remarkable duet, “The Miserreri” as sung by Juanita Speaking the universal language of the Rush and C. Picquet, has invariably been heart and reflecting, like a mirror, the encored five or six times. “Managing innermost emotions of the mind, Stetson’s Mildred” is by Walter Lockwood, a young “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” is more than a stage Chicago author, and contains some twenty play – it is [a] wonderful moral classic. It song hits. argues for the two really great themes that

can enrage the mind of man – human Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, liberty and the immortality of the soul. It is Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 15, a play that has long been a popular favorite Number 18 [Thursday, September 22, with the infrequent theatergoers and regular 1910], page 1, column 5 patrons alike, and wherever the Stetson

company appears, it is greeted with a Colonial Vaudeville. crowded house. There is just enough 77 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] pathos during the performance to show that engagement filled by it is a red-letter event life is not all sunshine and then comes in the life of the community in which it floods of laughter which brings one away occurs. from sorrow’s pall. Specialties are interspersed throughout the major number Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, of scenes, so that the lover of high-class Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 15, vaudeville is well repaid for his time and Number 45 [Thursday, March 30, 1911], money by attending the Stetson show, page 1, column 3 which will be seen at Rundle’s Opera House to-morrow [sic – tomorrow] evening. “The White Squaw.”

Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, A play that is said to have valid claim Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 15, upon the admiration and patronage of Number 28 [Thursday, December 1, votaries of the stage is “The White Squaw,” 1910], page 1, column 4 the romantic American drama, to be seen at the Rundle Opera House next Monday CHICAGO OPERATIC CO. evening. The play is by the actor-author, _____ Delia M. Clark, and the scenes are laid in Michigan about 100 years ago. “The White Squaw” is a story of primitive folk of simple Coming to the Opera House Soon costumes and straightforward living, and, in Star Entertainment Course. like strings that vibrate in musical harmony, the elements of love, romance, laughter There are few musicians more generally and heart interests are imployed [sic – or more favorably known through the employed] in the making of a spoken and country than the numbers of the Chicago acted melody. There is not the slightest Operatic company, which comes to this city vestige of vice, villainy or sensation to the the evening of December 16th. The play, but it has already been declared to be individual and collective merits of the artists one of the big, strong volumes in the are unquestionable and no company now in theatrical library of America. this country has gained such notable comment from critices [sic – critics] of Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, music. Aside from the brilliance of the Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 15, ensemble, each of the artists has achieved Number 45 [Thursday, March 30, 1911], no small degree of personal prominence on page 1, column 4 the concert stage. The company is prepared to give for the Fight Pictures. coming seasons, scenes in costume from Romeo and Juliet, Faust, Martha and other The real, original and only genuine operas, also selections from the great motion pictures of the Johnson-Jeffries oratorios, as well as grand concerts. championship contest taken at Reno, Nev., The eminence of this company of last 4th of July, [sic] will be exhibited at the musical artists is such that it is unnecessary Rundle this evening. The pictures includes to comment more fully on the exceptional [sic – include] 6,000 feet of film, showing all character of the work it presents. Every the present and past champions and

78 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] sporting celebrities whom you have read of Number 40 [Thursday, February 18, but never have had a chance to see. 1915], page 1, column 2 Performance lasts two hours. Admission 10 and 15 cents. New Drop Curtain.

Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, A.J. Rundle has provided his opera Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 15, house with a handsome new drop curtain. Number 50 [Thursday, May 4, 1911], It is of the latest designs and fire proof page 4, column 1 complying with all the known laws in the premises. The Press understands that the Indiana Folks. curtain costs about $400.

