The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-07-02
THE MODEL THEATER.
II IL Located in Chicago, AMI Mcvicker's
Is It's Name.

Is name.
From the Chicago Inter Ocean.l
The work Of reformation ut McVickers
Theater has been SO quietly conducted
that most people will be surprised to find
how radical it has been. While the two
upper stories were building TO the public
view, the interior of the theater was un-
dergoing the reconstructive process which
has made il one of the most delightful au-
ditoriums that may be found anywhere.
From stage to dome the remodeling and
redecorating has been carried so far that,
with the single exception OF the balcony
sweep and the supporting columns, nothing
remains to suggest the old auditorium, and
these will not be recognized "a fam
iliar because of the novel surround
ings of which they have been made part.
One of the most important alterations, Vne
that will not be perceived by the majority
of the patrons of the house. was the eieya-
ton of the gallery ceiling by several feet,
by means of which that portion Of the house
has been made as comfortable as any other
part This was done IN conformity with
Mr.. McVicker's idea that oil patrons Of his
house should be entertained agreeably aad
without suffering unpleasant annoyances,
whether they paid S1.50 for admission or
only 20 cents. For the same reason he has
furnished to every portion of the house,
gallery included, separate retiring rooms for
ladies and gentlemen, and stationed water
fountain for the supply Of ice water upon
every landing. These attentions, to-
gether with the seating arrangements
and the unique plan of ventilation intro
duced, will certainly tend to make this
theater model in the care of patrons. The
ventilating system referred to is rather COM
plicated, but il may be sufficiently ex-
planned in a few words BY series of
ducts and revolving fans the air, which has
first been purified by passing through a
filter Of charcoal and gravel, is conveyed to
the top of the building and folced down.
ward into the auditorium through large in
duction tubes. The air is not only forced
in by pressure, but it is drawn downward
by suction Of fans located beneath the au-
dtorium and carried off through innumer-
able exits ut regular intervals about the
house and under the seats. This keeps
going continuous supply Of fresh, pure
air without creating a draft, and prevents
the dust and refuse particles OF the floor
rising into the atmosphere to be inhaled.
In winter, by the same process, heated all
will be supplied. 1t may be well to state
that boiless, furnaces, and all fire appli-
ances haveSbeen removed from the theatei
building to one across the alley, and
as oil the lighting will be done by electric
burners, there is no danger by fire to b
apprehended. Nevertheless. as further
precaution against any possible contingent
| CIV, a heavy twenty inch fire wall has been
built underneath, dividing the stage and
auditorium spaces, SO there is no chance
| for fire to spread in that way from stage
to auditorium. But if there are timid ones
who think even these measures insufficient
to reassure them, they will find consolation
| in the fact that the auditorium has been SO
| arranged that each one of its seven aisles
| leads directly TO an exit, and that each ext
opens straight upon the street or alleys
| There are twenty three exits of this de-
scription throughout the house.
Mr.. McVicKer feels satisfied that this viii
be pronounced the model the tier of the
country. and. in order to have that said by
the profession as well as by the public, he
has made the improvements behind the
stage conform with those in front.
general invitation is extended to peo-
pie living outside of the city to inspect this
model theater when visiting Chicago. Her,
| the play can be enjoyed with feeling OF
| safety by all lovers of tirst-class drama