Copyright © 2020 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
James H. Cragg was the manager for the Tabor Opera House in Leadville, Colorado, from 1882 until 1894. During his twelve years there, Cragg implemented a series of improvements throughout the building that included the stage area. He thoroughly understood the stage needs of touring productions, having previously managed companies before his move to Leadville. When the Tabor Opera House was purchased and remodeled by the Elks in 1902, the “Herald Democrat” recalled Cragg’s early changes to the theater, noting, “The old opera house was known as a ‘flat hall’ until Col. ‘Jim’ Cragg took charge of it in 1881. He had the seats raised and other more modern improvements made. Col. Cragg managed the house as long as it remained in the possession of Mr. Tabor.” Actually, Cragg was not hired as the Tabor Opera House manager until the spring of 1882, but he remained associated with the venue until 1894.
Cragg was a man of many talents, both as a performer and an artist. He received his earliest musical training at home in Louisville, Kentucky, and entered the music profession under the tutelage of his father, Thomas P. Cragg. The elder Cragg was a music merchant, dealing in musical instruments and other accessories. James was the middle child of three children born to Thomas (1805-1889) and Mary Jane Cragg (1818-1901). Although no exact date was recorded for his birthday, his birthyear was 1846. James affectionately referred to his older sister Margaret as “Maggie,” and the two remained close throughout the duration of their lives. After James moved west, Maggie frequently visited her younger brother in Colorado.
Before Cragg entered the music profession, he fought in the Civil War as a corporal for the Confederacy. He was captured and imprisoned at Camp Douglas, Fort Donelson, in Illinois, and then sent to Cairo as part of a prisoner exchange on September 3, 1862. At the time, he was sixteen years old.
After the War, James followed in his father’s footsteps, working in Louisville at a music store. He began as a salesman, working at D. P. Fauld’s firm for several years. He was eventually listed as a clerk and eventually established his own music store the following decade. By 1868. Cragg was also the guitarist for a group of young musicians called the Owl Club. The group was originally organized in 1866 “for the pleasure of its members,” composed of young gentlemen who were “highly accomplished in their specialties” (Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, 11 Aug. 1868, page 4).
On Nov. 10, 1875, Cragg married Annie W. Parmele (b. 1853) in Louisville. She was the daughter of Amos G. Parmele (1818-1895) and Melina Dorcas Williams (1819-1910). Some records list her father as Alexandre Parmell, or A. G. Parmeal. In all cases, he was a merchant married to Melina. By 1878, Cragg was running his own music store on Walnut Street, just five doors down from his previous employer D. P. Faulds. Cragg remained in Louisville until 1880 when he headed west to Colorado. The 1880 US Federal Census Report listed Cragg and Ana living with his extended family; at the time, Cragg was thirty-four yrs. old and his wife twenty-six yrs. old.
It remains unclear as to how Cragg met Tabor or exactly when he arrived in Leadville. Early in 1882, Cragg was still the manager for Nick Robert’s Humpty-Dumpty company, touring across the country with the production. On Jan. 12, 1882, the “Knoxville Daily Chronicle” reported “Mr. J. H. Cragg, the genial and clever manager of Nick Robert’s Humpty-Dumpty, honored us with a call last night. We find him a gentleman in every sense of the word, and he is well pleased with their reception here.”
Less than four months later Colorado newspapers announced H. A. W. Tabor’s hiring of Cragg for the Tabor Opera House:
“A Leadville special says the appointment of J. W. Rowell general agent of Governor Tabor has resulted in a change of management of the Tabor Opera House. J. H. Cragg is the new manager.” (“By Way of Denver,” Silver Cliff Weekly Herald, May 4, 1882).