Manager Rundle takes great pleasure in Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, announcing the engagement of the new Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 20, Perry production, “Indiana Folks,” which Number 17 [Thursday, September 15, comes to our city next Saturday evening. 1915], page 1, column 4 The play deals with the rural life in Indiana in an entire [sic – entirely] different manner A DISASTEROUS FIRE. than any play of the rural order yet _____ produced. There are no overdrawn types of characters, but each and every one is taken true to life from the inhabitants of the Rundle Opera House Burns and section [need to finish copying this the Loss is Largest in Years. article] The well-known Rundle Opera House Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, building was the scene last Sunday Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 16, morning of the most costly fire that has Number 15 [Thursday, August 31, occurred in Iron Mountain in over twenty 1911], page 1, column 2 year [sic – years]. The origin of the fire is unknown. The fire was first discovered in Opera House Bookings. the southwest corner of the building at about 4:30 o’clock last Sunday morning and Manager Rundle has booked the in a short time the entire upper floor was a following excellent attractions for an early mass of flames. That portion of the building appearance at his play-house [sic – in which the fire is supposed to have playhouse]: The County Sheriff, Fire and originated is used as a work-shop. Flame, Messenger Boy, Lion and the The fire department quickly responded Mouse, When Knighthood Was in Flower, to the alarm and soon had seven streams Right of Way, the Aviator, the Traveling of water pouring into the upper floor. Chief salesman, Uncle Josh, Gay Morning LaLonde, ably seconded by Capt. John Glories and the Girl and the Tramp. Carollo of the north end company, directed the work of checking the flames and the fire Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, ladies [sic – ladies] received valuable Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 19, assistance from many volunteers. That the fight was well directed is best evidenced by

79 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] the condition of the building, the lower floor SKANDIA HALL standing intact. Our city has a fire Norway Order of Vasa department worthy of the name. In less Norway skillful hands the loss would have been much greater and the fire spread to other The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, buildings in the district. It was an Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, exceedingly hard fire to combat and had Number 155 [Monday, October 12, gained tremendous headway when 1925], page 8, column 1 discovered. In combatting [sic – combating] the flames Chief LaLonde had three fingers on PROGRAM TO BE his left hand badly lacerated; Capt. John GIVEN TONIGHT Carollo had his right ankle sprained, and _____ Fireman Clemo was bruised about the body and left leg and had his right arm and hand cut. Gustav Fonandern And At this writing it is not possible to give an Company in Norway estimate of the loss, but it will be between This Evening $25,000 and $35,000 and the insurance is _____ small in comparison. Mr. Rundle has the sympathy of the Gustav Fonandern, famous Swedish entire city in his great financial loss. He is singer and comedian, who has recorded for keeping a “stiff upper lip” and preparing to Victor and Columbia phonographs, will be resume business as soon as a settlement is the principal entertainer at a musical reached with the insurance companies. program to be given tonight at 8 o’clock at Scandia hall. Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Fonandern will be assisted by three Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 20, other artists, Harry Swanson, pianist; Number 27 [Thursday, November 18, Edstrom, Swedish accordionist; and 1915], page 1, column 4 “Amanda”, the heralded vaudeville star, of Sweden. The company will play here under Rundle At Home. the auspices of the Norway Order of Vasa. The program will consist of solos, duets, A.J. Rundle is nearly “at home” again in comic songs, accordion and piano music his former place of business, which was and character stories. badly wrecked by fire a few weeks ago. Mr. Fonandern has been praised highly Repairs of a temporary nature, but by the press. A San Francisco critic substantial, have been made, and the place declared: “Fonandern has a good, high of business is now much the same as baritone voice and the happy faculty of before the fire in general interior imparting to this interpretations of both appearance. However, the stock is new classic and modern songs the atmosphere and up-to-date and complete in all from which they sprung. He was called departments. Mr. Rundle will be pleased to upon for many extra numbers. He makes a welcome the old friends. great success, and he deserves it.”

