Jack Caffery - February 1919

“Good old Jack Caffery has crossed the tape in life’s great race, and in his passing one of the most popular athletes that ever wore a shoe has gone.”

Hamilton Spectator.   February 12, 1919.

It was a sad morning for Hamilton sports enthusiasts, especially those who followed marathon racing, when the news came out that Jack Caffery had died at his family home on Melborne street.

The Spectator carried a photo taken of Jack Caffery and quickly put out the news in that paper’s afternoon edition.

“As his death was not completely unexpected, there was an already put together account of his running career ready to appear :

“The entire world knew of the great feats of Jack Caffery, for he was, without doubt, one of the greatest long distance runners that was ever developed. Being a natural runner, he was taken in hand by Tommy Power and Lawrence Robertson, away back in 1897, and they trained him for the Herald race of the year following. He won the bay event in 1898, establishing a new record by covering the course in 1.54.05. His feat was considered phenomenal, but that was at the time when Billy Sherring was also springing into the limelight, and the result was that next year he was forced to follow Sherring down York street. The year following he turned the tables on Sherring, and made a new mark of 1.31.52, which stood until Sammy Mellor established a new record three years later, only to have Jimmy Duffy make it still lower in 1912.

“In 1900, both Sherring and Caffery went to Boston to compete in the famous Marathon there, and some of the older followers of the sport will remember the great race between the pair. For nineteen miles, Sherring was well out in front, leading Caffery at one stage by nearly a mile, but Jack did not allow that fact to excite him in any way, and he kept to his steady pace which he figured would win in the end. And he guessed right. Sherring was overcome with the heat and had to stop for treatment for so long that many runners passed him, but he came around, and managed to pass them all but Caffery, who won, and set a mark that Bostonians could not credit, clipping nearly twenty miles off the record. He covered the course that day in 2.29.44, and the Yankees thought it would stand forever, but Jack went back the next year, and although he did not have the benefit of Sherring’s fast pace, he covered the distance in 2.29.23 2-5, a record that stood until Tom Longboat went to Beantown in 1907, Caffery was the only man to win the Boston event twice.

“He went back to Boston a couple of times after but could never manage to finish in the first three, the opposition being keener and his condition not what it was in the years previous. He also competed in the Herald race a couple of times after that, but never managed to win again. For a time, it was feared he was going into decline, and he spent the biggest part of a year in the north country, where he regained his health, and when the trial races were being held to select the team to represent Canada at the Olympic games in England in 1898, he staged a great come back and made a showing that entitled him to a place on the team. In the big race, he was jogging along in sixth place, but with but seven miles to go, when he was taken ill as a result of drinking wine which had been given him, and he had been given him, and he had to drop back, but he showed his gameness by sticking to his guns, and he finished eleventh in a field that comprised the best distance men of the entire world. That was Jack’s last great race, although he loved running, and many a Sunday morning he could be found in the togs that brought him glory at Boston, jogging over the bay course.”¹

¹ “Jack Caffery, Famous Distance Runner, Dead ; Only Man to Win the Boston Marathon Twice – His Career”

Hamilton Spectator.   February 12, 1919.

The Spectator reporter assigned the Caffery matter did manage to quickly get ahold of Caffery’s former competitors and other associates for reaction :

“The news of Jack Caffery’s death , while not altogether a surprise, was received with deep regret in local sporting circles this morning. One of Jack’s strongest competitors in the days when he was in his prime was Billy Sherring, winner of the Olympic marathon of 1906.

“ ‘No gamer runner lived than poor old Jack Caffery,’ said Sherring this morning, ‘and I do not believe that there was ever a faster one at ten miles or over. I often thought that if Caffery had been in his prime when the indoor marathon craze was on in New York, he would have shown them all up. He had a peculiar gait such as I have never see in any other long distance man, and I think his style would have been ideal for board work. He did not lift his feet very far from the ground and took a short stride, but it always got him there at the end. At the time, the rivalry between us was greatest, I always figured that if I could defeat Jack Caffery, I could win.’

                   ___________________________________

“ ‘It is too bad that Jack Caffery was not in his prime as a runner when Longboat and other stars were so prominent,’ said Sol Mintz. “He was a wonderful runner and I do not believe his best was ever shown, for Jack made it a point to win without paying too much attention to records. In his fastest races, he was never extended, such as some of the men who broke his records later on were.’

                             _____________________________________

          “ Tommy Powers and Lawrence Robertson, the men who brought Caffery out, and who later developed other good runners, always figured that Caffery was the greatest distance runner that ever lived.

“ ‘He was a natural runner,’ said Mr. Powers, ‘and training him was one of the easiest jobs a man could have. He liked to run, and if we sent him out in the morning to a named point and back, you could always depend on his covering the ground selected. Other runners we have trained were apt to run a mile or two, sit down and rest, and then come back with a story about how well they felt. When Caffery won the first Boston , the members of the Boston A.A. thought that he was ready for a long rest, but a few minutes after the race, he was around as sprightly as ever. I believe that Jack revolutionized training for long distance running, for until he went to Boston no runner ever thought of running anything like a marathon distance in training. He was the gamest man we ever handled, and I think that he was the greatest distance man ever developed, despite the fact that his records have all been broken.’’ ²

² “Sporting Comment”

Hamilton Spectator.   February 12, 1919.

Jack Caffery had suffered a recent attack of influenza. His passing at age 39 was peaceful.

There was a funeral procession as his body was taken from his Melbourne street home, along Locke street to St. Joseph’s hospital for the funeral. He was later buried in Holy Sepulcher cemetery.

Domestic Relations and the Hamilton Police Court - December 14 1918

Most days in the Hamilton Police Court were routine, cases involving drunks predominating. However, there were usually situations involving human interest that provided material for the police court reporters with the Hamilton daily newspapers.

On December 14, 1918, the Hamilton Police Court, Magistrate George Jelfs, featured the appearance of Mr. Ed Leighton, charged with non-support by this wife, who had separated from him, alleging domestic violence and the interference in their lives by her mother-in-law, Mrs. Leighton.

The Herald reporter, writing quickly so that his article would be in the afternoon edition, began his lengthy account of the case as follows :      “Sixteen months of marital romance wrecked by apple of discord in the Eden of matrimony, ye olde mother-in-law, was the tale unfolded in police court this morning. Edward Leighton, 6 Smith avenue, and wife Rita, brought their linen into court. It got an airing but not a washing.”

