Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1867-02-02

IFrom the Chicago Journal. 2lstl
The long expected event, in which
over three hundred thousands are di-
rectly interested-the drawing of the
Crosby Opera House Art Association
occurred to-day. As was anticipated,it
is almost public holiday in Chicago,
the drawing being the great event, the
all-absorbing topic among all classes of
citizens.
Long before the hour for the open
ing of the Opera House an immense
crowd of people had gathered about
the main entrance, on Washington ST.,
eager to gain admission into the stately
building. A strong police force was
posted ON either side of the main en-
trance, in the stairway and at other
points in and about the building where
their services were likely to be requir-
ed. For some time prior to the open
ing of the doors, the wheels in which the
certificates and the names of the prizes
were To be deposited stood in Kinsley's
restaurant, adjoining the main entrance,
and were objects of very general atten-
ton on the part of the eager throng.-
In due time these wheels were removed
in a central position on the stage.
At ii o'clock the doors were opened
and the ticket-holders permitted to en-
ter. The opening of the passage-way
was the signal for grand rush, the vast
crowd surging onward, upward and in
ward with tremendous impetuosity, and
in an almost incredibly brief space of
time the spacious Opera House was fill
ed to overlooking in every department,
while hundreds who desired to gain adj
mission were unavoidably left ''out in
the cold" Parquette, orchestra chairs,
family circle, upper circle, stage boxes,
all were occupied by eager watchers
and interested listeners, a vesy large
proportion of whom were ladies. On
the stage were the members of the COM
mittee chosen to superintend the draw
ing. The orchestra had been cleared
of its music racks, and in lieu thereof
were placed numerous tables and chairs
for the use of the reportOrial fraternity.
At ten minutes before twelve the
committee appeared on the stage bear
ing In their hands boxes containing the
tickets. Their appearance was greeted
with an outburst OF applause from the
audience.
Mr.. |. Y. Mum then announced
that the committee had received the
tickets from the hands of the engrav-
ers, and believed them to be correct.
The tickets were then deposited in the
larger wheel.
After the tickets had all been emp
tied into the wheel-a process which
occupied about half an hour-the tick-
cts bearing the names of the prizes to
be drawn-thre hundred and two alto
gether-were deposited in the smaller
wheel. This part of the programme
occupied but a few moments. When
it was completed, both wheels were
tightly closed. During these proceed
ings there was much impatience, and
everybody seemed eager to have the
real performance begin.
Before the drawing commenced, Mr..
w. +. Coolbauph announced that there
were yet between 10000 and 10000
tickets unsold, which belonged to Mr.
Crosby.
MIR. Mum then announced that any
person who desired could come forward
and examine the wheels internally but
no person saw fit to improve that OPP
portunity.
At twenty-five minutes before one
o'clock the drawing commenced and
was proceeded with as rapidly as the
nature of the case would permit. Be-
tween each drawing the wheels were
turned briskly to give their contents a
thorough mixing.
The following numbers were drawn
and announced by Mr.. Rouse, of st.
Louis: