1914 Season

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1914 Season
Leadership The Olentangy Park Company
Joseph W. Dusenbury, president
William J. Dusenbury, manager
Opening Day May 3, 1914
Closing Day September 7, 1914 (Sundays only)
September 25, 1914 (season)
New Attractions Canoe Club Boathouse (rebuilt)
Stock Company Vaughan Glaser Stock Company
Band(s) Selby's Orchestra
Cincione's Italian Union Concert Band
Park Size 125 acres

Olentangy Park and Theater opened for the 1914 season on Sunday, May 3, 1914.[1][2][3] Cincione and his Italian Union Concert Band[4] and Barracks Drumland Trumpet Corps with Colonel Dodd of the Barracks[5] played during opening day.

The boathouse was torn down, and a new one was built. The Dancing Pavilion was enlarged, the Theater was improved,[6], Fair Japan was rebuilt, and a new steel bridge was constructed across the ravine north of the theater.[3]

The park closed except for Sundays after Labor Day, September 7, 1914.[7] It closed for the season on October 25, 1914.

For ride and attraction changes, see the Rides and Attractions section.

Notable Happenings

Dusenbury Acquisition of the Grand

The owner of the Grand Theater (also known as Thomas Theater), Helen Chittenden Ziegler, leased the theater to the Dusenbury Brothers for 30 years beginning May 1. They planned improvements of $150,000 ($4.7 million in 2024), mainly for remodeling. After being condemned by the fire marshal, they planned to remove the balcony and gallery and replace them with a new reinforced concrete balcony. They also planned to rebuild the lobby, tear out the boxes, enlarge and extend the stage, install new seats, and redecorate and refurbish the entire theater. The building was to get new elevators, remodeling of the seven storerooms on the ground floor, repainting and overhauling the five floors above the storerooms and a general rearrangement of the rooms and halls. The Dusenbury Brothers rented the theater for $15,000 ($473,500) a year for the first twenty years and $16,500 ($520,845) per year for the following ten. They will have the option to buy the property at the end of their lease. The Dusenburys planned to have the theater be a motion picture house. With this acquisition, the brothers became Columbus's most prominent theater owners and lessees. They also controlled the Southern Theater, the Vernon Theater, the Olentangy Park Theater, and the Colonial Theater, which had been operating as a motion picture house.[8]

Engine Room Fire

A painter put their paint-covered overalls on a boiler, resulting in a fire that caused $700 ($22,100 in 2024) in damage. Joseph Katona, the park florist, used a small hose to save the greenhouses and keep the fire from spreading.[9]

Leo Haenlein Arrested

Leo Haenlein was arrested in June for exhibiting a gambling device at the Penny Arcade. The police raided his place and seized six slot machines with $51.55 ($1,627 in 2025). He pleaded not guilty.[10]

Free Outdoor Performance for Children

On June 22, every child in the public schools - 23,000 at the time - was invited to see an outdoor performance of "Robin Hood," performed by other school children.[11] It took place in the open-air stage next to the Whirlwind[12] and was performed every night that week.

Park Employees Accused of Theft

Park employees B. A. Legg, 69; J. T. Abbott, 62; and Kenneth Rhoades, 17, were charged with keeping admission tickets to resell. The men had been working at the park for several seasons. Legg and Abbott pleaded not guilty to embezzlement and their cases were continued until July 11. Abbott's case was delayed again until July 29, while Legg failed to appear in court.[13] The charges of embezzlement were changed to fraudulent conversion of trust property. The men claimed they would hold onto the tickets when the crowds got too big to process each one, but the Dusenburys claimed they stole hundreds of dollars over the years.[14]

Fourth of July Celebration

For the Fourth of July, the park held concerts by Cincione's Italian Band and other bands throughout the park. An orchestra performed in the Dancing Pavilion where parkgoers danced from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday that weekend. Free motion pictures were shown each evening.[15]

Lightning Strikes the Theater

Shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 1914, lightning struck the Theater, scaring the employees. They called for the fire department. No damage was found.[16]