In her testimony, Rita said that her husband had supported her up to last June, though they had quarreled right along. Then, he ordered her to get out of their home after his mother had accused her of going around with other men. Rta declared that Ed had awakened her up by his efforts to remove her rings from her fingers on the morning before she left the house.

Rita claimed that the first payment of $50 made on their Smith avenue house was given to Ed by her father, and that the second and last payment of $300 had been given to her by her father.

In his statement to the magistrate, Ed Leighton declared that Rita left of her own free will.  He also said had, however, been out with other men, and attended dances without him.

Rita immediately protested :“ ‘If God should strike me down dead, that is not true, He knew where I went every time I went out. Mr. Jelfs, his mother used to come to our house at 11 o’clock at night and cause trouble.’

The husband’s defense lawyer forcefully questioned Rita, trying to portray Ed as a good husband, while at the same portraying her as not being a good wife:

“In answer to Ed.’s counsel, W.M. McClemont, Mrs. Leighton emphatically and vigorously denied being in the company of other men, but she admitted to him that she and her friend, Miss Hays, had given a dance in a public hall in West Hamilton last Wednesday.

“ ‘Have you anything to say against the character of this young men? Isn’t he a respectable young man?’ demanded Mr. McClemont.

“ ‘No,’ murmured Deputy Chief Coulter, who lives on the same street as Ed.

“ ‘You’d better keep out of this. If you have anything to say against this young man, you’d better say it on the stand,’ heatedly observed the lawyer.

“ After we got married, he kept on going around with the girl he went with before he met me,’ stated Mrs. Leighton.

“ ‘Oh, ho, there’s your model young husband for you. Running around with other women,’ observed Crown Attorney Washington to Mr. McClemont.

“ ‘He punched me and struck me in the face and hit me with a towel,’ claimed Rita, but that matter did not seem to impress Magistrate Jelfs:

“ ‘I don’t like to encourage young married women to live apart from their husbands and get support from them. I can’t see that there was desertion in this case,’ declared his worship.

“ ‘The case as it stands at present is that the woman was struck at least twice and turned out of the house,’ pointed out Crown Attorney Washington.

“ ‘Well, I hold that she wasn’t put out,’ ruled the magistrate.

“ ‘Well, of course, if you hold that, there’s nothing further to be said; but it’s there in the evidence, ‘ replied the crown.

At this point, the magistrate attempted to reach some sort of reconciliation between Ed and Rita:

“Turning to the wife, his worship inquired: ‘Are you willing to go back and live with your husband?’

“ ‘Yes,’ replied Rita, ‘if his mother will keep away and not interfere with us. She used to come before as late as half past eleven o’clock and make trouble between us. I begged her to keep away, but she wouldn’t. I tried my best to do what’s right.’

“ Addressing the husband, his worship then asked : ‘Are you willing to take your wife back to live with you?’ Edward, who stood with folded arms and an air of injured innocence throughout the case, answered in a thin, complaining voice: ‘She runs around with too many men.’

“ ‘Well, it didn’t  look right for her to hold that dance,’ commented his worship.

“ ‘There’s nothing to show it wasn’t a respectable dance,’ objected the crown.

‘ ‘There’s no such thing as a respectable dance outside of a real ball, and even then I wouldn’t encourage my daughter to go to one,’ replied his worship.

“The case was dismissed  and a legal separation advised.”¹

The police magistrate was the targeted for some pointed barbs because of his handling of the case such as in the following

“Letter to the Editor : Jelfs On Dances”

Hamilton Herald.    December 16, 1918.

“Editor Herald – In your Saturday’s edition, I see Magistrate Jelfs is handing out some of his ‘wise’ sayings again, namely : ‘There is no such thing as a respectable dance outside of a real ball.’ To say the least, he is not very complimentary to the lady chaperones of one large dance hall in this city, nor is he consistent in the first place, is he not a member of the license board? Then why, if he knows so much, does he issue licenses to so many dance halls in the city? Fie, you young people of Hamilton! You who go to dances are not respectable. Jelfs has said so, and has he not the wisdom of Solomon? I wonder how much longer this city is going to be ruled by cranks? First we have Norman Clark with his fool ban, and then ‘wise’ Mr. Jelfs with his foolish sayings. Both of them are big enough for a job in Port Credit or Bronte, but not big enough for their jobs in a city like Hamilton. Lucky for them both they are not elected by the ratepayers.

(To Be Continued)

Returned Soldiers Arrival - December 1918

“The Soldiers’ Aid commission is without word as to the time of the arrival of the veterans who disembarked from the Olympic last Saturday.”

Hamilton Spectator.     December 17, 1918.

Three days after the RMS Olympic docked at Halifax with a full load of soldiers returning from Western Europe, Hamiltonians whose loved ones were supposed to be on that ship, and Hamiltonians hoping to give them a warm welcome, had little idea when that arrival would happen:

“Word comes from Toronto, however, that the local party may not arrive until Thursday. Mr. Kaye yesterday afternoon sent a telegraph to Lieut-Col. John Gunn, D.O.C., asking for assistance in making arrangements for his homecoming of the Hamilton boys. So Far, however, he has received no reply.”¹

¹ “On Their Way : But Returned Men May Not Arrive Before Thursday ”

Hamilton Spectator.    December 17, 1918.

Mr. Kaye of the Hamilton office of the Soldiers’ Aid Commission repeatedly tried to get an exact idea as to when, or even which railway line, the returning soldiers would finally arrive in Hamilton. Not receiving a definitive answer, he nevertheless put into motion the steps he could take in the meantime. A major task was to assemble enough automobiles and their drivers to meet the men after they disembarked from the train so that they could be driven to their homes.

Finally, on December 18, 1918, Mr. Kaye received a telegraph that the Hamilton soldiers had reached Toronto by rail. They would soon be transferred to a train heading for Hamilton but no expected time of arrival was given. Nor was anyone told  whether the boys would get off a Grand Trunk railway at that railway’s station on Stuart Street or, whether they would come on a C.P.R. train to be let off at that line’s station uptown on Hunter street west.

A Spectator reporter had been assigned to cover the arrival, but he was in the dark as to where and when the men would arrive. Nevertheless, that reporter like everyone else rushed from one station to the other. His report on the whole matter was a vivid, superbly-written article, an article  which follows :

“ ‘Good old Hamilton!’ they roared as the big C.P.R. train crashed into the depot  the grinding of the brakes as they bit into the wheels, and mingled with the thunderous cheers of the multitude and - the excited shrieks of girls and little children.