In 1882 Cragg was also listed in Leadville City Directory as manager of the Opera House, with business offices at 124 West 3rd Street. Later that year, Nick Robert’s “Humpty-Dumpty” played in Leadville from November 6 to 8. A week later, “Oliver Twist” played at the venue. On Nov 15, 1882, the “Leadville Daily Herald,” reported, “Manager Cragg, of the opera house, had a wide grin open his face as he came out from the stage entrance and stepped down into the auditorium at the conclusion of the fifth act in Oliver Twist . Manager Cragg was evidently highly amused about something and appeared almost on the point of taking the audience into his confidence when, happening to look towards the centre of the house, he observed that the majority of those present had risen en masse and were making towards the entrance as fast as they could . Then did the genial manager’s smile extend into a broad grin of laughter as be whispered into the ear of a hurrying friend “what’s your hurry, there’s another act yet.” “Another,” exclaimed the gentleman, then I’d better sit down.” Plump be dropped into the nearest vacant seat and gazed not alone at the curtain, but upon the silent rows of vacant seats before, behind and around him. It was too true; the majority of the audience had formed a conclusion of its own and decided that “Oliver Twist” had come to an end while yet the most pathetic incident of the drama was wanting. “On mete! O more!” sighed Manager Cragg.”
By 1885, Cragg was doing much more for H. A. W. Tabor than managing his Leadville opera house. Soon Cragg assumed responsibilities as manager of the Telephone Company, also located in the Tabor Opera House. On June 20, 1885, the “Carbonate Chronicle” included an article about “The New Hotel. The article reported, “Mr. J. H Cragg will probably be the new manager and Chauncery Nichols head clerk.” Cragg did secure the managerial position was soon listed in advertisements for the Tabor Grand Hotel on Harrison Ave in Leadville; J. C. Hutchinson was the first proprietor (The Chaffee County Times, Sept 10, 1885). Cragg would remain as the hotel manager even after Mrs. Geo. Bittinger was became the new proprietor (The Chaffee County Times, Dec. 10, 1885). In addition to managing a variety or firms, Cragg also dabbled in mining interests with a substantial return. He partnered with Charles Eldridge on the Hazel Kirke and Natalie mines (Carbonate Chronicle, April 18, 1885). In 1887 the “Detroit Free Press” described Cragg as “one of the richest mining men in Colorado” mentioned (Feb. 10, page 8). The article added, “J. H. Cragg has named his latest mine “Billy Florence,” in honor of the actor.”
From 1886 to 1894, Cragg remained the manager of the Tabor Opera House until it changed hands and became the Weston Opera House. Prior to his departure, Cragg instigated a series of improvements to the building and stage. On March 22, 1886, the “Carbonate Chronicle,” included and article entitled, “Improvements in the Opera House.” The article reported, “Manager J. H. Cragg, with his usual interest for the benefit of his patrons, has secured the services of Mr. W. B. Bell, the carpenter, to tear out the old boxes, enlarge them and fit them up in first-class order; in fact, as fine as any in the country. For the care and taste Mr. Cragg is taking in beautifying our opera bouse, we hope when they are finished to see one or two box parties at every performance. Of other repairs which he is making we will mention a part at present, but when finished we hope to give a detailed account. The old ungainly looking wooden posts under the gallery have been removed and, in their place, a neat iron column, the walls and ceiling under the gallery have been papered with the finest gilt paper. As soon as it is found that the new roof does not leak, the main celling will be finely papered or frescoed. The painting will all be in fine white and gilt. It is unfortunate that the boxes cannot be finished in time for Miss Jeffreys Lewis’ engagement to-morrow evening, as her engagement here will be an event in theatrical circles” (page 8).
After the project was completed, Cragg had cause to celebrate and enjoy life. The Cragg’s celebrated the fall with extended family from Louisville. On Sept 12, 1886, the “Herald Democrat,” reported “Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Cragg, accompanied by their father, Mr. A. G. G. Parmile of Louisville, and Mr. Al Boudmant, of Red Cliff, will spend today at Twin Lakes.” The Craggs’ fortunes soon took a turn for the worse.