80 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

THOMAS THEATER Beginning Wednesday, June 4, the Thomas Theater Company will also take COMPANY over full operation of theaters in Iron Iron Mountain Mountain and elsewhere in which, for the past 15 years, the Fox-Wisconsin The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain- Amusement Enterprise Corporation, of Kingsford, Dickinson County, Michigan, Milwaukee, has been associated with the 32nd Year, Number 38 [Saturday, May Thomas company. Besides the Braumart 24, 1952], page 3, column 1 and Colonial, in Iron Mountain, this development affects also theaters in the Thomas Co. Copper Country and in Stevens Point and Janesville, Wis. To Construct In addition to the above-mentioned New Drive-In houses, Thomas Theaters also operates theaters in Ironwood, Menominee, Bids for the construction of a 400-car Marinette and Hurley, Wis., and has interest drive-in motion picture theater on property in theaters at Madison, Wis. In all, the Iron situated near the intersection of highway Mountain company either operates, itself, or US-2-141, southeast of the city, by the is associated with others in about 20 Thomas Theater Co., Inc., of Iron Mountain, theaters throughout upper Michigan and will be accepted not later than June 15 at Wisconsin. the company’s offices, in this city, Martin D. Thomas, president, announced here today. TRI-CITY DRIVE-IN THEATER Plans, Thomas said, call for completion Thomas Theater Company, Inc. of the theater by Aug. 1 of this year, when it Near Quinnesec will be opened to the public. This is the program announced a few years ago by the The Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain- company president, but which, he said Kingsford, Dickinson County, Michigan, yesterday, was halted by government 32nd Year, Number 38 [Saturday, May restrictions on theater-building. “These 24, 1952], page 3, column 1 restrictions have now been lifted,” Thomas said, “and we are ready to go ahead.” The 40-acre tract purchased by the Thomas Co. company is situated just east of the To Construct highway intersection, where US-141 cuts off to Niagara, Wis. As quickly as the New Drive-In contract is awarded, grading of the tract will be started in preparation for the installation Bids for the construction of a 400-car of equipment. drive-in motion picture theater on property “We believe there is a demand for an situated near the intersection of highway out-door theater in this area,” Thomas said, US-2-141, southeast of the city, by the “and we plan to make it a good one – Thomas Theater Co., Inc., of Iron Mountain, modern in every respect.” will be accepted not later than June 15 at Another Development the company’s offices, in this city, Martin D. Thomas, president, announced here today.

81 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Plans, Thomas said, call for completion Norway of the theater by Aug. 1 of this year, when it will be opened to the public. This is the The Current, Norway, Dickinson County, program announced a few years ago by the Michigan, Volume ___, Number ___ company president, but which, he said [Saturday June 1, 1907], page ___, yesterday, was halted by government columns ___ [ADVERTISEMENT] restrictions on theater-building. “These restrictions have now been lifted,” Thomas VALHALLA said, “and we are ready to go ahead.” The 40-acre tract purchased by the ELECTRIC THEATER company is situated just east of the ______highway intersection, where US-141 cuts off to Niagara, Wis. As quickly as the Complete Change of Pictures contract is awarded, grading of the tract will NEXT WEEK. be started in preparation for the installation of equipment. “We believe there is a demand for an Popularity Contest Now on out-door theater in this area,” Thomas said, “and we plan to make it a good one – A beautiful guaranteed gold watch will be given away on June 29th to the lady receiving the modern in every respect.” largest number of votes. Each admission ticket Another Development entitles theholder to one vote. The watch is on Beginning Wednesday, June 4, the display at Wolff’s store. See it and get in the Thomas Theater Company will also take game. over full operation of theaters in Iron Mountain and elsewhere in which, for the past 15 years, the Fox-Wisconsin We Want The Ladies to Attend Amusement Enterprise Corporation, of ADMISSION 10 CENTS Milwaukee, has been associated with the Thomas company. Besides the Braumart and Colonial, in Iron Mountain, this development affects also theaters in the VALHALLA HALL Copper Country and in Stevens Point and Norway Janesville, Wis. In addition to the above-mentioned The Current, Norway, Dickinson County, houses, Thomas Theaters also operates Michigan, Volume ___, Number ___ theaters in Ironwood, Menominee, [Saturday, June 29, 1901], page ___, Marinette and Hurley, Wis., and has interest column ___ in theaters at Madison, Wis. In all, the Iron Mountain company either operates, itself, or Our townsman, N.J. Blomgren, is associated with others in about 20 proprietor of the Valhalla of Summit theaters throughout upper Michigan and avenue, and the branch Valhalla on the Wisconsin. south side, has just completed “Valhalla Hall” which is doubtless the best finished VALHALLA ELECTRIC and decorated hall designed for public use on the range. Three years ago Mr. THEATER 82 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings]