“Then they emerged – these boys of ours – and little drops of khaki were lost in a sea of excited humanity. Now and then would be heard – ‘Here’s Bill!’ – ‘My Joe!’ as the dense crowd surged to and fro from coach to coach and anxious eyes peered through the gloom of the dimly-lit station to catch a glimpse of some loved one.

“Finally the first warriors managed to break through the massed formation and began to straggle down the platform, with eager kiddies clustered round and willing hands bearing the bulky kit-bags to the rear of the depot, where a veritable battalion of automobiles awaited the veterans.

“Bronzed and hale were these men of Flanders and the terrible cloud that had hung over humanity and which they labored and fought and bled to remove appeared to have touched them but lightly. Some of them added a finishing touch to the realism of the scene by carrying their rusty trench-helmets with the packs on their backs.

“Old Bill was there, and Alf and Bert – all of them enjoying the excitement and the glamor. Old Bill’s missus had been jubilating and fretting alternately since the telegraph boy brought her the message last Friday that hubby had reached Halifax. She had learned first that Bill was coming on Tuesday, and then on Wednesday, and finally on Thursday. She was in a state of excitement as she dressed up the kiddies yesterday afternoon yesterday and hustled them down to the G.T.R. depot to meet the train on which the boys were ‘sure’ to arrive; and when the news spread through the Stuart street station, that the boys weren’t coming she joined the weary pilgrimage of the hundreds of soldiers’ folk, tired and supperless up to the Hunter street depot, while five-year-old Jimmie ‘wished the kayser would get the flu and die,’ as he tottled alongside. But all was forgotten as she clasped Old Bill’s strong arm, and followed him as he threaded his way through the crowds. To the reporters Bill stated that he ‘didn’t want nuffin’ in the papers,’ but he accepted the hospitality of the automobile which was waiting to transport him and his to ‘the better ‘ole’ down in East Hamilton.

“Fifty-three veterans arrived – soldiers of all ranks and grade, from the grey-haired South African vet to the smooth-faced lad who was met with an army of small brothers and sisters. There was no lack of accommodation, thanks to the Kiwanis club, while the civic reception committee, the Salvation Army, and the soldiers’ aid commission did the honors for the returned boys on behalf of the city.”²

² “Crowds Greeted Returned Heroes on Their Arrival : Fifty-Three Hamilton Men Back From the Front : Many of Them Saw Four Years’ Fighting : Kiwanis Club and Others Tendered Reception ”

Hamilton Spectator.   December 18 1918.

Hamilton Editors Want End of Restrictions - December 1918

December 6, 1918, exactly one week after the Hamilton Board of Health once again imposed restrictions on public gatherings, the patience and spirit of co-operation which had been shown by citizens were starting to fray.

On that day, the city newspapers reported on two segments of the community organizing to have the restrictions cancelled or at least modified substantially. The retail community which was suffering financial hardship was one of the communities, while the other involved clergymen of various faiths hoping to be able to re-open their churches for public worship.

Hamilton Board of Health chairman Norman Clark was invited to attend a meeting convened by members of the retail community:

 “The merchants will back up the board of health to the best of their ability, believing that it has acted with the best possible judgement with regard to the restrictions placed upon the city since the recrudescence of the epidemic. This was the unanimous resolution of a meeting of the merchants at the board of trade rooms this morning, which Norman Clark, chairman of the board of health, was invited to attend and to discuss the matter of early closing of the stores and other restrictions.

                             TALKED IT OVER

“Lieut.-Col. R.A. Robertson was in the chair, and Robert McLaren acted as secretary, and the large and many of the smaller stores were represented. Prior to the arrival of Mr. Clark, a discussion took place between the merchants, and a program asking for certain modifications drawn up. This was read by Col. Robertson when Mr. Clark appeared.

                             REMOVE BAN SATURDAY

“The merchants, he said, were not criticizing the action of the board of health, and in calling this meeting and inviting Mr. Clark, they were not actuated by any spirit of animosity, but merely with the desire to show certain sides of the situation which might not have presented themselves to the board of health. Closing at 4 o’clock was the cause of great loss to the merchants; nevertheless they were willing to sacrifice themselves for the public interest. However, with regard to the idea which actuated this regulation – that the store clerks should not be forced to mingle with the crowds of factory hands going home at a later hour – it was thought that the board of health had not given the matter the consideration it deserved. Especially with regard to Saturday, it was felt there would be no mingling of the shoppers with the factory workers in the street cars since the factories closed down at 12, and the Saturday afternoon shopping did not commence until a later hour.

“As to the congestion in the stores, it was thought by the merchants that if the shopping hours were extended over a longer time, the congestion would be greatly eased, both in the stores themselves, and on the street cars.

                             NO DANGER

“ ‘We feel,’ said Col. Robertson, ‘while we are anxious for the safety of the public, we must also have a regard for their convenience. For this reason, we think that Saturday should be open all day, which would not only be a convenience to the general shoppers, but especially to clerks in offices who are practically unable to shop during the week.’

                   AN INJUSTICE

“Another point put forward was the injustice of allowing small stores to remain open after 4 o’clock. This only resulted in a greater congestion in these stores, which was more harmful than if the public were distributed all over the stores.

                             DRUG STORES TOO

“That drug stores should be under the same regulation was also thought to be a ridiculous ruling, since their trade was required more than ever during the epidemic.

“ ‘One more kick,” concluded Col. Robertson, ‘is that retail stores are the sole sufferers under the regulations, and the factories escape. Why should people be denied the rights of shopping because of factory employees?’

                             IN INTERESTS OF HEALTH

“In replying, Mr. Clark stated that he could not possibly answer all these questions.

“ ‘I have answered questions till I am black in the face,’ he said, ‘I have done absolutely no business, and while the storekeepers talk of what they’re losing, I will say that I don’t any business has suffered as much as mine has.’

“The whole situation, he said, had been considered by the board of health, and it had a reason for everything that was put into proclamation.

“ ‘If it were for me to decide,  I would say that the board of health has done exactly what was right. Gentlemen, I don’t think you are right,’ said Mr. Clark earnestly. ‘You are taking the same attitude as the churches have done. The clergymen should be very careful what they say. They have called us materialistic, but it seems to me that there is something very materialistic in their arguments. We are up against a wall – you on the on hand, the people on the other. I think that the citizens should take it in the best spirit and endeavor to work it out as they can. Deputations are no good, gentlemen. We want to have a representative from the board of trade at our meeting this afternoon with the medical men, but we feel that the merchants should endeavor to back us up. If the people of Hamilton themselves show us that they won’t have these restrictions, then we will take the ban off. We haven’t been doing this thing for ourselves.’

