1902 Season

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1902 Season
Leadership The Olentangy Park Company
Joseph W. Dusenbury, president
William J. Dusenbury, secretary
Season May 18, 1902 - Sept. 21, 1902
New Attractions Figure Eight Toboggan
Miniature Railway
Stock Company Olentangy Stock Company
Band(s) Signor A. Liberati's Famous Military Band and Concert Co.
Phinney's United States Band
Park Size 77 acres

Olentangy Park opened for the 1902 season on Sunday, May 18, 1902.[1] Arrangements were made to obtain a perpetual lease on the property and $20,000$743,719 in 2025 dollars was spent preparing the park for the season.[2] The opening week presented a Grand Musical Festival featuring Signor A. Liberati's Famous Military Band and Concert Company, assisted by opera singers, who performed twice daily.[3] Souvenir sheet music of some of Liberati's compositions was given to patrons. Patrons were invited to request performances for specific days ahead of time.[1] Manager Joseph W. Dusenbury said 23,000 people attended the opening Sunday.[4]

Harry DeMuth, of Lancaster, was re-engaged as the park's advertising agent.[5]

The park closed on the night of Sept. 21, 1902.[6]

Trolley Power Issues on Opening Sunday

The trolley cars were used so much on that opening Sunday that the feed wire connections burned out at Spring and High streets, visibly smoking until the power at the central station was turned off. This was caused by a break on the Friday prior that disabled a large engine at the power plant. Even after working to repair and eventually removing smaller engines to replace the large ones, materials were not available in time. This cut the horsepower to a third of the strength it normally had to run the trolley cars. The break was fixed by noon the following Monday.[7]

Continued Pushback from Religious Groups

Religious groups, including the North Congregational Church, published resolutions about not approving of the park operating on Sundays. This is a continued effort ever since the theater opened in 1899.[8]

Reported Vandalism

Carl Ruffe [or Charles Ruple] and Fritz Cheney, of East Cherry Street, were charged with throwing stones at and breaking multiple electric light globes. They were released after paying the court costs.[9][10]

Lawsuits

John Field

In March 1902, the Olentangy Park Company sued John Field for $250$9,296 in 2025 dollars on a contract for $450$17,339 in 2025 dollars for the program privilege during the 1899 season.[11] The judge ruled the park company should receive $174.25$6,480 in 2025 dollars because Field already paid $100$3,719 in 2025 dollars and did not receive credit.[12]

Property Issues

In June, Henrietta B. Burgher [misspelled Bugher], the ex-wife of Henry T. Chittenden, filed an equitable relief suit against Chittenden's property, asking for the foreclosure of a mortgage, causing liens on the property, and a receiver. This property included Olentangy Park. The property the park sat on, along with other parts, was to receive 6 percent interest, but this interest allegedly went unpaid since July 1, 1901. Only $10,000$371,859 in 2025 dollars has been paid on the property, where $50,000$1,859,297 in 2025 dollars was owed. Bugher wanted the mortgage satisfied by the sale of Olentangy Park and the property on Cussins Street.[13] Through the lawsuit investigation, it was discovered that park manager J. W. Dusenbury signed a 99-year lease on the park's property, renewable forever, beginning in March 1901 for a monthly cost of $250$9,296 in 2025 dollars. The Columbus Railway Company waived its lease on the property. The total mortgage for 27 acres was $52,699.25$1,959,671 in 2025 dollars.[14][15]

Discrimination Accusations

In July, Rev. J. M. Riddle, field missionary for the Baptist Church, and P. W. Chavous, proprietor of the local Black newspaper, accused park employees of preventing them from bowling. The young man in charge of admission to the alley told them the alley was in use. Later, the park employee said it wasn't really in use, and he said he was told by Manager Dusenbury to not allow Black patrons to bowl and to do it kindly by saying the alley was in use. The Rev. Riddle and Chavous said Franklin County Commissioner Amlin witnessed the discrimination. A week before this incident, a group of Black patrons were refused entry for the same "in use" reason, even though two lanes were not used the entire time they were there. The adults in the group explained they'd only want to play a single game with the children and were sure those who claimed use of the alley would understand and allow them to use it if they appeared. The management continued to refuse them entry. Rev. Riddle and Chavous planned to sue the park.[16]

Hays-Mackey Fence Dispute Continues

Main Article: Hays-Mackey v. The Olentangy Park Co.