Blomgren bought out what was then a small Number 32 [Monday, May 18, 1925], fruit and candy store on Summit avenue page 7, column 3 and all who visit his beautiful parlor and salesroom today will receive a beautiful TENT THEATRE TO souvenir fan. On July 3rd, there will be a dancing party at Valhalla Hall and the best OPEN IN HEIGHTS music will be furnished. _____

Plan to Follow It With VULCAN TOWN HALL AND Permanent Structure, OPERA HOUSE Says Manager Vulcan _____

Vulcan, Michigan, Centennial 1872-1972, A motion picture theatre in a tent is to be page 41 opened in the village of Kingsford at the northeast corner of the intersection of On October 29, 1904, Newman and Wilson avenue and Edison street, Kingsford Johnson started to build our present (1972) Heights. Town Hall, a brick building 40 by 70 and The theatre will be conducted by the two stories high. On November 25, 1905, Miner Amusement company, of the new Town Hall and Opera House was Rhinelander, which operates a chain of dedicated. showhouses [sic – show houses] in The school had no gymnasium or northern Wisconsin. L. W.Webster [sic – auditorium, so the Town Hall was frequently L.W. Webster], who has been managing pressed into service for basketball games, theatres for the company for the last 10 school parties and plays, recitals and years, will be in charge. recitations, grade school graduations and Part of the equipment has already high school commencement exercises. As arrived and it is expected that the first it has been built originally, the Town Hall program will be offered Sunday night or as served well; a stage at the east end and a early thereafter as possible, Webster spectator gallery at the west end made the stated. “Opera House” an adaptable, multi-purpose The tent is only a temporary structure. arrangement, the manager declared. It is the plan of his company, he said, to build a modern theatre in Kingsford Heights and it WIGWAM THEATRE is hoped to begin construction within a Northeast Corner of Wilson Avenue and month. Edison Street, Kingsford Heights, “We are having a tent arrangement for a Kingsford short time,” [sic] in order to ascertain what Corner of Hemlock Street and Breen size building we will construct here,” Avenue Webster said. “We will draw up plans Breitung, Kingsford according to the patronage we receive. If a 600seat [sic – 600-seat] theatre is too small Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, we will build one with a seating capacity of Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, 800 or 1,000, but the size will depend 83 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] largely on the manner in which the people Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, respond now.” Dickinson County, Michigan, _____ Year, Number _____ [Thursday, June Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, 11, 1925], page ___, column ___ Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, Number 42 [Friday, May 29, 1925], page Change Location 2, column 4 Of Wigwam Theatre _____ Wigwam Theatre To Open Tonight The Wigwam theatre, a tent, has been _____ moved from Kingsford Heights to a vacant lot near the corner of Hemlock street and The Wigwam theatre, under a big tent Breen avenue, Breitung. The change was on Wilson avenue, Kingsford Heights, will made because of the larger population to be formally opened tonight, the draw from in Breitung and Skidmore management announced today. Seats addition. Motion picture programs are have been arranged to accommodate more offered nightly. than 225 persons. The feature tonight will be Hoot Gibson in “The Sawdust Trail” and SHOWING MOVIES ON a comedy and news reel. SUNDAY IN NORWAY Iron Mountain News, Iron Mountain, Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 5, Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Number 45 [Wednesday, June 3, 1925], Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 17, page 3, column 2 Number 33 [Thursday, January 2, 1913], page 3, column 2 Wigwam Theatre Norway Rumpus. Tent Blown Over