“With regard to the Saturday proposition, Mr. Clark said that in his opinion, this was something which might be considered by the board of health.

Colonel Robertson said he thought this might be solve the problem of overcrowding directly after the ban had been removed.

                             WITH THE BOARD

“At this juncture, T.H. Pratt said: ‘Gentlemen, I am obliged to leave this meeting now, but I want to say before I go that I think it would be a great mistake to keep the stores open until 10 o’clock at night. I would strongly protest against it. Let us back up the board of health.’ Said Mr. Pratt, as he left the room, to Mr. Clark; ‘if you can satisfy every business man in this city, you are a genius, and go to it.’

                             WILL BACK BOARD’

“F.R. Smith, of Oak Hall, having heard the argument  of Mr. Clark, he was convinced that the board of health was doing every thing in its judgment to combat the epidemic and he thought that the stores of the city should back it up. This was the feeling in general of the meeting and Mr. Clark withdrew after thanking all present very heartily for this action.

“ ‘At the first opportunity, we will take the ban off,’ were his parting words. As he withdrew a hearty clapping was accorded him.”¹

¹ “Lift the Ban on Saturdays Ask Merchants : Board of Health Will Consider Request Today : The Merchants Assured Chairman They Were With Board.”

Hamilton Herald.    December 06, 1918.

Equally desiring the lifting of restrictions of public gatherings were clergymen who took their concerns directly to the board of health:

 “Clergymen representing four Protestant denominations – Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian – have forwarded a letter to Dr. Roberts, M.O.H., in which they ask for a modification of the closing order as it applies to churches. They point out that the street railway company, merchants and manufacturers are permitted to operate under regulation and think the same privilege should be extended to them.

                             WILL CONSIDER IT TODAY

“When asked what action would be taken regarding the letter, Dr. Roberts, medical health officer, stated that it would be laid before the board of health at a meeting which will be held this afternoon. When asked if, in his opinion, the request would be granted, Dr. Roberts declared to offer an opinion, stating that the whole matter would be given careful consideration by the board.

“The letter follows :

“To the Medical Officer of Health:

Dear Sir – Arising out of a conversation with you this morning, we submit the following statement of our views as to terms upon which we feel that the ban on churches might be lifted and the rights of public worship restored .It is hardly necessary to say that no body of public servants is more fully alive to the gravity of the present epidemic than the clergy, who are in frequent attendance upon the sick, both in hospitals and private homes. It is no spirit of ignorance or indifference to the public welfare that we ask for a modification of the regulations regarding churches, but in the conscientious conviction that, through the maintenance of public worship, we render our highest service both to God and men.

“We do not base our claim for open churches upon the democratic principles of freedom of conscience and equal justice for all. The regulations, as they stand, seem to us to discriminate unfairly against churches for two reasons:

“1. The street cars are permitted to carry five passengers over their full seating capacity. If this be consonant with the safeguarding of the public health, it cannot be reasonably maintained that a congregation, however small, in a church, however large, is a menace.

“2. The board of health has extended to factories the principle of self-regulation, the right to make their own arrangements for the good both of the public and their employees.

“Our request is that the churches shall be treated on the same principle. While we believe it be the general consensus of the medical opinion that the churches might safely be omitted from the closing order, we are prepared, if this cannot be conceded, to limit our congregations to half their normal size. Of course, every clergyman must make his own arrangements to provide for this. Some of us would arrange that a certain portion of the members of the congregation should attend only in the morning, and others, only in the evening. Other clergymen will prefer to double the number of services and halve the congregations.

“We believe that such permission will go far towards allying the widespread discontent that is only too apparent; that it would be in the interests of both public health and civic peace.

“The earliest possible consideration of our proposal will be much appreciated.

                   (Signed)    S. Daw

                                      W.B. Tighe,

                                      C.L. McIrvine.

                                      W.H. Sedgewick

          “Note the clergymen, whose signatures are attached, are representatives of the Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian bodies. As it has not been possible to consult all their brethren, they do not claim to speak for anyone but themselves. Yet they have reason to believe that the arrangement proposed would be acceptable to all.

                                      “W.P.Robertson

                                                (Acting as secretary.)

“18 South West Avenue.

                             Will ENFORCE LAW

“According to present indications, there is every possibility of a clash between officials of the health department and some of the clergy next. Rev. Joseph Englert, rector of St. Ann’s Roman Catholic church, informed a Herald reporter this morning that he would hold public service Sunday next.

“ ‘So far as I know at present time, service will be held in my church Sunday next,’ said Father Englebert.

“Dr. Roberts stated positively yesterday that he would take all necessary steps to see that the order prohibiting the holding of public meetings was strictly observed, and when asked if violations of health laws would be summoned to court, stated that the law gave him the right to call on police to see that his orders are carried out, and that he was not out to collect fines, but to see that the law was enforced.^{” 1}

¹ “City Clergymen Ask for Modified Order : They Think That Board of Health Should Permit Them to Hold Services, As It Allows Street Cars to Operate and Stores and Factories to Remain Open : To Deal With Matter Today : Dr. Roberts Stated That Their Request Would Be Carefully Considered, and Decision May Be Reached This Afternoon”

Hamilton Herald.    December 06, 1918.

The editor of the Hamilton Herald, on December 6, 1918, gave support to both the retail and faith communities in their efforts to ease restrictions placed by the board of health :

 “When the board of health issued its new closing order a week ago, the Herald counseled citizens generally to draw upon their stock of patience, bow to the board’s authority and observe the regulations loyally. We still hold it to be the duty of citizens to observe the regulations. But we would most respectfully urge upon the board of health, and the committee of doctors which is acting in association with the board, to consider whether the time has not come when the regulations can be relaxed in some degree and changes made which would mitigate many cases of hardship. Consideration might also be given to the possibility that in some details the regulations actually operate to defeat the purpose in view.

“The order permitting business places to be open after 4 p.m. with only the proprietor present to serve customers appears to be a case in point. One of the object aimed at in the regulations is the prevention of crowding; but the regulation  we allude to results frequently in crowding for, as it is impossible for one man to serve promptly all the customers that enter his store, many have to wait and there is congestion. With two or more salesmen, there would be comparatively few customers in the place at one time.