Anna passed away the following spring. On March 6, 1887, the “Courier-Journal” in Louisville reported, “CRAGG – At Leadville, Col. March 1, Annie W., wife of J. H. Cragg.” On Oct. 3, 1887 the “Leadville Evening Chronicle” announced, “Mr. J. H. Cragg returned Friday evening form a three week’s trip in the east. He returned much improved in health, which will be gratifying news of his many friends in this city.” A lovely memoriam was published in the newspaper, written by a childhood friend of Cragg’s; here is the link: https://drypigment.net2020/12/13/travels-of-a-scenic-artist-and-scholar-james-and-annie-cragg-of-leadville-colorado/
In the midst of grieving, Cragg threw himself back into work, falling into the previous pattern of managing the Telephone Company, the Tabor Opera House and the mines. It was around this time, that Cragg hired T. Frank Cox to painted additional scenes for the Tabor Opera House. On January 8, 1888, the “Herald Democrat” reported, “Manager J. H. Cragg has been adding new scenery to the properties at the Tabor Opera House” (page 4). Other articles described the various scenes painted by Cox and immediately used by touring companies. Later that spring Cragg also began managing his own touring production. On May 2, 1888, the “Aspen Daily Times “ included an advertisement for “A Ribbon” and the Ribbon Comedy Company under the management of J. H. Cragg. This was H. B. Iszard’s Musical Comedy show, comedy interspersed with catchy musical selections from Braham, Bristow, Graham, Lyons, Bolasco, Sullivan, McGuiness, King and Rooney.
Cragg also became increasingly active in social and fraternal activities, joining both the Benevolent Protective Opera of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. On July 9, 1888, the “Leadville Evening Chronicle” interviewed Cragg in an article entitled, “The Knights Will Drill.” Cragg stated, “We have one hundred members of the Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias,” said Mr. J. H. Cragg, “and have selected twenty-four of the best drilled to take part in the Grand Lodge meeting, which is to take place in Colorado Springs on Sept. 12.”
On July 25, 1888, the “Leadville Evening Chronicle” published a notice, giving some indication to the backstage goings on at the Tabor. The article was entitled, “A Manager’s Warning’ and explained, “Mr. J. H. Cragg has the following notice nailed on the o.p. side of the stage at the opera house.
NO KICKING! There is only one way to get along pleasantly on this stage and that is to be pleasant. When it comes to kicking, we will be right there.
No strangers allowed behind the scenes except by permission of the manager. No loud talking, swearing or noise of any kind will be allowed.
We will do all we can to please anyone, but of course some people come here who think they have played in larger and finer houses. It is a great mistake. It is an easy thing for us, at a moment’s notice, to move any dressing room, furnish all with grand pianos, electric lights, hot and cold water, easy chairs, etc. People who were never used to anything in their lives always kick the most. They are what I call common people. J. H. Cragg.
Mr. Cragg says obstreperous people of different companies read the above notice and take warning accordingly.” Cragg’s patience was growing increasingly thin with some of the performers that visited the Tabor Opera House stage.
For the next two years, Cragg traveled back and forth between Leadville and Louisville, visiting quite often with family. He must have also channeled some of his grief into art. Cragg was an accomplished artist in his own right, as was his sister Maggie. The first mention of Cragg’s painting skills were noted in Leadville during 1889. On October 2, 1889, the “Leadville Evening Chronicle” mentioned Cragg in the section entitled “Palette Paragraphs,” reporting “Mr. J. H. Cragg’s rooms are profusely adorned with paintings from his very own brush.” I wonder if he was heading for a change of pace after the passing of his wife, finally finding it in 1891. That year the Denver Directory, listed J. H. Cragg as the assistant manager for the Silver Theatrical Circuit, with business offices at 14-18 Opera House Blk in Denver. Cragg’s private residence was listed as 32 Ghost Bldg.
Cragg’s sister was also an accomplished artist in her own right. On June 8, 1893, the “Herald Democrat” included an article about Cragg’s sister Maggie, also an accomplished artist in Kentucky. The article was entitled, “Her Artistic Success” and announced, “Manager J . H . Cragg , of the Opera house, has good cause to feel somewhat proud and elated at the triumph of a sister of his, Mrs. Maggie Cragg Ball of Louisville , Kentucky . This talented lady is an accomplished artist and has made a life study of painting on china. Her talent and genius had won for her quite a reputation at home, and she was requested to contribute a work of art for the Kentucky building at the world’s fair.” By Dec. 9, 1894, the “Herald Democrat” announced, “Mr. J. H. Cragg, for many years the efficient and popular manager of the Tabor (now Weston) Opera House in this city has severed his connections with that place of amusement to accept a more responsible position in connection with the management of the Mid-winter fair at New Orleans. His many friends here regret his departure, but confidently hope for his success in the new enterprise he has undertaken.” He did not leave Leadville for long and was back in the city directory the following year.