In January, the dispute over the placement of fences on the south and east sides of the park was brought to trial. J. W. Dusenbury claimed the "roads" were never dedicated for public use.[17] Judge Evans ruled in August that the streets were public property and the fences would need to be moved back 15 to 25 feet4.6 to 7.62 meters. This ruling was based on an 1887 deed by Mrs. Guetner for the property to be public property.[18] Dusenbury appealed this decision.[19]

Unpaid Groceries

Henry Becker sued J. W. and W. J. Dusenbury for $204$7,586 in 2025 dollars for groceries furnished at Olentangy Park, Minerva Park, and Bryden Hotel.[20] This was later increased to $206.95$7,696 in 2025 dollars.[21]

Injuries and Deaths

On July 12, Mrs. John Hindmarch, 57, fell from the Merry-Go-Round while at the park with her two granddaughters. She fell while checking on her granddaughter, her head landing on a rock. She later died from her injuries. Her family had just moved to Columbus from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, two months prior.[22][23]

On Sept. 21, Albert Jenkins received several broken ribs and a broken leg on the Figure Eight. He was released from the hospital on Oct. 30.[24]

Rides and Attractions

New Figure Eight Toboggan

Main Article: Figure Eight Toboggan

A new roller coaster was built north of the Theater called the "Figure Eight Toboggan" around the end of July.[25] It cost $15,000$557,789 in 2025 dollars to build.[26] The term "roller coaster" was new at the time.

New Miniature Railway

Main Article: Miniature Railway

The miniature railway was added around the same time as the Figure Eight.[27]

Bowling Alleys

Main Article: Bowling alleys

W. E. Josephy showed a new bowling-type game called "Red, White, and Blue" on alley No. 4 during the closing week (Sept. 15-21).[28]

Boathouse

Main Article: Boathouse

A fire destroyed the mills on June 13.[29]

List of Rides and Attractions

Theater, Vaudeville, and Stunt Performances

Olentangy Park Casino and Theater

Main Article: Olentangy Park Casino and Theater

The prices were the following: Night performances: 10 cents$3.72 in 2025 dollars, 20 cents$7.44 in 2025 dollars, and 30 cents$11.16 in 2025 dollars. Boxes: 50 cents$18.59 in 2025 dollars. Matinee performances: 10 cents$3.72 in 2025 dollars, 15 cents$5.58 in 2025 dollars, and 20 cents$7.44 in 2025 dollars. Children were free at matinees except on Sundays and holidays.[30] They were sold at Mykrantz's Pharmacy, 13 S. High St.

Signor A. Liberati's Famous Military Band and Concert Company, assisted by opera singers, performed twice daily during opening week (May 18-25), both outdoors and at the theater.[3]

After the first week, the Olentangy Stock Company performed at the theater. The performers included Olive Oliver and Eugene Moore.[31] Matinees were every day except Monday and Saturday. Box seat prices were also no longer listed in ads.

The local Musicians' Union fought with Manager Dusenbury over the theater's orchestra being non-union members.[32] After warning about calling the orchestra to strike, the Musicians' Union and Dusenbury came to an agreement by June 14.[33]

There was a rumor in June that actor Harry Mestayer accidentally stabbed actress Helen Wilton with a foil (a type of fencing sword). Dusenbury said it was untrue.[34]

Olentangy Park Stock

Members

The Olentangy stock company included:

  • Kate Blancke
  • Victoria Bliss
  • Meta Brittian
  • Ralph Chandler
  • Scott Craven
  • Lillie May Crawford
  • Jane Daniels
  • Walter Daniels
  • Jane Darra
  • W. T. Ellwanger
  • Louis Fierce
  • Grace Fisher
  • Ada Gifford
  • Lawrence Grattan
  • Pearl Harris
  • Harry Mestayer
  • Eugene Moore
  • George T. Neiswender
  • Adeline Ober
  • George Ober
  • Olive Oliver
  • Frederic L. Power
  • Algernon Tassin
  • Gabriel Utterson
  • Vail De Vernon
  • Gladys Wilcox
  • Helen Wilson

Performances

The stock company started off rocky by beginning an hour late for their first performance and having too long of breaks between acts, forcing the orchestra to play as many as three songs while the stage was being set.[35]