“And surely there would be little or no danger in permitting certain religious services in churches if the attendance were strictly limited. There are many persons to whom frequent and regular communion is a religious duty of the highest importance, and a most precious religious privilege. To cut them off unnecessarily from this means of spiritual grace is an unfair exercise of authority. The question is whether the order forbidding all religious services is necessary to the public health. We do not believe it is. The prohibition of general congregational meetings may be necessary, but surely not special communion services with only a few persons present.

“It is to be hoped that the health authorities will be able to see their way clear to reviewing the regulations and making changes to those which cause unnecessary hardship. And we hope also that the regulations as a whole will be relaxed as the epidemic wanes. They should not be kept in force a day longer than necessary.”¹

¹ “Relax the Regulations”

Hamilton Herald.    December 06, 1918.

Wheatless Bread and the Royal Connaught Hotel - December 1917

“In the homes of the kitchen patriots who are loyally backing up the food controller in his conservation campaign, the meatless day is no more a novelty – and the sweetless day is a possibility.”

Hamilton Spectator. December 21, 1917.

As the year 1917 was nearing its end, the Great War had been going for over 2 ½ years. As well as the human carnage in Western Europe, there were many sacrifices being called for back in Canada.

Concerns about food shortages led the Canadian federal government to impose establish the office of a food controller and the launching of an education campaign.

The newly-opened Royal Connaught hotel in downtown Hamilton was the location where a “Wheatless Day” was inaugurated:

“The Connaught has right along served a variety of delicious war breads, in which a proportion of cornmeal, oatmeal or rye is substituted for wheat flour. This war bread, which has been very popular with Connaught patrons, differs in one remarkable particular from most other kinds. Recipes aplenty have been printed and given out on lecture platforms by food conversation experts – including those of the food controllers’ staff – and all agree that one-fifth is about the largest proportion of substitute cereals which can be used with wheat flour if the wheat flour is to be palatable.

“But Chef Baujard, the gastronomic artist who presides over a vast and wonderfully equipped domain in the lower regions of the Connaught, has changed all that. What this clever Frenchman doesn’t know about cooking isn’t worth knowing, and he has proved it by making palatable bread and rolls with a much larger proportion of substitute grains than has hitherto been thought practicable, and a consequent greater saving of wheat flour.”¹

¹ “Wheatless Day Inaugurated at the Connaught : Big Hotel Goes Food Controller One Better : It’s War Bread Now or Tickets for Bread Line Later : Chef Shares Secrets of His Experiments With Public”

Hamilton Spectator.    December 21, 1918.

The Royal Connaught, upon opening, quickly gained a strong reputation for the quality of the meals provided there. The chef in charge at the Connaught in December, 1917 was Chef Baujard:

““The Connaught has right along served a variety of delicious war breads, in which a proportion of cornmeal, oatmeal or rye is substituted for wheat flour. This war bread, which has been very popular with Connaught patrons, differs in one remarkable particular from most other kinds. Recipes aplenty have been printed and given out on lecture platforms by food conversation experts – including those of the food controllers’ staff – and all agree that one-fifth is about the largest proportion of substitute cereals which can be used with wheat flour if the wheat flour is to be palatable.

“But Chef Baujard, the gastronomic artist who presides over a vast and wonderfully equipped domain in the lower regions of the Connaught, has changed all that. What this clever Frenchman doesn’t know about cooking isn’t worth knowing, and he has proved it by making palatable bread and rolls with a much larger proportion of substitute grains than has hitherto been thought practicable, and a consequent greater saving of wheat flour.”¹

Chef Baujard was able to speak some English, but with only a limited vocabulary and with a heavy accent. Thus, the manager of the Royal Connaught, Mr. O’Neil, did the interview on the subject with the Spectator man:

 “ ‘We calculate that we save at least 1,500 pounds of wheat flour a month by the use of these war breads,’ said Manager O’Neil. ‘ And we’re going to save a lot more yet by our ‘wheatless’ days, when bread containing absolutely no wheat flour will be served.’

“Mr. O’Neil explained that experiments by Connaught chef along the lines of the wheatless loaf have proved so successful that patrons of the hotel had been enthusiastic in their reception of the innovation; and Chef Baujard has received many compliments on his triumph.

“Rye flour and oatmeal take the place of wheat in this wheatless loaf, and it can be readily understood that it conforms to a standard of palatability, when the Connaught’s reputation for bread and rolls is considered. This bread also has a very high food value, as oatmeal contains a greater percentage of albuminoids than any other grain, and is more nutritious than ordinary flour; while rye comes next to wheat in food value, measured by the amount of gluten it contains.

“Another conservation feat successfully accomplished by Chef Banjard is one never heard of before. That is the cutting out of wheat flour, on the wheatless day, from the manufacture of the justly-famed French pastry. The saving effected here is also very considerable.

“ ‘It is a case of war bread now, or tickets for the bread line later on,’ said Manager O’Neil, when discussing the necessity for conservation. ‘If every housewife would make economy fashionable before it becomes obligatory, a great saving would be effected.”¹

Manager O’Neil desired to provide information to Hamilton homemakers about the bread innovation which had been developed at the Connaught :

“So firmly is Mr. O’Neil convinced of the importance of the intelligent co-operation of every housekeeper that he would like to see every home baker using these war breads.

“In order that the housewives of Hamilton may have the advantage of tested recipes by the Connaught’s noted chef, Manager O’Neil kindly consented to reveal some of that culinary expert’s secrets.

“Here is the latest innovation, the ‘wheatless’ loaf, which the chef frankly admitted was ‘pretty hard’ when he first began experimenting, but which patrons now demand on Wednesdays.

“Toast bread – 2 qts water, 2 ozs. Salt, 2 ozs. yeast, 3 1/3 rye flour, 4 2/3 lbs. oatmeal. The above will make 15 lbs.

“Following are recipes of Royal Connaught war bread, and rolls, all of which should be baked well :

“ Rolls – 1 qt. water, 1 oz salt, 1 oz1 2/3 lbs. whole wheat flour, 3 1/3 lbs. oatmeal. The above will make 7 ½ lbs. rolls.

“French bread loaf – 1 qt. water, 1 oz. salt, 1/3 oz. sugar, 1 oz. yeast, 1 2/3 lbs. oatmeal, 1 oz. lard. The above will make 7 ½ lbs.

