Part 434: Thomas G. Moses and “Tennessee’s Pardner”
In 1902, Thomas G. Moses recorded that he produced the scenery for Arthur Aiston’s production, “Tennessee Partner.” This was a comedy in four acts, actually spelled “Tennessee’s Pardner.” The production toured with the company of Arthur C. Aiston for a few years at the turn of the twentieth century.
The play was a comedy-drama founded on Bret Harte’s (1836-1902) short story of the same name. In 1902, “The Democrat and Chronicle” reported, “Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. Chaffee, the original Tennessee and his partdner of Bret Harte’s romance, “Tennessee’s Pardner,” are still living in Groveland, California” (Rochester, NY, 27 Dec, 1902, page 6).
“Tennessee’s Pardner” was noted as Aiston’s best play, the show was first produced at the American Theatre in New York with Robert Hilliard in the role of Caleb Swan and Estha Williams as Tennessee. “Tennessee’s Pardner”” is a western drama depicting early life in the Nevada mines. In 1906, the “Detroit Free Press” described the play as “a simple, heart –appealing story of generous souls , adventure, love and humor. Without sacrificing dramatic effect, it is also an interesting character study. The four principals of the play are Caleb Swan, Asa Bice, Netty Bice, and Tennessee Kent. Swan and Bice are mining partners. Such a partnership in those days meant more than the business relations existing among members of a firm of any sort today. They stood side by side in trials and difficulties, whether to delve for long days through the obstinate quarts of their mine, fight bloodthirsty Indians, or share their food, which at times was by no means plentiful. Netty is an eastern girl. During one of his trips away from camp Bice meets her in Carson City and they are married. They return to the home of the partners whereupon Swan is grieved. These two rugged hearts had sworn eternal allegiance and Swan considered it a violation of the compact for Bice to take a wife. Nor does he conceal his opinion or feeling in the matter. The partners thus become estranged. Meanwhile, a beautiful young woman from Tennessee, whose name is the same as that of her native state, arrives. Tennessee, for reasons explained in the drama, has been involuntary cut off from her relatives and is prepared to rough it among the mining district of the west. Swan takes an interest in her and protects her from the inevitable dangers that naturally threaten a young woman in that section. A mutual affection springs up between them and finally Swan consoles himself for Bice’s infidelity by marrying Tennessee (9 September 1906, page 48).
“Tennessee’s Pardner” also became a 1916 silent film starring Fannie Ward.
To be continued…