Irish Day

The park held its second Irish Day on Wednesday, August 5, 1914. It featured H. C. Evans from Chicago, the most noted Irish bagpiper in America. Irish songs were sung by Irish singers. There was Irish dancing in the Dancing Ravilion, Irish moving pictures, and Irish games and sports. Governor Cox, Mayor Karb, Attorney General Hogan, Judge Dillon, D. J. Ryan, and others made speeches.[17]

Dispatch Contest

The Columbus Dispatch held a "Fay-Courtney-Cut-to-Pieces" contest on Sunday, August 9, where readers could cut out twelve pieces of a photo of Olentangy Park Stock Company actress Fay Courtney printed throughout the advertisements and classifieds in the newspaper, assemble them, and send them into the publication for a prize. Mary Louise Sutherland won the first prize in an entire box at the Theater for a performance of "The White Sister" that was given during the week of August 23. Other prizes included two box seats for second place, two parquet seats for third through sixth places, and two balcony seats for seventh through ninth places.[18]

Featured Traveler

Prof. John F. Fox gave a free illustration travelogue on the "Scenic Highway" to the Panama-Pacific International Exhibition on August 19. He was an experienced traveler and lecturer known for showing travelogues of scenery and points of interest along the Northern Pacific Railway. He spoke about the rapidly developing Pacific Northwest states of Washington and Oregon. He showed slides and motion pictures. The North Side Male Quartet provided music at the event.[19]

Women's Rights Rally

The Women's Christian Temperance Union (W.C.T.U.), the Ohio Anti-Saloon League, and the Franklin County Women's Suffrage Association joined in one large outing on August 25. They held debates and speeches in the Theater about the Women's Suffrage Amendment (that later became the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote) and the Wet and Dry Amendment (that later became the 18th Amendment banning alcohol sale and consumption, also known as the Prohibition Amendment). The outing also included free entertainment, a prize baby contest for the healthiest boy and girl, and other events. The principal speaker was Desha Breckinridge, a granddaughter of Henry Clay.[20][21] Ten thousand visitors attended.[22]

Injuries

In September, Joseph Valkno, 17, was hit by a boat on the chute while working on the Shoot-the-Chutes. He broke his leg while trying to leap over the boat as it was diving into the pond.[23]

Rides and Attractions

New Canoe Club Boathouse

Main Article: Boathouse

Originally the oldest building at the park, it was torn down around April 19. The original structure was built in 1880 by Joseph Gettner when the area was known as "Olentangy Villa." The building was replaced with a new boathouse.[24] The new boathouse was to have places for 300 boats and canoes, private clothes lockers, shower baths, and other conveniences for parkgoers and the general public.[3] The Canoe Club held "pick and shovel days" where members were urged to prepare the site for the construction of the new boathouse. Those who helped received free food in the evening.[25] The new Canoe Club boathouse was opened on June 20, 1914.[26]

During the building of the new structure, bowling was moved to new bowling alleys in the Colonnade.[3][27]

Dancing Lessons in the Dancing Pavilion

Main Article: Dancing Pavilion (2)

Dance lessons began in late May in the Dancing Pavilion, taught by Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Layman. They were held each day from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.[28]

Motion Pictures

Motion Pictures were shown in the open air every evening.[29]

List of Rides and Attractions

Theater, Vaudeville, and Stunt Performances

Olentangy Park Theater

Main Article: Olentangy Park Casino and Theater

Camp Johnson Benefit Concerts and Vaudeville

A singing concert was given on Sunday, May 10, in the theater, featuring Edward H. Allen and Charles R. Cornell, tenors; Jessie L. Prentice, soprano; and Lousie Hartman, contralto, as soloists. Mayor George J, Karb also sang, "Oh Tannennbaum Wie Gruen Sind Deine Blatter."[30]

Beginning May 12, and lasting the rest of the week, the Democratic Glee Club had vaudeville acts performed by local artists nightly. The proceeds of these performances went to the "mother and the kiddies fund" for Camp Johnson, courtesy of the Godman Guild Committee. The program was organized by Mose Schlesinger.[31][32] The vaudeville shows were scheduled to begin May 11, but inclement weather postponed the opening night to the following Tuesday.[33][34] After 300 theatergoers braved the cold weather, the Wednesday night performance was canceled.[35]

