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A RECORDOf Theatricals and Theaters in New Harmony from the organization of the first Thespian Society in 1827, to the present time.majority of them have years since quitted the Btago of life, and those yet with us are honored grey'-beards aud elderly matrons.list of stockholders:11i*!roond-Bg8dieiognFor a period of 3~ears covering nearly half a century, .New Harmony has been noted for the quantity and excellence of its home amusements, chiefcst among which have been its amateur theatrical entertainments—having during that time, with but a few brief intervals} been the possessor of a Dramatic or Thespian Association. In writing up a sketch of the old-time theatricals, there are many missing links that cannot be supplied, as of those connected with the first organization but few are now with us, and the local newspaper of that day was singularly and unfortunately reticent regarding all local news, contenting itself with the briefest mention of homo theatricals. This is the moro to bo regretted, as the cast ofcharacters in the first plays enacted here would now prove most acceptable and interesting matter to our readers. It is our intention in thissketch to give, wherever the same can bo obtained, the bill ofeach performance and tho cast of characters.In tho latter part of the year 1827 was originated the first movement towards the formation of a Thespian Association in New Harmony. Prominent among tho causes which led to this organization, doubtless, was the arrival hero of Mr. and Mrs. Alex.Drake, at that time recognized stars inthe dramatic firmament—especiallyMrs. Drake, who was an actress of much ability.At the commencement two organizations were effected, one known as tho “Stockholders of tho New Harmony Theatre,” and the other as “ Tho NewHarmony Thespian Society.” The firstwas composed of a number of the then leading citizens of tho town, generally the I)cads of families, and its purpose was to procuro and suitably fit up a building for theatrical purposes. A liberal amount was subscribed and paid in by these stockholders, the only known return for which was the issue of stockholder's tickets entitling the owner thereof and family to admittance to all performances. The building selected was what was then known as tho “Town Hall,” now called the “Old Hall,” and one better adapted to tho purpose could not at that time have been found in the entire west, it being at that early day tho largest and most commodious building in tho State— having, exclusive of the east and west wings, an inside measurement of 125 by 40 feel, with a 28 loot coiling. The entire south wing was assigned for stage, wings, property and dressing rooms, giving an ample space of 40 by 42 feet—the stage proper having a width of about 22 feet by 40 feet in depth and 20 feet high. From tho entrance on Church street to tho stage was a distance of 85 feet, a large portion of this space being occupied by a series of raised seats extending from the floor to the base of tho arch in the north wing of tho building. A large proportion of the work on tho stage and raised seats was done by tho gratuitous labor of the citizens, who turned out in force and devoted several days to the work. The scenery was worked on rollers, “flats” being at that time unknown to the theatrical world, and was painted by the eminent French artist Mr. Lessieur, then a citizen of tho town, and was equal, if not superior in its artistic excellence, to any then in use in the United Slates. A specimen of his labors yet romains in a Switzerland mountain scene on the interior southern wall of tho building, which was painted for the play of “ William Tell ” in 1835. The proscenium was ornamented with figuros representing Comedy and Tragedy, and over the curtain a large scroll contained the motto “All tho World’s a Stage.” 1The Thespian Society was composed of the younger citizens and embraced in its organization many ladies and gentlemen possessed of histrionic talent of recognized merit. Its object was stated to bo “ to amuso and instruct, and for mutual improvementand that they succeeded in their praiseworthy endeavors, is attested by the few remaining older citizens of our town who remember the crowded houses and liberal applause which greeted theappoar* ance of these pioncor Thespians. At this late day but a partial list of tho original Stockholders and members of the Thespian Society can be given ; the following names have been gleaned from old papers and rocords, and it will be seen that but few of those named in either list are now with us — tho largeM. R. Southard, Robert Todd,John Craddock, James G. Walker, Edward Cox, Sr., Robert Dale Owen, David Dale Owen, S. W. Kellogg,Win. A. Twigg, Sr., John Burton,Edward Burton,Robert Robson, William Cox, Richard Owen, John Wlieatcroft, Jonathan Rogers. Colin Grant,Mrs. E. Cox, l'\ Fearing.F. W. Fauntlcroy.THESPIAN SOCIETV.