_____ The Press received a call from the Rev. Dr. Bird, of Norway, last Friday evening. More than a score of persons escaped Dr. Bird affirmed his charge that, upon injury Monday night when the tent under diverse occasions, he had been threatened which the Wigwam theatre in Kingsford with violence; that he had been pushed and Heights is housed was blown over by a jostled in the presence of a policeman who terrific wind. The stakes, holding the tent to refused him protection; that, after being the ground, were forced lose [sic – loose] threatened, he had found a stick of and the tent was carried more than 20 feet dynamite on his veranda, but it was frozen by the storm. The tent was blown down and fuseless; that the mayor had treated during the second show. him ungentlemanly in presence of many The mishap was attributed to small and had flatly refused to entertain his stakes that were being used to hold down complaints; that he has the unanimous the canvas. Larger stakes were installed support of his congregation in his crusade; yesterday and the storm last night failed to that he had written Gov. Osborn his version move the tent. of the trouble; that the governor had quickly

84 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] responded, informing him that the support of the contention says that a prosecuting attorney and sheriff had been number of other similar places of ordered to suppress all lawlessness at amusement are operated on Sunday and Norway; that he has no personal feelings in the operators have not been molested. Mr. the premises; that he is not seeking Bergeron will respond to the summons in notoriety; that the crusade will continue his case next Monday. regardless of threats. The trouble has finally culminated in the arrest of Joseph E. Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Bergeron, proprietor of the moving picture Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 17, theatre. The complaint was made [by] Dr. Number 35 [Thursday, January 16, Bird, who will have as witnesses of the 1913], page 1, column 2 alleged violation of the state law the pastors of the two Swedish churches. Mr. Bergeron Fined Six Cents. will have his examination before a Norway justice on the 13th. County Attorney J.E. Bergeron, who was summoned to Henderson will prosecute the case and appear in Justice Rowe’s court at Norway Cook & Pelham will defend. Ultimately the last Monday to answer to the charge of case will reach the circuit court. Dr. Bird keeping his picture theatre open on Sunday intimated to the Press that Judge Flannigan contrary to the state law, was found guilty might be petitioned to summons [sic – by a jury and damages in the sum of six summon] a grand jury to investigate cents were assessed. The trial attracted a “matters and things” at Norway and large audience. It is understood that elsewhere. The case having reached the another case against Mr. Bergeron will courts, The Press refrains from further have an airing in the circuit court, at the comments. April term. [NOTE: Six cents was the fine former Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, President Theodore Roosevelt paid at Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 17, about this time in a lawsuit involving the Number 34 [Thursday, January 9, 1913], Upper Peninsula.] page 1, column 4 Iron Mountain Press, Iron Mountain, Bergeron Denies. Dickinson County, Michigan, Volume 17, Number 44 [Thursday, March 20, 1913], J.E. Bergeron denies that he has been page 1, column 2 arrested for keeping his Norway moving picture theatre open on Sunday, as was Theatres Still Open. stated in The Press upon authority given by Rev. Dr. Levi Bird. Mr. Bergeron says that The opening of the moving picture he has been summons [sic – summoned] to theatres on Sunday at Norway is still a appear in Justice Rowe’s court to make bone of contention. Mr. Bergeron continues answer to a charge of operating his theatre to keep his theatre open on Sunday and contrary to a state law. He says no warrant each Monday notice of a suit for violation of was issued in the action. Mr. Bergeron also the state law is served upon him. The suits, believes that Rev. Dr. Bird is evincing some twelve in number, will be noticed for personal spite in the prosecution and in trial at the April term of the circuit court. At

85 DICKINSON COUNTY HISTORY – OPERA HOUSES, THEATERS AND MOVIE THEATERS [Compiled and Transcribed by William J. Cummings] a meeting of the Norway council held last Monday evening a petition was presented praying that the theatre licenses be provoked [sic – revoked]. The petition was signed by Revs. Bird, Linder and Schrugren. It was tabled for future consideration.

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