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Writes of Organizationof the Jefferson TheatreEDSON L. BURCHSome of our readers will remember the large frame store building at northeast corner of High and Jefferson streets, known as the Variety Store,” conducted by Mr. Chas. B. Mans, the father of Charles ifoaus ,the veteran letter carrier, whom most of us know. This building was hero until 1904. when it was replaced by the Jefferson building and the Jefferson theatre. This change opened a new era in Jefferson City playhouses.Captain Maus, the old storekeeper, did not like the idea of the change in his life that would be occasioned by its sale, but the young real estate man convinced him that it was a large financial loss to keep the small business he had, and that the money from sale would bring much larger returns. He afterwards stated that he was very happy to have made the deal, and was enjoying life to a fuller extent: having kept so closely to his business forremark that he lived between heaven and hell.Hie high school graduating class of 1887 had its exercises in this building ,and right In the midst of one of these orations, the firebell rang at the city hall, and a near panic was on. However, some one was wise enough to have the high school male quartet come out and sing, and the nervous, anxious audience soon quieted down. This quartet, with Will and John Hutchinson. Hendlcy Moore and Lew Sargent enjoyed a reputation in those days, which compared withthe Rotary quartet of a few years ago.Before this time our people went to the third floor of the City Hall building for the shows, and sometimes the Music Hall of Mr. P. H. Binder, next door, was used for concerts, especially. Some Callaway young men were here one night for a stock company performance and when the villain was thrown out the window, one of them jumped up in his seat: “Oh, Lord—-he is killed—it is three stories down toyears he was surprised at the growth of the city and appreciated j _ ^T0U getting around.The purchaser of the property,Mr. Otto Asel, desired to erect a business building at the corner, but was at a loss to know what to do with the large area, in the rear.Some of his friends, among them the local architect, Mr. Prank Mil- i came to the rescue, stated tnat he ler. nersuaded him that a theatre would erect same of concreteTo get back to the Jefferson theatre, the corporation was organized, and money raised for the building. Brick construction was planned for, but the bids were too high, and the project almost lostout; however, Mr. Joseph Popebuilding would be the proper thing, the slope of the ground making itblocks, and make it come within the amount estimated. He also becameandUmore suitable for that purpose a stockholder in the company, ananv other. ' stayed with the same until sale torather than any So it became the job of the real estate man making the sale, to organize the corporation and put it over. In those days the word “opera house'' was used, as we use the word movie.” The opera house J'eaTBilly Mueller.Another principal stockholder was Mr. Wili Edwards, known as '•Billy'’ and his experience in managing the Lohman opera house one and also another year in St,\ CisIBatthat time was the Lohman, just in an orchestra 0; a ieaarngacross High strecin the building : theatre, and enabled the company No. 102 e'. High, second floor. Be- j to era* a modem play house for fore this time it was Clarke Ka.ll, i that day,or. East Capitol avenue, the building ! stage was planned nrs. o. all,iiven- barn, and manyjokeswer:manufactured on this combination. .As theatres were considered very wicked in those days by the people, the late Mr. He own. who ; lived next door, with the Christian ; church on the other side, used to?equipped, with every appuanceknown, and abundant dressingrooms were provided. The stage■made forty by sixty feet, and it was necessary to purchase an extra s.trio of sround onthe east(Continued on Page 9-B)
Newspaper Details
Daily Capital News and Jefferson City Post Tribune
Jefferson City, Missouri, US
Sun, Apr 26, 1931
Page 12
Full Page
Clipped by
Erin G.
MO, USA 19 Oct 2021
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