Cragg was listed in the 1895 Leadville City Directory as a clerk at the Hotel Vendome. By 1898 he had worked his way up to chief clerk and by 1899, advertisements for the Hotel Vendome published listed J. H. Cragg as asst. manager. His time at the Hotel Vendome ended on Jan. 1, 1901, when an article in “Herald Democrat “ announced the retirement of both Messrs. Brisbane and Cragg.” That year Mr. Chase took over all management responsibilities.
Cragg continued to remain very active with the Elks, however, and it was this relationship that may have influenced the group’s decision to purchase the Weston Opera House. On August 30, 1900, the “Herald Democrat,” recorded Cragg’s artistic success at and Elk’s benefit performance in an article entitled “Elks Entertain a Jolly Night.” The fourth annual benefit of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Leadville lodge No. 236, was given at the Weston opera house, and considered a “success of the season.” The article reported, “The curtain was then raised on a scene containing ease! and crayons and J. H. Cragg proceeded to show his skill as a lightning sketch artist. In an amazingly short time, he had made landscapes in color which had from the distance of the audience, all the appearance of oil paintings.” He remained active in the mountain community and was even appointed grand marshal for the Fourth of July in 1901; that was one of the years with falling snow on July 4.
Cragg’s activities with the Elks continued and Cragg represented the Leadville Lodge at a Boston Convention in 1903. On July 27 that summer, the “Herald Democrat,” announced, “Colonel Jim in Baltimore.” Of Lodge No. 236 B.P.O. Elks, the Baltimore Herald reported, “One of the most prominent Elks from the west now in the city Is Mr. J. H. Cragg, of Leadville, Colo., who came to the reunion with the Louisville lodge. Mr. Cragg is the past exalted ruler of the Leadville lodge and during his administration last year installed 236 members in his lodge. In proportion to population the Leadville local has more members than any other in the United States. The population of the city is 12,000 and the membership of the lodge is 665 members. They have recently occupied their new club house, which cost $60,000 to erect.”
Cragg passed away only a short time later, on January 17, 1904. His obituary was published in Colorado Springs “Weekly Gazette” announced, “Leadville, Colo., Jan. 17.- James H. Cragg, a pioneer of Leadville, died here today of pneumonia, after an illness of almost two weeks. Mr. Cragg was a native of Kentucky, 56 years of age and came to Leadville to manage the Tabor Opera House for H. A. W. Tabor. After Tabor left, he looked after the latter’s mining interests here and at one time was manager of the Vendome hotel. Mr. Cragg was a prominent Elk and served several terms as exalted ruler of the local lodge. The remains were taken to his former home in Louisville for interment. In his earlier life Mr. Cragg was manager of many theatrical companies and is known to theatrical people all over the country” (January 21, 1904, page 2).
Cragg’s obituary was also published in the “Courier-Journal” in Louisville, Kentucky on January 18, 1904, home to his only sister Maggie. “James H. Cragg Dies in Colorado. Was brother of Mrs. J. M. Chatterson, of Louisville, Who Was at His Bedside. James H. Cragg, fifty-six years old, died at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon of pneumonia at Leadville, Col. He had been seriously ill for two weeks, and his sister, Mrs. J. M. Chatterson of Louisville, went to Leadville last week and was with him when he died.
Mr. Cragg was prominently connected in this city and had a large number of friends here, He formerly owned a music store on Fourth Avenue, between Green and Walnut streets, and moved West fifteen years ago. He was well known and popular with musical and theatrical people, and his store was headquarters for visiting members of the profession. He had been successful in his mining ventures in the West and was preparing to close up his business and return to Louisville to live when taken ill. He was unmarried and is survived by one sister, Mrs. J. M. Chatterson.”
To be continued…