[This list includes the names, so far as could be gathered, of those who appeared upon the stage from 1828 to 1835—some few of whom were not regular members of the Society.]ofax*thWin. A. Twigg, Sr., M. R. Southard, William O. Cox, Horace Prichard,G. M. Collins, James Sampson,E. J. Rogers,11. L, Pentecost, John Wlieatcroft,S. S. Smith,James Bennett, Allen Ward,L. J. Larkin, William Owen, Robert Dale Owen, Bazil Brown, Jonathan Gordon, Doctor Bell,George McGlowan, Mr. Clibburn,John Beal, Sr., Samuel Bolton, Thomas Ward, Frank D. Bolton, William Bolton,George Rappel yea, John Mills,John Marsh,A. E. Frctageof, Samuel Todd, Alexander Drake, Rfchard Owen,Elijah Anderson, Edward Murphy, William Daniels, Morris Brown,Charles Agniel,Mrs. Sarah Craddock, Mrs. Thomas Chase, Mrs. Alexander Drake, Mrs. E. Bolton,Mrs John Mills,Mrs. E. Palmer,Mrs. Sarah Collins, Miss Columbine Gex, Mies Jane Craddock, Miss ltosilla Fearing, Miss Ann Palmer, Miss Deborah Palmer,ofsnhacitvamifoisospan St-1 fa i st: fo:ofth011Ai w i thnimlieMiss E. Haggerson,The first performance took place on Saturday evening, February 23, 1828, when was presented the Comedy of “The Poor Gentleman,” the entertainment concluding with the Fareo of “ Fortune's Frolic.” The opening night was a decidedly successful one; the largo building was well filled with an attentive audience and the Thespians received round after round of wcll-thaFisoB;merited applause. The New Harmony Gazette of February 27, 1828, which paper by the way rarely contained above Iwentv lines of local matter in•jeach issue, had the following notice of the first performance :“Theatrical.—The Comedy of ‘The Poor Gentleman7 and ‘ Fortune's Frolic’ were performed by the Thespian Society of this place on the 23d inst., as announced. The performance was well attended and gave general satisfaction. ‘A Cure for the lleart-Ache’ and !Thc Maid and Magpie’ are announced for Saturday, the 21st of March next.-’On tho 21st of March, 1828, as above noted, the second performance was given, on which occasion was presented the Comedy of “ A Cure for the Heartache ” and the afterpiece of tho “ Maid and Magpie.” That this performance gave equal or bettor satisfaction than tho first, may be inferred from tho following criticism in the Gazette of April 9, 1S28:“Thespian Society.— We omitted, at the time, to mention that the Comedy of ‘A Cure for the lleart-Ache’ and the afterpiece of ‘The Maid and Magpie’ were performed as announced by our Thespian Society for the 23d of lastmonth.“Individual criticism or individual commendation are foreign to the character our Gazette has always sustained; yet it. may be stated as the general, perhaps the unanimous opinion of the audience, that both pieces, and particularly the afterpiece, were supported throughout in a manner to excite interest and to give satisfaction; and that the improvement in the actors as in the mechanical management of the stage and of the scenery, was very considerable since the last performance.'1While the editor of tho Gazette was moro strongly impressed by tho affecting incidents and denouement of the “Maid and Magpie,” one “D. L.,” most probably a young bachelor, grew poetic over the attractions presented in “A Cure for the Hcart-ache,” and gave his genius an airing in the following verses, which appeared in tho Gazette of April 9, 1828, under this caption :thtliHasDO]frd:tlaiP'O’“1VmItd;a I siftftgis2-aI]titiucigwftaoaenabna6hB9I.crcVJ.cit-asid15o*d-A.Links, Suggested dy the New Harmony Tiies- £ pian Society’s Representation ok “A Curefor the Heart-Ache.”Integrity’s the first, best gift of Heaven;(If that there be a Heaven, bright and pure) With heavy purses heavy hearts are given,And good, plain Honesty’s the Hcnrt-nche’s cure.Vet softly—in the train of lordly wealth See Splendor, Popularity, a Name;Rich coffers shut by fear and ope d by stealth, Loud plaudits sounded on the trump of fame;Music to wake thee at the dawn of day,Beauty, to lull thy fevered frame to rest;A thousand lamps to guide thy devious May;A thousand slaves to move at thy behest—All these gay things riches will surely give thee, If thou wilt but fall down and worship gold; Take then thy portion — But let none deceive thee,A heart at case can not be bought nor sold.1). L.The next piny noted, occurred on Thursday, July 4, 1828, when “much satisfaction was given to a crowded house, by tho performance of the ‘School of Deform1 and ‘Fortune’s Frolics.’ ”(To be continued.)(1]Henry Cooper, of Augusta, Ga., is to be hanged on tho 13th of February, and he says all he wants is to havo oysters every meal until tho futal day.
Newspaper Details
New Harmony Register
New Harmony, Indiana, US
Sat, Jan 03, 1874
Page 3
Full Page
Clipped by
Dale C.
USA 02 Dec 2018
Other Publications Near New Harmony, Indiana
New Harmony Register
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