Copyright © 2019 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
“Lives there a man with soul so dead
Who never to himself hath said:
Both for my own and family’s sake
A bit of min-strel-sy I’ll take?”
(Published in the “Billings Gazette,” April 12, 1914, page 1).
In 1914, Thomas G. Moses wrote, “Closed a contract September 29th with Chas. Kohl for Academy of Music work, $2,234.00. A big minstrel first part for Miller and Draper. Came out very good – something entirely new.” I believe that Moses was referring to the first part of Draper and Miller’s show as part of the Elks Minstrel Show (Billings Gazette, April 12, 1914, page 1).
On April 12, 1914, the “Billings Gazette” announced, “This year’s Elks Minstrel To Be Best Performance Ever Staged in the City” (page 1). The production was advertised as “Fast and snappy show replete with up-to-date features is assured theatre-goers next Wednesday , Thursday and Friday evenings. The article reported, “Miller & Draper of New York city, under whose direction this show is presented and who so ably served the local lodge two years ago, are the best known producers in the business. For twelve years they have been staging the annual Elk’s Minstrels over the United States, During that tome they made for Elks lodges approximately a half million dollars (Should they fail to make a half-million for Billings No. 394 there will be things doing not on the program). The leading Elks grand lodge offices and the lodges where Miller and Draper have played are enthusiastic in their endorsements. Harry Miller is an experienced show man of real value under whose system Elks lodges have started home building funds and furnished lodge rooms. Mr. Miller has a connection with the biggest publishers to supply him with the Cohan music he carries with his productions. Clint Draper comes to Billings well known as a performer of experience, having been with leading minstrel productions of the country. He is one of the very best black-face comedians and dancers in the country and under his tutelage dancing acts of exceptional merit are staged at Elks Minstrels. …Miller and Draper have invested thousands of dollars in scenery and costumes, all of which making a full carload, has been brought to Billings for the coming Minstrel [show].”
The article continued, “Program – First Part. The curtain will arise upon a scene entitled ‘Carnival Night at the Panama-Pacific Exposition, 1915. The scenery for this was built and painted from drawings furnished by the architectural commission of the exposition of the exposition. The scene represents the East Court of the Grand Court of Honor at the San Francisco Exposition, and is as authentic as canvas and paint can make it. The electrical effects introduced render the scene one of unparalleled beauty and elegance, achieving a distinct triumph from an artistic standpoint of what the great exposition will be. Following the opening chorus the ‘end men’ and the balladists will early being to get in their work. Joke will follow joke in quick succession, all of them localized to suit all sorts and condition of men in this city and vicinity – and all who know anything at all about the ability of these comedians – and everybody should, because they have an international as well as home reputation – may figure out in advance the side-splitting laughs that are in store. The real test of a minstrel show, nonwithstanding all the fun cropping out of the first part, is the Olio, or second part. Almost anybody can put on a pretty good first part. The Booster could do it itself, if it had a mind to. But most minstrels fall down woefully on the second part of the entertainment. This isn’t going to be the case with Billings No. 394, however, as the second part bids fair to eclipse in many ways the first part.”
As the Night approaches, the article noted, “men and things are getting busy at the Babcock [theatre] in preparation for this big event, Paper hangers, painter, ratcatchers, old clothes men, vacuum cleaners and the local fire department are now at work making extra preparations to accommodate the big crowds. The said walls of the theater are being pushed back, the roof raised, the floor dropped, and peep holes let in all around so as to let out the noise. The seating capacity will be increased to 2,371. Some seats have been greatly widened in order that visiting brethren of unusual avoirdupois may not be choked. These will be reserved for the heavy weights who come. Strong disinfecting germicides have been attached to the places where opera glasses ought to be and you are advices to use these freely after such jokes as may appear to require application.”
To be continued…
