Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-04-15
A VETERAN ACTOR
VINO Ones Ran the Old Athsnsun,
Thirty Years Ago "Reminiscences Of
that Time = Dseadencs Of
the~Stage.

In the cast OF the Hunchback, given by
Miss Bertha Welby at the Opera House
last night, was Mr.. David Hanchett, who
took the part of Master Walter. This
veteran actor will be remembered by many
of our older citizens as the manager OF the
theater at the old Athenaum in 1855 Y.
he was atonce recognized by Mr.. NJ. Reilly,
Judge LETTERS, and several others to whom
his face was familiar in those old days.
Thirty years have PASSED since then,
thirty years which marked the greatest
stride the world has made, aud
now he comes baak, when Wheeling has
IT, bled her population and her import
ance in the worlds affairs. Once since
that time he was here, in 1870, when his
steE daughter, Miss Fanny B. Price had 90
successful run at the Washington Hall.
Wien Mr.. Hanchett was at the Atheneum,
the theatre was in its glory and Wheeling
people had the pleasure of seeing such
stars as Forrest, the Booths, Maggie Mitch.
ell. Eliza Logan and others. Now, in the
8, od,ide of her prosperity, that opportuni'
n seems gone forever. There Was an I'm
ortssiou that Magic Mitchell made her
d, buI III theatre. but ii was q mistake.
She c. me here shortly after that event aud
aas subs. ouently taken Cd a starring Tour
LbIough Ohio by Mr.. HaDchett
AL of these facts were gathered during q
chat REGISTER reporter had with Mr..
btpcheIt at the Mcclure House, last night,
after the performance. He delights to re.
call the DAYS he spent in Wheeling and
had many hearty laugh over number
of amusing "reminiscences which he related
inst as they were recalled to him. He does
not think much OF the old Athenaum,
which he designated an ''old barn, !" though
he made money there until his treasurer
skipped with goodly proportion OF 1t. He
was very intimate with Major Loring in
those days and use to pay rent for the
remember him we'll. Since leaving there
be hss travelled much and seen great deal
| of the world. He has played with many
celebrities and engaged in other business,
while in 1880 he was busy in the laudabie
undertaking of stumping the State OF In
| diana for Hancock. at was no CO." he
| said, referring to the Dorsey purchase, and
| the way the State was peppered.
Mr.. Hanchett was born J IN. 81, 1923, and
| is conseq uently in his 61st year, though he
| saws he 5000 when ne looks at a map and
4
within his time. In appearance, however,
| he is hearty and years sit lightly upon
| him, making his age frosty and kindly.
| He is one of those actors who believe in
| the decadence of the modern stage and he
| is never weary Of talking of the palmy
| DAYS DAYS OF the elder Booth Forrest and
| McCready. Edwin Booth. he says, is far
| from belts the actor his father was, fall
| ing short OF him in that magnetic presence
| that eleclri6es an audience and brings II
| 70 its feet with excitement and enthusiasm
| Edwin can give Hamlet, Iago or Richelieu,
| but he canL OF wear the mantle OF his
father in Spsrtacus the Ap5state, and
| others of that calibre.
| "The stories you hear of the elder Booth
| getting excited and driving Macdutf of the
stage sre all nonsense. He never played
Macbeth. I've heard 'eys.witnesses tell OF
| how he drove Richard off and chased him
through the audience, but there isn't q
word of truth in it. But what msgniti'
| cent man he was. He came on the stage
and the first thought is one of disappoint.
ment, But then you catch his eye and
hear his wonderful reading, and you fairly
| lose yourself. You never know what kind
/ of clothes he has on. He has often seemed
| eight feet high to me. But Edwin, while a
pretty, pleasing actor, will never equal his
| father"
Mr.. HaBchett is a clever talker and fine
| player. His Master Walter is a good piece
| Of work. finished in scholarly style. Hi:
| delight is in "reminiscences, and his friends
| in the city will be glad to meet him and
| Eight their battles over sgain,"