Dates Performance Writer Notes
May 26-June 1, 1902 "The Charity Ball" David Belasco [36]
June 2-8, 1902 "Lady Windermere's Fan" [37]
June 9-15, 1902 "A Gilded Fool" Henry Guy Carleton for Nat Goodwin [38]
June 16-22, 1902 "The Banker's Daughter" [39]
June 23-29, 1902 "The Butterflies" Henry Guy Carleton [40]
June 30-July 6, 1902 "The Nominee" Leander Richardson [41]
July 7-13, 1902 "Ingomar the Barbarian" Maria Lovell (translator) [42]
July 14-20, 1902 "Friends" Edwin Milton Royle [43]
July 21-27, 1902 "All the Comforts of Home" William Gillette [44]
July 28-Aug. 3, 1902 "A Chalk Mark" Algernon Tassin [45]
Aug. 4-10, 1902 "Featherbrain" Minnie Maddern Fiske [25][46]
Aug. 11-17, 1902 "A Social Highwayman" Mary Stone & Richard Mansfield (editor) [47]
Aug. 18-24, 1902 "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" [48]
Aug. 25-31, 1902 "David Garrick" T. W. Robertson [49][50]
Sept. 1-7, 1902 "A Wife's Honor" Lawrence Marston [51]
Sept. 8-14, 1902 "A Cricket on the Hearth" Charles Dickens [6]
Sept. 15-21, 1902 "Chatterton" [52]
Sept. 15-21, 1902 "Two on the Red" [52]
Sept. 15-21, 1902 "Sweathearts" [52]

Outdoor Performances and Stunts

Starting Wednesday, June 25, 1902, Professor Lawrence H. Kenner performed hypnotism on crowds every night.[53]

From July 8-12, the Spotted Elk's Indian Village and Wild West Show performed in the afternoon and evening. The performers also performed water sports. Their camp was located behind the theater across the Olentangy River.[42][43] One of the performers fell from their horse while riding near Rich and High streets and injured their leg.[54]

Music

Signor A. Liberati's Famous Military Band and Concert Company, assisted by opera singers, performed twice daily during opening week.[3] The band consisted of 40 musicians, and the opera singers included Signor Guillio Di Santis and Madame Cleopatra Vicini. Liberati was a cornet player and a leading band and orchestra leader.[55][1]

Phinney's United States Band of 40 musicians played at Minerva Park in the afternoons and Olentangy Park in the evenings starting July 14.[56]