Performers included:

  • Lawrence Williams and Paul Edwards, in a sketch called "Nobody and Nothing"
  • Fuchs and Schmidt, German comedians
  • Joseph McBee, new conjuring act
  • Steve Barrian, blackface comedian
  • J. Elmer Troutman, whistler and singer
  • Evelyn Schlesinger, dancer
  • Buckeye Comedy Four
  • Mr. Wheeler, lantern slides
  • E. Carson Blair, conjurer
  • others

Smith's All Star Variety and Cabaret Show

Smith's All Star Variety and Cabaret Show, benefitting the Knights of Pythias, opened June 2, 1914, and was comprised of twenty vaudeville acts. The main act was by Adele Bantini, the wife of George W. Smith, who will perform seven dances and ballet. The dances included "Ballet of the Birds," a Scarf duet, and the "Dance La Grace." The last one was assisted by Vera Hughes, Hazel Lloyd, Marie Baker, Helen Dorbert, and Matilda Roberts. A Russian dance by Elizabeth and Ralph Wimans was also a main act.[28][36] Orchestra music was provided by the Olentangy Park orchestra, directed by W. H. Pekinpaugh for the event.[37]

Other acts included:[38]

  • Baby Marcella Caldwell, appeared as a doll baby, and sang "I've Got a Pain in My Sawdust"
  • Large, Morgner, and Hannan, the "three fellows with four legs," acrobatic stunts
  • Harold Sinclair and Marie Flemming, with a chorus of twenty-two boys and girls, sang "You're a Great Big Blue-Eyed Baby"
  • Edna Fox Zirkel, singer

Perkins' International Band

Theron D. Perkins' International Band, with Grand Opera Singers, opened on Monday, June 8, in the theater. They performed Perkins' "Peace Triumphant."[37]

Vaughan Glaser Stock Company

Vaughan Glaser's Stock Company opened its engagement on Monday, June 15, headed by Fay Courtney.[37] A special train was required to transport the members and the scenery and effects.[39]

Glaser held contests for the audience to choose what was shown starting July 19.[40]

Admission prices were: 25 cents ($7.89 in 2025) for the matinee with a few 60-cent ($19) seats, 25 ($7.89) and 50 cents ($15.78) for night performances with some 75 cent ($23.67) seats.[41]

Members:

  • Ainsworth Arnold
  • Louise Cook
  • Fay Courtney, leading woman
  • Estill Doty
  • Arnold Englander, scenic artist
  • Stuart Fox
  • Vaughan Glaser
  • Robert Hilton
  • Selmer Jackson
  • Constance Kenyon
  • Marion Lord
  • Helene Marqua
  • David Murdock
  • Walter Renfort, stage director
  • Isabelle Sherman
  • Harrison Steadman
  • Harry Shunk
  • William Webb

Shows

Week of June 15: "The Man Between" by Rupert Hughes, originally called "The Bridge"

Week of June 22: "Drifted Apart," a vaudeville sketch by Vaughan Glaser and Fay Courtney, followed by "The Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary" by the stock company

Week of June 29: "The Grain of Dust," a novel by David Graham Phillips, dramatized by Louis Evan Shipman

Week of July 5: "Quincy Adams Sawyer" - used real cows provided by a local resident[15]

Week of July 12: "Our Wives" by Helen Krafft and Frank Mandel

Week of July 19: "The Melting Pot" by Israel Zangwill, made famous by Walker Whitesides

Week of July 26: "When Knighthood Was in Flower" by Charles Major

Week of August 2: "Bought and Sold For"

Week of August 9: "Old Heidelberg"

Week of August 16: "Bunty Pulls the Strings" by Graham Moffat

Week of August 23: "The White Sister"

Week of August 30: "St. Elmo"

North Bandstand

Main Article: Bandstand (2)

Professor W. D. Campbell and his public school orchestra gave a free concert on June 20 at the north bandstand.[42]

The Republican Glee Club performed a free minstrel show at the north bandstand during their outing on July 16.[43]

Music

Cincione and his Italian Union Concert Band[4] and Barracks Drumland Trumpet Corps with Colonel Dodd of the Barracks[5] played during opening day.