“Rye rolls – 1 qt. water, 1 oz. salt, 1 oz. yeast, 2 ½ lbs. rye flour. The above will make 7 ½ lbs.”¹

Board of Health Over-Officiousness - December 9, 1918

By December 9, 1918, there was little support left for the Hamilton Board of Health’s bans. Public gatherings were banned, store hours shortened, schools closed, and theater doors locked, all in the fight against the spread of influenza. There was also a ban on meetings.

The number of new cases of influenza reported per day was dropping as were the death rates. Public sentiment had decidedly turned against the board of health’s ban.

The Hamilton Herald generally fanned the flames of that opposition. When an incident involving an officious board of health, the Herald reported it in great detail, and in the same article got a little sarcastic in tone:

‘

“Here is a true story illustrating the manner in which the health’s board’s ban is being enforced.

“The Rev. E.H. Bowden Taylor, curate of Christ’s church cathedral, has been conducting at his apartment, in a lodging house on Bold street, weekly classes for the benefit of Sunday School teachers. Of late, the subject of study is church history.

“On Friday evening, the class met as usual. There were only three present besides Mr. Taylor. Somebody in the house had evidently been giving hostile consideration to the classes, regarding them as held in defiance of the board of health’s order forbidding meetings of any sort; and this person called up the board of health by ‘phone and gave notification of the meeting then in progress in Rev. Mr. Taylor’s apartment.

“The class had almost completed its session when the door opened and an inquisitive face appeared on the threshold.

“ ‘What sort of meeting is this?’ enquired the owner of the face. ‘Is it a social gathering of some sort?’

“ ‘Well, something of that sort,’ replied Mr. Taylor. ‘We are engaged in the study of church history. Why do you ask?’

“ ‘ Because I am an officer of the board of health,’ said the uninvited visitor. ‘I see that your meeting is in contradiction of the board’s order. It must disperse.’

“ There was some further  conversation. While it was in progress, there came from an adjoining apartment, loud sounds of merriment mingled with blatant strains of a pianola.

“ ‘What is going on in there?’ enquired the officer.

“He was told that there was probably a social gathering, but that he had better go and find out himself. He did so. Opening the door, he found a party of seven persons in the apartment, having a good time. Asking the nature of the proceedings, he was informed that it was a social gathering.

“ ‘In that case,’ said he, ‘I have no authority to interfere so he took his departure.

“But he had not finished his duty. He was bound to see that his order for the dispersion of Mr. Taylor’s class of three was obeyed. Mrs. Taylor, glancing out of the window, saw him waiting in front of the house watching the door, and called the attention of her husband to the solitary figure keeping vigil there. So, in a spirit of mischief, it was decided that the three students should give the sentinel the slip, and they took their departure by a rear exit.

“ The weary minutes dragged on, and still the lonely sentinel kept watch outside. Finally, concluding the majesty of the health board was being defied, he hailed a assing policeman, and the two of them ascended to Mr. Taylor’s apartment and demanded admittance. Of course, they were promptly admitted.

“ ‘You are defying my order,’ said the officer sternly. ‘I must insist on the immediate dispersal of your class.’

“ ‘Why, my good man,’ replied Mr. Taylor mildly, ‘they went away long ago. If you doubt my word, you may search my premises.’

“Whereupon the health officer and his grinning companion withdrew, the former looking very crestfallen.

“From this incident it would appear that the officers vested with the authority to enforce the board of health’s restrictive order have been instructed to discriminate in favor of some gatherings and against others. Three students meeting in his private apartment for the purpose of studying church history constituted a dangerous assemblage in defiance of the order of the board, but a party of twice the size meeting in an apartment of the same size for the purpose of having a jolly social time, was an innocent gathering with which it was not the business of the health officer to interfere.

“Is it the theory where two or three Sunday School are gathered together, thither the ‘flu germ is strongly attracted, while ‘social gatherings’ have no attractions for him? Or is it held that the study church history predisposes the human system to influenza, but that laughter and song to the accompaniment of a pianola act as a sort of prophylactic?

“Whatever the explanation of the mystery, the experience of Mr. Taylor and his little class of students in church history serves to illuminate the fact that, whatever claim may be made with regard to an Englishman’s home being his castle, it is not true that a Canadian’s home is his castle when health officers are prowling around.”¹

¹ “Canadian’s Home is Not His Castle When Ban is On : Experience of Rev. E.H. Bowden Taylor With Majesty of Health Board Clearly Proves This : ‘Gathering’ Dispersed : Three Students Not Allowed to Study, But Party of Seven Permitted to Stay in Same House”

Hamilton Herald.    December 09, 1918.

Loew's Theater Opens - December 31, 1917

Once the winter had passed and spring 1917 had arrived in Hamilton. In the downtown core of the city, particularly in the vicinity of John and King streets.

Towards the south-east corner, the Royal Connaught Hotel, towards the north-east corner, the Loew’s theater, both had been projects which would bring Hamiltonians into a much more modern age than was the case just a few years earlier.

After the construction of the Loew’s theater was completed and the official opening ceremonies were being planned, the Hamilton Times carried an extensive article about the new addition to Hamilton’s theater scene:

“Marcus Loew’s new $500,000 vaudeville and feature photo-play theatre, King street east, will throw open its doors to the people of Hamilton and vicinity on New Year’s Eve. On the same day, Hamilton will go on record as having the largest theatre on the North American continent in proportion to population. A delve deep into the annals of theatredom has failed to bring to light any vaudeville theatre as large, located in any city with a population near the size of that of Hamilton.

“The opening night will be one long to be remembered. For that one occasion all box seats will be reserved. Starting January 1, only box seats can be reserved. Among the stage celebrities to accompany Mr. Loew and his staff to Hamilton will be the famous and beautiful Kitty Gordon, known through her admirable work in the comic opera world and more recently in screen life. Miss Gordon will be the guest of honor, having accepted the personal invitation extended by Mr. Loew to be the sponsor for the new link to the vast chain of Loew theatres throughout Canada and the United States. Miss Gordon, Mr. Loew and other notables of the moving picture and dramatic stages, will probably reach Hamilton on Thursday, when the seat sale will start at the theatre.

