The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-01-31
CITY INTELLI GE NOE
[For additional Local Items see Third Page.l

OUR AMUsEMENTs-WHAT THEY ARE
AND WHAT THEY CosT.-The returns to the Inter-
nal Revenue Department OF the receipts OF the
various places of amusement in the city, are
worthy of the careful inspection of all who are
desirous OF knowing what our social status is.
vast number OF persons in our midst gain their
subsistence from their connection with public
entertainments. We have gathered together
some statistics which show what amount of
money is daily and yearly spent in pure con-
VITALITY and good cheer. 1t will be seen that
the sum expended is not a small one and that it
is yearly upon the increase.
CheS'am Street IheGhe.-This establishment
was practically open all the year round, with the
exception of the week Immediately subsequent
to the assas sinaCon OF Mr.. Lincoln, when all the
places of amusement closed out of respect to his
memory. The nightly performances amounted
to 3O7, 10 which Is 10 be added 76 matlnees, the
average receipts OF which were nearly $3.50.
There were, therefore, 1888 distinct performances.
The gross receipts were Sl66,05S, and the two
per cent. tax was $332l'l6. The average receipts
for each performance was S430'l5. The daily
receipts average $540'29
Aroh Street Thedtre.-At this establishment
only NIGHTLY performances have been given.
The theatre was closed a week in April while
the Obsequies of the martyred President were
being performed, and four weeks in August for the
purpose OF repairs. During the month OF July
1t was occupied by Hooiey's Minstrels. Its re-
ceipts for the year amounted to S15S 1851, upon
which the two per cent tax S3l79-34. The
average receipts OF each performance were
$474'77.
Walnut Street Thedtre.-This place of amuse-
ment was closed during four months of the year
and in the meantime changed hands. During
the year 220 performances we're given, OF which
ZIG were at night and four matinees making in
all 220 performances, and an average of $224'3I
for each entertainment,
academy Of Musac.-The receipts for the year
were sos, ll9, upon which the Internal Revenue
Tax was $llO2'38. The entertainments given at
the Academy are of so varied character that it
is impossible 10 approximate the receipts per
diem for the balls, iairs lectures, and concerts.
The sum returned only represents the rents col
lected for dramatic and operate performances.
The rule OF the directors, we believe requires
the sum OF $l75 per night, which would return a
rental of about $54, 600 per anuum, exclusive of
Sundays. 1t is impossible to arrive at the amount
taken by the charitable and other gatherings
that have been held in this building The fair
for the benefit OF the Soldiers and Sailors Home
netted over 100000, Growers opera nearly
$30,0 and the masqurades balls, routs, lee
lures, concerts, and matinees at least S75, 900
more. We think that it is safe to say that
quarter of a million of dollars have been ex-
pended upon entertainments given at the Aca-
deny of Music alone.
Negro MlnStrels THE burnt-cork professors
return the sum OF $54, G37, and the amount of
tax at $l092'74, for ten months performances
an average of Sl79'42 for each evenings enter
tainment.
Besides the above, there are variety of other
places of amusement the returns of which are
not at hand. The American Theatre, where the
attendance has been very large during the six
months it has been opened; the Circus at
Tenth ard Callowhill streets, and Concert Hall,
National Guards, Musical Fund.- and National
Halls, have all had their patrons. The up
and down town halls have been in use for con-
certs, balls, and other styles of amusements.
The two halls Of the Assembly Building have
been almost constantly occupied, and there is
still demand for room. The Academy of Fine
Arts, the base ball and cricket clubs, and the
various skating parks, are really places of
amusement, where our citizens go and pay
entrance fees for the purpose OF recreation and
amusement. We eXagerate nothing when we
say that the amusements of the city
cost over a million of dollars during the
year 1866 That community must be
In a prosperous condition when it can
afford such large simply to graUfy
the taste IN fun and merriment. We are in
clined to think that the money is well expended.
A few hours OF forgetfulnPss OF business hearty
laugh-a few moments of innocent enjoyment
prepare men, women and children for more
active participation IN the daily business of life,
the domestic duties, and the dull routine of the
school-room, We must not only live, but we
ought TO enjoy lie. 1t was never intended that
we should NOPE through this Joyous world,
simply working machines. Everything around
us is calculated to give emotions of pleasure, if
we will but extract the good from it. To be
morose and misanthropic is simply absurd. Let
the amusements hoursh-lt proves the pros
perity OF our people, and their desire and inten-
tioI 10 be happy.