The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1883-09-19
MISCELLANY.
CHARLEY WHITES PONY SAM.
How he was Trained 20 60 Through his
Part inA" Mazeppn.'s

While Charley White was manager of the
Melodeon, once popular place of amuse
ment at So Bowery, it occurred to him that
Mazeppa" would be likely to take Will
the public.
He boripwed q book ofthe original drama
from Mr.. William Derr the equestrian, ana
in one night wrote complete condensed
version that would require but thirty min
ates for its production. The next day the
manuscript was read to his company They
were delighted with the piece. and it was
put on the stage two weeks afterward,
splendidly mounted, and with appropriate
music and scenic effects. 1t drew large
houses. 1881 AEAk
While the parts We're being studied
White heard that man by the name Of
Hall, who lived in Forty-second street, ims
ported French ponies. White at once visit
ed Halls stables, and soon found pony to
ais liking. Thepriee was $50 The pony,
who bore the nanfe of Sam, was sent to
Whites place of amusement, but how to
get him into the building was the question.
Finally this plan suggested itself: A large
dry goods box aud block, ropes, and
other tackling We're procured and Sam was
soon landed in the second story. GA few
carpenters went TO work, and that night
platforms, runs and tables were made
stall for the pony was built over the flies al
the rear end of the last border. Sam wal
afraid to go up, but by dint of coaxing and
force he was at last brought to his new
home. After being well fed, cleaned, and
bedded he was left to rest until the next
day. The parts of the piece Ind all been
given out and carefully studied and were
awaiting rehearsal. The wardrobe and
scenery were nearly complete, and the only
fear was that Sam would be unable to fill
his part.
White went to the theatre the next aftes.
noon, and, after giving the pony some APP
Piles and few pieces of sugar, led him out
by the halter and coaxed him to follow
down the run. Sam walked slowly and
awkwardly, showing much fear. When
near the bottom, and about three feet above
the stage, he jumped over the side of the
run, It's all right now" said Charley.
That's the end of the trouble. I'll fix
him." He pulled of his coat and hat and
went to work to groom his pet. After a
thorough cleaning, the ponys ears and fet-
locks were trimmed, and his legs and feet
were washed and rubbed dry sieve fun
Of oats was siftod before him and carried
up the run TO his stall Then White strap
ped Il couple of old soldier coats ON the
pony's back, placed man in the prompter's
corner and another ON the o. y. side, each
with snare drum. In the orchestra he
put bass drum, a crash wheel, aud thee
loaded muskets At the cue for leading
the pony in from the wing to the stage
centre every one was to blaze away stimuli
.aneously. They did. aud sky rocket
never shot mp quicker than sam did That
settled the business. The next day the
came thing was done with like result II
was certain that the horse would do his part
Ia the play. lie did do it, and we'll, too,
for five weeks, during which time nearly
SO, 500 was poeketed on this little sketch
White played the piece TO large houses nj
Sam Sanford's opera house in Philadelphia,
and in Baltimore and Richmond. He final
" sold Sam 20 a gentleman in Brooklyn for
$3.50.
8 A friend of Whites one day remarked
that It was wonderful how that horse ran
up the stage. He's obliged to- said
White, . he lives up there"