                             ADDING A LINK

“Adding a new link to the gigantic Loew chain is an event – promising a most excitable, pleasurable and interesting evening. For weeks in advance the entire working force of the New York offices of the Marcus Loew vaudeville enterprises, are planning the most unusual events. Actors and actresses of renown, and the most famous of screen artists manifest the greatest interest, and in many cases have been known to cancel their engagements, to be among those ‘present.’ ” ¹

¹ “Loew’s New Theatre Opens New Year’s Eve : Hamilton Now Boasts  of Largest Theatre, In Comparison to Population on the Continent of North America : Seats Reserved  for Opening Night Only – Sale to Start Thursday Morning at Theatre – Description of Ontario’s New Amusement Palace and Work of Art”

Hamilton Times      December 22, 1917.

          The Times reporter was given a tour of the as-yet unopened theater :

“All Hamilton will fail to realize the beauty and artistic construction of their new theatre until a visit has been made. A chat with a representative of the firm of P.H. Secord & Sons, Ltd., will do much to convince many of the size of Loew’s new palace of enchantment. Giving all at what he termed a conservation estimate, approximately 20,000 sacks of cement, were used in the building; 1,500,000 bricks; car loads of hollow tile blocks and brick; 400 tons of steel and thousands of feet of copper wiring.

                             ARCHITECT PRAISES WORK

“Thomas A. Lamb, a prominent theatrical architect, who has designed many of the larger theatres, lauded the Hamilton structure. Mr. Lamb, during a recent visit, declared that although the Hamilton playhouse was naturally not as large as some of the Loew’s enterprises in larger cities, it is decidedly one of the most artistic and best-constructed in Canada and the United States. To bear out his statement, he pointed out the fact all floors and roof were made of solid concrete. Another remarkable feature cited was the plentiful supply of exits provided for, 20 in number, and all within easy access of all seats. The equipment, in Mr. Lamb’s opinion, is unsurpassed. When installing this equipment, as in the construction of the building, it was pointed out that the danger from fire was literally eradicated. The stage and auditorium are practically two separate vbuildings, and each fire-proofed to their greatest capacity.

                             VARIETY OF STONE USED

“In the long and spacious lobby leading into the theatre from King street, a varied and costly assortment of stone was used. The lobby floor is of Terrazzo. The walls have been finished in Caenstone, with marble mosaic borders with a marble base. The front of the lobby was built of carved Indiana limestone. Tall plate-glass mirrors have been placed generously in the lobby, which will undoubtedly prove an exceptionally attractive feature to many of the fair sex. Several modernly-equipped ticket booths, in the lobby, will do away with congestion, no matter how large the crowd may be.

                             ALL LIGHTS HIDDEN

“The extremely-attractive lighting system has been the source of much favorable comment from experts on this particular form of the building trades. Although many thousand lamps have been used, the visitor will never see them. Behind ledges, strips and through lattice work, these myriads of high-powered bulbs will throw their soft, amber glow into the lobby and auditorium. Mounting a double marble staircase, one comes upon the most magnificent marble rotunda, unlike anything constructed in most of the larger theatres in the world. Alcoves of marble are fitted out with inviting fireplaces, lounges, easy chairs, wall seats, writing tables, books and pamphlets. With the exception of the marble lobby, the entire flooring of the playhouse has been covered many large rugs. Off the rotunda, one finds six special and comfortable smoking rooms. From the two main entrances, one on King street and the other on King William street, there are two broad staircases leading to the orchestra, mezzanine boxes, and three more to the mezzanine floor and balcony.

                             OVER 2,000 SEATS

The total number of seats, including the twelve boxes, will exceed 2,900 and will probably be on the nearest end of the 3,000 mark, when the building equipment plans have been completed. The chairs and their spacing are exceptionally roomy and comfortable.

“The lighting system in the main auditorium, aided greatly by the stained glass, is one that will illicit much praise from the people of Canada. The central portion of the huge dome in the center of the ceiling has been finished off in a curious golden-bronze effect, which certainly original in its conception. From the center of this dome is suspended a huge candelabra.

“Arthur Brounet, famous decorative artist, who had charge of the work at Loew’s new Hamilton project, is responsible for the remarkable blending of rich color schemes throughout the building. Mr. Brounet recently gained an exceptional amount of publicity at the hands of the New York dailies for his wonderful work in the house of the steel magnet, Charles M. Scwab on Riverside drive. The decorations in the Schwab home alone is said to have involved an expenditure of over $1,000,000. Beginning with Mr. Brounet’s work in the main lobby, the color scheme is of gold and a delicate blue of the Delia Robia period, which is very rich. The inner vestibule is molded after the Italian period and ornamented by handwork in the Raphael style. The same style has been closely followed in the inner lobby, while all the woodwork of this particular section has been finished in Circassion walnut. In the first mezzanine, the color scheme is old gold, grey and ivory. Following the same style in the woodwork, the finish has been waxed. All panels along the promenade and stairways are covered with heavy brocade silk of an old bronze color. The dome is finished with a mass of gold leaf, ivory and grey, with the faintest touch of Italian blue, which, when subdues, bring out the general lines of the handsome architecture. Various parts of the ornamentations have also been finished with a cameo effect. On the top of the proscenium arch is a magnificent piece representing the charm of genius listening to its beautiful music, with accessory ornamentation of Raphael style which has been charmingly executed by hand. Each side wall of the orchestra has been finished in real French Caenstone. The panels of the balcony walls represent one of the most artistic bits of work in the playhouse, having been rounded off with Italian tapestry. All draperies in the interior are of silk velvet with a separate color scheme of red and gold. Mr. Brounet volunteered the remark that, when opened, Loew’s Hamilton theatre will be in the front rank of file of genuinely artistic theaters of the country. To bear his statement, he brought to light the fact that ten specialists in decorative art had been imported for this special work. The salary of these men alone to men initiated or fully acquainted with this particular branch of work will suffice in establishing Mr. Brounet’s statement.

“When fully completed, the theatre will be a master triumph for Hamilton labor and Canadian building material. At least 90 per cent of the labor engaged by James R. Miller, the superintendent for Thomas Lamb, was from Hamilton, and a great percentage of the building used bore the Canadian stamp. Mr. Miller is a Canadian, and has been on the scene since the breaking of the ground early last April. With the opening of the theater on New Year’s Eve, it will be found that almost without exception, the employees have been drawn from Canada.”¹

As the day of the opening neared, Hamiltonians were heartened to learn that “one of their own” would be among the entertainers who would be on the Loew’s stage on opening night : “When the curtain ascends for the first time in the new Loew’s Theater, King street east, on New Year’s Eve, it will not only mark the opening of the new palace of amusement, but the homecoming of a Hamilton girl.