Selby's Orchestra provided music for the Dancing Pavilion.[5]

Stating May 17, Guiseppe Creatore's Band performed every day for two weeks and remained for the third Sunday.[44]

Activities

Bowling

Main Article: Bowling alleys

During the building of the new boathouse, bowling was moved to new bowling alleys in the Colonnade.[3][27]

List of Activities

References

  1. ↑ Advertisement. The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, April 19, 1914. Page 30.
  2. ↑ "Olentangy." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, April 19, 1914. Page 5.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Olentangy Park Opens." Ohio State Lantern (Columbus, Ohio), April 29, 1914. Page 4.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch, April 28, 1914. Page 18.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch, April 30, 1914. Page 18.
  6. ↑ "Olentangy Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, April 26, 1914. Page 5.
  7. ↑ "Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch. September 5, 1914. Page 10.
  8. ↑ "Grand Theater Will Be Leased to Dusenburys." Columbus Evening Dispatch, April 11, 1914. Pages 1-2.
  9. ↑ "$700 Fire Loss at Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch, April 15, 1914. Page 3.
  10. ↑ "Slot Machine Seized." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 15, 1914. Page 9.
  11. ↑ "Free for Children." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 18, 1914. Page 2.
  12. ↑ "Lincoln Green Gambols Open for Every Tot." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 22, 1914. Page 3.
  13. ↑ "Trial is Postponed." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 10, 1914. Page 3.
  14. ↑ "Park Employees are Accused of Thefts." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 29, 1914. Page 3.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Olentangy Park: Looking for Cows." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 3, 1914. Page 12.
  16. ↑ ""Fireman is Hurt by Fall from Platform." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 25, 1914. Page 3.
  17. ↑ "Irish Day." Columbus Evening Dispatch. August 4, 1914. Page 14.
  18. ↑ "North Sider's Ingenuity Wins Initial Place." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. August 16, 1914. Page 8.
  19. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. August 18, 1914. Page 12.
  20. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. August 18, 1914. Page 16.
  21. ↑ "Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch. August 20, 1914. Page 14.
  22. ↑ "10,000 at Rally." Columbus Evening Dispatch. August 26, 1914. Page 7.
  23. ↑ "Park Employe Injured." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. September 6, 1914. Page 3.
  24. ↑ Columbus Evening Dispatch, April 19, 1914. Page 12.
  25. ↑ "Canoe Club Near Boat House Goal." Columbus Evening Dispatch, May 12, 1914. Page 16.
  26. ↑ "Vote for Most Popular School at Field Meet." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 17, 1914. Page 2.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Olentangy Theater: The Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, June 21, 1914. Page 5.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch, May 27, 1914. Page 18.
  29. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 11, 1914. Page 10.
  30. ↑ "Mayor Karb Says He Will Sing at Concert." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, May 10, 1914. Page 9.
  31. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Democratic Glee Club." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, May 10, 1914. Page 5.
  32. ↑ "To Raise $700." Columbus Evening Dispatch, May 11, 1914. Page 9.
  33. ↑ "Opening is Postponed." Columbus Evening Dispatch, May 12, 1914. Page 13.
  34. ↑ "Postponement." Columbus Evening Dispatch, May 12, 1914. Page 20.
  35. ↑ "Theater Too Cold and Show is Called Off." Columbus Evening Dispatch, May 13, 1914. Page 3.
  36. ↑ Perrill, Penelope Smythe. "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 2, 1914. Page 18.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 1, 1914. Page 14.
  38. ↑ "Olentangy Park: The Pythian Show." Columbus Evening Dispatch, May 28, 1914. Page 22.
  39. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Vaughan Glazer." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 6, 1914. Page 10.
  40. ↑ "Olentangy: You Choose!." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 8, 1914. Page 16.
  41. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Stock Opens Tonight." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 16, 1914. Page 2.
  42. ↑ "Olentangy: Music in the Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 20, 1914. Page 10.
  43. ↑ "Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 16, 1914. Page 16.
  44. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. 1914. "Stage and Studio." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch, May 10, 1914. Page 5.


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