Mexico weekly ledger., 1888-08-16
Amusements.
THE FERRIS GRAND.

ceient manner, Dy tne InOmaS
Opera Company. A little scene
not on the programme, was the
presentation to G.. d. Ferris, by
admiring friends, of a beautiful
pair of opera glasses. The presen-
tation was made by Mr.. j. G..
Trimble, in the following we'll
chosen words, which were highly
appreciated by the monster audi
ence.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN The
amusement-loving people of Mex
leo have long felt the need of
theatre accommodations -commun-
surate with the size of our city and
the number and character Of the
patrons of the play. We now have
here model little theatre with
stage large enough to enable the
best troupes to present their best
plays in the best manner. Its
acoustics are all that could be de-
sired. 1t has comfortable seating
capacity for one-fifth of our popu-
lation, and the only thing that can
prevent any one, in any part of the
house, seeing everything that
takes place upon the stage, is the
presence of an enormous Gains
borough hat, directly in front OF
him but for this the architect
could not provide. There are few
places the size of Mexico, which
have within their limits man pos
sessing the means, the public spirit
and the nerve to undertake, un.
aided, an enterprise like this.
There are, probably, more financial
failures in this than in any other
line of business, but Mr.. G. D.
Ferris, fully knowing the risk, and
against the advice of many of his
friends, has clearly demonstrated
his public spirit and nerve by
delvlng into his own pocket and
satisfying the want which he has
felt In common with other lovers
of the play in a manner never
dreamed of by the most sanguine.
He has done a great deal for the
reputation and entertainment OF
our town and a number of our citi-
zens have directed me to say a..few
words to him in recognition of his
acts, and if he will now come to
the stage it will afford me great
pleasure to execute my commits
sion.
Mr.. Ferris stepped into view and
as he did SO was greeted with a
round of applause. Mr.. Trimble,
continuing, said:
Mr.. Ferris, the people of Mexico,
recognizing how much you have
benefited our town by the erection
of this Grand Opera House, and
knowing that what you have done
was not done from selfish motives,
but from pure and public spirited
desire to afford the people of this
community an opportunity to enjoy
legitimate amusement in a comfort.
able and suitable place, have re.
| quested me to present this beauti-
full pair of opera glasses to you as a
small token oftheir appreciation OF
your efforts for their entertainment.
These can in no way repay you for
your large outlay in labor, patience
and means. They merely say to
you that the amusement-loving
people of Mexico are not ungrate-
full. Take them, sir, and our wish
is that they may always be used in
a well filled house, and upon a
well played play.
Ladies and gentlemen: 1 desire
now to present to you, one who
needs no introduction. You all
know him, the greater part by
sight and all by the reputation
which a long gresldence in your midst
and a business life noted for its
vim have given him, | present
Mr.. G.. ID. Ferris, the owner of this
beautiful Grand Opera House.
Mr.. Ferris, taken wholly by
surprise by stepping from behind
the scenes, and in his shirt
sleeves, made an interesting lit.
tie talk on accepting the gift. He
said that he thought every man
had a hobby, and that his was to
build houses. He said that it had
for years been his idea to erect a
theatre in Mexico, that would be q
credit to the city. DEPRESSING, Mr..
Ferris remarked that Bob.
Whites hobby was publishing
daily and weekly religious news,
papers. Green Clay's hobby the
State Senate, and Gov. Hardin's e
hobby the higher education of fe-
males. Mr.. Ferris remarks were
full of humor and delighted the
audience.
1