The San Antonio light. (San Antonio, Tex.) 1883-1886, 1884-12-22

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sy and other gifts in the way Of skill
full performances to their chief deities
Of Odin and Wodan, the fathers of
their subsequent gods, and in conse-
quence Of which the art was held in
high estimation. A volume Of 1.-THE
American Stage" shows the history Of
very large number of variety per-
formers who either made their first de-
but in variety business, as was the
case Of Lolita, who won golden lau-
rels in her youth as a variety actress,
but many who remained for a whole
life Of continued success, accumulated
fortunes and riches in the profession.
To this latter class might be mentioned
Lydia Thompson as one of the bright
est of this class of performers, and
also Fayette Lodawick Robinson, bet
ter known under the sobriquet Of
yankee Robinson" who made his
first appearance and experience on the
variety stage, and who under various
changes Of fortunes and viclssitudes
manufactured his tents for show pur-
poses until he became the owner of
the celebrated circus which bore his
name so long.
THE FASHION THEATRE.
Situated as it is, in the centre of the
city Of San Antonio and on one of our
chief public squares, is a solid stone
structure. Mr.. James Murphy, an ar
chitect Of no mean ability, the ar
chiiect of the magnificent Dull
mig block, on the corner of Commerce
and Alamo streets, was engaged to
make proper plans and specifications,
and under his immediate supervision
the plans have assumed practical shape
from their first inciplency. A fine bal
cony resting on iron columns, and an
ornamental railing for musical pur-
poses has been constructed on the
front Of the house, while a complete
transformation scene has been enacted
on the inside of the building. A grand
sky-light has been placed in the roof
Immediately over the centre of the
auditorium, which in warm weather
can be opened for ventilatve pur-
poses. A spacious staircase starting
in one and dividing in two branches
at half way and leading right and left
to broad and spacious upper platform
and side galleries with a gradual six
to eight inch rise to each successive
row of seats, from which spectators can
with ease view the performance. The
house will have a seating capacity Of
seven hundred actual seats Of the lat
est style and approved patterns, which
consist Of the folding patent and each
chair having receptacle underneath
for either hat or cloak, or both. There
are additional accesses and exits to
and from the upper gallery by stair
ways in the different parts Of the house,
thus furnishing complete security in
case of danger. A fully competent
scenic artist has been secured at heavy
expense to paint the eighteen diff
ferent sets Of scenery, which are not
alone surprise, but something never
yet seen in San Antonio.
The stage is fitted up with all the
machinery that is needed and such as
is used in any first-class theatre; on
each of the floors and upstairs are
the various dressing rooms, closets and
ample room for receptacles of matters
and things pertaining to stage prop
erty.
The wall paper in the bar and lunch
room will cost the average of some
So and more per roll, while four large
heavy mirrors of respectively, two,
8oxIso inches clear glass, two more,
7axS4 inches, will grace the bar and
lunch counters, while the liquid part
will naturally contain all beverages Of
only the very best quality, under the
direct supervision of Mr.. Max Samuels,
one of the proprietors of the Revol-
wing Light, and who is also one of the
owners of the new enterprise.
: Visitors may be assured that the
lunch stand will be conducted in a
style far above the mode of its kind.
Both lunch and bar are divided from
the audience room proper; on the
lower floor by fancy ornamental par
titions. The one dividing the front en-
trance from the general entrance door
outside will be a gem of mechanical
skill and workmanship in Texas lum-