Activities

List of Activities

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Olentangy Park: Opening Week." Sunday Columbus Dispatch. May 11, 1902. Page 16.
  2. ↑ "Park Notes." The Billboard. March 8, 1902. Vol. 14. Issue 10. Page 3. Accessed through Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/sim_billboard_1902-03-08_14_10/mode/2up
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Advertisement, Sunday Columbus Dispatch. May 4, 1902. Page 16.
  4. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Opening of the Season." Monday Columbus Dispatch. May 19, 1902. Page 9.
  5. ↑ "Brevities." Thursday Columbus Dispatch. May 15, 1902. Page 5.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Olentangy Park: A Wife's Honor." Saturday Columbus Dispatch. Sept. 6, 1902. Page 9.
  7. ↑ "Power Gave Out." Monday Columbus Dispatch. May 19, 1902. Page 5.
  8. ↑ "After Olentangy Park." Monday Columbus Dispatch. May 26, 1902. Page 7.
  9. ↑ "Police Court." Monday Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 4, 1902. Page 7.
  10. ↑ "Malicious Destruction Charged." Monday Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 4, 1902. Page 5.
  11. ↑ "Brevities." Columbus Evening Dispatch. March 24, 1902. Page 7.
  12. ↑ "Justices' Court." Saturday Columbus Dispatch. April 12, 1902. Page 7.
  13. ↑ "H.T. Chittenden Sued." Friday Columbus Dispatch. June 13, 1902. Page 7.
  14. ↑ "Mrs. Burgher's Note." Wednesday Columbus Dispatch. July 23, 1902. Page 7.
  15. ↑ "Park Notes." The Billboard, March 8, 1902. Vol. 14. Issue 10. Page 3. Accessed through the Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/sim_billboard_1902-03-08_14_10/page/3/mode/2up
  16. ↑ "Color Line Drawn." Thursday Columbus Dispatch. July 17, 1902. Page 6.
  17. ↑ "Olentangy Park Fence." Thursday Columbus Dispatch. Jan. 16, 1902. Page 5.
  18. ↑ "Public Property." Sunday Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 3, 1902. Page 5.
  19. ↑ Saturday Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 16, 1902. Page 5.
  20. ↑ Tuesday Columbus Dispatch. Oct. 28, 1902. Page 8.
  21. ↑ "Court Notes." Monday Columbus Dispatch. Nov. 17, 1902. Page 5.
  22. ↑ Sunday Columbus Dispatch. July 13, 1902. Page 8.
  23. ↑ "A Fatal Ride." Monday Columbus Dispatch. July 14, 1902. Page 8.
  24. ↑ "Jenkins Leaves Hospital." Thursday Columbus Dispatch. Oct. 30, 1902. Page 6.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Olentangy Park—Tassin's New Comedy." Friday Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 1, 1902. Page 7.
  26. ↑ Advertisement. Sunday Columbus Dispatch. July 27, 1902. Page 17.
  27. ↑ A Jolly Picnic." Sunday Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 3, 1902. Page 12.
  28. ↑ Red, White, and Blue." Monday Columbus Dispatch. Sept. 15, 1902. Page 9.
  29. ↑ Campbell, Alex. 2018. "Olentangy Park Chronology." Clintonville History, July 18, 2018. https://clintonvillehistory.com/wp-content/images/web-images-2018-07-18-alex-campbell/olentangy%20park%20chronology2.pdf
  30. ↑ Advertisement. Sunday Columbus Dispatch. May 11, 1902. Page 16.
  31. ↑ Advertisement, The Sunday Columbus Dispatch. May 25, 1902. Page 16.
  32. ↑ "Musicians in Arms." Tuesday Columbus Dispatch. May 27, 1902. Page 7.
  33. ↑ "Park Orchestras." Saturday Columbus Dispatch. June 14, 1902. Page 7.
  34. ↑ "Brevities." Wednesday Columbus Dispatch. June 18, 1902. Page 6.
  35. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Charity Ball." Monday Columbus Dispatch. May 26, 1902. Page 9.
  36. ↑ Advertisement. Saturday Columbus Dispatch. May 24, 1902. Page 9.
  37. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Lady Windermere's Fan." The Sunday Columbus Dispatch. June 1, 1902. Page 26.
  38. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Stock Company." The Sunday Columbus Dispatch. June 8, 1902. Page 26.
  39. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Stock Company." Monday Columbus Dispatch. June 16, 1902. Page 9.
  40. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Stock Company." Monday Columbus Dispatch. June 23, 1902. Page 9.
  41. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Stock Company." Sunday Columbus Dispatch. June 29, 1902. Page 9.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 "Olentangy Park." The Sunday Columbus Dispatch. July 6, 1902. Page 15.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 "Amusements—Olentangy." Saturday Columbus Dispatch. July 12, 1902. Page 3.
  44. ↑ "Olentangy Park: All the Comforts of Home." The Sunday Columbus Dispatch. July 20, 1902. Page 15.
  45. ↑ "Olentangy Park." The Sunday Columbus Dispatch. July 27, 1902. Page 17.
  46. ↑ "Olentangy Park: The Chalk Mark." The Sunday Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 3, 1902. Page 15.
  47. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Stock Company." The Sunday Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 10, 1902. Page 15.
  48. ↑ "Amusement Addendum." Wednesday Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 13, 1902. Page 7.
  49. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Thursday Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 21, 1902. Page 11.
  50. ↑ "Olentangy Park: David Garrick" Monday Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 25, 1902. Page 9.
  51. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Stock Company." The Sunday Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 31, 1902. Page 31.
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 52.2 "Olentangy Park: Cricket on the Hearth." Wednesday Columbus Dispatch. Sept. 10, 1902. Page 11.
  53. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Stock Company." The Sunday Columbus Dispatch. June 29, 1902. Page 26.
  54. ↑ "Brevities." Tuesday Columbus Dispatch. July 8, 1902. Page 10.
  55. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Monday Columbus Dispatch. May 5, 1902. Page 11.
  56. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Phinney's U.S. Band." Wednesday Columbus Dispatch. July 16, 1902. Page 11.


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