“Miss May Bowes, one of the leading dancers with the opening act, the ‘Kincaid Kilties,’ a Scotch song and dance revue, is returning to her birth place for the first time in several years. A host of her childhood playmates and schoolmates, hearing of her return, are planning many novel and pleasant surprises for the opening week.

“An effort is being made in the New York offices of the Marcus Loew Vaudeville Enterprises to make the Hamilton opening one of the notable events of the season. Various scouts in the theatrical field have being working diligently for the past week, gathering in celebrities of the screen and speaking stage to attend the opening. Kitty Gordon will make the opening address of the evening.

“So great has been the demand for seats that the box office will be opened tomorrow afternoon at the theater. Telephone calls from as far as Toronto, with their heavy demand for seats, have made the early opening necessary. While all seats will be reserved for the opening night, only box seats will be reserved, starting with the New Year. On that day also, the performance will start at 1:30 and run continuously until 11 o’clock in the evening.”²

²Local Girl in Scotch Song : Miss Bows Returns for Opening of Loew’s : Sale for Great Event Opens Tomorrow”

Hamilton Spectator     December  26, 1917.

The biggest social event of New Year’s eve, December 31, 1917, in Hamilton was the opening of Loew’s. As described by a Times reporter, it was a glittering occasion :

“The most beautiful theater on the North American Continent – a half million dollar monument to the  progressiveness and sound business policies of Marcus Loew, king-pin of the amusement world – threw open its inviting doors on Monday evening to a critically keen and expectant Hamilton.

          “And there were no disappointments.

          “The new on the Marcus Loew chain – the 218^th link, to be exact – is, architecturally and decoratively. A gem of artistry and human handicraft. Its broad, sweeping lines, its soft, subdued tones and harmonizing appointments brought spontaneous gasps of delight from those first-nighters privileged in the possession of admission pasteboards. Everywhere one looked, there was an eye-pleasing surprise – a cozy, restful nook here, a denny, inviting smoking corner there; a chummy, beckoning fireplace just yonder – all beautiful, yet ‘homey,’ all in keeping with the Loew policy of ‘comfort first.’³

 “In the boxes and logues were glittering light of the theatrical and screen professions, personal friends of Mr. Loew, who make it a point to be present at every christening. Miss Gail Kane, for several years with Famous Players, and now brightest in the Mutual firmament, was first to be presented by his worship, Mayor Booker. And this dainty film sweetheart of the world, blushingly responded to the ovation accorded by the audience.

 “To Countess de Cippico, better known to stage and screen admirers as Rita Jollivet, was accorded the signal honor of dedicating the new palace of amusement. It was the Countess de Cippico who, aboard the torpedoed Lusitania, was standing with the late Charles Frohman, when he, knowing he could not survive, uttered that now-famous truism : ‘In Life, the greatest adventure is Death.’ The Countess de Cippio is now at work in a vivid and spectacular screen reproduction of the sinking of the Lusitania. In happy, charming vein, she expressed her pleasure at being in Hamilton and in complimenting the city upon the acquisition of such an amusement house, said it was just in keeping with the desires of Mr. Loew to provide the most pleasing pleasure at the lowest cost to his patrons.

“ ‘The profit that he makes here, he will spend in the erection of other theaters that laughter and enjoyment may be multiplied,’ said Countess de Cippio, who concluded with a facetious little recitation, Billet-Doux, which one could not help but think was a a playful prod at Hamilton’s mayor. And the count, a gallant military officer of Italy, seated in a box, enjoyed the little joke hugely.

“In other boxes were Nicolas M. Schenck, general manager of the Loew’s Enterprises; N.T. Granlund, director of publicity in chief; Arthur Brounal, noted decorative artist, and wife; Charles W. Lamb, world-famed theatrical architect, and wife; and numerous  other notables whose names are intimately entwined with big theatrical enterprises.

“From all over the continent came messages of congratulation and best wishes, also numerous floral tributes. One of the prettiest of these was a flower-studded horseshoe, the favor of the Famous Players’ Film Exchange.”³

 ³ “Loew’s Theater Opens Its Doors : Inaugural Performance a Brilliant Event : Noted Stage Celebrities As Guests of Honor : Playgoers Flocked to Beautiful New Palace”

         Hamilton Spectator     January 02, 1918.

          The entertainment provided at Loew’s during its inaugural night was first class, a combination of live performers and photoplays :

          “With all the grandeur and eye-appealingness, however, the theater can be no better than the quality of amusement and divertissement with which its patrons are provided. But if the bills of the future are within shouting distance of that of opening week, the success of this new Loew venture is assured.

“Jointly topping it are Mary Pickford, most-loved girl in filmdom, and the Kincaid Kilties. The feature film, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, is little Mary’s latest release,  and wherever shown is pronounced the greatest success of her wonderful screen career. The whimsical, appealing story of Rebecca, too well known to require a review, takes on an added charm in the characterization accorded it by Mary Pickford.

“The Kincaid Kilties – twelve of ‘em – do a little of everything, and in gud Scotch style. They sing, dance and squeeze the pipes, and present vaudeville’s most eccentric laugh-yanker. It’s a lively, peppery, gloom-killing offering that will grace any bill.

“There may be speedier and more talented singing comediennes in vaudeville than Daisy Leon, but Hamilton hasn’t seen them.  This little bundle of ‘pep,’ always an attraction at Loew openings, is the possessor of a true and pure soprano voice, a winsome personality and brand new material – a combination harder to beat than the well-known landlord.

“Burns and Foran , two boys with nervous feet and a sure-fire arrangement of songs, steps and patter, fit snugly into second spot and win themselves a welcome.

“Regal and Mack present a novel and dainty song and dance offering, the Book Shop,, which is long on ability; Andrew Kelly, inimitable narrator of Irish stories, goes big in next to closing position, and Rose and Ellis, sensational barrel jumpers, get the vaudeville portion away from the barrier with a breath-taking snatching offering.

“A Mack Sennett comedy, The International Sneak, in two hilariously funny reels, completes the program.”³

After all was concluded at the Loew’s many of theatre-goers crossed King and went to The Royal Connaught for a reception :

“Immediately following the inaugural ceremonies at the theatre, Mr. Schenck, general manager, played host to the visiting and local notables at a midnight supper at the Royal Connaught hotel, where old friendships of the stage folk were renewed and new ones welded.